Nikon Z50 review

Nice camera, but unfortunately my device started showing problems with the shutter release button. The button may not respond to full pressing or there is a "bounce of contacts" so several frames are taken during the full press. And the camera was not used very intensively. The first time I have such a problem with a Nikon camera, which is very sad. There are no service centers in our country yet and it is impossible to repair it. May be quality became worster.

I have the D5 and a D850. Being that the best camera is the one you have with you, I was looking for a smaller camera/lens that was easy to carry around. The Z50 with the 16-50 fits that bill perfectly. Using one of Peak Designs clips or simply dropping the camera into my winter parka's pocket, this thing is easy to carry around. I paid less for this camera (with the FTZ adapter) than I would have for an upgraded smartphone and the picture quality is excellent. It works well and keeps me in the Nikon family. Actually, so impressed with this I am considering a Nikon full-frame mirrorless (which I swore I wouldn't do).

Hi !
Just wanted to ask if the write up on AF [ tracking] has been modified /updated after the new firmware for the Z50 has emerged ..?[or does need to just look up the AF description in the AF section of the Z6mark2 write up ....just asking you know ...!
thanks
regards

All the comparisons between mirrorless and DSLRs is making me nuts. Even the reviewer did it.

The Nikon Z50 is so much better than you write... I have the Nikon Z50 and the Nikon D7200,.. Remember, the Nikon D7200 has the best Crop sensor after DXO... but there is no review about the Nikon Z50... After testing the Nikon Z50... the Nikon Z50 can get easier more contrast our of the shadows without noise than the Nikon D7200. After the review of several tester on YouTube the Nikon Z50 is nearly so good (only a 1/2 stop worse) than the Nikon Z6... The Focus system is over complicated and slowly if you compare it with the Nikon D7200 ... The full articulated Display is never useful with bigger lenses or with FTZ-mount... The video quality is outstanding ...

Great review, thanks. Is there a reason for "not recommended for landscapes? I'm not sure to read any mention of the issue during the review.

Thanks

I wanted a smaller camera to pack on the motorcycle (so the Z7 wouldn't be at risk) so it had to be light, and not too expensive. Ended up with the Z50 as it filled the bill as well as able to take by Z mount lenses AND any F mount I had (Fujifilm cameras were really my other choice but they were more expensive and I'd have to spend money on lenses on top of that).

I ended up adding the 50-250mm "kit" lense and carrying it with me when we walk the dogs. Holy Moly does it come in handy. It's very unfair to the camera but my expectations were low -and they were exceeded by an order of magnitude.

By biggest complaint - it ain't no D500 (neither is the Z7). Dang SD card slot is in with the battery - I think I have finally trained myself to take the card out vs the battery! I wish it had a faster card or used XQD cards. Perhaps Nikon could build a semi-pro version?

I have a canon T2i and four compatible lenses. I'm an enthusiast, but no expert. However, I've always read (e.g., DXOMARK scores) that the Canon sensors are a bit behind. I'm want a better sensor/processor, and so am considering the move to the Z-50, but will have to budget some additional dollars (as compared to buying an M-6 Mark ii and an adapter). But I've been looking on Flickr, and the typical picture from the Z50 is much better than the typical picture from M-6 M2. It would be easier for me to buy the Canon (or perhaps the T8i whenever it comes out and is reviewed). The M-6 M2 seems to have some noise issues (same as the 90d due to the same sensor) - I was really waiting for a 7D M iii but that seems to have been cancelled. I shoot a lot of birds, but also landscapes, street and the insides of churches on vacations). But this looks like a great camera based on the volume of Flickr Pics.

I just downloaded some of your RAW sample images (thank you!) of the Z50 to edit them in Capture One and was a bit "shocked" about the image quality of the 16-50 kit lens.
My expectations (which were low) were far exceeded.
I actually wanted to buy a Z6 but now I'm not sure if it is worth the much higher price. (laughed about Ken Rockwell saying that but maybe he was right)
Shame that Nikon doesn't give us more Z DX lenses and Tamron and Sigma are hesitating. Otherwise I would have already ordered it.
I also edited some RAW samples of the 12-40 Olympus, 28-75 Tamron, 12-60 Leica/Panasonic, 16-80 Fuji and 24-70 Nikon Z6 and with the exception of the Tamron (which is full frame) I couldn't really spot a difference in the final images.
Of course, the situation is different if you need bokeh. I used mainly landscape images at higher F-stops.

After reading all the DP reviews and multiple YouTube reviews of all cameras in this category, I chose to purchase the Z50. I noticed that DP reviews do emphasize more of the "shortcomings" of the Z50 more so than its competitors.

At the end of the day, it is an entry-level mirrorless camera. For my needs - enjoyable photo experience and quality video capabilities - it's pretty awesome. I'm not buying the Z50 so I can build up an arsenal of expensive lenses or shoot for ESPN. It's a really solid camera with no real red flags or major shortcomings.

Just can't have ALL the things you want in a camera at this price range, that's why there are higher-end cameras :). ALSO, a wise man once said, "Comparison is the thief of joy!"

The nikon z50 has no high sync flashlight ... and has a bad shutter mechanism with only 1/4000s and with flashlight sync of 1/200 or so and in this price class that is unique or unusable for me... besides that the image sensor has only 21000 M pixels what else ... I need the flashlight for portraits outside ... without high sync? And no 2 SD cards, the worst battery life, a small unusable weak flashlight, no vertical grip, too few lenses and the lens mount for over $259 is too expensive ...Compare the picture quality with Nikon D7200 ... What for a B. S. Camera and why is Nikon not producing anymore the NIkon D7200? Because the Nikon d7200 image sensor was too good.... ?

"The Nikkor Z 24mm F1.8 S (left) is a nice lens on full frame, but we found it to be a little uncomfortable to use on the Z50 for extended periods. We'd love to see something more akin to Canon's 22mm F2 (right)." I couldn't agree more and this is perfect picture to show the issue. How can this be fed back to Nikon so they would listen?
Are there any estimated dates for the release of the 28 & 40mm pancake lenses?

"Priced more like a D5600"
What do they mean?
D7500 is currently 520€ at Amazon, D7500 is 862€, Z50 is 980€ with adapter. It is priced like a D7500.

"but flip any of Nikon's APS-C DSLRs into live view, and you get a focus-hunting mess".
Soooooo, now DPR is at last honest about LV AF on Nikon DSLR bodies. But why just now?

Taking out the flash commander is somewhat silly. This is what allowed people to get into off camera flash with only a single external unit and is a stepping stone to more sophisticated setups. At least they didn't remove the flash altogether.

Why did z50 with the same score (85%) as the Canon M6 II receive the Silver Award whereas the Canon received the Gold Award? Both cameras are in the same class and nearly the same price.

In my opinion, the Z50 is a little bit ugly. A APS-C sensor with a large mount, this will never be a success story.

Sorry but i was a Nikon 1 user and i am a little bit disappointed from Nikon.

Best regards
Bernhard
https://deramateurphotograph.de/

in a couple of ways maybe one of the most underestimates cameras. I really would like it (in fact i have it, for a special purpose) but the battery is a k.o. criteria for me. If it only could use an EN-EL 15 type. Hopefully they come out with a Z60 with EN-EL15, IBIS and Sensor cleaning...

Z50 with the new 50mm 1.8 is a real Sony-crap-killer in many ways....

i think that 20mp is more than enough. unless you print a1/a0 and put the print in front of your nose you will hardly notice any difference... that is for printing. as for cropping, additional pixels are welcome.
interestingly, people forgot that not so long ago 20mp was a medium format and 1Ds territory.
regards

sensor inside Z50 is better then sensors in X-T3, A6400 and M62 at high ISOs, as we can see easy if set ISO 25600 and compare images. Different is not huge, but it is. When prices will be down and we will have many cheap lenses for it, its will be good option for many photographers.

Seems like a really nice camera for that price. Quite interesting how Canon and nikon went two separate ways when it comes to their APS-C and ff milcs mounts. Nikon has the same mount so id you want to upgrade in the future you dont have to sell all the lenses to and of you shoot both formats you can use the same lenses but it is a Huge mount made for big sensors. Canons ef-m mount Will be a dead end for those that want to upgrade but fullformat is a pretty small segment so for most buyers it Will not be a problem. For those like me Who shoot my seriouys work with a ff camera but Would love to have a smaller and cheaper camera when i go om vacation etc Will need to buy separate lenses but on the other hand it Will be a mount made for smaller sensors so the lenses Will be more compact.

Borh solutions have its positive and negative side who made the best decision?

Has anyone mentioned using all Canon AF lenses on Z mount?
Could be fun!
https://www.amazon.com/Fringer-EF-NZ-Focus-Adapter-Tamron/dp/B083BMJCLG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=fringer+ef-nz&qid=1578106097&sr=8-2&linkCode=sl1&tag=kenrockwellcom&linkId=41771c0179c8052ad570cb93bd2abb0d&language=en_US

I used the Mieke extension tubes and they do the job. (+-40$)

Meike MK-Z-AF1 AF Auto Focus Macro Metal Extension Tube Adapter Ring(11mm+18mm) for Nikon Z Series Micro Cameras Z6 Z7

Is it possible to close the shutter of the Z50’s while changing lenses?

I find the negative comments on the tilting screen a joke.
Only vloggers need that functionality and makers of selfies.

The screen can be tilted for overhead use, or for use on the ground or on the table or other platform. Nice for macro shots of insects, mushrooms, flowers, etc.

For me it’s a very good screen, can trigger photo capturing and focus modification at an instance, without the need to press a button. So elimination camera shake.

The kit lenses are very sharp and have a very good stabilization.

I wanted to post a follow up, I have owned the z50 for a month. I have the z6, 14-30 z, 50mm z, 85mm z, 24-70 2.8 Z, and I bought the z50 with the 16-50. The z50 feels like a smaller z6. Up to ISO 800 the IQ is so close you would have to look at 200% to tell the difference. The VR in the 16-50 is as good as it gets, it is very stable in video also. That lens is the size of a pancake prime, and sharp throughout its range.

Auto focus is great, more than anyone would need, the battery life is good, the controls and grip are a pleasure to use all day. All the z primes work perfectly on the z50, the 50mm at it's current price of under $500 seems like the perfect third lens. Video is great, I switch to the neutral profile and it retains detail and gives a nice natural look. AF is great, it picks up eyes, video AF is on par with DPAF, tracking works great, choose the subject and it follows it all over the field of view.

I finally got a hands on with the Z50 in the store. It's very much a Nikon A6x00. Same shape and size, better ergonomics.

It's not that much smaller than the D5600 though. It's only the slimmer kit lens that makes the difference. Any other lens, even a 35/1.8, and it's a wash. And those S lenses are expensive!

Excellent product. The best APS-C MILC on the market.

If you test RAW files, you'll see that noise is low and has a very pleasing pattern for a $1000 camera. That's D500 sensor we're talking about. Kit lens is small and sharp. I'm not a fan of Ken Rockwell, but he claims 90% of shots at 1/2s 24mm were sharp with VR On. That's amazing low light capability, even at f3.5!

Z50 sensor is almost one stop better than D3xxx sensors.

I wish Nikon produced a stabilized 35mm f1.8 DX prime in Z-mount. That lens + Z50 would be an awesome combo. 16-50 kit + Z50 already is an awesome combo.

I was liking this camera until I read it had no remote cable port, you have to use a smart phone. Bad decision in my opinion.

I really do not think that the INTENTION of nikon is not to compete with canon m6ii and fujifilm X-t30. Actually I think they are the direct competitors plus the sony A6400. A toy for instagram will not be supplied by a high level viewfinder. Nikon could do as canon and make the viewfinder an option as well as reduce the controls much more and put them on the rear screen.

when Sony gave the opportunity to use old or new lenses from other companies by switching to mirrorless distances by using new adapters, an amazing hype was created around it.
When Nikon thanks to its lens mount design allows you to attach almost all lenses of the world previously produced ... probably no one from the DP does not whisper, write, rather avoid the topic ... why? It is the most flexible system for connecting everything around. Why there is not even a trace of memories in a review about this fact?
maybe that's just my impression

When other options like the Sony and even Canon MILCs exist, I just don't see any reason to buy this Z50. Another mediocre offering in an already crowded field.

Just got my z50 few days ago with 16-50 and FTZ. So far very impressed. AF is much better than expected and very reliable. Kit lens is sharp (didn't expect that either). Won't replace my sigma 18-35, but it might be acceptable when weight is an issue (outdoors, bicycle, skiing).
Camera usability is better than d5500 and d7200, which I had previously. I dont need two card slots, vertical grips and other "holy grails" of modern camera thrashers. Reliable AF through the back screen for shooting kids at low angle is much more useful to me. Eye detect also works great.
Ergonomics is better than the sony A-series and fuji x-t30.
Overall, I like the camera. Looking forward to many nice shots.

Looks like a great camera but aren’t cameras all great nowadays? I don’t imagine soccer moms picking this up when the d3x000 or Rebel cameras are selling for such a low price already. The Enthusiast/hobbyists already have cameras to the rim. Competition is so fierce in this segment, making this a tough sell.

I have a D850 and a Z6 and my sidekick camera is a new Canon M5, not the Z50. The M5 + kit lens was less than half price compared to the Z50 + kit lens but the real reason I have the M5 is the EF-M 22 f/2. I want something small, jacket-pocketable, and fine for when I don't want to carry the much larger Z6 + 24-70 f/4 or 35 mm S around.

I know Nikon has smaller, non S-designation 28 and 40 mm lenses coming on their most recent roadmap, but that's all I know. No aperture, no date, and certainly no price.

For years I wanted Nikon to make an M5 and while they more or less have (even the flip-down screen!), they, as I sadly expected, don't have the lenses I want to support it.

I'm not asking for much, just a 35 mm-e lens for my use, and let's do a 50 mm-e and 24 mm-e for other folks since I've seen those requested, that are for DX-Z-mount specifically, meaning small and not very expensive. Sure, a UWA zoom would be nice too, but the FTZ+AFP 10-20 should do okay for that.

its a good start and we knew it wont be class leading but in its first generation nikon did well(check sony, fuji etc on their camera performance intial iteration).

Nikon Z mount has a capability to take medium format sensor and one day we will see
that sensor there,

For what it's worth I thought I would post a few points about the Z50 that I like. It seems to be getting a lot of negative feedback here and I don't think it's entirely warranted. Yes the lenses are slow, and there is not much to choose from. Yes the sensor is low-res compared to competition. But I have been using it for a little over a week and here are a few impressions I thought I would share. The video record time is longer than the Fuji cameras. The flip down screen is useful for a variety of reasons. The range of the two lenses is great for me as I do use the long telephoto range for shooting concerts and it works well with the stabilization. The form factor is compact compared to the Fuji kits (and yes the Fuji lenses are much better). The pop-up flash is handy and I find I do use it (I wish I could angle it up like on some other cameras for indirect bounce flash, but can't have everything). The AF is not best in class but respectable.

An unnecessary bulky large oversize mount for APS-C sensor, 20MP and no IBIS = 85%

LoL 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

Nikon makes good stuff but this wasn't the best release was it?

If you look at Nikon's financial performance, you will know why a camera like the Z50 has very little to offer. There are so many fine alternatives you can choose from - so why buy a Z50. As some of you have commented, why is the kit lens so slow? Despite using the big full frame Z mount, the Z50's kit lens is artificially restricted in size. I am sure that a slightly larger maximum aperture range like f/3.5-4.5 would have made it an awesome all round photography kit lens. Shame. Nikon has missed yet another opportunity to make a winning camera (like the D70).

3 points higher than the E-M5 III ? That does it - DPR has lost all credibility with me.

The kid lenses are too bad from the Z50. The other Z lenses are a joke... They are too big and even bigger than the Sony lenses... You should buy a small camera with huge lenses? For what is your camera so small? A DSLR is much lighter with lenses than a Sony or Nikon Z camera... And the Z lenses are without image stabilization and even more expensive... For what reason should the customer pay 300USD (outside of the USA) for the Z mount... when they deliver the wrong lenses for their cameras.. Nikon is punishing as usual their customer and the customer don't buy anymore Nikon!!! For the mirror-less Cameras at Amazone... Nikon is with the Z50 on place 50 and with the Z6 on place 70 for the most sold mirror-less cameras!!! Beside that, nobody likes to pay 180$ for a 32Gbyte card for the Z6 and Z7. You need 4 memory cards,.. for that you can buy a camera...