Nikon Z5

The Nikon Z5 is a full-frame mirrorless camera released in 2020. It uses the Z mount, so lens choices come from Nikon's mirrorless range, and the body measures 134 x 100.5 x 69.5 mm.

It suits photographers stepping up to full frame, especially for landscapes, portraits and everyday subjects shot at a considered pace rather than rapid bursts.

Carrying it is manageable at 675g, and the battery is rated at 470 shots, a figure that will vary with real-world use, so a spare is a sensible addition for busy days.

The optics score of 81 is very good, and it places the Z5 in the top 8% of cameras in our database for Optics. At its core sit a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor and the Expeed 6 processor, a pairing that delivers files with room for large prints and generous cropping.

In-body stabilisation is the standout for practical shooting. It cuts camera shake, so handheld work at slower shutter speeds becomes viable in dim rooms or at dusk. The 3.69-million-dot electronic viewfinder gives a detailed, immediate view while composing.

Focus placement draws on 273 autofocus points, the ISO range spans 100 to 51200 for dim conditions, and the shutter reaches 1/8000 second, a fast setting for bright light.

The clearest constraint is burst speed. A maximum of 4.5 frames per second makes peak-moment action and flighty wildlife hard to catch, so fast subjects are where this camera asks for patience.

The video score of 83 is very good. The Z5 records video up to 4K, a resolution that leaves room to crop and adjust framing during the edit.

Frame-rate support includes 60fps. Higher frame rates render movement more smoothly than lower ones, which helps when reviewing footage of subjects in motion.

A built-in timelapse mode automates interval projects, handling the timing itself so long sequences can be captured without you standing over the camera between frames.

Clips record in MPEG-4 or MOV formats. Together with 4K capture, 60fps support and the timelapse mode, these capabilities make the Z5 a practical companion for video work alongside stills.

A 3.2-inch touchscreen with just over a million dots handles framing and control. Touch input offers another way to control the camera, and the screen flips for waist-level or overhead shooting.

Live view is available for tripod work and video, while Wi-Fi and Bluetooth provide wireless connection to nearby devices.

There is no built-in flash, but an external flash is supported, which suits anyone adding lighting to their kit. GPS is also absent, so location data does not come from the camera itself.

The features score of 72 is good, and the missing weather sealing is the notable gap in protection. Keep the body covered in rain or dust.

Two SD card slots support UHS-II cards. You can load two cards before a shoot, while UHS-II compatibility supports faster card interfaces.

The EN-EL15c battery carries a 470-shot rating. A second battery is a sensible addition for heavy shooting days.

USB charging is not supported. Plan to charge the EN-EL15c before the session and carry a spare for long days.