Nikon debuts full-frame Z5II, raw format support at NAB 2025

Nikon announced Nikon Z5II, a new generation of intermediate-level full-frame/FX format camera. The Nikon Z5II uses the same high-power EXPEED 7 image processing engine as Nikon’s highest caliber professional models, the Z8 and Z9, the company said. The benefits of this processor are immediately apparent, affording incredible levels of performance and extremely fast AF with subject detection powered by deep learning (AI) technology. This highly accurate, high-speed focus is a massive leap from its predecessor, locking in at approximately one-third the time. In addition, the new camera now utilizes a highly sensitive back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor.

The new Nikon Z5II full-frame mirrorless camera will be available in April 2025 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1,699.95 for the body only. Kit configurations include the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens for $1999.95 SRP, and the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens for $2499.95 SRP.

Nikon announced that Adobe will add support for Nikon’s N-RAW video format to its video editing software, Premiere Pro, with a new version scheduled for release by the end of 2025. N-RAW is Nikon’s proprietary high-quality RAW video format that provides users with a large amount of imaging data to enable more freedom and flexibility, including a wider Rec2020 color gamut in 12-bit N-RAW with its billions of colors captured and software-modifiable white balance, in post-production. Adobe Premiere Pro is a popular video editing software widely used by professional creators and filmmakers, and support for the N-RAW format opens up extensive new possibilities for video and film production using Nikon cameras. Premiere Pro® support for the N-RAW format has been realized via the addition of Nikon N-RAW support to RED’s R3D SDK.

“The benefits of the Z5II go far beyond its attainable price and small size, offering users the benefits of our most advanced EXPEED 7 processing engine, a proven full-frame sensor along with unexpected pro-level features and performance,” said Fumiko Kawabata, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “This is the camera many people have been waiting for to make the move to mirrorless, since nothing comes close to matching the value of features and performance in its class.”

Autofocus features include:

• 3D-tracking AF mode keeps the target subject in focus even if it moves rapidly or erratically. This allows for subject tracking, even at high burst speeds, for sharp images again and again when photographing sports, animals or other fast-moving subjects.
• The first full-frame mirrorless Nikon camera with AF-A focus mode. In this mode, the camera automatically switches between AF-S and AF-C focus modes in response to subject movement or changes in composition with still shooting. This allows the camera to automatically focus on the subject, with no setting adjustments when photographing. This new feature makes it simple to photograph pets, kids, or other subjects whose movements are difficult to predict.
• Fast continuous shooting speeds with a maximum frame rate of 14 frames per second in mechanical shutter mode and up to 15 or 30 frames per second (electronic shutter) with full autofocus.
• Pre-Release Capture function, when shooting in C15 and C30 modes is capable of recording images buffered up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed, capturing the action before a user can react.

The Nikon Z5II is the latest camera to support one-button access to Picture Controls, plus compatibility with the Nikon Imaging Cloud. The dedicated Picture Control button opens new possibilities for expressive color, with imaginative film-inspired looks that instantly change the color tone and color of a scene. In a single press, the user can see in real-time the effects of up to 31 built-in color presets plus Imaging Recipes downloaded by the user.

Nikon Imaging Cloud connectivity allows users to download a wide variety of free Imaging Recipes by Nikon and created by popular creators, and to apply these recipes when shooting. In addition, the Z5II supports Flexible Color Picture Control, which allows users to create their own unique color styles using Nikon’s free NX Studio software. Flexible Color allows for a wider variety of color and tone adjustments, including hue, brightness and contrast. What’s more, these settings can also be saved as Custom Picture Controls that can be imported to the Z5II for use while shooting.

The Z5II offers an array of video features for content creators:

• Capture immensely vivid and detailed 4K/30 UHD video, with no crop. This gives creatives the ability to shoot in 4K at full-frame, with more wide-angle freedom. For higher frame rates, the camera can also capture up to 4K/60 with a 1.5x crop.
• Flexible in-camera video recording options with 12-bit N-RAW, 10-bit H.265, and 8-bit H.264. This is the first camera to be able to record N-RAW to an SD card.
• N-Log tone modes offer greater flexibility for color grading. This means Z5II users also have access to the free RED LUTs, which were developed in collaboration with RED for users to enjoy cinematic looks.
• Full HD/120p for flexibility to create 5x slow motion videos in 8-bit H.264.
• Hi-Res Zoom¹⁰ uses 4K resolution to zoom up to 2X in-camera during Full HD shooting, without any loss of quality. This is useful when using prime lenses to get closer to a subject and add a dynamic look to footage.
• Product Review Mode will seamlessly switch focus between the user and any objects that they hold up to the camera. Users can even customize the size of the active AF area.
• Upgrade streaming while connected via UVC/UAC-compliant USB port, transforming the camera into a high-quality webcam for live streaming.
• The Z5II also includes ports for headphones and microphones.