Nikon Z 5
After the release of Nikon’s first APS-C mirrorless camera, it was suspected a more affordable entry-level model might emerge. Instead of releasing a simplified model to sit below the Z 50, Nikon decided to revisit its full-frame line-up and introduce an affordable mirrorless offering to compete against other rival sub-£2,000 full-frame cameras.
Positioned below the company’s high-resolution Z 7 and its general-purpose Z 6, the new Z 5 inherits technology from both cameras while introducing a few enticing features not offered by its peers. Priced at £1,449 (body only) at launch, it works out just £100 less than what you’d pay for the Nikon Z 6 body (£1549). So what ultimately, makes the better buy for those ready to step up into the world of full-frame?
Features
Like the Z 6 and Z 7, the Z 5 shares the same large-diameter, short back-focus lens mount that has a flange distance of 16mm from lens to sensor. To keep existing Nikon users happy, the Z5 can happily be paired and used with F mount (FX) lenses via Nikon’s FTZ adapter (£269).
Though the pixel count is similar to the Z 6, the Z 5’s sensor is different. The Z 5’s 24.3-million-pixel sensor is a conventional CMOS chip, whereas the Z 6’s has a back-illuminated structure, which should see it deliver a slightly better performance in low light. More on this later. The chip features an anti-aliasing filter
