Z 5

The Z 5 is a great camera. I really like the size. It’s easy to carry around and the photo quality is superb.So far no complaints.

I've enjoyed my first Nikon Z5 so much over the past few years that I purchased a recent toy purchased a second Z5. I also purchased the Nikon Z 40mm f/2 and Z 28mm f/2.8 lenses. Now I have a really great every day carry kit. The Z5 is an especially good value when on sale. The body is well made, weather sealed, light and comfortable in the hand. The Z5 is loaded with features that you just won't find in other brands at this price point and above all it has wonderful image quality. The online critics were quick to criticize the Z5 because of the 4.5 frames per second and questionable auto focus. With the genres of photography I shoot, 4.5 fps is plenty and Nikon has done several firmware updates to improve the auto focus capabilities. I highly recommend the Z5 for most genres of photography except maybe pro sports and wildlife photographers.

For years my D750 has been my workhorse camera, shooting upwards of 1500 images a week. I was starting to not trust it 100%-the shutter count was getting up there and every once in a while it would miss focus. I started using my Z7ii and my images were glorious-really overkill for web publication. I got a quote for Nikon to repair the D750, while reasonable for the work done, it was half the price of the Z5 (on sale). So I packaged up the D750 and my last F-series lens and traded it in on the Z5.The Z5 is the true successor to the venerable D750. The moment I inserted the battery it felt at home in my hand. Image quality is amazing for a camera with basically the same sensor as the 750 but now running under EXSPEED 6. And the sharpness of the Z14-30 f4 blows my old f14-24 f2.8 out of the water. Things I like about the Z5; Image quality, ease of use, virtual horizon is large like the D750 so easier to level your shot, interface is identical to the Z6 and Z7 so no learning curve, 2 SDHC slots so I can pull either or both cards without an additional adaptor. (CFexpress on the Z series cannot be uploaded to an iPad-the pad pops a message that it requires too much power limiting me to no backup in the field).Negatives: I miss the top window to check settings...but not as much as I thought I would. Moving the dial from the left side has been my biggest issue. For work I shoot 75% manual jpeg, sometimes raw bracket 5, sometimes raw aperture priority (U1,U2,U3). For some reason I will touch the dial and knock it off the setting wasting time resetting the camera. I wish it had a lock or it was still on the left.Video- I have never used on this camera. If I need video I use my Z7ii.

My main camera remains Nikon's amazing D850, but I've been very curious about mirrorless camera handling for some time. It occurred to me that The Z5 specs meet most of my daily needs at a great sale price, so I ordered one with the FTZ II adapter. It takes some getting used to, and quite a few cables and adapters to integrate studio equipment gear for DSLRs. All nine of my F-mount lenses work well. The only loss is the ability to autofocus my beloved Nikon AF 180mm f/2.8 ED IF, but I worked for 30 years without autofocus, so it doesn't bother me :) The handling experience for an old-timer is similar to a rangefinder.

My main camera remains Nikon's amazing D850, but I've been very curious about mirrorless camera handling for some time. It occurred to me that The Z5 specs meet most of my daily needs at a great sale price, so I ordered one with the FTZ II adapter. It takes some getting used to, and quite a few cables and adapters to integrate studio equipment gear for DSLRs. All nine of my F-mount lenses work well. The only loss is the ability to autofocus my beloved Nikon AF 180mm f/2.8 ED IF, but I worked for 30 years without autofocus, so it doesn't bother me :) The handling experience for an old-timer is similar to a rangefinder.

Wow! I am overwhelmed with what my Z5 can do! I have not owned a digital camera other than my phone since retiring my old Nikon FG 25 years ago. There is a lot to learn! Love the feel and ability. The results are worth every penny of the Nikon investment. My 24-200 lens is all I need........for now!

Wow! I am overwhelmed with what my Z5 can do! I have not owned a digital camera other than my phone since retiring my old Nikon FG 25 years ago. There is a lot to learn! Love the feel and ability. The results are worth every penny of the Nikon investment. My 24-200 lens is all I need........for now!

I love using my new Z5. It’s been easy to use and I’m ver happy, so far, with the photos and videos.

I love using my new Z5. It’s been easy to use and I’m ver happy, so far, with the photos and videos.