Nikon Z5 Real World Review | How Does Z5 Compare To Z6 || | Will It Fit Your Use-Case? | Matt Irwin
Вставка
- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- #Z5 #NikonZ5 #Z6II
Shooting with the Z5 in various different scenarios, how does in compare to its more expensive siblings?
If you would like a copy of my books singed you can find it here
mattirwin.com/...
Check out my social media
INSTAGRAM / mattirwinphotography
FACEBOOK / mattirwinphotography
WEBSITE www.mattirwin.com
TWITTER / mattirwinphotog
Hey Matt, great video as always. Astro photography: use the 500 rule. Divide 500 by your focal length and that is the max shutter speed without star trails from rotation. So for your used case: 500/50mm is 10 sec exposure. If I’m not mistaken, you were at less than 1 sec, so that is not star trails, that’s probably rotation of the camera. For the 50mm 1.2, I would go to f1.2, shutter speed 10 sec, and adjust ISO to taste. Try to stay between 1600 and 6400. It will very based on lens and camera of course.
Great review. I got my z5 3 months now and I'm super excited. Love it so much. I came from a d750. Main reason I get it is the price and the two card slot. Love my 750 for everything I shoot, from landscapes to weddings to food and now with the z5 is much better with the better focus system. Z5 has excellent colors also especially for food photography. Thank you again for the great review.
I also have the d750. Are u happy with the upgrade? I’m deciding if I buy z5 ou z6 ii
instaBlaster...
@@brucef86I’m wondering the same. I want to switch from D750 and I’m between Z5 and Z6II.
Thanks Matt. I just bought a Z5, my first Z, and love it. A 30 year Nikon shooter, I have had great commercial success with my workhorse D750 but bought a Sony A7R3 a year ago to find out what all the fuss was about. The Z5 gives me the chance to start buying Z glass as Nikon continues to "catch up". I knew all along I'd sell the Sony, and that day is getting closer and will probably happen as the Z7II starts being discounted. Thanks for being such a great voice of reason as the talking heads bashed Nikon. It's down to ergonomics, menus, etc. for me.
Thanks Steve, yes I have an A7R3 too, and prefer the Nikon ergo. I think you will find the Z7 II to be spectacular. What do you mainly photograph? Cheers Mat
A highly practical review. I’ve had my Z5 for a couple of months now and enjoy it thoroughly. For some reason they offer the 24-70 f/4 lens at a kit price - but only in Canada, so I took advantage of that. It’s amazing to see focus peaking with my ancient 55mm macro mounted on the Z5. Thank you Nikon for not letting obsolescence get in the way.
New(ish) subscriber, love the channel. The Z5 along with the 24-200 and the 14-30mm were my first-ever Nikon purchases after several years in Fuji and m43. I was the target demographic: the consumer wanting affordable entry-level full-frame with a comprehensive feature set. In my opinion, I honestly think it's the best value all-round camera for the money, but even more particularly as an astrophotography/timelapse camera. It's packed with features that benefit this genre of photography, with some features over the Z6/7:
- USB-C power from a powerbank or computer will power the camera while it's operating and charge the battery. I have a powerbank that can power my Z5 while it's shooting a timelapse, as well as powering a lens heater for many hours.
- Built-in timelapse features are abundant: in-camera 4k/30p timelapse videos are rendered almost instantaneously while shooting from the intervalometer; the still images used to render the tl video are kept as separate files for any further pp work; Exposure Smoothing in timelapse video mode allows the easiest way to get those "holy grail" day-to-night/night-to-day tl videos.
These two features are rarely mentioned in reviews but I think they really add to the value of this camera. The Z6ii/7ii have the same new power features as the Z5, but again there is a huge price difference. All things considered I'm very happy with its performance thus far. I hope to add a fast astro lens and a star tracker soon, and its lower price point will help me achieve that. Great review as always :)
Love my Z5 and the 50mm 1.8 is just WOW. I bought it over the Z6ii as I would have had to buy the xqd cards and that is another expense I could not justify. Also I don't do video as I have a media degree where we did video production, back in the days when we used SVHS tapes, and it is just not for me.
Looking forward to using it in the studio when we get out of lockdown
I think between the Z6 II and the Z5, it's really going to come down to two major things for people -- AF speed and tracking, and the use of a grip. Everything else is close enough that I can't see the Z6 II being significantly better than the Z5 to justify another $600-$1000+. In one respect, you can save even more (if you don't have XQD cards) by going to the Z5 as most people have SD cards, but not always XQD, and XQD currently is still rather expensive, like $100 for a 64GB card versus about $25 for a 64GB SD card. But AF tracking speed, even with the updates, may still put the Z5 behind the Z6 II a bit, and with burst shooting the Z6 II will win out easily because it has a larger buffer and can burst shoot 3x faster. I'd say the next biggest thing people may compare is the high ISO performance, and really, unless you're zoomed into 100% or more in post, you can't see any MAJOR differences IMO to see that one is clearly better than the other, as long as you stay under ISO 6400 which most people probably will in most things, so there isn't any MAJOR advantage of the Z6 II. Now if you start going above ISO 6400 that's where the Z6 II has a bit of an edge, but again, subtle in terms of ISO performance. If you're just looking for a backup camera (to a Z6/Z7 series) for still use, you can't beat the Z5 (unless you need the vertical grip). But if it's your primary/only camera, I would spend a little extra on the Z6 II.
(BTW, the Z6 II never goes on sale. It may this year, after it has been one year old, but when the Z5 was $1000 USD during the spring months on sale, the Z6 II stayed at $2000 USD). The Z6 (gen 1) has been reduced to $1600, and $1400 when on sale, in the US.
Are you still enjoying the z5? Looking at it for street photography and city scapes.
As I understand
Z5 is a repurposed d750 sensor
Z6ii is new technology
you talked me into buying a Z5 and now i can use the other part of my money into a new computer! Thx Matt!
I went with the Z5 over the Z6 with the 24-200 as a kit as it was just too good a value to pass up. I prefer the SD cards as I already have them and the readers built-in on laptops, and I already own apple sd card readers for iphone/ipad. I didn't feel like buying another set of those for the Z6/ii. The main hangup for me was the 4.5 FPS coming from the D750 with 6.5fps. But in real world use it doesn't seem to make a huge difference. I'm glad I picked the 5 and saved some money. The camera handles very well. It's just as quick to boot or come out of sleep as the D750. I prefer the top mode dial unlocked and on the right hand side on the Z5 vs the 6/7. Personally i don't need triple redundancy for shutter/aperture settings. The rear LCD works fine for a quick check on that. The mode dial on the right is easier to use for ergonomics IMO. Rear LCD is no factor, I don't think I'd much notice the higher resolution on the Z6. The D750 is similar to the Z5 to look at from the back LCD, which is to say it's fine. AF is great on the Z5, I'm not feeling like it's lacking whatsoever from the D750 in that respect. Same for the low light autofocus. With F4 and faster lenses it outperforms the D750, with above F4 in really dim conditions the D750 is better. This is in pretty dark conditions and isn't much of a factor in practical use. Maybe if your using a lens with F6.3 indoors in really dim conditions this could be something that would be annoying. I also own F 20/50 1.8s and the Z 35/85 1.8s so I don't use any slow glass in low light. In which case it's doing better than the D750. The Z lenses are super sharp and the weather resistance with the body is much appreciated and a big reason to go with the Z system over the Canon RF and it's inexpensive lenses that are not weather sealed. I don't shoot video with my Z5 much and prefer to use my Iphone 12 for that but if high FPS or 4k uncropped was a factor for you the 6/7 would be a better choice. Otherwise, this Z5 is a really great camera for the money.
I do wish Nikon had bumped the FPS to 6.5-8 to just dominate this lower priced section of the market and get more Z adopters. I do understand they probably felt this would cannibalize the Z6 sales but I think in the long run this would get more people into Z early and into the lenses which in the long run would be a win.
Matt, thanks so much for these objective reviews on the Z system, you provided objective information which is greatly appreciated. AF on this Z is great, I don't see all the fuss that other reviewers are making a big deal about.
The autofocus is ok in lowlight?
@@brucef86 Yes I’m happy with it. They put out a firmware update a few weeks back that made the Z5 better in Low light which helped tie up that weak point. It works about the same as my D750 now which is fine in low light, and my K-3. I’m happy I went with the Z5 combo with the 24-100 as they’re both excellent. I am not missing the higher frame rate. You can take 8mp stills at 30fps with the Z5 in short bursts using still/AF-C settings in movie mode and some adjustments to make the AF respond faster in the settings (movie mode is set to delay a bit for smoothness). So in a pinch I have 30fps if needed at 8mp which is plenty for general sharing which is mostly what I use the camera for. I don’t print many images.
@@kalimarus es cierto que las últimas actualizaciones para la z5 ha mejorado el autoenfoque? Porque muchos comentan que es la mayor debilidad de la Z5 ante las demás Z.
@@vincent_emmART2.4 Yes the autofocus was improved in low light. Autofocus in general I don’t find to be worse than the D750, but it’s different to use because the modes changed between them. It takes some time to practice and get used to. The Z5 also benefits from a large aperture lens in low light more than the D750. I have not tried the Z6ii to see if that’s better. I don’t have any complaints coming from a D750 though for focus.
@@kalimarus Es que según fotógrafos de bodas, comentan que Z5 es muy lenta enfocando y sufre en baja luz demorando en su autoenfoque. Ese es mi temor. Yo necesito para fotografía de bodas y eventos.
Thanks Matt! I've had my Z5, my first full-frame camera, for a month now. It has for sure lived up to the expecations. You were right - again :-)
Coming from a D750 Z5 has just the right balance of ergonomics, minimalism and utility that simply makes you want to go and take photos-love it.
Should i upgrade from d750 to z5?
is z5 viewfinder comparable to d750's ? it looks so puny...
@@andreika6681 i have trade my d750 last week n bought z5.. Feel good n got improvements.. Hehehe
Hi Matt, thanks again for a great review and video.
I've been using a z6 for a year now and absolutely love it having not really used a camera since losing my D3 many years ago; I got the kit 24-70, the 50 1.8, and the 85 1.8 (I have huge hands so got the grip for comfort).
Technology moves on and so we all learn to use what we have to take images that we either enjoy capturing (the process) or later enjoy viewing (showing off too I hope).
My tip to anyone is just get what you can afford (no point starving the kids) and just enjoy the process of capturing images and developing your craft.
I just bought my first Z camera this week. I really struggled with the decision because the Z5 would have filled my needs. Ultimately I decided to let budget make the decision. In the end I found a used Z6 with fewer than 1k on the shutter for well under $1200 us. Factoring in the cost of the XQD card and reader I still saved about $150. Luckily I was able to buy a refurb FTZ adapter from Nikon for $140 rather than paying the regular price of $250.
great choice, i hope you enjoy it!
@@gabewrsewell Thanks, I know I will.
Z5 was very recently on sale for under 1200
Great work Scott, how are you finding it so far? Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography Sorry Matt. I somehow missed your response from 4 months ago. I like the Z6 so much that I traded my 750 in today for a Z5 since they are currently on sale. I was very fortunate as I got the only body they had.
Finally got the Z5 with that tiny little kit lens. My first ever foray into full frames, jumping from that entry level APS-C Canon I've been using for years.....so far I have been astonished with the quality of the photos, especially so as this is the quality from a kit lens, not even from an 'S' lens. With IBIS and weather proofing and practically the same magnesium build and button layout without skimping on any single button from the Z6/7, this camera is a bargain!
Loved your review thoroughly! Subbed! Cheers from India!
Great video Matt. I was originally looking to get the first Z6 but ended up finding a Z5 bundled with the 24-200mm for a price that was too good to pass up. I was intending to get the 24-200mm anyway as, in a normal world, I do a lot of travel. So to keep my travel kit light my plan was that lens, paired with a 35mm and 85mm 1.8 anyway. I'm yet to pick up the two primes but, so far, the Z5 has absolutely blown me away, even with the "kit lens". I think, for my use case, the difference between the Z6 and Z5 was negligible enough that the savings on the lens pushed the Z5 over the line for me.
I stepped up from a D3100, so it's my first entry into full frame and mirrorless, which means I might be easily impressed. But I'm really loving this camera and it's actually made me enjoy going out and shooting again.
Can't wait to get the 85mm in the next month or so.
still happy a year later? im now considering upgrading from a d3400 ive been using for a few years to either a z5 or z6, they're actually the same price right now on the nikon website
Buy the Z5 and invest the savings to buy higher spec Nikon Z lenses. Case in point, that 50mm f1.2 is awesome!
Useless.
Hi Matt. On night sky photography, there are some useful rules of thumb about shutter speed, but overall, to avoid elongated stars, don't exceed 30 secs. Also, for shooting the moon, the "luny 11" rule works well: f/11 at a shutter speed which is the reciprocal of the ISO. (The moon's really bright!!)
Thank you for this video. I have often thought about these differences, now that I own a Z6 II. Very helpful, as always!
Personally I would choose the Z6 II over the Z5, gives you more headroom, and I always push my gear to the limit. : ). Cheers Matt
Thanks, Matt. I moved from the Nikon D7200 to the Z5. It has proven to be a good move. I'm into heritage-listed buildings and I have the Nikon Z 14-30 F4 S on the Z5. I am anxiously waiting for the Z 24-105 S lens. Getting the Z5 enabled me to move into a full-frame camera, access great lenses and retain the dual card slots at a good price. Coming from an electronics background there are only two types of storage device - those that have failed and those that will! Besides, I have been known to walk out the door with one of the SD Cards still in my laptop! Thank goodness for the spare. I love my new system.
The Z5 is a great value. I'd have no issue using it as a second body. I feel it's underrated.
I think for its price point it is a great all rounder. Cheers Matt :)
The best review i could find over UA-cam
The star trail is probably caused by the camera shake. Based on the 500 rule, 500/50mm = 10 seconds. So if you shot that on 2 seconds, it was probably the Camera Shake and not the Earth Rotation.
Thank you. 😀
@@MattIrwinPhotography Camera shake hands down. I primarily shoot astrophotography with my Z50, upgrading to a Z6 soon.
Matt, one thing for you to try and share, as cityscape photographer, is multi-shot stacking. This is the poor man's variant of pixel shift shooting.
Set exposure, ISO, focus all manually, disable IBIS, frame your (focused) shot and fire, say, 20 shots. No tripod, if possible. Holding the camera as steady as possible, there will be marginal framing differences but these shifts cater for the pixel shift our camera does not have.
Change as little as possible in LR, select the whole bunch and export to PS as layers. Align the layers and create a single image from that. Between the layers, you may have cars, birds or pedestrians in one and not there in another and you have to sort that out. When you collapse the layers into one image, PS allows you to give the target resolution (frame size). Compressing 20 shots into one image of 4 times the size and this does a much better job than upscaling. You will see less noise and more sharpness. Now I write this, I would want to know still if this could also upsample to 32 bits in the process, and thus reveal details that we weren't even aware of in the first place.
I bumped up from a Z50 to a Z5. I had the Z50 for about a year at that point and within the space of 2 months I took as many pictures on my Z5 as i had in a year with the Z50. I absolutely love it and if it weren't for the price point I wouldn't have been able to move up to the full frames. I plan on getting a Z7 or Z7ii to complement it after I've built out my lenses a bit (since I only have the 50mm 1.8 right now) and I'll have the perfect setup for myself at that point.
I've started doing some vlogging and after comparing a few systems (such as a Fuji XT3 or XT4 and a couple Canons) I figured for the size and weight I'd be much better off with another Z body. An XT3/4 plus the kit lens weighs the same as aa full frame Z plus the 24-70 f4 or 14-30 f4 so its much easier to just have a Z5 for my video (I prefer 1080p60) and a Z7 for my primary stills cam.
I love my Z5! Using adapted with the 50mm 1.8g and native 24mm 1.8s. Low light has been just fine. I’m an enthusiast and hobbyist, probably exactly who this is geared towards. Now we just need to wait for more 3rd party lenses.
I heard z5 has focus issues on low light situation, is it true ?
@@rishikksh20 yo también leí mucho que la z5 tiene problemas de enfoque y es lento enfocando.
Nice summary video Matt. I truly believe this is an excellent full-frame entry camera and probably a good compliment to some Z6/7 users. For me, I will likely compliment my Z7 (when it arrives!) with my D500 when weight is not a big issue, and down the road I hope Nikon brings an ultra-compact full-frame to market. That would be an excellent back-up for go-light situations.
Such a great video once again, well presented and non of the Fox News style sensationalism. Highly recommended channel. Would love to have a Z6ii and a Z5 as a second body, although a used Z6 would be better as prices are similar! 🤤
i specialize in astrophotography, mainly deep space but some nightscapes too. I’ve tried some handheld nightscapes with the z6 too for the record, it’s quite fun! 1/3 of a second you’re going to get pretty much no star trailing at 50mm, so that level of trailing is certainly from you, a human being, not being made of stone. the z series’ stabilization isn’t the best in the industry, but if you just hold down the shutter and fire off 10 1” shots, i’ve found at least one or two of the photos to be tack sharp on the stars at 40mm f/1.4
Got it today on Sale US 1K , I will send feedback. Looks better than my Fuji or Sony all crop cameras, just the handling hope the image quality is fantastic
Congratulations, I can't wait to hear how you go, what are you using for lenses? Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography Got the 24-70F 4 S line lens to start. If I like the system next will be 14-30 F4 and will get Z 6 2 when on sale for low light , think sensor is a bit better BSI for low light shots. On my list 200-600MM hope will be @5.6 like they have the F 200-500 for 1400 it's a killer. I know a few people trash cameras on UA-cam but they just talk bla,bla bla but don't show any photos so I stopped watching.
Thank you for this very detailed video! I am a DSLR user and I plan to upgrade to mirrorless soon. Since I am only a hobbyist, I think the Z5 would be great for me
Two card slots is nice but I mainly shoot tethered.
And I still hate SD cards.
One point no-one seems to mention is that Nikon colour science seems even better in the Z cameras.
Exposure for the moon is the same as daylight - try about 1/125 sec exposure at f11 and ISO 100 (expect stars to disappear)...
There are certain some disadvantages compared to z6 such as slower sensor readout so the electronic shutter cant be used as good as on z6. For example the last portrait shot I did with z5/6 with el shutter, i had around 10-15 frames out of 400 with ripple effect due to the slower readout sensor speed of the z5 compared to 0 out of 500 on the z6. Not that 10/400 is a bad result, but I cant be 100% confident the picture will be perfect with el shuter. I will use mechanial shutter on important portrait photoshoots/or take some bursts to ensure there wont be such ripple effect. Also I have noticed a bit of a lag after taking the picture compared to z6. But its negligible. But for the price its the perfect camera. Couldt be happier as a companion to my z6.
Have had a D5000 since it came out. Ready to grab a Z 5!
Same! I’m trying to decide between the z5 and z6
After ridiculously belaboring my decision, I ended up just grabbing a Z50 with the two lens kit. I bought extra accessories with the cost savings like a small rig, joby tripod, extra memory card, and lots of filters, etc. No regrets after a few months!
Camera manufactures label cameras as entry level and amateur. Friend of mine has made a decent living using a Sony A6000. BBC uses iPhones for many of its mobile reports. Want superior video capabilities have a look at the iPhone 12 Pro line. Anyway, I think the Z5 is a wonderful camera I'd not hesitate to use it in the field.
I forgot to give a little praise ,I love your videos find them insightful. Enjoy watching them unlike some of the other reviewers who are at the present time very toxic toward Nikon.
I was so long for the Z 50mm 1.8 to replace the 50mm 1.8G. And now Amazon AU is selling the Z5 at AU$1390. It makes me jump the ship from dslr to the mirrorless. So happy with the results.
Its 2 yrs later and they are $1870. Incredible.
I am struggling with making a decision on a new Nikon so this video is a great help. I think you have convinced me to go with the Z5 instead of the Z6II.
I would love to know your thinking Richard :) Cheers Matt :)
@@MattIrwinPhotography Thanks for the response. My first camera was a Nikkormat and I have been using Nikons since then. I have been thinking about getting a new Camera and trying a Z. Like anything else buying a camera use to be easy but now not so much because of the speed of turnover. I was focussed on the Z6II but now I am thinking of the Z5 as I do not shoot video and the price difference is significant. Right now in Canada you can get a Z5 for $1600.00 including the kit lense and the FTZ adapter plus another $150.00 back in a gift card. Oh yeah, and the Z6II is in back order, plus I am worried that as soon as I buy Nikon will release new models. Camera stores here just reopened on Saturday because of the pandemic so I have to go in and hold the actual cameras in my hands. When I do make a decision I will advise. Thanks for the videos and all the info they provide. Mirrowless is certainly the future.
@@richardrankin7488 Awesome, Richard, yeah well the cost difference is worth considering, and what sort of stills do you mostly photograph? :)
@@MattIrwinPhotography my photography is all outdoors, landscapes wildlife, etc. Now after reviewing comments posted I really am convinced that the Z5 is going to satisfy my needs.
@@MattIrwinPhotography so I ended up buying the Z5. Your comments concerning it along with those of many of your viewers helped me greatly in making that decision. A big thanks to you and your viewers.
I'm considering picking up a Z5 as a backup body to my Z6ii - helpful vid, thanks Matt!
Good choice! Although I have just seen some refurbished Z6 cameras from Nikon for very affordable prices, that might be another good option. Cheers Matt
As always, another great review. I’m currently using the Z5 and absolutely love it.
Thank you for your fair review!
John My pleasure, which lenses do you use with it? Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography I’m currently using the 35mm 1.8. It’s so versatile, I’m thinking about getting the 85, loved the images that you were able to get with it.
Regardless of detailed specs of the forthcoming ‘Z9’ the only thing Nikon really need to do is provide a camera which removes the question “should I but a Z or a DSLR”. It needs to be an all rounder which Nikon DSLR owners will want to jump over to, supporting Nikon’s statement of concentrating the future on mirrorless. It doesn’t need to match the exact specs of the Sony A1 or Canon R5, but it does need much better tracking AF with zero blackout in the hi-res EVF.
FRPC and BRP (fibre reinforced polycarbonate and glass bead reinforced plastics) are extremely good for some applications - they are more impact resistant and also with BRP more wear resistant than most magnesium alloys. What they DON'T do well is form stability, i.e making parts with very small tolerances. In many applications, I would happily chose CRP over any magnesium casting.
Excellent review Matt! The Z5 has never really been on my radar as I had the Z6 and D850 (now traded in on new Z-mount lenses and the Z7 II). I might make a return trip to it one of these days on the used market though. Might be a nice edition as a second camera. I've never really cared that much about the dual card slots as the XQD/CF Express has been more than adequate for my needs - even in just the single card slot configuration. You captured some pretty sweet images hand-held though. Always amazes me what IBIS can provide these days! Hope things are well in your world. Cheers.
After about three weeks of using both the D850 (BSI) and the Z5 (non-BSI) I think I prefer the look of the non-BSI sensor look.
Agreed - the Z 5 is excellent value. Imagine this in a portrait studio with the Z 85/1.8S and that would totally work. If you shoot color calibration shots for each sequence (spurt) of shots with different light with a Color Checker Passport in the frame, then you can easily do critical fashion shoots with the Z 5 and 85, 50, 35, or 24 primes.
You may likely shoot one or a couple shots every 1.5 seconds as the model changes pose and never saturate the frame buffer. Shooting raw to one and JPEG to the other slot, or tethering the camera, you are covered for all demands.
In wedding photography, I would bring it as a backup body, if that was my bread and butter.
Sports that has a chaotic character to the photographer is a big question mark and Nikon has always had the single digit D cameras for that.
Thank you Matt for the information on the Z5. Very interesting how the camera companies are still trying to maintain their share of every aspect of the camera market. I moved from, the D810 and D750 to the Z6II. I find the FTZ adapter works great with allmy F mount lenses. Slowly I will purchase the newer lenses. Thank you, as always for your review and the positive information.
I have Z5. Now I need memory cards, extra battery and more zoom. Nice review!
@Coo Koo I was just thinking that too. I don't remember what's the official information but I guess a spare battery is needed for full day of photography.
In Canada there is a price difference of $1000 on body of Z5 vs. Z6ii in 2022, so if a person doesn't need high fps, nor full screen 4K, and if full screen HD is sufficient with cropped 4K, than the Z5 is an absolute bargain and sensor is very good indeed for photos and occasional video. The work around for 4K crop at 1.7, is to use DX lenses like Z 16-50mm or a DX 10-20mm with adapter which gives almost a 1:1 pixel video readout of 4K from DX (1.5x) region of the sensor. I would mainly use the full screen HD mode, but I could do occasional B roll 4K using lenses like this to get wide angle. So yes, on a budget this camera can do 4K okay (the higher Z6 models are just a bit better in 4K video in detail).
Just bought the z6 ii and thinking I'll get the z5 as a backup (wedding photography). It seems great for the price and I don't need to buy more CFexpress cards which would be great! I think this camera is going to be way under estimated for what it is. I am still surprised it has IBIS in it. Current back up is the D750 and having F and Z glass seems silly but I'll do that until there's enough income to justify the Z5 and more Z glass.
The problem is everyone wants the latest and greatest, in a few years we’ll be complaining about the Z9.
Cheers Matt, this video and the one from Theoria Apophasis on the Z5 have convinced me. My set up is D850 and D750 as a back up, the Z5 will be my intro into the Z series and mirrorless in general. Hope that my existing lenses from both Nikon and Tamron will work well with FTZ. This will give me the opportunity to start work on some video content creation and my other cameras will for now feel that gap for any wildlife or sports photography that may come my way.
thank you for taking the time Sir!!!
Always pleasure listening to you and watching your videos. Cheers mate!
Got a Z5 initially when they came out for many reasons. $1200 with FTZ on their promo. Decided to go the slightly used Z7 route for upcoming trips (if Covid lets me, Canada still closed), so threw in 40% more for it. Thought the FF video was cropped on Z5, just learned on this vid that was only 4K. Love my Z mounts, a notable jump up from D810 to the Z7 - but this vid makes me pause with decision. Darn it, they are ALL good! Cheers, Matt
Wow great price JR :) The last two months I have been working more with the Z6 II and I prefer the extra resolution of the Z7, so I will get a Z7 II or wait for the Z8 (?) Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography My Z7 will become the Z8 upon release is plan. The Z6 with updates is stellar for most everything, using it for my streaming with great results. New S glass is amazing, waiting on my backordered 50 f1.8 S ($500 New Years sale price). Your Z5 illustrations quite impressive, persuasive for F-encesitters to upgrade from D750 to Z.
I think the Z5 will be my first foray into the Z coming from D750 and D850. Been hesitant but I think this will compliment my main workhorse D750 and take the advantage of the Nikon mirrorless world.
I’m interested of z6II, I guess I will buy it very soon. I’ll be able to shoot video with a Z6 and a a Z6II as a multi camera session...and for stills I will use more the Z6II having a better autofocus and offering me long exposure over 30 sec without remote control. It seems that I can get a like new Z6II in exchange to some f mount lenses that I don’t use. Maybe the next step could be to change the z6 to a z7 to have also a more megapixel camera. In any case, I use less and less the d850, only for birds...
Z5 is also a great camera but for me, having a z6 I won’t buy it.
At 50mm you should be good for 2 seconds without any star trailing. It is probably camera shake.
Thank you Matt for this review, I was eagerly waiting it. I decided to get the z5 because it will be my first camera , and I think in my case would be a great choice, first to get into the Nikon Z ecosystem with its amazing lenses, and second since it seems fantastic for pictures it is ideal to experience what I like to shoot and with time understand where to go from there. Thanks again!
Matt, Thanks for this. I am about to wade into the mirrorless pool and this video has helped me confirm my decision to go with the Z 5. You have me looking really hard at the 50mm 1.8 for ny use case and budget, I am also thinking of getting the 24-250mm which will give me more reach. Have you any experience with the latter, and would you recommend that for this camera?
Many thanks...
I just bought the Nikon Z5 before Mother's Day in May 2021 for $999 with the 24-50mm kit lens. Got me another 15c battery, camera bag and hand strap. Also bought the 24-200mm F4-6.3 vr zoom lens with two primes F1.8 S lenses 50mm and the 85mm. Love the camera. But I am trying to figure out if I should get the 20mm or 24mm
F1.8 s primes or just buy the Z 14-24mm F2.8 S lens.
My D750 has a terrible scratch on the sensor so I opted to go for the Z5. I prefer the D750 at this point but the salesman did say it would take some getting used to.
I traded my d750 for the z5, im enjoying it
I always enjoy your reviews and this is another great one. I’ve heard of autofocus issues with the Z5. I’m glad you haven’t experienced that.
Hey Matt, great stuffs right there! Thanks a lot! I reckon the « line » or blur you are seeing on you stars shots are motion blur. At 1/3s, I don’t think it’s Long enough to have such long trail, and you were hand held too... steady hands you have!! Cheers!
Thank for letting me know Greg. Cheers Matt
All Z bodies are great but Nikon lacks lens versatality as of now. I would like to have small, light weight pancake prime lenses. Current primes of Z system are too big and bulky.
I don't understand why they keep on saying entry-level , entry level , entry level. I absolutely do feel I am using a professional body , with high end features, coupled with Z lenses it gives insane results , almost same as you will shot with much expensive cameras. I upgraded from D7500, and truly amazed by Z5. I am not doing video stuff , and rarely do action , so this cameras is a bingo for me.
Mostly likely have a Z 5 in the future as a back up camera body when the price is dropped during a seasonal sale; have seen Z 6 bodies going for less than the MSRP of the Z 5 due to time on the market (US market). Would be even great as a general vlog fixed shot body for shooting at 1080p with a $20 periscope mirror attachment.
The only two things there Speaks for the Sony A7c is much better auto focus and the flip screen (not for me), so I will go for the Nikon Z5 if I where new entry level mirrorless market 😊
Cheers Jess
P.S. Or the Sony A7III
Yes the Sony would have better focus in low light and high action and probably longer battery life too .... Cheers Matt
I decline to call this an 'entry level' camera. As a long time image maker (no video) I appreciate it has the things I need an not much else.
I think for upgrades to be truly "meaningful" it would be something like this:
D3xxx/D5xxx -> Z50
D7xxx -> Z5
D610/D750 -> Z6 / Z6 II
D800/D810 -> Z7 II
D850/D500 -> Z7 II or stick with what you have
Really helpful - and great stuff as always. Ta
Glad it was helpful! Cheers Matt :)
Thanks for this great video! I‘ m thinking about a change to mirrorless. its a good option for a change! Safe money here and spend it on better lenses! For me the more successful way.
i think i go with a second hand Z6. then i don't have a cropped video. together with a viltrox 85mm lens i get the cheapest combo to move from f to z.
with selling my old f gear including all the lenses, i get enough money without having to pay extra.
There has been reports of the Z5 missing focus in low light .Could you address this ,check it out.
6:12
NOW PLAYING
WATCH LATER
ADD TO QUEUE
Why I'm Returning My Nikon Z5
Disney Image Makers
•
2.4K views
Hi very nicely explained. But I wish could show some portrait or wedding photos. I just bought Z7ii but getting too much noise in natural lighting. Even with on camera flash at auto iso 3200-6400 also too much grain when you zoom in laptop. So I started to search for low megapixel camera which will be lesser noise. In canon crop sensors M series no grain at all. Could you please explain . Thank you
I'm wondering if Nikon will have a full fledged Z version of the D500 with V-grip capabilities for sports shooters.
Now being strictly a crop sensor shooter since going from film to digital back in 2005, the Z5 and Z6II has peaked my interest in going back into 35mm sensor size (FF). I always like getting the top line offering but the Z5 price and features seems to be the way to go for photography based shooters like myself.
Shooting early Nikon DSLRs then to Fujifilm till present, I have been waiting for the right time to dust off the old Nikkor glass and put them on a capable native mirrorless body... to bad I missed the holiday deals but I have a feeling I should hold off a bit for the possible end of first quarter deals ;)
edit (May 2, 2021)
Well, as I was rewatching this review I had clicked on the "Place Order" for the Z5 w/ FTZ before the video finished, haha. Last day at $1096 US for the kit
I got a z5, i have mixed feelings because of all the reviews and comments of people saying the z6ii is so much better. Makes me feeling like I'm totally missing out. I think i need to stop reading stuff online. 400 euros more for a slightly faster AF and 1 stop more in low light... not justifyable it for me. Yet i am lest wondering, "Is the z6 autofocussing so enormously superior? Does it focus 2-3 times faster and better? I can't seem to find AF speed and sharpness comparison tests.
Just picked one up refurbished as a secondary camera/quick video taker for photojournalism, and if you're a pro it's perfect for that job. My primary camera is a D4S, which still takes much better photos and has better AF, but the Z5 takes more than competent photos (just don't use it in the critical moments where you HAVE to get the shot).
I have been using Z5 and 50mm/1.8
Its image quality is very satisfying.
Is z5 has low light focus issues? Is it able to focus on face or eye at night low light shoot?
AF speed is depended on "F value" in Low light situation.
If AF speed needed, turn "low light AF" off.
In addition, I think Z5 low light AF speed is little bit poor and Z6II is the best Z body.
But Z5 AF at night is satisfactory when using F1.8 lenses.
By the way, I love your "drone" shots of the earth at the end......... :^D
If the Z50 had not come out I'd be looking at the Z5 much harder. As it stands now, I really like the smaller form factor of the Z50, and the image quality is dang good. I do find the SD card in the battery slot very annoying. I DO need the speed the Z6II so I waited for it (and the latest Capture one update was installed last night and it Does process Z6II files!).
Great video Matt. Question..... I'm a portrait photographer just stepping up from enthusiast to (beginner) pro, and I was pretty much sold on the Z6ii as the camera to take me forward. However, your video has given me pause..... Is the Z5 a decent shout, given that it can handle a good deal of the features, but for that substantially lower price? My reasoning for the Z6ii really was the dual Expeed processors, meaning that Nikon can regularly update autofocus (and other features) and keep it future-proofed. But is that really a serious consideration?? Would love to hear your thoughts on this. Cheers, Ian
Really excllent review, thank you. I am dithering about changing to FF from my APDS-C Fuji gear. It has to be worth it for improved higher ISO shooting and image quality as I have two cameras with interchangable lenses (of which there are 2 primes and 4 zooms!!! Biggest is 100-400 and expensive, but gives 600mm equivalent.) I am only a stills shooter....never ever pressed that red button...so video specs are wasted on me!!! I am always being told FF is the way to go, but is it so much better than the top quality APS-C's that Fuji produce? Is the Z5 good enough to warrant a move like this? Thanks again for your first class review
I have the X-T30 with 35mm 1.4 and will keep that set. Keep your fuji gear with primes. FF comes in handy if you want best performances in low light, bigger body and a 2.8 zoom or 1.2/1.8 portraits. Otherwise not worth trading your fuji for nikon z. I am also interested in the Z mount, but not right now. The price will drop in 2 years and there will be nicer lens options. 24-70 2.8 from sigma/tamron maybe and a nice prime lens will be a nice kit to have alongside my small fuji kit.
Hey Matt, I am back after viewing another channel reviewing z5. They used F and z mount lens, how found the Z5 camera was having trouble focusing in low light. Have you experience this problem?
Hi Matt I would like to buy my first gear, I little bit confused with Z50 or Z5 for wedding photography, could you suggest me please.
Gorgeous images Matt, love the colours
Thank you. I really do not do much. We have Nikon to thank for a lot of it, although I do think exposure choice has something to do with it :) CHeers Matt
And colour temperature, which I do consider.
Just one question Matt, when using the Z5 and Z6/7 side by side, did you ever find yourself looking down at the top plate LCD to see where you were in your settings only to realise you need to look at the back LCD or EVF? I've been used to having the top plate LCD in all my Nikon cameras since my D90, and wondered if I might find the lack of one someone that 'stumps me' if using the Z5 as a B-camera to my Z6.
No that did not happen consciously, and with screens that flip, or looking in the eye piece, or simply remembering, just not a issue from my perspective :) As a b - cam you often set and forget, so I wonder if it would be less of an issue ... I would perhaps in your case look for a 2nd hand Z6, that way your experience is identical. Cheers Matt :)
hi. thinking of Z5 while it's on sale. moving up from D700. for my cine I have BMPCC4K with Metabones 0.64x speed booster that gets me close to full frame for vintage lenses. 1.9x x 0.64x booster takes me to 1.2 crop.. not bad for BMPCC4K with BRAW. I'm thinking Z5 then in a year or two maybe a Z8 and skip the Z6ii series.. and have a good still camera now with some video quality while out and about, and when I want to shoot cine I'll use my BMPCC4K with booster or without booster. is that logical? thoughts? this way I can see if I care about the new features of mirroless has over DSLR's.
Muchas gracias por tan buen video. Por favor mecesito consultarle sobre la Z5 y la Z6ii. Muchos fotógrafos de boda han comentado que el enfoque de la z5 es muy lenta y sufre al enfocar en baja luz. Que tan cierto es? Que tan lenta puede ser la z5 a comparación de la Z6ii? Yo necesito una Z para bodas, eventos y retrato. O seria mejor la Z6ii? Aquí en Perú la Z6ii cuesta 38%mas que la Z5.
Is the Z5 for you?
As a second camera, although a used z6 pips it I think. Z5 needs to come further down on price to justify the purchase!
I am looking at a full frame as my next camera and I am not sure which Z I will get. It probably will decided by budget and I think I will be satisfied with which one I do get.
I wanted better low light capabilities so went for the Z6II. But may replace my Z50 with the Z5. Although I’m really enjoying the size of the Z50 for a walk around camera.
Nope. A Z6 II would be my second camera, and I need one so rarely I will probably rent one as needed. Need the better low light capabilities for astro.
It was, I'm very happy with it. 4.5FPS and the low light AF were the primary concerns as my F mount camera is a D750. In real world use I find the Z5 better with glass at F4 and wider, above F4 the D750 does a bit better. As for FPS 4.5 and 6.5 isn't that huge a difference in real-world use. The video is no factor as I'll just use my Iphone 12 pro max for most of that at wider angles, in which case the cropped 4k on the Z5 isn't a big deal. The cameras a joy to use and having the same ergonomics and EVF as the 6/7 is great. SD cards were a plus as I didn't want to buy new cards or readers for laptop/iphone/ipad that I use to share/edit.
Hey Matt great review. Ive just bought my Z5 a few weeks ago so saving up for a Samyang 85mm manual Z lens. I wish I could afford Nikons auto version but I did buy the 24 - 50mm kit lens so really going to use the Samyang for portraits of my daughter. Do you know if there are any accessories I can get for it with regards to mounting it on a tripod so that I dont wear down the thread on the bottomn? Is there a cage with a tripod threat that I can attach to it?? Thanks
The Z5 sounds like a solid general purpose camera at reasonable price point. Compared to its peers is a solid camera. The only issue would see for some is the fps is not terribly fast.
I am not surprised about the D3500 and D5600 as people are migrating to mirrorless cameras though I thought the D5600 might get 1 more refresh.
if you come to singapore for travel Nikons are dirt cheap here it's 1.5k SGD and getting lower by the day
Hi,
Nice review.
I do wildlife photography, want to know how ftz adapter works on nikon 200-500 mostly from auto focus perspective.
Thanks!!!
I have been using the d750 professionally since its release for wedding and commercial photography. Have 3 of them and love that work horse. I'm considering the jump to nikon mirrorless but between 2 factors. Cheaper body (Z5) expensive glass...or expensive body (Z6ii) and expensive glass...The Z5 looks like it ticks all the right boxes as a good upgrade from the D750 and like you said Matt get 95% of the results too.....thoughts anyone?
I have both z5 and d750 and major difference is focusing in low light. D750 is far better. Just go and try them in low light side by side before you buy. Nowadays i am shooting landscapes most of the time, so no big issue for me.
Hi Daniel, certainly the Z6 II will offer low better low light auto focusing performance. Also I would consider the Z6 II with two processors is likely to be pushed further with firmware updates over time, further than the Z5 (probably). For the extra investment as you are a commercial photographer I would go with the Z6 II for the roughly $800 USD difference. I always buy the best my budget can stretch to. To future proof it for as long as possible. Cheers Matt
Those star photos are really tempting me, but 50mm is a little too long for most astrophotography. I'll stick with the excellent 50mm f1.8. Now, if Nikon released a 24mm f1.2… 😬
Yeah Jim, I would like to think Nikon will release all the standard primes in 1.2 over time ... :) Cheers Matt
Hi Matt, looking to maybe replace my full frame d610 that i mostly shoot wildlife with to this Z5, but do you think it also will work with a 200-500 tele lens and birds in flight ?
hello, great video! thank you very helpful. in terms of autofocus for images such as sports or birds which camera is better between the z5 or the d750? in the z5 can you confirm that all the preset scenes or effects have been deleted such as shilouette, high key ...? thanks
Great little camera, I think naming each camera, Z50 as baby, Z5 as little brother, Z6(II) as sister and Z7(II) as brother. Joking aside, I was looking with my Z6 with the old lens of mine, I have that 18-300mm DX, plugging that one would turn my camera into cropped sensor, just to let you know.
Stars: At 1/3 of a second exposure, it's not the earth's rotation. That starts to show up on exposures of 5 seconds or longer.
Nice, I'm doing also video ... but i'm equipped with a Z50 for the moment. To dip a toe on full frame this might be it ... We will see. Thank you for this :) .. Also for the crop in video ... It will affect the depth of field also I guess. It will be just as shooting 4k with Z50 then ?
Pleasure Yann, it is a lot of camera for the price I think : ) Cheers Matt