For what’s supposed to be an entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z 5 is surprisingly well-specced. It’s fully weather-sealed, featuring five-stop in-body image stabilisation, 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 Z 6 feature for features in all the important places.
Even the control layout is almost exactly the same as on the Z 6, offering a near-identical handling experience. There’s a thumbstick, a D-pad and an array of buttons to access key controls at the back, along with a touchscreen rear LCD and finger and thumb-operated control dials in easy reach, and a pair of well-positioned programmable Function buttons on the front.
For those making the move from a DSLR, though, the lack of direct access buttons can take some getting used to. While Nikon DSLRs typically allow you to change between single, continuous and self-timer shooting modes by turning a dial, or between AF-S, AF-C and manual focus with a dedicated button, here you’ll need to select these options from the on-screen menus.
Key features
While the Z 5’s 24.3MP sensor is practically the same size as the Z 6’s 24.5MP one, it’s not exactly the same. The 0.2MP difference translates to a 6,016 x 4,016 pixel resolution on the Z 5, versus a 6,048 x 4,024 resolution on the Z 6. This handful of pixels is certainly not enough to lose any sleep over, and images from either camera can be printed to the same resolution or cropped to the same degree without any noticeable difference –but it does indicate some differences in the sensor.
This story is from the October 08, 2020 edition of Photography week.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 08, 2020 edition of Photography week.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SONY FE 24-50MM F2.8 G
A compact standard zoom with compromises
HOW TO...BOOST RAW PORTRAITS
James Paterson shows you how to use the Develop Persona in Affinity Photo to enhance portraits
INFRARED ON A BUDGET
Mike Harris shows you how to shoot infrared images without investing in a costly camera conversion
THE ONLY WAY IS UP FOR THESE AERIAL PHOTO ACES
SkyPixel contest showcases stunning stills and video captured using drones
MASTER THE MODE DIAL
Learn when and how to use every exposure mode on your camera for pro results
16-25MM F/2.8 G IS SONY'S NEW ‘MINI TRINITY' LENS
Sony has announced the FE 1625mm f/2.8 G, the companion lens to the recently released Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G (see this issue's review).
NEW 8K INSTA360 X4 RAISES THE BAR FOR 360 CAMERAS
Successor to X3 brings serious upgrades to resolution and battery life
SONY WORLD PHOTO AWARDS ANNOUNCES 2024 WINNERS
Prestigious contest celebrates outstanding photography from around the globe
ROLLEI 35AF WILL GET A 35MM F/2.8 LENS AND AUTOFOCUS
Mint Camera confirms key specs for upcoming reboot of classic film model
SIGMA 500MM F/5.6 DG DN OS SPORTS
This relatively lightweight lens packs a load of upmarket features