Nikon D5

    77
    Image cannot be found

    Highlights

    • 20.8 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
    • 100 - 102,400 Native ISO
    • 153 Focus Points (153 Cross-type)
    • 3.2" 2,359k dot Fixed Screen
    • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
    • 14.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 3840 x 2160 Video Shooting
    • 30 min Video Recording Limit
    • Wheather Sealed Body
    Image cannot be found
    Image cannot be found

    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Nikon D5 was announced in 2016 and is a Full Frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) DSLR camera with 20.8 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 102,400 and expands to 100 - 3,280,000 in boosted mode. The camera has a Fixed 3.2" screen with 2,359k dot resolution and built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder.

    Nikon D5 can capture video up to 3840 x 2160 resolution.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Screen and Viewfinder
    5. Sensor
    6. Photography Features
    7. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    8. Other Features
    9. Physical Parameters
    10. For Different Types of Photography
    11. Evaluation
    12. Specifications  

    Here is the Nikon Dx series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Nikon Dx series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Nikon D6
    Compare
    		February
    2020    		 20.8 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 102,400 Fixed 3.2"
    2,359k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Nikon D5 January
    2016    		 20.8 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 102,400 Fixed 3.2"
    2,359k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Nikon D4s
    Compare
    		February
    2014    		 16.2 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 25,600 Fixed 3.2"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D4
    Compare
    		January
    2012    		 16.2 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 12,800 Fixed 3.2"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3S
    Compare
    		February
    2010    		 12.1 MP
    Full Frame    		 200 - 12,800 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3X
    Compare
    		February
    2009    		 24.5 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 3.0"
    920k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3
    Compare
    		April
    2008    		 12.1 MP
    Full Frame    		 200 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    922k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D2Xs
    Compare
    		June
    2006    		 12.4 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 800 Fixed 2.5"
    235k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D2X
    Compare
    		June
    2005    		 12.4 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 800 Fixed 2.5"
    235k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D2Hs
    Compare
    		February
    2005    		 4.1 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 1,600 Fixed 2.5"
    235k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D2H
    Compare
    		December
    2003    		 4.1 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 1,600 Fixed 2.5"
    211k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D1H
    Compare
    		September
    2001    		 2.7 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 1,600 Fixed 2.0"
    130k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D1X
    Compare
    		June
    2001    		 5.3 MP
    APS-C    		 125 - 800 Fixed 2.0"
    130k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D1
    Compare
    		November
    2000    		 2.66 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 1,600 Fixed 2.0"
    130k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Nikon D6 vs D5 vs D4s vs D4 vs D3S vs D3X.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D5.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   Large Sensor
    •   102,400 Highest Native ISO
    •   153 Focus Points
    •   99 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Large Screen - 3.2"
    •   High Resolution Screen - 2,359k dot
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   High DxO Overall Score - 88
    •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
    •   High USB Speed
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Long Battery Life - 3780 shots
    •   2 Storage Slots
    •   Orientation Sensor
    •   Illuminated Buttons

    CONS

    •   Expensive
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Video Recording Limit
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   Heavy - 1415 g (3.12 lb / 49.91 oz)

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   Sensor Resolution - 20.8 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   -4 EV Min AF Detection
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 14.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Nikon D5 to its predecessor D4s and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Nikon D5 vs Nikon D4s
    Cheaper $6499/£5729 vs US: $6499.95, UK: £5,199.99
    Higher Sensor Resolution 20.8 Megapixel vs 16.2 Megapixel
    Higher Native ISO 102,400 vs 25,600
    More Powerful Processor EXPEED 5 vs EXPEED 4
    Max Image Resolution 5588 x 3712 vs 4928 x 3280
    Lower Min AF Detection -4 EV vs -2 EV
    Higher Max AF Detection +20 EV vs +19 EV
    More Focus Points 153 vs 51
    More Cross-type Focus Points 99 vs 15
    Touch Screen vs
    Higher Resolution Screen 2,359k dot vs 921k dot
    Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.72x vs 0.70x
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 14.0 fps vs 11.0 fps
    Higher DxO Color Depth 25.1 vs 24.4
    Higher Video Resolution 3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080
    Higher USB Speed USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
    Dust Proof vs
    Longer Battery Life 3780 shots vs 3020 shots
    DOWNGRADES Nikon D5 vs Nikon D4s
    Lower Boosted ISO 3,280,000 vs 409,600
    Lower DxO Low Light ISO 2434 vs 3074
    Lower DxO Dynamic Range 12.3 vs 13.3
    Lower DxO Overall Score 88 vs 89
    Heavier 1415 g (3.12 lb / 49.91 oz) vs 1350 g (2.98 lb / 47.62 oz)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Nikon D5 vs D4s.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Fixed Touchscreen

    Nikon D5 has a 3.2" Fixed touchscreen with 2,359k dot resolution which is quite high by today's standards.


    Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 100% coverage and 0.72x magnification.

    Sensor

    Nikon D5 features a 20.8 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.9 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 858 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 102,400 and expands to 100 - 3,280,000 in boosted mode.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Nikon D5's Full Frame sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame35.9 x 23.9 mm858 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with EXPEED 5 processor and can take pictures up to 5588 x 3712 resolution.


    Lens Mount

    Nikon D5 has Nikon F lens mount. Due to Full Frame sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 1x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length.


    No In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS) so it needs lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D5.

    Nikon D1
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    2.66 MP

    Nikon D1H
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    2.7 MP

    Nikon D3
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    12.1 MP

    Nikon D2Xs
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    12.4 MP

    Nikon D4
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    16.2 MP

    Nikon D1X
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    5.3 MP

    Nikon D6
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    20.8 MP

    Nikon D2H
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    4.1 MP

    Nikon D2Hs
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    4.1 MP

    Nikon D3S
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    12.1 MP

    Nikon D4s
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    16.2 MP

    Nikon D2X
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    12.4 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Nikon D5 has a USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) input for data transfer. There is a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Nikon D5 comes with EN-EL18a battery pack with battery life of 3780 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has Dual CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA) or XQD card slots.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Nikon D5 has Mechanical Focal Plane shutter and Electronic shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 14.0 fps.


    Focusing

    Nikon D5 has 153 (99 cross-type) focusing points and from -4 to +20 EV detection range There is also face detection feature which automatically finds and focuses on faces.


    Exposure

    Camera's exposure metering ranges from -4 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment.


    Flash

    Nikon D5 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec. Flash compensation can be set from -3 to +1 EV with 1/3 or 1/2 or 1 EV step increments.

    Physical Parameters

    Nikon D5 has dimensions of 160 x 158.5 x 92 mm (6.3 x 6.26 x 3.62"). It weighs 1415 g (3.12 lb / 49.91 oz), so it is a heavy camera.

    160 mm (6.3")

    158.5 mm (6.26")

    Image cannot be displayed


    158.5 mm (6.26")

    Image cannot be displayed


    92 mm (3.62")

    Image cannot be displayed

    Nikon D5 dimensions

    Nikon D5 for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Nikon D5 is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    EXCELLENT
    87

    Nikon D5 gets a score of 87 and is EXCELLENT choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   Touch Screen
    •   High Resolution Screen - 2,359k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    GOOD
    79

    Nikon D5 gets a score of 79 and is GOOD choice for Sports photography.

    •   102,400 Highest Native ISO
    •   153 Focus Points
    •   99 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Touch Screen
    •   High Resolution Screen - 2,359k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 14.0 fps
    •   Long Battery Life - 3780 shots
    •   2 Storage Slots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    GOOD
    75

    Nikon D5 gets a score of 75 and is GOOD choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   102,400 Highest Native ISO
    •   153 Focus Points
    •   99 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Touch Screen
    •   High Resolution Screen - 2,359k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 14.0 fps
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Long Battery Life - 3780 shots
    •   2 Storage Slots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    83

    Nikon D5 gets a score of 83 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   153 Focus Points
    •   99 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Large Screen - 3.2"
    •   High Resolution Screen - 2,359k dot
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    73

    Nikon D5 gets a score of 73 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   153 Focus Points
    •   99 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Touch Screen
    •   High Resolution Screen - 2,359k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Heavy - 1415 g (3.12 lb / 49.91 oz)

    Travel Photography

    AVERAGE
    68

    Nikon D5 gets a score of 68 and is AVERAGE choice for Travel photography.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Touch Screen
    •   High Resolution Screen - 2,359k dot
    •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
    •   Low Video Recording Limit
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Heavy - 1415 g (3.12 lb / 49.91 oz)
    •   Long Battery Life - 3780 shots

    Nikon D5 Evaluation

    We evaluate Nikon D5 and give score of 77 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    77

    Sensor

    GOOD
    73

    We give Nikon D5 a score of 73 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Large Sensor
    •   Sensor Resolution - 20.8 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   102,400 Highest Native ISO
    •   High DxO Overall Score - 88

    Photo

    GOOD
    73

    We give Nikon D5 a score of 73 for Photo parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 14.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

    Video

    BAD
    38

    We give Nikon D5 a score of 38 for Video parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
    •   Low Video Recording Limit

    Focusing

    EXCELLENT
    85

    We give Nikon D5 a score of 85 for Focusing parameters.

    •   -4 EV Min AF Detection
    •   153 Focus Points
    •   99 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    EXCELLENT
    87

    We give Nikon D5 a score of 87 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Large Screen - 3.2"
    •   High Resolution Screen - 2,359k dot

    Connectivity

    GOOD
    83

    We give Nikon D5 a score of 83 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   High USB Speed
    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    EXCELLENT
    86

    We give Nikon D5 a score of 86 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Heavy - 1415 g (3.12 lb / 49.91 oz)
    •   Long Battery Life - 3780 shots
    •   2 Storage Slots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

    Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
    ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.