Nikon Z5 Gets 89% Overall Score and Gold Award at DPReview

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DPReview has completed their Nikon Z5 review and test results: The Nikon Z5 mirrorless camera achieves an excellent 89% overall score and Gold Award from the experts at DPReview.

Featuring most of the features from the Z6, as well as dual SD card slots in a lightweight magnesium-alloy body, the Nikon Z5 is a highly capable and the most affordable Z-mount full-frame mirrorless camera introduced by Nikon to date.

Key Specifications:

  • 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor (not BSI)
  • Hybrid AF system with 273 phase-detect points covering 90% of the frame
  • 4.5 fps continuous shooting with AF
  • 5-axis in-body image stabilization
  • 3.69M-dot OLED viewfinder
  • Dual UHS-II SD cards
  • 4K/30p video capture (with 1.7x crop)
  • 1080/60p video capture (no crop)
  • Headphone and microphone ports
  • Dust and moisture sealed

What we like:

  • Excellent resolution and dynamic range, very good high ISO performance
  • Lovely JPEG color
  • Outstanding build quality and dust/moisture-sealing
  • Excellent ergonomics, responsive controls and touchscreen
  • AF joystick
  • Effective 5-axis image stabilization
  • EVF is large, high-res for class
  • Excellent AF point coverage
  • Good subject tracking performance
  • Reliable face and eye detect
  • Deep 100 frame buffer for bursts
  • Decent quality 1080/60p capture
  • Dual UHS-II SD card slots
  • Easy-to-use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • USB charging
  • Mic and headphone sockets
  • Backward compatibility with many F-mount lenses via FTZ adapter

What we don’t:

  • High ISO shadow noise a bit more noticeable than in BSI sensor peers
  • 4.5 fps burst may be sluggish for some
  • Heavily cropped 4K video (1.7x) reduces quality and makes it hard to achieve wide angle
  • Lots of rolling shutter in 4K and when using the e-shutter in stills
  • Default JPEG noise reduction a tad aggressive
  • No built-in flash

Conclusion from DPReview:

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.

Good for
Just about anyone seeking a well-priced, stills-oriented full-frame mirrorless camera.

Not so good for
Video shooters. Those wishing to capture super-fast action (in which Z5’s 4.5 fps burst may not be quick enough).

The new Nikon Z5 full frame mirrorless camera is now in stock and shipping at major US stores. Order now if you are interested.

Nikon Z5 body: $1,396.95 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Nikon Z5 with 24-50mm Lens: $1,696.95 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Nikon Z5 with 24-200mm Lens: $2,196.95 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Read more: Best Lenses for Nikon Z5 and Best Memory Cards for Nikon Z5.

You can read the full review at DPReview.