Big test
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Z DX lenses, VR can only be turned on or off using the ‘i’ menu or main menu. In terms of image quality, the Z 50 gave a very good performance, and though 20.9 megapixels might seem a little sparing these days, it strikes a good balance between resolution and noise on an APS-C chip. I’d happily set the auto ISO to 6400, and let it take over things. The lack of a traditional optical low-pass filter means images are full of crisp detail, too, and 14-bit Raws are very workable in post if required – the dynamic range of the camera is great for an APS-C chip. As for performance speed, the Z 50 takes a little over a second to start up. In its fastest 11fps continuous high extended mode and shooting Raw only, we found it capable of 34 shots before it started chugging. In high speed continuous shooting at 5fps I got 60 Raws before the camera slowed. These shooting rates were achieved using a Lexar Professional 2000X SD 64GB card. You get full AF and autoexposure tracking in these modes, so really the camera has plenty of speed. The Z 50’s battery life is quoted by Nikon at 300 shots per charge, though I routinely got more than 400, so lifespan really depends on how you’re using the camera. Lots of long exposures or video will wipe it out much faster than regular shooting. KS
Final word
Verdict
The Z 50makes a great pick for a first mirrorless camera, or a second body for those who’ve already bought into the Z systemwith the Z 6 or Z 7 bodies. It’s small and light, and when twinned with the retractable DX 16-50mm lens, it’ll fit in a coat pocket, but it also has surprisingly assured handling as well as good AF and shooting speed.The image quality is genuinely pleasing, too. Keep the 50-250mm in your other pocket and you’ve got some very decent coverage. Nikon's growing its Z-mount lens options, but the FTZ converter allows F-mount users to make the jump painlessly.
ABOVE The Z 50′s autofocus performance was very good, even though we mostly tested it using the Z DX 50-250mm lens, which has a variable aperture of f/4.5-6.3, and therefore can′t be expected to perform as well as a faster lens. This onrushing creature was shot at 1/2500sec, f/6.3 and ISO 6400, using the C-AFmode in auto-area with subject tracking
FEATURES Plenty to like, but no in-body IS.
23 /25
HANDLING Feels great in
23 /25
the hand with a common sense layout and menus. PERFORMANCE Competes well with its rivals in most areas.
22 /25
VALUE FOR MONEY A very keenly
24 /25
priced body, and even more so with the twin lens kit. OVERALL Despite its small size, the Z 50 feels like a proper camera and is an highly attractive model to jump into mirrorless for those who haven’t yet taken the plunge.
92 /100
LEFT The Nikon Z 50’s 20.9-megapixel sensor has no optical low-pass filter, so although the resolution is modest in terms of megapixel count, fine details are well preserved. This shot, featuring rescue dog Tyla patiently awaiting his perfect person, was taken at 1/250sec, f/5.6 and ISO 2000, using the Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5–6.3VR at 185mm, giving an effective focal length of 277mm. The lens can be picked up with the Z 50 as a twin lens kit, and is well worth the extra outlay
PROS Price, handling, features and performance are all top-notch CONS Minor handling oddities, no in-body IS
40 Photography News | Issue 73
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