New Nikon Z5 Trade-In Deal Offers a Cheap Way to Get Into Full-Frame

Nikon has announced a new trade-in program that wants to make it that much cheaper to “discover full-frame mirrorless.” From today until September 27th, you’ll be able to trade-in any working camera and get a $100 bonus plus the value of your camera towards the recently announced Nikon Z5.

The announcement follows in the footsteps of previous “Trade-Up” programs Nikon has offered since releasing the Nikon Z6 and Z7, but while those cameras were still quite pricey even after the rebate, the entry-level Nikon Z5 already costs just $1,400 for the body-only, or $1,700 with a 24-50mm kit lens.

The program allows you to trade in any functional camera—Nikon or otherwise—and receive an extra $100 discount on the Nikon Z5 in addition to your camera’s trade-in value. The most popular digital cameras are listed on the trade-up webpage so you can get a quote instantly, but even if yours isn’t, you can get a personalized quote in 1 to 2 business days.

Of course, as with all trade-in programs, you will make out better if you sell your camera on the used market. For example, my Fujifilm X-T2 in Excellent condition will only fetch me $275 in trade-in value, plus the $100 bonus.

That’s not terrible, but good condition Fujifilm X-T2 cameras are listed for between $500 and $650 on eBay as of this writing.

Still, if convenience is the name of the game, and you have a camera laying around that you just can’t be bothered to sell, the trade-up program may be your best bet.

As a bonus, the program is actually retroactively available to any customer who has already pre-ordered the Nikon Z5 or Z5 kit through any Nikon authorized dealer. You’ll just have to fill out your Trade-In form, send in your camera, and Nikon will refund you the trade-in amount plus $100 once they confirm the quality of the camera you’ve sent in.

To learn more about the program or see how much (or how little) your trade-in might be worth, head over to the Nikon Z Trade Up webpage.