UPDATE: Our review of the Nikon Z50 is now live! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gJh8lK-dt9rVqX0.html

Nice to see a non-Debbie downer review of the latest Nikon offering. Always appreciate your honesty.

For someone like me, looking to upgrade my D5100, the Z50 with the FTZ adapter for my DX lenses looks like a good path forward into the world of mirrorless cameras.

Sony has bought out most of the YT photo reviewers, and your channel is one of the few remaining that are still objective and impartial. Thank you for your integrity!

The z50 is the best camera under $1000 on the market, that no one is talking about. When the Sony a6400 was released all you seen was reviews.

Very nice initial review from a very happy Z7 & Z6 shooter. I've seen the negative reviews on the Z50 and they missed the entire point of the camera, which you have so very well pointed out. Much appreciated Peter

That tony northup reference at the end was gold !

I have to say I agree with your review, on pretty much all points. I bought a Z50 earlier this week in a kit with the 16-50 lens and FTZ adapter. I currently own and use D850, D500 and D7200 DSLRs and have previously owned a D7500. Performance of the Z50 is right up there with the DSLRs, especially low light/high ISO which seems to be on a par with the D500 and D7500. In terms of size and format, the Z50 is more like a Micro Four Thirds model and is very reminiscent of the Panasonic GX8 that I used to have, but with the superb low light capability that you don't get with MFT cameras. I have done initial tests with a range of Sigma F mount lenses that I have: 10-20 (DX), 17-50 (DX), 18-300 (DX), 105 macro (FX), 100-400 (FX) and all of them seem to work and to autofocus with the Z50 and FTZ adapter. Be careful, though, there is a long list of Nikkor lenses that are not compatible, notably the 'D' type that require AF drive from the camera body, so my Nikon 50mm D is a non-starter. I have no problem using the pancake lens at F6.3 as a number of my other lenses are also 6.3 at the long end (e.g. 18-300, 100-400, 150-600) and I am used to shooting with them, sometimes with pretty high ISO, on the D7200 and D500 in particular. With the type of low light performance the Z50 offers, this is not a real hindrance, unless really shallow depth of field is required. I bought the Z50 partly to use as a travel/street photography camera for which is both lightweight and discreet and also to experiment with Nikon mirrorless before committing to the Z6/Z7 family. I will shortly try the Z50 out for nature photography, in comparison with the D500 that I normally use. I look forward to seeing how the AFC copes with 11 frames per second. I have already set up the camera for back-button focus and appropriate focus modes, etc, so it will pretty much mimic the set up pf my DSLRs. The menus are very familiar so it wasn't a chore. One note of caution though - I see that the FTZ adapter is limited to lenses weighing less than 2lb 13.9 oz / 1300 gm. I will think twice before attaching my 150-600! It's early days but I must say I am totally impressed with the Z50 so far and it is well ahead of my expectations. Good review, thank you. I look forward to the next installment.

I got the z50 after just a few minutes of playing with it in the store. It's really fantastic, I don't know why so many people are talking smack. One review said the sensor is old from the d500. The d500 had a great sensor so what the problem?

Yay, thank you for pointing out the wide angle functionality for the full frame. Kudos to you. This is highly overlooked in my opinion.

I've used LOTS of mirrorless cameras. Both crop and FF. But my main camera was always a bigger and more comfortable and reliable DSLR. Right now, i've got Z50. It is THE best mirrorless crop camera. I mean it. THE best. And now I am selling my last DSLR. Because Z50 will take it's place as my main camera. The mirroless revolution actually happened for me.

Z50 is in my cart to pair with my z7 once my old equipment sells off. Looking forward to having.

Very nice comparison and you did a great job explaining your views. Keep up the good work! I own the z7 and my z50 is supposed to be delivered today!

Most sensible Z50 review on KZfaq. Kudos for being honest!

Hi! Thank you for sharing. I spent over an hour to two in the shop deliberating over teh Z50 and Z6/7 for my video production. The Z50 won over due to its light weight and simple adaptation to any gimbal. The video quality is amazing and images amazingly sharp for the price point. I had a ton of FX lens, but end up using the kit lens that came along with it. The FTZ mount bring the flexibility of using the FX lens sacrificing some crop factor, but the sharpness as you have mentioned rightly didn’t disappoint. Wanted to upgrade to Z7 to fully apply my FX lens collection, but after watching your video, I was truly convince to stick around longer until the next better FX mirrorless from Nikon is released. Thank you again.

Thank you Raymond--That's great information and nice to hear all the good qualities of the z50. I think it will be my next purchase.

Hi Raymond and Leigh, always enjoy your content, honestly, knowledge and expertise! Z50 looks great! Personally, for me, I think the Z7 is the superior camera as it can offer both full frame and cropped images with ample resolution. Also, the fact that it has IBIS is critical for me. Im older and not as steady as I used to be so it is a huge factor. When I have a body and lens sans VR I can definitely notice a huge difference with camera shake. I also notice a marked difference when using a native lens on the Z7 vs. an adapted f mount lens with VR in terms of stabilization performance. Just my take and thanks for the opportunity! Continued success to you! best, Rick, Phoenix (Ahwatukee) Arizona

The Daytona cobra you shot was responsible for the 70 mph speed limit in the UK, they tested this car on the M1 motorway where it reached 175mph, before racing it at Le Mans . A newspaper headlined this and the government brought out a 70mph speed limit on British roads.

Wise opinion! I'm thinking pairing my D750 with a Z50 to get benefit of the 16-50 kit lens compactness, but also of my F-mount gear. Great versatility, and it will not cost me much as a single Z6.

Thank you for your informative review. Did you try the z50 with sigma 2.8 17-50? I will appreciate your opinion about the combination. Thanks!

This is exactly why I picked up a Z50. I have always been a Nikon shooter so I have a wide variety of lenses and just need the FTZ adapter. I might pick up the 14-30 Z lens too. I'll have to look into it more. Thanks.

Absolutely love your open and honest opinion not just following the herd. I'm an avid nikon professional who still even uses on professional shoots my D 700 strongly considering ending the Z50 as a camera to always have with me as well as its small size to work for video on gimbals. Have you guys done a video on what are the best lenses to pair with nikon cameras when you're putting them on a gimbal? For example those that have internal focusing to maintain balance.

Hey SnapChick, have you updated Z6 firmware to V2.0 or 2.1 yet? You'll find the 5.5fps is no longer a limitation for exposure / autofocus.

I don't own a Z6 of Z7, but I find the Z50 a perfect companion to my D7200. And I agree: having a choice of fast lenses at your disposal makes this a capable professional set.

Looking forward to the D500/Z50 Comparison!

good review, great job i agree mostly, but you need to mention what an amazing video canera it is for cinematographer on a gimbal, my z50 lives comfortably on my crane 2 all day long and the video quality while not as good as the z6 is still an incredible performer!!

Great video! I've got a D5600 and I'd like to go Z mirrorless series Its hard to chose between the Z50 and the others. What is your view about getting bokeh for portraits on the Z50? That is one thing I'd love to be able to do that I can't now!

Thank you for this video, really helpful. I have been considering upgrading my old Nikon D7200 for about 6 months and finally did it. My new Z50 arrives tomorrow with the FTZ adapter so I can keep my kit lens, 55-200 and my 35mm 1,8 prime (especially looking forward to that on the front).

i have z50+FTZ+Nikkor DX 35mm f1.8, works very good for potrait both indoor and outdoor...

Well you sold me.... another good review on the Z50. I am getting on in the next week.

Thanks for sharing... Enjoyed your video... I still have & use my D500 so I won't be changing just yet..

Thank you for your great content!! most informative.. I am waiting for the Z50 in South Africa, I would like to try out video a bit more, I have 6 Nikon DSLR's and 14 lenses so I don't really want to move to another brand, My D500's are beasts at wildlife and Sport, excellent AF in photo mode ONLY. Is the Z50s Video AF better than the Nikon DSLR's?? I don't mind slow focus as long as it doesn't hunt back and forth....

You mentioned that full frame large aperture lenses bring this camera alive. Is that referring to adapted lens also such as the Nikon FX 50mm 1.8 and Tamron 45mm 1.8 VC and/or just Z lenses?

I agree with you the kit lens is also so sharp that this camera is so perfect. Will get one soon.

I love my Nikon z50, in fact love it so much I even started to do content on it. This camera is so special. it takes the best out of people.

Nice video. I’m not sure why you would want to adapt F mount lenses and buy expensive full frame z mount lenses to make the camera come alive. By adapting f mount you give up the small form factor ( what about balance? The 17-55 is heavy!) and with expensive z mount lenses you are losing out on the value aspect of the camera. The solution is for Nikon to provide decent DX lenses.

Superb review. Really thought-provoking, and makes sense.

As an owner of the Z7 Z6 and the Z50 let’s be real here. The Z50 has nothing on the Z7 the Z7 is a professional photo camera and the z50 is an entry level for those wanting to get into photography and start with a mirrorless set up.

BTW, I'm getting terrific results from the two kit lenses. I really like them.

How does the z50 compare to the Z6 and Z7 for colour ? Also , would it have the same performance High ISO and colours as D500? Thanks and great video. Thumbs up 👍

Any other two people making these statements & I close the video. Your wife & you have earned my ear on matters like this and I appreciate your insight. I’m ‘in the market’ right now for an interchangeable lens setup. I love my X100V but I have to work too hard to get Fuji AF to do what I want with action/moving family shots. I’m trying the A6600 right now & love the AF but when I bring my photos into LR from the Sony it’s blah on colors for the most part. Not all the time. I’ve considered the Z6ii for lowlight performance but I don’t need FF & AP-C actually works better for my use. I rarely need wider.. I often want closer. The Z50 wasn’t even on my radar until researching the Z6. I also don’t want XQD. expensive and extra flow steps. The Z50 looks like the best bargain AND having owned the D500 & D7500 I KNOW I love the colors. Thank you for this video. I do need to hit joy up for advice on a 35mm to pair with it. I think I want to go FX/FD but would prefer not to be HUGE. Thank you for any insight you can provide.

That's a brave opinion to put out there. A lot of photography enthusiasts seem to talk down on cheaper gear to validate the cold hard cash they spent on their stuff. I'm still surprised about the quality every time I open a 12 year old photo from a Nikon D40. I'm currently considering a Z50 because my D7000 is a bit heavy while traveling. The only thing that's holding me back is the feeling that they will release a Z70 that will be to the Z50 that the D7xxx was to the D5xxx. So some more buttons, LCD on the top and so on. The Z6/7 are interesting, but I can't see myself really investing in heavy and expensive FX lenses.

Raymond.. This is the first time I've watched one of your video's and it was very informative and well thought out. I have a Z50 and I have a love/hate relationship with it and have considered selling it since it has sat for months. I liked that you didn't bash it like some youtube channels does. Again great video. Best wishes Duane

While the kit lens is nice, it would be much more compelling with still relatively compact low lig ht lens like the fuji 18-50 2.8-4, or a single 23mm or 35mm 1.8 dx lens in the lineup. EN-EL15 compatibility would have been greatly appreciated as well, even with a larger grip. Do you think an XT3 competitor would be a smart move from nikon? Z6 body, APSC with better video options, maybe 10bit 4k internal and improved IBIS? It would be a much easier sell to a Z6 user like myself.

Thanks for your review

I use my FX primes on my D500, but very much enjoy the 18-55 and 70-300mm AF-P lenses. They are incredibly fast and accurate. I'd like to see how these Z DX lenses compare especially with some moderate fast action shots like your dog running around...the usual. With my 70-300mm I can get the last frames in focus right up to the camera in pretty much any type of lighting. I rarely shoot in high speed sequential though- 7 FPS is plenty. I'm reading that the MTF charts for these lenses indicate about a 10-20% improvement over F mounts AF-P DX lenses. Not too bad. If the Z50 and these two lenses can offer decent AF if not exceptional, then I'd consider it. It is small after all and the 4k full sensor read out a nice touch. No one has really done an extensive AF review yet. Here's hoping!

I like the z50 but not getting rid of my Z6. Curious about the D500 comparison as I just don't see it de-throning the mighty D500.

Enjoyed your review on this. Off to the review now. Subscribed.

As a Sony shooter I wish there was an A6xxx APSC body that had a similar form factor. I image it’s a great little camera.

Very interesting take on it. Appreciate your views!

I own a D5300 with a few beginner lenses. I'm only a hobbyist and was looking to upgrade to the Z6. Should I purchase the Z50 and used the cash saved for accessories?

thank you sir, very clear views and very helpfull

The Snapchick really snapped on this.

So basically the best lenses you only get with the adapter.. So why did they not use the F Mount in the beginning?

Is the Z50 a good pairing with the Z5? or does it make more sense to just get a second Z5? thanks for the video!

I considered it. However, I'm going to put the $1600CAD (Z50 + 2 lenses) towards a second Z6 body, now on sale for $2000CAD.

I was so looking forward to this camera and can live without ibis and realize lens choice limited for now . I was concerned with the recent Dpreview comparison of this cam to Sony and Canon at same price point and it came last in image quality and they commented that lenses felt plasticky. Curious that we are not seeing this camera generally reviewed? Any thoughts?

Could you try the sigma zooms 50 150 2.8 and 17 50 2.8 (or 18-35 1.8) just to see how it performs?

Been wondering if I should adopt the Z50 as a backup to my Z6?

I'd like a video comparing Z50 vs Fuji XT3 & Fuji XT30..The mirrorless APS-C war..

Good for you! Great review, thank you.

I don't understand how a full frame camera (at least 2/3 stop better ISO), better ergonomics, superb IBIS, superior viewfinder etc be superseded by the z50. I am not saying the z50 is not good, in fact I think it is very good, but dethroning the z6, which I think is better than the z7 (for my use), I think is exaggerated.

Awesome video, I'm thinking about buying the z50 as my d3400 recently got water damaged. How do you know which fmount lenses will work with it? Could you send a link or post a list of the lenses that work? Mainly thinking about my 40mm 2.8 macro that is my go to lense

Thank you for this good Video! Now I am looking for small APS-C camera and I think the Z50 could be a great camera for me. The only think is that I must cotton up with the FTZ adapter. Thank you!

Excellent video. I recently purchased the Z50 about a week ago and I must say so far I’m really liking it. I didn’t purchase any Z lenses but bought the FTZ adapter instead as I have many Nikon lenses. I currently own a Nikon D7200 and really like it but now I think the Z50 will be the one I grab more often. I own my beloved Nikkor 200-500mm lens and adapted it to the Z50 and it works perfectly! What I’m especially loving is the ergonomics, touch screen and the silent shooting option...no more disturbing my bird friends!

Great review.

Who said aps-c is no good? I have a fuji XH1 and luuuuuuv it. I also think the z50 will save Nikon, just hurry up with more dedicated aps-c lenses! Good impartial review and glad you like yr z50!

good points, haven't seen it this way, but you are right. greetings from Germany and my Leica

Nice review. Is there much difference in the detail of landscapes between the Z6 and 7?

Well done Raymond...truly, hard to beat at the price! I was hoping for a D850 price decrease initially, but I may be better to keep my D750 and go with a Z5...we'll see how that pans out. Great review...oh, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Did you checkout the burst rate in 4 bit raw yet? Can not seem to find any marks for that online?

Just got my Z50 + FTZ and it's a great little rig.

The Z50 is a great fun camera! I love the new Z lenses. Also the Z50 is so light and small, that I will take it anywhere! Whereas I always seem to hesitate with the D7500 because if it’s weight and size. Also, I find the Z50 very fast and snappy. The live view is heaps better than DSLRs.

Z7 + DX 16-50 lens, best of both worlds, 19m pixels, perfect walk around combo. When getting serious shots, change to other Z lenses or FTZ.

Nikon got same flack at launch of the z6/7. It's missing this and that... people eventually came around. I am still missing the second card slot though

No, it’s really good! I was openly opposed to it all, but after picking it up, what a nice camera.

So im new to owning a camera and came into possession of the z 50 and I just bought the ftz adapter for it. My question is, what are the lenses that are compatible with the adapter?

real question: Why did you buy all 3? also super real question is the z50 and z6 similar enough in size? I want to buy this leather case for my z6 but they selling it for z50

Hi I use a D850 & D500 but have been looking for an ideal carry anywhere to replace my Nikon V1/V2 and was delighted to see the Z50 including lens and adapter advertised in the UK for less than £1000 (GB Pounds)) I visited my local dealer and was very impressed with the Z50, trying it in the street with the 16-50 lit lens. I also tried my own Nikon 16-80 2.8 -f4 dx vr. I was ready to purchase but on looking at the images on my monitor I realized that the full size 16-80 produced sharper images across the frame, so much better than this example of the kit lens. If I purchased the Z50 I would be very tempted to keep the larger lens on constantly, thus not taking advantage of the small sized camera. The price difference between the Z6 Kit and the Z50 at the moment is about £700 and I am tempted to go for that, possibly ditching the D850 or D500 later. I do have a couple of M Leica lens and several non VR Nikons as well, all very complicated what o you think please?

Agree. The only minor complaint I have with the Z50 is battery capacity when I flip through the menus. Not really a big deal.

Thanks! I just got back from the Atlantic Ocean sea shore where I tossed in my Z7.

Tony Northrop did a video suggesting that the Z50 should have just been made a mirrorless f mount system, I’m curious your thoughts on that? Would it have been a better more well rounded package to have gone that way?

The Z6 has had auto-exposure at 12 FPS since last May, so it is the fastest of the three. I have the Z6 and the Z50 and I love them both. I do a lot of longer-exposure astrophotography, and the Z6 beats the Z7 hands down on that front. But my Z50 is astro-modified, and so far it performs very well for a DX camera. Bottom line, I agree with you on the Z50, but even if they were the same price, I’d take the Z6 over the Z7.

Just imagine that I have to put an adapter to the Z50 to use my small but practical 10-20mm lens, they make me get away from the idea. And I do not explain how to increase the mount from 47mm to 55mm (the lenses should be brighter) change the lens kit from 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 to a 16-50mm 3.5-6.3. 6.3? The lens should at least be 16-50mm 3.5-5.6. I have used Nikon all my life, but that pressure Sony has on Nikon and Canon doesn't let them see their own path. Fuji does have a different idea and I think I am getting more and more attracted.

Love both the Z50 and V1.

Thank you kindly, agree!

My thought about the kit lens: I recently made a comparison between the16-50mm and the Nikon 35mm dx 1.8g f mount lens with the same focal length aperture iso and shutter speed. The z50 kit lens delivers better sharpness and image quality than the legendery 1.8g! I think that Nikon did an amazing job with this camera/ lens combo. Every single wannabe professional photographer trying to tell that this is a crappy camera without having real experience with it.

I picked up the z50 last week with the 16-50 lens. This combo doesn't work for me as I keep comparing it the my z6. Thinking of returning it this week. I will say that the images are great when I pair it with my 50mm 1.8s or 85mm 1.8s. Even the tamron 70-200 g2 is good on it. But the added size with these lenes defeats the point of getting it.

With the Z50 without any in body image stabilization and a crop sensor it just doesn't make sense to me to purchase it. I am starting a KZfaq channel in the new year and want full frame for when I am shooting video and photos. That is why I am going with both the D850 and Z6. I am going to be doing run and gun vlogging and photography so I need something with in body image stabilization which is also why I am going with the Sony RX100 VII as a 2nd vlogging camera.

SnapChick, SnapGuy, the Nordrups should watch your video.

Would it be possible to verify z50 capability to focus with tamron 100-400?

My issue with crop sensors, is the wide angle lenses. So if you need telephoto functions - go for the z50, I have 0 problems with that, but if you need wide angles, the z6 provides IBIS, wider viewing angles, better ISO performance, better view finder, better quality video and better battery life along with better ergonomics. This subject is very specific, and I can see why you would replace the z6, since you already have another full frame (z7) and you seem interested in telephoto capabilities, but this kind of videos sometimes send the wrong massage. All the Z cameras are great, but which is better is depending on the person behind it, and his needs.

Thanks for your review. I think the Z6 is still the best hybrid offering from Nikon and I’d pick up a factory refurbished D500 for $1200 before grabbing the Z50, but that’s because I still own lots of F-mount glass. Interested to see more of your Z50 shots with adapted glass...

Where is that museum? A set of stunning car shot's.

Is the color science of Nikon DSLR the same as the mirrorless nikons?

I want a 35mm f/2 pancake on this camera.

No IBIS.. Not sure why you would go to a mirrorless system over a DSLR then. Plenty of better new and used of equal or lesser price options in the DSLR market that would be better options than the Z50 IMO. Heck, you can buy a Sony A7 II new for the same price as the Z50.. Apples and horseshoe comparison, but food for thought. Great info and video. learned lots..

Nikon should make a new aps-c with IBIS. I think there will be a market for that one. And get more DX Z lenses out. I use a Z6 but I am recommending a Z50 to people who just start out with photography.

I think there is something special about this z50 20mp sensor. Not sure if it's BSI. I agree boring with Nikon's apsc lenses. However viltrox saved it for me with their z apsc line up. I purchased a z30 for blogging and took a low light photo and said WHAT. I've experienced image quality I have not seen on Fujifilm, canon, Panasonic M43. Now I'm thinking about getting the Z50 because of the EVF. I think as time goes by people will desire this 20.09mp sensor. There is just something with the images.

I'm going to get the twin lens kit for my daughter. I would consider it for myself if it had IBIS but with my S lenses there is no lens stabilisation. With the FTZ and VR lenses I take it that the VR still works? Looking forward to the full review and the D500 comparison.