Nikon Z5

The Nikon Z5 is the best entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera you can buy right now. It’s not perfect, but thanks to a blend of great image quality, a reliable autofocus performance, accessible handling and a weather-sealed body and tough body, the Z5 has a lot going for it. The only thing holding it back is the cost at the moment, as it’s not much cheaper than the even better Z6.

The Z5 is a very good entry-level full frame camera, but its relatively high launch price may just persuade some potential purchasers that it’s worth forking out the relatively little extra for the Z6. Compared to other brands, the Z5 is neither cheap nor expensive. The Canon EOS RP is much cheaper to buy, but lacks the Z5's 4K video, while the Sony A7 III and Panasonic S1 are somewhat more advanced cameras and not exactly direct rivals. The Z5 is competent, attractive and affordable, but its price pitches it against a host of cameras which can boast exactly the same thing.

In many respects the Nikon Z5 is a great camera and combined with the compact Nikkor Z 24-50MM F/4-6.3 kit lens, it makes a very attractive choice of full-frame camera for travel or everyday photography - even if the zoom range is a little limiting. A maximum continuous shooting rate of 4.5fps seems a little behind the times, and it would be nice to be able to capture the full width of the sensor when shooting 4K video, but the handling is superb, there are dual SD card ports and SnapBridge system pings great-looking images quickly to your phone ready for sharing.

All said and done, the Z5 camera represents a positive step from Nikon – and one that would seem even more desirable for those trading up from smartphones or budget DSLRs in its range if it were a little more affordable still.