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Nikon Z50

 
Nikon Z50 front
 
  • 21MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3.2" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 100 - 51200 (Increase to 204800)
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Nikon Z Mount
  • 397g - 127 x 94 x 60mm
  • Announced October 2019
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
74
Imaging
68
Features
84
Overall
74

Nikon Z50 overview

Nikon Z50 is Nikon's Entry-Level Mirrorless digital camera initially introduced on October of 2019. The camera has got a 21MP, BSI-CMOS APS-C sized sensor and has a maximum resolution of 5568 x 3712.

The Z50 is positioned #14 out of 117 in Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras and all round #106 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. Remember to test our Advanced camera finder to see camera ratings based on your personal criteria.

Photography Glossary

Below is a graph of specific criteria used in the scoring system.

Nikon Z50 history

The Nikon Z50 comes with a history of related cameras. Down below, you can view all older and latest models alongside key features.

ModelVisualizeResolutionSensor SizeMax fpsReleased
Nikon-Z30 front thumbnailNikon Z30
Z50 vs Z30
21MPAPS-C11.0 fps2022
Nikon-Z-fc front thumbnailNikon Z fc
Z50 vs Z fc
21MPAPS-C11.0 fps2021
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images
Nikon-Z50 front thumbnailNikon Z5021MPAPS-C11.0 fps2019

Nikon Z50 Pros and Cons

Below is a selection of positives and negatives of the Nikon Z50 based on criterias that are often viewed as necessary in a digital camera.

above average high ISO (51,200)
above average min ISO (100)
change lenses (Nikon Z mount)
comes with external mic socket
comes with HDMI socket
connects via bluetooth
decent sensor resolution (21MP)
decent sized screen (3.2 inch)
environment proof
features focus by touch
flash built-in
high resolution screen (1,040 k dots)
manual focus
offers face detection focusing
offers tracking autofocus
saves RAW formats
selfie friendly screen
sensor size is good (APS-C)
supports phase detect AF
tilting screen
touchscreen functionality
video resolution high (3840 x 2160 resolution)
heavier than competition (397 grams)
lack of headphone socket
no image stabilization
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Nikon Z50 Sensor info

The Nikon Z50 houses the Expeed 6 chip. The sensor spec in the Nikon Z50 is 23.5mm x 15.7mm (APS-C). The 369 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 5568 x 3712 pixels and aspect ratios of 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9.

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The BSI-CMOS sensor boasts 21MP and provides a standard ISO range of 100 - 51200. This ISO can also be increased digitally to a high of 204800. RAW files are supported so the user has wider margin for error.

The image below illustrates the Z50's sensor dimensions in comparison to other popular sizes. The Z50 sensor comes with a crop factor of 1.5 and is shown in green.

Nikon Z50 sensor size Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

To get an idea of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Nikon Z50 dimensions

Nikon Z50 has a weight of 0.88 pounds (397 gr or 14.00 ounces) and the measurement of the camera is 127mm x 94mm x 60mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 2.4"). The weight of normal Entry-Level Mirrorless camera is 329 gr so the Nikon Z50 is more heavy when compared to its competitors.

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Below is a photo of the Nikon Z50 alongside a soft drink so you're able to have a sense of its scale.

Nikon Z50 dimensions scale

The top view here will show you the button design on the Z50.

Nikon Z50 topview buttons dials

Nikon Z50 Lens info

The Z50 fits the Nikon Z mount and has 31 lenses available to buy. Below is a few of the lenses we have in our collection which will work with the Z50.

ModelVisualizeFocal LengthApertureStabilizedWeight
Nikon-Nikkor-Z-24-200mm-F4-6.3-VR lensNikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR24-200mmf/4-6.3 570g
Nikon-Nikkor-Z-24mm-F1.8-S lensNikon Nikkor Z 24mm F1.8 S24mmf/1.8 450g
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Nikon-Nikkor-Z-24-70mm-F2.8-S lensNikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S24-70mmf/2.8 805g
Nikon-Nikkor-Z-70-200-F2.8-VR-S lensNikon Nikkor Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S70-200mmf/2.8 1440g
Nikon-Nikkor-Z-DX-50-250mm-F4.5-6.3-VR lensNikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR50-250mmf/4.5-6.3 405g
Nikon-Nikkor-Z-MC-105mm-F2.8-VR-S lensNikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S105mmf/2.8 630g
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Nikon-Nikkor-Z-58mm-F0.95-S-Noct lensNikon Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 S Noct58mmf/12000g
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Nikon Z50 Connectivity

The Z50 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • Bluetooth Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that consist of NFC and / or Bluetooth support can easily be controlled wirelessly through smartphones. You can easily copy images and in some cases adjust settings without connecting straight to the camera.

Certain applications even allow a Liveview and click the shutter in case you aren't near the camera. If the camera features a HDMI out, it could be hooked up to an external screen. The majority of cameras will allow you to recharge the battery with the USB port.

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Nikon Z50 Video info

The maximum video quality in the Nikon Z50 is 3840 x 2160 and it can shoot in MPEG-4 and H.264 file format. 2160p will provide a outstanding quality for video. You can easily crop to Full HD in order to get improved video. Beware of the massive file sizes and ensure you have got decent SD cards that have fast write speeds. Although the camera features a mic socket, it is sadly lacking a headphone socket so you will not have the option to keep an eye on your sound levels.

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Nikon Z50 Weather Sealing

Nikon Z50 has environment sealing which makes it a fantastic option to use for challenging environments. This is especially beneficial when you are not sure about the conditions you may encounter for outdoor photography.

Nikon Z50 Screen and Viewfinder

The Nikon Z50 has got a 3.2" tilting display screen supporting a resolution of 1,040k dots.

It has a selfie friendly screen to shoot self portraits and group shots when necessary. Moreover the display screen is touch friendly so you can easily change focus point and change settings with your finger.

Nikon Z50 screen and viewfinder Photography Glossary

The ViewFinder details regarding Nikon Z50 are the following:

  • ViewFinder Electronic
  • Resolution 2,360k dots
  • Coverage 100 percent

Viewfinders can be quite beneficial for bright outdoor conditions which can easily make the camera screen washed out and very difficult to view.

Nikon Z50 Shutter info

Nikon Z50 has the capability to shoot continuously at 11.0 fps. The highest shutter speed is 1/4000 sec.

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Nikon Z50 Flash and Hot shoe info

Nikon Z50 boasts both built in flash and external flash ability.

Nikon Z50 Autofocusing info

Nikon Z50 boasts both Phase Detect Auto Focus along with Contrast Based Auto Focus. Phase Detection focusing is more quicker and precise when compared to Contrast Based focusing. The camera has got Face detection making it valuable for taking portraits of people.

The AF system has got 209 focus points to select from. Nikon Z50 has touch to focus. You can easily use your fingers in order to change where you focus. It also has Tracking Auto Focus for subjects on the move. Nikon Z50 comes with manual focusing in case it is needed for low light scenarios or you need more accurate control on focusing.

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Nikon Z50 Battery life

The battery (EN-EL25) for the Nikon Z50 is built to last for 320 images based on the CIPA standards making it on par with its competitors. The general Entry-Level Mirrorless camera battery life is 343. Fujifilm X-S20 has the highest possible (750) battery life for this category of cameras.

Following is a listing of Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras which have the best battery life:

Nikon Z50 for varying categories of photography

The following illustration indicates a summation of the Nikon Z50 for varying categories of photography. To learn more, scroll to the specific paragraph below.

Nikon Z50 Portrait photography information

The Nikon Z50 gets a points total of 80 which is brilliant, meaning that it is a wonderful fit for portrait photos. Taking portraits leans heavily to sensor specs, RAW support in addition to the ability to utilize external flash.

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focusing manually
MP count good (21 megapixels)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
offers face detect focus
saves RAW files

Nikon Z50 Street photography features

Coming in at a above average points total of 73, the Nikon Z50 is a respectable option for street photography. A good street photography camera provides a good balance of image quality and portability.

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tilting screen
nice sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW files
features focus by touch
environment proofing
good high ISO (51,200)
no image stabilization
more heavy than competition in class (397g)

Nikon Z50 Sports photography factors

A above average sports photography rating of 75 means the Nikon Z50 is a fine pick for taking photos of sports. A camera should have good autofocus and continuous shooting for sports photography.

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decent MP (21MP)
good sensor size (APS-C)
offers tracking autofocus
environment proofing
supports phase detect auto focus
no image stabilization

Nikon Z50 Travel photography info

Size is super crucial in buying a camera for travel. Over-all, the Nikon Z50 gets a excellent 77 for a travelling camera which makes it a fantastic pick to buy for your vacations.

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environment proof
has bluetooth
has focus via touch
MP count decent (21MP)
built-in flash
selfie friendly screen
more heavy than competitors in class (397g)

Nikon Z50 Landscape photography factors

For anybody looking to buy a digital camera for landscape photos, the most critical factor will be image quality. The Nikon Z50 and it's great rating of 79 as a landscape camera is a outstanding pick in the current marketplace.

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you can focus manually
change lenses (Nikon Z mount)
screen size is good (3.2")
megapixel count decent (21MP)
good sensor size (APS-C)
great ISO range (51,200)
supports RAW formats
environment proofing
lack of image stabilization

Nikon Z50 Vlogging information

A camera for vlogging ought to posses a moving display, microphone input and preferably IBIS. Considering every thing, the Nikon Z50 is a good pick for vlogging as it delivers a above average rating of 71.

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display is selfie friendly
touchscreen enabled
supports face detection autofocus
high quality video (3840 x 2160 pixels)
does have external microphone support
lack of image stabilization
more heavy than competition (397g)

Nikon Z50 Alternatives

If you are interested in alternatives to the Z50, below is a range of the highest ranked cameras that fall within the category of Entry-Level Mirrorless.

The graph listed below offers you an overview of the Z50 versus it's top ranking rivals suggested earlier.

Following are several cameras you may look into as alternatives. To read a thorough comparison, click the "compare" link.

Photography Glossary

Specifications

General Information
Company
Nikon
Model type
Nikon Z50
Class
Entry-Level Mirrorless
Announced
2019-10-10
Physical type
SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Powered by
Expeed 6
Sensor size
APS-C
Sensor dimensions
23.5 x 15.7mm
Sensor area
369.0mm²
Sensor resolution
21 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 3:2 and 16:9
Full resolution
5568 x 3712
RAW data
Max native ISO
51200
Max boosted ISO
204800
Min native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Total focus points
209
Lens
Lens support
Nikon Z
Number of lenses
15
Focal length multiplier
1.5
Screen
Screen type
Tilting
Screen diagonal
3.2 inch
Screen resolution
1,040k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
Electronic
Viewfinder resolution
2,360k dots
Viewfinder coverage
100 percent
DXO scores
DXO All around rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Slowest shutter speed
30 secs
Maximum shutter speed
1/4000 secs
Continuous shooting rate
11.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance
7.00 m (at ISO 100)
External flash
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions
3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
Max video resolution
3840x2160
Video format
MPEG-4, H.264
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
397 grams (0.88 lb)
Dimensions
127 x 94 x 60mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 2.4")
Other
Battery life
320 images
Type of battery
Built-in
Battery ID
EN-EL25
Self timer
Yes
Time lapse recording
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported)
Card slots
One
Launch cost
$857