Nikon Announces Their New Flagship FX and DX Cameras, the D5 and D500, Plus Accessories

Nikon Announces Their New Flagship FX and DX Cameras, the D5 and D500, Plus Accessories

2016 is going to be an exciting year for gear-lovers. Both Canon and Nikon will be updating multiple camera bodies and lenses, while Sony, Fujifilm, and Pentax are all continuing their charge against the big two. Today, Nikon kicked off the new year with the announcement of their new flagship cameras, the D5 and D500.

Nikon D5

​Those of you who need the ultimate in AF performance, fast shooting, and low-light performance need not look any further. The Nikon D5 has arrived, and even I, as a Canon shooter, have to admit that some of these specs have my interest quite piqued. Check them out:

  • Two body options: One variant will use dual XQD cards (1,405 g/49.5 oz.), while the other will use traditional dual CF cards (1,415 g/49.9 oz.)
  • A new 20.8 MP CMOS sensor, as opposed to the previous 16 MP on the D4S
  • EXPEED 5 Processing System
  • 4K video with built-in time-lapse function and uncompressed HDMI out
  • 153 AF points (99 cross-type), with 15 f/8-enabled points (55 (35 cross-type) points are selectable by the photographer)
  • Focusing at EV -4
  • 12 fps continuous shooting with full AF/AE tracking
  • 14 fps continuous shooting with mirror lockup and fixed AF/AE
  • Buffer of up to 200 frames of raw files
  • High ISO of 102,400
  • Extended ISO of 3,280,000
  • 3.2-inch, 2.36 million dots LCD touchscreen
  • USB 3.0​
  • Weather-sealed

I'm particularly struck by the vastly upgraded AF system (triple the points of the D4S), the almost limitless buffer, the extended ISO of over 3 million, and the inclusion of a touchscreen. Clearly, Nikon set out to create a no-compromise camera. Expect the D5 to be available in March 2016 at an MSRP of $6,499.95.

Nikon D500

Those who shoot the DX system, Nikon's APS-C format, will be pleased to know that Nikon also introduced its new flagship DX camera, the D500. It has quite the impressive spec list itself:

  • Dual XQD and SD card slots
  • A new 20.9 MP CMOS sensor
  • EXPEED 5 Processing System
  • 4K video with built-in time-lapse function and uncompressed HDMI out
  • 3-axis electronic VR feature for 1080p video
  • 153 AF points (99 cross-type), with 15 f/8-enabled points
  • 10 fps continuous shooting with full AF/AE tracking
  • Buffer of up to 79 frames of raw files
  • High ISO of 51,200
  • Extended ISO of 1,640,000
  • 3.2-inch, 2.36 million dots LCD tiliting touchscreen
  • SnapBridge sharing technology to allow easy transfer of photos to smartphones and other connected devices
  • Weather-sealed

Expect the D500 to be available in March 2016 at an MSRP of $1,999.95.

Nikon SB-5000 Speedlight

Nikon also announced a new flagship speedlight, the SB-5000, the first Nikon speedlight with RF capabilities. It features a 30-meter (98-foot) range, and when paired with the WR-R10 transmitter, it can control up to six groups or 18 speedlights. With a new cooling system, the SB-5000 can fire continuously for up to 120 shots at five-second intervals. It also features an updated interface and controls, with a tilt range of -7° to 90° and full 180° horizontal rotation. Expect it to be available in March at an MSRP of $599.95.

Nikon WT-6A Wireless Transmitter

Lastly, Nikon has also announced the WT-6A Wireless Transmitter for use with the D5. Offering file transfer speeds of up to 130 mbps via the 802.11ac standard, the transmitter has a range of approximately 656 ft. and when in HTTP mode, also offers wireless camera controls, Live View shooting, and HD recording controls. Expect it to be available in March 2016 at an MSRP of $749.95.

More Images

Nikon D5

Nikon D500

 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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So the resolution compromise buys the D500 around >15% more photosite area. If that was paired with backliighting, I wonder how much DR and low light performance did they achieve? And if it was worth the compromise? Excited about this.

i'm just gonna start saving for the D7. i hear it will let you make phone calls too. and play subway surfer. and have a built in bottle opener. and have Facebook. and make you lunch.