Nikon Z50
The
Nikon Z50 is the first-generation Z-mount DX mirrorless camera with an APS-C
sensor. Announced on October 10, 2019, together with two compact DX lenses
specifically designed for the camera, the Nikon Z50 packs many attractive features,
putting it above entry-level DSLRs like Nikon D3500 and D5600. With its price
point of $860 MSRP, it competes head-to-head with other mirrorless options on
the market such as the Sony A6400, Fuji X-T30, and Canon EOS M6 Mark II. I had
a chance to test the Nikon Z50 with the two DX lenses during the past 3 months
of traveling in the US and the Middle East, so this review reflects extensive
shooting experience in the field.

Sporting a 20.9
MP DX sensor, fast phase-detection autofocus system, 11 FPS continuous shooting
speed, ability to record high-quality 4K video at up to 30 FPS without any crop
(Full HD slow motion at up to 120 FPS) and a compact, lightweight construction
with great body build and ergonomics, the Nikon Z50 is certainly a serious camera
to consider for new and existing Nikon shooters.
The two Z mount
DX lenses launched with the camera, the Nikon Z DX 16-50mm VR and the Nikon Z
DX 50-250mm VR are both attractive choices for those who want to keep their
camera kit small and lightweight, but for those who want more lens options,
there are plenty of excellent Z-mount full-frame lenses already available, as
well as older Nikon F lenses (both DX and FX) using the FTZ adapter. While
testing out the camera, I purposefully limited myself to only the two DX kit
zoom lenses the camera came with, so that I can demonstrate their capabilities
and see if they are sufficient for most day-to-day needs of photographers.

Nikon Z50 Specifications
·
Sensor Resolution: 20.9 MP
·
Sensor Type: BSI CMOS
·
Sensor Size: 23.5 × 15.6mm
·
Sensor Pixel Size: 4.22 µ
·
Optical Low Pass Filter: No
·
In-Body Image Stabilization: No
·
Image Size: 5568 × 3712
·
Image Processor: EXPEED 6
·
Viewfinder Type / Coverage: 2.36-million dot OLED EVF / 100%
·
Viewfinder Magnification: 1.02× (0.67× FF equivalent)
·
Built-in Flash: Yes
·
Storage Media: 1× SD, UHS-I Compatible
·
Continuous Shooting Speed: 11 FPS
·
Electronic Shutter: Yes
·
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 to 30 seconds
·
Exposure Metering Sensor: TTL exposure metering using main image
sensor
·
Native ISO Sensitivity: 100-51,200
·
Boosted ISO Sensitivity: 102,400-204,800
·
Focus Points: 209 focus points
·
On Sensor Phase Detection: Yes
·
Flicker Detection: Yes
·
Video Maximum Resolution: 4K up to 30 FPS (No Crop), 1080p up to
120 FPS
·
LCD Size, Type and Resolution: 3.2? Tilt-down 1,040,000-dot
Touchscreen LCD
·
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth: Yes
·
Battery Life: 320 Shots (CIPA)
·
Weight (Body Only): 395 g (13.9 oz)
·
Dimensions: 126.5 × 93.5 × 60 mm (5.0 × 3.7 × 2.4 in)
Summary
Nikon has done a great
job making its first mirrorless DX camera, the Nikon Z50. It is packed full of
great features, has superb ergonomics and a very intuitive menu system. The
20.9 MP sensor has similar performance as what we have seen from the Nikon
D7500, with excellent high-ISO and dynamic range performance for an APS-C size
sensor. Coupled with a fast EXPEED 6 processor, 11 FPS continuous shooting
speed, a decent-sized image buffer and solid AF performance, the Z50 is a
versatile choice for doing many different types of photography, including
action. The only limitation I have found is when tracking subjects that move
fast and erratically – that’s where the Z50 showed its weakness. If Nikon could
tweak the autofocus system on the Z-series cameras and make it more accurate
and as feature-rich as its DSLRs, it would surely make the Z-series cameras
ideal for action photography. For now, if I were to pick a camera for
photographing fast action, I would probably still stick with DSLRs like the
D7500 and D500, which have a proven AF system that simply works.

NIKON Z 50 + NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR @ 150mm, ISO 200, 1/640, f/6.3
The Nikon Z50 is also a
capable video camera, thanks to its ability to shoot 4K videos with no cropping
at up to 30p. The two new Z-mount DX lenses are very light, compact, sharp and
best of all – very inexpensive, especially when purchased as part of the kit.
Without a doubt, Nikon did many things right with the Z50 and it certainly
earns our high praises.
Sadly, some of the
design and camera limitations are a bit puzzling and get in the way of
shooting, which is unfortunate. First of all, as I have pointed out on the
first page of this review, I do not understand the point of the tilt-down
screen. It is useless in function for anyone who wants to mount their camera on
a tripod, making it only practical for those who hand-hold the camera for
selfies and short videos. Second, the inability to turn off all information
overlays on the rear LCD is a serious design flaw that remains on all Nikon
Z-series cameras, including the Z50. I do not understand why Nikon engineers
think it is OK to clutter the screen with information that cannot be turned off
– it makes composing images so much harder via the LCD. And lastly, some open
questions remain in regards to firmware updates with the Z50. Will the Nikon
Z50 receive the same treatment as the Z6 / Z7 for frequent firmware updates and
new features? It would be nice to know.

NIKON Z 50 + NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR @ 16mm, ISO 100, 8 sec, f/5.6
Overall, despite the
above issues and limitations, the Nikon Z50 is still an excellent camera. I had
a lot of fun shooting with this camera for the past few months and I cannot
wait to see what Nikon has in the pipeline for the Z mount DX future.
source: https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-z50/5