Move to mirrorless with the Nikon Z5II

Never miss the moment

Mirrorless technology also allows for much higher burst speeds than DSLRs. The Nikon Z5II shoots up to 30fps JPEGs and 14fps in RAW, while the Nikon Z8 and Z9 can go all the way up to 120fps in JPEGs. You’ll never miss the exact moment you need. In fact, the Z5II also has Pre-Release Capture, which means the sensor starts taking pictures on a half press up to 1 second before the full depress – perfect for unpredictable subjects such as birds and animals.

Sharp images in any scenario

In-body stabilisation, or Vibration Reduction (VR), is a huge bonus in mirrorless cameras for both stills and video. The Z5II offers up to an incredible 7.5 stops of VR, helping your images and footage stay rock steady. In DSLR cameras, stabilisation is provided via lenses but, with mirrorless, whatever your lens, you’ll be solid.

Those images will be in sharp focus, too, with mirrorless cameras such as the Z5II capable of many different types of subject detection and subject tracking across the frame, with more focus points and faster reactions than DSLRs. The Z5II can detect and follow nine different types of subject, including a dedicated bird mode.

Low-light capabilities of mirrorless cameras and their advanced processors are also beyond what can be offered by DSLR cameras. The Z5II can shoot down to an incredible -10EV and utilise high ISO (64000 for stills and 51200 for video), so you can create mood without obtrusive image noise.

See what your sensor sees

With an electronic viewfinder (EVF), you see what your sensor sees. Get the right exposure faster, choose your overlay details and work with your eye to the viewfinder rather than having to switch between an optical viewfinder and rear live view screen, saving time and not missing the shot. The EVF on the Nikon Z5II has a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits – that’s three times as bright as the previous Z5 – with 18 different levels of brightness. It also boasts a resolution of 3000 cd/m² for an extremely detailed view of your subject.

Cinematic video

Video capabilities are another area where mirrorless cameras excel above DSLRs. The Nikon Z5II is the first Nikon to be able to record N-RAW footage direct to SD card in the camera, while it also offers N-Log for easy grading in post-production. Shoot up to 4K/30p, 4K/60p (cropped) or 120p in Full HD for amazing slow-motion footage. Using Hi-Res Zoom you can extend the reach of your lens up to 2x with no loss of quality – you can even zoom with primes! Add in the enhanced Autofocus capabilities and your footage has never looked better.

Keep using your F mount lenses

On top of the advantages of mirrorless technology, the Nikon Z mount is a game-changer for your photography and video. The increased width of the Z mount means more light coming into the camera, increasing low-light performance even further. And the design of the mount allows Nikon’s lens engineers and designers more scope than ever in bringing new ideas to life. Plus, by attaching the FTZ II adapter you can still use all your old F mount lenses, many of which will retain full AF capabilities.

Nikon’s reputation for ergonomics and image quality means moving from a Nikon DSLR to mirrorless doesn’t have to be a shock to the system. The Nikon Z5II will feel familiar, controls are where you’ll want them to be, menus will be intuitive, colours will be what you expect. Everything else, though? That will be a revelation.