Thinking of joining the Z Party, but have some questions:

[monte12345]

IMO Nikon should have knocked the price on the Z50 down 300 dollars the day the Z50 II was launched. Because the AF on the Z50 II CRUSHES than on the Z50 because the Expeed 7 CPU's have 10-20 times the power of the Expeed 6. This means that the AF on the Z50 II has at least 10 times the capabilities of the Z50.

In addition with each generation of cameras Nikon's color science improves. Granted it's a pretty darned small improvement because Nikon has been at the Color Science game since the D1.

Next there is the fact it's a DX format camera. One real positive for the DX format is that the lenses built specifically for this format are smaller and lighter than the full frame equivalents. BTW for the 16-50mm and 50-250mm "kit" lenses have a reputation for excellent optical performance. While Nikon DX offerings in the Z mount are a bit thin when you start delving into the 3rd party lenses you'll find a much wider selection and some of the lenses are considered Best In Class.

Finally there is the matter of the Price, it is right square at your price goal of 1000 dollars. Yes, it is far more capable than the Z50 or Z5 but this is a case where you have a camera you can use to expand your horizons.

 

[Mr Bolton]

Hi,

You should look at the lenses first. APS-C and Nikon is not a good match. There are hardly any options at all. Full frame is a different story. There is plenty of choice for both prime and zoom lenses. I recommend to buy second hand. A Z6 can be had for very little money.

There are a couple of Z mount to Fujifilm X mount lens adapters available, so it might be a go to use X lenses on a Z body. They're electronic so the autofocus works, although I haven't tried one so I don't know how well.

I'm tempted though, for my 50-140mm f2.8 Red Badge Fuji zoom. Edge to edge and end to end, it's a really great lens.

 

[Mr Bolton]

Given your stated uses, my recommendation would be the Z5, or a used Z6II.

Like you, I own Nikon DSLRs and Nikon 1 gear. I have used the Z50. I recently bought a used Z6II. The Z50 is a fine camera, but I sometimes found doing button and dial combinations a challenge due to the Z50’s small size. The Z6II fits my hands better, and has IBIS, helping me to handhold the camera at relatively slow shutter speeds even when unstabilized lenses are used. The Z5 is similar, but has a non-BSI sensor and fewer video features. It is the least expensive FX Z-mount camera that you can buy new. Used Z6II bodies go for around the same price.

Good luck with making a decision.

I think I would go with used Z6 II from MBP with a warranty. I've seen people reach this same conclusion on other threads within this forum, because for similar money the Z6 II is a far more capable camera. Better AF, much better in low light; newer sensor is faster with less rolling shutter-it's the same or very similar to what's in a Zf, but with the previous gen processing engine. However I don't think that's the bad thing some folks make it out to be, if you don't need the absolute newest autofocus.

 

[madecov]

For jpeg photography the Z50ii is a much better choice than the Z50. This is because the Z50ii has a Picture Controls button which effectively lets you choose the jpeg colour style and preview how it will look. You can even tailor each Picture Control to your taste.

The Z50ii is the only Nikon camera to have this feature.

I agree with this, the Z50II has great jpg output and is well within your body budget. The quick access to picture controls is a jpg shooters wet dream. No menu diving

 

[SoCalAngler]

For jpeg photography the Z50ii is a much better choice than the Z50. This is because the Z50ii has a Picture Controls button which effectively lets you choose the jpeg colour style and preview how it will look. You can even tailor each Picture Control to your taste.

The Z50ii is the only Nikon camera to have this feature.

The Z50II is the only Nikon camera to have this button, which can also be programmed to do other functions. It is a nice additional button to have whether it is used for picture control selection or reconfigured for another function.

All of the other Z bodies support picture controls and preview the effect in the EVF and rear display, however you have take the extra step of going into the menus.

Also, on the other Z bodies the Set Picture Control option can be configured for a button. For example, on the Z50, the movie record button can be set to Picture Control selection when in Still mode or the FN1 or FN2 buttons. Same for my Z5.

 

[GuzziJon]

I love the Z5- I use one as a second body to my Z6II. If you can stretch your budget a bit the latter is now around £500 - £800 cheaper than it was when I bought mine so you might also consider one of those or, considering your requirements, a Z7II. Both the Z7II and the Z6II have been considerably discounted since the Z6III was released. You can find barely used examples of the usual kit lens- the Z 24mm-70mm f4 S- cheap from used dealers or auction sites if its much cheaper to buy a body without or kit deals aren’t available.

My cameras don’t get banged about as much now I’m freelance and these low and mid-range Z cameras aren’t as solid feeling as my old D3s but both seem well enough built. I love the simplicity of the Z5.

 

[Andy Lucy]

The big difference between the Z50ii and other Z cameras for using Picture Controls is that the Z50ii gives you a preview in the EVF / monitor of the actual scene you are looking at. The other cameras can only show you a thumbnail image of a pre-set scene.

This Nikon YouTube video gives a good description of the use of Picture Controls on the Z50ii:

 

[zephxiiii]

I'd look for an excellent Z6 I or II just to take it up one level. An excellent Z6 I starts at 834 on KEH. II would be great if you can swing it.

The Z5 is really good too but I enjoy the top LCD quite a lot and Z6 sensor is really sweet (not saying the Z5 isn't). However for the cost dif on KEH may as well Z6.

Should also shoot RAW, so easy to work with in LR and so much more fidelity and flexibility. Just configure a couple of JPEG export presets in LR and it's cake.

The DX sensor in the Z50/30/Zfc, and Z50 II is really good and reminds me of Z6 all the time but FF renders nicer. It's a great smaller body to pick up (love my Zfc) as a run around with the 16-50 or our birding. Should focus on FF though for rendering and low light gathering with primes on IBIS.

 

[Hal Wilson]

I am currently back in the market for a new body. I have been studying bodies like crazy including doing the math of costs vs performance for the past few months.

All signs for me point to Nikon, they have a pretty good price point across bodies and lenses (including third party options) seem great.

here is my needs.

Body Price Point of around 1k

Superb JPEG output and colors ( I am a color nut, and while I do use Lightroom I prefer JPEGs whenever possible).

If you are serious about colour, then RAW processing offers far, far more scope than working with JPEGs. So try to embrace the RAW.

I don't do Video, Sports, or Wildlife

I enjoy portraiture, stills, travel and family events.

I love primes and sometimes spend my entire time shooting at 50mm !

I have "kinda" narrowed it down to two bodies at the moment: Z50 and Z5. I am trying my best to stay at a $1000 price point for the body. The Z5 is older, but the specs seem quite modern when comparing to current bodies. The Z50 is the same price point (not sure why ?) and it does seem to be a great small body, albeit its hard to compare the two bodies to one another. My heart is saying FF, my head says either or will probably be fine.

Thanks in advance for your help !

What's more important here isn't really the body, it's the lenses. The Nikon 50mm f1.8S is an excellent place to start, as it's one of the best lenses out there, optically. At any focal length, and from any brand. It really is that good. Then there's the 85mm, whether you choose to spend much more on the f1.2 version is up to you. But the f1.8 is also excellent. As is the 135mm Plena, of course. Nikon know what they're doing when it comes to portrait lenses, they always have. The 105 macro isn't my first choice as a portrait lens, but superb optical quality again. Bear in mind you're into some very expensive territory with the Plena and the f1.2 lenses.

I'm going to challenge a couple of assertions on this thread that I simply don't agree with. The first is 'for typical studio work you're NOT going to want an Expeed6 body, PERIOD'. This is simply not true; the Expeed 6 cameras are excellent in low light, particularly the Z5 and Z6 models. I shot a big studio project in November with a Z6, and it was absolutely fine. I also shoot in extremely low light with the Z6; whilst the later versions have improved low light AF, it still performs perfectly for me. Technique is important here. But the Ex6 cameras are fine for this purpose.

The second is this: 'APS-C and Nikon is not a good match. There are hardly any options at all. Full frame is a different story. There is plenty of choice for both prime and zoom lenses.' This contradicts itself. Every single Z-mount lens can be used on the APS-C bodies. A 50mm becomes a 75mm, an 85mm becomes a 127mm lens, etc. But for portraiture particularly, then FX is going to offer you that shallower DoF at shorter focal lengths.

In your position, I'd probably be getting the Z5. Simply for the FX goodness. But I own the Z50ii, and it is a superb camera. The picture controls thing is something that may interest you; for me, it is a gimmick which I have disabled anyway (I've remapped the button to something more useful). Again; learn to embrace the RAW. Using JPEG in a modern camera such as these, is like driving a sports car at 30mph max. Unleash the power.

 

[Joachim Gerstl]

Hi,

You should look at the lenses first. APS-C and Nikon is not a good match. There are hardly any options at all. Full frame is a different story. There is plenty of choice for both prime and zoom lenses. I recommend to buy second hand. A Z6 can be had for very little money.

I think this is a bit overstated. Nikon itself makes 5 APS-C lenses, four zooms and one prime. The zooms are among the best APS-C zooms in their price points.

Sigma's well-regarded APS-C primes are available in Z-mount, as are many respectable options from Viltrox and the various lesser (but improving) Chinese companies.

And most importantly, any Z lens works on Z DX. There are the inexpensive and lightweight 28 and 40 mm primes to everyone's favorite super-sharp 50 mm f/1.8 to all of the pro zooms and wildlife lenses, and a good selection of Tamron's zooms.

If you take off your pink glasses it is exactly what I wrote. The OP wants to enter a new camera system. To enter Nikon APS-C doesn't make sense. I'm aware that there are some DX lenses from Nikon but it is no match to what Fuji offers.

Yes you can use all Nikon full frame lenses on an APS-C camera but where is the sense in that? I don't think the OP wants to purchase the Z 14-24/2.8 S to use it on a small sensor.

The Nikon Z50 cameras make sense if

1. you want a compact and cheap camera that makes great images and if you are fine with the DX lenses that are available
2. or as a second camera for wildlife although a Z8 gives you the same resolution in crop mode so I'm not sure about that point (that would make more sense if the Z50 would have a higher resolution)

Full frame can be had cheap today but if you want to have APS-C because it is smaller and lighter Fuji is the system to get. It is that simple.

We Nikon shooters wish they would license the Sigma zooms and refresh a few more F lenses into Z, but I'm sure at least the latter will keep trickling in. In the meantime, lots of good lenses are already available.

 

[JC_123]

here is my needs.

Body Price Point of around 1k

Superb JPEG output and colors ( I am a color nut, and while I do use Lightroom I prefer JPEGs whenever possible).

I don't do Video, Sports, or Wildlife

I enjoy portraiture, stills, travel and family events.

I love primes and sometimes spend my entire time shooting at 50mm !

This is the exact profile of someone who would enjoy Fujifilm's cameras most. Just saying.

Can't go wrong with the Z5 either, but Fujifilm out of camera jpegs are in a different realm.

 

[JasonMulvern]

Lots of differing opinions of course, as usual, but FWIW my suggestion would be the Z50ii, as it's got the best subject detect AF of the options around that price. You may not need it now, but you could in the future.

Also, the original Z50 does not have USBC, no power over USB (though you can dummy battery it in), no physical remote shutter, all things you might need in the future.

As you have briefly owned an R8 (a highly regarded camera) you'll already appreciate that bigger sensor size isn't the panacea some say it is. The Z50 sensor produces lovely results and the kit lenses are wonderful.

I think it's fair to say though, all the Nikon options at that price, new or used, are capable of amazing images.

 

[UsherFellig]

here is my needs.

Body Price Point of around 1k

Superb JPEG output and colors ( I am a color nut, and while I do use Lightroom I prefer JPEGs whenever possible).

I don't do Video, Sports, or Wildlife

I enjoy portraiture, stills, travel and family events.

I love primes and sometimes spend my entire time shooting at 50mm !

This is the exact profile of someone who would enjoy Fujifilm's cameras most. Just saying.
Can't go wrong with the Z5 either, but Fujifilm out of camera jpegs are in a different realm.

I disagree. I still have various 24mp Bayer-array Fujis with a few wonderful primes and like them a lot. But I have found Nikon DX jpegs fantastic-looking since 24mp DSLR DX days--vivid, alive color and clarity. I don't care for X-Trans, and what one thinks of the much-ballyhooed Fuji filmsims and quote-unquote "recipes" compared to options available for APSC in other makes is subjective taste. They all offer some version of this, and no one system's picture styles are a be-all/end-all.

The cupboard of Fuji X lenses is only a major factor if: 1) you aspire to own a wide array of APSC zooms and primes; and, 2) you intend to put down roots in APSC and stay there. The primes and zooms available for Nikon APSC are more than enough choice for many people, including serious enthusiasts--it's all in your use case. I will say that with Nikon DX if stabilisation is important to you, there is a lot of incentive to use the "kit" zooms as they have VR and the bodies have no IBIS. Fortunately the Z DX "kit" zooms punch way above their "kit" image and deliver fantastic APSC IQ. They're not fast lenses, and for lowlight one would go with a small fast prime, which is easier to handhold anyhow.

Having said all that, at some point a couple of years ago my most-used walkaround casual snapshot camera became the Nikon Z5 with the Z 40mm f2. I prefer smaller and lighter, but the IBIS, the Z5's FF D750 sensor's IQ, the FF lowlight advantage paired with IBIS, and the near-giveaway price has been too much to resist. That combo or one of the premium "S" lenses is also great for serious work.

 

[wats0n]

The Z30 would not have been my first choice due to lack of viewfinder, but I could not beat the $400 price refurbished from Nikon with lens. I have examined images all across the web and it seems like a good body overall. At least it has a nice grip for its size. A few compact primes and I will be a nice setup.

 

[abc123brian]

I also think the Z50ii might be the best fit for you. I’ve only had it for a couple weeks now but so far I’m really happy with it. The controls layout of the original wasn’t great imo but they fixed that now. The expeed7 allows for a lot of customization options and really helps with the overall speed of the camera. You also get access to the Nikon Imaging Cloud so you can tweak the picture control files to your preference or even download from the available ones shared there. It also has the updated profiles such as rich tone portrait. For me, it’s also great the overall operation is identical to my Zf, Z8, and Z9 though this won’t matter much to you.

 

[JC_123]

here is my needs.

Body Price Point of around 1k

Superb JPEG output and colors ( I am a color nut, and while I do use Lightroom I prefer JPEGs whenever possible).

I don't do Video, Sports, or Wildlife

I enjoy portraiture, stills, travel and family events.

I love primes and sometimes spend my entire time shooting at 50mm !

This is the exact profile of someone who would enjoy Fujifilm's cameras most. Just saying.
Can't go wrong with the Z5 either, but Fujifilm out of camera jpegs are in a different realm.

I disagree. I still have various 24mp Bayer-array Fujis with a few wonderful primes and like them a lot. But I have found Nikon DX jpegs fantastic-looking since 24mp DSLR DX days--vivid, alive color and clarity. I don't care for X-Trans, and what one thinks of the much-ballyhooed Fuji filmsims and quote-unquote "recipes" compared to options available for APSC in other makes is subjective taste. They all offer some version of this, and no one system's picture styles are a be-all/end-all.

The cupboard of Fuji X lenses is only a major factor if: 1) you aspire to own a wide array of APSC zooms and primes; and, 2) you intend to put down roots in APSC and stay there. The primes and zooms available for Nikon APSC are more than enough choice for many people, including serious enthusiasts--it's all in your use case. I will say that with Nikon DX if stabilisation is important to you, there is a lot of incentive to use the "kit" zooms as they have VR and the bodies have no IBIS. Fortunately the Z DX "kit" zooms punch way above their "kit" image and deliver fantastic APSC IQ. They're not fast lenses, and for lowlight one would go with a small fast prime, which is easier to handhold anyhow.

Having said all that, at some point a couple of years ago my most-used walkaround casual snapshot camera became the Nikon Z5 with the Z 40mm f2. I prefer smaller and lighter, but the IBIS, the Z5's FF D750 sensor's IQ, the FF lowlight advantage paired with IBIS, and the near-giveaway price has been too much to resist. That combo or one of the premium "S" lenses is also great for serious work.

Yes I think Nikon colour is much improved! Probably #2 or #3 but it is hard to stay up to date. Other brands' implementation of "picture styles" typically are poor and no replacement for film simulation modes. Lumix et al will get there soon though.

Yes that 16-50mm dx lens is shockingly usable! I have often been impressed with that 40mm too, "what lens was that I wonder?" Then I look and it's the cheapest one on the mount!

For me the Z5 is one of the best deals which will only improve as Sigma and Tamron get more lenses on the mount, but for
"Superb JPEG output and colors ( I am a color nut, and while I do use Lightroom I prefer JPEGs whenever possible).

I don't do Video, Sports, or Wildlife"
Fujifilm would be just perfect.

 

[Ruedon]

The Z30 would not have been my first choice due to lack of viewfinder, but I could not beat the $400 price refurbished from Nikon with lens. I have examined images all across the web and it seems like a good body overall. At least it has a nice grip for its size. A few compact primes and I will be a nice setup.

Congrats to your Z30! The image quality of this 21MP APS-C sensor is very good -- a D500 with the same sensor used to be my main camera for many years. All those new Asian lens makers are currently bringing new live to Nikon DX -- still a bit undercover. I'm just awaiting the delivery of the new Yongnuo 35mm f/1.8. No test available yet, but the marketing material looks promising:

AF/MF switch, function buttons and nicely designed lens hood for 123€ ... just refreshing ...

 

[giarc]

Hi,

You should look at the lenses first. APS-C and Nikon is not a good match. There are hardly any options at all. Full frame is a different story. There is plenty of choice for both prime and zoom lenses. I recommend to buy second hand. A Z6 can be had for very little money.

I think this is a bit overstated. Nikon itself makes 5 APS-C lenses, four zooms and one prime. The zooms are among the best APS-C zooms in their price points.

Sigma's well-regarded APS-C primes are available in Z-mount, as are many respectable options from Viltrox and the various lesser (but improving) Chinese companies.

And most importantly, any Z lens works on Z DX. There are the inexpensive and lightweight 28 and 40 mm primes to everyone's favorite super-sharp 50 mm f/1.8 to all of the pro zooms and wildlife lenses, and a good selection of Tamron's zooms.

If you take off your pink glasses it is exactly what I wrote. The OP wants to enter a new camera system. To enter Nikon APS-C doesn't make sense. I'm aware that there are some DX lenses from Nikon but it is no match to what Fuji offers.

Yes you can use all Nikon full frame lenses on an APS-C camera but where is the sense in that? I don't think the OP wants to purchase the Z 14-24/2.8 S to use it on a small sensor.

The Nikon Z50 cameras make sense if

1. you want a compact and cheap camera that makes great images and if you are fine with the DX lenses that are available
2. or as a second camera for wildlife although a Z8 gives you the same resolution in crop mode so I'm not sure about that point (that would make more sense if the Z50 would have a higher resolution)

Full frame can be had cheap today but if you want to have APS-C because it is smaller and lighter Fuji is the system to get. It is that simple.

We Nikon shooters wish they would license the Sigma zooms and refresh a few more F lenses into Z, but I'm sure at least the latter will keep trickling in. In the meantime, lots of good lenses are already available.

I've shot Nikon for well over 15 years and this post isn't meant to deter the OP from Nikon, its meant as a reality check and confirmation of the previous post on Nikon's intent with APS-C. I loved my D500 ( sometimes I even miss it... , but I wouldn't hold my breath for a Z equivalent anytime soon. )

Pretty much agree that buying ONLY an APS-C from Nikon doesn't seem like a smart decision, to me. DSLR era was bad enough, but the Z mount APS-C lens line up is pitiful when compared to what Fuji offers. As a second or third camera ( if that's your thing...) sure. But not as a one off. Why? Nikon has clearly dribbled out APS-C lens offerings, since, I dunno, at least 15 years ago?

Don't get me wrong. My D7100 and then D500, I loved those... the 35 1.8 and 200-500 were great. But there was, and still is, hardly anything like Fuji offer if you want APS-C sensor size. I used Fuji's for years, along side my Nikon. If their autofocus hadn't mostly sucked, I might still be there. Fuji does a great job with their lenses, and offer loads of options, and 3rd party too. Nikon APS-C can't hold a candle to them. Unless you _also_ shoot an FX body.

So, I'd suggest the OP look at FX Nikons like a Z5/Z6, used or new. I have zero expectation that Nikon will ever change their view on APS-C bodies/lenses; gateway to more expensive FX offerings.

 

[cyuill2007]

That’s not a bad choice. I prefer cameras with EVFs. But the Z30 has a very good DX sensor, and feels quite good in the hand. (I held one for a few minutes in a camera store.) It’s kind of like the Z-mount version of the Nikon 1 J5, but with much more in the way of options and settings. Enjoy your new camera.

 

[wats0n]

That’s not a bad choice. I prefer cameras with EVFs. But the Z30 has a very good DX sensor, and feels quite good in the hand. (I held one for a few minutes in a camera store.) It’s kind of like the Z-mount version of the Nikon 1 J5, but with much more in the way of options and settings. Enjoy your new camera.

this would have been my last choice too not having an EVF, but $400 with kit lens was hard to pass up. I could get the 24 DX or Sigma / Viltrox Primes. Would be a nice travel kit

I had the J5 - loved that camera !