Nikon Z 50 20.9MP DX-format Mirrorless Camera Body
Tiny has never been a bigger deal.
Meet the Z series mirrorless camera for the rest of us. Insanely small. Tough. Dead simple to use. Connected to your phone. Ready to transform you into a pro-caliber creator. Your followers won't know what hit 'em.
Technology Features:
20.9 Megapixel DX-Format CMOS Image Sensor
Based on the sensor design from the award-winning D500, previously considered by many to be the best DX DSLR in Nikon's history, this remarkable new Z series sensor captures staggering detail, even in challenging light.
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Z 50 has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and works seamlessly with a compatible smart device using Nikon's SnapBridge app. Instantly transfer photos and videos right to your smart device, or use it for remote shooting-see what the camera sees, adjust settings and control the shutter or start/stop video recording.
209-Point Hybrid Autofocus
209 focus points and focal-plane phase-detection pixels are incorporated right into the image sensor for extraordinary AF performance during both still and video recording.
Eye Detection Autofocus
Z 50's sophisticated facial recognition algorithm precisely locks focus onto your subjects eye to ensure tack-sharp results, even when your subject is in motion.
Native ISO 100–51,200
Z 50 shines in low light. Shoot stills up to ISO 51,200 with virtually no noise-great for low-light indoor shots or outdoors after dark. Record 4K UHD videos at up to ISO 25,600.
EXPEED 6 Image Processing
Like Z 7 and Z 6, Z 50 is powered by Nikon's fast, comprehensive EXPEED 6 image processing system. It's the power behind the camera's stunning photo and video quality, low-light performance, distortion control and more.
Compact, Lightweight, Portable and Ergonomic
Lightweight, durable and sleek, the Z 50 stays true to the Z series design concept of putting the image creator first. Weighing just 14 ounces, the camera body is easy to carry and will feel like an extension of the user. Authentic controls and dials, state-of-the-art touch LCD technology and an ergonomically shaped grip are just some of the features that define the image creation experience. Minute details have even been fine-tuned to improve comfort, operation and style, including the sensation of the pressurized button clicks, the feel of the rugged metallic structure, the finesse of the body design and the ability to take photos in complete silence, so you can enjoy capturing moments without fear of interrupting them.
Revolutionary Z mount
The Z 50 isn't just another compact mirrorless camera: it delivers superb image quality. That's because it uses the same Z mount as its larger siblings, the Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 cameras. This lens mount features a 55mm opening, wider than any competing camera in its class, which invites in a huge amount of light*. The short, 16mm distance from the mount to the image sensor enables more flexible lens design and a smaller camera body. This combination allows engineers to use light more effectively, and develop lenses with outstanding optical performance, providing even higher resolution and more beautiful bokeh. The Z 50 can be used with the dedicated kit lenses, but is also compatible with a growing lineup of superb NIKKOR Z lenses and utilizing the Mount Adapter FTZ its also compatible with approx. 360 F-mount lenses.
Flip-Under LCD
Point the camera towards yourself, flip the tilting monitor 180° downward to face you, and Z 50 will immediately turn into a selfie camera. The operation buttons and dials lock, so you won't accidentally press the wrong button. Use Touch AF on the LCD to focus and take shots-great for stills, even better for vlogging.
Organic EL Electronic Viewfinder
Put Z 50 to your eye, and the high-resolution organic EL panel automatically turns on and gives you a brilliant, sharp view without any glare. And it's showing you the shot exactly as it will look-with all camera settings and creative effects applied in real time. It also displays the same settings as the camera's LCD monitor, so you can make changes without taking your eye away.
Photo/Movie Selector
When shooting video, you often want to use different camera settings than those you need for stills. Z 50 lets you separately save the most appropriate settings for each shooting mode and then change smoothly between them with the flick of a lever.
Customizable i-menu
New inspiration often strikes when you're in the middle of shooting. Z 50's convenient i button gives you a powerful shortcut to adjust camera settings on the fly. The i menu is fully customizable, letting you choose your 12 most frequently used settings and arrange the order for convenience. You can view the i menu items on the LCD monitor or the electronic viewfinder (EVF). You can quickly change these while confirming the results in real time - all without taking your eyes off your subject.
Pop-up Flash
In scenes where your subject appears dark and flat-when backlit or in dark shadows, for example-Z 50's pop-up flash can be just the right amount of fill light.
4K Ultra HD Video Recording
Not all 4K is equal. With an outstanding DX-format image sensor, EXPEED 6 image processing and the power of the larger Z mount, Z 50 records 4K UHD videos with dazzling cinematic depth and clarity.
11 FPS Full Resoution Stills
Capture 11 frames per second* continuously with full quality or up to a blazing fast 30 FPS with 8-megapixel stills in silent video mode.
* When using a mechanical shutter, in continuous H (extended) release mode and NEF (12-bit RAW) + JPEG image quality.
120 FPS Slow Motion Video
Record 1080p Full HD videos at an ultra-smooth 120 frames per second, making it possible to bend time, speed ramp and more.
4K Ultra HD Time-Lapse
Z 50's time-lapse movie function automatically shoots a series of still images based on your settings and then stitches them together into an astonishing 4K Ultra HD or Full HD video using the entire frame. Gradual changes of light in landscapes, movements of drifting clouds, fast-paced cityscapes-all of these can become jaw-dropping time-lapse sequences.
Multiple Exposure Mode
Easily create unique images that combine multiple shots on top of each other. When capturing multiple exposure shots, you can confirm a semi-transparent view of the overlay image being created on the monitor or the EVF. This makes it easier to frame the next shot, resulting in a finished composition just the way you want.
Special Effects
Get more playful and experimental with your photos and videos. Choose from Night Vision, Super Vivid, Pop, Photo Illustration, Toy Camera Effect, Miniature Camera Effect, Selective Color, Silhouette, High Key and Low Key. With Z 50, you can apply the effects in real time to create your ideal shots.
Silent Shooting
Shoot silently* using all 20.9 megapixels in single-frame release mode-ideal for weddings, events, museums, wildlife or any time you don't want to disturb the moment. You can also shoot 8-megapixel images silently at up to approx. 30 fps in movie-recording mode.
* Aperture and AF drive sound may occur. If a NIKKOR F lens is used with the Mount Adapter FTZ, aperture, VR driving and initial lens driving sounds may occur, for instance when turning on the camera.
Note: Rolling shutter distortion may occur during silent photography.
Creative Picture Controls
Playing with different looks and colors can add different nuances to your images. You can see these by applying different Creative Picture Controls, confirming the appearance you get in real time via the monitor or EVF. It helps you create your ideal image, and the camera even lets you adjust the level within each Creative Picture Control.
Creativity comes full circle.
A bigger mount. What a bright idea.
Z 50 is designed around Nikon's revolutionary Z mount, the widest lens mount of any comparable camera system. A wider mount means more light, and more light means more of everything good-sharpness, contrast, focusing speed, low light performance and image quality.
It's your story. Tell it beautifully.
4K Ultra HD and time-lapse, 1080p slow-motion, filters, effects and so much more.
Edit videos on the fly.
Shoot a clip, trim it right in the camera, send it to your phone and post it without missing a beat.1
Life's more fun in slow motion.
Turn an ordinary moment into an epic 120 FPS slow motion 1080p Full HD video, great for bending time, speed ramping and more.
Little but fierce.
Slim, sleek, rugged design for every adventure.
The power of Z, only smaller.
Z 50 delivers the award-winning performance of Z series in the smallest interchangeable lens DX-format camera ever.2
Have camera, will travel.
Z 50's strong, durable magnesium alloy construction makes it tough enough to take just about anywhere without fear. No need to baby this baby.
Your 'gram is going to love it.
From camera to your followers in a snap.
Works with your smartphone.
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make sharing a snap. Install Nikon's SnapBridge app, and your Apple or Android-powered phone becomes a powerful accessory for Z 50. Easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to your phone, and even use your phone as a remote monitor to to see what Z 50 sees, adjust camera settings, take pictures and record video.
Shines in low light.
With a 20.9MP DX CMOS sensor, a robust EXPEED 6 engine and the light-gathering advantages of the wider Z mount, photos and videos shot in low light look clean and professional.
See for your selfie.
Flip down the LCD screen to activate Self Portrait Mode-perfect for taking selfies and for vlogging.
Eye catching in so many ways.
When shooting photos, Z 50's outstanding autofocus system can lock onto your subject's eye and keep focus there, even when they're in motion, for beautifully focused portraits.
Creative filters and effects.
Get creative with unique mood-setting filters and effects. Z 50 includes 20 high quality Creative Picture Controls and 10 Special Effects, all of which can be previewed in real-time and applied to both photos and videos.
Silence is golden.
When you need to be a fly on the wall-capturing intimate moments, candid portraits, wildlife, music and more-turn on Silent Photography Mode and shoot in complete silence.
Chic ergonomic. Form and function in complete harmony.
COMFORTABLE VIEWING
Electronic Viewfinder is slightly extended for a more comfortable glare-free fit against your eye.
SMART CONTROLS
Extreme attention was paid to the placement of each button and dial for comfortable, efficient handling.
HIGH-END FEEL
You can feel the quality. Well balanced, deep grip, magnesium alloy construction...sturdy in every way.
Oh, what a viewfinder.
Feast your eyes on Z 50's stunning high-resolution Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). It activates when you bring the camera to your eye, and it shows you exactly how your photos and videos will look-preview Creative Picture Modes, filters, effects and camera settings in real time.
A touch of genius.
Swipe through photos and videos, touch to focus, navigate camera menus as easily as using a smartphone with Z 50's large high-resolution touchscreen.
Z mount. One size fits all.
Your lens collection can grow with your creative aspirations. Z 50 works with all the cutting-edge NIKKOR Z lenses and approx. 360 compatible DSLR lenses (with the optional Mount Adapter FTZ).
WI-FI COMPATIBILITY
This camera's built-in Wi-Fi capability can only be used with a compatible iPhone, iPad, and/or iPod touch or smart devices running on the Android operating system. The Nikon SnapBridge application must be installed on the device before it can be used with this camera.
Using the SnapBridge App:
System Requirements
-
Android 5.0 or later, 6.0.1 or later, 7.0 or later, 8.0 or later, 9.0
-
iOS 9.3, iOS 10.3, iOS 11, iOS 11.4, iOS 12.4
A device with Bluetooth 4.0 or later (i.e., a device that supports Bluetooth Smart Ready/Low Energy) is required.
Updating to Version 2.6
Images downloaded to the smart device with version 1.x will no longer be displayed in the Gallery after you upgrade to version 2, but can be viewed in the “Photos” app provided with the smart device.
Make sure your camera's firmware is updated to the current.
Compatible cameras:
-
D500, D7500, D5600, D3500, D3400, D850
-
Z 50, Z 7, Z 6
-
COOLPIX W150, A1000, A900, A300, B700, B600, B500, P1000, W100, W300
-
KeyMission 80
Compatible devices are those capable of acquiring location information and those that support BLE (iPhone 5S and later, iPad 5th Generation and later, iPod touch 5th Generation and later, iPhone X or later).
Footnotes:
1 Requires the free SnapBridge app downloaded onto a compatible Apple or Android-powered smart device.
2 As of 10/10/19.
Technical Specifications:
Type
Type: Digital camera with support for interchangeable lenses
Lens Mount: Nikon Z mount
Image Sensor
Effective Pixels (Megapixels): 20.9 million
Sensor Size: 23.5 mm x 15.7 mm
Image Sensor Format: DX
Image Sensor Type: CMOS
Total Pixels: 21.51 million
Dust-Reduction System: Image Dust Off reference data (requires Capture NX-D); image sensor cleaning
Dust-Off Reference Photo: Yes
Image Area (pixels):
-
DX-format
(L) 5,568 x 3,712
(M) 4,176 x 2,784
(S) 2,784 x 1,856
-
1:1 (16 x 16)
(L) 3,712 x 3,712
(M) 2,784 x 2,784
(S) 1,856 x 1,856
-
16:9 (24 x 24)
(L) 5,568 x 3,128
(M) 4,176 x 2,344
(S) 2,784 x 1,560
-
Photographs taken during movie recording at a frame size of 3,840 x 2,160:
3,840 x 2,160
-
Photographs taken during movie recording at other frame sizes: 1,920 x 1,080:
1,920 x 1,080
File System
File Format Still Images:
-
NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit
-
JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1 : 4), normal (approx. 1 : 8), or basic (approx. 1 : 16) compression
-
NEF (RAW) + JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats
Storage Media: SD (Secure Digital) and UHS-I compliant SDHC and SDXC memory cards
Card Slot: 1 slot
File System:
-
DCF 2.0
-
Exif 2.31
-
PictBridge
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: 0.39-in. approx. 2360k-dot (XGA) OLED electronic viewfinder with color balance and auto and 7-level manual brightness controls
Viewfinder Frame Coverage:
-
Approx. 100% horizontal
-
100% vertical
Viewfinder Magnification: Approx. 1.02x (50 mm lens at infinity, -1.0 m-1)
Viewfinder Eyepoint: 20 mm (-1.0 m-1; from center surface of viewfinder eyepiece lens)
Viewfinder Diopter Adjustment: -3 to +3 m-1
Eye Sensor: Automatically switches between monitor and viewfinder displays
Lens
Depth-of-Field Control: Yes
Lens Compatibility at a Glance***:
Compatible Lenses:
Shutter
Shutter Type: Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal-plane mechanical shutter; electronic front-curtain shutter; electronic shutter
Shutter Speed: 1/4000 to 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb, time
Fastest Shutter Speed: 1/4000 sec.
Slowest Shutter Speed: 30 sec.
Flash Sync Speed:
Bulb Shutter Setting: Yes
Shutter Release Modes:
Frame Advance Rate:
-
Low-speed continuous: 1-4 fps
-
High-speed continuous (extended): 5 fps
-
High-speed continuous (extended): 11 fps
Continuous Shooting Options:
-
Low-speed continuous: 1-4 fps
-
High-speed continuous (extended): 5 fps
-
High-speed continuous (extended): 11 fps
Top Continuous Shooting Speed at Full Resolution: 11 frames per second
Self-Timer: 2, 5, 10, 20 sec.; 1-9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 sec.
Timer duration electronically controlled
Exposure
Exposure Metering System: TTL metering using camera image sensor
Metering Method:
-
Matrix metering
-
Center-weighted metering: Weight of 75% given to 8 mm circle in center of frame; weighting can instead be based on average of entire frame
-
Spot metering: Meters 3.5 mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point
-
Highlight-weighted metering
Metering Range: Highlight-weighted metering: -4 to +17 EV
(ISO 100, f/2.0 lens, 20 degC/68 degF)
Exposure Meter Coupling: CPU
Exposure Modes:
-
Auto
-
Programmed auto with flexible program (P)
-
Shutter-priority auto (S)
-
Aperture-priority auto (A)
-
Manual (M)
-
User settings (U1, U2, U3)
Scene Modes:
Exposure Compensation: -5 to +5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV available in modes P, S, A, M, SCENE and EFFECT modes
Exposure Bracketing: 2 to 9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, or 1 EV
Exposure Lock: Luminosity locked at detected value
Picture Control: Auto
-
Flat
-
Landscape
-
Monochrome
-
Neutral
-
Portrait
-
Standard
-
Vivid
-
Creative Picture Controls: (Dream, Morning, Pop, Sunday, Somber, Dramatic, Silence, Bleached, Melancholic, Pure, Denim, Toy, Sepia, Blue, Red, Pink, Charcoal, Graphite, Binary,Carbon)
-
Selected Picture Control can be modified
-
Storage for custom Picture Controls
Sensitivity
ISO Sensitivity:
-
ISO 100 - 51,200 in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
-
Can also be set to approx. 1 or 2 EV (ISO 204,800 equivalent) above ISO 51,200; auto ISO sensitivity control available
Lowest Standard ISO Sensitivity: 100
Highest Standard ISO Sensitivity: 51,200
Lowest Expanded ISO Sensitivity: 100
Highest Expanded ISO Sensitivity: 204,800
High ISO Noise Reduction: Yes
Active D-Lighting:
Can be selected from:
-
Auto
-
Extra High
-
High
-
Normal
-
Low
-
Off
Focus/Autofocus
Single-Point AF Mode: Yes
Dynamic AF Mode: Yes
Auto-area AF Mode: Yes
Autofocus System: Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF with AF assist
Detection Range:
-
-2 to +19 EV (-4 to +19 EV with low-light AF)
-
Detection range (ISO 100, f/2.0 lens, 20 degC/68 degF)
Lens Servo:
-
Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous-servo AF (AF-C); AF mode auto-switch (AF-A; available only in photo mode); full-time AF (AF-F; available only in movie mode); predictive focus tracking
-
Manual focus (M): Electronic rangefinder can be used
Focus Point: 209 (single-point AF)
AF-area Mode:
Focus Lock: Yes
Focus Modes:
Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points: 209
Vibration Reduction: Lens shift using voice coil motors (VCMs)
Autofocus Fine Tune: Yes
Flash
Built-in Flash: Manual pop-up flash raised via flash pop-up control Guide Number: Approx. 7/22, 7/22 with manual flash (m/ft, ISO 100, 20 degC/68 degF)
X-Sync Speed: 1/200 sec. - synchronizes with shutter at 1/200 s or slower; Auto FP High-Speed sync supported
Top FP High Speed Sync: Up to: 1/4000 sec.
Flash Control: TTL: i-TTL flash control; i-TTL balanced fill-flash is used with matrix, center-weighted, and highlight-weighted metering, standard i-TTL fill-flash with spot metering
Flash Sync Modes:
-
Fill flash
-
Rear-curtain sync
-
Red-eye reduction
-
Red-eye reduction with slow sync
-
Slow sync
-
Auto
-
Auto with red-eye reduction
-
Auto slow sync
-
Auto slow sync with red-eye reduction
-
Flash off
Flash Compensation: -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV available in P, S, A, M, and SCN modes
Flash-ready Indicator: Lights when built-in flash or optional flash unit is fully charged; flashes as underexposure warning after flash is fired at full output
Accessory Shoe: ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS): i-TTL flash control, optical Advanced Wireless Lighting, FV lock, Color Information Communication, Auto FP High-Speed Sync
White Balance
White Balance Bracketing: Yes
Live View
Live View Shooting:
Movie
Movie Metering: TTL exposure metering using main image sensor
Movie Maximum Recording Time: 29 minutes 59 seconds
Movie File Format:
Movie Video Compression: H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding
Movie Audio Recording Format:
Linear PCM
AAC
Movie:
-
4K UHD 3,840x2,160 / 30 fps
-
4K UHD 3,840x2,160 / 25 fps
-
4K UHD 3,840x2,160 / 24 fps
-
Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 120 fps
-
Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 100 fps
-
Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 60 fps
-
Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 50 fps
-
Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 30 fps
-
Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 25 fps
-
Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 24 fps
-
Full HD 1,920x1,080 slow-mo / 30 fps x4
-
Full HD 1,920x1,080 slow-mo / 25 fps x4
-
Full HD 1,920x1,080 slow-mo / 24 fps x5
-
Actual frame rates for 120p, 100p, 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p are 119.88, 100, 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, and 23.976 fps respectively
-
Quality selection available except at sizes of 3,840 x 2,160, 1,920 x 1,080 120p/100p, and 1920 x 1080 slow-motion or when U or 6 is selected in q mode, in which case quality is fixed at m (high)
Movie Audio: Built-in stereo or external microphone with attenuator option; sensitivity can be adjusted
Movie ISO:
-
M: Manual selection (ISO 100 to 25,600 in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV); auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 100 to 25,600) available with selectable upper limit
-
P, S, A: Auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 100 to 25,600) with selectable upper limit AUTO, SCN, EFCT (excluding Night Portrait): Auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 100 to 25,600)
-
Night Portrait: Auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 100 to Hi 4)
Movie Active D-Lighting:
Can be selected from:
-
Extra high
-
High
-
Normal
-
Low
-
Off
Movie e-VR: Yes
electronic vibration reduction
Movie HDMI Output: Yes
Movie Focus Peaking: Yes
Movie Highlight Display (Zebras): Yes
Time-Lapse Movie: Yes
AF for Movie: Yes
Monitor
Monitor Size: 3.2 in. diagonal
Monitor Resolution: 1,040,000 dots
Monitor Type:
-
Tilting TFT
-
Touch-Sensitive LCD
Monitor Angle of View: 170deg viewing angle
approximately 100% frame coverage
Monitor Adjustments: 11-level manual brightness controls
Virtual Horizon Camera Indicator: Yes
Playback
Playback Functions:
-
Auto Image Rotation
-
Cropping
-
Full-frame and Thumbnail (4, 9, or 72 images)
-
Highlights
-
Histogram Display
-
Location Data Display
-
Movie Playback
-
Photo and/or Movie Slide Shows
-
Photo Information
-
Picture Rating
-
Playback with Playback Zoom
-
Playback Zoom
-
Slide Shows
In-Camera Image Editing:
-
Distortion Control
-
D-Lighting
-
Image Overlay
-
NEF (RAW) Processing
-
Perspective Control
-
Quick Retouch
-
Red-eye Correction
-
Resize
-
Side-by-Side Comparison
-
Straighten
-
Trim
-
Trim Movie
Image Comment: Yes
Interface
Interface: Hi-Speed USB with Micro-B connector; connection to built-in USB port is recommended; Type D HDMI connector; Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5 mm diameter; plug-in power supported)
Wi-Fi Functionality:
-
Standards: IEEE 802.11b/g/n/a/ac
-
Operating frequency: 2412–2472 MHz (channel 13) and 5180–5700 MHz
-
Maximum output power (EIRP): 2.4 GHz band: 7.0 dBm 5 GHz band: 12.1 dBm
-
Authentication: Open system, WPA2-PSK
Smart Device App Connectivity: SnapBridge
Bluetooth: Yes
Menus
Total Custom Settings: 42
My Menu: Yes
Recent Settings: Yes
Supported Languages:
Date, Time and Daylight Savings Time Settings: Yes
World Time Setting: Yes
Power
Battery / Batteries: One EN-EL25 rechargeable Li-ion battery
Battery Life (shots per charge):
AC Adapter: EH-73P charging AC Adapter
Battery Charger: MH-32 Battery Charger
Miscellaneous
Tripod Socket: 1/4 in. (ISO 1222)
Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): 5.0 in. (126.5 mm) x 3.7 in. (93.5 mm) x 2.4 in. (60 mm)
Approx. Weight: 14.0 oz. (395 g) camera body only
Operating Environment:
