What’s Different? Think of the Z5 IIC as the novice-friendly, on-the-go starting point before the Z5 and Z5 II. Combining the pro-grade hardware of the Z5II with a toned-down version of the Z5’s capabilities, this camera omits the electronic viewfinder and advanced controls, and adds a flat top design with a simplified control system. While you no longer have that EVF, the retained 3.2-inch LCD display is now supported by vari-angle tilt and swivel capabilities. Other than a slightly higher sensor resolution of 24.5MP and overall smaller, travel-friendly build, you won’t find much more of a difference.

Nikon Z System. The Z5 IIC is part of Nikon’s full-frame Z-mount system, which gives you exceptional image quality and optical design in a compact build. Z-mount cameras are only compatible with Z-mount lenses, and Z-mount lenses only work with Z-mount cameras.

Excellent Image Quality. The 24.5MP full-frame sensor is paired with an EXPEED 6 processor to give you a native ISO range of 100-51200 and an extended ISO range of 100-6400, which makes this camera great for low-light shooting. The sensor’s design gives you clean, low-noise images at high ISO values. The EXPEED 7 processor gives you a 4.5 fps continuous RAW-shooting frame rate and ensures speedy functionality.

273-Point Phase-Detect Autofocus. The Z5 IIC’s AF system offers 273 phase-detection AF points that cover 90% of the image area both vertically and horizontally, making it great for stills and video. Improvements to Nikon’s tracking focus system promise even better continuous-focus performance, including tracking out to the edges of the frame. The Hybrid Autofocus mode automatically switches between phase- and contrast-detect systems, which makes it ideal for video.

Built-In Five-Axis Vibration Reduction. Nikon has finally joined the photographer-friendly party and integrated a five-axis sensor-shift Vibration Reduction system into the Z-Series cameras. This superlative VR system offers up to five stops of compensation from camera shake with native Z-mount lenses. Additionally, it’s jointly compatible with VR-enable F-mount lenses when using the Nikon FTZ Mount Adapter, albeit with only 3-axis stabilization.

4K UHD Video. The Z5 IIC isn’t just for sharp stills; it’s capable of in-camera 4K UHD recording at 30p and Full HD at up to 120p, which you can save to a memory card or output to an external recorder via HDMI mini out. Please note that UHD 4K recording uses a 1.7x crop of the center of the frame, but Full HD recording uses the entire full frame. The Electronic VR feature gives you smooth handheld shooting, and you get focus peaking and zebra warnings. You can capture stereo audio in-camera or externally via 3.5mm mic input, while a separate 3.5mm headphone input enables precision audio monitoring.

Compact, Professional Build. As you’d expect, the Z5 IIC is durable and lightweight. The magnesium-alloy body features dust and weather sealing, so inclement weather and harsh climates won’t be able to stop you. The form factor, ergonomic grip, and anti-slip material all add up to a camera that was designed with extended shoots in mind. Its vari-angle 3.2-inch 1.04m-dot rear touchscreen LCD is great for intuitive navigation and control, and can be used for image composition and review when shooting at arm’s length.

Memory and Power. The Z5 IIC records images and video to UHS-II SD memory cards for broad compatibility in a familiar format, while its two card slots give you flexibility to meet your storage needs. The included EN-EL15c battery can be charged in camera, but we do include a MH-25a Charger with this rental.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The Z5 IIC uses Nikon’s SnapBridge platform to transfer images from the camera to a phone or tablet. Using Bluetooth, you can quickly transfer low-res proxy files to share, tag your files with dates, times and locations, and operate remotely with shutter release and live view display.