18 April 2020 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I subscribe 0330 333 1113
AS ALREADY mentioned, the Z 50 isn’t just great for stills
as the tiny Nikon also provides creatives with the ability to
produce impressive video content. Unlike some other
cameras in this sector of the market, the Z 50 has no crop,
even when filming movies in 4K resolution. This means that
you won’t need ultra-wide optics to capture wide scenes.
For special footage, the Z 50 offers a 4K timelapse mode,
which enables users to capture long periods of time in a
more creative fashion. Interestingly, Nikon has dedicated
features about the Z 50’s features and functions on its
YouTube channel, including an inspirational movie filmed
using the Z 50 to show what it’s capable of. What’s more,
to help stabilise footage, the Z 50 employs electronic
vibration reduction technology, though you’ll find yourself
turning this off if you are shooting fixed to a tripod or using
a mechanical gimbal rig or other form of stabilised device.Magic movies
Testbench IN THE FIELD
that I packed into my bag. But users also
have the option of using the FX Z-mount
glass used by Nikon’s full-frame Z 6 and Z 7
cameras or opting for the FTZ adapter and
using F-mount glass instead.
So, the Z 50 could well be considered an
underdog, that is until you get your hands on
one, which is exactly what I did when I headed
off on a photography adventure to Western
Australia – a trip that would guarantee great
opportunities but placed restrictions on how
much kit I could squeeze into my bag.
Impressive form factor
One of the common complaints about smaller
travel-friendly cameras is the uncomfortable
form factor and lack of (or bad layout) of
buttons and dials. Nikon’s R&D people deserve
a huge pat on the back as the Z 50 is one of
the most ergonomic cameras on the market.
Essentially, it feels like a shrunken-down Z 7,
yet the grip feels as comfortable as a DSLR
alternative. Although it won’t slip effortlessly
into your jeans pocket like the tiny Ricoh GR III,
the Z 50 is pretty compact – measuring
126x93x60mm and tipping the scales at
450g (body only). It’s larger and heavier than
both the Fujifilm X-T30 and Sony A6400, but
not by much. Nikon supplies the Z 50 with a
standard-style neck strap, but this proves a little
impractical due to the small size of Z 50’s body.
Instead, I preferred to pair it with a loop-style
wrist strap instead, which meant I could set the
focal length and shoot one-handed, speeding
up the way I work out in the field. Obviously, this
is a camera that won’t weigh you down and
that’s important when it comes to travel
photography, especially when you’re shooting
in hot climates that can sap energy.
Despite the small size, the Z 50 is well
catered for with buttons and dials, meaning
you can access important features and, should
you wish to, customise your preferred style of
working. Front and back control dials are
complemented by a d-pad and four extra
buttons on the rear of the body. On the top
plate the mode dial is accompanied by an
The versatile 50-250mm kit
lens is perfect for long focal
length travel images Nikon Z 50,
Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR,
1/4000sec at f/5.3, ISO 100