Nikon Z5 review: the
best value stills-oriented full-framer

The Nikon Z5
is an entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera that looks and handles almost
exactly like its higher-end Z-mount siblings, the Z6 and Z7. It's built around
a stabilized non-BSI 24MP CMOS sensor, which is likely more closely related to
the generation of chip found in Nikon's D750 DSLR, rather than the newer BSI
sensor in the Z6.
Slightly
stripped down and more stills-focused, the Z5 shares the same 273-point hybrid
AF system, Expeed 6 processor and 3.69M-dot OLED viewfinder as the Z6. But
niceties like a top plate display are absent. Likewise, the Z5's max burst rate
and video capabilities are considerably less than that of the Z6: 4.5 fps vs.
12 fps and heavily cropped 4K vs. un-cropped, oversampled 4K. But from an image
quality and handling standpoint, the two cameras are quite similar.
Key
Specifications:
- 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor (not BSI)
- Hybrid AF system with 273 phase-detect
points covering 90% of the frame
- 4.5 fps continuous shooting with AF
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- 3.69M-dot OLED viewfinder
- Dual UHS-II SD cards
- 4K/30p video capture (with 1.7x crop)
- 1080/60p video capture (no crop)
- Headphone and microphone ports
- Dust and moisture sealed
Nikon Z5 conclusion

What we like |
What we don't |
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The Nikon Z5 is arguably the best bang-for-your-buck
stills-oriented camera on the market. Image quality from its 24MP sensor is
just tad behind class-leading and much of its design, from the build-quality to
the ergonomics, is borrowed from higher-end Nikon Z models. Autofocus performance
is also solid; reliable face and eye detect make it a great choice for
documenting family/friends. Video performance is the one area the Z5 does not
excel: 4K video is heavily cropped. But it does offer respectable Full HD
capture with the added benefit of in-body image stabilization for hand-held
shooting.
source: https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-z5-review