How do you place a camera in the hands of someone who doesn't consider themselves a photographer? How do you convince them of the advantages and technical superiority of a dedicated device? The mirrorless format is key to answering both questions, and Nikon is trying to win over that audience with its new Z50. Compact design, 20.9 effective megapixels, 4K video, and weather sealing pace this "mid-end" model to take anywhere without a second thought.
It's a complicated mission, of that we are convinced. Those users who only see photography as a service or a secondary function will hardly abandon the integrated cameras on their smartphones. Focus, one tap on the screen, and that's it for them. But manufacturers know they could break that dynamic by offering the right camera. That's when the first doubts appear: What is that "right camera"?
One answer comes through the brand-new Nikon Z50. After covering (and with great success) both ends of the spectrum, the Japanese manufacturer aims directly at the center with a new "mid-end" design, and the inclusion of two lenses in one of its kits. At the same time, the Nikon Z50 is the first camera to combine an APS-C sensor with the Z mount, which until now was exclusive to the full-frame Z6 and Z7. What does it gain? What does it leave behind? Let's find out.
Creativity and familiarity
Announced originally in October 2019, the Nikon Z50 features a 20.9-megapixel effective APS-C CMOS sensor, accompanied by the sixth version of the Expeed image processor. Its ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 51,200 with a boost of up to 204,800, while the shutter speed ranges from 1/4,000 to 30 seconds. Its 3.2-inch primary screen is touch-sensitive and tilts 180 degrees (selfie mode), with a resolution of 1.04 million dots. On the electronic viewfinder side, we find an OLED module with 2.36 million dots and 100 percent coverage.
When analyzing the autofocus system on the Nikon Z50, we notice that it isn't too far from its bigger sister Z6, with a total of 209 phase-detection points. Its overall performance is quite good, with six modes available for its area (Small, Single Point, Dynamic, Wide-S, Wide-L, and Auto), and detection of faces, eyes, and subjects (always operating in Auto).
However, its problems aren't in performance but in configuration. Nikon made several decisions that may not be entirely intuitive for some users, which results in an inferior experience. While this doesn't stop us from enjoying the Z50 to the fullest, I think a future firmware update should make some adjustments.
Technically, the Nikon Z50 isn't a camera designed for sports events or extreme action (the lack of in-body stabilization reflects this), but its continuous autofocus at 11 FPS is not a weakness by any means. The rest of the values depend on the chosen settings, although Nikon reports a minimum of 4 FPS under more demanding parameters (silent mode, RAW+JPEG, 14-bit depth).
Some users may have doubts when studying its appearance closely, but the Nikon Z50 gives a real lesson in ergonomics. The buttons are well spaced, the grip is well defined, Fn1 and Fn2 are at the front (next to the lens), the top dials work wonderfully with the thumb, the only lever is limited to switching between video and photo, and the back isn't crowded. In other words, the Nikon Z50 not only favors the right hand, but you'll make good use of it.
The mode dial also continues this trend toward simplicity and comfort with just nine entries: Full Auto, Programmed Auto 'P', Shutter Priority 'S', Aperture Priority 'A', Manual 'M', Special Effects 'EFCT' (ten available), Scene Selection 'SCN' (sixteen to choose from), and two custom entries, U1 and U2. The reference manual for the Nikon Z50 exceeds 500 pages, but don't be intimidated. Everything you need to know, you'll find quickly.
The video modes on the Nikon Z50 are exactly where we expected them. Its 4K support goes up to 30, 25, or 24 frames per second using the full width of the sensor (something the D7500 or the D500 can't do), but there's no oversampling.
On the other hand, 1080p has two special slow-motion modes at 100 and 120 frames per second respectively. Granted, any mirrorless with oversampling capability will deliver superior video to the Nikon Z50, but by not falling into the crop pit, this new mirrorless shouldn't disappoint its users.
Accessories for Nikon Z50
The Nikon Z50 currently has a price that averages 1,350 euros, with the kit that includes the DX 16-50 VR and DX 50-250 VR lenses. Personally, I think it's the way to go for anyone wanting to fully commit to this camera. Alternatives are to look for full-frame Z-mount lenses (and accept any compromises they carry) or use an adapter and add Nikon F lenses to the setup.
I imagine Nikon won't take too long to announce new lenses, but until then, the best thing is to start strong, covering 90-95 percent of use cases. What about accessories? There things are a bit simpler…
Tripods and supports
No matter how much Nikon's plan is to take the Z50 everywhere with a stabilized lens, sooner or later we'll need a shot from a more fixed position. Fortunately, finding a good tripod for Nikon Z50 isn't complicated. The Gloxy GX-T6662A can take on that responsibility without a problem, guaranteeing portability with an excellent aluminum alloy design, slip-resistant legs for greater stability, and a maximum load of 10 kilograms that extends its compatibility. Now, if you prefer something smaller, the Genesis ABT Mini tripod with its ABH-36 head is an excellent candidate. It weighs less than one and a half kilograms, is very easy to carry, and the best part: It's on sale.
Backpacks and bags
The weather sealing on the Nikon Z50 is definitely welcome, but the company highlights certain limitations associated with the pop-up flash. In other words, we must be responsible and ensure that both storage and transportation are safe. If you're thinking of a backpack for the Nikon Z50, at the top of the list appears the Gloxy Pro AW, with wide, comfortable straps, padded and customizable interior, several secondary pockets, and a waterproof cover. Alternatives? If the backpack format doesn't appeal to you, then you should consider the Genesis Gear Orion bag, with a simple and practical design, an exterior that doesn't attract too much attention, and extra space for your tablet.
Memory cards
Although the Nikon Z50 isn't exactly a high-speed camera, that doesn't mean we can neglect image and video storage. In an attempt to take advantage of the 11 FPS burst and the benefits of its 4K recording, I think the best price-performance ratio still favors the SanDisk Extreme Pro 128 GB SDXC card, which has V30 certification, 170 MB/s read, and 90 MB/s write. For under 60 euros, you definitely should buy one.
Cleaning and adapters
Expand the compatibility of the Nikon Z50, and keep it in optimal condition. Two fundamental aspects that no owner should ignore. The first is especially useful if we can access F-mount lenses. A simple aluminum adapter will be more than enough to eliminate those whims that separate one mount from another, opening up a whole range of possibilities. And the second is covered by the Gloxy kit that includes a blower, brush, cloths, and cleaning liquid.
Extra accessories
And to finish, we have two Gloxy accessories that will help you get impressive images, playing with light and reflections. On one hand, the Gloxy Power Blade light is powerful, dynamic, easy to handle, and with a maximum autonomy of 10 hours, it will accompany you even in the longest sessions. And on the other, one of our favorites: The PhotoBall K9. Extraordinary quality crystal, two sizes available, includes bag and cloth for its protection and cleaning, and it's very affordable. The product code is "PhotoballK9,0712154529". Don't let it pass!
In summary, the Nikon Z50 tries to position itself in the market as a mirrorless camera for beginners, and it mostly succeeds with great ease, but I must admit it will also serve enthusiasts looking for a second body (and don't have issues adapting lenses), or prefer a complete kit solution. The competition is tough, and it's likely Nikon will optimize the price in the next 12 months, so it's worth keeping an eye on its evolution.
