If you’ve been hoping for a more affordable full-frame mirrorless option from Nikon, you don’t have long to wait.
According to Nikon Rumors, we will likely see the launch of the new Nikon Z5 on July 21st, a camera that will be positioned beneath both of Nikon’s current mirrorless models, the Nikon Z6 and the Nikon Z7.
Any new Z-mount camera would be a welcome addition to the Nikon mirrorless lineup, which currently consists of two full-frame bodies (the Z6 and Z7), as well as the APS-C Z50. And while all three of these cameras are worthy of praise, the lineup still contains quite a few gaps, such as an action-centric “professional” body, a true entry-level APS-C body, and a more affordable full-frame model.
Enter the Nikon Z5, a camera with the potential to energize Nikon fans, especially shooters that are on the fence about switching to mirrorless.
What can you expect from the Z5?
While there is no official word from Nikon on the camera, rumors suggest that the Z5 will offer a lot of the same features as the Z6, including:
- A 3.69M-dot electronic viewfinder
- In-body image stabilization
- An identical autofocus system
- A 24 MP sensor
Interestingly, it’s looking like the Z5 will also offer dual SD card slots, perhaps in response to the criticism Nikon took over the lack of dual slots in the Z6 and the Z7.
Of course, for the Z5 to stay reasonably priced, Nikon will be making some cuts, including continuous shooting speed (expect 6 frames per second, rather than the 12 fps you get with the Z6), the loss of full-frame 4K video (there will likely be a substantial crop), as well as no top LCD.
But the Z5 is still looking to be an impressive camera, even if it’s not as action-capable as the Z6.
What’ll be interesting to see is how Nikon’s new camera stacks up against the Canon EOS R6, which will debut just weeks before the Z5, and will be positioned below the Canon EOS R5, as well as (likely) the EOS R. There’s also still the Canon EOS RP, which is very much a lower-priced full-frame option, even if it may become far less interesting after the launch of the R6.
Bottom line:
If you’re a photographer hoping to go full-frame, or you’re already a Nikon full-frame photographer seeking a mirrorless option, then keep an eye out for the Z5 announcement; if the rumors are true, then it’ll be one very impressive camera!
Now over to you:
What do you think about the upcoming Z5? What do you expect it’ll offer? What do you hope it will offer? Share your thoughts in the comments!
