Nikon launches mirrorless APS-C camera Z 50 and super fast lens
For its mirrorless Z bayonet, Nikon is now launching the Nikon Z 50, a rather small camera in APS-C format, together with two matching lenses. The Z lens with a speed of f/0.95, which was announced with great fanfare, has now also been launched.
The Nikon Z 50 is the first mirrorless APS-C camera from Nikon. This means that it does not have a full-frame sensor like the first two Z cameras, the Z 6 and Z 7, but a smaller sensor. The lenses of the Z series still fit without an adapter, the image section is simply smaller (crop factor 1.5). However, Nikon is also launching two lenses specifically for the smaller sensor format with the Z 50.
Key data of the Nikon Z50
- Sensor with just under 21 megapixels, presumably from the D500
- Fast continuous shooting function with 11 photos per second with tracking AF/AE
- Autofocus: Eye AF, 90 per cent image coverage, works down to -4EV
- Touch screen with 1.04 MP that folds out 180 degrees (downwards)
- Electronic viewfinder with 2.36 MP, lag-free according to Nikon
- 4K videos at max. 30 fps, slow motion recordings in Full HD, both without crop
The camera is expected to be available together with the DX lenses from mid-November. There will be various kits available.
The lenses
Nikon is proceeding in the mirrorless system in exactly the same way as before with the SLR cameras. There are full-frame lenses (FX in Nikon jargon) and APS-C lenses (DX). As the bayonet is the same, full-frame lenses can be attached to APS-C cameras (with a smaller image section). The reverse is also theoretically possible, but makes little sense, as the DX lenses do not expose the entire sensor of the full-frame camera.
The first two DX lenses presented for the Z format have a focal length range of 16-50 and 50 to 250 mm respectively. This corresponds to the focal lengths of 24-75 and 75-375 mm respectively on a full-frame camera. Nikon thus covers the entire commonly used focal length range with just two lenses.
The 16-50 mm lens is very compact, which means that the small dimensions of the camera really come into their own. With a close focusing distance of just 20 cm, it can also be used in the macro range. The 50-250mm lens has a closest focusing distance of 0.5 metres. In terms of price, they are in a range adapted to the camera. Both are relatively light (135 and 405 grams respectively). What is missing at the moment is a DX lens with high speed. The adapter for the SLR lenses must be used for this. The Z-DX lenses have a lens speed of f/3.5-6.3 and f/4.5-6.3 respectively.
The Nikkor Z 1:0.95/58 mm S Noct
Nikon had something to prove: Namely, that its Z bayonet has more potential for fast prime lenses thanks to its large diameter. That's why the super fast lens with f/0.95 and a focal length of 58mm was announced right at the launch of the mirrorless Z system. It is now ready and will be launched at the beginning of November.
The lens is not only fast, but according to Nikon it is already maximally sharp at open aperture. To avoid reflections, stray light and ghost images, pretty much every coating, no matter how expensive, has been used. The lens is said to be particularly suitable for night and astrophotography. There is also no lack of control elements; in addition to the Fn button, it even has a small OLED display.
The lens, which is only designed for a very small target group, weighs 2 kilograms and has a recommended retail price of 10,499 francs.
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David Lee
Senior Editor
David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.chMy interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.