Nikon D5 Field Test Part I: New flagship FX camera offers high speeds and excellent autofocus

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posted Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 3:33 PM EST

 
 

Following up on the venerable Nikon D4S, the Nikon D5 brings a number of notable improvements to the table. The megapixel count and autofocus point total have both been upped, the latter to an impressive 153 AF points.

The ergonomics are better than ever and the D5 includes a touchscreen display, a first for a Nikon flagship camera. However, the most important changes are inside the camera.

My first field test covers autofocus and high-speed performance. During my time with the Nikon D5, I put it to work at the baseball diamond and came away very impressed. Even under the lights of Hadlock Field in Portland, Maine, the D5's autofocus didn't miss a beat.

 
 

When shooting at 12 frames per second (or 14fps with the mirror up), fast and reliable autofocus is a must. Fortunately, between that and a deep buffer, the Nikon D5 is well-equipped to capture sports.

 
Nikon 400mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR: f/2.8, 1/8000s, ISO 3600.

Head over to my Nikon D5 Field Test Part I to read about this new camera. Also, keep an eye out for my next field test installment in the coming weeks, which will cover image quality, video and more.

 
Nikon 400mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR: f/2.8, 1/8000s, ISO 220, -2/3 exposure compensation.
This image has been modified.
 
 
Nikon 400mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR: f/2.8, 1/8000s, ISO 8000.
This image has been modified.

• Nikon D5 Field Test, Part I •