Nikon unveils Z5 camera plus 3 new lenses

The new Nikon Z5 full-frame (Nikon FX-format) mirrorless camera, shown with the Nikkor Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 kit lens. (Source: Nikon.)

The Z 5 has an effective pixel count of 24.3 megapixels and is equipped with a Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 6 image-processing engine, which covers a native sensitivity range of standard ISO 100 to 51200. The camera is also equipped with a built-in stabilisation system that uses a 5-axis VR unit to provide five stops of camera-shake compensation. A dedicated electronic VR function for movie recording works with in-camera VR to provide stable movie recording. The Z 5 also offers 20 Creative Picture Controls that can be applied to still images and with movie recording at all sizes, including 4K UHD.

The new camera’s hybrid AF system automatically switches between focal-plane phase-detection AF and contrast AF. Its 273 focus points cover 90% of the image area horizontally and vertically and the system includes Eye-Detection AF and Animal-Detection AF that track the faces and eyes of moving people, dogs, and cats in high precision. The Z 5 offers the same level of durability and dust- and drip-resistance as the Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 and features a 3.69 million dot EVF plus a touch screen 3.2-inch tilting TFT LCD monitor. The new EN-EL15c Rechargeable Li-ion Battery has an increased capacity of approximately 470 shots/charge. In addition to conventional USB charging, the Z 5 also supports USB power delivery while on. Dual memory card slots support UHS-II SD cards, a first for Nikon mirrorless cameras.

The new Nikkor Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 kit lens. (Source: Nikon.)

Nikon’s new Nikkor Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is a compact and lightweight standard zoom lens that features a button-free retractable barrel, and is the shortest (approx. 51 mm) and lightest (approx. 195 g) lens in the Z series of full-frame format zoom lenses. Its autofocusing system and aperture mechanism are driven by a stepping motor (STM), ensuring near silent operation. A ‘click-less’  control ring, which can be used to smoothly control focus and exposure has also been adopted. Adoption of two ED glass elements provides superior compensation for axial chromatic aberration and effectively reduces colour bleed. This lens has a minimum focus distance of 35 cm throughout the entire zoom range. This lens is designed with dust- and drip-resistance.

The new Z Teleconverter TC-1.4x and Z Teleconverter TC-2.0x lenses (shown above) have been designed to complement the Nikkor Z series lenses and provide a way to increase effective focal length without adding much weight. The compact and lightweight Z Teleconverter TC-1.4x weighs only 220 grams and provides an increase in focal length by 1.4x with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.28x. The reliable and lightweight Z Teleconverter TC-2.0x doubles the effective focal length with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.4x. It weighs only 270 grams.

Nikon has also released a new lens roadmap (shown above) showing future additions to the Nikkor Z line-up as far as 2021. Click here for more information on the new products.