Test: What can the Nikon Z 50 do?
The first mirrorless Nikon camera with a smaller APS-C sensor is compact and suitable for action. There are only two native lenses for this type of camera. But even with these, there is plenty to do.
Last year, Nikon jumped on the mirrorless bandwagon with the System Z. Initially as a full-frame system. With the Z 50, however, it is now clear that Nikon will also use this system for smaller APS-C cameras and lenses.
Starting with a new system is always difficult. There is very little choice of lenses. In the case of the Z 50, there are only two. Nikon users who are spoilt in this respect can at least continue to use their SLR lenses with the adapter.
Small and light
Mirrorless cameras can generally be built more compactly than SLR cameras. The Nikon Z 50 is smaller than any SLR Nikon has ever built, although the lens mount is the same size as on the Nikon Z full-frame cameras. Namely very large. The diameter of the lens thread is larger than the camera is tall on its side.
Viewed from above, the camera's grip is comfortably large. However, due to the low height of the body, it is not as high as on an SLR camera, so I only hold it with two fingers instead of three. As the camera and lenses are light, this is not a problem. I like the grip in view of the small body.
The smaller sensor allows for smaller lenses than with full-frame cameras. This advantage is utilised with the super-compact universal zoom, which is part of the kit. The lens is only three centimetres long when retracted. It is also almost ridiculously light. Can such a small plastic thing even take good pictures?
To answer this question, I would need to see the RAW files, which is unfortunately not possible at the moment. A look at the JPEGs suggests that the image quality is surprisingly good.
Here's a comparison with the reflex lens DX 16-85. Both images have a focal length of 16 millimetres, aperture f/8 and 200 ISO.
Differences can only be seen under magnification and they are in favour of the new, but very cheap-looking 16-50mm. Pay attention to the writing on the traffic signs.
Speed
The camera shoots 11 images per second with tracking autofocus. This is fast enough for sports or wildlife shots. However, the camera does not maintain this speed for very long. If I shoot with RAW and JPEG at the same time, the buffer memory is sufficient for around 30 images. With JPEG in "fine" quality it is about 75 pictures. The Z 50 only achieves this speed with the electronic shutter.
Positive: I can follow the subject continuously in the viewfinder, there is no blackout. The focus tracking works well. Above all, however, it is much easier to operate than I am used to with other cameras. Pressing "OK" displays the field for tracking, which I can then move. Tapping the shutter button or "OK" activates the tracking, and pressing "OK" again allows me to align the field with a new subject.
The telephoto lens is suitable for animal and action shots. Its focus motor is fast enough. The lens therefore supports the strength of the camera.
Minus point: The continuous shots cannot be grouped in playback mode. This makes navigation and deletion very difficult when there are a lot of rejects.
Lenses
Let's stay with the two lenses for a moment, as they are the only two lenses for this camera so far. The other Z lenses are for full-frame. Although they also work on the Z 50, they are larger and heavier than would actually be necessary for this camera. And the SLR lenses from Nikon only work with the FTZ adapter.
Both lenses have a built-in image stabiliser. The camera itself has none. This is particularly important with the telephoto lens. Below is a short video, taken freehand with a focal length of 250 millimetres (sorry for the spot in the middle of the picture). I had to move the camera to keep the duck in the frame, so the image is a little unsteady; however, the stabiliser completely eliminates small movements such as shaking.
You have to buy the lens hood separately for both lenses. I didn't have it with me when I tested them.
The lenses have to be extended to be ready for use. An additional work step that I find difficult to get used to. The bayonet is made of plastic, not metal - the downside of the low weight. The lenses have no sliders; autofocus and image stabilisation have to be switched on and off via the camera quick menu. Fortunately, the zoom ring on both lenses is sufficiently tight so that it doesn't slip when I hold the camera up or down.
What I really miss with the lenses is light intensity. More precisely: the bokeh that fast lenses make possible. Sure: I can attach fast SLR lenses with the FTZ adapter. But the adapter, which is nothing more than a spacer, costs more than the (incidentally very good) AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G. I hope that Nikon will soon bring a mirrorless version of this lens onto the market.
Nikon has now improved one small detail that I criticised in the test of the Nikon Z 6. When an old AF lens is attached, the camera automatically switches to manual focus and thus also activates focus peaking, which Nikon calls "contour filter". As with the Z 6, SLR lenses of the AF-S and AF-P type work perfectly without any restrictions.
Operation and battery life
The movable screen can be folded out by 180 degrees so that the photographer can see themselves. However, this only works with a free hand. A tripod gets in the way of the unfolded screen. The smartphone app SnapBridge, which offers remote control with LiveView, provides a remedy. However, it takes quite a long time to connect the smartphone and camera. Not for the impatient.
The Z 50 has slightly fewer buttons than a comparable SLR camera, as the body is smaller. But I don't miss anything. There are two freely configurable Fn buttons at the front, ISO and exposure compensation at the top and two dials for aperture and shutter speed in manual mode. If a setting is not actually accessible via the buttons, there is the practical quick menu.
Nevertheless, there is one thing that bothers me: the three touch buttons next to the screen. They cannot be felt blindly, which would be necessary when looking through the viewfinder. They are also not illuminated. Physical buttons would clearly have been better.
The EN-EL25 battery has a capacity of 1120 mAh. For comparison: The EN-EL15, which is used in SLRs and in the other Nikon Z cameras, has 1900 mAh. According to the CIPA standard, the battery life is 300 photos - a very low value. In practice, you can achieve more, especially if you take continuous shots, but I wouldn't venture into long sessions without a spare battery.
Summary
Strengths:
- Easy operation with focus tracking (automatic subject tracking)
- Fast continuous shooting without blackout in the viewfinder, telephoto lens keeps up with the speed
- Very light and compact with the universal zoom lens
- Very good grip considering the small body
Weaknesses:
- Touch buttons cannot be felt
- No fast Z-DX lenses yet
- Not ideal for vlogging (screen, no headphone jack)
- Continuous shooting speed in RAW mode somewhat short
Who is the camera good for?
The Double Zoom Kit is a sensible option for beginners in photography. With two lenses, you have all focal lengths covered and you don't need the expensive adapter. However, I am of the opinion that even beginners should have a fast lens.
In my opinion, the Z 50 is best suited for Nikon users who still have a D90, for example. But then in the kit with the adapter and the 16-50mm kit lens. On the one hand, they can continue to use their lenses and, on the other, benefit from the compactness.
Try it out for yourself
Would you like to check out the camera yourself? Then register for the workshop on 9 November in Zurich. The workshop will take place from the digitec shop in a group of 8 people for 45 minutes each. Professional photographer Luca Michelli and a professional model will be present.
- Workshop 1: 10:00-10:45
- Workshop 2: 11:15-12:00
- Workshop 3: 13:30-14:15
- Workshop 4: 14:45-15:30
Just send an email to celine.rusch@digitecgalaxus.ch with your name and the desired workshop time
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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.
