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Nikon Z 5 Camera Review

Tested using Methodology v0.12.1
Review updated Nov 02, 2023 at 03:59 pm
Latest change: Writing modified Jan 29, 2024 at 09:10 am
Nikon Z 5 Picture
7.5
Travel Photography
8.1
Landscape Photography
7.3
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.4
Raw Photo Performance
6.1
Vlogging
8.0
Studio Video
4.1
Action Video

The Nikon Z 5 is an entry-level full-frame camera in Nikon's mirrorless Z lineup, sitting below the Nikon Z 6 / Nikon Z 6II. It's a great option for those looking for their first full-frame camera or those who want full-frame image quality without spending a fortune. While it might lag in some areas—most notably, burst shooting and video features—it's still a great camera for photography, with excellent ergonomics, an intuitive user interface, and a solid AF system, not to mention the high-quality lens options available for the Z-mount.

Our Verdict

7.5 Travel Photography

The Nikon Z5 is good for travel photography if you don't mind a bulkier kit. It isn't the most portable camera, but it's still relatively portable for a full-frame model, though full-frame lenses can also take up more space. Still, the camera's image quality is great, and it performs well even in low light. Battery life is also very good for a mirrorless camera, so depending on your usage habits, you can get a fair amount of shots out of it while you're out and about.

Pros
  • Excellent image quality.
  • Amazing ergonomics.
  • Great battery life.
  • Sturdy and weather-sealed.
Cons
  • Not especially portable.
  • Autofocus tracking isn't the most reliable.
8.1 Landscape Photography

The Nikon Z5 is great for landscape photography. It takes clean, detailed photos with plenty of dynamic range to capture a wider array of detail in high-contrast landscapes. It also manages noise levels quite well in low light. On top of that, there are some very high-quality wide-angle lenses available for Nikon's Z mount that are perfect for landscape photography. The camera's also well-built and weather-sealed, though it isn't the most portable option.

Pros
  • Excellent image quality.
  • Amazing ergonomics.
  • Great battery life.
  • Sturdy and weather-sealed.
Cons
  • Not especially portable.
7.3 Sport & Wildlife Photography

The Nikon Z5 is decent for sports and wildlife photography. While it's well-built and comfortable to shoot with, it doesn't have a very fast max burst rate, if you tend to rely on burst shooting to capture moments of fast action. On the upside, it has a solid autofocus system with a fairly reliable tracking feature, a great battery life, and dual SD card slots.

Pros
  • Excellent image quality.
  • Effective AF tracking.
  • Amazing ergonomics.
  • Sturdy and weather-sealed.
Cons
  • Not especially portable.
  • Slow max burst rate.
  • Limited buffer depth.
  • Autofocus tracking isn't the most reliable.
8.4 Raw Photo Performance

The Nikon Z5 has impressive RAW image quality. It has excellent dynamic range, so highlight and shadow details are preserved well in high-contrast scenes. Though it isn't the best among full-frame peers, its noise handling is also great in low light. Finally, its sensor resolves plenty of fine detail, resulting in sharp-looking images.

Pros
  • Good low-light performance.
  • Excellent dynamic range.
Cons
6.1 Vlogging

The Nikon Z5 isn't meant for vlogging. For one thing, it doesn't have a fully articulated screen, so you can't monitor yourself while recording. It's also on the heavier, bulkier side and can only shoot 4k video with a severe crop, which impacts its stabilization and video quality.

Pros
  • In-body image stabilization.
  • Sturdy and weather-sealed.
  • Good overall face-tracking performance.
Cons
  • Not especially portable.
  • Screen only tilts and doesn't rotate.
  • Severe crop while recording in 4k.
8.0 Studio Video

The Nikon Z5 is good for studio video, but it falls short of higher-end or video-oriented models. The biggest downside here is severely cropped 4k recording, which impacts quality, AF performance, and stabilization. It's also capped to a 30-minute recording time limit and doesn't support Log recording to capture a wider dynamic range. On the upside, it has a decent amount of frame rate options and a fantastic battery life for video, with no overheating issues.

Pros
  • In-body image stabilization.
  • Great battery life.
  • Plenty of inputs and outputs for video peripherals.
  • Good low-light performance.
Cons
  • Severe crop while recording in 4k.
  • No Log profiles.
  • 30-minute recording time limit.
4.1 Action Video

The Nikon Z5 isn't designed for action video. It's too big to be mounted on a helmet rig and can't record at high frame rates for slow-motion video.

Pros
  • In-body image stabilization.
  • Sturdy and weather-sealed.
Cons
  • Not meant to be mounted to helmets or action rigs.
  • Severe crop while recording in 4k.
  • Lack of high-speed frame rate options.
  • 7.5 Travel Photography
  • 8.1 Landscape Photography
  • 7.3 Sport & Wildlife Photography
  • 8.4 Raw Photo Performance
  • 6.1 Vlogging
  • 8.0 Studio Video
  • 4.1 Action Video
  1. Updated Jan 29, 2024: Added text to the 'Raw Photo Performance' verdict box.
  2. Updated Jan 29, 2024: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.1.
  3. Updated Nov 02, 2023: Brushed up text for clarity and fleshed out the information in several test boxes.
  4. Updated Sep 06, 2023: Added a link to the Sony α7 II in the 'Portability' section.
  5. Updated May 09, 2023: We updated the camera to firmware version 1.40, which offers "improved eye-detection performance for 'Auto-area AF'." As such, we retested the camera's 'Photo AF-C Tracking' ability. The sample photos, hit rates, and score have all been updated accordingly.
  6. Updated Apr 05, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.
  7. Updated Jan 24, 2023: Added text to 'Photo AF-C Tracking' and 'Photo AF-C Center Point' boxes, with minor touch-ups throughout the review for clarity.
  8. Updated Jan 23, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 0.11.
  9. Updated Nov 10, 2022: Because of the yellow tint present on the original 'Video Quality' test scene extracts, we re-tested the camera to ensure proper settings were used. The 'Test Scene Extract in 4k' and 'Test Scene Extract in FHD' have both been reshot and re-uploaded, and the scores have increased. We also re-evaluated the 'Low Light Capability in 4k' score, which has now decreased and is more in line with expectations.
  10. Updated Nov 07, 2022: Rewrote existing text for clarity and accuracy and added missing text.
  11. Updated Oct 03, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.10.
  12. Updated Aug 05, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.9.
  13. Updated Apr 22, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.
  14. Updated Feb 12, 2021: Input errors in the 'Depth' field in the 'Portability' box and 'Guide Mode' field in the 'Menu System' box have been corrected. An error in the name of the tested lens has also been rectified.
  15. Updated Feb 08, 2021: Corrected input errors in the 'Sample Gallery' section.
  16. Updated Feb 08, 2021: Review published.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Nikon Z 5 is only available in one color variant: 'Black', and you can see our unit's label here. We purchased the camera with the Nikkor Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 kit lens, but, depending on the retailer, you can also buy it in a bundle with a different lens, including the Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens, or without a lens at all.

If you come across a different variant of this camera, let us know, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Cameras

The Nikon Z 5 is an excellent entry-level full-frame camera. Though it has some shortcomings, especially when it comes to shooting speed, processing power, and 4k video capability, it's a fantastic camera for its price and a great entryway into full-frame photography for those looking to upgrade.

For more options, you can also check out our recommendations for the best mirrorless cameras, the best cameras for wildlife photography, or the best 4k video cameras.

Nikon Z 6

The Nikon Z 6 is a bit better overall than the Nikon Z 5, but the Z 5 still offers a lot of value for those just getting into full-frame photography. The Z 5 is Nikon's entry-level full-frame camera, while the Z 6 is a higher-end enthusiast model. Because of that, the Z 6 has a faster continuous shooting speed, can shoot 4k video without a crop and more frame rate options, and has a CFexpress card slot. However, it does have a shorter battery life than the Z 5.

Nikon Z 50

The Nikon Z 5 and the Nikon Z 50 are both entry-level options in Nikon's mirrorless lineup, but they have different-sized sensors. The Z 5 has an advantage in noise and low-light performance thanks to its full-frame sensor, along with advanced features like in-body image stabilization and dual memory card slots. However, the Z 50's APS-C sensor gives it a more portable body. The Z 50 also has faster burst shooting and is a bit better suited to video and vlogging, with more frame rate options and less of a crop on 4k video.

Canon EOS R8

The Nikon Z 5 offers better overall value than the Canon EOS R8 unless you're a hybrid or video shooter or prefer a more portable camera, in which case you should go with the R8. Both cameras use full-frame sensors and capture excellent image quality, but the Z 5 has a higher-resolution EVF, a longer battery life, in-body image stabilization, and weather-sealing. Its video features are more limited, however, with severely cropped 4k recording and less advanced internal recording specs.

Sony α7 III

The Sony α7 III is better overall than the Nikon Z 5, but the Nikon offers more value for its price. The Sony is a more well-rounded camera with better video performance. It also has a longer battery life, faster burst shooting, and a more established lens ecosystem. However, if you're primarily interested in photography, the Nikon offers incredible value, with an excellent sensor, high-resolution EVF, and a well-built ergonomic body.

Nikon Z f

The Nikon Z f is better than the Nikon Z 5. It's a more well-rounded camera with better video specs and a newer, more effective autofocus system, along with faster burst shooting. Its vintage-inspired design and ergonomics may not be to everyone's taste, however.

Canon EOS RP

The Nikon Z 5 is better than the Canon EOS RP. Both are entry-level full-frame cameras, but the Nikon feels better built, has a higher-resolution EVF, includes in-body image stabilization and dual SD card slots, and has significantly better battery life. That said, the Canon does offer a couple of advantages—notably, a more portable body and a better overall autofocus system.

Canon EOS R7

The Canon EOS R7 is a bit better than the Nikon Z 5 but uses a smaller APS-C sensor. The Canon offers more unless you need full-frame image quality and low-light performance. It has a much faster burst rate for action photography and a more effective autofocus system. It's also more capable for advanced video work and has a better battery life. That said, the Nikon is a great deal if you need a full-frame camera that's relatively affordable.

Sony α7C

The Sony α7C is a bit better overall than the Nikon Z 5, especially for hybrid and video shooters or those who want a more portable camera. The α7C offers better video specs, with a much smaller crop on 4k video. It also has a more reliable and effective autofocus system and faster burst shooting. That said, both are full-frame cameras with roughly on-par image quality, though the Nikon does have some advantages, including better ergonomics, a much larger, higher-resolution viewfinder, and dual SD card slots.

Nikon D780

The Nikon D780 is better overall than the Nikon Z 5, though they use different camera technologies. Though both are full-frame cameras, the D780 is an enthusiast-level DSLR, so it has an optical viewfinder, while the Z 5 is an entry-level mirrorless camera with an electronic viewfinder. Both feel well-built and comfortable to shoot with, but the Z 5 is significantly lighter and more portable. The D780 has a longer battery life and a more versatile autofocus system since it uses both contrast- and phase-detection AF depending on whether you shoot through the viewfinder or Live View on the screen. The Z 5 can only shoot 4k video with a severe crop, but on the upside, it has in-body image stabilization, meaning you can use non-optically stabilized lenses.

Sony α7 II

The Nikon Z 5 is better overall than the Sony α7 II. It features a weather-sealed body with better ergonomics, a higher-resolution EVF, and better overall battery life. Its AF system is also more reliable. Though neither excels at video, the Z 5 can at least record in 4k despite a heavy crop. That said, there are generally more lens options available for the Sony.

+ Show more

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
3.5
Design
Portability
Height
4.0" (10.2 cm)
Width
5.6" (14.1 cm)
Depth
3.5" (9.0 cm)
Volume
79.0 in³ (1,294.4 cm³)
Weight
1.52 lbs (0.69 kg)

This isn't the most compact option, but it's relatively portable for a full-frame camera. It's much less bulky than a DSLR camera like the Nikon D780, but it isn't as lightweight as comparable full-frame mirrorless models like the Canon EOS RP or the Sony α7 II.

8.5
Design
Build Quality

The camera feels very well-built. Though it's mostly made of plastic, it does have a magnesium alloy frame, and it's a lot sturdier-feeling than comparable entry-level full-frames like the Canon EOS RP. It's even weather-sealed against dust and moisture, giving you a bit more peace of mind when taking your camera out on rainy days.

Design
Body
Body Type
SLR-Style
Water Resistance
Weather-Sealed
Mirrorless
Yes
Rugged
No
Hot Shoe
Yes
Customizable Button
Yes
Command Dial
2
Tripod Mount
Yes
Lens Mount
Z Mount
Built-In Flash
No
Fastest Shutter Speed
1/8,000 s
Design
In The Box

  • Nikon Z 5 camera body
  • Sensor cap
  • Nikkor Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens
  • Lens cap
  • Rear lens cover
  • 1x Nikon EN-EL15C battery
  • Shoulder strap
  • Battery charger
  • USB-C to USB-A cable
  • User manual

9.0
Design
Ergonomics & Comfort
Hand Grip: Small Hand
Yes
Hand Grip: Medium Hand
Yes
Hand Grip: Large Hand
Yes
Hand Grip: Extra-Large Hand
Yes

The Nikon Z5 has excellent ergonomics, with plenty of space between the grip and the lens, though this can vary depending on what lens you use. It handles very much like other Nikon mirrorless cameras, with a nearly identical body and handgrip to the Nikon Z 6. The controls are intuitive and well-placed. Overall, it feels great in the hand and is suitable for a wide range of hand sizes.

Design
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Type
Electronic
Advertised Coverage
100%
Advertised Resolution
3.69 million dots
Advertised Magnification
0.8

The electronic viewfinder (EVF) has a high resolution. Though 3.69 million-dot resolutions have become more common in mirrorless EVFs, it's still nice to see on an entry-level model like this, and it means you'll get a clear, sharp view of your subjects through the viewfinder.

7.1
Design
Screen
Screen Articulation Type
Tilting
Screen Max Brightness
524 cd/m²
Advertised Resolution
1.04 million dots
Size
3.2" (8.1 cm)
Touchscreen
Yes

The camera has a tilting screen with full touch capability. You can select focus points with it, use it as a touch shutter, or navigate the menu and quick menu. It doesn't get overly bright, making it a bit harder to see what's on the screen on really sunny days.

9.0
Design
Menu System
Guide Mode
Yes
App Name
Nikon SnapBridge

Nikon's user interface is super intuitive and well-organized. You can navigate the Z5's menu using either the physical controls or the touchscreen. There's a handy quick menu to access commonly used settings, and you can customize it to show your preferred settings. The menu also has a help function that gives you more information about certain settings, which you can access by tapping the '?' symbol in the bottom left corner of the screen or pressing the zoom-out button. However, it's only available for some settings.

not tested
Design
Built-In Lens
Maximum Aperture
No built-in lens
Max Aperture (Full-Frame Equivalent)
N/A
Minimum Focal Length
N/A
Maximum Focal Length
N/A
Max Focal Length (Full-Frame Equivalent)
N/A
Optical Image Stabilization
No
Luminance
N/A
Light Falloff
N/A
Design
Sensor
Sensor Type
CMOS
Advertised Effective Pixels
24.3 MP
Sensor Size
Full Frame
Processor
EXPEED 6
Extended ISO Minimum
50
Native ISO Minimum (Base ISO)
100
Native ISO Maximum
51,200
Tested Firmware
1.40

The camera uses a high-resolution full-frame sensor, though it isn't backside-illuminated like the sensor found on the higher-end Nikon Z 6. Backside-illuminated designs help with light-gathering efficiency.

9.3
Design
Battery
Battery Type
Nikon EN-EL15C
USB Charging
Yes
Power Delivery While Recording
Yes
Advertised Battery Life In Photo
470 photos
Tested Battery Life In Video
154 min

Battery performance is great overall. It's CIPA-rated for 390 shots when shooting through the viewfinder and 470 shots when shooting through the screen. Of course, in the real world, that number will vary depending on how you use your camera, how long you keep it powered on, what kind of shooting you're doing, and more. However, the CIPA rating is a good indicator of how it performs relative to other cameras, and the Z 5 performs quite well among mirrorless options, outperforming the more powerful Nikon Z 6II. That said, it still falls far short of DSLR cameras and newer mirrorless options.

The camera's battery life is especially impressive in video mode. The battery can last through over two and a half hours of continuous video recording in 4k. It's worth noting, however, that the camera can only record 4k video at 30 fps with a severe crop and limited bit rates, so it's less demanding than cameras that can record at higher frame rates and bit rates. If you need to extend the camera's battery life even further, you can power it externally via USB-C.

Photo General
5.7
Photo General
Photo Shooting Speed
Low Speed Continuous
1 fps
High Speed Continuous
5 fps
Silent Shooting Continuous
3 fps
Raw Buffer Size
100 Photos
JPEG Buffer Size
100 Photos
Buffer Empty Time
1 s

Shooting speed is one of the areas in which the Nikon Z 5 falls short of pricier models, but this isn't surprising given its relatively affordable price point.

Its image buffer has a fixed cap, regardless of format, which is a bit disappointing given its slow shooting speed. However, considering you can shoot up to 100 frames in either RAW or JPEG, it could be worse. Thankfully, if you manage to fill up the buffer, it's very quick to empty, so that won't slow you down for long. Where the camera falls apart is its burst rate, which maxes out at a measly five fps. That's fine if you're just taking photos of your dog or your kids, but it's probably not going to cut it for birds in flight or fast-moving sports photography.

6.8
Photo General
Photo AF-C Tracking
Autofocus Tracking Shots
Perfect Focus Hit Rate
56%
Usable Focus Hit Rate
70%

The Nikon Z 5 uses the same basic autofocus system as the Nikon Z 6, with on-sensor phase detection technology. It's pretty good overall. It has a few different subject detection modes, including animal detection, as well as face and eye detection. Its tracking feature isn't as consistent as newer, higher-end Nikons like the Nikon Z 6II, but it still performs reasonably well overall for those who prefer a more hands-off approach to autofocus. With firmware version 1.40, Nikon updated the eye-detection performance for the camera's 'Auto-area AF' mode. The eye tracking is a bit more reliable, but it still falls considerably short of competitors like the Sony a7 III and the Canon EOS R6, though these both sit at higher price points. Its area mode options are also more limited than competitors.

9.7
Photo General
Photo AF-C Center Point
Autofocus Center Point Shots
Perfect Focus Hit Rate
96%
Usable Focus Hit Rate
100%

If you don't use the tracking mode, on the other hand, the camera's AF proves to be quite good. It focuses quickly and smoothly when using the center focus point, with little trouble staying with the subject behind the AF point. That's great for scenarios with more predictable subjects.

6.6
Photo General
Photo Image Stabilization
Minimum Shutter Speed Achieved
1/30 s
In-Body Image Stabilization
Yes

Unlike the Canon EOS RP, the Nikon Z5 includes built-in image stabilization, which works in tandem with optically stabilized NIKKOR Z lenses. You can get clear shots at reasonably slow shutter speeds, but we found that the IBIS isn't as effective as the IBIS on the Nikon Z 6II, despite Nikon advertising both systems as offering up to five stops of stabilization performance.

Photo Image Quality
8.9
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Dynamic Range
Dynamic Range At Base ISO
11.3 f-stops
Dynamic Range At 1/500s Exposure Time
9.8 f-stops
Dynamic Range At 1/2000s Exposure Time
7.5 f-stops
Dynamic Range At 1/4000s Exposure Time
6.9 f-stops

The camera's dynamic range is excellent, especially at its base ISO. It can capture a wide range of detail, preserving a good range of highlights and shadows.

8.4
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Sharpness
Vertical Edge MTF50 At Base ISO
2,287 LW/PH
Horizontal Edge MTF50 At Base ISO
1,788 LW/PH

The Nikon Z5 has a high-resolution sensor that resolves fine details very well. That means you have more leeway to crop in without losing detail than you would with a smaller sensor or lower-resolution camera.

8.0
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Noise
SNR 18% At 1/8 Exposure Time (125 ms)
35.2dB
SNR 18% At 1/30 Exposure Time (33 ms)
32.7 dB
SNR 18% At 1/125 Exposure Time (8 ms)
28.6 dB
SNR 18% At 1/500 Exposure Time (2 ms)
23.4dB

The sensor has great noise handling. Though noise is somewhat inevitable in really low-light situations, you can still get relatively clean RAW files when there's less available light.

Pictures Sample Gallery
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Skate Park Picture
JPEG Skate Park Picture Download
RAW Skate Park Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Polish Church Picture
JPEG Polish Church Picture Download
RAW Polish Church Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Studio Picture
JPEG Studio Picture Download
RAW Studio Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Stairway Picture
JPEG Stairway Picture Download
RAW Stairway Picture Download
Video General
Video General
Video Features
Full HD Video
Yes
4k Video
Yes
6k Video
No
Clean HDMI Output
Yes
Advertised Max Chroma Sampling Over HDMI
Not Advertised
Advertised Max Bit Depth Over HDMI
N/A
Log Picture Profile
No
Recording Light
No

The Nikon Z5 has relatively limited video features. It doesn't support Log recording for those who want to preserve more dynamic range and have more flexibility in post. However, it's suitable enough for more casual video recording.

Video General
Audio
Audio Test Sample
Audio Recording
Stereo
Microphone Level Display
Yes
Video General
Video File Format And Compression
MP4 H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
Yes
MP4 H.265 / HEVC
No
MOV H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
Yes
MOV H.265 / HEVC
No
AVCHD H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
No
All-I Compression
No
4k Video
5.8
4k Video
4k Video Frame Rate
240 fps In 4k
No
120 fps In 4k
No
60 fps In 4k
No
30 fps In 4k
Yes, with a Crop
24 fps In 4k
Yes, with a Crop
4k Crop At Max Available fps
1.58 x

Unfortunately, this camera can only record 4k video with a severe 1.58x crop, significantly reducing your field of view. It's limited to 30 fps in 4k, too, so you're out of luck if you want to capture high-frame rate footage for slow-motion clips.

7.8
4k Video
4k Video Internal Recording
Bitrate Maximum In 4k
129 Mbps
Bitrate Minimum In 4k
128 Mbps
Chroma Sampling In 4k
4:2:0
Bit Depth In 4k
8 Bit
Record Time Limit In 4k
30 min
Overheat Recording Interruptions in 4k
0

The camera's internal recording capability is okay in 4k, but the camera isn't really intended for more advanced video work. There's no Log gamma curve, and it's limited to 8-bit 4:2:0 capture, meaning you'll have less leeway to color-grade and process your footage.

6.7
4k Video
4k Video Autofocus Performance
Object Tracking In 4k
5.3
Face Tracking In 4k
8.7
Face Detection In 4k
Yes
Eye Detection In 4k
No

The autofocus system is okay for 4k video. It only supports face detection in video mode; however, it does a great job of tracking moving subjects. It's a little more sluggish when you use the general subject tracking—that is, when you select the subject manually rather than letting the AI detect a face on its own. You can adjust AF speed and sensitivity as well, which is great.

7.8
4k Video
4k Video Quality
Low Light Capability In 4k
7.0
Test Scene Extract In 4k
8.5

4k video quality is good overall. It's mostly limited by the heavy crop, but videos are still reasonably sharp and detailed, even in low light. It has a bit of an edge over the competing Canon EOS RP in terms of sharpness and noise handling—just don't expect the same level of quality as cameras like the Nikon Z 6II that can shoot uncropped 4k.

3.8
4k Video
4k Video Rolling Shutter Effect
4k Rolling Shutter
10.0°

Rolling shutter effect is really bad. There's heavy distortion in 4k, which can be especially distracting when panning the camera.

Full HD Video
8.5
Full HD Video
FHD Video Frame Rate
240 fps In FHD
No
120 fps In FHD
No
60 fps In FHD
Yes
30 fps In FHD
Yes
24 fps In FHD
Yes
FHD Crop At Max Available fps
1 x

In 1080p, the camera can shoot at up to 60 fps, and thankfully, there's no crop. While it's suitable for lightly slowed-down footage, a lot of newer or higher-end cameras can shoot at even higher frame rates to get even greater degrees of slow motion.

7.6
Full HD Video
FHD Video Internal Recording
Bitrate Maximum In FHD
56 Mbps
Bitrate Minimum In FHD
29 Mbps
Chroma Sampling In FHD
4:2:0
Bit Depth In FHD
8 Bit
Record Time Limit in FHD
30 min

As with 4k, internal recording is somewhat limited in 1080p. It's still limited to 8-bit 4:2:0 capture. There's also a 30-minute cap on recording, and the camera's bit rates are nothing to write home about.

7.7
Full HD Video
FHD Video Autofocus Performance
Object Tracking In FHD
8.3
Face Tracking In FHD
8.1
Face Detection In FHD
Yes
Eye Detection In FHD

In 1080p, autofocus works quite well. The tracking feature does a great job of keeping moving human subjects in focus. The general subject tracking is also a lot better in this resolution.

7.3
Full HD Video
FHD Video Quality
Low Light Capability In FHD
7.0
Test Scene Extract In FHD
7.5

The 1080p video quality is pretty good. Details are a little more muddled than on the Nikon Z 6, but it's a bit better than the Canon EOS RP and isn't bad overall. It even performs decently well in low light without overly noisy footage.

7.0
Full HD Video
FHD Video Rolling Shutter Effect
FHD Rolling Shutter
4.0°

Thankfully, there's much less noticeable rolling shutter effect in 1080p, though there's still a bit of distortion when panning.

Storage And Connectivity
Storage And Connectivity
Storage
Card 1 Slot
SD Card UHS-II
Card 2 Slot
SD Card UHS-II

The SD card slots are conveniently placed on the side of the camera, making it easy to switch out cards even when the camera's on a tripod. The dual slots are great for those who want a backup.

9.5
Storage And Connectivity
Inputs / Outputs
USB
USB-C
HDMI
Mini (Type C)
Headphones
Yes
Microphone
Stereo
Wi-Fi
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes

The Nikon Z5 uses a USB-C port for charging and file transfer. It also includes a Mini HDMI port, as well as both a headphone and mic jack, so you can connect videography peripherals if needed.