The Nikon Z5 is arguably the best bang-for-your-buck stills-oriented camera on the market. Image quality from its 24MP sensor is just tad behind class-leading and much of its design, from the build-quality to the ergonomics, is borrowed from higher-end Nikon Z models. Autofocus performance is also solid; reliable face and eye detect make it a great choice for documenting family/friends. Video performance is the one area the Z5 does not excel: 4K video is heavily cropped. But it does offer respectable Full HD capture with the added benefit of in-body image stabilization for hand-held shooting.

Just about anyone seeking a well-priced, stills-oriented full-frame mirrorless camera.;

Video shooters. Those wishing to capture super-fast action (in which Z5's 4.5 fps burst may not be quick enough);

Users of Nikon’s DSLR cameras will find the small and lightweight Z5 has a familiar control layout and its menu is similarly structured. The bright, high-res EVF and touch-screen monitor will also make transitioning to mirrorless easy.

As mirrorless cameras go the Nikon is easy to use, has a wonderful viewfinder, introduces improved autofocus features, and feels pitched to the correct kind of audience. Despite a low burst shooting speed and video capture that's outclassed by the competition, that still all adds up to what's...

Great image quality from full-frame sensor; Huge potential from new Z mount lenses; Electronic viewfinder is of great quality and scale; Autofocus system adds Eye/Face/Pet detection

Video offering much stronger from competition; Low burst shooting speed; Not a full vari-angle screen (it's tilt-angle only); Single area AF can struggle a little in lower light

As mirrorless cameras go the Nikon is easy to use, has a wonderful viewfinder, introduces improved autofocus features, and feels pitched to the correct kind of audience. Despite a low burst shooting speed and video capture that's outclassed by the competition, that still all adds up to what's...

Great image quality from full-frame sensor; Huge potential from new Z mount lenses; Electronic viewfinder is of great quality and scale; Autofocus system adds Eye/Face/Pet detection

Video offering much stronger from competition; Low burst shooting speed; Not a full vari-angle screen (it's tilt-angle only); Single area AF can struggle a little in lower light

Nikon has done a great job with yet another solid camera release. Although the Nikon Z5 is priced below most other full-frame cameras on the market, it is a very capable tool that can make stunning images, especially when paired with nice lenses.

While it's a shame that picture and sound quality haven't been upgraded, the iPhone 13 was great in these regards and the iPhone 14 is, too Excellent display Admirable headphone performance Solid build quality No upgrades to picture or sound Familiar design Notch is still present

Apple's latest non-Pro iPhone is superb - it's just that it's strikingly similar to last year's effort.

Still an incredible smartphone, Brilliant battery life gets a bit better, Excellent camera system gets a bit better

Last year’s Pro hardware, Wireless charging slow by modern standards, No USB-C; it’s now well overdue

The Nikon Z5 is the best entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera you can buy right now. It’s not perfect, but thanks to a blend of great image quality, a reliable autofocus performance, accessible handling and a weather-sealed body and tough body, the Z5 has a lot going for it.

Comfy grip and solid build; Logical control layout; High-resolution EVF; 5-axis AF system; Very capable AF system

Underwhelming burst shooting speed; Disappointing video specs including cropped 4K; Tilt-angle display; not vari-angle

The Z5 is a very good entry-level full frame camera, but its relatively high launch price may just persuade some potential purchasers that it’s worth forking out the relatively little extra for the Z6. Compared to other brands, the Z5 is neither cheap nor expensive.

Solid; robust feeling build; Good EVF and tilting rear screen; Twin memory card slots

Only 4.5fps continuous shooting; 4K video is cropped; 24-50mm kit lens is limiting; Nikon Z6 is better value

The New Nikon Z5 is a very attractive option for photographers on a budget who are looking for a full-frame camera. And in combination with one of Nikon's compact and affordable lenses like the 24-50mm f/4-6.3, it makes for a very compact package that delivers big-camera results.