By the way, I really appreciate that you respond to just about every comment, it's rare to see that on UA-cam or anywhere else. It shows that you care about subscribers and people that watch your videos
Loved the comment: "The less people know about photography, the more they say you have to shoot in manual mode." I always shoot in manual mode because I love fumbling with buttons and dials while guessing at the exposure while the bird flies off into the sunset-NOT.
Brilliant video Ken. I have the camera (and lenses) and love it. Thanks for helping me master it quickly and make the important settings. The photographs are amazing now.
Ken Like your real world approach to the mechanics of modern photography. I have just punched the Z50 as a backup for my D800e and as a way to introduce my self into the world of mirrorless. Really glad I stumbled on to this video at this time. Contribution lot fallow.
Thanks for the video I recently purchased a Z50 and was quite bit intimidated by all off the added features. This was exactly what I needed to get started.
I set my camera according to your video. I was very pleased using P mode, Vivid and adjusting the sharpness and EV per your suggestion. I was very pleased. So pleased that I may just cancel my Lightroom subscription.
I was surprised by the great results of the Nifty Z fifty. Specially together with the 50-250mm that can focus really close and deliver outstanding swirley bokeh balls ( for a f/6.3) Great video, just like your fantastic site!
I have been using your website as a reference for information and reviews for many many years. I started photography as a hobby 33 years ago. I have a D600, EM1 mk1, and two days ago got the Z50 with two kit lenses for 580 euros new. It's only been 2 days, but man I love the Z50. I admire your courage to shoot jpeg only. Maybe I should try it.
JPG isn’t courage, it’s simplicity. Every full time pro I know shoots nothing but JPG. Only people who talk about raw are those who do more talking than shooting. Thanks!
R7 is years newer and worlds apart with better performance than the Z50. Go Z7. Full reviews at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r7.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50.htm Thanks!
Thank you for the great video! I've just bought this camera with both lenses. I have firmware version 2.2. I'm not able to switch to AF-S or AF-C. I only have two options, AF-A and MF. Is it because of new firmware? If not, could you please help me out here..
Beats me, depends on where you’re setting it and possibly your lens and other settings. Read all the appropriate sections of your manual and that should explain what settings do and do not work together.
Loved your video and bought Z50 based on your thoughts. I have question. How can I view the photo info like iso, f stop, WB on a photo I’ve taken. On my d7200 I just hit the info button when I’m viewing the photo. That doesn’t work on the Z50.
Hi I wanna know whether I can charge my z50 with UC-E21 USB cable (it comes with my package)? Or do I need to buy a new one Also i have a power bank with 5V 1A output can i use this for change my z50 Thank you
It charges from any generic USB source with any generic cable. Details at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#charge you do not need a PD certified system to charge, as always, be sure your power bank works by trying it before you head out on vacation.
Thank you for the great video, Ken. I’m shooting ducks at the local marsh, with the 50-250, in both Raw and JPEG Fine. I find the jpeg images to be kind of harsher and darker than the raw images, which seem to have more fine detail with a nicer look. I prefer the raw images over the jpegs, after post processing both sets of images. The jpegs were shot on vivid, without the extra tweaking of the setting that you use. Is there anything I can do in camera to improve the jpegs so they more resemble the raw images?
There’s no such thing as a “raw image.” There is raw data, which has to be processed to become a visible image. That processing varies with every different program used to process raw data. In other words, it seems otherwise, but the jpgs are absolute and the raw images vary wildly depending on what software you use. I’d have to be there, but the picture controls give a lot of options for what you’re seeing. Play with the in camera controls until you get what you want in jpgs; that’s what I do. Thanks!
You can only focus to one distance at a time. If you need more in focus, use a smaller aperture like f/16 do get more in focus. It’s called depth of field, which defines how much is in focus ahead and behind the distance to which the lens is focused. That’s the big scam behind multiple focus points: you can’t focus the lens to any more than one distance at a time.
Hi Ken, great video as usual thank you. I shoot mainly Landscapes and use the 2 sec timer with the Z50 on a tripod. I've found that the 2 sec timer always resets back to single shot after the camera's been turned off and back on again, or even when it wakes up after going into standby. this is very frustrating, I've even tried setting it in the U1 setting but it still reverts back to single shot... Is there a way to set it at 2 secs or is that the way it is? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you
Check if there is a “remember self timer setting” option. My Fujis have that now so you can have it either way. Never found that option in my Nikons, and yes, drives me nuts.
Thank you for this video! I feel the itch to upgrade now. I'm currently shooting with a D5200 and I've gathered some real good used F-mount DX lenses (Nikon 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 VRII, 17-55 f/2.8, 35 f/1.8 and the two VR kit lenses and lastly the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8). The Z50 looks like the perfect transition into the 'modern world' and together with the FTZ adapter it won't be too expensive either. The Z50 goes for $550-$600 used with warranty in some places. The Z50 i alo more weather proof. I live in the desert so a bit of dust protection won't hurt either. How much of an upgrade is the Z50 compared to my old D5200? I don't think going down to 20.9MP would be a big deal. Hopefully the sensor is still a better performer than the 24MP in the D5200. I'm very tempted to pick one up. What is your take?
The Z system is completely different from the F-mount DSLR system. If you get a Z50, in a few years you'll wind up buying all new gear for the Z system and not use your old lenses on the clunky FTZ adapters. At this point you'll realize that you could have changed systems, since you re-bought it all anyway. I would NOT buy Nikon for mirrorless; I find Canon is way ahead of Nikon ergonomically and in APS-C. The Z50 is old; came out a few years ago while the Canon R7, R10, R50 and R100 just came out. I'd look at them instead, or keep your 5200. kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r7.htm kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r10.htm kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r50.htm kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r100.htm I'd get the RF-S 18-150mm and be done rather than haul all the clunky lenses you have. You no longer need f/2.8 anymore on mirrorless. THANKS for asking!
Thank you for providing excellent information. I struggle to find information on combination of Z50 with Nikon FTZ Mount Adapter (since if I understood correcctly, I need it to use macro lens Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm). Will using adapter affect the quality, operation or setting of the camera in any way? I would be very grateful for any help. Thank you again!
Here’s the reference on what works or not on the FTZ www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/ftz.htm this lens www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/85mm-f35.htm works great on the FTZ on the Z50. Be warned thet the Z50 has slow autofocus and manual focus it always the best for serious macro shooting. Macro distances are difficult for any AF system to handle. Enjoys! Thanks!.
Hi, Ken - thanks for your great tutorials - I'm searching searching searching searching for how to turn the self-timer ON and OFF. The manual and every tutorial tells you how to set how many shots, how long the interval between shots, but WHERE IS THE BUTTON, DIAL, ANYTHING to tell you how to activate the self-timer itself and turn it off? Pardon me if I'm just blind or can't see what's in front of my face, but it's been so far a 45-minute frustrating search.
Neither has great autofocus. I prefer Canon or, God forbid, Sony for birds, but between these two I’d go Z50 because it makes the 200-500 work as well as a 300-750mm lens works on the z6ii. Z50 is DX and Z6ii is FX, which in English means the birds are 50% bigger when shot on Z50. That’s pretty important. Thanks!
thanks! i'm thinking of upgrading my longstanding loved nikon d5000 to either nikon z50 or the newer canon r8.. my boyfriend has some RF lenses. i cannot decide, something that works well and is light is important to me! do you have any thoughts.
I prefer Canon for Mirrorless. Nikon is behind. Of course it depends what you want to shoot. See also www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm thanks!
Being a Nikon user and follower of your mostly Nikon reviews for years. I want a simple life not doing lots of post-processing because it never gets done 🤷♀️and love ❤ how you ‘Set Picture Control’ . I should have done this ages ago. My photos are transformed and comparable to fantastic i-phone shots now. I don’t even think (really) I need to trade in my Nikon D5500 for the Z50 😃😁
can someone help, I shot a video but I can't open it. I have tried lightroom, skyplayer and mondovi movie maker. I love these instructions, but can't figure this one out. I watched the tutorial again and there was nothing to help me. Please help.
Hi Ann, it’s hard to help without being there. It’s a matter of finding software that can play whatever sort of file you recorded. My Mac always seems to figure it out automatically; be sure you have the actual video file and not some junk file instead that will never play.
Hello Ken, Thank You 🙏 so much for the video. I’m taking pictures with the exact same model camera you have. When shooting pictures in Aperture Priority mode, all of a sudden the scene becomes so bright… I have use the Compensation -2 or -3 stop to stabilize the lighting sensor on the camera. I’m very sure it’s not the camera. May you please share the tips for correcting this issue. I thought the camera should lock the speed automatically. Thank You 🙏
I’m not understanding what’s happening. Be sure bracketing is OFF otherwise it will cause what seem like randoms weird exposures also be sure safety shift is ON in case you hit a limit to the auto exposure range in Tv or Av or especially M. Again, in have to be there. Thanks!.
If I use manual settings as per your recommendations in this video, will I get good pictures in manual mode in day time? or anything else I need to do. I'm too new to photography
Use the green AUTO setting while you start. Manual is the best way to get awful pictures at the start; I only pull mine from AUTO if I need a feature I can’t get in auto. Good pictures come from talent, not the camera. I have a lot of tips at www.kenrockwell.com/tech.htm
Hello Ken! Great video, thank you very much for your work. Would you consider this Z50 as a good investment for wedding photography? Even with a different lens than these 2. Thanks!
No. I prefer Canon overall long-term as a system and company www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/index.htm The z50 is superb, but Nikon’s fanciest cameras aren’t as good! Thanks!
Thank you very much for this great video for Z50. I am looking everywhere for setting for stopping display from turning off. It is quite annoying the monitor automatically turns off after a short period of time. Thank you.
Yet ANOTHER great KR video...super job, Ken! Based on your advice, a few years ago, I set myself up with a Nikon D7500, shooting with the 35mm 1:1.8G prime and the 18-300mm 1:3.5-5.6G tele. Both do quite well, but man, with the 18-300 on the D7500, it's a bit of a load! I do mostly landscape with occasional forays into macro and wildlife. Based on your take, all things considered, is changing from the D7500 to the Z50 a step up, down and simply a lateral move? Lastly, can the Z50 be set up to do BBF (back button focusing)? I've gotten so used to that on the D7500 that I'd like to carry that across to the Z50...
Z50 is a step down from a D7500. The Z50’s autofocus is very slow by comparison to the D7500. I explain rear button focus and much more at my written user guide at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#rf
@@KenRockwellTV Ahhhhh, sage advice from the master, indeed! I had to drive 125 miles to a store that had both a Z50 and a Z5 on display so I could actually go hands on. Between research and the Z50 getting lost in my big mitts, I went to a nice "mom and pop" camera store and ended up trading, along with a wee bit of cash, the D7500 plus two lenses for a "used" (lol...
So Ken a feature no one has mentioned that I could tell about the Z 50 regarding the flip down screen. If you mount the Z 50 in a car on a window rig, you can flip down to see yourself and looking at the screen makes you look straight down the lens.
Hello Ken, thanks for the video. One question: why is there a flashing red lightning bolt in the lower right hand of the screen? It looks quite annoying, is there a way to remove it? Thanks in advance!
That suggests popping up the flash if the lighting is harsh. It’s also the flash ready light. Super smart camera; if shadows Or faces too dark, it knows to suggest flash. Use it!
@@KenRockwellTV very informative, now it all makes more sense. It is indeed a very useful function. And so, supposing I'd still want to disable it, I'd just have to select "Flash off" on the Flash Mode option, am i right? Again, thanks for your time and patience.
Tripod. F8. Fixed ISO 100 and T exposure mode for as long as it takes. If needs more than 30s, use bulb, a remote relase and a watch(unless the camera has longer exposures, see www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#time . Adjust exposure time to taste. Hint: at night your lcd will seem brighter, as if you have a lot more exposure than you actually do when looking at the photos the next day. Usually what looks about two stops overexposed while your out shooting looks best the next day. Bracket. I use the same VIVID picture control with +3 saturation.
Love your website, and now your videos. Can you please test the Godox V350N flash on the Nikon Z50, and compare it to your SB-400? I think that would be a very interesting video...
Ouch! That Godox is a huge flash. I always use camera brand flash. If money matters, get older model used flash at eBay rather than an off brand new. Thanks! www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=Nikon%20Flash%20-for&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5336071501&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1
If you want a longer lens than 50mm, yes. I'd get it at the same time as the camera; it's very inexpensive when bought at the same time as a kit www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1511295-REG/nikon_1632_z_50_mirrorless_digital.html/BI/287/KBID/1037
Hint: you can get the excellent Z 50-250mm as part of a kit with the Z50 for nearly nothing. I’d get that and not worry about older 70-300s, but be sure to get it as a kit when you get your Z50 where nikon almost gives away the 50-250. Ditto for the 16-50mm; great lens and much less expensive if gotten at same time as Z50.
Hey there is something that is not clear to me about U1 and U2. Do you select U1 to "load" the presetting you arranged for shooting landscape/nature in your case and then you select P? Or you shoot while having U1 or U2 directly selected?
First set the camera as you like. Then save into U1 or U2. Now when you select either, it will recall however the camera was set when you saved into that location. Thanks!
Hello! Great review and tips. They were a big reason for buying my own Nikon Z50. I have one small question though. When the camera is on with the kit lens (16-50), when putting my ear next to the lens, I hear a continue faint buzzing (kind of white noise), it is not loud and the mic seems not to get it. It is not affected by turning off VR or AF. The tech guys from Nikon say that it is normal, but I was curious if you can hear the same in yours :) Thank you very much! Greetings from Timisoara, Romania.
Hi! That’s all the micro motors working in the lens for just about everything. Even when you zoom without changing manual focus the lens is always adapting and optimizing itself. Yip, totally normal; it’s not 1958 anymore. Thanks! (Brothers wife is from Sibiu).
I'm wanting to find out if the z30/50/zfc has better video quality than the m50. Everytime I see footage from the Nikons it looks sharper to my eyes than the canon but I'm just wondering if the shooter is not using enough light.
Unless it’s shot by a Hollywood DP, preferably an ASC member, it’s probably not well lit. Video is very difficult to do well. I prefer iPhone video: it takes real world lighting much better, runs forever without killing my batteries and it has stabilization so good there’s no need for gimbals. Thanks!
Hi, thank you for the great tutorial on the Z 50 however you didn’t mention High sync for the inbuilt flash and whether the external SB 40 has high speed sink or would we need to get an external unit such as a Nissan I 40 which supports high speed sync. Thanks
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks for the reply. Yes it would rob a lot of power if on the meagre camera battery. Best to get an external unit, I love the Nissan units. They support HSS and are compact and powerful. Fills in shadows on peoples faces with sundirectly above.
Hi I've been researching this camera for a few weeks now and I have Nikon SB 900 and SB 800 flashes . I have been told the flashes will work on the camera but my question is will the flashes work off camera with a TTL cord? Not trying to trigger remotely. There seems to be nothing made for the Z series when it comes to cords. Wanting to use the camera for quick poses shoots . Know anymore information or Nikon insiders saying anything ..Help ..great channel!
Hi Jody, it’s the same as the dslr flash system. I use my SC-17 hot shoe extension cord and all is well. Sure beats trying to get reliable wireless results! Thanks!
Ken, great stuff, as always. Hoping you can help me with one quick question? I may have missed it if it's in this video. What are YOUR recommendations for someone using a tripod and doing long-exposure, bracketed long-exposure, etc., with a Z50? SnapBridge isn't so great with my D850... are there alternatives with a Z50, or is that about it, since there is no plug for an intervalometer cord. Thanks again, Ken!
Easy! Here’s how to do it, no need for remote cord or anything other than some way to clock your exposure time. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#time
You can definitely charge the battery in the body (meaning w/o putting the battery in a separate charger). Just connect it to a powerbank or a standard iphone charger. Just make sure you use a decent micro USB to USB cable. I tried for hours using a tiny 3" long cable and the amber charge light near the micro USB port and the green light on the rear of the camera just blinked alternately the entire time. Turns out the USB cable was the issue. I got a decent cable and the amber light turned a solid amber color and the green light ceased to blink. Works like a charm.
I haven’t tried (I use manual studio strobes www.kenrockwell.com/tech/strobes.htm in my studio and the built in flash in the field), but if you want to use multiple battery Nikon flashes I suspect you need the SU800 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/su800.htm or another big flash on the camera to control the rest. Look in the Z50 in the flash control menu; maybe the built in can control others. Hope this helps; when I use multiple flash it’s so much better and easier to graduate direct to pro studio strobes rather than futz with the silly and more expensive little battery powered ones that give rise to questions like this. Thanks!
OK, but Nikon's AF has always been sub-par. I'd go Canon or even step down to Sony if you can for better AF and better long lens choices. I prefer the Canon R50 www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r50.htm
Thanks for the awesome review. Would you recommend this camera for street photography? I mean the type that requires you to get close to people and capture their emotion and gesture. Would the camera look too "pro" or intimidating?
Ken. . .Great video and information. . .Do you know if RAW files from this camera can be opened in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements? If not, do you know what software will work with Z50 RAW files? Are they just the usual Nikon NEF files? Thanks!
Another great video Ken. Do you ever shoot raw? I noticed improvement in detail/clarity on my NX1 in raw, but I will try pushing some of the settings in JPEG having watched this video. The Z50 seems a great camera for the price.
I don't shoot RAW. Tried 15 years ago, and Nikon JPGs are so good that raw added nothing. Not the case with other brands, but with Nikon I'll have to show sometime that the pictures are indistinguishable from each other. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV That is more of a reason to shoot RAW. If they are indistinguishable, why not shoot RAW and give yourself more room for corrections or changes in post? It is not about clarity, since both modes will have the same resolution, it is about retaining all of the data captured by the sensor. If you don't ever do post processing than JPEG will be fine, but if you desire a greater amount of control, RAW is the way to go. EDIT - Just a side note, clarity actually can be affected in JPEG, but that is only if your camera does some bad post work on itself, another reason I prefer RAW, I make all the changes, not the camera.
Easy fix! Look for you settings or options or gear icon in your player. See the PLAYBACK SPEED option and try 0.75x or 0.5x and problem solved. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks Tian! I contacted my local camera store who contacted a Nikon rep, apparently the camera will continue to function if plugged in but the battery will only charge when the camera is off. Not sure if it can run on a continuous power
Ken Rockwell thank you. In my mind it’s about great ergonomics of z50, color maybe a matter of pref, but Fuji has great lens selection. Do you not feel limited by lens selection?
The only lenses needed for the z50 are the two kit lenses: 16-50 and 50-250. That’s it. No limitation, and if you want more, like the 10-20mm, use it with the FTZ. Don’t confuse a huge selection of stuff you don’t need with actually having the only two lenses you do need.
Great video! Can you use the mobile charger while using the camera? For example, I'm wondering if I'm shooting video, can I have it charging while I record to try to get more battery life?
If you have a second battery, you can charge that in the included MH-32 external charger while you're shooting with a second battery in the camera. See www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#charge Is this what you were asking? Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV ok, perfect. Can you also plug the mobile charger into the camera and have it charging while your shooting? Or dose the camera have to be off in order for the mobile charger to charge it?
@@KenRockwellTV so I can't use a seperat mobile charger with ucs while I am shooting? I am thinking specially about astrophotography. I think for astroshootings the battery life of the En El 25 is pretty poor :(
I just bought the z50 and it felt so comfortable in my hands and I had a blast taking a ton of pics at Disneyland 📸🎥 love that it shoots in 4k! The low light quality was insanely good 😃 I love this camera and the 2 lenses but I want more megapixels. Any suggestions?
I’d say forget about megapixels. You probably have no idea how many you already have; see www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/tech/pixel-dumping.htm Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV really? Because when I zoom in on the picture it could be more crisp and clear.... I am willing to spend more on a better camera.... What do you think? Keep the z50 or get something better? Thanks Ken! I appreciate your opinion a lot!
I dont use matrix metering because i shoot a lot of old school film cameras and am well versed in center weighted and other older but superior forms of metering.
@@KenRockwellTV wait so ur telling me the iphone shoots better video quality than the z50??? i wanna shoot videos for youtube do u think i should buy a z50 for it or just upgrade my phone? lol i could def get the phone cheaper...but what do you mean u iphone 12 has a good enuff camera like a mirrorless?
I am trying to optimally grab my gear within $1000 along with a single kit lens, maybe a hundred dollars give or take, in that regard, my options as available in my region are XT30, M6 MKII, Z50 & A6400. It would mean a world to me if you could help me decide my first ever gear. My focus is purely image quality, I am not weighing on video capabilites much, I prefer my smartphone and action cam for that. Cheers & thanks in advance! apologies if I have posted this in any other video of yours. please note that i am stepping up from an iphone with no prior experience with any DSLRs or Mirrorless
For image quality we all have our own tastes, but for what I love to shoot I greatly prefer the color rendition of Nikon and Canon. I’d forget Fuji or Sony. With Nikon, the z50 and it’s two kit lenses are an unbeatable combo, see www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50.htm the kit with two lenses is $1,196 usd at www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1511295-REG/nikon_1632_z_50_mirrorless_digital.html/BI/287/KBID/1037 or just get it with the great 16-50mm for $997 USD at www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1511273-REG/nikon_1633_z_50_mirrorless_digital.html/BI/287/KBID/1037 does this help? I’m less familiar with Canon’s APS-C Mirrorless; with Canon look at the full frame RP www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/rp.htm which is $1,299 usd with a great lens at www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1558260-REG/canon_3380c132_eos_rp_mirrorless_digital.html?BI=287&KBID=1037 the RP is a class above the others as it’s full frame. Does this help?
Turn off the “silent photography” mode explained at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#silent. Otherwise there is no fake shutter sound option. Thanks!
Hi Elle, Easy! All you do is deactivate AF from the shutter button (MENU > CUSTOM SETTING MENU > a Autofocus > a4 AF activation > AF-ON only). Now you assign AF to another button, let's say the rear AE-L/AF-L button, by pressing (continued...
--continuing) MENU > CUSTOM SETTING MENU > f Controls > f2 Custom controls (shooting) click down to select AE-L/AF-L button) > OK > select AF ON > OK. Done!
Hi Elle, Such a great question I added it as a section in my written Z50 User's Guide at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#rf Thanks again for asking!
And of course i'd use it for conference and event work - with the kit lens! It's silent, so it' great for that, and remember the tiny camera lessens people's apprehension so they relax around it.
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks for your insight & reply. Unfortunately, the kit lens is to slow. However, this would allow for me to rent or buy into Z ff lens. Truly Grateful!
More detailed and specific Written reviews: Z50 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50.htm Z6 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/Z6.htm Z7 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z7.htm
Hi Ken...first thank you for this video. I just bought this camera because I thought it might be a better camera to use to shoot a wedding. I went to the church on Sunday to check out the church environment. Let me say first that I am not a professional photographer. I am and enthusiast and primarily prefer landscapes however I shoot for family and friends at times. I have never been asked to shoot something like a wedding but agreed to volunteer because they are long term friends. I did bring my D90 and D7100. I took a few pictures with the Z50 using a 50mm fixed lens and did not use any flash. I thought it handled the situation well however when I got home, I was wrong. The background of the church is wood with multiple colored lights and is a very area...tall and wide. Ceiling is high and black (like the height of a ware house. Side walls are navy blue. In the test photo, the background was pretty however the people were blurry and a LOT of noise. Oh the ceiling had a few spaced suspended ceiling lights which is why I think my camera fired with no delay. My D7100 worked about the same. I was afraid to use my flash and I have one like the one you like, the 400, but I also have a new one that is the speedlight 500 which I agree might be too big for the Z50. I know this is a LOT to ask but what would do? Set on manual focus and pray while I'm there lol! I do have a 85mm lens to. On the D7100 I used a Sigma 17050 mm 1:2.8. Any suggestions? Thanks Megan
Have you compared 18-55mm f mount lens to 16-50mm z mount lens? Should I just get z 50 body with ftz adapter or should I get 16-50mm to replace 18-55mm?
Hi Ken You video was a very well thought out and informative video!! I have had a Z50 for over a year but it has sat for over a year only having 200 shutter clicks. I have a love/hate relationship with it. My frustration and issue with it is when using the EVF either my thumb, nose, or cheek is touching the +magnifier on the top right of the touch screen. When that happens it zooms in on the subject and the settings icons in the EVF disappear forcing me to zoom back out on the subject so the settings icons reappear in the EVF and recompose tbe shot. Very frustrating for me! Best wishes Duane
Hi Duane, you should be able to deactivate that button at MENU > CUSTOM SETTING MENU (pencil icon) > f Controls > f2 Custom controls (shooting) > (select that button) > OK > choose something like “no function” > OK much more at here www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#top
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks for the reply! I did exactly that where I disabled the touch controls but that +magnifier will still zoom in on the subject. If I could make something to keep my right thumb from coming over too far and touching it. Thanks again.
By the way, I really appreciate that you respond to just about every comment, it's rare to see that on UA-cam or anywhere else. It shows that you care about subscribers and people that watch your videos
Of course I care. As you can see all I’m trying to do is share as much as I possibly can for everyone’s benefit. Thanks for noticing!
Love the energy and your humor! I watched your tutorial while i just set up my new Z50, this was very helpful.
Thank you!!!!!!!
Just got this camera and I love it. Thank you for telling me what the user guide didn't cover. I appreciate the time it took you to do this.
Thank you!!!!!!!
Loved the comment: "The less people know about photography, the more they say you have to shoot in manual mode." I always shoot in manual mode because I love fumbling with buttons and dials while guessing at the exposure while the bird flies off into the sunset-NOT.
Thanks!!!!
I just bought this exact camera today. This video is AWESOME
Hope you LOVE IT! Thanks!!!
Brilliant video Ken. I have the camera (and lenses) and love it. Thanks for helping me master it quickly and make the important settings. The photographs are amazing now.
Thank you!
Ken Like your real world approach to the mechanics of modern photography. I have just punched the Z50 as a backup for my D800e and as a way to introduce my self into the world of mirrorless. Really glad I stumbled on to this video at this time. Contribution lot fallow.
Thank you!!
Thanks for the video I recently purchased a Z50 and was quite bit intimidated by all off the added features. This was exactly what I needed to get started.
Thank you!! Glad it helped.
I just purchased the z50 yesterday and am very pleased so far. Thanks for the great videos about it!
Thank you! Here’s my users guide www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d780-users-guide.htm
@@KenRockwellTV fantastic video wrong guide :) www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm
You still enjoying it.
Received my 2 lens bundle today, can't wait to set it up per your experienced suggestions and advice. Thanks Ken
Have fun!!!
I set my camera according to your video. I was very pleased using P mode, Vivid and adjusting the sharpness and EV per your suggestion. I was very pleased. So pleased that I may just cancel my Lightroom subscription.
Wow, great fast accurate instructions. Just what you need to get out the door and start shooting pictures.
Thanks!!!
Just ordered the 2 lens kit. Can't wait to try it out.
Let me know how you like it. Thanks!
Great video! I learned a lot, Thanks Ken!
Thank you!
Great video and speedily delivered. You pack more information into 22 minutes than those who drone on for - in some cases - well over an hour. :-)
Thanks for noticing! I work very hard at editing out the fluff and moving along and to the point. Thanks!
Before all the others...there was Ken...As always well done Ken!
Thanks Bart!!!
Thanks for this through review it helps me a lot understanding the settings on my Z50
Thank YOU! There’s much more at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm
This video is great! I got mine a few months ago. Thank you!
Thank YOU!!!!
I was surprised by the great results of the Nifty Z fifty. Specially together with the 50-250mm that can focus really close and deliver outstanding swirley bokeh balls ( for a f/6.3) Great video, just like your fantastic site!
Thank you!
thank you for the tips I just got this camera and I'm loving it so far!!
Ditto, thanks!
ive just ordered one!
I have been using your website as a reference for information and reviews for many many years. I started photography as a hobby 33 years ago. I have a D600, EM1 mk1, and two days ago got the Z50 with two kit lenses for 580 euros new. It's only been 2 days, but man I love the Z50. I admire your courage to shoot jpeg only. Maybe I should try it.
JPG isn’t courage, it’s simplicity. Every full time pro I know shoots nothing but JPG. Only people who talk about raw are those who do more talking than shooting. Thanks!
Thanks for the review. Just got this camera with the 2 lens kit. I have a micro USB cable that came with my Fujitsu Scanner, dual use with this camera
Great job, thanks!
Dude. Awesome video. You’re an awesome host!
Thanks!
I m stuck between Z50 & X-E3, I will only shoot JPEG and coming from Olympus & Sigma SD H which both have Best JPEGS
Easy! Fuji is only for people pix, at which it excels. If you shoot anything other than just people, go other than Fuji.
Great video, Ken. I'm intrigued by the Z50. But, I am also looking at the canon r7.
R7 is years newer and worlds apart with better performance than the Z50. Go Z7. Full reviews at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r7.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50.htm Thanks!
Very informative, Ken. Any chance you could cover more of the video side of things with this camera? I'd appreciate it. Thanks
Not likely; I use my iPhone for video. Thanks!
very useful tutorial.
Thank you! Seems easy, but takes along time to push out a video like this.
Very useful video, thanks.
Thanks!
Dear Ken nice and detailed explanation. Thanks
THANNKS!!!
Great tutorial.
Thanks! Lots of work to make these, hope it helps.
Love this review, still going with my V1😱
Do it! Thanks!
Thank you for the great video!
I've just bought this camera with both lenses. I have firmware version 2.2. I'm not able to switch to AF-S or AF-C. I only have two options, AF-A and MF. Is it because of new firmware? If not, could you please help me out here..
Beats me, depends on where you’re setting it and possibly your lens and other settings. Read all the appropriate sections of your manual and that should explain what settings do and do not work together.
Loved your video and bought Z50 based on your thoughts. I have question. How can I view the photo info like iso, f stop, WB on a photo I’ve taken. On my d7200 I just hit the info button when I’m viewing the photo. That doesn’t work on the Z50.
Try the DISP button, which isn’t a button and is just tapping on the rear LCD. Thanks!
Hi I wanna know whether I can charge my z50 with UC-E21 USB cable (it comes with my package)? Or do I need to buy a new one
Also i have a power bank with 5V 1A output can i use this for change my z50
Thank you
It charges from any generic USB source with any generic cable. Details at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#charge you do not need a PD certified system to charge, as always, be sure your power bank works by trying it before you head out on vacation.
Can you take a picture while in 4K recording ?
Don’t know; I use my iPhone for 4K and it works great, usually better than these cameras. Sorry and thanks for asking!
I enjoy this tutorial. Please allow me to ask: How to get Z50 continues powered while in use (for video streaming)? Thank you.
Try USB power. I use my iPhone for live video; I can steam to UA-cam for hours and hours on my battery. Thanks!
Thank you for the great video, Ken. I’m shooting ducks at the local marsh, with the 50-250, in both Raw and JPEG Fine. I find the jpeg images to be kind of harsher and darker than the raw images, which seem to have more fine detail with a nicer look. I prefer the raw images over the jpegs, after post processing both sets of images. The jpegs were shot on vivid, without the extra tweaking of the setting that you use. Is there anything I can do in camera to improve the jpegs so they more resemble the raw images?
There’s no such thing as a “raw image.” There is raw data, which has to be processed to become a visible image. That processing varies with every different program used to process raw data. In other words, it seems otherwise, but the jpgs are absolute and the raw images vary wildly depending on what software you use. I’d have to be there, but the picture controls give a lot of options for what you’re seeing. Play with the in camera controls until you get what you want in jpgs; that’s what I do. Thanks!
Brilliant, thank you!
Thank YOU!!!
Also how do you focus on person and landscape at same time ? What settings thank you !
You can only focus to one distance at a time. If you need more in focus, use a smaller aperture like f/16 do get more in focus. It’s called depth of field, which defines how much is in focus ahead and behind the distance to which the lens is focused. That’s the big scam behind multiple focus points: you can’t focus the lens to any more than one distance at a time.
Thank you for the very nice video, Ken. Can anybody confirm if Z50 can tether to Lightroom via USB please?
Beats me; maybe someone else has tried this. Thanks!
Hi Ken, great video as usual thank you. I shoot mainly Landscapes and use the 2 sec timer with the Z50 on a tripod. I've found that the 2 sec timer always resets back to single shot after the camera's been turned off and back on again, or even when it wakes up after going into standby. this is very frustrating, I've even tried setting it in the U1 setting but it still reverts back to single shot... Is there a way to set it at 2 secs or is that the way it is? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you
Check if there is a “remember self timer setting” option. My Fujis have that now so you can have it either way. Never found that option in my Nikons, and yes, drives me nuts.
Thank you for this video! I feel the itch to upgrade now.
I'm currently shooting with a D5200 and I've gathered some real good used F-mount DX lenses (Nikon 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 VRII, 17-55 f/2.8, 35 f/1.8 and the two VR kit lenses and lastly the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8). The Z50 looks like the perfect transition into the 'modern world' and together with the FTZ adapter it won't be too expensive either. The Z50 goes for $550-$600 used with warranty in some places.
The Z50 i alo more weather proof. I live in the desert so a bit of dust protection won't hurt either.
How much of an upgrade is the Z50 compared to my old D5200? I don't think going down to 20.9MP would be a big deal. Hopefully the sensor is still a better performer than the 24MP in the D5200.
I'm very tempted to pick one up. What is your take?
The Z system is completely different from the F-mount DSLR system. If you get a Z50, in a few years you'll wind up buying all new gear for the Z system and not use your old lenses on the clunky FTZ adapters. At this point you'll realize that you could have changed systems, since you re-bought it all anyway. I would NOT buy Nikon for mirrorless; I find Canon is way ahead of Nikon ergonomically and in APS-C. The Z50 is old; came out a few years ago while the Canon R7, R10, R50 and R100 just came out. I'd look at them instead, or keep your 5200. kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r7.htm kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r10.htm kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r50.htm kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r100.htm I'd get the RF-S 18-150mm and be done rather than haul all the clunky lenses you have. You no longer need f/2.8 anymore on mirrorless. THANKS for asking!
Thank you for providing excellent information. I struggle to find information on combination of Z50 with Nikon FTZ Mount Adapter (since if I understood correcctly, I need it to use macro lens Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm). Will using adapter affect the quality, operation or setting of the camera in any way? I would be very grateful for any help. Thank you again!
Here’s the reference on what works or not on the FTZ www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/ftz.htm this lens www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/85mm-f35.htm works great on the FTZ on the Z50. Be warned thet the Z50 has slow autofocus and manual focus it always the best for serious macro shooting. Macro distances are difficult for any AF system to handle. Enjoys! Thanks!.
Hi, Ken - thanks for your great tutorials - I'm searching searching searching searching for how to turn the self-timer ON and OFF. The manual and every tutorial tells you how to set how many shots, how long the interval between shots, but WHERE IS THE BUTTON, DIAL, ANYTHING to tell you how to activate the self-timer itself and turn it off? Pardon me if I'm just blind or can't see what's in front of my face, but it's been so far a 45-minute frustrating search.
It’s in my complete written guide at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#self thanks!
Sir please suggest me z50 or z6ii with nikon 200-500 which body will be better for bird photography
Neither has great autofocus. I prefer Canon or, God forbid, Sony for birds, but between these two I’d go Z50 because it makes the 200-500 work as well as a 300-750mm lens works on the z6ii. Z50 is DX and Z6ii is FX, which in English means the birds are 50% bigger when shot on Z50. That’s pretty important. Thanks!
thanks! i'm thinking of upgrading my longstanding loved nikon d5000 to either nikon z50 or the newer canon r8.. my boyfriend has some RF lenses. i cannot decide, something that works well and is light is important to me! do you have any thoughts.
I prefer Canon for Mirrorless. Nikon is behind. Of course it depends what you want to shoot. See also www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm thanks!
Being a Nikon user and follower of your mostly Nikon reviews for years. I want a simple life not doing lots of post-processing because it never gets done 🤷♀️and love ❤ how you ‘Set Picture Control’ . I should have done this ages ago. My photos are transformed and comparable to fantastic i-phone shots now.
I don’t even think (really) I need to trade in my Nikon D5500 for the Z50 😃😁
Yes!! Thanks!
Nice to see a pro who doesn’t give us masses of 180 degree and contrast/ sharpness settings.
Thank you!
can someone help, I shot a video but I can't open it. I have tried lightroom, skyplayer and mondovi movie maker. I love these instructions, but can't figure this one out. I watched the tutorial again and there was nothing to help me. Please help.
Hi Ann, it’s hard to help without being there. It’s a matter of finding software that can play whatever sort of file you recorded. My Mac always seems to figure it out automatically; be sure you have the actual video file and not some junk file instead that will never play.
Hello Ken,
Thank You 🙏 so much for the video.
I’m taking pictures with the exact same model camera you have.
When shooting pictures in Aperture Priority mode, all of a sudden the scene becomes so bright… I have use the Compensation -2 or -3 stop to stabilize the lighting sensor on the camera. I’m very sure it’s not the camera. May you please share the tips for correcting this issue. I thought the camera should lock the speed automatically.
Thank You 🙏
Thank you!!
I’m not understanding what’s happening. Be sure bracketing is OFF otherwise it will cause what seem like randoms weird exposures also be sure safety shift is ON in case you hit a limit to the auto exposure range in Tv or Av or especially M. Again, in have to be there. Thanks!.
If I use manual settings as per your recommendations in this video, will I get good pictures in manual mode in day time? or anything else I need to do. I'm too new to photography
Use the green AUTO setting while you start. Manual is the best way to get awful pictures at the start; I only pull mine from AUTO if I need a feature I can’t get in auto. Good pictures come from talent, not the camera. I have a lot of tips at www.kenrockwell.com/tech.htm
Hello Ken! Great video, thank you very much for your work. Would you consider this Z50 as a good investment for wedding photography? Even with a different lens than these 2. Thanks!
No. I prefer Canon overall long-term as a system and company www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/index.htm The z50 is superb, but Nikon’s fanciest cameras aren’t as good! Thanks!
Hi ken amazing video but how do you conect this camera to wifi and blue tooth please !
I’m a shooter, not a hacker, so no time for fiddling. Thanks!
I love the picture of your lil dog
Thank you!!!
Thank you very much for this great video for Z50. I am looking everywhere for setting for stopping display from turning off. It is quite annoying the monitor automatically turns off after a short period of time. Thank you.
That probably is under menu pencil timers - and that’s where you set how long it stays on before turning off.
@@KenRockwellTV Thank you for a great help!
@@KenRockwellTV I'm looking in the menu under pencil timers and I don't know what to hit to keep it from turning off.
Yet ANOTHER great KR video...super job, Ken!
Based on your advice, a few years ago, I set myself up with a Nikon D7500, shooting with the 35mm 1:1.8G prime and the 18-300mm 1:3.5-5.6G tele. Both do quite well, but man, with the 18-300 on the D7500, it's a bit of a load! I do mostly landscape with occasional forays into macro and wildlife.
Based on your take, all things considered, is changing from the D7500 to the Z50 a step up, down and simply a lateral move?
Lastly, can the Z50 be set up to do BBF (back button focusing)? I've gotten so used to that on the D7500 that I'd like to carry that across to the Z50...
Z50 is a step down from a D7500. The Z50’s autofocus is very slow by comparison to the D7500. I explain rear button focus and much more at my written user guide at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#rf
@@KenRockwellTV Ahhhhh, sage advice from the master, indeed!
I had to drive 125 miles to a store that had both a Z50 and a Z5 on display so I could actually go hands on. Between research and the Z50 getting lost in my big mitts, I went to a nice "mom and pop" camera store and ended up trading, along with a wee bit of cash, the D7500 plus two lenses for a "used" (lol...
So Ken a feature no one has mentioned that I could tell about the Z 50 regarding the flip down screen. If you mount the Z 50 in a car on a window rig, you can flip down to see yourself and looking at the screen makes you look straight down the lens.
Thanks!
Hello Ken, thanks for the video. One question: why is there a flashing red lightning bolt in the lower right hand of the screen? It looks quite annoying, is there a way to remove it? Thanks in advance!
That suggests popping up the flash if the lighting is harsh. It’s also the flash ready light. Super smart camera; if shadows Or faces too dark, it knows to suggest flash. Use it!
@@KenRockwellTV very informative, now it all makes more sense. It is indeed a very useful function. And so, supposing I'd still want to disable it, I'd just have to select "Flash off" on the Flash Mode option, am i right?
Again, thanks for your time and patience.
Did the teacher have the DTs, or just excited about the camera?
That was a comprehensive explanation, thanks.
Thanks!
Hi Ken, what settings do you suggest for night skyline shots ?
Tripod. F8. Fixed ISO 100 and T exposure mode for as long as it takes. If needs more than 30s, use bulb, a remote relase and a watch(unless the camera has longer exposures, see www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#time . Adjust exposure time to taste. Hint: at night your lcd will seem brighter, as if you have a lot more exposure than you actually do when looking at the photos the next day. Usually what looks about two stops overexposed while your out shooting looks best the next day. Bracket. I use the same VIVID picture control with +3 saturation.
Just bought my Z50 and have no idea what to do, new to photography, instruction booklets too small. You the man!
Then check out all the articles at www.kenrockwell.com/tech.htm as well as mY favorite at www.kenrockwell.com/tech/fart.htm
Love your website, and now your videos. Can you please test the Godox V350N flash on the Nikon Z50, and compare it to your SB-400? I think that would be a very interesting video...
Ouch! That Godox is a huge flash. I always use camera brand flash. If money matters, get older model used flash at eBay rather than an off brand new. Thanks! www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=Nikon%20Flash%20-for&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5336071501&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1
very informative .. thank you. is there a need to buy the additional 50-250 mm lens? please advise
If you want a longer lens than 50mm, yes. I'd get it at the same time as the camera; it's very inexpensive when bought at the same time as a kit www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1511295-REG/nikon_1632_z_50_mirrorless_digital.html/BI/287/KBID/1037
Thank you sir
will buy the camera with the twin kit lens .
can I use VR on my older DSLR lens like 70-300mm nikon VR - AF-S 1:4.5-5.6G and other AF-S with VR ??? id I use the FTZ adapter
Yes. The FTZ works with VR, and autofocuses with AF-S lenses. I have all the details at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/ftz.htm
Hint: you can get the excellent Z 50-250mm as part of a kit with the Z50 for nearly nothing. I’d get that and not worry about older 70-300s, but be sure to get it as a kit when you get your Z50 where nikon almost gives away the 50-250. Ditto for the 16-50mm; great lens and much less expensive if gotten at same time as Z50.
Hey there is something that is not clear to me about U1 and U2. Do you select U1 to "load" the presetting you arranged for shooting landscape/nature in your case and then you select P? Or you shoot while having U1 or U2 directly selected?
First set the camera as you like. Then save into U1 or U2. Now when you select either, it will recall however the camera was set when you saved into that location. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks Ken
Hello! Great review and tips. They were a big reason for buying my own Nikon Z50.
I have one small question though. When the camera is on with the kit
lens (16-50), when putting my ear next to the lens, I hear a continue
faint buzzing (kind of white noise), it is not loud and the mic seems
not to get it. It is not affected by turning off VR or AF. The tech guys
from Nikon say that it is normal, but I was curious if you can hear the
same in yours :)
Thank you very much! Greetings from Timisoara, Romania.
Hi! That’s all the micro motors working in the lens for just about everything. Even when you zoom without changing manual focus the lens is always adapting and optimizing itself. Yip, totally normal; it’s not 1958 anymore. Thanks! (Brothers wife is from Sibiu).
@@KenRockwellTV I thought so, but had to be sure :) Thank you very much. Have a great day.
I'm wanting to find out if the z30/50/zfc has better video quality than the m50. Everytime I see footage from the Nikons it looks sharper to my eyes than the canon but I'm just wondering if the shooter is not using enough light.
Unless it’s shot by a Hollywood DP, preferably an ASC member, it’s probably not well lit. Video is very difficult to do well. I prefer iPhone video: it takes real world lighting much better, runs forever without killing my batteries and it has stabilization so good there’s no need for gimbals. Thanks!
PS - iPhone also has vastly superior autofocus for video as a virtue of its sensor and lens system.
Hi, thank you for the great tutorial on the Z 50 however you didn’t mention High sync for the inbuilt flash and whether the external SB 40 has high speed sink or would we need to get an external unit such as a Nissan I 40 which supports high speed sync. Thanks
Gosh, I forget. I never use HSS as it robs so much power that it's not my thing. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks for the reply. Yes it would rob a lot of power if on the meagre camera battery. Best to get an external unit, I love the Nissan units. They support HSS and are compact and powerful. Fills in shadows on peoples faces with sundirectly above.
Thank you 😁📷
Thank YOU!
Hi I've been researching this camera for a few weeks now and I have Nikon SB 900 and SB 800 flashes . I have been told the flashes will work on the camera but my question is will the flashes work off camera with a TTL cord? Not trying to trigger remotely. There seems to be nothing made for the Z series when it comes to cords. Wanting to use the camera for quick poses shoots . Know anymore information or Nikon insiders saying anything ..Help ..great channel!
Hi Jody, it’s the same as the dslr flash system. I use my SC-17 hot shoe extension cord and all is well. Sure beats trying to get reliable wireless results! Thanks!
Do you think the firmware update made the autofocus better?
It didn’t on the Z7 or Z6. The Z5 and z6&7 Mark IIs are much better.
Just picked up this camera, is this guide still good to follow in 2021 with the latest firmware changes?
Yes!
@@KenRockwellTV awesome, thank you!
Ken, great stuff, as always. Hoping you can help me with one quick question? I may have missed it if it's in this video. What are YOUR recommendations for someone using a tripod and doing long-exposure, bracketed long-exposure, etc., with a Z50? SnapBridge isn't so great with my D850... are there alternatives with a Z50, or is that about it, since there is no plug for an intervalometer cord. Thanks again, Ken!
Easy! Here’s how to do it, no need for remote cord or anything other than some way to clock your exposure time. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#time
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks very much for your time, Ken... have a great weekend.
If I understood correctly the battery on the Z50 can be charged directly on the camera itself via a powerbank?
Works for me. Be sure to try it with yours before you leave on a trip with it, of course. Thanks!
You can definitely charge the battery in the body (meaning w/o putting the battery in a separate charger). Just connect it to a powerbank or a standard iphone charger. Just make sure you use a decent micro USB to USB cable. I tried for hours using a tiny 3" long cable and the amber charge light near the micro USB port and the green light on the rear of the camera just blinked alternately the entire time. Turns out the USB cable was the issue. I got a decent cable and the amber light turned a solid amber color and the green light ceased to blink. Works like a charm.
Can manage flashes on channels, groups and radio systems?
I haven’t tried (I use manual studio strobes www.kenrockwell.com/tech/strobes.htm in my studio and the built in flash in the field), but if you want to use multiple battery Nikon flashes I suspect you need the SU800 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/su800.htm or another big flash on the camera to control the rest. Look in the Z50 in the flash control menu; maybe the built in can control others. Hope this helps; when I use multiple flash it’s so much better and easier to graduate direct to pro studio strobes rather than futz with the silly and more expensive little battery powered ones that give rise to questions like this. Thanks!
Hey Ken how would this camera do for airshow photography?
OK, but Nikon's AF has always been sub-par. I'd go Canon or even step down to Sony if you can for better AF and better long lens choices. I prefer the Canon R50 www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r50.htm
Thanks for the awesome review. Would you recommend this camera for street photography? I mean the type that requires you to get close to people and capture their emotion and gesture. Would the camera look too "pro" or intimidating?
Use your iPhone. If not, I use the X100V www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/x100v.htm or X100F www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/x100f.htm thanks!
Yes, this is an awesome small camera for anything and everything. Be sure to get it with the tiny 16-50mm kit lens as shown.
@@KenRockwellTV Thank you Ken! Those Fujifilms look more street friendly to me.
Ken. . .Great video and information. . .Do you know if RAW files from this camera can be opened in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements? If not, do you know what software will work with Z50 RAW files? Are they just the usual Nikon NEF files? Thanks!
I never shoot raw, and this is just one of the many reasons. I have to shoot; no time for wondering what if. Thanks!
Tried Rawtherapee?
I am a beginner and found the tutorial quite helpful, and easy to understand. Personally his vocal speed worked for me, as I am easily bored.
Thanks!!!!!!!
Another great video Ken. Do you ever shoot raw? I noticed improvement in detail/clarity on my NX1 in raw, but I will try pushing some of the settings in JPEG having watched this video. The Z50 seems a great camera for the price.
I don't shoot RAW. Tried 15 years ago, and Nikon JPGs are so good that raw added nothing. Not the case with other brands, but with Nikon I'll have to show sometime that the pictures are indistinguishable from each other. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV That is more of a reason to shoot RAW. If they are indistinguishable, why not shoot RAW and give yourself more room for corrections or changes in post? It is not about clarity, since both modes will have the same resolution, it is about retaining all of the data captured by the sensor. If you don't ever do post processing than JPEG will be fine, but if you desire a greater amount of control, RAW is the way to go.
EDIT - Just a side note, clarity actually can be affected in JPEG, but that is only if your camera does some bad post work on itself, another reason I prefer RAW, I make all the changes, not the camera.
can you use the camera while its charging with a power bank
I didn’t try, and considering that USB is a micro b connector, I doubt it. Thanks!
Good video, very helpful, it would be even better if you slowed down a little,anyway many thanks.
Easy fix! Look for you settings or options or gear icon in your player. See the PLAYBACK SPEED option and try 0.75x or 0.5x and problem solved. Thanks!
Hey Ken, thanks for the video! Can the camera be used while charging via usb? I feel like that would be very useful for time-lapses etc
I forget; I think it might be. Try it out. Thanks!
I don't have one yet but will definitely be testing it out before I purchase 👍
Benjamin Sow yes it can👍
Tian Moezelaar thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks Tian! I contacted my local camera store who contacted a Nikon rep, apparently the camera will continue to function if plugged in but the battery will only charge when the camera is off. Not sure if it can run on a continuous power
Waiting for Z DX 11-18mm Lens
Aren’t we all? Thanks!
I am undecided between this and xt30. Any thoughts? For Street / family pics mainly.
I prefer the Nikon overall for picture quality and ease of use. Thanks!
Ken Rockwell thank you. In my mind it’s about great ergonomics of z50, color maybe a matter of pref, but Fuji has great lens selection. Do you not feel limited by lens selection?
The only lenses needed for the z50 are the two kit lenses: 16-50 and 50-250. That’s it. No limitation, and if you want more, like the 10-20mm, use it with the FTZ. Don’t confuse a huge selection of stuff you don’t need with actually having the only two lenses you do need.
I usually use M mode, 1/200 with 5.6, auto iso max 3200
Thanks!
Great video! Can you use the mobile charger while using the camera? For example, I'm wondering if I'm shooting video, can I have it charging while I record to try to get more battery life?
If you have a second battery, you can charge that in the included MH-32 external charger while you're shooting with a second battery in the camera. See www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#charge Is this what you were asking? Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV ok, perfect. Can you also plug the mobile charger into the camera and have it charging while your shooting? Or dose the camera have to be off in order for the mobile charger to charge it?
The MJ-32 charger does not connect to the camera. To charge in camera, just connect it to USB with any micro usb cord. It will charge when turned off.
@@KenRockwellTV got it! Thank you for the help!
@@KenRockwellTV so I can't use a seperat mobile charger with ucs while I am shooting? I am thinking specially about astrophotography. I think for astroshootings the battery life of the En El 25 is pretty poor :(
Ken was using Nikons years before I was even born so imma listen to him 😂💝
I just bought the z50 and it felt so comfortable in my hands and I had a blast taking a ton of pics at Disneyland 📸🎥 love that it shoots in 4k! The low light quality was insanely good 😃 I love this camera and the 2 lenses but I want more megapixels. Any suggestions?
I’d say forget about megapixels. You probably have no idea how many you already have; see www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/tech/pixel-dumping.htm Thanks!
In other words, the z50 has more resolution than anyone really needs; there isn’t any significant difference between a 45mp camera in actual shooting.
@@KenRockwellTV really? Because when I zoom in on the picture it could be more crisp and clear.... I am willing to spend more on a better camera.... What do you think? Keep the z50 or get something better? Thanks Ken! I appreciate your opinion a lot!
thanks!
Thank TOU!
I dont use matrix metering because i shoot a lot of old school film cameras and am well versed in center weighted and other older but superior forms of metering.
Thanks!
which camera & lens you use for shooting this video ?
iPhone. It’s the best camera for most kinds of video - not interchangeable lens cameras. www.kenrockwell.com/apple/iphone-12-pro-max.htm
@@KenRockwellTV wait so ur telling me the iphone shoots better video quality than the z50??? i wanna shoot videos for youtube do u think i should buy a z50 for it or just upgrade my phone? lol i could def get the phone cheaper...but what do you mean u iphone 12 has a good enuff camera like a mirrorless?
I am trying to optimally grab my gear within $1000 along with a single kit lens, maybe a hundred dollars give or take, in that regard, my options as available in my region are XT30, M6 MKII, Z50 & A6400. It would mean a world to me if you could help me decide my first ever gear. My focus is purely image quality, I am not weighing on video capabilites much, I prefer my smartphone and action cam for that.
Cheers & thanks in advance!
apologies if I have posted this in any other video of yours.
please note that i am stepping up from an iphone with no prior experience with any DSLRs or Mirrorless
For image quality we all have our own tastes, but for what I love to shoot I greatly prefer the color rendition of Nikon and Canon. I’d forget Fuji or Sony. With Nikon, the z50 and it’s two kit lenses are an unbeatable combo, see www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50.htm the kit with two lenses is $1,196 usd at www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1511295-REG/nikon_1632_z_50_mirrorless_digital.html/BI/287/KBID/1037 or just get it with the great 16-50mm for $997 USD at www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1511273-REG/nikon_1633_z_50_mirrorless_digital.html/BI/287/KBID/1037 does this help? I’m less familiar with Canon’s APS-C Mirrorless; with Canon look at the full frame RP www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/rp.htm which is $1,299 usd with a great lens at www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1558260-REG/canon_3380c132_eos_rp_mirrorless_digital.html?BI=287&KBID=1037 the RP is a class above the others as it’s full frame. Does this help?
How can I turn on the sound of the shutter click on this z50.
Turn off the “silent photography” mode explained at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#silent. Otherwise there is no fake shutter sound option. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV I tried silent photography OFF but still no sound. When there's no shutter sound it makes you wonder if the picture waa captured.
I enjoyed the video and I think I understood it more than some who make lengthy explanations. Thanks Ken
How do you set up back button focus? Super thanks! Btw, would you use this camera for corporate conference work - with more professional lens?
Hi Elle, Easy! All you do is deactivate AF from the shutter button (MENU > CUSTOM SETTING MENU > a Autofocus > a4 AF activation > AF-ON only). Now you assign AF to another button, let's say the rear AE-L/AF-L button, by pressing (continued...
--continuing) MENU > CUSTOM SETTING MENU > f Controls > f2 Custom controls (shooting) click down to select AE-L/AF-L button) > OK > select AF ON > OK. Done!
Hi Elle, Such a great question I added it as a section in my written Z50 User's Guide at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#rf Thanks again for asking!
And of course i'd use it for conference and event work - with the kit lens! It's silent, so it' great for that, and remember the tiny camera lessens people's apprehension so they relax around it.
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks for your insight & reply. Unfortunately, the kit lens is to slow. However, this would allow for me to rent or buy into Z ff lens. Truly Grateful!
You planning on reviewing the camera? Any of the z cameras?
They’re all reviewed in full both in print and at UA-cam. Thanks!
Z50 review ua-cam.com/video/F8Z3cl6rmHg/v-deo.html
Z6 review ua-cam.com/video/GMeP3RSDaII/v-deo.html
Z7 review ua-cam.com/video/GMeP3RSDaII/v-deo.html
More detailed and specific Written reviews:
Z50 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50.htm
Z6 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/Z6.htm
Z7 www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z7.htm
Ken Rockwell thanks for the links just couldn’t find them.
SOL SHALEM thanks for watching and asking! That’s why I’m here.
Hi Ken...first thank you for this video. I just bought this camera because I thought it might be a better camera to use to shoot a wedding. I went to the church on Sunday to check out the church environment. Let me say first that I am not a professional photographer. I am and enthusiast and primarily prefer landscapes however I shoot for family and friends at times. I have never been asked to shoot something like a wedding but agreed to volunteer because they are long term friends. I did bring my D90 and D7100. I took a few pictures with the Z50 using a 50mm fixed lens and did not use any flash. I thought it handled the situation well however when I got home, I was wrong. The background of the church is wood with multiple colored lights and is a very area...tall and wide. Ceiling is high and black (like the height of a ware house. Side walls are navy blue. In the test photo, the background was pretty however the people were blurry and a LOT of noise. Oh the ceiling had a few spaced suspended ceiling lights which is why I think my camera fired with no delay. My D7100 worked about the same. I was afraid to use my flash and I have one like the one you like, the 400, but I also have a new one that is the speedlight 500 which I agree might be too big for the Z50. I know this is a LOT to ask but what would do? Set on manual focus and pray while I'm there lol! I do have a 85mm lens to. On the D7100 I used a Sigma 17050 mm 1:2.8. Any suggestions? Thanks Megan
Ken Rockwell ok cool. I’ll send them over as soon as I get home. Thank you!!
Thanks!
Have you compared 18-55mm f mount lens to 16-50mm z mount lens? Should I just get z 50 body with ftz adapter or should I get 16-50mm to replace 18-55mm?
Oh gosh, just get the Z16-50. It’s like 1/6 the size! Thanks!
Yeah i love it
Thanks!
Hi Ken
You video was a very well thought out and informative video!!
I have had a Z50 for over a year but it has sat for over a year only having 200 shutter clicks. I have a love/hate relationship with it.
My frustration and issue with it is when using the EVF either my thumb, nose, or cheek is touching the +magnifier on the top right of the touch screen.
When that happens it zooms in on the subject and the settings icons in the EVF disappear forcing me to zoom back out on the subject so the settings icons reappear in the EVF and recompose tbe shot.
Very frustrating for me!
Best wishes
Duane
Hi Duane, you should be able to deactivate that button at MENU > CUSTOM SETTING MENU (pencil icon) > f Controls > f2 Custom controls (shooting) > (select that button) > OK > choose something like “no function” > OK much more at here www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50-users-guide.htm#top
@@KenRockwellTV
Thanks for the reply! I did exactly that where I disabled the touch controls but that +magnifier will still zoom in on the subject. If I could make something to keep my right thumb from coming over too far and touching it. Thanks again.
This cheap camera has so many features that used to only come on pro nikons... love this thing!!
Me too!
2 things I don't like in this cameara small USB it's not tape C second the battery it's not strong enough
Thanks!