Real-World Review – Nikon Z5 II Evaluated in Studio, Dance and Wedding Photography
Over the past two weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to test the brand-new Nikon Z5 II, loaned to me directly from Nikon UK (NPS). As a professional photographer covering everything from high-energy dance shoots to full-day weddings, I was curious to see how Nikon’s new entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera would perform outside of the specs sheet.
Spoiler: it exceeded expectations.
A Versatile Camera with Pro-Level Performance
Despite being branded as “entry-level,” the Z5 II performed like anything but. I shot everything from fashion portraits in the studio to high-speed movement during a dance school session – and the camera kept up without missing a beat.
The autofocus was particularly impressive. In side-by-side tests with my Nikon Z9, the Z5 II held its own, consistently locking onto fast-moving subjects, even in less-than-ideal lighting.
Battery Life That Just Keeps Going
One of the biggest surprises was battery life. I filmed 150 minutes of continuous 4K 25p video on a single battery without issue. Even more impressive, I covered a full-day wedding on a farm using just two batteries. For any event photographer, that kind of reliability is invaluable.
Image Quality – Straight Out of Camera
I shot in both JPEG and RAW, and the results were crisp, clean and rich in detail. The colours straight out of camera were excellent, and editing the RAW files gave me plenty of flexibility. Whether in a controlled studio or under the unpredictability of British wedding weather, the files didn’t let me down.
The Only Downside – A Minor Ergonomic Quirk
The only thing that stood out negatively was the placement of the exposure compensation button. Coming from a Z9 and Z6 III, it just felt awkward – not unusable, but something to be aware of if you’re used to Nikon’s pro bodies.
Final Verdict – So Good, I’ve Bought Two
I can genuinely see the Z5 II becoming a core part of my setup. It’s lightweight, reliable, and delivers results you’d expect from cameras much higher up the range. In fact, I’ve already ordered two more Z5 II bodies to add to my gear for weddings and dance photography.
For photographers seeking a full-frame mirrorless camera that won’t break the bank but still delivers, this is absolutely one to consider.
Have a look at the sample images on Instagram here
