Thanks!!!!

Thank you!!!!!!!

Thanks Bart!!!

Hope you LOVE IT! Thanks!!!

Thank you!!!!!!!

Of course I care. As you can see all I’m trying to do is share as much as I possibly can for everyone’s benefit. Thanks for noticing!

Thanks!!!

Let me know how you like it. Thanks!

Have fun!!!

I set my camera according to your video. I was very pleased using P mode, Vivid and adjusting the sharpness and EV per your suggestion. I was very pleased. So pleased that I may just cancel my Lightroom subscription.

Thank YOU! There’s much more at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm

Thank you!! Glad it helped.

Thank you! Here’s my users guide www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d780-users-guide.htm

@@KenRockwellTV fantastic video wrong guide :) www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm

You still enjoying it.

Ditto, thanks!

ive just ordered one!

Great job, thanks!

Thank you!

Thank YOU!!!!

Thank you!!

Not likely; I use my iPhone for video. Thanks!

Thank you!

Check if there is a “remember self timer setting” option. My Fujis have that now so you can have it either way. Never found that option in my Nikons, and yes, drives me nuts.

Beats me, depends on where you’re setting it and possibly your lens and other settings. Read all the appropriate sections of your manual and that should explain what settings do and do not work together.

If you want a longer lens than 50mm, yes. I'd get it at the same time as the camera; it's very inexpensive when bought at the same time as a kit www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1511295-REG/nikon_1632_z_50_mirrorless_digital.html/BI/287/KBID/1037

Thank you sir will buy the camera with the twin kit lens .

Do it! Thanks!

No. I prefer Canon overall long-term as a system and company www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/index.htm The z50 is superb, but Nikon’s fanciest cameras aren’t as good! Thanks!

Here’s the reference on what works or not on the FTZ www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/ftz.htm this lens www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/85mm-f35.htm works great on the FTZ on the Z50. Be warned thet the Z50 has slow autofocus and manual focus it always the best for serious macro shooting. Macro distances are difficult for any AF system to handle. Enjoys! Thanks!.

Try the DISP button, which isn’t a button and is just tapping on the rear LCD. Thanks!

I prefer Canon for Mirrorless. Nikon is behind. Of course it depends what you want to shoot. See also www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm thanks!

Thank you! Seems easy, but takes along time to push out a video like this.

Thank you!

There’s no such thing as a “raw image.” There is raw data, which has to be processed to become a visible image. That processing varies with every different program used to process raw data. In other words, it seems otherwise, but the jpgs are absolute and the raw images vary wildly depending on what software you use. I’d have to be there, but the picture controls give a lot of options for what you’re seeing. Play with the in camera controls until you get what you want in jpgs; that’s what I do. Thanks!

Gosh, I forget. I never use HSS as it robs so much power that it's not my thing. Thanks!

@@KenRockwellTV Thanks for the reply. Yes it would rob a lot of power if on the meagre camera battery. Best to get an external unit, I love the Nissan units. They support HSS and are compact and powerful. Fills in shadows on peoples faces with sundirectly above.

I never shoot raw, and this is just one of the many reasons. I have to shoot; no time for wondering what if. Thanks!

Tried Rawtherapee?

Try USB power. I use my iPhone for live video; I can steam to KZfaq for hours and hours on my battery. Thanks!

That probably is under menu pencil timers - and that’s where you set how long it stays on before turning off.

@@KenRockwellTV Thank you for a great help!

@@KenRockwellTV I'm looking in the menu under pencil timers and I don't know what to hit to keep it from turning off.

Thanks!

I’m a shooter, not a hacker, so no time for fiddling. Thanks!

Thanks!

Thanks! Lots of work to make these, hope it helps.

Ouch! That Godox is a huge flash. I always use camera brand flash. If money matters, get older model used flash at eBay rather than an off brand new. Thanks! www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=Nikon%20Flash%20-for&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5336071501&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

Easy! Here’s how to do it, no need for remote cord or anything other than some way to clock your exposure time. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#time

@@KenRockwellTV Thanks very much for your time, Ken... have a great weekend.

JPG isn’t courage, it’s simplicity. Every full time pro I know shoots nothing but JPG. Only people who talk about raw are those who do more talking than shooting. Thanks!

I don't shoot RAW. Tried 15 years ago, and Nikon JPGs are so good that raw added nothing. Not the case with other brands, but with Nikon I'll have to show sometime that the pictures are indistinguishable from each other. Thanks!

@@KenRockwellTV That is more of a reason to shoot RAW. If they are indistinguishable, why not shoot RAW and give yourself more room for corrections or changes in post? It is not about clarity, since both modes will have the same resolution, it is about retaining all of the data captured by the sensor. If you don't ever do post processing than JPEG will be fine, but if you desire a greater amount of control, RAW is the way to go. EDIT - Just a side note, clarity actually can be affected in JPEG, but that is only if your camera does some bad post work on itself, another reason I prefer RAW, I make all the changes, not the camera.

R7 is years newer and worlds apart with better performance than the Z50. Go Z7. Full reviews at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r7.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50.htm Thanks!

You can only focus to one distance at a time. If you need more in focus, use a smaller aperture like f/16 do get more in focus. It’s called depth of field, which defines how much is in focus ahead and behind the distance to which the lens is focused. That’s the big scam behind multiple focus points: you can’t focus the lens to any more than one distance at a time.

Thanks for noticing! I work very hard at editing out the fluff and moving along and to the point. Thanks!

That suggests popping up the flash if the lighting is harsh. It’s also the flash ready light. Super smart camera; if shadows Or faces too dark, it knows to suggest flash. Use it!

@@KenRockwellTV very informative, now it all makes more sense. It is indeed a very useful function. And so, supposing I'd still want to disable it, I'd just have to select "Flash off" on the Flash Mode option, am i right? Again, thanks for your time and patience.

Tripod. F8. Fixed ISO 100 and T exposure mode for as long as it takes. If needs more than 30s, use bulb, a remote relase and a watch(unless the camera has longer exposures, see www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#time . Adjust exposure time to taste. Hint: at night your lcd will seem brighter, as if you have a lot more exposure than you actually do when looking at the photos the next day. Usually what looks about two stops overexposed while your out shooting looks best the next day. Bracket. I use the same VIVID picture control with +3 saturation.

Beats me; maybe someone else has tried this. Thanks!

Hi! That’s all the micro motors working in the lens for just about everything. Even when you zoom without changing manual focus the lens is always adapting and optimizing itself. Yip, totally normal; it’s not 1958 anymore. Thanks! (Brothers wife is from Sibiu).

@@KenRockwellTV I thought so, but had to be sure :) Thank you very much. Have a great day.

Use the green AUTO setting while you start. Manual is the best way to get awful pictures at the start; I only pull mine from AUTO if I need a feature I can’t get in auto. Good pictures come from talent, not the camera. I have a lot of tips at www.kenrockwell.com/tech.htm

Thank you!!

I’m not understanding what’s happening. Be sure bracketing is OFF otherwise it will cause what seem like randoms weird exposures also be sure safety shift is ON in case you hit a limit to the auto exposure range in Tv or Av or especially M. Again, in have to be there. Thanks!.

It charges from any generic USB source with any generic cable. Details at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#charge you do not need a PD certified system to charge, as always, be sure your power bank works by trying it before you head out on vacation.

Thank YOU!!!

Hi Jody, it’s the same as the dslr flash system. I use my SC-17 hot shoe extension cord and all is well. Sure beats trying to get reliable wireless results! Thanks!

Then check out all the articles at www.kenrockwell.com/tech.htm as well as mY favorite at www.kenrockwell.com/tech/fart.htm

OK, but Nikon's AF has always been sub-par. I'd go Canon or even step down to Sony if you can for better AF and better long lens choices. I prefer the Canon R50 www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r50.htm

Z50 is a step down from a D7500. The Z50’s autofocus is very slow by comparison to the D7500. I explain rear button focus and much more at my written user guide at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#rf

@@KenRockwellTV Ahhhhh, sage advice from the master, indeed! I had to drive 125 miles to a store that had both a Z50 and a Z5 on display so I could actually go hands on. Between research and the Z50 getting lost in my big mitts, I went to a nice "mom and pop" camera store and ended up trading, along with a wee bit of cash, the D7500 plus two lenses for a "used" (lol...

I forget; I think it might be. Try it out. Thanks!

I don't have one yet but will definitely be testing it out before I purchase 👍

Benjamin Sow yes it can👍

Tian Moezelaar thanks!

@@KenRockwellTV Thanks Tian! I contacted my local camera store who contacted a Nikon rep, apparently the camera will continue to function if plugged in but the battery will only charge when the camera is off. Not sure if it can run on a continuous power

Use your iPhone. If not, I use the X100V www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/x100v.htm or X100F www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/x100f.htm thanks!

Yes, this is an awesome small camera for anything and everything. Be sure to get it with the tiny 16-50mm kit lens as shown.

@@KenRockwellTV Thank you Ken! Those Fujifilms look more street friendly to me.

First set the camera as you like. Then save into U1 or U2. Now when you select either, it will recall however the camera was set when you saved into that location. Thanks!

@@KenRockwellTV Thanks Ken

Thank you!!!

It’s in my complete written guide at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#self thanks!

Neither has great autofocus. I prefer Canon or, God forbid, Sony for birds, but between these two I’d go Z50 because it makes the 200-500 work as well as a 300-750mm lens works on the z6ii. Z50 is DX and Z6ii is FX, which in English means the birds are 50% bigger when shot on Z50. That’s pretty important. Thanks!

Yes. The FTZ works with VR, and autofocuses with AF-S lenses. I have all the details at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/ftz.htm

Hint: you can get the excellent Z 50-250mm as part of a kit with the Z50 for nearly nothing. I’d get that and not worry about older 70-300s, but be sure to get it as a kit when you get your Z50 where nikon almost gives away the 50-250. Ditto for the 16-50mm; great lens and much less expensive if gotten at same time as Z50.

I haven’t tried (I use manual studio strobes www.kenrockwell.com/tech/strobes.htm in my studio and the built in flash in the field), but if you want to use multiple battery Nikon flashes I suspect you need the SU800 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/su800.htm or another big flash on the camera to control the rest. Look in the Z50 in the flash control menu; maybe the built in can control others. Hope this helps; when I use multiple flash it’s so much better and easier to graduate direct to pro studio strobes rather than futz with the silly and more expensive little battery powered ones that give rise to questions like this. Thanks!

Easy! Fuji is only for people pix, at which it excels. If you shoot anything other than just people, go other than Fuji.

Don’t know; I use my iPhone for 4K and it works great, usually better than these cameras. Sorry and thanks for asking!

Thank YOU!

Hi Ann, it’s hard to help without being there. It’s a matter of finding software that can play whatever sort of file you recorded. My Mac always seems to figure it out automatically; be sure you have the actual video file and not some junk file instead that will never play.

Yes!

@@KenRockwellTV awesome, thank you!

The Z system is completely different from the F-mount DSLR system. If you get a Z50, in a few years you'll wind up buying all new gear for the Z system and not use your old lenses on the clunky FTZ adapters. At this point you'll realize that you could have changed systems, since you re-bought it all anyway. I would NOT buy Nikon for mirrorless; I find Canon is way ahead of Nikon ergonomically and in APS-C. The Z50 is old; came out a few years ago while the Canon R7, R10, R50 and R100 just came out. I'd look at them instead, or keep your 5200. kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r7.htm kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r10.htm kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r50.htm kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r100.htm I'd get the RF-S 18-150mm and be done rather than haul all the clunky lenses you have. You no longer need f/2.8 anymore on mirrorless. THANKS for asking!

If you have a second battery, you can charge that in the included MH-32 external charger while you're shooting with a second battery in the camera. See www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#charge Is this what you were asking? Thanks!

@@KenRockwellTV ok, perfect. Can you also plug the mobile charger into the camera and have it charging while your shooting? Or dose the camera have to be off in order for the mobile charger to charge it?

The MJ-32 charger does not connect to the camera. To charge in camera, just connect it to USB with any micro usb cord. It will charge when turned off.

@@KenRockwellTV got it! Thank you for the help!

@@KenRockwellTV so I can't use a seperat mobile charger with ucs while I am shooting? I am thinking specially about astrophotography. I think for astroshootings the battery life of the En El 25 is pretty poor :(

It didn’t on the Z7 or Z6. The Z5 and z6&7 Mark IIs are much better.

Thanks!

I prefer the Nikon overall for picture quality and ease of use. Thanks!

Ken Rockwell thank you. In my mind it’s about great ergonomics of z50, color maybe a matter of pref, but Fuji has great lens selection. Do you not feel limited by lens selection?

The only lenses needed for the z50 are the two kit lenses: 16-50 and 50-250. That’s it. No limitation, and if you want more, like the 10-20mm, use it with the FTZ. Don’t confuse a huge selection of stuff you don’t need with actually having the only two lenses you do need.

Unless it’s shot by a Hollywood DP, preferably an ASC member, it’s probably not well lit. Video is very difficult to do well. I prefer iPhone video: it takes real world lighting much better, runs forever without killing my batteries and it has stabilization so good there’s no need for gimbals. Thanks!

PS - iPhone also has vastly superior autofocus for video as a virtue of its sensor and lens system.

Thanks!

Hi Elle, Easy! All you do is deactivate AF from the shutter button (MENU > CUSTOM SETTING MENU > a Autofocus > a4 AF activation > AF-ON only). Now you assign AF to another button, let's say the rear AE-L/AF-L button, by pressing (continued...

--continuing) MENU > CUSTOM SETTING MENU > f Controls > f2 Custom controls (shooting) click down to select AE-L/AF-L button) > OK > select AF ON > OK. Done!

Hi Elle, Such a great question I added it as a section in my written Z50 User's Guide at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#rf Thanks again for asking!

And of course i'd use it for conference and event work - with the kit lens! It's silent, so it' great for that, and remember the tiny camera lessens people's apprehension so they relax around it.

@@KenRockwellTV Thanks for your insight & reply. Unfortunately, the kit lens is to slow. However, this would allow for me to rent or buy into Z ff lens. Truly Grateful!

Thank TOU!

I didn’t try, and considering that USB is a micro b connector, I doubt it. Thanks!

Works for me. Be sure to try it with yours before you leave on a trip with it, of course. Thanks!

You can definitely charge the battery in the body (meaning w/o putting the battery in a separate charger). Just connect it to a powerbank or a standard iphone charger. Just make sure you use a decent micro USB to USB cable. I tried for hours using a tiny 3" long cable and the amber charge light near the micro USB port and the green light on the rear of the camera just blinked alternately the entire time. Turns out the USB cable was the issue. I got a decent cable and the amber light turned a solid amber color and the green light ceased to blink. Works like a charm.

Easy fix! Look for you settings or options or gear icon in your player. See the PLAYBACK SPEED option and try 0.75x or 0.5x and problem solved. Thanks!

Hi Duane, you should be able to deactivate that button at MENU > CUSTOM SETTING MENU (pencil icon) > f Controls > f2 Custom controls (shooting) > (select that button) > OK > choose something like “no function” > OK much more at here www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#top

@@KenRockwellTV Thanks for the reply! I did exactly that where I disabled the touch controls but that +magnifier will still zoom in on the subject. If I could make something to keep my right thumb from coming over too far and touching it. Thanks again.

Yes!! Thanks!

iPhone. It’s the best camera for most kinds of video - not interchangeable lens cameras. www.kenrockwell.com/apple/iphone-12-pro-max.htm

@@KenRockwellTV wait so ur telling me the iphone shoots better video quality than the z50??? i wanna shoot videos for youtube do u think i should buy a z50 for it or just upgrade my phone? lol i could def get the phone cheaper...but what do you mean u iphone 12 has a good enuff camera like a mirrorless?

Thank you!

Great flash. I’d get a used on (see links at its review at kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb700.htm ) and you’re all set.

@@KenRockwellTV Thank you for your response

They’re all reviewed in full both in print and at KZfaq. Thanks!

Z50 review kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fJ6KZsadm9jReJs.html Z6 review kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fbOVg5aDuKrFeX0.html Z7 review kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fbOVg5aDuKrFeX0.html

More detailed and specific Written reviews: Z50 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50.htm Z6 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/Z6.htm Z7 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z7.htm

Ken Rockwell thanks for the links just couldn’t find them.

SOL SHALEM thanks for watching and asking! That’s why I’m here.

Oh gosh, just get the Z16-50. It’s like 1/6 the size! Thanks!

Yes, I always use a UV filers and never a cap for the same reason phones do: I never miss a picture and never lose the cap, either. Size depends on lens. The 16-50mm takes a 46mm filter and I have the best filters for that lens listed at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/16-50mm.htm#rex see my reviews for ever other lens at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/index.htm for filter suggestions for the rest of them.

Aren’t we all? Thanks!

Turn off the “silent photography” mode explained at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#silent. Otherwise there is no fake shutter sound option. Thanks!

@@KenRockwellTV I tried silent photography OFF but still no sound. When there's no shutter sound it makes you wonder if the picture waa captured.

I enjoyed the video and I think I understood it more than some who make lengthy explanations. Thanks Ken

That’s probably just the way it is; it has to see something. I’d try selecting just one af zone to make it easier, and if all else fails - yikes - the af illuminator. An old trick is to focus on something that’s better lit at the same distance, lock focus and recompose.

I've found the same problem even with the af illuminator on.

Mirrorless cameras especially need to see something. The lag in the EVF you see is your camera pumping up the ISO to see something to grab focus. The Z50 actually has some of the better light sensitivity, being able to focus down to -4EV. You could always use manual focus.

Which lens were you using?

Josua Mudreilagi the standard kit lens

Thanks!

I doubt it. It’s more important to pay more attention to good lighting than to hope a different camera will change anything. It costs nothing. To try the Z50 though; just use any of the links to it at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50.htm and you have at least 30’days to return for a full cash refund if it doesn’t make things better. Still probably better to invest in more flashes to boost the light inside than to expect the camera to fix it. Thanks!

Thanks!

Just that: makes the image shaper. Without sharpening the images would be soft; the sharpening settings control how much sharpness is added.

Ok thx Ken - saw you maxed them out so was interested as to why

I just bought the z50 and it felt so comfortable in my hands and I had a blast taking a ton of pics at Disneyland 📸🎥 love that it shoots in 4k! The low light quality was insanely good 😃 I love this camera and the 2 lenses but I want more megapixels. Any suggestions?

I’d say forget about megapixels. You probably have no idea how many you already have; see www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/tech/pixel-dumping.htm Thanks!

In other words, the z50 has more resolution than anyone really needs; there isn’t any significant difference between a 45mp camera in actual shooting.

@@KenRockwellTV really? Because when I zoom in on the picture it could be more crisp and clear.... I am willing to spend more on a better camera.... What do you think? Keep the z50 or get something better? Thanks Ken! I appreciate your opinion a lot!

I haven’t tried; look in the manual. Sorry about that; thanks for asking.

Buy the Nikon remote.

EASY! Use the built0in TIME mode and the self timer. See my guide: www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#time

Connect to your phone using WiFi and use the Nikon Snapbridge app. Easiest and most convenient way, and it is like a remote trigger, you dont have to touch the camera so you avoid vibrations. I would put the camera in electronic shutter mode too to further avoid vibrations.