The Nikon Z 5 is now listed on Amazon as a limited-time deal for $896.95 for the body only. The listing shows a 38 percent discount from the listed $1,149.95 price, with Amazon.com shown as the seller and shipper at the time of writing. That would be simply a good deal on a new full-frame Nikon mirrorless camera. For readers looking for a practical full-frame stills body, a second Nikon Z body, or an affordable way into the Z mount system, the price is worth attention. The important thing is to understand what the Z 5 is and what it is not. This is Nikon’s older entry-level full-frame mirrorless body. It is not the newer Nikon Z5II, and it is not a modern video-first hybrid camera. But below $900, it becomes a very attractive full-frame stills camera.
📦See the Nikon Z5 on Amazon
A lot of goodies in that Z5
The Nikon Z 5 features a 24.3MP full-frame FX format sensor, Nikon Z mount, in-body image stabilization, dual SD card slots, an electronic viewfinder, Eye Detection AF, Animal Detection AF, and a compact mirrorless body design. It was launched as Nikon’s more accessible full-frame mirrorless option, sitting below the Z6 line. At its original price, the Z5 was positioned as an entry-level full-frame body. At under $900 new, the value calculation changes. The camera is now priced closer to many APS-C creator cameras and used mirrorless bodies, but still gives buyers a full-frame sensor and access to Nikon’s Z mount lenses. As always with Amazon, price, seller, shipping, return terms, and deal badges can change quickly. Buyers should check the listing carefully before ordering.
Photography-focused, but excellent for video as well
The Nikon Z 5 is best for still photography. It makes sense for travel, landscapes, portraits, family photography, behind-the-scenes work, location scouting, and general content creation, where still image quality is more important than cutting-edge video. For video, the Z 5 is limited. Its 4K mode has a significant crop, which reduces the full-frame advantage and makes wide-angle shooting harder. It also lacks the stronger video tools, faster processing, and more advanced autofocus features found in newer Nikon bodies and competing hybrid cameras. So the buying advice is simple: buy the Z 5 for affordable full-frame stills. Do not buy it expecting a modern cinema or hybrid workhorse. The deal is strong because of the price, not because the camera suddenly became newer or more advanced.
📦See the Nikon Z5 on Amazon
Nikon Z 5 vs Nikon Z5II
The most obvious comparison is the Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z5II. The Z5II is the better camera. It has newer processing, better autofocus, stronger subject detection, better video capability, and a more modern feature set. For creators who shoot a lot of video, sports, wildlife, events, or fast-moving subjects, the Z5II is the smarter choice. But the Z5II is also much more expensive. That is where the original Z5 becomes interesting. At $896.95, it is not competing directly with the Z5II on performance. It is competing on value. The original Z 5 is the practical choice for photographers who want full-frame image quality at the lowest reasonable new body price. The Z5II is the better long-term hybrid camera. Those are 2 different buyers.
Final thought
The Nikon Z 5 at $896.95 is a good deal, as long as buyers understand the limitations. It is a strong option for stills-focused users, Nikon shooters, travel photographers, creators entering full frame, or filmmakers who need an affordable stills companion body. It is less suitable for video-first creators, fast action, wildlife, sports, or anyone who wants the newest autofocus and hybrid features. The biggest advantage is simple: this is a new full frame Nikon Z body below $900.
As an Amazon Associate, Y.M.Cinema earns from qualifying purchases. If you purchase through the Amazon links above, Y.M.Cinema may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our work.
