Nikon Z5II: Hands-On Review Portrait Photography

Nikon Z5II: Hands-On Review Portrait Photography



Photos edited with my presets including my Mountains Preset Pack:

Hey everyone! I am happy to share my hands-on review with the new Nikon Z5II. Today I am testing this camera out in the field at a portrait photoshoot. I have autofocus tests for you using the new Nikon Z 35mm f1.2 S and during our portrait session I am also using the Nikkor Z 50mm f1.8 S and Nikkor Z 85mm f1.8 S. I share 100% crops of the unedited photos first so you can see the true quality of the images and afterwards the edited version of that photo. In this video I take a look at the comparisons between the Nikon Z5II vs Nikon Z6III in case you are stuck deciding which one is right for you, I also share my testing with the buffer to see what shooting speeds the Z5II is capable of. Aside from photography I also have lots of video samples to share with you. I test video autofocus, share a few different in camera microphone tests as well as testing out all the IBIS options while walking with the camera. Finally and as always I have photos at every single ISO this camera offers. Let me know what you think of my review and the camera in the comments! And as always I will mention again that this video is NOT sponsored, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. Thank you so much for watching!

Mirrorless vs DSLR video:
Nikon Z 35mm f1.2 S Review:
Nikon Z6III Review:
Nikon Zf Review:

00:00 Autofocus tests
02:09 Photoshoot and Image Quality
04:31 Photo Buffer
06:37 Camera build
07:30 Who is the Z5II for (vs Z6III)
10:15 Video tests
11:08 Microphone tests
11:39 IBIS and Vlogging
12:55 ISO examples

LIGHTROOM PRESETS
VIDEO LUTS

BLOG + SAMPLE IMAGES
MY APP iOS:
MY APP ANDROID:

INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
FACEBOOK
DAN

PHOTO + VIDEO SETUP

My photo camera:
My fav lens:
UV filters:
Video camera:
Video lens:
My ND filter:
Small reflector:
SD cards:
CF express cards:
SD card case:
My microphone: Lighting setup:
My tripod:
My camera bag:

Thank you for watching!

Comments

28 responses to “Nikon Z5II: Hands-On Review Portrait Photography”

  1. @Pavel-z2w Avatar
    @Pavel-z2w

    Why can't the Nikon Z5 be used for professional portraits??? I didn't see a problem. Whether it costs $3,000 or $1,000, this camera is perfect for professional photos……

  2. @bimalmishra9003 Avatar
    @bimalmishra9003

    AWESOME VIDEO ,MAM….LEARN A LOT ABOUT Z5II FEATURES…

  3. @OnlyCrespo Avatar
    @OnlyCrespo

    Just made the jump from Fuji to the z5ii

  4. @EmseeOne Avatar
    @EmseeOne

    Great review! What lens did you use while vlogging? The stabilization seemed to be great but the overall weight with lens would be interesting 😃

  5. @thesmokingcat15 Avatar
    @thesmokingcat15

    Awesome video. I have an original Z6 and am considering upgrading to the Z5ii for photo. Do you think I'll see a big improvement in the sensor?

  6. @KileyPanziera-gt4zi Avatar
    @KileyPanziera-gt4zi

    I have a Nikon z6ii and the auto focus has been terrible!! After trying everything for a few years I can’t do it anymore.

    Would the z5ii be a decent upgrade from the z6ii. I don’t do video at all just photo. I do mostly family photography and dogs

  7. @GazaCeaseFireNow67-24 Avatar
    @GazaCeaseFireNow67-24

    Fujifilm users review Nikon ? 🤔🤔🤔

  8. @hfmusicandmediagroup Avatar
    @hfmusicandmediagroup

    Got mine 3 days ago. Extremely happy with this camera. Nightclub Event Photography with OCF was a breeze. Love it!!

  9. @a_commonman Avatar
    @a_commonman

    Julia.. you look so much beautiful ❤❤in this Z5ii when compared to your regular videos shot in sony… That green tint in sony is actually ruining the natural skin colour. Though everyone say it can be corrected.. it is not very easy to do so😢😢…

  10. @707anand Avatar
    @707anand

    You're the most recommended YouTube reviewer when it comes to camera. I was enquiring about this camera and most of the people recommended to watch your review on this to help. I currently own a Sony A6400 and I'm looking to upgrade to a full frame. I'm not heavily invested in lens so switching brand is not a major concern for me. Do you think it is good to switch to Z5II or stay within Sony system and look for something like old A7iii or used A7iv. Your recommendation would be very helpful. Oh and the main photography styling would be more of hobbyist and family pics than any professional work as such.

  11. @plusplus940 Avatar
    @plusplus940

    I heard that the Z5II supports plug-and-play USB webcam. Do you know if that works well? If so it makes an awesome second body and you can ditch the camlink for live streams and zoom calls.

  12. @gusnaediulma Avatar
    @gusnaediulma

    Untuk foto kamera Nikon lamapun sudah cukup. Untuk video sangat mengecewakan .. apapun ceritanya Nikon sedang belajar anda akan jadi bahan percobaan. Untuk jauh tertinggal dari Sony

  13. @johnnyViDeO Avatar
    @johnnyViDeO

    Thank YOU so, so much for making this video. 5 II looks like my next camera to go with my 7 II.

  14. @skorpiox3467 Avatar
    @skorpiox3467

    I'm a pation photographer, is it worth upgrading from the D7500 to the Z5 II ? I was looking for the Z6 III but I saw that there is not a lot of differences

  15. @shawketyalda7009 Avatar
    @shawketyalda7009

    Beautiful 👍👍👍👍👍

  16. @nortich1 Avatar
    @nortich1

    good review, thanks✌🏼 but for some reason no one does a low light autofocus test((

  17. @ofofononoiwa9397 Avatar
    @ofofononoiwa9397

    If I have a Z6ii is it worth moving over to this or just getting the Z6iii

  18. @sharathsathyan3282 Avatar
    @sharathsathyan3282

    Good and detailed review about z5ii i seen first time…Thanku

  19. @faintanomaly Avatar
    @faintanomaly

    What's the weather sealing on it like, and how does it compare to say the Fuji XT5?

  20. @n22pdf Avatar
    @n22pdf

    Awesome review I’ve just ordered one😊 ❤ Pete

  21. @harisbakhsh547 Avatar
    @harisbakhsh547

    Julia, the picture in the clip at 6:23 also caught my attention, and I think the review is excellent. I love it! It’s one of the reviews that convinced me to trade in my Lumix S5 and S5ii for the Z5II.

  22. @harisbakhsh547 Avatar
    @harisbakhsh547

    Julia, the picture that appears in the clip at 4:54 has caught my attention.

  23. @amitrami7522 Avatar
    @amitrami7522

    How z5ii perform in video autofocus?

  24. @Jviotr Avatar
    @Jviotr

    Love, love, love my Z5II. Fixes all the issues with the original Z5. AF speed and FPS for bursts are now more than adequate for most people, and low light AF is a non-issue now. It will autofocus to a comically low light level. This will be my main camera for years!! This is Nikon’s mirrorless D750 moment!

  25. @gregwaugh8069 Avatar
    @gregwaugh8069

    Pro secret. Never tell the wife you are getting a new camera.

  26. @hhz246 Avatar
    @hhz246

    Great review, thanks for sharing!

  27. @raffaelepugliano8736 Avatar
    @raffaelepugliano8736

    Brava …grazie

  28. @lucianbaroi7345 Avatar
    @lucianbaroi7345

    You can tell me please if can record video on both sd cards in the same time?. Thank you