Nikon Z5 Gets Gold Award at DPReview (89% Overall Score)

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DPReview published their full in-depth review for the Nikon Z5 full frame mirrorless camera. And this Nikon Z5 gets an impressive 89% overall score and Gold Award from the experts at DPReview.

Nikon Z5 Key Features:

  • 24.3MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor
  • EXPEED 6 Image Processor
  • UHD 4K and Full HD Video Recording
  • 3.6m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
  • 3.2″ 1.04m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
  • 5-Axis Sensor-Shift Vibration Reduction
  • ISO 100-51200, Up to 4.5 fps Shooting
  • Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  • Dual SD UHS-II Card Slots

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.

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

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

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  4. Nikon Z7 II Gets Silver Award at DPReview (89% Overall Score)