Nikon announces the Z5: an entry-level mirrorless full frame camera

Nikon have announced a new entry level full frame mirrorless camera, the Z5, which should offer an affordable entry into the full-frame camera world.

Compared to Nikon's Z50, the Z5 uses the same Z mount, but gains a non-backside illuminated 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. Body-wise, the Z5 looks very similar to the Z6 and Z7, and features the same weather sealing as on its siblings.

The most notable omission is the lack of a top panel LCD, although not unexpected for the price point. There's a 3.2-inch tilting LCD that’s sensitive to touch, tap, swipe, and pinch inputs, and a 3.6-million-dot Quad-VGA electronic viewfinder. The new camera is powered by an EXPEED 6 image processor.

Inside, there's a 5-axis IBIS system with up to 5 stops of VR, and while it features a different 24MP sensor than that inside the Z6, the Z5 offers a similar phase detect autofocus system, with 273-points and both human- and animal-eye AF. The new camera maxes out at 4.5fps, half a stop slower than Canon’s entry-level full frame mirrorless competitor, the EOS RP. By comparison, the Z6 shoots at 12 FPS, and the Z7 at 9 FPS.

Video capabilities are solid too, with 4K UHD video recording at up to 30fps and Full HD at up to 60fps. There's also in-camera Creative Picture Controls (that work for stills and video), built-in 4K timelapse movie creation, and and Electronic VR options.

Compared to the single XQD card slots in the Z6 and Z7, the Z5 features dual UHS II SD card slots.

No local pricing or availability has been confirmed, but the Nikon Z5 will be available as a body-only option in late August for $1,399.95 USD ($1,960 AUD), pricing it between the Z50 and its more expensive sibling, the Z6. At the same time, Nikon have announced a new 24-50mm F4-6.3 kit lens, which will be packaged with the new camera in a kit with a suggested retail price of $1,699.95 USD ($2,382 AUD).

You can find out more about the Nikon Z5 on the Nikon website.