Nikon Z50 Review +Nikkor Z 16-50mm mini review

Nikon Z50 In-Depth Review
- Photo High ISO
- Pushing RAW files
- Video High ISO
- Body Design / Ergonomics
- And More...

[TheRealRichardWong]

So... Nikon Apsc mirrorless cameras.. what are your thoughts? Yay or nay?

[thomassavino]

Well, Richard, two weeks ago I purchased the Z50 package with the two new Z APS-C lenses (16-50 mm and 50-250 mm), and I have to say that I am VERY impressed with this camera system. I do think, however, that a lot of the reviewers out there on Youtube don’t seem to understand why Nikon introduced such a camera and who the intended customer base for this camera really is. And after shooting with this camera for 2 weeks I find myself enjoying it much more than shooting with my Nikon Z6 or Nikon D500!

Sure, the Nikon Z6 is a great FF camera with great low light capabilities and the D500 is a superb wildlife APS-C camera, but the Z50 offers something that no other Nikon camera body has been able to offer in the past: An incredibly lightweight body combined with incredibly lightweight lenses, along with a great placement of controls, and customizable functionalities that are typically found in much higher end cameras. AND, a camera body that is capable of capturing great videos as well as great photos, in relatively low light as well as good light. I think this latest camera offering from Nikon has great appeal to two types of customers:

1. Customers like myself, who are long time Nikon users, but who have been waiting a long time for Nikon to introduce a really portable, lightweight mirrorless camera system with excellent IQ and great video capabilities. Previous efforts using smaller sensors or compact DSLRs didn’t do it for me in the past. This is the first Nikon camera /lens system that I feel comfortable taking on vacations and trips because it really is extremely lightweight, and it really does take excellent photos and videos! Having such a lightweight Camera + Lens system is like a dream come true for Nikon owners like myself.

2. Customers who have used camera phones and cheap compact cameras for most of their photography needs in the past, but would really like to have more capable camera equipment to take better and more creative photos, but are put off by the weight, size and complex lenses of FF camera systems. There has to be literally millions of potential customers like this. What they’re really looking for is a camera/lens system that is as lightweight and as small as possible, preferable with only one lens that covers the entire focal length of interest, and that can take excellent videos as well as photos. The Z50 with the two kit lens meets most of the needs of these potential customers, and at a very, very reasonable cost.

I think the problem with most of the reviews of the Z50 that I’ve seen on Youtube/internet is that the reviewers seem to be people who really don’t fit into one of the two categories above. They are perhaps professional photographers, or pro-wannabees, or advanced amateurs who are still focusing heavily on incremental improvements in every new camera that is introduced into the marketplace. They seem to be concerned about issues with the Z50 that are irrelevant to millions of potential customers: Issues like compatibility with non-Z lenses, availability or more Z lenses, IBIS, having IQ which competes with the pro cameras, etc. (Concerning IBIS, or lack of it – I was initially concerned about this but it turns out that the VR that Nikon designed for the two kit lenses is absolutely fantastic and it works better than the VR in any F mount lens that I own, so lack of IBIS on the Z50 body is a non-issue for me)

I have lots of Nikon FX and DX glass, but I have absolutely no intention of using any of these lenses with my Z50 body. Why would I want to put a heavy, expensive lens on a lightweight camera body whose sheer joy-of-use comes partly from the fact that it is so extremely lightweight? This would negate one of the key positives of the Z50. I LOVE USING the two DX lenses that were designed for this camera body. The 16-50 mm is basically a pancake lens and weighs practically nothing. The 50-250 telephoto lens has exceptional VR built into the lens, is surprisingly sharp, and weighs only 14 oz ! That makes this lens a joy to use!! I can cover a focal length of 16-250 mm (24 – 375 mm equiv) with these two excellent kit lenses, and that is pretty much all I need when traveling.

I think Nikon did not intend to market the Z50 to pro photographers, near pros, advanced amateurs, etc. This is a camera for the masses and I think Nikon hit the nail on the head with the features that the Z50/kit lens combo offers: the extreme light weight, and the very low cost. Nikon COULD NEVER have introduced a camera system like this if they stuck with only FF cameras. I am really glad they went with an APS-C offering like this, and I believe that this will be a VERY popular camera for Nikon.

[niteline]

Z50 is an excellent camera. I see and hear complaints about no IBIS in the camera and using lens without VR is a problem everywhere.
I guess people quickly forget we have shot with Nikon NON-VR prime lens, and DSLR's without ibis, for years with no problems.
As far as The comment I saw below saying VR will not work on lens using an adapter.. VR works fine with Nikon's adapter.

I bought the camera for a smaller everyday camera body and glad I did. I will happily shoot with it and still manage to produce excellent photos without ibis, as I have done for years using Nikon DSLR's. Maybe even better since I can see exposure before taking the photo, instead of after.

[marcoantonioregiltv]

I'm loving my Z50 ... Such a great little camera!! It's the one I have with me all the time.

[fjphoto]

Just bought mine. It behaves like a FF camera. Autocus is great and continuous shooting is excellent.

[nigeluk]

That six stop under exposed and recovery raw image is amazing... i thought that the D750 was the best before this but WOW !!

[marcoantonioregiltv]

Small Rig makes the plate that allows you to flip the screen, no problem!! =)

[ronshaw]

I just picked up a Z50 a few weeks ago. I got it with the FTZ adapter instead of the kit lens. I use my Sigma 17-50 F2.8 on it, and it works great.

[quiver]

Hi Richard, I own both the Z6 and the Z50, with additional 4 Fuji’s that I use for my travel photography. I’m in love with my Z6, but couldn’t resist to the Z50. It’s a little masterpiece. Absolutely stunning ergonomics and image quality. I think it’s the most underrated mirrorless on the market. It’s a mini powerhouse in my view and I can’t wait to buy the Z18-140 DX and the Z28 mm. with that set up and the decent and inexpensive 10-20mm + FTZ it will be my most used city break/take always with me camera, and, of course, thanks for your reviews. Beyond technical knowledge you’re a REAL photographer, something very rare these days on YouTube 😃👍🙏

[emeraldisland]

Thank you Richard, I loved this balanced review. Unlike that offered by a well known Canon fan-boy and girl couple. Appreciated your honest admission at the end. Hoping to persuade family to get me this camera for a special birthday!

[quiver]

Thanks Richard, I have to admit that this Nikon Z50 is a jewel. I guess Nikon nailed it. I currently use a Nikon Z6 and Fuji for travel with pretty much 80% of their lenses. But this little, shockingly good Z50 is picking my attention more and more. It’ll be my next toy

[johnkearton]

Excellent Review. And yes, it does appear that this little camera has created quite the divide within the community. Just got one for the wife as she hates heavy cameras and so far she loves it, and I'm a big fan too, to the point that if were just going out for a walk the Z50 is now the camera we take with us. It takes great pics, is so easy to use, especially if you're already used to the Nikon system, and is just so easy to carry all day. Hopefully the negative nelly's will come around soon. I'm really looking forward to where Nikon is going with the APS-C mirrorless range and really hoping they bring something out comparable to the D500 soon, what an uproar that would cause....

[stlukesswellendam]

Hi Richard, many thanks for great need your guidance please....what do you think of the z50 and the sigma 150-600 contemporary lens for sport photography. Greetings Ilo.

[dct]

Aps-C isn't going anywhere so long as there's a wild life market. The Z 50 out performs the Z6 and Z7 in DX mode. It does better video too only by a smidge.
It's a great street shooter as well due to the controls allowing for 1 handed operation. Perfect for me when I'm shooting from my car. The LCD screen is perfect for concerts. Shooting over crowds and great for interviews or special moments on the fly like at a wedding (dummy proof). The small rig is perfect too since Nikon allows the camera to charge from USB. Unless you're shooting full 14bit Raw and LCD the battery life is great for a 1000 shots.

This camera is a baby D3s which is pretty much surpasses. Cameras today are simply too good for people to be complaining 😂 Unless it's autofocus or IBIS it's not much to complain about anymore these days or improve upon.

[KungPowEnterFist]

This is actually a very good review. Thank you and keep up the good work!

[wilkbor]

Thanks for the video. I'm surprised that any aps-c sized camera has this much flexibility as the one you described here. I will likely get one in the next few months.

[markchambers]

Great video, I am just about to downsize all my cameras and buy the Z50!

[brandonbld]

Just bought my 1st camera it's the Z50 waiting for it to come in I'm excited

[stanobert]

I am going to take the Z50 kit as my backup for my Z7 on overseas trips. My eye is now on the newly announced full framed Z 24-200 3.5-6.3 lens for travel as well. I can always use the DX lenses in cropped mode with my Z7. I feel better having backup gear on long trips.

[T-Slider]

Ordered one. I’m looking forward to a small body with great ergonomics!