There are cameras for photographers, and then there are cameras for pre-photographers. The Nikon Z 50, Nikon’s smallest DX camera yet and first APS-C mirrorless camera, falls largely into the second category. Marketed towards Instagram users ready to upgrade from a smartphone, the Z 50 incorporates in-camera video editing and wireless video transfer while keeping to a design that channels an entry-level DSLR. But the Z 50 also launches with a built-in audience — casual Nikonographers with a stash of F-mount lenses that can be easily adapted to the mirrorless Z mount. Lacking the in-body stabilization of the full-frame Z 6 and Z 7, the Z 50 makes up for its shorter feature list with a lightweight, 14-ounce body and a tiny kit lens. After the failed Nikon 1 series, it’s good to see Nikon putting some real effort into a mirrorless camera that targets casual photographers. It’s not perfect, but the Z 50 does a lot right. The Z 50 ditches some of the high-end features of the Z 6 and Z 7, li...

Weather-sealed, ergonomic design; Excellent image quality; 11 fps burst speed; Wireless video transfers;

Autofocus struggles in low light; Few native DX lenses at launch;

The Z50 is a capable and comfortable camera to use, for a wide range of photography. The autofocus system is a little more awkward than it needs to be, but generally it's a hugely competitive camera. If the lenses you want to use exist, it should be on your list of cameras to consider.

Travel and everyday photography.;

Landscapes and high resolution imagery. Team sports;

The Z50 is a capable and comfortable camera to use, for a wide range of photography. The autofocus system is a little more awkward than it needs to be, but generally it's a hugely competitive camera. If the lenses you want to use exist, it should be on your list of cameras to consider.

Travel and everyday photography.

Landscapes and high resolution imagery. Team sports.

The Nikon Z50 is an excellent debut for the company in the crowded APS-C mirrorless market. It’s an ideal travel camera, and it’s also a great option for those looking to move from a Nikon DSLR, or who just love the brand. Offering great handling, excellent value and a set of enticing features, there’s a lot to like about the Z50, even if it does fall a little short in a few areas.

Great handling; Good value; Impressive viewfinder and screen; Great for travel; SD cards more common than XQD;

Tilt screen can’t be used with tripod; No joystick for selecting AF points; Just a single UHS-I card slot; Limited native lens range

The Nikon Z50 has hit the ground running, so to speak, with a camera body that has excellent ergonomics, a solid design, great handling, and easy to access settings. The body is compact, giving you the benefits of a mirrorless camera system, but not too compact, and not at the expense of handling...

Excellent ergonomics and handling, Excellent image quality and noise performance, New DX Z-Mount lenses perform well, Compact camera body, Clear logical menu system (more advanced section is colour coded), Fast continuous shooting, 4K UHD video with multiple options

Limited APS-C Z mount lenses so far, Doesn't feature in-camera image stabilisation, MicroUSB socket

After launching the Z6 and Z7 last year, the next thing people wanted to know is how Nikon planned to...

The beautifully made Z 50 is the beginning of a new era for Nikon but can it catch up with the competition?

Bringing a revitalised approach into its mirrorless line-up, the Z50 represents the entry/mid-level entry point - complete with DX sensor and access to the Z mount lenses - in a package that's feature rich, easy to use, and capable beyond its years.