Think full-frame is just for pros? Nikon's affordable Z5 II C rewrites that script

Date:
Thu, 24 Sep 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Description:
Nikon's new Z5 II C is a viewfinder-less version of the entry-level
full-frame Z5 II at a lower price point, but is otherwise the same camera.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter The Z5 II C is a lighter
version of the full-frame Nikon Z5 II, without a viewfinder Prices start at 1,349 (US and AU pricing TBC), on-sale date mid-October It's available in black or black/silver colorways, and numerous lens kit options Nikon
redefined entry-level full-frame cameras with the Z5 II, which scooped our Camera of the Year 2025 award . Now the company is upending the notion that full-frame is just for pros with its most affordable and compact model in
this format yet, the Z5 II C.

As its name suggests, the Z5 II C is a compact version of the Z5 II, and the key difference is that it doesnt have a viewfinder (and it has a single card slot rather than dual slots). This means the C model is smaller, lighter and cheaper. It still has a tough magnesium-alloy body with a chunky grip, is sealed for dust and moisture resistance, and packs a healthy 3.2-inch, 2.1m-dot vari-angle LCD, all carried over from the Z5 II. The cameras share identical features too; the same 24.5MP full-frame sensor with image stabilization thats rated up to 7.5EV. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch
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Nikon UK's Training Specialist Ricci Chera briefed me on the camera ahead of its September 24 announcement and mid-October on-sale date, emphasizing that the Z5 II C is about choice, offering certain users the benefits of full-frame, without paying for something theyre never going to use [a viewfinder].

Is Nikon onto something here? Is the 1,349 asking price (I'll update this article with US and Australia pricing when I have it) enough of a gap to
tempt first-time buyers, or sway them from the Z5 II? You may like Canon EOS R8 Mark II vs Nikon Z5 II: which budget full-frame camera wins? Today's best beginner mirrorless cameras, based on my in-depth testing Canon EOS R8 II isn't the retro camera fans expected but its a smart upgrade from the EOS R8 Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Nikon) (Image credit: Nikon) Image 1 of 2 View Original Image 2 of 2 View Original So, full-frame is for beginners now? The low 1,349 asking price of the C version seems pretty appealing, especially given the spec and features you're getting: the Z5 II C has the same sensor
as the Z5 II and Nikons latest processor, while its subject-detection autofocus can recognize subjects even when they take up as little as 3% of
the frame, and which is low-light sensitive to -10EV (with a new fish detection mode added thats a first),

There's also 14fps with a mechanical shutter (30fps electronic) and 4K video with 12-bit N-RAW internal recording, and much more. Besides the Lumix S9 , I can't think of a better-value full-frame camera, and not one that launched
for such a low price. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.
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The price and compact size are the major selling points of this full-frame model, which Nikon says is about offering users "choice" the pricier and larger Z5 II with a viewfinder and dual card slots, or the cheaper and
smaller viewfinder-less Z5 II C. I get the logic.

However, Id still stump up the extra cash for the Z5 II its viewfinder is bright, big and immersive, it has the extra card slot, and I personally dont mind the extra size and 100g in weight (the Z5 II C is around 600g with card and battery inserted while the Z5 II is around 700g).

Video-first users and even smartphone upgraders who've never experienced a viewfinder might not feel the same way, and for them the Z5 II C could prove to be the wiser choice, and one of the hits of 2026. We'll bring you our review of Nikon's latest full-framer soon. Today's best Nikon Z5 II deals voucher gift 1,304.15 View 1,599 View 1,599 View We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Follow TechRadar on Google News and
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