Do any of you use a Zfc or Z50 for landscape photography?

jm31828 · Aug 30, 2024

I know that the general consensus is to go full frame for landscape photography.
However it got me thinking- lots of people used crop sensor DSLR’s for landscapes in the past- so how many of you are using Zfc or Z50’s for landscapes now?
I don’t mean making large prints, but for smaller prints or simply for viewing on a computer screen.

It is just a curious question, for a sanity check for myself. I have a D7500 that I’ve used for a few years for landscapes, and am generally happy with the results.

I’ve been wanting to get a mirrorless camera to take advantage of the good glass, sensor focus for sharper images, and some of the added features such as focus shift.
Given that I’ve been so happy with my D7500, and the fact that I love the manual dials on the Zfc, I was thinking of picking one up with the 16-50 kit lens as a second camera that’s light weight for the more difficult hikes that can get me the same image quality I get with the D7500.

… added bonus being I could get an adapter and use all of my existing F mount lenses vs having to spend a ton of money on multiple new lenses as I’d have to do with a full frame camera.

However, when reading about experiences here, it seems nobody sees the mirrorless DX cameras as anything more than walk around cameras to supplement their nicer full frame ones… however given my experience with the D7500 which has the same sensor as the Zfc, I assume some out there must use this or the Z50 for landscapes?

rangel28 · Aug 31, 2024

jm31828 said:
However, when reading about experiences here, it seems nobody sees the mirrorless DX cameras as anything more than walk around cameras to supplement their nicer full frame ones… however given my experience with the D7500 which has the same sensor as the Zfc, I assume some out there must use this or the Z50 for landscapes?

The people who participate in this forum (me included) are more inclined to want to spend money on the latest and greatest, or most expensive, but that doesn't necessarily mean less expensive cameras can't get the job done.

I've taken the Z50 and Z30 to Yosemite, on hikes, and other places (because they are so small and light) and gotten pretty good results. As is the case with most photography, it all depends on the light, the lens, and the skill of the photographer. The original Z50 kit lenses are very good, especially when you conisder their prices, and of course you can always use full frame Z lenses on a DX body (or certain full frame F mount lenses with the FTZ). A DX lens like the PZ 12mm-28mm would also be a good choice for landscape with the Z50 or Z fc. I think Nikon uses the same sensor for all of these cameras.

JasonMulvern · Aug 31, 2024

jm31828 said:
I know that the general consensus is to go full frame for landscape photography.

Personally I don't think sensor size has any meaningful bearing on your ability as a photographer. When looking at your work literally no-one is going to say "nice scene, shame it was shot on DX and not full frame".

The weak point of the Z50 perhaps is simply the age of the camera, the fact it's about to be replaced by a new version, and you'll also have to ask yourself whether 20MP is enough resolution.

But if you will only shoot landscapes I would say the Z50 is a bargain product with a sensor that gives lovely results. It's also so small and light, you cannot even feel it over your shoulder with the 16-50 and will even fit in most coat pockets. Add the 12-28 and 50-250 in another pocket and I can't think of many other kits as small, light and competent as this.

The ceiling I hit with the Z50 after nearly five years was with moving subjects (birds mainly, and dogs) where the Z50 lags well behind the capabilities of other systems. Plus, some technical constraints, such as lack of power over USB, lack of remote shutter port, terrible bluetooth remote (does not allow sequential shooting), which hindered some things like long timelapses, but I never had many complaints about image quality.

George 68 · Aug 31, 2024

I have a Z50 and a Z8.

I use the Z50 for landscapes more than the Z8. The Z8 is better specced in every way except size and weight and so it doesn’t go to the same great places the Z50 does.

Scottish Highlands

Vilnius

Norfolk

Black Forest

JasonMulvern · Aug 31, 2024

George 68 said:
Scottish Highlands

Beautiful shots George, I especially like the cottage and boat. And when a Z8 owner says they find their Z50 fine for landscapes I think that's reassuring for the OP.

George 68 · Aug 31, 2024

JasonMulvern said:
George 68 said:

Scottish Highlands

Click to expand...

Beautiful shots George, I especially like the cottage and boat. And when a Z8 owner says they find their Z50 fine for landscapes I think that's reassuring for the OP.

Thanks. This is the 3rd or 4th time I think someone has asked about Z50 for landscapes and I’ve given the same answer.

The reality is that the best camera in the world is the one you have with you and the Z50 has done a trip to Vilnius, the West Highland Way, the Norfolk Coast path, Black Forest Trek and he Wild Atlantic Way (motorcycle) since I bought it in March and I’m off motorcycling on and off road in the Pyrenees in two weeks time. In each case, the opportunity for landscape photography was/is massive but with no opportunity to take a big/heavy camera and that’s where the Z50blows the Z8 away.

AlainCh2 · Aug 31, 2024

jm31828 said:
However, when reading about experiences here, it seems nobody sees the mirrorless DX cameras as anything more than walk around cameras to supplement their nicer full frame ones… however given my experience with the D7500 which has the same sensor as the Zfc, I assume some out there must use this or the Z50 for landscapes?

When choosing for a second DX body I was looking for a Z8.
I discovered the screen is not fully articulated, [I cannot use EVF]
and ditched the Idea.

When the Zf appeared I bought a Zf DX 10MP to use for birds with the 180-600z.
I would have loved to have at least 24Mp getting better edit options.

My main camera did well with both the 70-300E & 180-600Z,
but I wanted a better subject recognition for birds.

It's my main camera, it's a Z30.

This one is printed 190x36cm - 74.8 x 14.17"

--
___.............................!............................ ___
-------- Mid of French/Italian Alps --------- I Love my Carnivores. >https://eu.zonerama.com/AlainCH2/1191151
.
Photography ... It is about how that thing looks when photographed..
( Avoid boring shots )

Hal Wilson · Aug 31, 2024

jm31828 said:
I know that the general consensus is to go full frame for landscape photography.
However it got me thinking- lots of people used crop sensor DSLR’s for landscapes in the past- so how many of you are using Zfc or Z50’s for landscapes now?
I don’t mean making large prints, but for smaller prints or simply for viewing on a computer screen.

It is just a curious question, for a sanity check for myself. I have a D7500 that I’ve used for a few years for landscapes, and am generally happy with the results.

I’ve been wanting to get a mirrorless camera to take advantage of the good glass, sensor focus for sharper images, and some of the added features such as focus shift.
Given that I’ve been so happy with my D7500, and the fact that I love the manual dials on the Zfc, I was thinking of picking one up with the 16-50 kit lens as a second camera that’s light weight for the more difficult hikes that can get me the same image quality I get with the D7500.

… added bonus being I could get an adapter and use all of my existing F mount lenses vs having to spend a ton of money on multiple new lenses as I’d have to do with a full frame camera.
However, when reading about experiences here, it seems nobody sees the mirrorless DX cameras as anything more than walk around cameras to supplement their nicer full frame ones… however given my experience with the D7500 which has the same sensor as the Zfc, I assume some out there must use this or the Z50 for landscapes?

I was until very recently, using a Zfc. I took it with me on trips etc. A very nice little 'daily' camera. A couple of observations:

It was surprisingly good regarding image quality. In good light, it was comparable in this respect to my Z6. I would have no qualms shooting the same subjects with it in good light. In lower light, it did start to struggle, as expected, but was still surprisingly good. Obviously not a match for the Z6 beyond ISO 3200 say, but certainly not bad. Shot a couple of very dimly lit indoor events with it, and it produced more than acceptable results once a bit of noise reduction was applied in Lightroom. I wouldn't have expected it to be much good in such situations, but I was pleasantly surprised.

The AF is excellent; actually better than my Z6 dare I say it. Perfect for my needs anyway; I'm not so fussed on super fast AF.

The ergonomics in real world use are poor. Unless you are coming directly from something like an FM/E/2, you won't find the controls anywhere near as intuitive as more contemporary styled cameras. The 'retro' styling is a bit gimmicky for my liking, and I love my old FM2. One significant issue I found was switching between manual and Auto ISO; on the Z50, you have a dedicated button for ISO, but the ISO dial on the Zfc doesn't have an auto setting, meaning you have to delve into menus. Poor. This is Nikon, not Sony... It does have an actually useable articulated screen though. The Z50 doesn't.

The build quality isn't amazing. It's ok, but in the few months I had mine, I put a number of scratches and marks on it, and I'm pretty careful with my gear. It is, however, very light as a result of using so much plastic. The lens mount is at least metal. But it is adequate for what it is; a casual hobbyist's camera.

The 16-50 kit lens is ok, very compact, but I found the 12-28 zoom much more to my liking to shoot landscapes/cityscapes etc. Equivalent to 18mm over 24mm, so significantly wider. I didn't feel I lost out on the longer end, as I also used my 24-70 f4, so had 18-105mm covered. The 24mm f1/7 is a good lens but a weird design and the included lens hood is crap. Once opened, the 16-50mm is about as long as the 12-28mm anyway and there is no significant weight difference to worry about. I'd not bother with the 16-50 personally.

I'm selling it however, because it never quite came up to what I want from a camera. I just have to accept that full frame is what I want and need. I was left feeling a little disappointed a few times, so I have to accept that I need to carry around full frame kit if I want the results I do. But it was fun for a while, certainly a lot more convenient to carry around, and I'd keep it if it weren't for the need for another full frame camera. I've just agreed a sale for the Zfc, so I am not losing out at all; it kept its value. And it's going to someone for whom it will be perfect.

So I would recommend it, it's a great little camera that takes great pictures. I might come back to DX (I'm keeping the 12-28 just in case) if there's a new better Z50 or similar.

fotosean · Aug 31, 2024

Of course! Both are eminently suitable for landscapes and don't require expensive lenses, to boot. Either the 12-28MM PZ, the 16-50mm kit lens, or if u have an FTZ, the F-mount AF-P 10-20mm (personal favorite of mine) will do just fine for landscapes.

You are 'good to go," with either the Z fc or the Z50 for landscapes. I own both and am very happy with both.

cutterpup · Aug 31, 2024

Hal Wilson said:
I was until very recently, using a Zfc. I took it with me on trips etc. A very nice little 'daily' camera. A couple of observations:

The 16-50 kit lens is ok, very compact, but I found the 12-28 zoom much more to my liking to shoot landscapes/cityscapes etc. Equivalent to 18mm over 24mm, so significantly wider. I didn't feel I lost out on the longer end, as I also used my 24-70 f4, so had 18-105mm covered. The 24mm f1/7 is a good lens but a weird design and the included lens hood is crap. Once opened, the 16-50mm is about as long as the 12-28mm anyway and there is no significant weight difference to worry about. I'd not bother with the 16-50 personally.

So I would recommend it, it's a great little camera that takes great pictures. I might come back to DX (I'm keeping the 12-28 just in case) if there's a new better Z50 or similar.

My Z50, two lens kit, is a great grab and go camera for me. I hadn't thought about using it for landscapes but this thread has me thinking. My current DX wide lens is a Tamron 10-24mm bought in 2018 to go with my D7200. This lens is twice the weight of the 12-28, not including the FTZ. It may be worth my while to look into picking up a 12-28 to keep in the Z50 bag. Much to ponder.

fotosean · Aug 31, 2024

George 68 said:
I have a Z50 and a Z8.

I use the Z50 for landscapes more than the Z8. The Z8 is better specced in every way except size and weight and so it doesn’t go to the same great places the Z50 does.

Scottish Highlands

Vilnius

Norfolk

Black Forest

impressed. And go figure...u did all that with a 5-year-old Z50? Just shows how capable (and IMHO, how underrated) that tiny Z50 was, and still is.

Well done, sir.

--
Location: Below the Tear Line
--... ...-- -.. . -.- ----- -..- --.-
fotosean.com

George 68 · Aug 31, 2024

fotosean said:
impressed. And go figure...u did all that with a 5-year-old Z50? Just shows how capable (and IMHO, how underrated) that tiny Z50 was, and still is.

Well done, sir.

PrebenT · Aug 31, 2024

JasonMulvern said:
George 68 said:

Scottish Highlands

Click to expand...

Beautiful shots George, I especially like the cottage and boat. And when a Z8 owner says they find their Z50 fine for landscapes I think that's reassuring for the OP.

+1

The first and third pictures are absolutely gorgeous!!

Bob A L · Aug 31, 2024

I'm kinda late to this party, but thought I would put my 2 cents worth in. I use a Zfc along with my DX DSLR's for landscape and every other type of photography and have done so since very early 2,000's and have never had any desire or reason to go full frame. DX is so much better than the film that I used prior that there is no comparing the two. And I have yet to see a photograph taken by a FF camera that could not have been done with a DX sensor camera.

Bob A L · Aug 31, 2024

I have had a different experience with my Zfc concerning low light and high iso. It's handling of high iso and lack of objectionable noise. I have even dialed back the factory noise reduction setting on mine. I can go to 6400 without fear.

jm31828 · Aug 31, 2024

JasonMulvern said:
George 68 said:

Scottish Highlands

Click to expand...

Beautiful shots George, I especially like the cottage and boat. And when a Z8 owner says they find their Z50 fine for landscapes I think that's reassuring for the OP.

Yes, definitely reassuring!

jm31828 · Aug 31, 2024

Bob A L said:
I'm kinda late to this party, but thought I would put my 2 cents worth in. I use a Zfc along with my DX DSLR's for landscape and every other type of photography and have done so since very early 2,000's and have never had any desire or reason to go full frame. DX is so much better than the film that I used prior that there is no comparing the two. And I have yet to see a photograph taken by a FF camera that could not have been done with a DX sensor camera.

Thanks for sharing! What are your thoughts on low light photography with it- such as in a relatively dark forest? Is the vr in most of these lenses along with the dynamic range of the camera good enough to hand hold a sharp image without much noise like some say they can do on full frame cameras like the z5?

jm31828 · Aug 31, 2024

Bob A L said:
I have had a different experience with my Zfc concerning low light and high iso. It's handling of high iso and lack of objectionable noise. I have even dialed back the factory noise reduction setting on mine. I can go to 6400 without fear.

How is the be if you are using the kit lens? Can you hand hold down to pretty low shutter speeds?

AlainCh2 · Aug 31, 2024

jm31828 said:
Bob A L said:

I'm kinda late to this party, but thought I would put my 2 cents worth in. I use a Zfc along with my DX DSLR's for landscape and every other type of photography and have done so since very early 2,000's and have never had any desire or reason to go full frame. DX is so much better than the film that I used prior that there is no comparing the two. And I have yet to see a photograph taken by a FF camera that could not have been done with a DX sensor camera.

Click to expand...

Thanks for sharing! What are your thoughts on low light photography with it- such as in a relatively dark forest? Is the vr in most of these lenses along with the dynamic range of the camera good enough to hand hold a sharp image without much noise like some say they can do on full frame cameras like the z5?

It's not a Zfc or a Z50, only a Z30.

This is a church with not much light..
When my hat fell down I had trouble looking around to find it.

[ATTACH alt="on my 65" it doesn't look so bad"]3575390[/ATTACH]
on my 65" it doesn't look so bad

Here is a dark forest.
The subject appeared on my side while I was walking,
and that was a handheld surprise shot.

Germany - Schönbuch

--
___.............................!............................ ___
-------- Mid of French/Italian Alps --------- I Love my Carnivores. >https://eu.zonerama.com/AlainCH2/1191151
.
Photography ... It is about how that thing looks when photographed..
( Avoid boring shots )

Bob A L · Aug 31, 2024

Both the kit lenses are stabilized, you can hold with as low a shutter speeds as you could with anything else. I only have one lens that isn't stabilized and it is a 30mm f1.4, so not to bad to hold still. Slow shutter speeds don't bother me much as a spent 40+ years taking photographs without stabilization. But the Nikon lenses are fantastic in that respect. The longest lens I have is a Sigma, 150-500 but it is stabilized too and not hard to hold still, just hard to hold because it's too heavy.

Do any of you use a Zfc or Z50 for landscape photography?

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