Nikon is expanding its mirrorless camera lineup with the new Z5IIC, a full-frame model designed to make the move from smartphone photography to a dedicated camera a little less intimidating.

The Nikon Z5IIC is scheduled to go on sale in mid-October 2026, priced at A$2,399 for the body only. While it packs some of the technology found in Nikon’s more advanced cameras, the emphasis here is on making those capabilities accessible to photographers who don’t necessarily want to dive straight into manual controls.

That approach is immediately apparent from the mode dial. Alongside the usual manual and priority modes, Nikon has included 15 dedicated scene modes covering situations such as portraits, food, and night landscapes. Select one and the camera automatically adjusts settings such as exposure and white balance to suit the scene.

Nikon is also putting creative presets within easier reach. A dedicated button provides access to Imaging Recipes, allowing photographers to apply custom color profiles and film grain effects to photos and videos while shooting. The idea is to produce a finished look in-camera rather than relying on editing software afterward.

Under the hood, the Z5IIC uses Nikon’s Expeed 7 image processor, the same processor family found in some of the company’s higher-end cameras. It is paired with a backside-illuminated full-frame CMOS sensor and five-axis in-body image stabilization capable of providing up to 7.5 stops of shake reduction.

Autofocus is another area where Nikon has packed in more advanced technology. The camera can detect and track 10 different types of subjects, with fish joining the list of recognizable subjects. Nikon also rates the autofocus system to operate in extremely dark conditions down to -10 EV.

The Z5IIC has plenty to offer video creators as well. It can capture 4K footage at up to 60 frames per second, although recording at that frame rate introduces a 1.5x crop. Switching to 1080p allows recording at up to 120 fps for slow-motion footage.

More experienced videographers get several additional options, including 10-bit H.265, N-Log, and internal N-RAW recording directly to an SD card.

Nikon has also included a few features aimed specifically at creators. A tally lamp makes it easy to see when the camera is recording, while a product review mode automatically shifts focus to an object held in front of the lens. UVC/UAC support means the camera can also be connected directly to a computer and used as a webcam without requiring additional software.

The Z5IIC weighs 620 grams and uses a magnesium-alloy body with dust and drip resistance. Around the back is a 3.2-inch articulating touchscreen, which should make shooting from unusual angles and recording yourself considerably easier.

Nikon will offer the camera in black and silver when it reaches stores  in mid-October.

The launch comes as camera makers continue looking for ways to tempt smartphone photographers toward dedicated cameras. Canon recently took a different approach by tapping into compact-camera nostalgia, celebrating the 30th anniversary of its PowerShot lineup with a limited-edition G7 X Mark III.