If you’re the proud new owner of a DX-format camera like the Nikon D3500 or D5600, congratulations! The fun is just beginning. We’ve got some ideas for your next lens purchase when you’re ready to expand your kit.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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Nikon has announced the first DX-format camera to use the Z-mount: the Z50. The Z50 features a 21MP BSI CMOS APS-C sensor (similar to what’s on the D500) with on-sensor phase detection. Unlike the Z6 and Z7, the Z50 does not have in-body image stabilization.
Despite being a smaller and lighter camera than the Z6/Z7, the Z50 doesn’t feel cheap, and is weather-sealed to some degree. It has a downward-tilting 3.2″ touchscreen display, 2.36M-dot OLED EVF and pop-up flash. Its single SD card slot supports high-speed UHS-II media while its Micro USB port allows for in-camera battery charging. The Z50 uses the new EN-EL25 battery, with an estimated battery life of around 300 shots per charge.
The Z50 is capable of shooting bursts at 11 fps with continuous AF. It can capture UHD 4K video at 24p and 30p, and a 120 fps option is available if you drop the resolution to Full HD. While the Z50 has a mic input, it lacks a headphone socket.
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| The Z50 with its 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR kit lens |
Along with the Z50 come two new kit lenses. First is the collapsible Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR, which offers up to 4.5 stops of image stabilization and has a built-in control ring. For longer reach, there’s the Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR, which offers 5 stops of shake reduction and also has a control ring.
The Z50 will be available in November for $ 859 body-only, $ 999 with the 16-50mm lens and $ 1349 with the 16-50mm and 50-250mm lenses. Both kit lenses will be available separately, with the 16-50 priced at $ 299 and the 50-250 at $ 349.
See all of our Nikon Z50 content
Press Release
Nikon Also Announces the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR and NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR, Two New Lenses That Deliver Incredible Image Quality and Outstanding Portability
MELVILLE, NY (October 10, 2019 at 12:01 A.M. EDT) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the next Z series mirrorless camera, the DX-format Nikon Z 50, along with two new companion NIKKOR Z lenses, the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR and NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR. The new Nikon Z 50 takes full advantage of Nikon’s larger Z mount, providing creators of all types with the most innovative optical system for superior image and video quality. The compact and lightweight Nikon Z 50 was made for unique individuals seeking a camera that has the speed, portability and style to keep pace and share their creative storytelling and imagination, especially when paired with the new ultra-compact 16-50mm zoom and the slim 50-250mm telephoto zoom lenses.
“The new Nikon Z 50 is a small yet capable camera that brings the best of the Nikon Z series to all kinds of creators to discover, share and engage,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “The new NIKKOR Z DX lenses expands the Nikon Z series to provide new creative tools for those looking to take their photo and video passions to new heights.”
When a sudden case of jet-set wanderlust strikes, or if there’s an idea that just has to be shared in 4K video, the Nikon Z 50 is the unobtrusive companion that promises to help deliver content that truly stands out. This is Nikon’s first DX-format mirrorless camera, delivering a more compact lightweight system to those upgrading to mirrorless or discovering the Nikon Z mount system. The new Z 50 offers an ergonomic design, intuitive operability and the steadfast reliability Nikon is known for, but in a slimmer, lightweight and attainable body. Taking advantage of the Nikon Z mount, the Z 50 produces stunning image quality and provides optimal performance for any type of content creation, from still photography to high-quality 4K video.
SMALL ON SIZE, BIG ON FUN: The easy-to-carry, compact and lightweight 14-oz body of the Nikon Z 50 is designed with intuitive controls and an agile yet durable magnesium alloy frame. It’s effortless to carry while vlogging a vacation, hiking the backcountry or exploring a new part of town. Since it’s mirrorless, users can activate the silent shutter function for truly low-profile shooting in sensitive situations.
TELL YOUR STORY, BEAUTIFULLY: A DX-format 20.9-megapixel CMOS sensor delivers superior image quality, sharpness, color and tones to document it all, even in low light. The EXPEED 6 image-processing engine helps to achieve excellent low-light performance and the highest standard sensitivity in its class1 for still-image shooting – ISO 51,200 – so users can capture high-resolution photos in challenging lighting conditions, like concerts or night street photography.
HIGH-SPEED PERFORMANCE: The camera quickly locks focus with a 209-point Hybrid AF System that enables broad coverage of approximately 87% of the frame horizontally and 85% vertically. It’s also the first Nikon DX-format camera to employ Eye-Detection AF, which makes portrait photography simple by recognizing and instantly focusing on a subject’s eyes, even if they are moving. What’s more, with fast 11 fps (with AF/AE) continuous shooting, users can keep up with fleeting moments and never miss a moment of the action.
FLIP-DOWN SELFIE SCREEN: The Nikon Z 50 features an easy to use interface with a 3.2-inch flip-down LCD touchscreen that’s ideal for selfies and vlogging. The LCD features familiar soft keys and icons, while intuitive controls make storytelling simple. Selfie Mode automatically disables all but essential controls while the LCD is flipped down, which makes it easy for the photographer to turn the camera on themselves and capture flattering photos and videos without worry of accidentally changing settings.
EPIC VIDEO FEATURES AND NEW CREATIVE OPTIONS: Sharp, vibrant 4K video is just the beginning – Experience built in 120p slow-motion, time-lapse and interval timer as well as in-camera video trimming and 20 Creative Picture Controls. These Creative Picture Controls and Special Effect modes instantly transform an image or video footage, while Scene Modes automatically adjust settings to optimize performance for beginners. For smooth footage, the camera also incorporates additional built in stabilization while shooting Full HD or 4K video.
SHARE BETTER CONTENT, INSTANTLY: Built-in Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth connectivity along with support for the new SnapBridge2 version 2.6 app allows users to seamlessly share still images and videos with friends, families and followers. In addition to automatically sending gorgeous images to one’s phone, users now also have the ability to easily transfer video to their smart device quickly. The latest version of SnapBridge also supports RAW image transfer and advanced remote capture functions.
The new NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm standard zoom and the NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm telephoto zoom lenses are designed to complement the new Z 50, striking the balance of small size and sharp optics. The NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens is a slim zoom lens that lets users capture a wide variety of scenes, from beautiful landscapes to candid portraits. The compact telephoto NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR lens allows anyone to go the extra distance and capture far-away subjects, like city skylines or birds in flight. When paired with the new lenses, Dual Detect Optical VR is enabled on the Z 50 to help control the effects of camera shake when shooting.
Both the new NIKKOR Z DX lenses unleash the potential of the Nikon Z mount, using the superior design flexibility made possible by the large-diameter and the 16mm flange focal distance to deliver outstanding optical performance and sharpness in a deceptively compact form factor.
In addition to achieving incredible image quality, the new NIKKOR Z DX lenses are optimized for video capture when paired with the Z 50, making them must-haves for emerging content creators. Both lenses promise reduced focus breathing, a customizable control ring for smooth control of aperture or exposure compensation, as well as fast and quiet operation. Additionally, the new lenses offer in-lens optical Vibration Reduction (VR) technology to allow for smooth recording, with camera shake compensation equivalent to 4.5 stops3 and 5.0 stops3, respectively.
Beyond these two new lenses, Nikon Z 50 users can enjoy greater variety in imaging expression by mounting any of the current lenses in the NIKKOR Z lineup. A vast selection of traditional F-Mount NIKKOR lenses is also available to shooters via the Mount Adapter FTZ, with many lenses retaining functions such as VR and AF.
The Nikon Z 50 will be available in November 2019, in several configurations including body-only for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $ 859.95*, a one-lens kit with the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens for a SRP of $ 999.95* or a two-lens kit with both the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR and NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR lenses for a SRP of $ 1349.95.
For more information on the latest Nikon products, including the new Nikon Z 50, NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR and the full Nikon Z mount system, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
| Price | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $ 859 (body), $ 999 (w/16-50mm lens), $ 1349 (w/16-50 and 20-250mm lenses) |
| Body type | |
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 5568 x 3712 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 21 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 22 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Expeed 6 |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 204,800) |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 204800 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal, basic |
| File format |
|
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus |
|
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 209 |
| Lens mount | Nikon Z |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5× |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3.2″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 1.02× (0.68× 35mm equiv.) |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,360,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Exposure modes |
|
| Scene modes |
|
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash range | 7.00 m (at ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/200 sec |
| Drive modes |
|
| Continuous drive | 11.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Metering modes |
|
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±5 (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes |
|
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| USB charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (micro HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11ac + Bluetooth |
| Remote control | Yes (via smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Built-in |
| Battery description | EN-EL25 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 320 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 450 g (0.99 lb / 15.87 oz) |
| Dimensions | 127 x 94 x 60 mm (5 x 3.7 x 2.36″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |
| Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR | Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Principal specifications | ||
| Lens type | Zoom lens | |
| Max Format size | APS-C / DX | |
| Focal length | 16–50 mm | 50–250 mm |
| Image stabilization | Yes | |
| CIPA Image stabilization rating | 4.5 stop(s) | 5 stop(s) |
| Lens mount | Nikon Z | |
| Aperture | ||
| Maximum aperture | F3.5–6.3 | F4.5–6.3 |
| Minimum aperture | F16 | |
| Aperture ring | No | |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 7 | |
| Optics | ||
| Elements | 9 | 16 |
| Groups | 7 | 12 |
| Special elements / coatings | 1 ED + 4 aspherical elements, Super Integrating Coating | 1 ED element, Super Integrated Coating |
| Focus | ||
| Minimum focus | 0.20 m (7.87″) | 0.50 m (19.69″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.2× | 0.23× |
| Autofocus | Yes | |
| Motor type | Stepper motor | |
| Full time manual | No | |
| Focus method | Internal | |
| Distance scale | No | |
| DoF scale | No | |
| Physical | ||
| Weight | 135 g (0.30 lb) | 405 g (0.89 lb) |
| Diameter | 70 mm (2.76″) | 74 mm (2.91″) |
| Length | 32 mm (1.26″) | 110 mm (4.33″) |
| Sealing | No | |
| Colour | Black | |
| Zoom method | Rotary (extending) | |
| Filter thread | 46 mm | 62 mm |
| Hood supplied | No | |
| Tripod collar | No | |
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Nikon has unveiled its first DX-format compact, the Coolpix A, alongside the enthusiast-focused Coolpix P330. The Coolpix A fits a 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter behind a 28mm equivalent, F2.8 prime lens. The Coolpix P330, meanwhile, gains a 1/1.7″ sensor and Raw-shooting capability, over its predecessor. The Coolpix A will cost around $ 1100/£1000, while the P330 will retail for around $ 380/£350.
News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)