DPReview: Hands-on with the Nikon D5

Hands-on with the Nikon D5

Back in November Nikon teased us by announcing that a new D5 DSLR flagship camera was in development. Fortunately, we didn't have to wait long for 'development' to turn into 'product.' At CES 2016 we got the chance to meet the D5, up close and personal.

At its core is a brand new 20.8MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor and Nikon's EXPEED 5 image processor. It uses a new autofocus system with 153 AF points, 99 of which are cross-sensor. Compared to the D4s, those AF points are spread out to cover a greater portion of the frame. The D5 also features updated AF algorithms. In terms of speed, it is capable of 12 fps bursts with AF and 14 fps with the mirror locked-up.

The new AF system, coupled with the camera's 180k-pixel RGB metering sensor, should also result in improved subject tracking capabilities. The metering sensor has doubled in resolution compared to the 91k-pixel sensor in the D4s. The D5 is also capable of 4K UHD video capture (albeit with a 3 minute limit and a nearly 1.5x crop factor).

As you would expect, the D5 feels like a brick in your hand. Maybe two bricks, actually. That's not a complaint. It's what we've come to expect from Nikon's flagship cameras.

Hands-on with the Nikon D5

The D5 looks very similar to its predecessor, the D4s. In fact, in terms of their dimensions, the two cameras are exactly the same. Don't be fooled by the familiar looks, though, the D5 is an entirely different camera beneath its magnesium alloy body.

For one, it is now capable of native ISOs ranging from 100-102,400 and expandable from ISO 50-3,280,000, (the upper ISO in Hi-5). We shot a couple images at ISO 102,400 using the D5 on display in Nikon's booth at CES. And though we were unable to take the images with us to download and inspect closer, our initial impressions of the highest native ISO offered on the D5 are positive.

Hands-on with the Nikon D5

In-hand, the D5 feels exactly like a professional camera should; it is well-weighted and offers plenty of grip to wrap your hands around, with ample control points. Three of those points are custom function buttons that can be set to one of numerous functions by the user (a few other buttons remain re-assignable as well). And like Nikon's flagship cameras before it, the D5 has a built-in vertical grip with a dedicated shutter and dual control dials.

Because this camera is designed for use by the world's top photojournalist and sports photographers, in what could often be less-than-deal conditions, it is built extremely tough. The entire body is constructed from magnesium alloy and it is fully weather-sealed. The shutter is also rated to 400,000 actuations.

Hands-on with the Nikon D5

The 3.2-inch 2.36 million-dot LCD is a serious upgrade over previous models and other cameras typically sporting a 1.2 million-dot LCD. Images on it look really crisp. The LCD is also touch-sensitive, though according to Nikon PR, it can not be used to select AF points when shooting stills using the optical viewfinder (a feature available on both the D5500 and now the D500). We were told that the D5's touch capabilities are largely gear toward video shooting.

A new, programmable Fn-3 button has been added to the back of the camera, where the info button previously was on the D4s. Aside from that change, the back of the D5 is largely the same as the D4s, which is a good thing. The AF sub-selector joystick remains in the same exact spot (right below the AF-On button). In use we've found the sub-selector to be the most efficient way to select an AF point, compared to using the somewhat slower-to-use D-pad. And we are happy to see the sub-selector also make its way to the Nikon D500.

One design tweak that may go unnoticed can be found in the area around the viewfinder: it is now removable. Simply slide it up. Nikon engineered the camera this way to make it easier to attach a rain hood. According to Nikon PR, the company is currently developing a hood specifically for the D5, which will likely be announced in the coming months. 

Hands-on with the Nikon D5

It's nice to see the ISO button move to a more logical spot, right by the shutter, on top of the camera. Previously, many photographers would remap the movie record button to ISO, but the presence of a dedicated ISO button will be a boon for one-handed operation.

The mode button has also moved (to make way for the ISO button) to the top left. The video record button has also migrated a bit further out on the grip, making it easier to hit with your shutter finger while your eye is to the finder. 

Hands-on with the Nikon D5

The D5 comes in two flavors, either with dual CF or dual XQD slots. For those seeking to make the most of the D5's speed capabilities, the XQD version is going to be the better option - we've heard reports that with fast XQD cards, the camera will really take 200 Raw shots before slowing down its shooting speed. Still, many shooters, especially pros, have invested heavily in CF, and it is nice to see Nikon continuing to support CF in its higher-end offerings.

Users also have three different size options for saving raw files. Raw sizes medium and small result in 12-bit lossless compress NEF files, while full size Raw images can be shot in up to 14-bit lossless uncompressed NEF files. We'll be curious to check if bit-rate drops at the highest shooting speeds: for example, we found 6fps on the D7200 to cause a small loss in dynamic range due to 12-bit readout.

As with all dual slot Nikon DSLRs, users can elect to shoot Raw+JPEG and have their Raw files save to a separate card from their JPEG files (or not).

Hands-on with the Nikon D5

The D5 gains an additional Function button on the front of the body (to the left of the lens mount) compared to its predecessor, the D4s. In hand, we found the new Fn-2 button to be very easy access whether you are gripping the camera vertically or horizontally. This addition of this button makes more customizable one of the most customizable DSLRs in the industry.

Speaking of the gripping the camera, the D5 is extremely comfortable to hold: the the grip is quite large, and very deep. With a camera this size, a solid grip is paramount to the overall ergonomics of the camera. 

Hands-on with the Nikon D5

There are plenty of ports on the D5, including a Nikon 10-pin, USB 3.0, 1/8" headphone, 1/8" microphone, HDMI C and LAN ports. 4K video can be outputted over HDMI, which is one way around the 3 minute time limit for internal 4K capture. That said, at this time, we do not know how good the signal being sent is - particularly whether or not the video is truly sampled at 8 or 10 bits per color channel.

Hands-on with the Nikon D5

Here you can see all of the ports, once the rubber seals have been pulled back. USB 3.0 is a bump up from the USB 2.0 port on the D4s. The Nikon D5 also features built-in Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth, which is a pretty big deal. Previous Nikon flagships needed an accessory, like the WT-5A and WT-4A Wireless Transmitters, to connect to Wi-Fi.

Also, a new feature called SnapBridge allows the D5 to stay connected to a device, via low-power Bluetooth. Users need only pair it to their device once. This feature in particular seems extremely promising and we definitely look forward to putting it to the test, in both the D5 and the D500.

Hands-on with the Nikon D5

Compared to a (relatively) normal-sized head, the D5 is enormous. Then again, when it comes to this class of camera, the large size is expected. Here you can see just how easy it is to access that new Fn-2 button with the camera held vertically.

Hands-on with the Nikon D5

The D5 uses the same EN-EL18a battery as its predecessor. It is CIPA rated to last 3780 shots per charge, meaning you likely won't be reaching into your bag often for an extra battery. From our experience, that should be more than enough shots to get most users through a full day of shooting, and then some.

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