Nikon D5 DSLR Hands-On Preview

The Nikon D5 is Nikon's latest flagship Digital SLR, updating the Nikon D4s.

Read our full Nikon D5 review here.

We went hands-on with the new Nikon D5 and spent some time shooting with the high-speed full-frame DSLR. We used the Nikon D5 in a variety of conditions, including taking action shots, as well as focusing in very low light, and were impressed by the focus system as well as the results. However, as the camera used is a pre-production model, we are unable to share any sample photos. 

The Nikon D5 offers 12fps continuous shooting, with minimal viewfinder blackout and continuous AF, and a video of this in action can be found here, or 14fps continuous shooting with mirror lock-up. The Nikon D5 offers a live view silent shooting option, which enables an electronic shutter for silent shooting. 

Nikon D5 Key Features

• 20.8 megapixel FX full-frame sensor
• 153 focus points, 99 cross type
• Group AF, Tracking AF
• 12-14fps continuous shooting 
• EXPEED 5 image processor
• Improved colour and noise performance
• ISO100 to ISO102400, extends further to ISO3,280,000 (Hi 5)
• 3.2inch Touchscreen, 2359k dots
• 100% coverage optical viewfinder, 0.72x magnification
• -4 EV Low-light sensitivity
• 4K UHD Video, Cinema ready
• In camera 4K timelapse creation

Handling is improved with an improved handgrip, and illuminated buttons can be found on the camera, making it easy to see buttons and controls when shooting in dark conditions. The camera can focus in -4 EV, and has an ISO range of ISO100 to ISO1,024,000, which can be extended to ISO50 to ISO3,280,000 equivalent.

Nikon D5 Internals - Cross Section 

The D5 is weather sealed and features a magnesium alloy body and the camera feels extremely solid and well built in hand. 

On the back is a high-resolution 3.2inch touch-screen with 2,359K dots, an impressively high-resolution screen, although the touch screen features are for playback only, and you can't use the screen to scroll through the menus. The camera is the first to introduce the new EXPEED 5 image processor which is designed to be more efficient, and give authentic skin tone reproduction, as well as improved noise performance

Cinema ready 4K UHD video recording is built in, and there are a long list of video options. The camera uses a smaller (cropped) area of the sensor for 4K video recording, so that there is clean video recording. The menus are split into seven different sections, including playback, photo shooting, movie shooting, custom settings, setup, retouch and MyMenu. To view all of the menu options available, have a look at the ePHOTOzine YouTube channel.

The camera comes with the choice of 2 XQD card slots or 2 Compact Flash card slots, so you have to make sure you choose the one right for you when buying. Quicker read and write performance is available when using XQD cards. Battery life is rated at a staggeringly impressive 8160 shots, from a single charge, although the CIPA rating is lower at 3,780 shots. Once production versions of the camera are available we will be putting the camera to the full test.

Nikon D5 Hands-On Photos of Equipment

Nikon D5 Specifications

View Full Product Details