PRICES CHECKED NOV 3, 6:15 PM ET335 PRODUCTS · INDEPENDENT BUYING GUIDES
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Nikon Z5

6.4

An entry full-frame Nikon with dual card slots and stabilization but slow 4.5 fps bursts; suits portrait, travel and landscape shooters on a budget.

Nikon Z mount
PRICES · 1 STORECHECKED NOV 3, 6:15 PM ET
RetailerBody only
AmazonNewPrime deliveryAS OF NOV 3, 6:15 PM ET
$997LOWEST
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eBayPre-ownedFrom independent sellers. Condition varies.
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Prices accurate as of Nov 3, 6:15 PM ET and subject to change. We may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you. How this works

Build around it

EVERY OPTION IS CHECKED AGAINST THE Z5
Lens✓ Fits the Z5
Power✓ Fits the Z5
Storage✓ Fits the Z5
Audio✓ Fits the Z5
Bag✓ Fits the Z5

Spec sheet

SENSORMegapixels and sensor size. Full-frame gathers more light than APS-C or Micro Four Thirds, for cleaner low-light shots and more background blur.24.3MPFull-frame
BURSTThe fastest frames per second the maker quotes. Top speeds often use the electronic shutter and may limit autofocus. Higher helps for sports, wildlife and kids.4.5 fpsFastest the maker quotes
VIDEOThe highest video resolution it records internally.4KMax internal
IBISIn-body stabilisation. Each stop lets you shoot at half the shutter speed without blur, so 8 stops means very steady handheld shots.5 stopsIn-body
BATTERYShots per charge on the CIPA standard test, using the rear screen. Real-world numbers are often higher.470CIPA shots, rear screen
WEIGHTBody with battery and card, without a lens.675 gWith battery and card
MOUNTWhich lenses fit natively. Other lenses may work through an adapter.ZNikon Z

Photo

SensorResolution, size and build. Stacked sensors read out fastest, which helps fast action and cuts rolling-shutter wobble.24.3MP · Full-frame
Native ISOThe standard sensitivity range. Higher ISO lets you shoot in dimmer light, at the cost of more noise.100–51,200
ShutterFastest mechanical and electronic shutter speeds. The silent electronic shutter can freeze faster motion, but may bend fast subjects on slower sensors.1/8000 mech
Flash syncThe fastest shutter speed you can use with a regular flash. Higher is better for flash outdoors in bright light.1/200 s

Video

Max resolutionThe highest resolution and frame rate it records internally. More than 4K gives room to crop or stabilise in editing.4K 30p
Best 4K frame rateThe fastest 4K frame rate. 60p and above lets you slow footage down smoothly, and 120p gives 5× slow motion.4K 30p
Crop at 4K 60pWhether 4K 60p uses the full sensor width. A crop makes your lens act longer, so wide shots get harder.No 4K 60p
Colour depth10-bit records far more colour detail than 8-bit, so footage holds up when you grade it. Worth it if you edit video.8-bit 4:2:0
Log profileA flat picture profile that keeps highlight and shadow detail for colour grading later.None
Raw videoRaw keeps the most image data for editing, at much larger file sizes. Some cameras only record it to an external recorder.None
Open gateRecords the whole sensor area, so you can crop the same clip to both widescreen and vertical video.No
Audio jacksA mic input for better sound, and a headphone jack to check what you are recording.Mic + headphone
HDMIFor an external monitor or recorder. Full-size HDMI is sturdier than micro HDMI.Micro
Cooling fanA built-in fan lets the camera record for long stretches without overheating.No

Body & handling

ViewfinderElectronic viewfinder resolution and magnification. More dots and a bigger magnification give a sharper, larger view.3.69M-dot, 0.8×
Rear screenFully articulating screens flip to the front for vlogging; tilting screens are quicker for photos at waist or overhead height.Tilting
Card slotsTwo slots let you record a backup copy at the same time, which matters for paid work like weddings.2x SD UHS-II
Weather sealingSeals against dust and light rain. Pair it with a sealed lens.Yes
USB-C powerCan run from a USB-C power bank while shooting, not just charge the battery.Yes
BatteryThe battery model, for buying spares.EN-EL15c
Size (W × H × D)Width, height and depth as the maker publishes them: the body only for interchangeable-lens cameras, including the built-in lens for compacts. Makers measure slightly differently. Compare bodies in the size tool.134 × 100.5 × 69.5 mm

How the Z5 connects

Works with

3

Competes with

3

Steps up and down

1

Adapts from

1
  • Nikon F via FTZ IIAdapted lenses keep autofocus
Compare withRPZ5 IIThe Nikon Z5 family →

Pros and cons

COMPARED WITH 6 FULL-FRAME CAMERAS, $799–$1,498
Pros
  • +Two card slots

    Two card slots. Rivals here typically have one card slot.

Cons, and what fixes them
  • –Slower burst

    4.5 fps. Rivals here typically have 30 fps.

    Nikon Z5 IIc30 fps instead of 4.5 fps$1,397 · $400 moreAlso fixes: lower 4K frame rates.See the Z5 IIcCompare
  • –Lower 4K frame rates

    4K 30p. Rivals here typically have 4K 60p.

    Nikon Z5 IIc4K 60p instead of 4K 30p$1,397 · $400 moreAlso fixes: slower burst.See the Z5 IIcCompare
Prices accurate as of Nov 3, 12:30 PM ET and subject to change. We may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you. How this works

From the retailer

AMAZON · AS OF NOV 3, 6:15 PM ET
  • 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
  • Eye-Detection Autofocus | Automatically locks onto the eyes of people, dogs and cats and tracks them as they move around the frame
  • 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization | Capture steady handheld videos and sharp photos; shoot at slower shutter speeds in low light without causing camera blur
  • Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth | Use Nikon’s free SnapBridge app to share photos and control the camera with a compatible smartphone or tablet
Model1649
Part number1649
ColorBlack
Release date2020-08-27