Nikon Z System. The Z5 is part of Nikon’s full-frame Z-mount system, which gives you exceptional image quality and optical design in a compact build. This system’s inner diameter is 17% larger than the F mount, allowing for more advanced optics and lenses, while the 16mm flange distance is 65% shorter than the F mount, which makes for markedly slimmer body designs. Z-mount cameras are only compatible with Z-mount lenses, and Z-mount lenses only work with Z-mount cameras.

Excellent Image Quality. The 24.3MP full-frame sensor is paired with an EXPEED 6 processor to give you a native ISO range of 100-51200 and an extended ISO range of 50-102400, which makes this camera great for low-light shooting. The sensor’s design gives you clean, low-noise images at high ISO values. The EXPEED 6 processor gives you a 4.5 fps continuous RAW-shooting frame rate and ensures speedy functionality.

273-Point Phase-Detect Autofocus. The Z5’s AF system offers 273 phase-detection AF points that cover 90% of the image area both vertically and horizontally, making it great for stills and video. Improvements to Nikon’s tracking focus system promise even better continuous-focus performance, including tracking out to the edges of the frame. The Hybrid Autofocus mode automatically switches between phase- and contrast-detect systems, which makes it ideal for video.

Built-In Five-Axis Vibration Reduction. Nikon has finally joined the photographer-friendly party and integrated a five-axis sensor-shift Vibration Reduction system into the Z-Series cameras. This superlative VR system offers up to five stops of compensation from camera shake with native Z-mount lenses. Additionally, it’s jointly compatible with VR-enable F-mount lenses when using the Nikon FTZ Mount Adapter, albeit with only 3-axis stabilization.

4K UHD Video. The Z5 isn’t just for sharp stills; it’s capable of in-camera 4K UHD recording at 24/25/30p and Full HD at up to 60p, which you can save to a memory card or output to an external recorder via HDMI mini out. Please note that UHD 4K recording uses a 1.7x crop of the center of the frame, but Full HD recording uses the entire full frame. The Electronic VR feature gives you smooth handheld shooting, and you get focus peaking and zebra warnings. You can capture stereo audio in-camera or externally via 1/8-inch mic input, while a separate 1/8-inch headphone input enables precision audio monitoring.

High-Res Electronic Viewfinder and Touchscreen LCD. The built-in EVF boasts 3.6m-dot resolution, 100% coverage, and 0.8x magnification to give you a bright, clear view of what the sensor sees. The tilting 3.2-inch 1.04m-dot rear touchscreen LCD is great for intuitive navigation and control, and can be used for image composition and review when shooting at arm’s length.

Compact, Professional Build. As you’d expect, the Z5 is durable and lightweight. The magnesium-alloy body features dust and weather sealing, so inclement weather and harsh climates won’t be able to stop you. The form factor, ergonomic grip, and anti-slip material all add up to a camera that was designed with extended shoots in mind, while the joystick makes for fast and intuitive option and focus-point selection.

Memory and Power. The Z5 records images and video to UHS-II SD memory cards for broad compatibility in a familiar format, while its two card slots give you flexibility to meet your storage needs. The included EN-EL15c battery gives you up to 470 shots per charge and can be charged in camera. The Z5 is also compatible with EN-EL15, EN-EL15a, and EN-EL15b batteries, but you can’t charge the EN-EL15 or EN-EL15a in camera.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The Z5 uses Nikon’s SnapBridge platform to transfer images from the camera to a phone or tablet. Using Bluetooth, you can quickly transfer low-res proxy files to share, tag your files with dates, times and locations, and operate remotely with shutter release and live view display.