Nikon D5
Release date: 2016
Reviewed by
Key features
Sensor Size: | Full Frame (35.9 x 23.9mm) |
Megapixels: | 21 |
Lens Mount: | Nikon F |
LCD Size (inches): | 3.2 |
ISO Range: | 100 - 102400 |
Frames Per Second: | 12.1 |
Auto Focus Points: | 153 |
Video Resolution: | 3840x2160 (30p/25p/24p) |
Battery Life: | 3780 shots |
Weight: | 1415 g (3.12 lb / 49.91 oz) |
Size: | 160 x 159 x 92 mm (6.3 x 6.26 x 3.62″) |
Price: | $$$ |
Great for:
Body Type: DSLR Camera
Based on some of the key specifications of the Nikon D5 and our review, we found that this camera is best for the following uses: Sports & Action, Portraits, Low Light
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Spec Summary
Memory Card Slot Two memory card slots allow you to backup your files or record different formats on each | CF1 / XQD |
Built-in Flash Helpful for basic low light situations, but do not expect nice results due to harsh front light | |
Frames per Second You can take more pictures per second (great for wildlife and sports) | 12.1 |
GPS Store the exact location of your shot | |
Auto Focus Points The more auto focus points, the more specific you can be with framing your subject across the viewfinder | 153 |
Bluetooth Connect the camera with your phone to transfer files | |
Environmentally Sealed More protection against water, dust and other elements | |
Microphone Jack Allows you to add an external, higher quality microphone |
How the Nikon D5 Compares
Sensor Size Comparison
The Nikon D5 has a Full Frame sensor. The color, contrast, noise, and clarity of your images are dependent on the sensor and pixel quality. So we address these specs in more detail.
Be sure to review the Crop Factor since that is important for the lenses you select.
Nikon D5 Sensor: Full Frame (35.9x23.9mm)
Resolution and Image Print Size
Here's the best resolution you can expect from the Nikon D5. Image resolution is a reference of the amount of image detail your pictures will hold, here measured as pixel dimensions. Higher resolution images will contain more pixels. As you can see in the comparison image below, to be considered as High Definition (HD) you'd need at least 1920x1080 pixels, or 2.1 megapixels. For images with 4K you'd need at least 4096x2160 pixels, which would be at least 8.3 megapixels.
Best Digital Resolution for Nikon D5
Largest Recommended Print Size for Nikon D5
Maximum High Resolution Print Size (300 dpi)
When it comes to printing out your images for clients or family and friends the best printing quality is at least 300 DPI. You can think of DPI, or "dots per inch", as how many ink droplets are contained within a square inch of your print.
Based on the resolution of the Nikon D5 the image below shows the largest recommended print size, in order to preserve the best image quality of your photo. When determining the maximum print size we assume you are starting with an image at the full resolution of the camera. Many factors go into print quality, including whether you've cropped your image, which also reduces the print size based on how much you crop the image.
Nikon D5 Pixel Size
After sensor size, pixel size is an important characteristic related to image quality. For a given sensor size larger size pixels on a camera sensor are generally better at sensing light and contrast.
This generally translates into less noise in your image. It is also a related aspect to a camera’s low light or indoor performance. The Nikon D5 has a calculated pixel size of 6.42 microns.
Nikon D5 Size Comparison
The Nikon D5 measures out to 160 x 159 x 92 mm (6.3 x 6.26 x 3.62″). Remember to account for any lenses or other accessories you might pair with your camera to figure out an overall size.
Nikon D5 Weight Comparison
This is how the Nikon D5 measures up to other common portable electronics. For portability also take a look at the size in the section above.
Nikon D5 Battery Life Estimates
If you’re wondering how long your camera battery will last, the CIPA rating for the Nikon D5 is 3780 shots.
In order to put this into context we’ve provided an hour estimate based on common uses. This is meant to be a general guideline and will fluctuate based on the camera features you’re using, such as video or continuous focus.
How long before next charge?
Everyday Shooting
How long before next charge?
126 hours
* This rating is based on an estimate of 30 photos an hour.Photoshoot or Studio Shooting
How long before next charge?
15.12 hours
* This rating is based on an estimate of 250 photos an hour. Many photographers will take less but this will cover even those that are trigger happy.Nikon D5 Specs
Sensor
Megapixels More megapixels does not mean image quality is better, but you can print larger or crop much more | 21 |
Sensor Type | CMOS |
Sensor Size Larger sensor usually results in better low light performance | Full Frame |
Crop factor | 1 |
AA Filter With no Anti-Aliasing filter on the sensor, you might get slightly sharper images | Fixed |
Body Stabilization The camera can help stabilize your shot if you are not completely stable. It also works in video mode | No |
Processor | EXPEED 5 |
Lens Mount | Nikon F |
Image
ISO Range The higher the number, the better your chances of photographing in dark environments | 100 - 102400 |
Expanded ISO Range Even higher than normal ISO range, but shows more noise. Useful for extreme situations | 50 - 3280000 |
Minimum Shutter Speed Take long exposure shots for more seconds (night sky, star trails) | 30 sec |
Maximum Shutter Speed Normally 1/4000 is more than enough for 99% scenarios, but in extremely bright situations, going higher is useful | 1/8000 sec |
Bulb Mode Hold the shutter button for as many seconds/minutes/hours as you wish | Yes |
Built-in Flash Helpful for basic low light situations, but do not expect nice results due to harsh front light | No |
Flash Sync Speed Shoot with a flash at a higher maximum shutter speed | 1/250 |
Display
LCD Size (inches) Bigger screens allow you to see better and navigate more easily | 3.2 |
LCD Resolution See more details when looking at your rear LCD screen | 2359000 |
Touch Screen Use your fingers to navigate or select focus points on the screen | Yes |
Viewfinder Type Pentaprism design results in better viewfinder quality | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Magnification Your subject appears bigger in the viewfinder | 0.72× |
Viewfinder Coverage This number tells you how much of the world you see when looking through the viewfinder. If 100%, it means you see exactly what you get on the shot | 1 |
Articulating LCD Helpful when shooting a subject below or above you, as well as selfies | No |
Top LCD Screen Preview and change your settings quicker without constantly having to look at the rear LCD | Yes |
Focus Peaking The camera highlights what's in focus. This can be very useful for video recording | Yes |
Connections & Storage
Memory Card Slot Two memory card slots allow you to backup your files or record different formats on each | CF1 / XQD |
UHS Support Faster transferring of your photographs and videos | No UHS support |
Wi-Fi Easily share your files | No |
NFC Connect the camera with your phone to transfer files | No |
GPS Store the exact location of your shot | No |
Bluetooth Connect the camera with your phone to transfer files | No |
Microphone Jack Allows you to add an external, higher quality microphone | Yes |
HDMI HDMI output is useful for advanced video work | Yes |
USB Type Much faster file transferring speeds | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) |
Video
Video Resolution Higher resolution means more detail, especially when viewed on bigger monitors | 3840x2160 (30p/25p/24p) |
Video Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Speed
Frames per Second You can take more pictures per second (great for wildlife and sports) | 12.1 |
Auto Focus Points The more auto focus points, the more specific you can be with framing your subject across the viewfinder | 153 |
Time Lapse Useful function for letting the camera take pictures at a specific interval | Yes |
JPEG Buffer You can take more JPEG shots before having to wait for the buffer to empty | 200 |
RAW Buffer You can take more RAW shots before having to wait for the buffer to empty | 183 |
Body & Battery
Have any Questions?
If you're considering whether to purchase the Nikon D5 and have any questions we're happy to help. We also provide buying advice for Nikon D5 lenses and accessories, so feel free to reach out and ask us if your not quite sure what to get.
Nikon D5 Specifications Table
Megapixels | 21 |
Sensor Type | CMOS |
Sensor Size | Full Frame |
Crop factor | 1 |
AA Filter | Fixed |
Body Stabilization | No |
Processor | EXPEED 5 |
Lens Mount | Nikon F |
ISO Range | 100 - 102400 |
Expanded ISO Range | 50 - 3280000 |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 sec |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 sec |
Bulb Mode | Yes |
Built-in Flash | No |
Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 |
LCD Size (inches) | 3.2 |
LCD Resolution | 2359000 |
Touch Screen | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.72× |
Viewfinder Coverage | 1 |
Articulating LCD | No |
Top LCD Screen | Yes |
Focus Peaking | Yes |
Memory Card Slot | CF1 / XQD |
UHS Support | No UHS support |
Wi-Fi | No |
NFC | No |
GPS | No |
Bluetooth | No |
Microphone Jack | Yes |
HDMI | Yes |
USB Type | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) |
Video Resolution | 3840x2160 (30p/25p/24p) |
Video Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Frames per Second | 12.1 |
Auto Focus Points | 153 |
Time Lapse | Yes |
JPEG Buffer | 200 |
RAW Buffer | 183 |
Battery | EN-EL18a |
Battery Life | 3780 shots |
Environmentally Sealed | Yes |
Weight | 1415 g (3.12 lb / 49.91 oz) |
Size | 160 x 159 x 92 mm (6.3 x 6.26 x 3.62″) |
Price | $$$ |
Frequently Asked Questions for the Nikon D5
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Does the Nikon D5 have in-body Image Stabilization?
The Nikon D5 includes: No Image Stabilization.
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Does the Nikon D5 have Environmental Weather Sealing?
This model does have Weather Sealing.
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Does the Nikon D5 have built-in GPS?
This camera does not feature GPS shot location.
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What is the Max ISO of the Nikon D5?
The Max ISO is 100 - 102400. The expanded ISO range will give you 50 - 3280000.
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What is the Sensor Size of Nikon D5?
The Nikon D5 features a Full Frame sensor.
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Does the Nikon D5 have a Touch Screen?
This camera model does have a touch screen.
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How many frames per second (fps) can the Nikon D5 shoot?
This camera is rated for 12.1 fps.
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What is the Weight of Nikon D5?
This camera weighs 1415 g (3.12 lb / 49.91 oz);
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What are the Dimensions of Nikon D5?
This camera's dimensions are 160 x 159 x 92 mm (6.3 x 6.26 x 3.62″);
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What kind of memory card slots are on the Nikon D5?
The Nikon D5 works with CF1 / XQD memory cards.