Nikon D5 Detailed Review

In additional D5 was introduced by Nikon in January 2016. It belongs to the Professional DSLRs category.

Nikon is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Nikon.

The D5 has a Full frame CMOS sensor with size of 36 x 24 mm² (1.42″ x 0.94″).

Picture of D5’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The D5’s sensor has resolution of 21 megapixel.

The Nikon supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Nikon’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The D5 features a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning.

The D5 has an optical viewfinder with a penta prism. Viewfinders with a penta prism are typical for enthusiast and professional DSLRs. The viewfinder covers 100% of the field of view and has a magnification of 0.72x, an above average value for a viewfinder like this.

The D5’s shutter speed varies from 1/8000s to 30s.

The D5’s sensitivity is from 100 ISO and 102400 ISO.

Also, Nikon’s sensitivity can be boosted to 3280000. Therefore, ISO boosting will lead to growth noise.

The D5 supports all general exposure modes.

The Nikon allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The D5’s auto focus processor uses 153 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. in sports).

Manual focus is also possible with the Nikon, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The D5 doesn’t feature a built-in flash. That is not unsusual in this camera category.

A flash or a trigger for remote flashes can be attached to the Nikon’s hotshoe.

The D5 features a monitor with a diagonal of 80.00mm (3.1 in.) and a resolution of c. 2.36 megapixel. A resonable value that will make it easy to evaluate images directly in-camera.

The camera’s display is articulated, a plus for selfies and other challenging situations.

The D5’s monitor can work as a touch screen, just like a smartphone. That can be very useful, for example to pick AF points, but keep in mind that touch screens usually don’t work when wearing gloves.

Display characteristics at a glance:

D5 video supported the resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

Nikon D5 Video parameters:

Built-in wireless connectivity is not available with the Nikon. You will need appropriate accessories to wirelessly transfer images between camera and smartphone.

However, the camera can be controlled over a wired connection.

Connect the Nikon to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

USB 3.0 is already supported by the Nikon. USB 3.0 greatly speeds up transferring images and videos to the computer.

Connection parameters:

The camera uses CompactFlash cards. The Nikon does not support SD cards.

XQD Cards can be used, too.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Nikon D5 has a EN-EL18a LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 3780 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The D5’s battery battery parameters:

The Nikon D5’s dimensions are 160 x 148.5 x 92mm³. (6.3″ x 5.8″ x 3.6″). That’s the body only, without lens. The camera’s weight is a rather considerable 1405 grams (45.3 oz.). Add to this the weight of the lens.

Here is front and top view of the D5:

For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.