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.
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.
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.
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
David Lee
Senior Editor
David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.chMy 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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