Nikon may be calling its Z5, the latest release in its Z series, an entry-level camera, but the 24-megapixel, full-frame mirrorless model packs plenty of features for the pro photographer. It’s also a good camera to jump into mirrorless for the first time with.

Borrowing from both the Z6 and Z7, the Z5 offers features like in-body image stabilization up to 5 stops in a compact and lightweight (1.5 pounds) body.

Sealed against dust and moisture, the Z5 is equipped with dual UHS-II SD card slots, a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD and a 3.6 million dot Quad-VGA electronic viewfinder. A new EN-EL15c battery provides about 470 shots using the LCD; 390 shots using the EVF but the camera also accepts other EN-EL15 batteries, albeit with fewer shots per charge. You can power—and operate—the camera through its USB port, even using portable USB power banks (check the Canon site for compatible models).

Its focusing system is comprised of 273 on-sensor AF points with Eye-Detection AF that works with people and animals. The Z5 can capture up to 4.5 frames per second with AE/AF.

While the Z5 doesn’t match the Z6’s video features, the new model is capable of capture 4K/30p, albeit with a 1.7x crop. Drop to full HD and the camera utilizes the entire width of the sensor. And, good news, the Z5 has both microphone and headphone jacks.

Other features and specs include a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000s, silent photography mode, automatic creative modes, 20 Creative Picture Controls, Focus Shift Shooting, multiple exposure mode (with an in-camera image overlay), an interval timer, in-camera time-lapse mode, a hot shoe, webcam abilities, SnapBridge compatibility for wireless transfer/sharing, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity.

Nikon also just announced a compact 24-50mm, f/4-6.3 zoom lens (which at less than 3-inches when retracted is being hailed as “the smallest” FX-format NIKKOR Z lens yet) and two Z teleconverters—the TC-1.4X and TC-2.0X.

The lightweight and relatively affordable NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 zoom is meant to be paired with the Nikon Z5 and primarily targeted at travel and street photographers. Optically, it’s made up of 11 elements in 10 groups, including 2 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements and 3 Aspherical elements, and boasts a minimum focusing distance of 13.7 inches (34.8cm) at any zoom position.

The Z5 is slated to ship in August for $1,400 (body only), $1,700 (with the new NIKKOR Z 24-50mm lens) and $2,200 (body with the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm VR lens). The NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens will be available separately in August for $400. The Z Teleconverters will be available in late August for $550 (TC-1.4X) and $600 (TC-2.0X).

nikonusa.com