Nikon unveils Z5IIC camera, aimed at making photography less intimidating

Nikon has announced its new Nikon Z5IIC, a full-frame mirrorless camera for people who want to get into photography but don't know where to start. Designed for ease of use, the Z5IIC promises point-and-shoot performance that produces excellent images straight out of the camera, while still offering manual controls to accommodate creators' growing skills.

Revealed today, the Z5IIC offers the same level of performance as the well-received Z5II released last April, according to Nikon. Both cameras feature the same Expeed 7 image processing engine, a full-frame 35x24mm CMOS sensor, low-light autofocus down to -10 EV, and up to 7.5 stops of in-body stabilisation. However, the new Z5IIC has a few features intended to make it even easier to get fantastic photos without any post-production processing.

One of the most notable is the addition of Nikon's scene mode. Though already available on other Nikon devices, this marks the feature's debut in a Nikon full-frame mirrorless camera. Scene mode allows users to choose from 15 preset configurations, each optimised for shooting specific subjects such as portraits, landscapes, animals, sports, and even food or flowers. For example, "pet portrait" may use a faster shutter speed to capture an excitable dog, while "dusk/dawn" may boost warmth for a glowing sunset shot.

Scene mode lets users quickly optimise the Nikon Z5IIC's settings to capture specific types of subjects. Credit: Nikon

Users can thus quickly choose the appropriate scene and get shooting, rather than fiddling with manual settings or trusting general auto mode (though both remain options). In a similar vein, both the Z5II and Z5IIC can use Nikon's Imaging Recipes, allowing users to download and use settings presets created by professional photographers. However, only the Z5IIC offers subject-specific scenes already in the camera straight out of the box.

The Z5IIC also includes Nikon's film grain feature, another option which isn't available on the Z5II. Introduced with the Nikon Zf in 2023, this function applies randomly generated film-like grain patterns to images, giving them a more traditional, retro-style filmic look. Users can also adjust the intensity of the effect, as well as the size of the grains when using it in photo mode.

The Nikon Z5IIC can apply a random grain pattern to images to emulate the look of traditional film. Credit: Nikon

In addition to taking 24.5MP still images, the Nikon Z5IIC is capable of filming video at up to 4K and 60fps, reaching 120fps at lower resolutions. It can be used as an extremely souped-up webcam as well, connecting to a PC via USB like other Nikon cameras. As such, it seems well positioned to appeal to content creators who are interested in easily upgrading their visuals.

All these features offer the average content creator significant utility. However, the Z5IIC also introduces Nikon's delightfully niche fish detection mode, adding it to the camera's other subject-detection options. (It is important to note that the Z5IIC is not waterproof. As such, you should invest in a compatible underwater housing before attempting any underwater photography, or else stick to photographing aquariums.)

The Nikon Z5IIC is designed with portability in mind. Credit: Nikon

While certainly bulkier than a smartphone, the Nikon Z5IIC is still relatively portable, weighing approximately 620g and measuring around 134 x 80.5 x 72 mm. Its protruding right-hand grip offers both comfort and stability on the go, while its 3.2-inch screen can be adjusted to a wide range of angles or even flipped completely around for monitoring selfie shots. As such, the Z5IIC is intended to be easily carried around for everyday use, and hopefully serve as a more attractive alternative to your smartphone snaps.

The Nikon Z5IIC will be priced at $1,449 (though subject to change including tax) and is available for pre-order today, with shipping to begin on Oct. 15.