Nikon Z5 Mirrorless Camera Review

To expand the creative playground the Nikon has introduced the new ultimate full-frame mirrorless camera Z5. This camera is capable to push the limits of creativity with this compact yet powerful sophisticated device. The Z5 delivers detailed imagery, precision autofocus in this simple compact device.  The Z5’s 24.3 MP full-frame CMOS sensor produces intensively detailed images, the ultimate 4K UHD video makes this camera to give great imaging experience remaining within budget camera list.

Nikon Z5 Mirrorless Camera Specifications

Body Design

The skeleton of Z 5 is forged from magnesium alloy, the same material used in Nikon’s professional cameras. It strikes an optimal balance of durability and lightness. Also, the Z 5 is weather-sealed against dust, dirt, and moisture, especially around all moving parts and buttons. This is a camera designed to be used in any condition without any limitations.

• Body type – SLR-style mirrorless
• Camera Format – Full-Frame (1x Crop Factor)
• Body material – Magnesium alloy and Plastic
• Weight of the body only – Approx. 675 g
• Dimensions – Width 134 mm x Height 100.5 mm x Diagonal 69.5 mm
• Lens Mount – Nikon Z Mount, F mount NIKKOR lenses with the mount adapter
• Shutter Type – Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal-plane mechanical shutter; electronic front-curtain shutter; electronic shutter
• Slower shutter speed – 30 sec
• Fastest shutter speed – 1/8000 sec
• Mirror Lock-Up – No
• Memory Card Slots – 2 
• Operating Temperature – 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C); less than 85% Humidity (no condensation)
• Battery description – EN-EL 15c Li-ion battery, Rechargeable (EN-EL 15b/15a can also be used)
• Battery Life – CIPA rated 390 for viewfinder only and 470 shots for monitor only
• Charging AC adapter – EH-7P charging AC adapter, EH-5d/EH-5c/EH-5b AC Adapter (requires EP-5B power connector, available separately)
• Tripod Socket – 1/4–in. (ISO 1222)

Sensor and Processor

• Sensor type – CMOS
• Total Pixels – 24.93 Million
• Effective Pixels – 24.3 Million
• Sensor size – Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm)
• Max resolution – 6016 x 4016
• Other resolutions – FX-format (L) 6,016 x 4,016; (M) 4,512 x 3,008; (S) 3,008 x 2,008; DX-format (L) 3,936 x 2,624; (M) 2,944 x 1,968 (S) 1,968 x 1,312 1:1 (24 x 24) (L) 4,016 x 4,016; (M) 3,008 x 3,008; (S) 2,000 x 2,000; 16:9 (36 x 20); (L) 6,016 x 3,384; (M) 4,512 x 2,536; (S) 3,008 x 1,688; Photographs taken during movie recording at a frame size of 3,840 x 2,160: 3,840 x 2,160; Photographs taken during movie recording at other frame sizes: 1,920 x 1,080:1,920 x 1,080
• Processor – EXPEED 6
• Bit Depth – NEF (RAW): 12 or 14bit
• Camera Stabilization – 5-axis image sensor shift
• Aspect Ratio – 3:2
• Continuous Speed – Up to 12 fps Low-speed continuous: 1 to 5 fps High-speed continuous: 5.5 fps High-speed continuous (extended): 12 fps (14-bit NEF/RAW: 9 fps)

Image

The Z5 makes way to creativity without waiting for perfect lighting. Its ISO sensitivity goes all the way up to ISO 51,200 (expandable to ISO 102,400) with superb sharpness, detail, and clarity. Therefore, it helps to keep shooting into the night and bring a new mood with the drama of low light.

• Image ratio – 3:2, 16:9, 1:1
• ISO Auto – 100-51200
• Minimum ISO – 50
• Maximum ISO – 102400
• White Balance presets – 12
• White Balance Bracketing – Provided
• Custom white balance – Provided with 6 slots
• Image stabilization – Sensor-shift
• File format – NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit / RAW+JPEG / JPEG
• Picture Styles – Auto, Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape, Flat Creative Picture Controls (Dream, Morning, Pop, Sunday, Somber, Dramatic, Silence, Bleached, Melancholic, Pure, Denim, Toy, Sepia, Blue, Red, Pink, Charcoal, Graphite, Binary, Carbon); selected Picture Control can be modified; storage for custom Picture Controls

Optics and Focus

• Focus Mode – Auto-focus (AF), Single-servo AF (AF-S), Continuous-servo AF (AF-C), full-time AF (AF-F; available only in movie mode); predictive focus tracking Manual focus (M): Electronic rangefinder can be used
• Number of focus points – 273 (single-point AF)
• Lens mount – Z mount NIKKOR lenses, F mount NIKKOR lenses with mount adapter
• Focal length multiplier – 1×

Autofocus

• Autofocus system – Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF with AF assist
• Therefore, Autofocus Sensitivity – -2 to +19 EV
• AF lowest EV – -3 EV with low-light AF
• Autofocus – Pinpoint, single-point, and dynamic-area AF (pinpoint and dynamic-area AF available in photo mode only); wide-area AF (S); wide-area AF (L); auto-area AF

Screen and Viewfinder

The Z5’s electronic viewfinder delivers outstanding performance with a high-resolution glare-free view that helps to shoot comfortably in any situation. It can show real-time changes of the exposure before shooting with its huge resolution of accurate color and details. Also, a beautiful 3.2-inch 1040K-dot high resolution tilting touchscreen makes it easy to compose shots from interesting angles, preview effects, zoom into photos, change camera settings, and more.

• Screen Type – Tilting TFT touch-sensitive LCD with 170° viewing angle
• The Screen size – 3.2″
• Screen dots – 1,040,000 dots
• Touch screen – Provided
• Live view – Provided
• Viewfinder type – 1.27-cm/0.5-in. approx. 3690k-dot (Quad VGA) OLED electronic viewfinder with color balance and auto and 11-level manual brightness controls
• The Viewfinder coverage – 100%
• Viewfinder Eye Point – 21 mm
• Viewfinder Magnification – Approx. 0.8x
• Eye sensor – Automatically switches between monitor and viewfinder displays
• Diopter Adjustment – -4 to +2 m^-1

Photography Features

The Z5 has one of the best in-camera image stabilization systems with 5-axis up to five stops. The electronic viewfinder provides a clear view and helps to shoot comfortably in any situation. Now Z5 provides more flexibility over photography and videography also. There is nearly 20 Creative Picture Control available with real-time visibility before shooting through both viewfinder and the monitor. The other creative facilities like multiple exposures in real-time and also can be done later by previewing and combining shots that were already taken. The camera shows a huge performance with its advanced systems.

• Exposure modes – Auto; programmed auto with flexible program (P); shutter-priority auto (S); aperture-priority auto (A); manual (M); user settings (U1, U2, U3)
• Drive modes – Single frame, low-speed continuous, high-speed continuous, high-speed continuous (extended), self-timer
• Continuous drive – Up to 4.5 fps
• Metering modes – Matrix, Centre-weighted, Spot, Highlight-weighted metering
• Exposure compensation – ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
• Metering Range – –3 to +17 EV
• Live View AF system – 100% frame coverage with Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF with AF assist
• Built-in flash – Not provided
• External flash – Can be attached or used
• Flash Maximum sync speed – X=1/200 s; synchronizes with the shutter at 1/200 s or slower; Auto FP High-Speed sync supported
• Flash Compensation – -3 to +1 EV (1/3 or 1/2 EV Steps)
• Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) – i-TTL flash control, radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting, optical Advanced Wireless Lighting, modeling illumination, FV lock, Color Information Communication, Auto FP High-Speed Sync, unified flash control
• External Flash Connection – ISO 518 hot-shoe
• Flash Modes – Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, off
• Flash-ready Indicator – Lights when the optional flash unit is fully charged; flashes as underexposure warning after flash is fired at full output
• Bracketing Types – Exposure, flash, white balance, ADL

Video or Movie Features

The Z5 is capable of capturing 4K UHD/30p video and it uses 231 phase-detection autofocus points while shooting. It is also capable of shooting 4K time-lapse movie by in-camera and save the full resolution stills. The focus peaking and the highlight sections with zebra are also available in the video mode which makes videography easier. 

• Video resolutions – 4K UHD (30p), Full-HD (120p)
• Video RAW recording – 12-bit, 4K UHD video with an external recorder
• Moreover, Video Compression – H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding
• Videography Format – MOV, MP4
• Frame Rate – 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD); 30p, 25p, 24p; FULL HD 1920 x 1080; 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p; Actual frame rates for 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p are 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, and 23.976 fps respectively; quality selection available at all sizes except 3840 x 2160, when quality is fixed at high
• Audio Recording – Built-In Microphone (Stereo)
• External Microphone – External microphone with attenuator option; sensitivity adjustable
• Audio File Format – AAC, Linear PCM
• Audio Output – Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5 mm diameter)

Other Special Features of Nikon Z5

The Z5’s powerful Eye-Detection Autofocus quickly finds your subject’s eyes—humans, animals and puts them in sharp focus. It even follows them as they move behind objects in the frame. It is capable of detecting multiple eyes, it helps to choose the preferred eye from many human subjects. The Z5 consists of the Nikon’s Image Creation System to control the mid-range sharpness. The silent mode helps to capture every moment without drawing any attention. Besides, the Focus Shift Shooting Mode automatically takes a series of images (up to 300) while advancing the focus position in each shot. These images can then be stacked into a single image with a surreal depth of field.

• Silent Shooting – Silent Shutter available
• Focus Stacking – Focus Shift Photography
• Active D-Lighting – Selected from, Extra high, High, Normal, Low, or Off for both photo & video
• Time-lapse recording – Provided
• Focus Peaking – Image and Video
• Wireless – Built-in
• Wi-Fi – 2.4 GHz band
• Bluetooth – Version 4.2
• GPS – Via the SnapBridge app
• Storage types – Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible)
• USB Connectivity – USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
• Wired connectivity – High-speed Gigabyte Ethernet and USB C
• HDMI Connectivity – Type C HDMI connector
• Port Provided – Microphone, Headphone
• Remote control Yes (Wired, wireless, smartphone)
• Self-timer – 2s, 5s, 10s, the 20s
• Accessory Terminal – Can be used with MC-DC2 and other optional accessories

Best Lenses for Nikon Z5

The Nikon’s new Z mount mirrorless camera system is designed with the short flange distance that helps for the best optical performance. There are many varieties of Z-mount lenses with more new advanced technology-induced on it. NIKKOR Z lenses open up a new dimension in optical performance. There is also a facility for using a huge variety of all F mount lenses with this mirrorless camera.

Mount Adapter FTZ

The revolutionary Z-mount lenses are made to deliver ultimate experience combining with the Z-mount cameras. Also, the vast Nikkor F Lens combines with the power of the Z5 with the help of  Mount Adapter FTZ helps to use all the F mount lenses with the Z mount in a mirrorless camera thus providing facility to extend the compatibility to every lens.

List of Best Common Lenses for Nikon Z5

Best All-in-one Lens

• NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR

Most Common Standard Zoom Lenses

• NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3
• NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S
• AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

Best Standard Prime Lenses

• NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S
• AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
• NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
• NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S NOCT
• AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G

Best Macro Lenses

• AF-S VR MICRO-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
• AF-S MICRO NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED

Top Standard Zoom Lenses

• AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
• Lens AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

Best Wide-angle Zoom Lenses

• AF-S FISHEYE NIKKOR 8-15MM F/3.5-4.5E ED
• NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S
• AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR

Best Wide-angle Prime Lenses

• PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED
• NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S
• AF-S NIKKOR 28MM F/1.4E ED

List of Best Specialized Lenses for Nikon Z5

Best Indoor Sports Lenses

• NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
• AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR
• Lens AF-S NIKKOR 180-400MM F/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR

Top Outdoor Sports and Wildlife Lenses

• AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 400MM F2.8E FL ED VR
• Lens AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 600MM F/4E FL ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 800MM F/5.6E FL ED VR

Best Portrait Lenses

• NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S NOCT
• AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G
• AF-S VR MICRO-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Best Travel and Street Lenses

• NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S
• AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR
• Lens AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G

Nikon Z5 Rating

As per the reviews and features of Nikon Z5, the ratings for this super-duper camera is 4.4/5. This camera is built for providing high-performance and high-quality imaging experience with the new technology in-hand. This camera is suitable for all kind of photography, it will deliver its power and performance in any kind of photography and also in videography. Further, this rating is given to Nikon Z5 as per the survey of creative huts.

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