Nikon Z5 II Pre-Launch Thoughts —Is This the Mirrorless Underdog to Watch in 2025
- gear4greatness
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Last updated: April 30, 2025
Nikon Z5 II Pre-Launch Thoughts —Is This the Mirrorless Underdog to Watch in 2025
By: Peter Franklin | GearForGreatness.com
The Nikon Z5 II is quietly making waves — and if you’re looking for an affordable full-frame mirrorless in 2025, this could be the sleeper hit of the year.
While Canon and Sony dominate the spotlight, Nikon’s latest — officially announced April 3 and shipping by April 24 — steps in with meaningful upgrades and Canadian-friendly pricing under $2,300 CAD.
Let’s break down why this might be the most overlooked mirrorless value of the year.
🔍 What’s New in the Nikon Z5 II?
The Z5 II sticks with its proven 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor, but now it’s powered by the EXPEED 7 processor — the same engine found in Nikon’s Z8 and Z9. The result? Faster AF, better low-light performance, and modern AI subject tracking.
✅ Key Specs:
4K UHD at 30p, Full HD up to 120p
Dual UHS-II SD card slots
AI-enhanced eye and subject detection AF
Fully articulating touchscreen
Improved ISO performance for low-light shooting
Weather-sealed body, compact and familiar
🎯 It’s the same sensor, but now it behaves like a whole new camera.
💵 Canadian Pricing (April 2025)
Model | Price (CAD) |
Body Only | $2,299 |
With NIKKOR Z 24–50mm Kit Lens | $2,699 |
With NIKKOR Z 24–200mm VR Kit Lens | $3,349 |
✅ A full-frame body with EXPEED 7, dual card slots, and 4K for under $2,300? That’s serious value.
🎯 Who Should Buy the Nikon Z5 II?
This isn’t for someone shopping for an R5 or an A7R V. It’s for creators who want clean, sharp footage or photos without the complexity or price tag of pro-tier bodies.
Ideal For:
YouTubers & vloggers
Wedding & event shooters
Real estate & travel photographers
Upgraders from APS-C or mobile platforms
🎒 Think of it as your full-frame starter kit that won’t hold you back when you level up.
Nikon Z5 II Pre-Launch Thoughts — Is This the Mirrorless Underdog to Watch in 2025?
🧠 Gear4Greatness Take
If I were heading out for a weekend shoot in Winnipeg — city alleyways, riverside sunrises, you name it — the Z5 II is the kind of camera I’d pack. Lightweight, weather-sealed, and powerful enough to handle pro-style shots without pro-level gear bags.
This isn’t the camera people brag about on spec sheets. It’s the one that quietly delivers consistently clean content, every time.
📦 My Plan?
I’m tracking pre-orders closely and may rent or buy the Z5 II this summer.Expect a hands-on blog + video comparison later this year vs. my Canon and Sony gear.
Follow me on YouTube or Instagram to catch the review when it drops.
Nikon Z5 II Pre-Launch Thoughts —Is This the Mirrorless Underdog to Watch in 2025
🔗 Final Thoughts
The Nikon Z5 II proves you don’t need $5K in gear to create beautiful work.
With its EXPEED 7 brain, upgraded AF, and reliable video specs, this camera delivers true full-frame quality without the flagship fuss — or the flagship price.
If you’re looking for a practical, capable, creator-friendly camera in 2025…👉 This might be your mirrorless underdog pick of the year.