Nikon Z5 review

Will the new Nikon Z5 ‘entry level’ full-frame camera be enough to persuade you to make the move to mirrorless?

Nikon Z5 review
(Image: © Adam Waring/Mike Harris)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The Z5 is a very good entry-level full frame camera, but its relatively high launch price may just persuade some potential purchasers that it’s worth forking out the relatively little extra for the Z6. Compared to other brands, the Z5 is neither cheap nor expensive. The Canon EOS RP is much cheaper to buy, but lacks the Z5's 4K video, while the Sony A7 III and Panasonic S1 are somewhat more advanced cameras and not exactly direct rivals. The Z5 is competent, attractive and affordable, but its price pitches it against a host of cameras which can boast exactly the same thing.

Pros

  • +

    Solid, robust feeling build

  • +

    Good EVF and tilting rear screen

  • +

    Twin memory card slots

Cons

  • -

    Only 4.5fps continuous shooting

  • -

    4K video is cropped

  • -

    24-50mm kit lens is limiting

  • -

    Nikon Z6 is better value

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For what’s supposed to be an ‘entry level’ full-frame mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z5 is surprisingly well specced. It's fully weather sealed, featuring five-stop in-body image stabilization, a 24.3Mp sensor that goes up to ISO51,200 in native settings, and a class-leading electronic viewfinder. It seemingly matches the more upmarket Nikon Z6 feature for feature in all the important places. 

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Mike Harris
How To Editor

Mike is Digital Camera World's How To Editor. He has over a decade of experience, writing for some of the biggest specialist publications including Digital Camera, Digital Photographer and PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine. Prior to DCW, Mike was Deputy Editor of N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine and Production Editor at Wex Photo Video, where he sharpened his skills in both the stills and videography spheres. While he's an avid motorsport photographer, his skills extend to every genre of photography – making him one of Digital Camera World's top tutors for techniques on cameras, lenses, tripods, filters and other imaging equipment – as well as sharing his expertise on shooting everything from portraits and landscapes to abstracts and architecture to wildlife and, yes, fast things going around race tracks...