Nikon D5 Review

Nikon announced was in the works to replace the D4S in November of 2015, the flagship single-lens reflex camera (SLR) designed for professional photojournalists and sports photographers.

With the Olympic events taking place this summer, it was likely that we would see something solid at CE in January, and Nikon did not disappoint, unveiling its latest 20.8-megapixel full-frame model at the show in Las Vegas.

The highest increased sensitivity level on the new camera is ISO 3,280,000, which is a little more than three million. Very few people at the press presentation could claim not to have been astonished by this (actually, even 280,000 is quite a lot in ISO terms).

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Build Quality

Because the control arrangement of the D4S and the D5 are identical, owners of either camera will immediately feel at ease with the other. However, the grips on the front and back of the camera have been redesigned to be more ergonomically sound, making the device easier to use for extended periods without experiencing discomfort. During this test, I had no trouble holding it for several hours without any pain; however, while shooting with a big lens, it might be helpful to use a monopod to distribute part of the weight more evenly.

Because it is made entirely of metal and has considerable weather sealing, just like the D4S, the D5 gives the impression that it might be used securely in the harshest circumstances. There is even a waterproof cover for the hot shoe, which keeps the contacts dry when a flashgun isn’t attached. I had no issues shooting in wet situations during our test because of the hot shoe’s cover.

Nikon D5 Image Quality

The following images were cropped from our laboratory Still Life target. They compared the image quality of the Nikon D5 to that of its predecessor, the D4S, and its most direct rival, the Canon 1DX Mark II. We have included the Nikon D500 and the Canon 7D Mark II because they offer the highest frame rates from professional-level Nikon and Canon APS-C DSLRs (around ten frames per second). We have also included the Samsung NX1 because it can have 15 frames per second.

Nikon D5 Performance

The detail resolution of the D5 is inferior to that of the D810, which has 36 million pixels on its sensor. Still, it performs favorably compared to the D750, which has 24 million pixels on its sensor, matching or outperforming the entire sensitivity range in our resolution testing. It also beats the 16MP D4S up to ISO204,800, after which the older camera pulls ahead. This is far into the extension range of the D4S and is one stop into the expansion range of the D5.

Notably, while shooting in the real world with the D5, you can get far better-looking photographs at an ISO number of 409,600, the D4S’s maximum extension value. Of course, the pictures are still pretty noisy, and I wouldn’t advocate regularly utilizing this setting; however, it may be an alternative in really challenging situations.

When the sensitivity is increased to the D5’s highest level (ISO3,280,000), there is a noticeable decrease in the picture’s overall quality. There is very little detail in the raw or the JPEG files since the low lighting circumstances need such a high setting. Raw files, especially when no attempt is made to reduce the amount of noise present, feature a great deal of chroma noise (colored speckling) and a noticeable check pattern of banding at standard viewing sizes.

Nikon D5 Specs

Body type	Large SLR
Max resolution	5588 x 3712
Image ratio w h	1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2
Effective pixels	21 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	21 megapixels
Sensor size	Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Processor	EXPEED 5
ISO	Auto, 100-102400 (expandable to 50-3280000)
Boosted ISO (minimum)	50
Boosted ISO (maximum)	3280000
White balance presets	12
Custom white balance	Yes (6 slots)
Image stabilization	No
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Fine, normal, basic
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View.
Number of focus points	153
Lens mount	Nikon F
Focal length multiplier	1×
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3.2″
Screen dots	2,359,000
Touch screen	Yes
Screen type	TFT LCD
Live View	Yes
Viewfinder type	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage	100%
Viewfinder magnification	0.72×
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/8000 sec
Aperture priority	Yes
Shutter priority	Yes
Manual exposure mode	Yes
Subject/scene modes	No
Built-in flash	No
External flash	Yes (via hot shoe and flash sync port)
Continuous drive	14.0 fps
Self-timer	Yes (2, 5, 10, 20 secs)
Metering modes	MultiCenter-weightedHighlight-weighted spot
Exposure compensation	±5 (at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	±5 (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	Yes
Resolutions	3840 x 2160 (30p/25p/24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p/50p/30p/25p/24p), 1280 x 720 (60p/50p)
Format	MPEG-4, H.264
Videography notes	1.5X crop mode with DX lenses
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage types	Dual CompactFlash or dual XQD
USB	USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
HDMI	Yes (mini-HDMI)
Microphone port	Yes
Headphone port	Yes
Wireless	Optional
Wireless notes	Requires WT-5A or WT-6A
Remote control	Yes (wired, wireless, smartphone)
Environmentally sealed	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	EN-EL18a lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	3780
Weight (inc. batteries)	1415 g (3.12 lb / 49.91 oz)
Dimensions	160 x 159 x 92 mm (6.3 x 6.26 x 3.62″)
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes
GPS	Optional
GPS notes	GP-1A

Nikon D5 Final Verdict

The Nikon D5 is a camera intended for use by professionals who want a quick and sensitive camera, one that can take pictures even in dim light and one that can withstand the occasional bump or splash of water. It has a super-fast autofocus, a broad dynamic range of sensitivity, a tank-like design, and a maximum continuous shooting rate of 12 frames per second (when the autofocus and metering systems are activated). However, does it provide the Nikon professional enough to warrant upgrading from a D4S model?

Nikon D5 FAQs