Nikon Z5 Real World Review

[@Rockofaz]

Thank you for the details of the conditions and your experience. Both are helpful.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kenphused]

You got some gorgeous shots - love the starbursts. It's fun seeing you getting used to the new Z system. Thanks for sharing.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Thanks. It's fun getting used to it. I think the hardest part is not having the controls on the same spots as my dslrs

[@jimwlouavl]

I don’t see any distortion with that 24-70. What a lens. Thanks for braving the cold and sharing with us.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Deadlines seems like it's going to be a real winner. Small fast focusing and sharp. I wish it had a shallower depth of field but I can always take a small prime with me if I need that.

[@Noeline999]

Good to see this review. I used to own the D750 and loved it. I upgraded to it from a Canon crop sensor specifically to go to Iceland in 2017. I ended up selling the Nikon gear purely due to the weight because I have back issues now. I got around London and Iceland with 10kg gear on my back which didn't help. I have been using a Sony crop sensor since and have thought about upgrading the body to the a6400 but started looking at Nikon mirrorless. This seems to be the most affordable with a lot of features. Love the IBIS (the sony a6600 is the most expensive crop sensor with IBIS but the Z5 has it and is FF). I don't do video, only stills and do portraiture and landscape (often long exposure with ND filter). This camera I will definitely explore more. Thank you.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Thanks for sharing!

[@guyyowell8547]

Bill, I really enjoyed your review of the Z5. I’m so happy your satisfied with its performance. It would be very hard for me to go back to a DSLR after using the EVF. I really like that you see exactly the exposure as your framing your shot. I’m looking forward to more videos using the camera to get more in depth reviews as you become more familiar with the camera.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Maybe in the next one I'll get you to talk about the differences between the different z cameras. You have had a few more.

[@paulk329]

great vlog Bill Brooklyn images looked fantastic and to be fair the video footage at 25600 was still very useable, well done to both of you for braving the cold.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Thanks I want to go back down there when I can feel my fingers! Way to cold! The camera did well but it definitely struggles to figure on low light. Still much better than my d75.0

[@kzim56]

A Brooklyn friend took me to shoot those same spots, the pylons and the Empire State building view through the bridge, on a very cold night a few Decembers ago. I can totally relate to the numb fingers and camera shake. Terrific shots from the Z5.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Thanks! Much better in the summer!

[@collharti]

Great night shots of the city. Did you ever go to the Promenade in the Heights? Not far from where you were in DUMBO. The night views are fantastic. I am waiting for the Z5 and the FTZ big discount on the adapter if you buy a camera.

[@BillEricPhotography]

I don't think so. I'll have to look into that spot. Thanks!

[@Luigi13]

Good review better when going out and testing the equipment it delivers a practical usability of the camera. Thank you.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Thanks, doesn't make sense to be sitting inside reviewing something. You have to use it to know.

[@ForeverYoung007]

Thanks for sharing your real world experience Bill. Btw, the shots you mentioned were in extreme low light look usable for social media content. Low light on these new cameras is ridiculous and that’s where I’ve seen the biggest improvements. I’m curious to find out how the nifty fifty comparison went between the 1.8 and the other one that Eric was comparing.

[@BillEricPhotography]

That high ISO was only for the video. I was shooting at ISO 100 for the still images. I always try to shoot my photos at the lowest ISO possible. When I'm on a tripod it's always 100. I think the high ISO is what was affecting the autofocus when I was shooting the video.

[@toddfalasco2094]

Great captures Bill. I went to BBP once in the winter, never again. It’s pretty brutal by the water. And 1.5 hours to get there isn’t terrible. I’ve sat on the kosciuszko bridge for almost that amount of time alone during the construction. NYC roads are such a mess.

[@BillEricPhotography]

So true, but the views can almost be worth it (if it’s warm!)

[@toddfalasco2094]

@@BillEricPhotography I was out shooting the snowy owl today and my battery died after about 3 hours. The EVF was basically running the whole time so I wasn’t surprised but I realized I should buy an extra battery or two. Have you bought an extra and if so third party or oem?

[@BillEricPhotography]

Yes the evf will use up a lot of battery. Check the settings there is a way to turn it off sooner, and make sure that the camera is not continuously focusing.

[@nancyk9475]

Great video! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 for the Z5! I’m still trying to decide between the Z5 and Z6(glad you mentioned the Z5 compared to d750). I definitely want the 24-70 f4 lens. Have you been using the UHS-II cards with the X5? Thank you

[@BillEricPhotography]

To be honest with you I'm not even sure what cards I use. They are the ones I were using in my d750. I think they are just the high speed SanDisk cards. If you are using the camera primarily for photography I think the Z5 will probably work for you unless you need to shoot at really fast frame rates. Also if you want the video features of the z6 that might be something that would make you lean that way.

[@ForeverYoung007]

Nancy if you don’t go with the z6 ii note you will need to spring out $$ for xqd + reader on the z6 mk1, adds another 150$ on that accessory to get started.

[@nancyk9475]

@@ForeverYoung007 thank you. I don’t do any videos, only stills and originally thought about the Z6ii, but feel like I’m paying more for features I don’t need or use. Definitely like the idea of having 2 card slots. There’s about $400 thereabouts difference between each Z to the next. But figuring the costs of the XQD/CFExpress, it is less $$ between the Z6 and Z6ii

[@ForeverYoung007]

@@nancyk9475 z6 mk1 used is a great value but I returned mine for the same reason. I was only going to use it for video but a bit of overkill since I don't do pro work and I wouldn't be using all the features. When I added an s lens (50mm) plus accessories, memory cards, ftz adapter, it ended up being close to 2k. This really puts the z5 in an interesting position for Nikon shooters. It sounds like z5 would be the way to go for you but I'm not sure what you are upgrading from. If its just for photography, and you don't care for video, you may not see all the benefits if you already have something with a good sensor like a D750. Although there's something to be said about focusing on any part of the frame and eye tracking :)

[@BillEricPhotography]

And the IBIS is a big difference between the two.

[@kenogrady7774]

Great video, thank you for sharing....also I love the pictures of Brooklyn you showed and was wondering what photo editing software you recommend?

[@BillEricPhotography]

Hey Ken, we both use Adobe Lightroom. If your new to it we have videos on the channel to help you get started.

[@kenogrady7774]

@@BillEricPhotography awesome, I look forward to reviewing...please keep the good work up. Happy Holidays!

[@BillEricPhotography]

Thanks! Same to you!

[@riddlex]

I'm planning to buy the Nikon Z5 when there's a sale. I want to use this camera for aviation photography, therefore, I'll be getting the 24-200mm kit lens. Would you recommend the kit lens and the camera for my use case?

[@BillEricPhotography]

Not right now. The autofocus is not the best. I would get a z6 or z62

[@MattKPhoto]

Nice review. That traffic in the city is brutal. Even during all of this lol. Haven't been to BK since February. I know the cold you speak of. Did you up the ISO even while on the tripod to compensate for the wind? I know I had to do that a little to get off a faster long exposure. Haven't tried the Z6 down in the city yet. Hopefully soon. If you guys are up for a little sunset or sunrise skyline shooting during holiday "break" give me a shout. I may try to get over to Liberty State Park area soon.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Only if it's not freezing out! It was way too cold. I actually bumped my shutter speed up quite a bit to try to get a sharp shot I just couldn't. I think if I was able to use my cable release it would have been much easier but I had to touch the camera.

[@MattKPhoto]

@@BillEricPhotography Yeah, definitely not up for frozen temps lol. If it's on warmer side. Almost got to hook up the cable while you're getting ready. I haven't had luck with gloves. Fingertip cut offs don't usually work either because that's what I'm feeling is most cold in glove or not.

[@slowridephotographyadventu6850]

I skip the corded shutter release and use 5sec timer release option that gives the gear time to settle any vibration before the shutter triggers. I use it every time I'm using a tripod. Great camera !

[@BillEricPhotography]

That's another way to do it I had exposure delay mode on with a 3-second delay but it wasn't enough with the wind that was blowing.

[@slowridephotographyadventu6850]

@@BillEricPhotography You just taught me something new! I was not aware of the exposure delay option :)

[@BillEricPhotography]

Happy to help!

[@scotth4019]

Hey Phil sorry for all the messages listen I just saw your new video on the z62 and I think that after watching that I think that's the direction I'm going to go as well I love the Z5 I like the price point I like the camera I like all of it but honestly I found the same problem as you were finding I have other Nikon lenses and for whatever reason the FTZ adapter was a little off with my Nikon lenses and my sigma lenses. So I think that it seems like it's something in the Z5. Anyway thank you very much for all your helpful videos You've really helped me make a good decision on this and avoid expensive mistake! Thank you Scott

[@BillEricPhotography]

I'm happy to help, I wish I could have avoided making that expensive mistake! But it was a learning experience and one of those times where I feel like you get what you pay for.

[@scotth4019]

Thank you Bill. I completely agree but your videos have been very helpful so thank you very much.

[@attilaborviz7311]

Super, thank you for the nice review.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Happy to help but you should know that I ended up returning the camera and getting the z62. They would definitely some auto focus issues I was having with it.

[@saopaulosoul8714]

I must say I quite liked the "real world experience" type review. it actually gives a new perspective for a buyer. I would like to know the videos you said you did take in the car, vlog style were they 4k with the crop or 1080p ? I don't remember you mentioning that. great pictures to by the way. turning into a fan of the channel ✌from 🇧🇷

[@BillEricPhotography]

We are glad you like the videos. A real world review definitely will give a better perspective on equipment I think. That camera was not good for video and I've since gotten a z62 that I love and is much better for video. It was not shot in 4k we really don't shoot anything in 4k. The files are too big to edit everything is usually 1080p at 30 or 60 frames per second. Most of our videos are shot on our Canon m50s.

[@saopaulosoul8714]

@@BillEricPhotography great .. thanks for the reply .. I am not a professional like you guys I don’t do Much video. I am moving from a Sony a6500 to the Nikon z5 full frame. I believe its good for someone like me who is an enthusiast. If I may could I ask you whether you would recommend a z6 or the z5? I could buy an open box from B&H for the same price as a z5 .. thus I’m kinda confused which would be better. Any opinion would be appreciated .. thanks 🙏

[@BillEricPhotography]

I would definitely go with the z6. The Z5 had a lot of autofocus issues. I don't know if the new versions are corrected or not. You would have to watch some more recent reviews to find out if the camera is working properly now. But for my experience I would go with the z6

[@saopaulosoul8714]

@@BillEricPhotography from what I have seen in recent reviews the new firmware has taken care of the autofocus issues, but you're right, and I am now def going for the z6 even a new one is only $300 more than a new z5. worth it. seriously thanks a lot.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Happy to help! Enjoy the camera!

[@benjaminthorpe7990]

Possibly the wind be a slow shutter mixing. Would you gents be able to do an in depth video on the Sigma lens and your Z5? Been looking at it for a while but there isn’t much content to watch about it

[@BillEricPhotography]

I did a review of it two weeks ago if you want to check it out. It was new to me so I haven't used it much. I'll tell you this I definitely like it but it is a big heavy lens.

[@benjaminthorpe7990]

@@BillEricPhotography Ooh I didn’t realise! Thanks I’ll check it out. Keep up the good work 👌

[@HR-wd6cw]

For 25600 that's not too bad for video work (for stills work it would probably be garbage, but as someone told me once regarding video, high ISO noise isn't as much of a concern as it would be to someone shooting stills). And that's partially because I feel that with a still, you're looking at a single static image so you have time to see the grain/noise, but in a video, the image is changing as the scene changes so you're mind doesn't fully register the noise or it's less apparent because you're more focused on what's going on in the scene at the moment, whereas with a still you have time to see the noise since the scene isn't changing.

[@BillEricPhotography]

That makes sense, all of these mirrorless cameras just keep getting better and better in the ISO department. It's almost becoming a non-issue.

[@fjphoto23]

Firmware has been updated to 1.4 I believe.

[@biglebowski3486]

Nice review, one question I have the D750 how would you compare shooting moving people in low light, does it acquire focus just as fast as the D750 ?

[@BillEricPhotography]

Depending on the lighting. In good light, yes, but in low light the Z5 has been having issues.

[@biglebowski3486]

@@BillEricPhotography Thx for the reply, hope you enjoy the camera 🙂

[@sdhute]

The last firmware for the z5 is supposed to have fixed some of the issues. Some prefer the z5 sensor imagine quality over the z6. The z5 has the d750 image that's more punchy. Did you have any issues with the z5 lcd showing what looks like static in the dark ?

[@BillEricPhotography]

To be honest with you I didn't really have it long enough. The autofocus was such a problem that I returned the camera within I think about five or six weeks. I now own a z62 and I have to say it's definitely a nicer camera. The sensor on the Z5 wasn't the issue.

[@sdhute]

@@BillEricPhotography thanks for the message. Thinking of just jumping into Nikon with a z6

[@BillEricPhotography]

No problem! If you can afford it I would go with the z62. Nikon made some improvements over the z6 and if you can find a used one you could probably save a few bucks.

[@terrywbreedlove]

How good is focus peaking on the Z5 ? I am thinking about buying one but using it with all my old manual focus Nikon AIS glass.

[@BillEricPhotography]

It’s very good, you can clearly see the areas that are in focus, makes it very easy to use a manual lens.

[@montagdp]

Nice video! Especially the tip about the hot shoe mirror thing. I am thinking of upgrading my M50, and the Z5 is on my radar, but the tilting screen was one of the things I was concerned about since I do a bit of vlogging. Does the mirror work well in broad daylight? How do you feel about the size difference between the two systems (EOS M50 vs Nikon Z5)? That is the main thing that concerns me about switching to full frame. Even with the relatively small 24-70 f/4 lens (which I would definitely choose as my standard zoom), it's going to be a lot bigger than my M50, and I'm trying to decide if the size difference would be enough that I wouldn't want to bring it with me as many places. The other lens I am interested in is the 40mm f/2, which is even smaller but still much bigger than the roughly analogous (for my use cases) EF-M 22mm f/2. Honestly, I would probably stick with my M50 until it dies if they would just make an f/2.8 standard zoom for it, but I don't think anything like that is coming.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Thanks! The hot shot mirror works well enough, pretty much you can make sure you’re in the frame and the shot is composed the way you want. It sounds like you’d be better off sticking with the M50. If you’re not going to bring a larger camera with you, then what’s the point? We always say the best camera in the world is the one you have with you!

[@WidePhotographs]

If you’re wanting to get more into photography, get the z5. If you just want to upgrade your camera for more vlogging, get the z30.

[@montagdp]

@@WidePhotographs I ended up getting a Z6 on a refurbished sale. Very happy with my choice. Don't need the tilting screen after all.

[@WidePhotographs]

@@montagdp have you decided which lens to pair it with yet?

[@montagdp]

@@WidePhotographs I got the 24-70 f/4 S and 40 f/2. Eventually I'll get more when the time and price are right, but these take care of most of what I need.

[@alwinbenjamin]

⚡️🔥

[@sanjagani]

There is a good similarity between you and me. I come from D750 and now own z5. Like you I also tried 24.70 f2.8 f mount with ftz. Wasn’t happy so purchased native 24.70f4s. But I am not a professional. Just want to use this camera to teach online and make educational videos for my students. I am having some trouble with z5 focusing in low light. I wanted to share some pictures with you if you tell me how to email you. For me, z5 focuses just outside on right side of the focusing box at ISO 8000 and higher. Pinpoint AF works fine. I also brought second z5 body thiNking that the first one might had focusing issues. It’s same on the second body too. See if you have the same issues. Only this thing frustrates me. Otherwise this camera is d750 killer.

[@BillEricPhotography]

I haven't noticed that. I'll have to make a note of it the next time shooting and see if it does the same thing. You can share images with us at @disneyimagemakers on Instagram or Facebook.

[@scotth4019]

Hey Bill. Thank you so much for these videos on the Z5. Right now I rented this camera with the FTZ adapter and I've been testing some of my Nikon lenses with it and it's funny I have a d7500 which I like No I'm not using DX lenses with the Z5 but the ones that I borrowed from a friend of mine are FX lenses but I noticed that sometimes it focuses sometimes it doesn't so anyway your videos have been really helpful because I want to buy this camera but I'm kind of on the fence. But I do like that 24 to 70 That's the direction that I think I'm going to go but anyway great videos Thank you very much.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Thanks Scott! I wish the Z5 would work better with those lenses.

[@scotth4019]

Thank you for the response Bill. That's the one issue is it seems that even with that adapter adapted lenses on this camera for whatever reason at least the one that I'm using are not focusing properly. Anyway thank you for your time.

[@BillEricPhotography]

I think I would hold off on the Z5 right now. You might actually be better off getting a z6 or trying to get a z62. I am not having the focus issues I was having with the Z5 with the z62. Plus you get the extra memory card slot a faster frame rate and the small LCD screen on the top is turning out to be very useful. I know there's a big difference in price but I feel like it's a better camera.

[@scotth4019]

Thank you Bill That's exactly what I'm thinking actually for whatever reason the Z5 focus system isn't quite right I don't understand why but I've heard that the way to go is get a z6 or z62 and right now the pricing on the z6 is pretty close to the Z5 if you buy a used one.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Definitely and if you can live without the second card slot I think it's a better camera

[@natedagreat90]

you neeed a 50 1.8 for that low light video but even at 25600 its still looks sharp but noisy

[@BillEricPhotography]

I will have that lens by the end of next week. Can't wait to try it out. I was surprised that the video didn't look worse.

[@baconpalacio]

That is too fiddly to be a vlogging camera. But, that is a nifty solution to simplify your load out.

[@BillEricPhotography]

I agree it's a lot to deal with. I think when push comes to shove I would rather just use the Canon M50. It's smaller easier and I can just throw it in my pocket.. It's small enough that you can just handheld it at arm's length. It definitely was nice to only have the one set of gear.

[@nigelhart4981]

Hi, Very informative video, thanks. I think your focusing issue with the Sigma is NOT you. I think its a current firmware issue with the Z series not wanting to play nice with lenses that are not Nikon. Hopefully the next firmware update will help those of us with Sigma or Tamron that dont want or cant afford all the new Z series glass just yet. Merry Christmas :)

[@BillEricPhotography]

Thanks Nigel. It's been fine since. I think it was just the weather and me not being able to control the camera.

[@firemannss]

Focus peaking in low light ftw!

[@BillEricPhotography]

I agree, it's great!

[@Maxhuertas]

A 1.8 lens is better for night photography or video work f4 is too slow for low light

[@BillEricPhotography]

If your hand holding the camera I agree if you're on a tripod it doesn't matter.

[@Maxhuertas]

@@BillEricPhotography you’ll have a faster shutter speed with a 1.8 compared to a f4 lens

[@georgesmith3022]

Nice review, it seems a lot of people have problems with focusing in low light, nikon is behind sony and canon on this

[@BillEricPhotography]

I haven't really used Sony cameras much but they are definitely behind Canon in this respect. The z62 is much better but I was having some really bad issues with the Z5.

[@MichaelCortese1]

You gotta tell Eric Long Island is Nikon country!!!!

[@BillEricPhotography]

Ha! We do have the headquarters here in Melville!

[@stephanweiskorn6760]

Good value for your money 😊

[@BillEricPhotography]

Definitely!

[@shadyninja1]

When it's windy I don't put any lens on a tripod

[@BillEricPhotography]

Yeah it’s a tough situation. We try to time it between gusts.

[@FelixMantilla]

Noice accents!

[@BillEricPhotography]

Ha! I guess you can tell where we are from!