Nikon D5-a (XQD) (SKU N-VBA460AE)

The Nikon D5 is the flagship model in Nikon’s DSLR lineup, built for professional photographers who demand speed, accuracy, and durability. Centered around a 20.8MP full-frame FX-format CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 5 image processor, it delivers up to 12 fps continuous shooting with full-time autofocus and auto-exposure, an expanded sensitivity range up to ISO 3,280,000, and 4K UHD video recording at 30 fps. This version of the D5 features dual XQD card slots for high-speed, high-capacity file handling, and offers multiple raw file size options to match different workflow and output needs. Designed to handle fast action and harsh environments, the D5 is a robust tool for demanding still and multimedia work.

A 3.2" 2.36m-dot touchscreen LCD on the rear provides clear image playback and live view, along with intuitive menu navigation. The magnesium alloy body is dust- and weather-sealed for reliability in challenging conditions. Numerous customizable Function buttons and an integrated vertical grip support efficient handling in both horizontal and vertical orientations.

20.8MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor and EXPEED 5 Processor

The 20.8MP FX-format CMOS sensor pairs with the EXPEED 5 processor to provide a combination of high image quality, wide sensitivity, and fast performance. Native ISO spans 100–102400, with expansion to ISO 50–3,280,000 (Lo 1 to Hi 5) for extremely difficult lighting situations. The sensor’s resolution and size support smooth color transitions, reduced noise, and clean detail across the entire sensitivity range.

The EXPEED 5 processor also drives the camera’s speed:

• Up to 14 fps with the mirror locked up

• Up to 12 fps with full-time AF and AE

At 12 fps, the D5 can capture up to 200 frames in a single burst, even when recording 14-bit lossless compressed NEF raw files. Redesigned sequencer and mirror mechanisms help maintain consistent exposure and a more stable viewfinder image at these high frame rates.

153-Point Multi-CAM 20K Autofocus System

The D5’s Multi-CAM 20K AF module provides 153 phase-detection points, including 99 cross-type sensors for better subject recognition. Of these, 55 points are selectable for flexible composition. To support super telephoto lenses and teleconverters, 15 AF points (including 9 selectable points) remain functional at f/8, while all 153 points operate at f/5.6 or faster.

A dedicated AF engine delivers fast response times and reliable subject tracking, even at the maximum 12 fps shooting rate. All AF points are sensitive down to –3 EV, with the central point sensitive down to –4 EV, supporting focusing in very low light and low-contrast scenes.

Selectable AF Area Modes

The AF system offers several focus area modes to match different subjects and shooting conditions:

• Single-Point AF: Uses one selected point to set focus precisely on a specific area.

• Dynamic-Area AF (25/72/153 points): Focus is set using a primary point, with surrounding points assisting in tracking subjects that move unpredictably.

• Group-Area AF: Treats smaller clusters of AF points as a single area for better detection of faces or detailed subjects.

• 3D-Tracking: Uses color information to track moving subjects across all 153 points while the shutter button is half-pressed.

• Auto-Area AF: Automatically identifies and focuses on the primary subject using all AF points, giving priority to detected faces in any AF servo mode.

An AF lock-on function further refines tracking performance by allowing adjustments based on subject movement (steady vs. erratic) and how quickly the system responds to blocked shots. An auto AF fine-tune feature lets you achieve perfect focus by manually focusing in live view and allowing the camera to calibrate its phase-detect system to that point, reducing front- or back-focus issues for each lens.

4K UHD Video Recording

The D5 is also designed for serious video work. It records:

• 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) at 23.976p, 25p, or 29.97p

• Full HD (1920 × 1080) at 23.976p, 25p, 29.97p, 50p, or 59.94p

• HD (1280 × 720) at 50p or 59.94p

Footage can be recorded internally to memory cards or output as uncompressed video via HDMI to an external recorder. Four image area options help tailor the look and field of view:

• FX-based movie image format: Uses the full sensor width, for Full HD and HD recording. Ideal for shallow depth of field and wide field of view.

• 4K UHD movie image format: Uses a DX-style 1.5x crop for 4K recording and effectively extends the focal length of the lens.

• DX-based movie image format: DX crop for Full HD and HD recording.

• 1920 × 1080 crop format: Provides an even tighter 3x crop for narrow fields of view at Full HD resolution.

The extended ISO range (100–3,280,000 expanded) can also be used for video, and a dedicated Flat Picture Control is available to preserve dynamic range and facilitate color grading in post-production.

A power aperture button (Pv) allows smooth exposure transitions while recording, and Auto ISO can be used to keep brightness consistent as lighting changes. Audio can be captured with the built-in stereo microphone or through an external mic connected to the 3.5 mm input. Audio levels can be adjusted in 20 steps, and monitoring is supported via the headphone jack with 30 volume levels. Time-lapse recording is supported for up to 9,999 frames over a period of up to one week, with in-camera 4K UHD/30p time-lapse output.

Body Design and Handling

• 3.2" 2.36m-dot fixed touchscreen LCD for sharp live view and playback, plus touch control for menus, focus point selection, white balance sampling, and text entry (such as copyright and IPTC data).

• Two XQD card slots allow overflow, backup, or separation of raw and JPEG files.

• Built-in vertical grip offers comfortable control for both portrait and landscape shooting.

• Magnesium alloy body with extensive weather and dust sealing for use in harsh climates.

• Ergonomic grip and body shape support long shooting sessions; rear buttons are illuminated for easier operation in low light.

• Bright 0.72x optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% FX coverage for accurate framing. The DK-27 eyepiece adapter can accept rain covers for improved comfort in wet conditions.

• Three customizable Function buttons (Fn1, Fn2, Fn3) can be set to perform a wide range of tasks to match each photographer’s workflow.

• Electronic front-curtain shutter reduces internal vibrations and helps maintain sharpness in long exposures.

• High-precision shutter mechanism rated for 400,000 cycles.

• EN-EL18a lithium-ion battery provides approximately 3,780 shots per charge in single-frame release mode.

Scene Recognition System and Metering

The Scene Recognition System with 3D Color Matrix Metering III uses a 180,000-pixel RGB sensor to evaluate brightness, contrast, subject distance, and color throughout the scene. This information is used to refine exposure, white balance, i-TTL flash, and subject tracking, referencing an extensive onboard database of scene types for consistent results.

Additional Features

• Three raw file sizes: large (14-bit, compressed or uncompressed) and medium/small (12-bit lossless compressed), for flexible file sizes and workflows.

• Spot White Balance in live view allows you to set white balance simply by selecting an area that should be neutral. Up to six white balance presets can be stored.

• Continuous-burst playback can be configured to start from the first or last image in the sequence.

• Compatible with Nikon’s radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting system using the WR-R10 Controller, WR-A10 adapter, and SB-5000 Speedlight.

• Built-in Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Base-T) provides wired high-speed transfer of stills and video.

• Optional WT-6A Wireless Transmitter supports wireless file transfer.

• Picture Control modes include Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape, Flat, and user-defined presets.

• Multilingual support with a wide range of languages available in-camera.

Specifications

Imaging

• Lens Mount: Nikon F

• Format: Full-frame (FX), 1x crop factor

• Pixels: 21.33MP actual, 20.8MP effective

• Maximum Resolution: 5568 × 3712

• Aspect Ratios: 3:2, 4:5

• Sensor Type: CMOS

• Sensor Size: 35.9 × 23.9 mm

• File Formats: JPEG, NEF (Raw), TIFF

• Bit Depth: 14-bit

• Image Stabilization: None

Exposure Control

• ISO (Stills): Auto, ISO 100–102400 (expandable ISO 50–3,280,000)

• Shutter: Electronic front-curtain, 1/8000–30 sec, Bulb

• Metering: 3D Color Matrix, Center-Weighted, Highlight-Weighted, Spot

• Exposure Modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual

• Exposure Compensation: ±5 EV in 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV steps

• Metering Range: –4 to 20 EV

• White Balance: Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Preset Manual, Shade

• Continuous Shooting: Up to 12 fps at 20.8MP for approx. 200 raw frames

• Interval Shooting: Yes

• Self-Timer: 2, 5, 10, or 20 seconds

• Mirror Lock-Up: Yes

Video

• Formats: MOV/H.264

• Internal Recording:

  • 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) at 23.976p, 25p, 29.97p

  • Full HD (1920 × 1080) at 23.976p, 25p, 29.97p, 50p, 59.94p

  • HD (1280 × 720) at 50p, 59.94p

• External Recording via HDMI: 4K UHD, Full HD, HD

• Video Encoding: NTSC

• ISO (Video): Auto/Manual ISO 100–102400 (extended up to 3,280,000)

• Audio: Built-in stereo mic, external mic input, Linear PCM stereo audio

Autofocus

• Focus Types: AF and MF

• AF Modes: Single-Servo AF (S), Continuous-Servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M)

• AF Points: 153 phase-detection points (99 cross-type)

• AF Sensitivity: –4 to +20 EV

Viewfinder and Monitor

• Viewfinder: Optical pentaprism

• Coverage: 100% (FX)

• Magnification: 0.72x approx.

• Eye Point: 17 mm

• Diopter: –3 to +1

• Rear Monitor: 3.2" fixed touchscreen LCD, 2,359,000 dots

Flash

• Built-In Flash: No

• Flash Modes: First-Curtain Sync, Rear-Curtain, Slow Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow + Red-Eye, Hi-Speed Sync, Off

• Sync Speed: 1/250 sec

• Flash Compensation: –3 to +1 EV in 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV steps

• System: i-TTL

• Connections: Hot shoe, PC sync terminal

Interface

• Memory: Dual XQD card slots

• Wireless: Wi-Fi via optional adapter

• GPS: Not built-in

Environmental

• Operating Temperature: 32–104°F (0–40°C)

• Operating Humidity: 0–85%

Power and Physical

• Battery: EN-EL18a rechargeable Li-ion, 10.8 VDC, 2500 mAh

• Dimensions: 6.3 × 6.2 × 3.6" (160 × 158.5 × 92 mm)

• Weight: 3.11 lb / 1415 g (body with battery and card)