Hands-on with the new Nikon Z50 and kit lenses
The much-rumored Z50 is here. Nikon`s latest Z-series camera, the third in the lineup, features an APS-C sensor and is being launched alongside two DX-format kit zooms. Reminiscent in many ways of a downsized Z6, the Z50 should (Nikon hopes) open up the Z-mount to more enthusiast and item-level photographers.
As you can see in this image, the Z50 is a small camera, with a relatively sparse top-plate, but generously-sized grip. Lacking the upper status screen included on the Z6 and Z7, the biggest control on the top of the Z50 is a large, non-locking exposure mode dial. A simple lever allows for quick switching between still and movie capture modes.
21MP sensor
The 20.9MP sensor inside the Z50 is based on the familiar BSI-CMOS sensor inside the D500. ISO sensitivity spans 100-51,200, and based on our initial (JPEG) shooting, it`s capable of excellent image quality. One major change compared to the Z6 and Z7 though - the sensor in the Z50 is not stabilized.
This shot shows the Fn1 and Fn2 buttons at the 8 o`clock position on the large Z-mount. These are the same buttons - in the same place - as the Z6 and Z7, and fall naturally under your fingers when the camera is held in a shooting position.
No IBIS
It remains to be seen whether future DX-format Z-series cameras will offer in-body stabilization, but for now, Z50 owners will have to rely on the VR built into the two new kit lenses: the Z DX 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR and the Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR. More on these lenses later.
209-point PDAF system
While the Z50`s sensor might be closely related to that found inside the D500, there is one major difference, which is the addition of on-sensor phase-detection autofocus pixels. The Z50 offers a 209-point autofocus system covering approximately 87% of the frame horizontally and 85% vertically, which operates in essentially the same way as the equivalent systems o ...
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