Z5? What’s the verdict.

Thinking of returning to the Nikon fold, after a short, forced absence. The Sigma FP is fascinating but frustrating!

I’ll be looking at the cheaper end and I’ll be trying my best not to compare it to my old and much loved D850!
 

I’ve been thinking about the Z5, as I’d prefer to stay full-frame. I realise it lacks the latest BSI sensor and I guess it’s too new to expect a Z5ii to appear anytime soon but is that much of an issue in the real world?

Who’s got one? What do you think of it.

Try to rent one with the lens you plan on. The only situation it doesn’t handle at least as nice as the first Z6 is low contrast, low light if that sounds familiar… Let’s say that a muddy, wet dog in grass and ferns isn’t the ideal target for the AF.

I’ll be looking at the cheaper end and I’ll be trying my best not to compare it to my old and much loved D850!

Good luck with that.

--Ron

Hmmm. I’m beginning to think it might not be for me

The Z5 is a very good camera, but maybe not the best choice for your style...

Z 5 top continuous shooting speed at full resolution is only 4.5 frames per second...only half of what a D850 can do (9fps).

Z 5 top continuous shooting speed at full resolution is only 4.5 frames per second...only half of what a D850 can do (9fps).

In fairness, the frame rate isn’t really important to me, I rarely used the D850 on continuous. I tend to just try to time the shot. Continuous AF speed, on the other hand, is very important to me. 

You could look for a good price on a Z6 during black week. Here in Sweden, you can get a Z6 with 64 GB memory and the Z24-70S in the same ballpark as a Z5 with the same accessories right now.

I’ll have a look for good deals. A Z6ii would suit me very well. I’d be happy with one of those 40mm f2 lenses to start with - I can always add a better lens later. 

Seems the Z5 can be had here for a little over £800 whereas a Z6ii is almost £1400 (both prices body only). That’s still a considerable difference. 

Seems the Z5 can be had here for a little over £800 whereas a Z6ii is almost £1400 (both prices body only). That’s still a considerable difference.

I was talking about the clearance price on the first generation Z6.

Cheapest grey Z6 is £939 which is probably very good value. Nikon UK have reduced them from £1719 to £1449!

I have used a Z6 and I liked it a lot but it wasn’t exactly fast. I believe the Z6ii is a lot quicker but I haven’t tried one. I’d be interested to see how a Z5 compares to the original Z6. 

Found this…

Nikon Z5 VS Z6 | Image Quality & Autofocus Tests

okay since i have learn a lot and seen a lot .Also own Z6. your best option to D850 is used Z7 or get used or Z7 II nothing in mirrorless will be close to D850 but Z7 II and new Z9. only thing good for Z6 and Z6 II better for low lighting areas. but does not compare to what Z7 or Z7II will give what is closer to D850. other options is wait in till Z8 comes out that when nikon wants to let us know when it coming out. 

okay since i have learn a lot and seen a lot .Also own Z6. your best option to D850 is used Z7 or get used or Z7 II nothing in mirrorless will be close to D850 but Z7 II and new Z9. only thing good for Z6 and Z6 II better for low lighting areas. but does not compare to what Z7 or Z7II will give what is closer to D850. other options is wait in till Z8 comes out that when nikon wants to let us know when it coming out. 

Consider the budget. Even a used Z7 is well above the ”cheaper end” for a camera. Out friend Dogbytes had one of the best combos for his style but had to sell. What he’s looking for isn’t the absolute best. It is rather something less quirky than the Sigma FP that can do the job without breaking the bank. 

This is a roughy for sure. The type of shooting Dogbytes does screams for dynamic range coupled with low noise. Anything that compromises that will, I believe, be unacceptable in the long run. I'm almost tempted to suggest that he go for that Z6II and be done with it. A single, relatively fast, prime in the 50mm range could suffice until finances permit something better. 

Of course since I don't own any any Z camera and am going totally on what I've read, he might be tempted to tell me to take a flying leap ... and take my opinion with me. I wouldn't blame him.

--Ron

I have started experimenting with adapted lenses on the Z6II and the Z fc. I am surprised by how well my Ai 50/1.2 works and how easy it is to nail the focus. An FTZ and some manual focus classics aren’t *that* expensive…  
 

I agree with Ron that the Z6II probably would hit the sweet spot between cost and quality, but it is quite a bit more expensive.

Consider the budget. Even a used Z7 is well above the ”cheaper end” for a camera. Out friend Dogbytes had one of the best combos for his style but had to sell. What he’s looking for isn’t the absolute best. It is rather something less quirky than the Sigma FP that can do the job without breaking the bank. 

Exactly 

This is a roughy for sure. The type of shooting Dogbytes does screams for dynamic range coupled with low noise. Anything that compromises that will, I believe, be unacceptable in the long run. I'm almost tempted to suggest that he go for that Z6II and be done with it. A single, relatively fast, prime in the 50mm range could suffice until finances permit something better. 

 

Of course since I don't own any any Z camera and am going totally on what I've read, he might be tempted to tell me to take a flying leap ... and take my opinion with me. I wouldn't blame him.

 

--Ron

A Z6ii is undoubtedly the best option but, unfortunately, still outside my budget. 

Really it was more a case of whether the Z5 is a decent all round camera. I suppose it must be or we’d have heard! They’re pretty reasonably priced and I’d just put one of those 40/2 lenses on, to begin with. 
 

There is no doubt that the Z6ii is better. Even the Z6 is better in some ways (more resolution in the rear screen, etc) but in any meaningful way, the Z5 seems to be as good as the original Z6 in side by side tests, in the real world.

It couldn’t replace a D850 or even a Z6/7ii but at the price I wouldn’t expect that. I’m sure it must be able to take better action pics of my dogs than the Sigma FP does though

Just wondered if anyone had any practical experience of one as I’ve never even seen one. 

I've never had a chance to even fondle a Z5, let alone shoot with one. If it's possible for you, I think I would try to rent one along with the lens you're planning to use and give it a tryout. It's possible that it will be perfectly usable for you. And, if it turns out to not be so great, you won't have to deal with returning it for a refund, or selling to the next guy. 

It's also possible that you'll find a way to work around it's limitations or use them to your advantage.

--Ron

I've never had a chance to even fondle a Z5, let alone shoot with one. If it's possible for you, I think I would try to rent one along with the lens you're planning to use and give it a tryout. It's possible that it will be perfectly usable for you. And, if it turns out to not be so great, you won't have to deal with returning it for a refund, or selling to the next guy. 

 

It's also possible that you'll find a way to work around it's limitations or use them to your advantage.

 

--Ron

Yep, I think working around limitations is the name of the game - the camera’s and mine!

I really liked the D610 I had before my D850 and surely the Z5 has to be better than that?

I don’t think any of the Z cameras will match the D850’s focusing speed and accuracy, so I’d have to work around that whatever I got. 

if he not sure he should do what i tell people rent the body's to see which one will fit his needs. since each as own good bad and ugly to them.