Nikon Z5IIC announced: $1399, no viewfinder

Nikon's Z5IIC is a viewfinder-free version of the Z5II with the same 24.5 MP sensor. It costs $1399 body-only and goes on sale in October.

As predicted, Nikon has announced the Z5IIC, a cut-down version of the Nikon Z5II that is being positioned as a beginner-friendly full-frame mirrorless camera. Perhaps more prosaically, it’s also cheaper. In disposing of the EVF to create that flat-topped look and cutting corners in another couple of areas, it comes in at a body-only list price of $1399 as compared with the Z5II’s $1849.

That price point makes it feel far more entry-level than most full-frame cameras trying to make the same pitch ever manage. And it uses the same 24.5 MP FX sensor and EXPEED 7 processor as its parent, has the same IBIS rated at up to 7.5 stops, the same 14 fps burst shooting, and the same 4K60 N-RAW video capabilities (the Z5II was the first to introduce that) and Full HD at 120 fps. It also shoots H.265 10-bit, as well as 10-bit H.265 video in N-Log with multiple free RED LUTs. ISO sensitivity goes up to 64,000 for stills and 51,200 for video, with noise reduction applied at high ISOs.

It measures 134 x 80.5 x 72 mm (5.3 x 3.2 x 2.8 in) and weighs 620 g (1.37 lb), so it’s tempting to think that the C designation stands for ‘compact’. Not so, says Nikon, it actually stands for ‘casual’, again framing it as a beginner model rather than a cheaper one.

You win some, you lose some

So, what else do you lose compared to the Z5II to save $450? As well as the conspicuous lack of EVF, the vari-angle touchscreen has been stepped down to 1.04 million dots, the dedicated AF joystick has been ditched, and you don’t get the useful dual card slots, just a single UHS-II SD card slot.

But, camera evolution being what it is, you still get some new features. The full range of 15 scene modes is included, from sunsets and nightscapes to pets, and the camera will automatically optimize settings to suit whichever one is selected. There is a dedicated Imaging Recipes button, with more available to download from Nikon Imaging Cloud, and it also includes Nikon’s Film Grain function as well as its Product Review Mode, which shifts focus to an item held close to the camera. Autofocus also recognizes fish for the first time.

The camera has a magnesium alloy frame and is sealed against dust and moisture, and along with the customary sturdy Nikon grip, there is a decent amount of design flair to it. All in all, a fair amount of camera for the money, albeit with a few caveats.

Pricing and availability

The Nikon Z5IIC will be available in October for $1399 in black or silver. It can be bundled with the 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens for $1699. It’s perhaps worth noting that the Z5II body-only is also on offer for the same $1699 price.