Is The Z5 Still Viable In 2023 Post ZF?

Mackiesback · Sep 27, 2023

Laqup said:
Mackiesback said:

Laqup said:

larrytusaz said:

Again though the main thing to me with the R8 is the lack of image stabilization. To me that's downright appalling just on the principle of it. To me there are certain features you just don't leave out no matter what, like PSAM mode, hot shoe, RAW mode, etc. To me image stabilization is one of those. The camera could have 65 mp full frame, shoot 70 fps, be as small as a m4/3 body, have the most amazing ergonomics, snd cost $1000--but if it lacks image stabilization, it's a fail. (I realize my Z50 doesn't have it, but I still feel this way, because even the entry level Z5 has it.) Other people may feel otherwise, I don't care, that's my opinion.

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Why do you think it is that important? You are a bit contradicting. IBIS is most helpful for video and only a handful of stills shooting scenarios. If you photograph any breathing subject you will probably not rely on IBIS (due to necessary shutter speeds) and for tele / birding etc you have to rely on optic stabilization anyway.

What is left is some handhold cityscapes in low light or some special occasions where you actually need super slow shutter speeds and can't use a tripod / artifical light. In my world those occasions are rare. As I already said, most people don't even know if they benefit from IBIS or not, you seem to be one of them. IBIS is not a necessary stills feature. I used an EOS R with the RF 28-70 for people photography without any issues for years. To me there is absolutely zero difference between using the R8 or the R5 with lenses w/o OIS. All depends on the actual use case.

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Many people that value IBIS, as do I, shoot in all those scenarios that you describe. It also allows people to buy optically nice but slow lenses, which are far more affordable than $1000 1.8 primes or 2.8 zooms. Part of the reason my 24/70f4 zoom is valuable is because I don't have to buy a $2000 more expensive lens to get that extra stop of light that IBIS provides.

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This is not meant as an insult, but you don't seem to be aware when IBIS is helpful either. Typically you would set shutters speeds of at least 1/125s for breathing subjects to achieve critical focus. Sometimes, if you have very static subjects (e.g. old people), slower is possible, but for critical sharpness it is always better to go a bit faster. IBIS has next to no effect for the shutter speeds mentioned (1/125s and above for lenses < 135mm). In this case your exposure settings are the main driver for sharp pictures. If you have longer lenses, IBIS isn't all that helpful either, as IBIS can contribute only very little to focal length > 135mm (the effect will decrease the longer your focal length is).

The argument that IBIS helps with slow lenses is invalid, as the minimum shutter speed is a precondition for critical sharpness, either for fast lenses or slow lenses. Even if you have the NOCT and magic manual focus fingers, you will ne be able to get sharp pictures of your average 5 year old toddler at shutter speeds significantly slower than 1/125s.

So if I am shooting a dusk cityscape at 1/30th of a second or less, ibis is not helping?

Mackiesback · Sep 27, 2023

BackToNature1 said:
Mackiesback said:

BackToNature1 said:

larrytusaz said:

I have at times considered the Z5 as an upgrade to my Z50 but have never done so. Would you consider the ZF to make that unwise in 2023? As inexpensive as you find the Z5 selling for, it tempts me. I'm just not sure about the AF in lower light vs the ZF plus the Z50 is more portable anyway.

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Plus the Nikon Zf has far more features a Pro can used to make money to more then make up that $700 difference. Which is really nothing these days by comparison. Some might actually find the ergonomics of the Nikon Zf to be far better then those of the Z5/Z6 series of Cameras.

Today creators need both a Camera that can perform along with the lens. It's not just a case of one over the other. It has Never Been. A Z6iii could cost way more.

Inexpensive now can become Very Expensive over the longer haul.

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Not sure how a gripless camera could be seen as having "far better" ergonomics by some, but I suppose there is one in every crowd. Have you ever shot a retro camera in a long days work or on a daily basis for a length of time? The novelty can really wear off.

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I use them regularly with my cropped and FF cameras. So a Long Day on a Monopod isn't really a huge issue. Plus It's not a grip less camera, it's a very small type grip by comparison to others.

I bet I could hold this Nikon and work better with it on a long day then most, despite the difference in weight and or grip types.

So It's not just the size of the grip, which again by the way, it does have one. Plus it's textured on most the body I would assume, also for grip. One works within the confines of what they are carrying, an many can still do that, for a entire working day.

Nor is ergonomics just about holding a camera.

Very small grip is not gripless, got it. Do you feel that the Zf has far superior ergonomics over the other Z cameras?

Dennis · Sep 27, 2023

Laqup said:
Laqup said:

Laqup said:

... IBIS is most helpful for video and only a handful of stills shooting scenarios. If you photograph any breathing subject you will probably not rely on IBIS (due to necessary shutter speeds) and for tele / birding etc you have to rely on optic stabilization anyway.

What is left is some handhold cityscapes in low light or some special occasions where you actually need super slow shutter speeds and can't use a tripod / artifical light.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Laqup said:
The argument that IBIS helps with slow lenses is invalid, as the minimum shutter speed is a precondition for critical sharpness, either for fast lenses or slow lenses. Even if you have the NOCT and magic manual focus fingers, you will ne be able to get sharp pictures of your average 5 year old toddler at shutter speeds significantly slower than 1/125s.

After my daughter was born 20 or so years ago, I started shooting people at gatherings a lot. I came to the conclusion that 1/125s or faster is ideal; 1/60 is ok, but not reliable (meaning I'd get some sharp photos, but also a fair number ruined by motion) and 1/30s is only usable out of desperation (small keeper rate that).

Some years back, when I moved from Sony Alpha DSLRs (with IBIS) to Nikon (without) I took a look through photos in Lightroom to see how frequently I shot handheld with slow enough shutter speeds for given focal lengths to benefit from IBIS and then how often those shots were taken with lenses that would not be stabilized if I were to switch brands. I don't remember the exact numbers, but I think it was something like 10% of my photos potentially benefitted from IBIS. I dug a little further to see if some of those could have been shot at higher ISO and how important those photos were - a lot of them were shot in poor light resulting in very mediocre photos (good memories to print small in a family album). After all that, I decided that IBIS was not important enough to stick with Sony when Nikon offered a couple benefits I was looking for at the time.

Fast forward a decade and IBIS is ubiquitous enough that I wouldn't choose a system that doesn't offer it unless I had another compelling reason to do so. Yes, I'm aware that I could live without it, but I don't see compelling reasons to do so. Other photographers may find compelling reasons to choose one of the relatively few cameras that don't feature it.

Ainisru · Sep 27, 2023

larrytusaz said:
As I said, video is of no importance to me when dealing with serious photography tools. To me it's a separate "world" altogether. To that end, I LIKE it that the Z5 deemphasizes it, as does the DPreview reviewer who wrote the review on it. If Sony can make the ZV series that prioritizes video like it's a camcorder, then the reverse should also be available to people. Screw "convergence," regardless of what the market asks for or what year it is. I will always see it that way.

Again though the main thing to me with the R8 is the lack of image stabilization. To me that's downright appalling just on the principle of it. To me there are certain features you just don't leave out no matter what, like PSAM mode, hot shoe, RAW mode, etc. To me image stabilization is one of those. The camera could have 65 mp full frame, shoot 70 fps, be as small as a m4/3 body, have the most amazing ergonomics, snd cost $1000--but if it lacks image stabilization, it's a fail. (I realize my Z50 doesn't have it, but I still feel this way, because even the entry level Z5 has it.) Other people may feel otherwise, I don't care, that's my opinion.

I don't know how to get through you, lol.

The Z8 and Z9 is fully electronic with some tricks up its sleeves that can virtually match a typical a mechanical shutter.

The Canon R8 (by extension the R6II), although not as fast like the Z8 and Z9, it proves that you can indeed get very fast read out speeds, benefiting not just video but stills. The sensor isn't stacked either and isn't even BSI.

It is wild to me we now have plain full frame sensors that can read as fast as my EM1ii's way smaller sensor. You'll find plenty of ES only photos from the EM1II and or G9 where it is hard to notice. It makes capturing decisive moments a worry free moment of if you did or did not get the shot. This is what the Z5 successor has to compete against.

The Sigma Fp and Fp L is the result when you think you can just grab a sensor off the shelf without doing anything to it- it's not good at things that move.

--
I like cameras, they're fun.

Fullframer · Sep 27, 2023

MrHollywood said:
Fullframer said:

PLShutterbug said:

Laqup said:

The Z5 is a better camera than the ZF in some aspects, e.g. if you like modern controls and a small body with a proper grip. The ZF is clearly better when it comes to AF. Choice is yours.

My guess is, that the Z5 II will have similar specs as the ZF.

Click to expand...

The Z5 is not better than the Zf in ANY aspect other than ergonomics.

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Ergonomics play a big part in it. I find the ZF and other retro cameras not that great. Reason why cameras have advanced with the better ergonomics and controls they have today. Also Micro SD cards in ZF? No thanks. I prefer dual SD cards (both cards same) in Z5.

MrHollywood said:

Outside that, the Zf beats it on every single spec, and adds capabilities that cannot be added to the Z5.

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Very true and it should for double the price!

MrHollywood said:

If you want a $1,000 Nikon FF MILC then the Z5 is nice. But if you have $2,000 to spend either the Z6ii or Zf are better cameras.

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The Z5 at the on sale $999 price is a great deal.

Knowone is going to be using a ZF at a paid shoot. You never saw old DF retro either at paid photoshoots. Ergonomics stink, compared to modern cameras. Those ergonomics were ok in the early 1980's, You will see Z5's. though.

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The Df was not used because it had a bottom of the line AF system. It's only real claim to fame was the excellent sensor.

Yes, it had the D4 Sensor with the so-so D600 Autofocus. I rarely ever saw someone with a DF, didn't see many. Rare when I saw someone with it around their neck, on a vacation , etc.

MrHollywood said:
This is not the case with the Zf and I can tell you right now that we'll likely be using for set photography and even audition work. Our Z9 is not required for such work.

It can be used.. but the ergonomics are poor compared to the Z9, non matching card slots which make it more of a pain for proper backup on the job site. The slowed down the camera by not using CFexpress cards. The bunch of pros I work with will not be buying one for paid stuff. Others may...

MrHollywood said:
By all measure the Zf (so far as we know) the Zf easily outperforms the Z6II, so obviously it can be used for many types of work, including wedding and events.

Yes, it outperforms it, but the card slots (SD and micro SD) handicap the ZF. Let's give you a Corvette, but put cheap worn out tires on it.

MrHollywood said:
In other words, don't let that retro design kid you. The Zf is power-packed.

It is, I agree! But the ergonomics stink compared to Z8/Z9, sorry thats the truth. I would rather hold and use Z9, esp for portraits, vertical grip built in, controls, etc.

MrHollywood said:
Robert

KnightPhoto2 · Sep 28, 2023

Mackiesback said:
Laqup said:

The Z5 is a better camera than the ZF in some aspects, e.g. if you like modern controls and a small body with a proper grip. The ZF is clearly better when it comes to AF. Choice is yours.

My guess is, that the Z5 II will have similar specs as the ZF.

Click to expand...

That would eliminate any need for an updated Z6. Why would Nikon do that?

The Z6iii is going to go upscale, with a $500 price increase to match Sony and Canon, and features to match the upscale price.

Mackiesback · Sep 28, 2023

KnightPhoto2 said:
Mackiesback said:

Laqup said:

The Z5 is a better camera than the ZF in some aspects, e.g. if you like modern controls and a small body with a proper grip. The ZF is clearly better when it comes to AF. Choice is yours.

My guess is, that the Z5 II will have similar specs as the ZF.

Click to expand...

That would eliminate any need for an updated Z6. Why would Nikon do that?

Click to expand...

The Z6iii is going to go upscale, with a $500 price increase to match Sony and Canon, and features to match the upscale price.

Where did you get this information?

Laqup · Sep 28, 2023

Mackiesback said:
KnightPhoto2 said:

Mackiesback said:

Laqup said:

The Z5 is a better camera than the ZF in some aspects, e.g. if you like modern controls and a small body with a proper grip. The ZF is clearly better when it comes to AF. Choice is yours.

My guess is, that the Z5 II will have similar specs as the ZF.

Click to expand...

That would eliminate any need for an updated Z6. Why would Nikon do that?

Click to expand...

The Z6iii is going to go upscale, with a $500 price increase to match Sony and Canon, and features to match the upscale price.

Click to expand...

Where did you get this information?

Logic dictates it

Alternatively Z6 III will have the exact same feature set as the ZF and sell for less than the ZF and Z5 II will be scraped. This is actually not very probable as Nikon should aim to be ahead of the competition with the Z6 III and not behind. The A7 IV and a Canon R6/R6 II have been available for some time, a mere "catch up" would be disappointing. The ZF is already behind today at a similar price point..

Mackiesback · Sep 28, 2023

Laqup said:
Mackiesback said:

KnightPhoto2 said:

Mackiesback said:

Laqup said:

The Z5 is a better camera than the ZF in some aspects, e.g. if you like modern controls and a small body with a proper grip. The ZF is clearly better when it comes to AF. Choice is yours.

My guess is, that the Z5 II will have similar specs as the ZF.

Click to expand...

That would eliminate any need for an updated Z6. Why would Nikon do that?

Click to expand...

The Z6iii is going to go upscale, with a $500 price increase to match Sony and Canon, and features to match the upscale price.

Click to expand...

Where did you get this information?

Click to expand...

Logic dictates it

Alternatively Z6 III will have the exact same feature set as the ZF and sell for less than the ZF and Z5 II will be scraped. This is actually not very probable as Nikon should aim to be ahead of the competition with the Z6 III and not behind. The A7 IV and a Canon R6/R6 II have been available for some time, a mere "catch up" would be disappointing. The ZF is already behind today at a similar price point..

Well, I don't put a lot of faith in logic when trying to predict what Nikon will do.

cyuill2007 · Sep 29, 2023

larrytusaz said:
I have at times considered the Z5 as an upgrade to my Z50 but have never done so. Would you consider the ZF to make that unwise in 2023? As inexpensive as you find the Z5 selling for, it tempts me. I'm just not sure about the AF in lower light vs the ZF plus the Z50 is more portable anyway.

I look at the Z 5 as a camera to use for non-action photography. You could use the Z 5’s focus peaking to get good manual focus with older lenses. It has its uses.

Mind you, the Z 50 has a nice sensor, even if it is a cropped sensor. I sure like the images my D500 produces. It uses the same family of sensor as the Z 50. It’s too bad that the Z 50 and other DX Z-mount cameras don’t have IBIS. It limits handheld use with non-stabilized lenses. IBIS is one thing that the Z 5 has that would make it worth getting IMO.

areallygrumpyoldsod · Sep 29, 2023

"Is The Z5 Still Viable In 2023 Post Zf?" -- Sure/yes but it is not the future.

If anything a future Z5ii would be based on the Zf

You should be able to buy new or used Z5 bodies relatively cheaply. The Z5 is a relatively low spec entry level full frame camera. The Zf is cheap (really cheap) for what it is but it is still $2k and ones appetite depends on whether or not this is a lot / too much.

Personally - if I had no other Nikon Mirrorless bodies I would look hard at the Zf, but if the retro vibe is not what you want then it is reasonable to assume that a Z6iii, Z7iii and Z5ii will emerge in the new year.

The OP introduces the possibility of DX bodies. But does not really explain why these are potentials for him. Is it the size, the price, the crop factor? None have IBIS. All are ok, but just that. They are all older gen tech. The Z30 has some advantages for those transitioning from smart phones and don't want EVFs. BUT if the OP wants to shoot good photos portrait, travel, landscape and yes action/events I would steer the OP towards FF with an expeed 7 chip and a 24-120/4S to start. Currently the lowest cost option is the Zf, but it may not be available soon if you did not place an order early on day 1.

So OP - timing and availability also can influence your options.

--
areallygrumpyoldsod
Nikon and Hasselblad shooter -- wildlife and and --
https://www.andymillerphoto.co.uk/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ajm057/
I do not respond to PMs or messages via my website

dan the man p · Sep 29, 2023

I don't see what the Zf has to do with the Z5, frankly. They are totally different cameras in a totally different price league.

jjz2 · Sep 30, 2023

areallygrumpyoldsod said:
"Is The Z5 Still Viable In 2023 Post Zf?" -- Sure/yes but it is not the future.

If anything a future Z5ii would be based on the Zf

You should be able to buy new or used Z5 bodies relatively cheaply. The Z5 is a relatively low spec entry level full frame camera. The Zf is cheap (really cheap) for what it is but it is still $2k and ones appetite depends on whether or not this is a lot / too much.

Personally - if I had no other Nikon Mirrorless bodies I would look hard at the Zf, but if the retro vibe is not what you want then it is reasonable to assume that a Z6iii, Z7iii and Z5ii will emerge in the new year.

The OP introduces the possibility of DX bodies. But does not really explain why these are potentials for him. Is it the size, the price, the crop factor? None have IBIS. All are ok, but just that. They are all older gen tech. The Z30 has some advantages for those transitioning from smart phones and don't want EVFs. BUT if the OP wants to shoot good photos portrait, travel, landscape and yes action/events I would steer the OP towards FF with an expeed 7 chip and a 24-120/4S to start. Currently the lowest cost option is the Zf, but it may not be available soon if you did not place an order early on day 1.

So OP - timing and availability also can influence your options.

J_Allen · Oct 1, 2023

Dennis said:
larrytusaz said:

Would you consider the ZF to make that unwise in 2023?

Click to expand...

I bought my Z5 on sale for $999. The Zf is irrelevant in that comparison. Sure, the AF is going to be better, but if I needed better AF, I wouldn't have bought a Z5 in the first place.

Dennis said:

As inexpensive as you find the Z5 selling for, it tempts me. I'm just not sure about the AF in lower light vs the ZF plus the Z50 is more portable anyway.

Click to expand...

It is more portable and the IQ must be great (I have a D7500 with the same sensor). To me, it's all about the lenses - I'd only move from the Z50 to the Z5 if I wanted to use FF lenses (without cropping) or if I wanted to regularly use lenses without VR built in. And the VF on the Z5 is much nicer.

The VF is the exact reason that I switched from the Z50 to Z6. It's a whole nother world.

J_Allen · Oct 1, 2023

Laqup said:
Mackiesback said:

Laqup said:

larrytusaz said:

Again though the main thing to me with the R8 is the lack of image stabilization. To me that's downright appalling just on the principle of it. To me there are certain features you just don't leave out no matter what, like PSAM mode, hot shoe, RAW mode, etc. To me image stabilization is one of those. The camera could have 65 mp full frame, shoot 70 fps, be as small as a m4/3 body, have the most amazing ergonomics, snd cost $1000--but if it lacks image stabilization, it's a fail. (I realize my Z50 doesn't have it, but I still feel this way, because even the entry level Z5 has it.) Other people may feel otherwise, I don't care, that's my opinion.

Click to expand...

Why do you think it is that important? You are a bit contradicting. IBIS is most helpful for video and only a handful of stills shooting scenarios. If you photograph any breathing subject you will probably not rely on IBIS (due to necessary shutter speeds) and for tele / birding etc you have to rely on optic stabilization anyway.

What is left is some handhold cityscapes in low light or some special occasions where you actually need super slow shutter speeds and can't use a tripod / artifical light. In my world those occasions are rare. As I already said, most people don't even know if they benefit from IBIS or not, you seem to be one of them. IBIS is not a necessary stills feature. I used an EOS R with the RF 28-70 for people photography without any issues for years. To me there is absolutely zero difference between using the R8 or the R5 with lenses w/o OIS. All depends on the actual use case.

Click to expand...

Many people that value IBIS, as do I, shoot in all those scenarios that you describe. It also allows people to buy optically nice but slow lenses, which are far more affordable than $1000 1.8 primes or 2.8 zooms. Part of the reason my 24/70f4 zoom is valuable is because I don't have to buy a $2000 more expensive lens to get that extra stop of light that IBIS provides.

Click to expand...

This is not meant as an insult, but you don't seem to be aware when IBIS is helpful either. Typically you would set shutters speeds of at least 1/125s for breathing subjects to achieve critical focus. Sometimes, if you have very static subjects (e.g. old people), slower is possible, but for critical sharpness it is always better to go a bit faster. IBIS has next to no effect for the shutter speeds mentioned (1/125s and above for lenses < 135mm). In this case your exposure settings are the main driver for sharp pictures. If you have longer lenses, IBIS isn't all that helpful either, as IBIS can contribute only very little to focal length > 135mm (the effect will decrease the longer your focal length is).

The argument that IBIS helps with slow lenses is invalid, as the minimum shutter speed is a precondition for critical sharpness, either for fast lenses or slow lenses. Even if you have the NOCT and magic manual focus fingers, you will ne be able to get sharp pictures of your average 5 year old toddler at shutter speeds significantly slower than 1/125s.

The majority of the photography I do is handheld in low light, typically in the 35- 85mm range. Even at f/1.8 or 2.0 I would still need shutter speeds 1/40, 1/20, or even slower sometimes. As you can imagine there were not a lot of keepers. It really depends on your use case. If all of your photos are out and about during the day in good light, then you are probably using shutter speeds fast enough where camera shake is not an issue and IBIS is not really going to help. Therefore, I agree with @larrytusaz. In fact, IBIS is the exact reason that I upgraded from the Z50 to the Z6, and having IBIS on board is a whole new world.

Now it is true that for longer focal lengths that lens VR is more effective than IBIS, but IBIS is still a big help. If you are shooting 1/125 sec and shooting at say 120-130mm, then this is not a fast shutter speed at all. I do feel though that IBIS is still a big help and I'm happy to have the feature.

KnightPhoto2 · Oct 3, 2023

jjz2 said:
I’m on the z6 in need of an upgrade now so I’m not sure how long a z6iii will take to get in my hands. Like is it March? Summer? End of 2024? That’s another year.
I’m actually now considering ordering it and at least I get a big upgrade for awhile and see if I can get used to it. I’m really concerned about no grip carrying it in hand as I usually do while doing travel and street. Seems like it could easily slip or have the weight not distributed well when carrying for hours. I know they are making a grip but that pushes the camera to over 800g.

Wrist straps are great for that scenario. I leave my rather thin one on at all times, even when carrying the rig via a black-rapid strap affixed to a longer lens.

jjz2 · Oct 3, 2023

KnightPhoto2 said:
KnightPhoto2 said:

I’m on the z6 in need of an upgrade now so I’m not sure how long a z6iii will take to get in my hands. Like is it March? Summer? End of 2024? That’s another year.
I’m actually now considering ordering it and at least I get a big upgrade for awhile and see if I can get used to it. I’m really concerned about no grip carrying it in hand as I usually do while doing travel and street. Seems like it could easily slip or have the weight not distributed well when carrying for hours. I know they are making a grip but that pushes the camera to over 800g.

Click to expand...

Wrist straps are great for that scenario. I leave my rather thin one on at all times, even when carrying the rig via a black-rapid strap affixed to a longer lens.

I have that also, but even with a wrist strap the Zfc is kind of awkward to grab anywhere on the camera without the lens, where as the Z6 I can just easily hold it comfortably with a few finger. The Zf probably has more room to grab something on and at least a tiny grip.

The Zfc is completely flat.

I'm sure I'll hold one in person at some point and see for myself.

Fullframer · Oct 3, 2023

areallygrumpyoldsod said:
"Is The Z5 Still Viable In 2023 Post Zf?" -- Sure/yes but it is not the future.

No current camera is the future. There will always be a potentially newer and better. That said, even an old D200 can take nice pics, as long as ISO is 800 or less and good lighting.

areallygrumpyoldsod said:
If anything a future Z5ii would be based on the Zf

You should be able to buy new or used Z5 bodies relatively cheaply. The Z5 is a relatively low spec entry level full frame camera.

Z5, A low spec camera that is fully weather sealed, metal body, dual card slots and has built in IBIS. Not bad for new at $999 on sale. More features than other companies entry level FF cameras. A steal almost. I make $ with min, in addition to my Z9's.

areallygrumpyoldsod said:
The Zf is cheap (really cheap) for what it is but it is still $2k and ones appetite depends on whether or not this is a lot / too much.

Personally - if I had no other Nikon Mirrorless bodies I would look hard at the Zf, but if the retro vibe is not what you want then it is reasonable to assume that a Z6iii, Z7iii and Z5ii will emerge in the new year.

The OP introduces the possibility of DX bodies. But does not really explain why these are potentials for him. Is it the size, the price, the crop factor? None have IBIS. All are ok, but just that. They are all older gen tech. The Z30 has some advantages for those transitioning from smart phones and don't want EVFs. BUT if the OP wants to shoot good photos portrait, travel, landscape and yes action/events I would steer the OP towards FF with an expeed 7 chip and a 24-120/4S to start. Currently the lowest cost option is the Zf, but it may not be available soon if you did not place an order early on day 1.

So OP - timing and availability also can influence your options.

sirhawkeye64 · Oct 4, 2023

larrytusaz said:
I have at times considered the Z5 as an upgrade to my Z50 but have never done so. Would you consider the ZF to make that unwise in 2023? As inexpensive as you find the Z5 selling for, it tempts me. I'm just not sure about the AF in lower light vs the ZF plus the Z50 is more portable anyway.

For stills, and when it's on sale for $999, absolutely it's still relevant in 2023.

The Zf is great, but it's also $2000 and doesn't have dual full-sized SD card slots (I see the second micro SD as a drawback on the Zf over the dual-full-size slots on the Z5, despite the Z5 being an older sensor, older processor and slower). But for stills, it's still a great camera especially on sale or second hand.

This all being said, i don't think NIkon will update the Z5. It will phase out in the next 2-3 years, if not sooner. Nikon I think only did the Z5 to compete with Canon's cheaper RP and also in a race to make the cheapest FF camera. But since they have proven that, there is no real logical reason to update it.

Cameras really don't loose "relevancy" or viability as time goes on, like other things might (although people do think they go "obsolete" which they really don't). They are viable/relevant for as long as they meet the needs of the photographer. I know some people who still shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II or III and have no plans to upgrade or go to ML any time soon. And for them, those cameras are still "viable" for what they do.

Would I buy or recommend the Z5 still in 2023 with the Zf being released? Absolutely, if the price is right (ie. on sale), or if the buyer doesn't plan to do video or shoot moving subjects (wildlife or sports), as buying a Z5 over a Zf could mean they could buy another lens or two versus buying a Zf for $600 more.

--
NOTE: If I don't reply to a direct comment in the forums, it's likely I unsubscribed from the thread/article..

SamratPapangul · Mar 13, 2024

Is Z5II really coming? When it is expected?

Is The Z5 Still Viable In 2023 Post ZF?

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