Nikon has finally released its first camera of 2026, and it’s the Nikon Z5IIC. And as the name suggests, it’s a camera that riffs off the popular Nikon Z5II, not just a little, but a lot. In fact, many are calling it a Nikon Z5II without a viewfinder, but that’s a slight oversimplification, because there are a few other small differences.
Nikon has stated that the ‘c’ stands for ‘casual’ and, together with the lack of a viewfinder, the Nikon Z5IIC is clearly aimed at camera phone photographers stepping up to a serious camera for the first time. Or, more casual users who want a powerful camera at a good price, but don’t need premium specs such as dual card slots and EVFs.
For anyone left scratching their head, I’ve combed through each camera’s hardware and software specs to bring you all of the differences that matter, so you can make an informed decision about which is the best Nikon camera for you.
Let’s get into it…
Nikon Z5IIC vs Z5II: Core specs
Nikon Z5IIC |
Nikon Z5II |
|
Effective pixels |
24.5MP BSI (full-frame) |
24.5MP BSI (full-frame) |
ISO sensitivity |
Stills: 100–64000, Lo 1.0, Hi 1.7 |
Stills: 100–64000, Lo 1.0, Hi 1.7 |
Engine |
EXPEED 7 |
EXPEED 7 |
File format (Photo) |
RAW/JPEG/HEIF |
RAW/JPEG/HEIF |
Phase detection AF area |
Single-point AF: 273 points |
Single-point AF: 273 points |
Subject detection |
10 types |
9 types |
AF detection |
-10 EV |
-10EV |
Continuous shooting speed |
Electronic front-curtain shutter: 14 fps (CH+) |
Electronic front-curtain shutter: 14 fps (CH+) |
Vibration reduction |
5-axis in-body VR: Up to 7.5 stops |
5-axis in-body VR: Up to 7.5 stops |
Shutter speed |
1/8000–30 sec (extendable up to 900 sec) |
1/8000–30 sec (extendable up to 900 sec) |
Video frame size/frame rate |
4K 60p (cropped) |
4K 60p (cropped) |
Video compression |
N-RAW, H.265/264 |
N-RAW, H.265/264 |
Video recording mode |
N-Log, HLG, SDR |
N-Log, HLG, SDR |
Monitor |
3.2-inch, approx. 1040k-dot vari-angle |
3.2-inch, approx. 2100k-dot vari-angle |
Media slot |
SD (UHS-II) x2 |
SD (UHS-II) x2 |
Dimensions (W×H×D) |
134 × 80.5 × 72 mm (5.3 x 3.3 x 2.9 in) |
134 x 100.5 x 72 mm (5.3 x 4 x 2.9 in) |
Weight (camera body only) |
537g (1 lb 3 oz) |
620g (1 lb. 5.9 oz) |
Nikon Z5IIC vs Z5II: Viewfinder and screen
Let’s start with the most obvious difference: the Nikon Z5IIC doesn’t have a viewfinder, and the Nikon Z5II does. This brings with it some pros and cons. Without the viewfinder ‘bump’, the Nikon Z5IIC is lighter and has a slimmer profile than the Nikon Z5II, but an EVF brings with it two major advantages: No reflections means you can accurately monitor your exposure in bright conditions, and holding a camera up to your eye allows you to cradle it with more stability, reducing camera shake.
Both cameras have 3.2” fully-articulated rear LCD screens, but the Nikon Z5IIC’s has a 1.04-million-dot resolution screen in comparison to the Nikon Z5II’s 2.1-million-dot screen. I wouldn’t call this a dealbreaker, but it is very disappointing considering the lack of an EVF.
Nikon Z5IIC vs Z5II: Size and weight
Having lost the viewfinder, the Nikon Z5IIC is unsurprisingly lighter and slimmer than the Nikon Z5II, but maybe not quite as much as you’d think. It weighs in at 538g (body only) in comparison to the Z5II’s 620g.
When it comes to the dimensions, the Nikon Z5IIC is the same width and depth as the Nikon Z5II (W 5.3”, D 2.9”). The difference is the height, with the former reaching 3.2” to the Z5II’s 4”. Personally, that’s not as big a difference as I expected. Sure, losing the viewfinder ‘bump’ does make this camera more compact, but it’s still a large hunk of camera.
Nikon Z5IIC vs Z5II: Color options
A difference between these two cameras that might not matter to some, but I think will have huge ramifications on the Nikon Z5IIC’s desirability are the available colors. Historically, only the retro Nikon Zfc and Nikon Zf have been available in a color other than all-black, meaning the Nikon Z5IIC bucks the trend for mainline Z-series cameras.
It’s available in silver or black, with the former being a two-toned silver-and-black design, where the top plate is silver, and the rest of the body is black. Complete with Nikon’s signature red stripe, of course. I’ve yet to see the camera in person, but from the promotional imagery, the silver variant really does look rather fetching. And while I’m a fan of all-black retro cameras, I’d definitely be plumping for a silver Z5IIC.
Nikon Z5IIC vs Z5II: Controls
The control layout of these two cameras is very similar indeed, but subtly different. On the top plate, the Z5IIC has added a Scene Mode setting, but to make way for it, it only has U1 and U2 user settings, whereas the Z5II has three user settings.
On the back there’s a rather crucial omission as far as I’m concerned. The Nikon Z5IIC doesn’t have a joystick, but the Nikon Z5II does. I’m honestly baffled by this decision, because it’s such a backwards step. There are pros and cons to adding/removing a viewfinder, but a joystick is such an innocuous addition; I can’t think of a reason to remove it.
Nikon Z5IIC vs Z5II: Storage
The Nikon Z5IIC has one SD card slot, while the Nikon Z5II has two SD card slots. This isn’t really surprising given that dual card slots are a more premium feature and the Z5IIC is aimed at a more casual market after all. This likely kept the cost down slightly, and if you’re on a budget, you won’t be tempted to fill the slots and buy more memory cards.
Nikon Z5IIC vs Z5II: Software
The Nikon Z5IIC might technically be the less-premium camera, but it comes with a couple of technical upgrades. First up is Scene Modes. These allow you to cycle through various automatic modes that are tailored to a specific genre. This is an entry-level appointment, so it’s not surprising that the Nikon Z5IIC is the first full-frame Z-series camera to get it, and it’s not available on the slightly higher-tiered Nikon Z5II.
The Nikon Z5IIC is also the first Nikon camera to add fish to the AF’s subject detection. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Nikon Z5II got this as a firmware update relatively soon. The ability to add film grain to images, like the Nikon Zf, is another boon for the Z5IIC that hasn’t made its way over to the Nikon Z5II yet.
Nikon Z5IIC vs Z5II: Price
The body-only price for the Nikon Z5IIC is $1,399.95 / £1,349 / AU$2,399, while the Nikon ZII’s RRP sits at $1,849.95 / £1,599 / AU$2,699. You can find it cheaper during sales and promotions, but still, the Z5IIC is a great price for a current-gen full-frame mirrorless camera in 2026, and when the discounts eventually begin to roll in, that value is going to get even better.
Nikon Z5IIC vs Z5II: Conclusion
The Nikon Z5IIC is remarkably similar to the Nikon Z5II. So much so that if the only thing putting you off the Nikon Z5II is the price, Nikon’s latest release is a great way to save money. However, the viewfinder isn’t the only big difference. The Nikon Z5II also cements its position as the more premium offering with a higher-resolution LCD screen, a joystick and a dual card slot. And while the Nikon Z5IIC is marketed as being a more compact solution, it’s not all that smaller and lighter.
What it does bring to the table is a lovely silver colorway and beginner-friendly Scene Modes. You also get Film Grain and Fish subject detection, although I’d expect the Z5II to get the latter at some point in the future via a firmware update. I’ll be looking forward to testing the Nikon Z5IIC out in the Digital Camera Review to deliver the final verdict.
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If you're looking for a camera a little like the Nikon Z5IIC but with a viewfinder, then check out the Sony A7C II. If you're looking for a full-frame camera that's incredibly compact, take a look at the Panasonic Lumix S9. Plus, here's the latest camera news.
