Nikon Z50 is a great entry level choice
Upgrading from a point-and-shoot camera? The Z50 may just be your choice.
Looking to getting your first camera? Wanting to upgrade from a point-and-shoot camera? The Z50 may just be your choice.
The Z50 is the first Nikon APS-C, which in Nikon terms is referred to as DX format, featuring the same Z-mount used with the Z7 and Z6. This means you can use all of the existing lenses that have already been announced for the Z range, as well as existing F-mount Nikon (DSLR) lenses via an optional adaptor.
With the release of the Z50, Nikon has released the twin lens kit, the first DX lens for the mirrorless format and more DX models are expected in the future.
Like all mirrorless camera bodies, the Z50 is small compared to the DSLR models and can almost be slipped into your pocket.
The menu is a departure from the normal Nikon system and relies on the rear tilting touch screen and view finder. Composing images through the view finder is simple and effective, with approximately 90 per cent of the frame covered. The built-in options include eye detection auto and focus, and there’s a range of creative filters. Low light shooting down to -4EV should allow for hand held low light shots while maintaining image sharpness.
In the field the Z50 is a joy to use, the auto focus is fast and accurate and the resulting images are excellent. Transfer of your images to your smartphone is simple via the built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options, both of which work with Nikon’s ridge app. From here, it is a simple upload to social media. You can of course, transfer images to your PC via an SD card reader or direct from the camera.
The camera delivers realistic natural looking images using auto white balance, and maintains a good level of vibrancy and saturation. The exposure and metering are very good in a variety of shooting applications and range of lightning conditions. Capturing movement with the 11FPS gives a reasonable result for subjects such as children playing sport.
The handling is very good, featuring a deep grip and easy access to all controls and the tilting touch screen. Being able to tilt the touch screen does interfere with using a tripod in some cases as the screen tilts down vertically.
The camera features a 20.9 megapixel sensor and it is sold with a twin lens 6-50mm F3.5-6.3 collapsible standard zoom and a 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 telephoto zoom. Both offer built-in image stabilisation which Nikon calls vibration reduction. Add up to 11 fps shooting with AE/AF, 5 fps with live view and 4K video at 30 frames per second and you have an extremely attractive entry level camera.
Overall, the Z50 is a great entry into the APC-S mirrorless camera market, being easy to use and providing excellent image quality from an entry level camera. The 4K video is excellent. Size and weight make it easy to carry with you when walking around sightseeing.
On the downside, the camera does feel ‘plasticy’ and does not offer much in the way of protection from the elements. Another niggle is the difficulty accessing the SD card should you decide to remove it to download your images. It is almost impossible to remove the SD card from the cavity in the battery compartment.
Overall, the camera is an ideal entry into the world of photography. Price: About $1650 retail - shop around. Rating 7 /10.
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