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Nikon Z50
85
SCORE
Nikon · Mirrorless · 21 MP · APS-C · 4K video

Nikon Z50

General 73Optics 72Video Performance 91Features and Benefits 86Storage and Battery 35
From $686.46 — 2 offers
KEY FACTS
BrandNikon
ModelZ50
Released2019
Announcement date10/10/2019
Camera typeMirrorless
What We Like
+A more affordable mirrorless option
+Nice to handle and use
+Relatively lightweight and not too bulky
+Solid 4K video performance
Worth Knowing
−20.8 MP sensor resolution is lower than many close competitors
−Poor battery life
−Only one memory card slot
−Limited native APS-C lenses

General 73

Brand
Nikon
Model
Z50
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2019
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
10/10/2019
Camera type
Mirrorless
Camera size
127 x 94 x 60 mm
Camera weight
450 g

Optics 72

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
21 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
5568 x 3712
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
23.5 x 15.7
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-C
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
11 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Nikon Z
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Expeed 6
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
10030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
512003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
10030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
2048003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
3044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
2090300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
No
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Electronic
Viewfinder dots
236000009900000
Read our notes on optics

The Nikon Z50 earns a score of 73/100 for its general specifications. Announced on October 10, 2019, this mirrorless camera was released at a launch price of $859. Measuring 127 x 94 x 60mm and weighing 450g (0.99lbs), the Z50 has a compact and lightweight design. In today’s market, these specifications make it a competitive option for photographers seeking portability and performance. The Nikon Z50 proves to be a strong contender in the mirrorless camera category.

Nikon Z50 Overview and Optics

The Nikon Z50 earns a score of 72/100 in the optics category. With 21 megapixels, an 11 fps shooting speed, and a CMOS sensor, it offers competitive specifications in today’s market. The camera’s Expeed 6 processor further enhances its performance, while its DXOMARK score of 97 for the sensor is noteworthy.

Featuring an APS-C sensor size and a Nikon Z lens mount, the Z50 provides versatility and compatibility with a variety of lenses. However, the lack of image stabilization may be a drawback for some users. The camera’s aspect ratio of 3:2 is standard and meets the expectations of photographers.

The Nikon Z50’s optics specifications place it as a strong contender in the market, although the absence of image stabilization may limit its appeal to certain users. Nevertheless, its overall performance and compatibility make it a solid choice for photography enthusiasts.

Nikon Z50 Video Performance 91

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4K
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
3840 x 2160
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
120 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Yes
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MPEG-4, MOV
Read our notes on nikon z50 video performance

The Nikon Z50 boasts a video score of 91 out of 100, an impressive rating in the camera market. This high score reflects the camera’s strong video capabilities, which include a maximum video resolution of 4K and dimensions of 3840 x 2160. The Z50 also supports a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, ensuring smooth and high-quality footage.

In today’s competitive market, the Nikon Z50 stands out with its video specifications. The 4K resolution and 120fps frame rate are sought-after features, offering users crisp and detailed videos. Additionally, the built-in time-lapse functionality adds value by providing creative options for videographers.

The Nikon Z50, with its high video score and advanced capabilities, proves to be a strong contender in the camera market. The combination of 4K resolution, 120fps frame rate, and time-lapse functionality make it an appealing choice for those seeking top-notch video performance.

Nikon Z50 Features and Benefits 86

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen type
TFT LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Yes
Screen size
3.2"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
10400001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Yes
Read our notes on nikon z50 features and benefits

The Nikon Z50 earns a feature score of 86/100, showcasing its impressive array of features. With a 3.2-inch screen size and a resolution of 1,040,000 dots, the camera provides clear and sharp image previews. The touchscreen and flip screen capabilities add to the user-friendly design of the camera.

In today’s market, these specifications are highly competitive, considering the increasing demand for user-friendly and technologically advanced cameras. The Nikon Z50 meets these demands by offering WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for easy sharing and remote control of the camera. However, the absence of GPS functionality might be a drawback for some users who require location tagging.

The Nikon Z50’s features make it a strong contender in the current market, providing users with an advanced, easy-to-use camera that suits various photography needs. The combination of touchscreen, flip screen, and connectivity options ensure it remains a popular choice among photographers.

Nikon Z50 Storage and Battery 35

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
EN-EL25
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
320 shots1505000
USB charging
Yes
Read our notes on nikon z50 storage and battery

The storage and battery section of the Nikon Z50 receives a score of 35/100. This camera comes with a single memory card slot, supporting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, specifically UHS-I compatible ones. In terms of battery life, the Z50 can take up to 320 shots with its EN-EL25 battery. Additionally, the camera offers USB charging capabilities.

Comparing these specifications to other cameras on the market, the Nikon Z50 falls short in terms of storage and battery performance. A single memory card slot and a 320-shot battery life may not suffice for professional photographers or those who require extended shooting capabilities.

Taking this into account, the Nikon Z50’s storage and battery features may not be the strongest selling points. Potential buyers should weigh these aspects against the camera’s other specifications and features to determine if it meets their needs.