Nikon Introduces First Compact Full-Frame Mirrorless

2026.09.27

Last night, Nikon extended its family of Z-mount Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera with a new member. The arrival marks the first Compact model in the series.

The new Nikon Z5 II C is built around a proven 24 megapixels Full-Frame BSI-CMOS sensor, mounted on a IBIS that can compensate for up to 7½ stops of camera shake. This is a high-speed sensor that can capture images at full-resolution at up to 30 FPS and enables support for Ultra-HD video at 60 FPS.

Its naming confirms that the Z5 II C has a very virtually identical feature-set to the original Z5 II. There are some minor differences though with the original Z5 II having more photographic range and the new Z5 II C included more video capabilities. The most significant changes the compact camera brings all have to do with its design.

Let us get out of the way the real deal-breaker for most people: The new Nikon Z5 II C does not include any form of a viewfinder, nor does it have any provision to add one. The reason Nikon took this route is to target a very specific audience of cellphone users that are used to framing by looking at a screen in front of them. Instead, the target audience is given an extra-large 3.2" Touchscreen LCD mounted on a rotating hinge. The LCD has one megapixel of resolution, which is common on entry-level cameras. Nikon does not specify whether this screen has an anti-reflective coating nor how bright it is, so visibility in bright light remains to be seen (no pun intended).

Even with the emphasis on touchscreen operation, Nikon wisely did not skimp on mechanical controls all around the Z5 II C. The camera features dual control-dials and a traditional mode dial, which gives access to a long list of Scene Modes. There are 10 buttons on the back alone and two on the front. This mirrorless keeps a deep hand-grip for stability. There is an 8-way controller at the back to select among 273 AF-points. Oddly, the camera itself can choose among 299 points but 26 are not user-reachable!

The Nikon Z5 II C uses a processor that is specialized for video. It can record 4K Ultra-HD at up to 60 FPS. The frame-rate doubles for 1080p video. Video can be stored RAW or encoded as either an H.264 or H.265 stream. The camera has dual stereo mini-jack ports to record audio from an external source or to play it back live. This camera supports Time Code to synchronize video and a live Waveform display, which serves a similar purpose as a histogram for images.

Nikon announced that the Z5 II C will be available around the middle of next month for $1400 USD or $1900 CAD. The savings for the EVF, or lack thereof, make this one of the most affordable Full-Frame cameras of the year.

• Digital Camera