Nikon Z5 reviews roundup: Should you buy it?
Here’s a roundup of all the Nikon Z5 reviews, ratings and impressions from the web. Discover its strengths and weaknesses here!
Released in August 2020, the Nikon Z5 camera features a full-frame CMOS sensor of 24 megapixel, the 6 EXPEED processor, an ISO sensitivity range from 100 to 51,200, a 273 single-point Hybrid AF system, a 5-axis in-body image stabilization, a 3.2″ tilting LCD touchscreen, a maximum burst rate of 4.5 fps, UHD 4K capabilities in video mode. It is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections as well as microphone, headphone, HDMI and USB-C ports.
The Nikon Z5 measures 134 x 101 x 70 mm for a weight of 675g (with battery and memory card). As for storage, it is equipped with a dual SD card slot compatible with SD, SDHC and SDXC card.
So what do the critics think of the Nikon Z5?
Overall most reviews say that the Nikon Z5 is an excellent entry-level camera, displaying high performances for a very affordable price. The camera is easy to use, has an excellent viewfinder, a reliable AF (with excellent subject tracking performance) as well as a wide range of customization options.
Ergonomically, the comfortable grip and weather-sealed body will seduce adventure photographers.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a camera able to shoot high quality movies, the 1.7x crop factor in 4K video might be a downside. Even though the Z5 is capable of respectable Full HD captures, it underperforms in comparison to competitors such as the Sony Alpha a6600 (in the same price range).
- 24.3MP Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera | Nikon’s most compact, lightweight full-frame interchangeable lens Z series camera
- Outstanding Image Quality | Sharp, lifelike details, vibrant colors and great low-light performance
- 4K/30p and 1080/60p Video Recording | Crisp, smooth videos with shallow depth of field; USB power delivery; HDMI output
Most reviews like…
- High ISOs image quality
- Comfortable ergonomics & Rock-solid design
- Price/Performance ratio
- Ease of use
- Dual SD slots
- Autofocus performance
- Silent electronic shutter
- Weather-sealed body
Most reviews don’t like…
- 1.7x Cropped 4K videos
- Low-burst shooting speed
- 470-shot limited battery life
- Absence of built-in flash
For more infos about the positive and negatives sides of the Nikon Z5, check out the selection of reviews below:
Websites Reviews
Camerajabber.com – ★★★★★ – ‘In many respects the Nikon Z5 is a great camera and combined with the compact Nikkor Z 24-50MM F/4-6.3 kit lens, it makes a very attractive choice of full-frame camera for travel or everyday photography – even if the zoom range is a little limiting. A maximum continuous shooting rate of 4.5fps seems a little behind the times, and it would be nice to be able to capture the full width of the sensor when shooting 4K video, but the handling is superb, there are dual SD card ports and SnapBridge system pings great-looking images quickly to your phone ready for sharing.’
Cameralabs.com – ★★★★★½★ (Highly Recommended Editor’s Choice) – ‘
Dpreview.com – 89% (Gold Award) – ‘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.’
Digitalcameraworld.com – ★★★★★ – ‘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.’
Engadget.com – 91/100 (Highly Recommended Editor’s Choice) – ‘
Ephotozine.com – ★★★★½ (Highly Recommended) – ‘The Nikon Z5 is a very solid introduction to the Nikon Z series and the kit lens is a very solid performer as well. There is a considerable saving to be made compared to the Z6 and Z7 and thus it widens the potential market without seriously affecting the end quality. The Z range is incredibly good and the newcomer does not let it down; there is a lot to like about it, as well as a few minor niggles mentioned in the review.’
Pcmag.com – ★★★★★½ (Excellent) – ‘The Nikon Z 5 offers a lot for photographers moving from a Nikon SLR system to mirrorless, even though it omits some of the latest bells and whistles to meet its price point.’
Photographyblog.com – ★★★★★ (Recommended) – ‘The Z5 camera represents a positive step from Nikon – and one that would seem even more desirable for those trading up from smartphones or budget DSLRs in its range if it were a little more affordable still.’
Photographylife.com – 4.6/5 (Gold Award) – ‘While the Nikon Z5 might not be a great choice for shooting videos or fast action, it is a formidable tool for everyday stills photography. ‘
Photoreview.com.au – 8.9/10 (Recommended)
Trustedreviews.com – ★★★★★ (Recommended) – ‘The Nikon Z5 is a great buy for those brand new to full-frame photography, and it has an appealing range of specifications that should suit lots of different type of photographers. It’s less useful for video, with a heavy 1.7x crop on 4K shooting, as well as those with a keenness for action photography. If neither of those apply to you, it’s a fine choice.’
T3.com – ★★★★★ – ‘If you are on the lookout for a fantastic everyday or travel camera, or just like the idea of a smaller than usual camera, then the Z5 is certainly worthy of your consideration.’
Thephoblographer.com – 4/5 – ‘Overall, the Nikon Z5 is a good camera. But it’s not great and outstanding. But, it’s hard to take a bad image with it.’
Techradar.com – ★★★★★ – ‘The Nikon Z5 is the best entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera you can buy right now. It’s not perfect, but thanks to a blend of great image quality, a reliable autofocus performance, accessible handling and a weather-sealed body and tough body, the Z5 has a lot going for it. The only thing holding it back is the cost at the moment, as it’s not much cheaper than the even better Z6.’
Tomsguide.com – ★★★★★ – ‘An entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera that’s just as well suited to many professionals as experienced amateurs, the Nikon Z5 is easy to use while still offering all the manual features and customized settings you’d expect from a camera in this price bracket.’
Amazon users reviews
- 24.3MP Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera | Nikon’s most compact, lightweight full-frame interchangeable lens Z series camera
- Outstanding Image Quality | Sharp, lifelike details, vibrant colors and great low-light performance
- 4K/30p and 1080/60p Video Recording | Crisp, smooth videos with shallow depth of field; USB power delivery; HDMI output
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