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Nikon Z50 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Nikon Z50

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    Main Features

    • 21MP - APS-C BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 51200( expands to 204800)
    • 3.2 Tilting Screen
    • 2360k dot Electronic viewfinder
    • 11.0 fps continuous shooting
    • 4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 397g. 127 x 94 x 60 mm
    • Weather Sealed Body
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Nikon Z50 Overview

    First introduced in October 2019 , Nikon Z50 is a 21.0MP Entry-Level Mirrorless camera with a APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, Tilting touch screen and Nikon Z lens mount.

    Nikon Z50 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Video
    9. Other Features
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Nikon Z50 is a member of Nikon's Z series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    Nikon Z Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Nikon Z6 II
    Compare
    2020 25.0MP - Full frame 14.0 fps 134 x 101 x 70mm 705g
    Nikon Z7 II
    Compare
    2020 46.0MP - Full frame 10.0 fps 134 x 101 x 70mm 705g
    Nikon Z5
    Compare
    2020 24.0MP - Full frame 4.5 fps 134 x 101 x 70mm 675g
    Nikon Z50
    2019 21.0MP - APS-C 11.0 fps 127 x 94 x 60mm 397g
    Nikon Z7
    Compare
    2018 46.0MP - Full frame 9.0 fps 134 x 101 x 68mm 675g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series:
    Nikon Z6 Mark II vs Z7 Mark II vs Z5 vs Z50 vs Z7

    Nikon Z50 has an Overall Score of 75/100 and ranked #54 out of 211 in Mirrorless cameras (Top 10 Mirrorless), and ranked #86 out of 1220 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Nikon Z50 Physical Specs
    Nikon Z50 weighs 397 g (0.88 lb / 14.00 oz) and has external dimensions of 127 x 94 x 60 mm (5 x 3.7 x 2.36″). Considering that the average weight of Mirrorless type cameras is 442g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 60mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Nikon Z50
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    Thickness Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Nikon Z50
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    Here is the front and top view image of Nikon Z50 with the dimensions:

    Nikon Z50 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Nikon Z50 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon Z50, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Nikon Z50 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Nikon Z50 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Nikon Z50 with its main competitors:

    Nikon Z50 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs Z50 Thickness vs Z50
    Nikon Z50 Camera Nikon Z5
    Compare
    675g 278g heavier 70mm 10mm thicker
    Nikon Z50 Camera Canon M50
    Compare
    390g 7g lighter 59mm 1mm thinner
    Nikon Z50 Camera Sony A6400
    Compare
    403g 6g heavier 50mm 10mm thinner
    Nikon Z50 Camera Nikon D7500
    Compare
    720g 323g heavier 73mm 13mm thicker
    Nikon Z50 Camera Nikon D5600
    Compare
    465g 68g heavier 70mm 10mm thicker
    Nikon Z50 Camera Canon M50 II
    Compare
    387g 10g lighter 59mm 1mm thinner
    Nikon Z50 Camera Nikon Z6
    Compare
    675g 278g heavier 68mm 8mm thicker
    Nikon Z50 Camera Fujifilm X-T30
    Compare
    383g 14g lighter 47mm 13mm thinner

    Weather Sealing

    Nikon Z50 has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Nikon Z50 will serve you well. If you attach one of these Nikon Z50 weather Sealed lenses to your camera, you will have a great all weather kit.

    Nikon Z50 Sensor and Photography Features

    Nikon Z50 has a 21.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Expeed 6 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5568 x 3712 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9. Z50 has a native ISO range of 100 - 51200 which can be boosted to 204800 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Nikon Z50 is not the highest resolution APS-C camera. Canon M6 MII with its 33.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Nikon Z50 vs Canon M6 MII or take a look at Highest resolution Mirrorless cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Nikon Z50's APS-C sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Nikon Z50 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Nikon Z50 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Nikon Z50 Lens Mount and Lenses

    Nikon Z50 has a Nikon Z lens mount and currently there are 18 native lenses available for this mount.

    Nikon Z50 doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 4 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization. There are also 14 lenses with weather sealing for Z50 that you can couple with its weather sealed body.

    Here are some of the most popular Nikon Z50 Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Nikon Z Mount Lenses for Nikon Z50
    Model Focal Length on Z50 Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR
    36-300mm 35mm FF 570gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F4 S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F4 S
    36-105mm 35mm FF 500gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S
    36-105mm 35mm FF 805gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S
    75mm 35mm FF 415gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm F1.8 S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm F1.8 S
    52.5mm 35mm FF 370gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S
    105-300mm 35mm FF 1440gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S
    21-45mm 35mm FF 485gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR Lens Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR
    75-375mm APS-C / DX 405gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Nikon Z50 Lenses page for more detailed lens search.



    Nikon Z50 LCD and Viewfinder

    Nikon Z50 has a Tilting 3.2 LCD screen with a resolution of 1,040k dots. The Nikon Z50's 3.2 screen is larger than average and its resolution is up to the class standarts.

    LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

    Nikon Z50 back view and LCD

    For those of you who loves shooting selfies, self or group photos, Nikon Z50 will make your life easier with its Selfie friendly screen. Another group of users who will take advantage of Z50's LCD screen are Vloggers and any video creators who are working in a single-person setup.


    Z50 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a resolution of 2,360kdots and coverage of 100%. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later.

    Nikon Z50 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Nikon Z50 features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11ac + Bluetooth) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.Nikon Z50's Bluetooth connectivity feature comes handy for connecting other devices that supports it. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our Z50. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    You can connect Z50 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Nikon Z50 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 320 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Mirrorless type cameras is 369 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Entry-Level Mirrorless Cameras

    Nikon Z50
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Samsung NX mini with its 650shots is the model with longest battery life among Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras. Check the comparison of Nikon Z50 vs Samsung NX mini or take a look at Longest Battery Life Mirrorless cameras list.

    Nikon Z50 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Nikon Z50 Camera Nikon Z5
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 470shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon Z50 Camera Canon M50
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 235shots Yes Yes Yes
    Nikon Z50 Camera Sony A6400
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 410shots Yes Yes Yes
    Nikon Z50 Camera Nikon D7500
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 950shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon Z50 Camera Nikon D5600
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 820shots Yes Yes Yes
    Nikon Z50 Camera Canon M50 II
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 305shots Yes Yes Yes
    Nikon Z50 Camera Nikon Z6
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 330shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon Z50 Camera Fujifilm X-T30
    Compare
    4096 x 2160 380shots Yes Yes No

    Nikon Z50 Video Features

    With Nikon Z50, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 3840 x 2160 at 30p,25p,24p fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. This means that Nikon Z50 provides 4K (Ultra-HD) video. Except some exotic 6K and 8K video recording cameras, 4K is the new standard in consumer video world.

    Z50 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. Nikon Z50 also has a port for an external microphone so you can record high quality sound with the help of an external microphone.

    Nikon Z50 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Nikon Z50 can shoot continuously at max speed of 11.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    Z50 has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

    Focusing

    Nikon Z50 features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 209 points to choose from.

    Nikon Z50 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Nikon Z50 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon Z50 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    Bluetooth Connectivity
    Articulating Screen
    4K (UHD) Video
    Touch Screen
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Face Detection Focusing
    21.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    51.200 Max ISO
    209 Focus Points
    Large 3.2 Screen
    1.040k dots LCD Resolution
    11.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    397g Light Body
    External Microphone Port
    Environmental Sealing
    Timelapse Recording
    2360kdot Viewfinder Resolution
    Wide AE Bracketing Range: ±5 EV
    Flash Sync Port
    Selfie & Vlogger Friendly LCD Screen
    Remote control with a smartphone
    Real time Animal Eye AF
    Compatible with fast UHS-II cards
    Webcam Functionality
    Report a correction

    Buy Nikon Z50 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Image Stabilization
    x magnification - Small Viewfinder
    Low Battery Life: 320 shots
    1.50x crop on 4K Videos
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Nikon Z50 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Nikon Z50 in 5 different photography areas.

    Nikon Z50 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon Z50 has a score of 56 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 21.0MP
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon Z50 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon Z50 for Street Photography

    Nikon Z50 has a score of 67 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Tilting LCD Screen
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
    Medium sized Body
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon Z50 for Street Photography

    Nikon Z50 for Sports Photography

    Nikon Z50 has a score of 71 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Continuous Shooting: 11.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    209 Focus Points
    Good Low Light ISO
    Wireless Connection
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon Z50 for Sports Photography

    Nikon Z50 for Daily Photography

    Nikon Z50 has a score of 70 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Environmental Sealings
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
    Medium size Body
    397g
    Body Thickness 60mm

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon Z50 for Daily Photography

    Nikon Z50 for Landscape Photography

    Nikon Z50 has a score of 45 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Live-view
    Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 21.0MP
    Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon Z50 for Landscape Photography
    Nikon Z50 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Nikon Z50 compares with other Mirrorless cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon Z50 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Nikon Z50

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon Z50 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Nikon Z5
    Nikon Z5
    Compare
    Canon M50
    Canon M50
    Compare
    Sony A6400
    Sony A6400
    Compare
    Nikon D7500
    Nikon D7500
    Compare
    Nikon D5600
    Nikon D5600
    Compare
    Canon M50 II
    Canon M50 II
    Compare
    Nikon Z6
    Nikon Z6
    Compare
    Fujifilm X-T30
    Fujifilm X-T30
    Compare

    Nikon Z50 Alternatives in DSLR Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Nikon Z50 with DSLR Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked DSLR cameras in Nikon Z50's price range.

    Nikon D750
    Nikon D750
    Compare
    Nikon D810
    Nikon D810
    Compare
    Canon 90D
    Canon 90D
    Compare
    Nikon D800E
    Nikon D800E
    Compare
    Sony A77 II
    Sony A77 II
    Compare
    Nikon D7500
    Nikon D7500
    Compare
    Sony A99
    Sony A99
    Compare
    Pentax K-3
    Pentax K-3
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon Z50
    Does the Nikon Z50 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Nikon Z50 have RAW support?
    Does the Nikon Z50 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Nikon Z50 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Nikon Z50?
    What is the Sensor Size of Nikon Z50?
    is the Nikon Z50 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Nikon Z50 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Nikon Z50 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon Z50?
    What is the Weight of Nikon Z50?
    What are the Dimensions of Nikon Z50?
    Nikon Z50 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Nikon
    Model Nikon Z50
    Announced 2019-10-10
    Body Type SLR-style mirrorless
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Nikon Z
    Number of Lenses 18
    Focal Length Multiplier 1.5x
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Tilting
    Screen Size 3.2
    Screen Resolution 1,040k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic
    Viewfinder Resolution 2,360k dots
    Viewfinder Coverage 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 11.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 7.00 m (at ISO 100)
    Flash Modes n/a
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Size APS-C
    Sensor Dimensions 23.5 x 15.7 mm
    Sensor Area 368.95mm2
    Sensor Resolution 21 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 5568 x 3712
    Max Native ISO 51,200
    Max Boosted ISO 204800
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 209
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
    Max Video Resolution 3840 x 2160
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 397g
    Physical Dimensions 127 x 94 x 60mm
    Battery Life 320 shots
    Battery Type Built-in
    Battery Model EN-EL25
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported)
    Storage Slots 1


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