I am eager to get a Z50. Anyone else?

[PaulSnowcat]

First of all - some history. Some time ago I've used Sony system. In an unfortunate day I've switched to Sony A7-II (24MP FF). I've bought some lenses for it and used all this for half a year. During this period I realized that I don't like Sony E cameras and I don't like using FF system because of it's set of lenses. Having realized these 2 things I've switched to Nikon, back to APS-C. Currently I am D7500 user.

I enjoy using zooms rather then primes. That;s why I enjoy APS-C cameras. Tamron 16-300 (24-450) cannot be made for FF with reasonable price and size. Sigma 50-100/1.8 is also a unique lens that cannot be replicated on FF. Nikon 16-80/2.8-4 is smaller and gives much better picture then Nikon's FF counterpart 24-120/4. I am happy with my APS-C setup, very happy. (I also have Tokina 12-28/4, but this lens in fact is not a unique one, just a good UWA).

In other hand, FF does not give me anything to lust it for. I don't need any shallower DOF then Sigma 50-100/1.8 gives me. Low light ISO is very close on modern FF and crop cameras, my D7500 is enough for that (I have lots of ISO 10k shots made with it and they are rather clean (thanks to DXO)).

Yet, even being happy with my D7500, I have things I'd like to add. Here is my wishlist:

1. Better af points coverage of the frame

2. Fast AF in Liveview (equally fast with VF)

3. Short flange distance to be able ti use older manual lenses (right now I am using a Fuji for them but I don't really like it)

4. Focus peaking for manual lenses

6. EVF with all that info inside it (yes I like EVF better, I've used them on Sony)

7. Eye AF would be very-very nice!

5. IBIS to stabilize my manuals and sigma 50-100 )

And all of this I want in a COMFORTABLE body (bye-bye Sony) and preferably with same of nearly the same lens setup (bye-bye Fuji). And with good colors and good DR (bye-bye Canon).

A Nikon Z7 would be an ideal camera for me (I can use it as a crop, I'd only replace an UWA for a FF lens, but it costs too much for me. Way too much!

And here comes Z50. It only lacks one thing that I want- IBIS. But everything else is there! And the price is rather affordable! So yes I can already say that I am eager to buy this little new camera and FTZ with it. I am pretty sure I will be switching to it from my D7500.

Anyone else is exited about Z50 as I am?

--
Gallery http://www.alphatraveller.org/gallery/
Blog (Russian lang) http://www.alphatraveller.org

 

[uncleskull]

Love my D7500. Looking at Canon G7 MK II or III for smaller, lighter camera for upcoming Disney trip. Age and artie are starting to take their toll.

Don't know if D50 is going to nudge out the Canon. D50 looks like promising size / performance package. Will have to take a really hard look end of next month. Each has +'s and -'s.

 

[rgs_45]

I'm kinda eager but I'm waiting for real reviews. IBIS or not, if the review is good, I will get one and will "glue" to my 200-500/5.6 for some extra reach

 

[PaulSnowcat]

Of course it all will be effective AFTER a real reviews.

 

[HeavyDuty]

I’m cautiously eager, but given my specific use case - a stand-alone family camera - I’m waiting until the 18-140 is released before I jump onboard.

 

[I like Lenses]

Anyone else is exited about Z50 as I am?

Not in the slightest.

I'm rather waiting for something that is actually better than what I already have, which is a D500. Gonna be a long wait...

 

[ZapperVT]

Yes, I am. I have a D5600, a D810, 8 DX lenses (6 zooms, 2 primes), and 5 FX lenses (all primes). I use the D5600 as a lightweight travel camera, where photography is a secondary activity. I use the D810 with photography is my primary activity.

The thing that is driving me to upgrade from the D5600 is the viewfinder. The little green digital readout seems to disappear in bright light, especially if I'm wearing my "transition" eyeglasses that turn dark in bright light. Then I have no idea what the camera is set to unless I call up the LCD info.

So a better viewfinder is my #1 requirement. After that it's a more usable "live view" - taking photos from the LCD - and then more AF points, better AF tracking. IBIS would be very nice. I like my lenses and want to keep using them, so changing brands is not appealing.

The Z50 checks most of those boxes. I will use it as a DX F-mount camera with the FTZ for the forseeable future, as there is little chance that Nikon will bring out a compelling DX Z lens lineup. The one thing that will make me sad is no side-hinged flippy screen. I like the flippy screen on the D5600, and use it regularly in portrait mode.

However, I wish the Z50 were more like the new Olympus E-M5iii, with IBIS, side hinge screen, high rez mode, 1/8000s shutter. That's a better set of specs for an enthusiast camera. I would pay $1200 for a Nikon DX Z like that.

 

[James Stirling]

However, I wish the Z50 were more like the new Olympus E-M5iii, with IBIS, side hinge screen, high rez mode, 1/8000s shutter. That's a better set of specs for an enthusiast camera. I would pay $1200 for a Nikon DX Z like that.

IBIS is a miss for video though both the new APS lenses have in lens stabilisation. You can do high resolution shooting with any camera as long as you do the work in post. It has the same limitations namely subject movement . Do you shoot a lot at 1/8000th ?

The m43 system has a lot of lens options available. Though you will have somewhat poorer DR and high ISO. Overall it is a great system . I don't think you can go wrong with any system really it is down to what you like the feel of and enjoy using as much as any fancy features

 

[PaulSnowcat]

I miss 1/8000 also and I use it quite often when shooting 50-100 wide open in the daylight.

I hope that electronic shutter in Z50 will be capable of shooting faster then 1/4000, as it is in other cameras, this information I'll be monitoring as real final hardware cameras will appear.

 

[James Stirling]

I miss 1/8000 also and I use it quite often when shooting 50-100 wide open in the daylight.

Hi, Paul I sometimes forget that different folk shoot different things Other than playing around I do not think I have ever taken a "real" photo at 1/8000th

I hope that electronic shutter in Z50 will be capable of shooting faster then 1/4000, as it is in other cameras, this information I'll be monitoring as real final hardware cameras will appear.

Hopefully for those interested there will be some full reviews and the PDF manual soon

 

[Kapiro]

Reading your post, it seems you face only one question: Can you live without IBIS? After taking a quick look at your photos, it seems to me you have lived fine without IBIS for a long time. But nevertheless, your question should be whether this is a deal breaker for you. Or maybe another question could be what, if anything is a deal-maker for you.

 

[ZapperVT]

Right but I don't need those kit lenses anyway. All my DX zooms have VR too. It's my 7 DX and FX primes I want IBIS for. Only one of them has VR.

 

[PaulSnowcat]

There are very few of my pics here... In case someone is interested this is my gallery - http://www.alphatraveller.org/gallery/

On the contrary to what you've said, most of my active digital photo time (since 2007 I think) I was using cameras WITH IBIS. Olympus 4/3 cameras, then Sony A mount cameras all had IBIS in them. I am having no IBIS since my switch to Nikon from Sony. And surprisingly even having no VR at all (with unstabilized 50-100) is not really a problem as it can be compensated with good high ISO and shorter shutter speed... Still I'd like to have IBIS in a Nikon... Maybe Z70? But I don't want to wait so

 

[Serjojeee]

I'm going to buy one with FTZ adapter for my Sigma 1.8 zooms. Currently using the D7200. I'm not actually super exited but Z50 is an absolute minimum of what I need (face/eye AF with tracking, focus peaking, 150k rated shutter, a bit lighter that might be beneficial paired with 3.5 pound 50-100). And mostly nothing of what I want (like IBIS, 1/8000, big battery, big EVF, lots of knobs and dials not to dive in menus etc.). To be true I think that this camera is what it should be. Something like a "good enough" APS-C for those who have lots of DX lenses and a cheap kit lens for those who don't have any. I saw a graph that showed that APS-C cameras market is steadily declining, and is not as high as it used to be (thanks to Canon RP and old generations of Sony a7), so this camera is what it is - something really compact without ruining ergonomics. It migh be the last DX for me cause I don't really see any future in this format.

 

[Wu Jiaqiu]

yeah i wouldn't mind one, be interesting to see if they come out with a higher end model or just keep them fairly mid level cameras instead

 

[Clayton1985]

I don't see how you aren't losing at least as much as you're gaining here but that's just my .02. That said, if it makes you happy then go for it.

 

[ZapperVT]

To be true I think that this camera is what it should be. Something like a "good enough" APS-C for those who have lots of DX lenses and a cheap kit lens for those who don't have any.

I agree. Nikon did not overachieve on this design, but they did do a competent job for a reasonable price.

It migh be the last DX for me cause I don't really see any future in this format.

I think the DX niche will shrink, but not disappear for a long time. DX will always have an advantage is size and cost (while giving up a stop of exposure), and provide more capability for things like sports (telephoto lenses, fast response) than camera phones. FF won't replace the $400 two lens kit for soccer moms and dads at Costco anytime soon.

 

[Karl-FR]

Paul, I'm very excited about the Z50 too.
In fact, I have already pre-order it in my french local photo store.

My D7200 is still in good condition and give me everything I need, but I want to jump into the MILC world for all the benefit that we know.

I am into the same situation as you. I already have my DX lenses, very happy with it. 8 DX lenses (2 primes & 6 zoom) and 1 FF 150-600 )

My Sigma f1.8 zoom lenses are my favorite and I don't want to go FF because of my lenses. I'm just too happy with it. Good focal range, fast aperture, good balance with the body, not too expensive and as good as FF in terme of sharpness.

Before the anoucement of the Z50, I have think about the Z7 in crop mode me too. But it's was too expensive for me. I'm so excited about the Z50. Even if I would like to have IBIS has an upgrade from my D7200. But I'm used to shoot without VR with the sigma f1.8 zoom lense and never had any blurry pictures because of the low shutter speed.

I'm happy to know that there is some other people in the same case as me and excited about the Z50. Good to know !

 

[Helen]

Yes, I am. I have a D5600, a D810, 8 DX lenses (6 zooms, 2 primes), and 5 FX lenses (all primes). I use the D5600 as a lightweight travel camera, where photography is a secondary activity. I use the D810 with photography is my primary activity.

The thing that is driving me to upgrade from the D5600 is the viewfinder. The little green digital readout seems to disappear in bright light, especially if I'm wearing my "transition" eyeglasses that turn dark in bright light. Then I have no idea what the camera is set to unless I call up the LCD info.

That's interesting - I have a D5500 and the viewfinder, especially the data display beneath it, is awful for me too. I'd wondered whether they'd fixed the brightness in the D5600 but clearly not - I wear glasses also but not transition ones, just straightforward single vision, completely untinted. I've also found that the D5500's shutter vibrations disrupt one of my DX lenses (it's definitely the shutter, since mirror lockup doesn't alter it). Luckily the AF-P 70-300 DX VR seems immune to it - the AF-S 55-200 G VR II was the one that got upset so I semi-retired it - shame though as it was so compact and (except when this occurred) very sharp.

So a better viewfinder is my #1 requirement. After that it's a more usable "live view" - taking photos from the LCD - and then more AF points, better AF tracking. IBIS would be very nice. I like my lenses and want to keep using them, so changing brands is not appealing.

The Z50 checks most of those boxes. I will use it as a DX F-mount camera with the FTZ for the forseeable future, as there is little chance that Nikon will bring out a compelling DX Z lens lineup. The one thing that will make me sad is no side-hinged flippy screen. I like the flippy screen on the D5600, and use it regularly in portrait mode.

However, I wish the Z50 were more like the new Olympus E-M5iii, with IBIS, side hinge screen, high rez mode, 1/8000s shutter. That's a better set of specs for an enthusiast camera. I would pay $1200 for a Nikon DX Z like that.

I'm quite curious to try out the Z50; though the E-M5 III is calling to me more strongly as m43 is where my main system is. Funnily enough, somebody on the m43 forum is so offended by the price of that camera and its change to polycarbonate covers from mag alloy on the previous version that they are pretty determined to change over to a Z50 instead of going for that Olympus - good job there's a nice choice of cameras out there for everyone!

 

[Serjojeee]

To be true I think that this camera is what it should be. Something like a "good enough" APS-C for those who have lots of DX lenses and a cheap kit lens for those who don't have any.

I agree. Nikon did not overachieve on this design, but they did do a competent job for a reasonable price.

It migh be the last DX for me cause I don't really see any future in this format.

I think the DX niche will shrink, but not disappear for a long time. DX will always have an advantage is size and cost (while giving up a stop of exposure), and provide more capability for things like sports (telephoto lenses, fast response) than camera phones. FF won't replace the $400 two lens kit for soccer moms and dads at Costco anytime soon.

Yes, this might be the logic behind the only DX lens on the Nikon roadmap - 18-140. I think that it'll be a pretty compact travel zoom with VR. Soccer moms will be happy.