Nikon dominates the 2025 DGP Imaging Award with four Grand Gold awards (wins half of all awards)

The full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera “Nikon Z5II” (released in April 2025), the APS-C/DX-format mirrorless camera “Nikon Z50II” (released in December 2024), and the “NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II” (released in August 2025) have been awarded the highest Grand Gold Award at the DGP Imaging Awards 2025, a comprehensive digital imaging awards program.

In addition, the “Nikon ZR” (released in October 2025) received the “Jury Special Award.”

The DGP Imaging Awards are a comprehensive digital imaging awards program for digital cameras and photo accessories entered by manufacturers, covering all solutions related to digital imaging, such as taking photos, viewing photos, saving photos, and editing photos.

After rigorous judging, the judges selected the most highly rated products in each category as the Gold Award winner. Of all the Gold Award-winning products, the Z5II, Z50II, and NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II were awarded the Grand Gold Award, given to the most outstanding product. Furthermore, the ZR was presented with the Special Jury Award, chosen from among all the submitted products.

While positioned as the successor to the standard full-frame mirrorless model “Z5,” the Z5II is equipped with the same latest-generation image processor as the flagship model “Z9,” making it a truly capable camera with performance approaching that of a mid-range model. It features improved high-sensitivity performance thanks to a back-illuminated sensor, high-precision, high-speed AF thanks to subject detection using AI, and Picture Control “Flexible Color,” which allows you to create images to your liking. It also boasts excellent video performance, and is the first in the Z series to record RAW video to an SD memory card, making it a groundbreaking model that allows you to enjoy professional photography in any scene, both still images and video.

The Z50II is an APS-C mirrorless camera that inherits the features and performance of its higher-end models, achieving class-leading performance while succeeding the Z50, the entry-level Z series model. Equipped with the latest-generation image processor, it boasts subject detection and excellent AF performance on par with the top-of-the-line Z9 model, and boasts class-leading image quality. With a wide selection of attractive high-end models and lenses, the system is also extremely well-rounded. Many Nikon products have been selected for the overall awards this season, and this is due to the fact that Nikon’s camera-making philosophy and passion are fully reflected even in entry-level models like the Z50II. Along with the Z5II, this model embodies the appeal of the new generation of “Z.”

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is the latest addition to the high-image-quality “S-Line” of fast, full-frame standard zoom lenses. Its functionality has been significantly refined from its predecessor, featuring an internal zoom mechanism—the only one in its class that maintains its overall length while zooming—and Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM), which achieves approximately five times faster autofocus speed than previous models. In addition to improved durability and dust- and splash-proof performance, it weighs approximately 675g, making it the lightest in its class. It overcomes all of the issues with its predecessor and delivers refined, clearer image quality. This high level of perfection truly makes it worthy of being called a standard zoom lens for a new era.

The ZR is Nikon’s first model in the Z CINEMA series, a cinematic camera that combines Nikon and RED Digital Cinema technologies. Its compact, lightweight body features an image sensor and image processor equivalent to the Z6III. It supports internal RAW video recording incorporating RED color science, and also features a “Cinematic Video” mode for easy enjoyment of cinematic-looking footage. While cinema cameras have traditionally not been considered for this award, the ZR not only significantly lowers the barrier to entry for cinema cameras, but also boasts full-fledged still photography capabilities, leading to its selection for the Special Jury Award as a model that is one of the earliest examples of what a next-generation camera should be.