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Nikon Z 5: The third in the group

21.7.2020

Translation: machine translated

The Nikon Z 5 is the third full-frame mirrorless camera from Nikon. It is aimed at full-frame beginners, but still has two card slots, a magnesium body and a high-resolution viewfinder.

Nikon today announces the mirrorless full-frame camera Z 5, which will be launched at the end of August. In terms of concept, it is positioned below the two previous Z 6 and Z 7 - but above the Z 50, which has a smaller sensor. It is therefore aimed at newcomers to the mirrorless full-frame format.

The most important key data

Sensor with 24 megapixels
Autofocus with 273 fields of view and eye detection, also for videos
Integrated five-axis image stabiliser
Viewfinder with 3.69 million pixels
Magnesium housing sealed against dust and moisture
LCD with 1 million pixels
Two SD card slots
Headphone and microphone connection
Power supply via USB for charging and operation
4.5 frames per second
4K video with 30 fps, 1.7x crop

Important features such as the sensor, viewfinder, autofocus and image stabiliser are very reminiscent of the Nikon Z 6, but there are significant compromises: The Z 6 manages 12 photos per second, its monitor has 2 megapixels and 4K is possible with the full viewing angle. Although the autofocus has the same number of measuring fields, it is more sensitive to light: it works down to a light value of -3.0, while the Z 6 works down to -4.0 EV.

The Z 5 also lacks the second screen on the top. The mode dial is therefore on the right instead of the left side.

New lens and teleconverter

Nikon is also launching a new lens together with the Z 5. The 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is designed for particularly small dimensions: It measures just over 5 centimetres and weighs 195 grams. There won't be any great bokeh with this speed, but in a kit with the Z 5 it is a handy entry into the Nikon Z system.

Nikon Nikkor Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 (Nikon Z, full size)

Lenses

−12%

CHF379.– was CHF431.–

Nikon Nikkor Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3

Nikon Z, full size

Also announced today: two teleconverters for the Z system, which extend the focal length range by a factor of 1.4 and 2 respectively. They are sealed against dust and moisture. Of the existing lenses, only the Nikkor Z 2.8/70-200 mm VR S is compatible with these teleconverters.

Lens converters

CHF528.–

Nikon TC-1.4x

Teleconverter, Nikon Z

Lens converters

CHF508.95

Nikon TC-2.0x

Teleconverter, Nikon Z

The catch (at the moment) is the price

The demand for an affordable entry-level Nikon Z system is certainly there, and the concept of the Z 5 makes sense to me in principle. But the Nikon Z 5 is not inexpensive. Yes, it's a full-frame camera, and yes, it comes with a lens - but that's still a lot of money for an entry-level camera.

Nikon Z5 Kit (24 - 50 mm, 24.30 Mpx, Full frame)

Cameras

CHF1344.–

Nikon Z5 Kit

24 - 50 mm, 24.30 Mpx, Full frame

Cameras

CHF1354.–

Nikon Z 5 Kit incl. FTZ

24 - 50 mm, 24.30 Mpx, Full frame

However, the price could still be revised downwards significantly. As of 21 July 2020, you will see Nikon's recommended retail price (RRP). As long as the Z 5 is not available, there is no market price. This is of course different for the Z 6 from 2018. Its market price is now well below the original RRP of 2799 francs with lens adapter. <p

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David Lee

Senior Editor

David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.ch

My interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.

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