The Nikon Z5 is the junior version of the Nikon Z6. The new model is a 24.3MP full-frame mirrorless camera that supports Nikon’s Z series lenses. It also has the image stabilization system, the 273-point hybrid AF system, and 3.69-million dot electronic view-finders similar to the Nikon Z model.
The Nikon Z5 is a perfect camera for beginners and still photographers. It has the Nikkor Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 kit lens – the ‘shortest and lightest full-frame mirrorless zoom lens.’ Nikon stated that it would sell the Nikon Z5 only with this kit lens, rather than selling it in a body-only option; though the full-body option is open for a future possibility. The Nikon Z5 is perfect for photographers and people who love traveling light.
Nikon Z Lenses
Nikon Z5
Unlike the Nikon Z6 and Z7 models, the Z5 consists of two card slots (with both supporting UHS-II SD format), rather than a single XQD slot. The camera can be powered by USB, which comes handy if a photographer likes shooting long time-lapse photos. However, in comparison to its senior siblings, the Z5 lacks in two prime areas- one is the video with the Z5’s 4K video comes in only a 1.7x crop, and secondly, the camera lacks a 120p slow-mo mode. The new camera is also inferior to both the models in terms of burst shooting. While the Nikon Z6 can capture extreme action or wildlife scenes at up to 12fps, the Z5 can capture a maximum of only 4.5fps.
Nikon Z5 Lenses
The Nikon Z5 is a good beginner camera for people with a passion for photography. The camera has a magnesium alloy body equipped with weather-sealing, an autofocus system with both Eye-Detection and Animal-Detection AF, and a tilting touch-screen. The Z5 also looks promisingly compact for a full-frame zoom, due to its retractable design. This means the user will have to rotate the zoom ring to extend it out and start capturing. However, Nikon states that the ‘smallest’ lens has a decent close-focusing distance of 35cm and also offers near-silent focusing for capturing video footage. The camera giant also stated that it would be promoting the Nikon Z system lens collection by the end of 2020 with the Nikkor Z 14-24 f/2.8S, which will complete the’ trinity’ of zoom lenses along with the 70-200mm f/2.8 and 24-70mm f/2.8 lens.
The Nikon Z5 would be available only with the 24-50mm f/4-6.3 kit lens, and one can purchase it from the “late summer of 2020” with the kit lens for £1,719 (around $2,175 / AU$3,100).
Nikon Z5 Specifications
- Sensor: The Nikon Z5’s sensor has a brand-new chip with a native ISO range of 100-51,200 and equipped with the Expeed 6 processor.
- Design: In addition to the magnesium alloy body, the Z5 has an economized 1.1-million dot resolution and 3.69-million dot EVF.
- Burst shooting: The Nikon Z5 can only shoot at 4.5fps, and has the same Hybrid AF system (with Eye Detection AF and Animal Detection AF) similar to the Z6.
- Card slots: The Nikon Z5’s dual UHS-II SD card slots are a bonus to new photographers and gives it an edge over other cameras like Canon EOS RP and EOS R (both of which has a single card slot).
- Battery: The Z5 has a new battery called the EN-EL 15C, which can be powered with a USB. This makes it handy for shooting a time-lapse video or longer shoots. The Z5 is also compatible with the existing MB-N10 battery grip.
- Kit lens: The Z5 comes with its lens and hence is lighter to carry around. It is an ideal walk-around option for people traveling light.
- Price: As the Nikon Z5 is presently available only in one bundle, it is tricky to compare prices. The Z5 kit lens bundle will be available in £1,719, though it seems pricey for such a small bundle.
