Nikon Unveils the Z 50, the First Crop Sensor Z Series Mirrorless Camera

Nikon has announced the new Z 50, the first DX-format mirrorless camera in the Z series lineup. It’s a camera that’s smaller, lighter, and cheaper than its full-frame siblings.

At the core of the 14oz (~0.4kg) magnesium-alloy-framed camera is a 20.9-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor backed by an EXPEED 6 image-processing engine. The camera has a native ISO of up to 51200 — the highest standard sensitivity of its class — and up to 11fps continuous shooting.

Autofocusing is achieved through a 209-point Hybrid AF system that boasts Nikon’s Eye Detection AF feature (the first time it has appeared in a DX-format camera). The AF points span about 87& of the frame horizontally and 85% of the frame vertically.

On the back of the camera is a 3.2-inch LCD flip-down screen that’s useful for selfies and vlogging.

In the area of video, the camera can capture 4K video, 120p slow-motion, and time-lapses (with the built-in intervalometer). Videos can also be trimmed in-camera.

Other features and specs include a pop-up flash, 20 Creative Picture Controls, Selfie mode, Special Effects mode, Scene mode, a silent shutter function, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and support for SnapBridge 2.6.

Here are a couple of videos that provide a first look at this camera:

The First Z Series DX Lenses

Nikon has also introduced the first two Z Series DX lenses alongside the Z 50: the Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR and the Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR.

The lenses are ultra-compact, feature a 16mm flange focal distance, have reduced focus breathing, offer a customizable control ring (for smooth aperture or exposure compensation control), and both offer built-in optical Vibration Reduction (VR) with 4.5 stops and 5.0 stops of compensation (respectively).

Pricing and Availability

The Z 50 will hit store shelves starting in November 2019 with a price tag of $860 for the body only — by comparison, the Z 6 currently costs $1,800. It’ll also be available for $1,000 with the 16-50mm included and $1,350 with both the 16-50mm and 50-250mm lenses bundled.