Nikon Z5 + Z 24-50mm First Look with Sample images. 

Hey Everyone ! Well the Z5 is here along with the 24-50mm, I was actually really surprised by the picture quality of the 24-50mm lens. I certainly can not wait to get some more detailed in depth comparisons done. Thanks so much for watching ! any questions ?

Wasn't expecting to see this when I pulled up RU-vid today. But here we are!

Ricci ;) Another fantastic video - I've been into Nikon for a long time (I also used to shoot Sony - in the recent past), and have a D850 and a Z6 - I have to say my Z6 has been getting the most use lately as it's a pleasure to shoot with. I'll be replacing my D850 with the Z7s when it comes out. I'm looking forward to you getting that Z5 production unit as you have the best lens comparisons on the net - they are done right. I have a lot of Z glass now - and the optics are so good that is the primary reason my D850 hasn't gotten as much use - the lenses are that good (as I'm sure you know). Take good care and all the best - Chris from Canada.

100% agree that the Z5 is for the D600/D610/D750 users that want to get into Nikon's mirrorless line without breaking too much bank with the Z6 and Z7. It definitely looks like a camera for stills versus for videos too! On the plus side, you can still use 'G' lenses with the FTZ adapter too! Great video Ricci! Can't wait to see more comparisons with the Z5 and the 24-50!

Hi Ricci, thanks for the video. I would love to see that comparison between the 24-50mm and the 24-70mm f4.

A little reduction in price (sale or rebate) and this camera will become the perfect entry level full frame camera. Very good sensor (probably the same as D750), brilliant ergonomics and build quality, dual UHS 2 card slots, brilliant EVF, very good weather sealing, IBIS. There is very little lacking in this camera for a beginner or even a medium to advanced user. Get some good glass with it and the results you can get is going to be awesome!!

I think Nikon nailed it with the Z5, and keeping the form factor is smart. Any idea if the EN-EL15C will allow external powering via USB-C on the Z6/7?

Great video as always. One question: Does the Z5 have any contacts on the bottom in case of any future battery grip?

Great to see Nikon is focusing on the entry level segment of the market. This is a great second camera and a perfect alternative for the Canon eos rp. Access to the z glass at an entry level price will be really great for new mirrorless users.

Ricci - I've done some extensive testing on my Nikon F to Z glass myself. Video idea for you while you're waiting on the Z5 release (if it suits your fancy) - test a 50mm Nikon F mount F1.4 to the new Z Mount F1.8 50mm. I actually have the Sigma Art F1.4 F mount lens and my Z Mount 1.8 is even better optically. I don't think people realize how good the Z glass really is - even though your tests also speak for themselves, and I have confirmed some of your results - so bravo, and I'm sure it's good to see confirmation from another photographer with a different version of the same lens. Anyway have a fantastic evening and that's for the Vid my friend! Chris.

Great video. Liked and subscribed. I will be getting a Z5 today comes with the same 50mm kit lens. I do have my own older nikon 50mm f1.8 lens and a few other older nikon lenses from my old D series nikon I'd like to utilize in my kit until newer z lenses become available to me. Just wondering where and what mount I should get to make that happen. Cheers

Thank you Ricci. As always a very calm and informative walkthrough. I've recently got into the Z system (and in fact to Nikon cameras) with the Z7. I tried the Z6 first and found that I really wanted a higher res sensor without the AA filter so decided the Z7 was the best route for me. However, there are two things which the Z7 miss - SD card slots and USB power operation. A bit frustrating that it's the "entry level" model that gets these better features! Quick question for you though - does the Z5 have an AA filter? Oh, and does it do Focus Shift?

I am really glad that Nikon have had the balls to release an actual PHOTOGRAPHY camera rather than a hybrid thing like everyone else is doing. I am a firm believer that this type of cameras, with this body ergonomics, lenses and all are made for photographers. There are dedicated video cameras if you want to do video. I am an amateur photographer and really couldn't care less about video, so i am glad to be able to pay less for a device that's actually suited for my goals. Sadly, it's still extremely expensive and apparently in EU it won't be sold as body-only. Still, the Z5 will probably eventually be the upgrade for my D7000... One day, when i could find it 2nd hand and afford it.

Great review / preview, thanks! After reviewing the Z5's specs, I'm staying with my plan to pick up a Z6 this year for my first full frame body. The Z5's lower fps, lack of 120 video, and somewhat negligible price difference made this an easy decision. The Z5 looks great, but for my needs the Z6 is a better fit.

I’ve been shooting with a Panasonic GX7 for nearly 7 years, but with the future of m43 in question I’ve been eyeing other systems and I’m really impressed with the Nikon Z lenses. I feel like for my purposes the 50mm f/1.8 and the 24-200mm lenses would be the only lenses I would really need and the Z5 looks to be a great camera to pair them with.

Usually I watch your videos immediately when they come out but since watching Grays of Westminster Live Streams and you with your expertise on one of the episodes I bought the Z5 April 2021. Updated the firmware to 1.10. Fantastic camera but I shot a video at 24p@4k and I do not think that was cropped. Question is why 30p instead of 24p for videos?

Thank you and really enjoy the vids. If I'm only interested in stills, would recommend a z5 or Z6, z7? Thank you for your insight!

Amazing! It's not just a rumour! The Z5 is real! I'm still far to happy with my Z6 to think about a new camera at the moment, but this looks like a great little camera. I love how they kept the button layout the same. When I eventually replace my B camera, it will be nice to have the same interface as my main camera.

Love the City shots at night. How did you keep people off the wobbly bridge though?

I’m seriously digging this body. Along with a Z50 I’d have pretty much all of my bases covered. I’d have really loved it if their batteries were the same, but ah well, just the relief of not having to deal with XQD cards is enough to tempt me.

Just bought the Z5 with that tiny kit lens. Loving it! But how did you get an F8 on that kit lens?

Blown away by the night shots....incredibly clean and sharp

Seems like a Z5 might be my ticket to full frame from the Z50!

Dear Ricci, once again another review that is not only comprehensive, but thoroughly worth watching. You nearly stole me from the Z6 which I dearly want for video; considering how many RU-vid subscriptions I have that shoot their Vlogs on the Z6 (that's gotta account for something-yeah?) your field photos of the wildlife are super and the fact that you include all the settings on screen is just superb. Thankfully yours Pete

Great review. This will be my upgrade from a D7200. I'd really like to pair it with the 24-70, but your review on the 24-200 has me thinking. What do you think???

Excellent review! I think this camera will have a huge success on the market. As a z6 user I'm seriously interested in that compact lens.

Helpful video, thanks! I wonder how the autofocus compares to a D750, in terms of speed, tracking, and low light.

Waiting for the comparisons of this sensor to the Z6 sensor for photography only.

I’m more curious how the 24-50 compares to the 16-50 dx kit lens in the Z50

Was going to get the z5 24 -200 kit instead of the 24-50, but after seeing these pictures u produced on the 24-50 is amazing. Would u say the 24-200 is better in terms of image quality?

Jumped from D750 to Z6 and the Xqd card was a high price to pay for both card and cardreader. If this Z5 camera was released earlier I would problaby take it, that said I just love the xqd card now when I have used it and with the card reader it's so damn fast to get files on to my computer. I think in the end I made the right choice to go with Nikon Z6.

Nice review. Z5 looks like mirrorless version of D750 with good af in video mode. The thing I don't like is Sd card because got spoiled with xqd and if buy Z5 have to carry different types of memory cards( many people would find SD cards better solution though) . One question. If we put new battery in Z6, will it also be able to charge while using like Z5?

La Z5 ya es un clásico. No hablen más de cámara de entrada!!!!! La Z5, Z6 y Z7 conforman una trilogía!!!!!

Hey Ricci, Any more content concerning the Z5 coming? I.e. the comparison to the Z6? Love your Videos!

My guess about that 24-50 f4-6.3: There might be people who are interested in having a small lens (for traveling), BUT would they be satisfied with 50 mm f6.3? I guess, that lens is just a "hey look, we can do small lenses, too"-lens.

To be honest, this is the camera body I've been waiting for. I'm a current d750 user. I want the pancake lenses to pair with this body, Nikon.🙏 I hope the low noise iso performance is better than that of the d750; because I shoot Weddings.

Thanks Ricci for your video, quick question in video mode (1.7x crop FF) is there a DX crop option available ? - and what crop is there on top of the DX mode (e.g., 1.1x, etc).

Hello Ricci, Lovely image of London it makes the city look like somewhere nice.... Great image of the city. The camera look good two. I think someone else asked a question about connection on the bottom of the camera I see rumours of the Z7s, Z6s having a fully functioning battery grip? if so has this camera got any connections? or shall we just waite and see. One more great video thank you.

I am a hobbyist photographer. I currently own the Nikon D7200 and the Z50 with kit lens. I been happy with APSC cameras so far. Actually I like to see a D500 replacement with IBIS and two card slots. Not sure I need to move to FF body.

HI, I need help :) I currently have a Nikon D7500 with a couple of basic DX lenses and considering moving to mirrorless before i invest in any lenses. I used to shoot a 5d Mk2 for weddings and fashion, i had a bike accident a few years back and fractured my spine (all good now) but i was off work for some time and had to sell all of my gear to cover my time off from my day job. I'm just getting back into it as a hobby with my D7500 which i bought around 18 months ago. So my choices at the mo are the Z5 or A7ii, then slowly invest in glass and upgrade the body down the line. Sorry about the back story, just trying to explain the point i'm at lol. Mainly shoot portraits, street day and night and general walk around. My budget is tight so what would you suggest out of the A7 ii and z5? Thank you

Thanks for this and I will now look into upgrading from my 7100 to the Z5 as I don't need video. Just not sure whether to go for the kit with the smaller lens and FTZ adapter or splash out and get the 24-200mm and the ftz adapter?

Z5 is really great. Plus the kit lens gives you everything you need if you are a stills oriented. It has a great sensor and I yet have to see a Z lens that is not sharp and good. Another great combo is Z5 with 40mm f/2. Great for street, portaraits, landscapes...It is so sharp at f/4, and has a beautifull character wide open... I got some beautifull photos from that combination. Great little camera for the price 😊

Hi Ricci, great video. Going to get the Z5 kit to use my manual Ais lenses. But a question. Will Nikon release a more compact updated FTZ adaptor? The current one looks :-(

Stunning I'm sold...look at the night photography...in- ce- di- ble..!!. Damn..Nikon pulled out ALL THE STOPS...!!!🎲🍎♥️♥️😉🌞☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

Great video as usual. Quick question: Would an f/6.3 on a larger Z mount camera brighter than an f/6.3 on an F-mount camera? That seems to be what Nikon is saying but I don't know enough about camera optics to say - and that's not my understanding of the meaning of f-stops.

Best Nikon reviewer! Excellent review! I think when the z mount 24-105 f/4 will come out and provided that the z mount glass is of great quality, it will be the perfect combo with the Z5 for landscape work! I'll be waiting for the high ISO tests against the Z6 though. Things are getting very interesting for Nikon shooters!

finally entry level for fullframe mirrorless, but still need cheap lens for mirror less camera and more variant

Ricci - do you extended low ISO's on your Z6/Z7? I've been using extended low on my Z6 and its been amazing for low noise shadow recovery and I'm wondering if you have noticed the same? Best regards from Canada! Chris.

great video ! , i would like to know , what will be the best set up, in terms of AF speed and picture quality ? The Z7 + FTZ + TC14eIII + 500mm f5,6 PF or , The Z7 + Z1,4x + FTZ + 500mm f5,6 PF ?? , so will this new Z system TC be better , leaving the F mount in this combined system at a earlier stage the better choice ? Wiil you do this test one day??

As always, a comprehensive and informative review. Thanks! Now to get a personal hands-on experience...

Hi Rocci, are both timelapse modes (intervalometer and inbody 4k) there? Same features in them as in Z6? What about 4k timelapse mode, is that full frame + dx or only 1.7x ? Thanks

Thank you, one basic question, can I use Nikon DSLR flash on Nikon z5

Ricci did you experience problems on low ligth Focus on this model?

Ricci You're the man when it comes to Nikon, really appreciate you sharing this with usI I can honestly say that after thirty years with Nikon I've not once thought about changing, Nikon always deliver the goods, ok it may mean waiting sometimes but we should be realistic and realise we can't always have everything at once! The future's bright, the future is Nikon! Cheers. PS I've been using XQD cards since I got one free with my D4s in 2014, I've not had a single problem with XQD ever but to be honest two card slots does give peace of mind !

How would you compare the 4K video from the Z5 vs Z6?

I like the mode dial location, looks like it would allow for quick, one handed operation, without an annoying locking button like on the 6 and 7. I wish camera makers would allow the locking button to be disabled, it just needlessly slows down operation for people that handle their cameras intentionally, and carefully.

Hello! I’m looking to make the jump into a full frame camera and I was considering buying the D750 but now Im thinking of buying the Z5 instead. However, my heart was set on buying the sigma 1.4 35mm art lens with the D750, but now with the Z5 I see that Nikkor Z 1.8 35mm is also an option. I know that with the sigma lens I would have to purchase the adapter and it’s much heavier but it is cheaper since the Z series cameras are now being sold with the adapter as a bundle for $50. Which one would you recommend? Is there a huge difference between both lenses?

Dear Ricci, it's a very help full video. I like still shooting and since long I've been looking for a full frame camera that does not put so much video features increasing the price. I have to cough up a lot of money for those features which I would never use. Now comes z5. Somehow, it may be perfect for me. I would be happier if they had put one CF Express and one UHS II card. However, it's OK. Now please tell me what will be future of XQD card since it's hardly being used in newer cameras. Will there be any update so that CF Express card can be used in z6?

Hi Ricci! Just curious if Nikon will send you the new Z mount teleconverters for review? I'm considering the 2x with the 70-200 f/2.8. A lightweight 400mm system at f/5.6 is appealing to me, given the edge-to-edge sharpness of the lenses thus far. If the teleconverters preserve the sharpness, I might be in the market for one.

Hello. What do you think, is it a good camera for street photography ?

Wish this had been announced in Nikon rumors a month ago when i decided to buy a Z6. The Z5 pretty well hits all my boxes and I loved the Z50 DX16-50 lens. Would love to see a comparison between the pancake lenses since Z6 owners have been picking up the DX lens for travel and now we have this option instead.

Thank you! I would still be interested in the 24-50 vs 24-70 comparision! :)

Did your pre-production Z5 have the new battery? I had heard that you can charge it via USB-C while it is being used. Did you try that?

How and where do you turn on low light autofocus in the Z6? Thanks in advance.

nice video, but I notice the Z 24-70 f 4 is NOT on this body? is this(24-50) the NEW kit lens, ie is this replacing the 24-70 f 4 ? or just another option, ie can this fit the z 6\z 7 as well, and what are your thoughts about this. there are now several options for 'general' lenses, 24-70 ( f 2.8/f 4 ) , 20,35,50,85 and the zoom 14-50 as well as the all in one 24-200?, but as there is such a choice which one would you recommend as a first 'kit' lens for the bodies ( 5/6/7) and as further purchases, as they are similar focal lengths. would make a great topic for a future video.

Is the Z5 the exact same size than the Z6? In your side-to-side comparison it looks like that the gap between grip and lens is smaller on the Z5 but that could be the viewing angle ... and does the IBIS make a noise as soon as the camera is switched on or is it silent? In Germany a Z5 kit costs more than a Z6 kit.

Hi! Is there any news/rumors when 24-105 will be released? Thanks

How does the new 24-50mm kit lens compare with comparable lenses and primes (both F & Z-mount)? Thanks!

Hi, 2 questions . First , since i much prefer to shoot in burst mode without blackout , it is that number that is important to me . Is the 4.5 fps that way or even slower ? Second, even if it is an entry level body, it is also a second generation one . Did you find anything that is improved over the Z6 (besides the price) ?

Hi Ricci, thanks for the showcase. I own and use a Nikon Z6 for landscape, time lapse and panorama photography and I was wondering if the charge while shooting feature over USB will be available to the Z6/Z7 over a firmware update. I believe this should be possible because the hardware is very similar inside the Z5, Z6 and Z7 cameras (unless Nikon added something which enables this in the Z5). Would like to know your thoughts. Thank you!

I already have the 24-70 f4 but after seeing how small it is and the relatively low cost I may have to get the 24-50.

Great vid. Thanks for doing it. Looks like a great camera. Whilst watching this vid I am now more convinced that I want a Z6 haha. The reasons didn't move from my D750 is dual card slots mainly and the expense as I think the D750 is an amazing camera. The Z6 video features have been renowned for a while now so I was really looking forward to getting into that. I, however, don't do much video with it today. Is there a reason mI should get rid of my D750 to get this body? (+1 sub by the way!)

Me encanta tu forma de hacer la reseña. Creo que es la que más tranquilo me ha dejado, por su tipo de pruebas.

It is fine? Nikon should include the adapter as a package to use with F mount lenses.

I think it is a good start Nikon's Z serie cameras. I'd buy it then invest on Nikon's S serie lenses until improved new Z serie camera (dual slot 7s or 8?) is available.

Ricci, really love the z5, but that kit lens holds zero interest for me. Can you talk Nikon into offering the s24-70 f/4 lens as a kit option with it for $600 additional like they do for the z6 and z7 kit offerings? Like i suspect many others, i don’t /won’t part with $1,000 for it as a stand alone purchase. Thanks, Craig

Thanks for the info, inquiry, is the Z6 BSI CMOS sensor superior? in relation to the sensor of the Z5 (CMOS). Could it influence image quality?

The size of the 24-50 finally makes the full frame cameras an alternative to the Z50 when it comes to portability. I'd love a comparison.

The Z5 is oh so close to being the mirrorless D750 but again, no battery grip and just 4.5fps. Looks like I'll have to look to the Z6mkII to fulfill those missing aspects. Otherwise I'm liking the Z5, two card slots makes it viable to professional use and IBIS is a great addition.

Hi Ricci ... can you kindly check if it will be possible to power the Z6 via the USB port if the Z6 used with the EN-EL15c? I am certain that you will soon be showing a comparison between the Nikkor 24-70mm f4 S and the 24-50mm f/4.6.3. Will you be able to continue the 70-200mm range comparison between the Nikkor 24-200mm f/4-6.3 vs the Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G and the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E? This may a great help for those who thinking of getting the Z5 with the 24-200mm kit.

Interesting lens. It looks like they decided on compactness vs speed. Even a 24-50 f4 would have been acceptable if size remained small.

The lens would be welcome if it can take care of the moderate wide angle zone . I mean by that great IQ corner to corner at 28 and 35mm at its best aperture that can be F8 or even F11 .

Hi Ricci, thanks for another interesting review. I was particularly i terested in the teleconverters. I see the cost about 65ü€, not cheap. I then started thinking of an alter ative. Would it not be better just to buy a Z50, o e would have 1,5x from crop, still a 24 MP photo and not lose a stop of light. The quality wouldn't be mu h worse than the Z6. What are your thoughts?, I'd be interested to know your feelings.

I like Nikon planned X5 as photo centric camera than current trend of high fps video. But they should have given us atleast 8 fps shooting for photo. Currently I use D3300, its autofocus instill is great until you use single point AF, every time i have to select AF points is little bit inconvenient in wedding photography. Was considering Sony for there fantastic AF & current len lineup. But damn Z5 is making me change decision. Will the APS-C DX lens work well with this Z5? I have 18-55(fantastic), 35f/1.8(Superb) 55-200 VR1 (less sharp than 18-55). I use to 18-55 & 35 a lot, 90% of time. So will these work on Z5?

The main reason to be Interesse are the sd cards ... The new card format would cost me hundreds of euros to have enough to take on a trip and that’s where i mostly shoot

Hi, i am a Z50 user and i think about upgrading to full frame. I am especially interested in better low light capabilities (even though the Z50 is pretty good in low light for an APC Camera^^). So i am really excited about the Z5 and i would like to know how good it is in low light. In particular i would like to know if its worth upgrading or if i should upgrade to a Z6 instead. The Z5 Video Specs are more then enough for me but the fact that it has no BSI sensor may be a reason to buy a Z6 instead. I am really not sure how much impact BSI has on the low light capability on a 24MPixel full frame sensor. I am really looking forward to your video comparing the cameras in low light and i hope you might consider to include the Z50 into the comparison ;)

Could you tell us if Nikon 200mm f/4 AI and 50 mm f/1.2 AI will work properly with FTZ adapter? Of course I mean the metering and focus confirmation.

that shot at 9:56 you can see stars, and speaking of stars I like the points of light starburst on this one as well. Bit of a slow lens but seems compact as hell, PLEASE test this lens on a Z7 as well

Very impressed by the image quality of the lens when stopped down to f18!

Hi Ricci, I saw strange ISO values (110, 900..) in your sample photos. Can you explain?

Will there be more video noct 58mm f/.95 Its a rare lens! I couldn't find more content about it!

I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 Mirrorless Micro 4/3 Would I see much of a difference in picture quality?

I'll be watching fo that 24-50 v 24-70f4 comparison video! It is worth noting the LOW/dated EV performance rating on the Z5. I noticed the -1 EV difference using my Z50 and z5 side-by-side in a room with soma natural light (EV5.) A few other users noticed this too, but only those who had two Z bodies. I think most of the reviews (not this one) were focused on tracking and eye AF. I certainly liked the images out fo the Z5 more than the Z50 overall. I like that the ergonomics matches the Z50 a little better, but having the OPTION to have play/delete on the right would be ideal IMO. I ended up going with the Z6II (for the shutter response, sound, and feel alone,) and couldn't be happier. Z5 -2.0 EV with low-light -3.0 EV (D7200/D750) Z50 -2.0 EV with low-light -4.0 EV Z7 -2.0 EV with low-light -4.0 EV (Z7II/D500/D5/D850) Z7II -3.0 EV with low-light -4.0 EV Z6/Z6II -3.5 EV with low-light -6.0 EV D6 -4.5 EV

This is the first time I'm pretty stoked for a new camera, because it means further reduction of price in the D750 and I could probably get the Z5 for said DSLR's current price, or I hope

Hi Ricci, great video as always. I own the Z6 and the Z7. But there is something that I do not absolutely understand with the new cameras released by Nikon recently. Why does Nikon not implement this fully articulating screen which everyone wants, at least for Nikon’s high end cameras or at the very least for its video camera, the Nikon Z6? We are in the 21st century and with the strong development of vlogging and social media, Nikon should have already implemented this fully articulating screen with the Z6 and Z7 in 2018. In my opinion, Nikon really makes a very big mistake. In the past, I asked this question to a Nikon representative, actually it was in 2018 after the release of the Nikon Z7. The Nikon representative answered me the following: Nikon does not want deal with the broken fully articulating screens and besides the fully articulating screens should be only for the entry level cameras such as the Nikon 5600. But then, why did Canon implement this fully articulating screens for the R5 and the R6? Are these cameras not high end cameras? Is Nikon afraid of dealing with broken fully articulating screens, whereas Canon is not? On this point, Nikon should urgently innovate and give us this fully articulating screen. To solve this issue, I had to buy the UURig Vlog Selfie Flip Screen for Mirrorless Camera. The product is good. However, I would much prefer to have this fully articulating screen in my Z cameras, especially for changing my settings directly on the touchscreen facing towards me.

Ricci is that the 70-200mm S lens sitting on the desk to your left? Did you shoot the Z5 with it?

Can't wait for comparison between new Z5 and Z6,,and this new lens VS others

Virtually any camera on the market these days can take the same photos as you did, including those with 1" sensors. I just don't get what's so exciting about this camera. Don't get me wrong, because I use a D750 myself, I just can't see why I should waste my hard earned money on yet another camera when my D750 still takes stunning images, even in those low light shots that you showed.

It is also the only way for a pro to use a Z until they update the rest of the range with a second card slot. Yes indeed I know a few pro's who use the Z6/7 but they are careless. I've had card failure before and I was quite happy to have a jpeg backup of my shots instead of spending a very bad time explaining my client why he didn't have the pictures.

Thanks for sharing! Is the grip exactly same size with Z6?