Deep Dive: Nikon Z 50 versus Nikon D500. Why we're selling.

[@wissell4287]

I’m 10 seconds into it and I know she will sell the D500

[@concept1027]

Gonna take a lot more than the z50 to pull the d500 out of my hands. It's just too beastly.

[@hectormpagan9296]

Also the battery life, I will never sell my D500 for a Z camera.

[@concept1027]

@@hectormpagan9296 yup. I also have some older lenses that are fantastic.. but just barely. Through a converter they'll lose that little bit of spark ha.

[@Johnkostercreative]

Amen. A camera for the ages. If you can ever get a D4S at a reasonable price, grab it. It will blow your mind.

[@TherealDjTired]

I would never trade my D500 for Z5 or Z6 basically to any Z...I like the rigidness, the grip, the balance. The Z series is like an egg that you have to be very careful with, while with the D500 you can even slap someone on the face it would not recognize it, especially with the extra vertical battery grip, I love how it sits in my hand. I do not care about the weight and sound...Like many said for the D3...its a brick...not as big as a FF but its a smaller one. And I do not care about video...I take pictures...in which the D500 is damn good...

[@jakesdewet3567]

Enjoy your views as they express your individuality and needs. I for one never grew to like the D500. I shoot wildlife and preferred my D4s and D4s. My style is different and I am not fixated on high speed action. I love my 300 f 2.8 and 500f4. Now I have the Z6 added to my equipment. I was one of the biggest ML skeptics. I cannot wait for Nikon to grow the Z system.

[@phanumatduangthai3401]

Love the D500's shutter sound!

[@MercedLCARS]

The D500 has a beast buffer! It also had a monster aggressive shutter sound !😁

[@luca_rr4660]

It sounds like a motorbike haha

[@davekorzekwa8727]

I own the D500, D850, Z7 and Z50. I currently do not have plans on selling any of them. Each has their niche. The D500, D850 and Z7 have built in image sensor cleaning. I notice that the Z50 does not. With the sensors closer to the lens opening, I am expecting more dust issues that with my DSLR's. Other than a blower or sending it in for cleaning, how is the image sensor cleaned ? A dust off photograph is one of the menu options. How does this remove dust spots?

[@mneedes2]

My Z6 has a "Clean image sensor" option in the setup menu. Z50 does not. I'm sure your Z7 has it too.

[@rolandgibbs9036]

Just bought a D500. Now I'm going to buy another one. It's the best camera ever made.

[@photozen8398]

ditto that…! comparing shit (z50) to legend (d500) is not fair, if she wants to get rid of it fine whatever floats her boat but do not compare.

[@anthonyfong4922]

Agree

[@thunder7382]

buy when it is still available new

[@bivouac_photography]

I'm just on my way back from mirroless, Sony a9. D500 arrives tomorrow 😍

[@joekelly9369]

Real cameras i have 2 850s and a ton of lenses i wont be selling for kiddy hands z cameras

[@MercedLCARS]

I love my Z50, it's a good all round enthusiast entry level camera... powerful little thing!

[@adrianvanleeuwen]

Although I know this video is now 3 years old, I am wondering if you had tried the Nikon D780 which has the Nikon Z6 sensor with PDAF inside which makes using this DSLR okay using in liveview. Electronically the D780 is 12 fps and last of the great DSLRs. That is why I bought one to add with my D750. I also own the Z5 (with IBIS) for its smallness and FF sensor and it is decent quality for travel and also great for some pro use. For a long days event shooting, I still like DSLRs with its many exterior buttons. I may add a Z30 for self vlogging.

[@janmartinmathiassen6265]

As a D500 owner myself, I've started to wonder about whether or not to get one of the newer generation mirrorless, but unlike you, I seem to like the form factor of the D500 and would probably think the z50 was too small. Personally I'm not that interested in saving weight so much as I am interested in good ergonomics first and tech second. It's interesting to watch how we all approach these cameras differently though! :)

[@peterpeterson7784]

I also have a D500, D850, and Z6. Love my D500 and grab it anytime I need to be doing candids and of course sports. Do not get me wrong the Z6 is nice, but the D500 just does everything right in a body that most of us older people are use to using.

[@Johnkostercreative]

Don't buy all the marketing hype. The best camera is the D500, although if you find a clean D4S at a decent price you will be truly amazed.

[@peterpeterson7784]

@@Johnkostercreative Kenmore camera in Seattle has a clean D4 for $899 less than 80,000 on the shutter.

[@amariner5]

I have the z50, and previous experience with D500. There's a lot of life in a D500. And, all the good reach lenses are F mount. So, I have to run the same lens, and the same sensor. I might have the lighter camera, but I have to carry 3 batteries and put a smallrig frame so I have something to grab onto. Close to wash.

[@ManchmalGaming]

Hard to beat the ergonomics of a D4 or a D5.

[@lcador9]

You effectively outlined well the relative strengths and weaknesses of each of these cameras which occupy a similar price point. However, after stating that the D500 has been your dedicated goto sport and wildlife camera, to then outfit it with a 50mm lens and compare the performance against the Z50 at the museum is foolish. The D500 was intended to be a serious action camera meant to carry the likes of a 200-500mm lens in environments where shutter noise is less problematic. The D500 is a one trick pony and great at what it does and far superior to the Z50 in that regard. It is, however, not in the same league as the Sony A9 which costs three times the price but with about half the relative reach. Perhaps you should have truncated the video and just said you own three Sony cameras that are superior for your very simple action demands and no longer need the D500.

[@penduburger]

Thank you

[@Sebas-sg1kj]

Right on target!

[@xolarwind]

Why sell the D500? I'm a photographer of the stone age of film. I have every single camera, and lens since the Nikon F, since 1969 in my 50+ career as a pro in San Francisco. Every one of them has sentimental value of tools that allowed me to feed my family and put my kids trough college, when photography was an art and a science, and everything manual. Today everyone is a photographer, and even phones take good enough pictures for 90% of what pictures are used for. My 'immediate feedback' was waiting the eternity of 90 seconds for the polaroid shot to develop :-)

[@stevehercules7372]

Love my D500. Big and cumbersome just like me, and does everything it's told to do. Again! just like me

[@shmadmanuts]

Still love my D200, but with 2y old twins - a smaller camera is really needed. Took out of the bag my old(er) D70 - it fits like a glove. The d200 ergonomics never grew on me like the D70. I would really like a D500, love the chunkiness, times change. Wish you no twins :)

[@mrrolandlawrence]

Buy a z50. Just do it. Life is too short to watching 1000 hours of reviews.

[@sanjayjipu6358]

That's me mate 😂

[@Jegrod]

Jajajajaja

[@ExploringCanadaInfo]

Bought it today

[@aaaa15891]

😂 🔥

[@chok1169]

What is better the d5500 vs z50... I am asking this, because the mp of the d5500 is bigger that the z50.

[@DeVriesBassBaritone]

The weather sealing on the D500 is really important to me since I'm using it almost only for wildlife.

[@wissell4287]

Nanco de Vries yeah it’s very important for me because I spilled lemonade on my D500 once. It’s totally fine.

[@robertdavis1255]

Still love my D500 & haven't considered upgrading yet.... thanks for sharing your thoughts and comments... cheers..

[@harrybutler770]

Hi Leigh, I just subscribed to yours and Raymond's channel on the strength of this video. I have a very low shutter count D500 that I bought 2nd hand back in 2020 replacing a much-loved D90. I had been entertaining the idea of going mirrorless, but seeing how capable the D500 still is by comparison to current day mirrorless I've decided to hang onto the D500 for a while yet. Thanks for your ultra informative videos.

[@outfield1988]

Oh boy I love the D 90 as well. Purchased a Z 50 but haven’t unboxed it yet

[@bewbtewb]

In a sea of hot-takes, this was a very fair and balanced opinion. Thank you for doing your part in tipping the scales in a positive direction.

[@55whiplash]

I hope you're feeling better!

[@andrewriley4990]

AWESOME video great presentation and a weath of usefull information....thanks ! ❤

[@jakem9524]

The buffer is factory limited to 100 on the Z50 not sure why but thats why it slows down so quick compared to the D500 that does not share that limit.

[@maeu59]

Being that a Bsi Cmos sensor is better in low light than a cmos, would the Z50 be better in low light than a z5 which has the bigger FF cmos sensor (which can gather more light) negate that.

[@kazarian619]

Hi there, I have a question. In a few months I'll be graduating from college and pursuing a career as a photographer. At the moment I'm shooting with a D3300(for budget resasons). And while the D3300 has worked out for my photography classes, I know when It comes to professional work I'll need an upgrade. At the moment I'm looking to spend under $1700. And at the moment with that budget my choices are: Nikon D750 Nikon D610 Nikon D500 And the Nikon F5. The option are all nikon because I'm very familiar with the brand and already have some equipment that can be re-use with either of these. While some friends have suggested the Z5(just because it's newer) that camera has limited lenses available and they are also very expensive. On the other hand nikon F mount provides a much larger selection to choose from at a more reasonable price. Right now I'm considering the D500 because of the built quality, features and because I hear it's also backed by the same focusing system as the D5 which is one of Nikon's flagship cameras. And since it's also a cropped sensor I can use the lenses I have at the moment and save money to buy others down the line. Sorry for the rant, but I just needed to explain so that hopefully you can guide me in the right direction. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you and I hope you're having a wonderful day.

[@johnpavett68]

I own and use both, love them both. Big often unmentioned advantage of the Z50 is that as someone who needs reading glasses being able to review imaged in the evf without glasses is Brill. Also you can review images in bright 🌞

[@CALTECH007]

Love my D500. Not going to buy any more cameras cause the D500 does all I want.

[@KungPowEnterFist]

You must not do very much. The D500 is really good at one thing, and not much else.

[@CALTECH007]

@@KungPowEnterFist Yep! I shoot whales and birds.

[@Johnkostercreative]

free88 you couldn’t tell the image quality difference between the D500 and the Z6 or Z7 or most other modern cameras if you tried. D500 is a great camera for most things.

[@KungPowEnterFist]

​@@Johnkostercreative You can believe that if you wish. It is not true, but you can believe it if you want to. I can point out countless examples where it would be easy to see the difference in countless scenarios, but you have already made up your mind and that is fine. That whole the D500 is good for most things vs other semi-pro and pro cameras may have been true in 2016-2017, but that stopped being true 2018-forward. There are a lot of cameras on the market now that are the around the same price or less, and have better IQ all around, and better video, and shoot faster, and are smaller, and are lighter, and have better battery life, and use a modern lens mount, and, and, and. I know what the D500 is and what it is not, and there is a price I am willing to pay for it. Its not a lot. The D850 is another story. That is still a good all around camera...for now.

[@wissell4287]

Same here bro!!

[@JoJo-vm8vk]

@TheSnapChick: what model of memory card are you using with D500 ? I love my D500, at the end of Sigma 150-600mm Sport, I wouldn't be comfortable with such a tiny camera as Z50.😉

[@LeighAndRaymond]

For this testing, we were using an XQD card or a newer Sony Tough SD card. Prior to that, I had a variety of cards in it.

[@JoJo-vm8vk]

@@LeighAndRaymond Sorry, I wasn't clear enough, my fault. What specific model of XQD please ? Thank you.

[@radicalrenegade8528]

D500 with the Sigma 150-600 Sport is a beast! I do astrophotography with that combo and also sports photography.

[@RudiZimmerer]

I have the best crop sensor in the NIkon d7200 and I bought the Nikon Z50 because I can protect the sensor with the FTZ mount, yes this is possible... needs some work... And I hate the sticky dust on the sensor... I had to change the sensor on the D7200 already... Not the work that I like, but it is doable. Still the pictures are the same from both cameras... For low light is the DSLR viewfinder definitive better, because you can see what is ...

[@kirk0831]

so now you pick Z9, do you feel it is cumbersome and "not tactile"??

[@whatmeworry2006]

I have a D500 and my wife has a Z50. I want to buy a full frame mirrorless and know that you have the Z6 and Z7. Post cropping is important to me so I am leaning towards the Z7. I would appreciate your advice. Thanks.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

If you are into cropping, the Z7 is probably the way to go. :)

[@whatmeworry2006]

TheSnapChick Thanks. Your opinion is greatly appreciated.

[@rkmacdonald]

I shoot air shows with my D500. I previously used a D800 and a D810 at air shows, but they were marginal. The focus system of the D500 greatly outperforms the D8XX in terms of fast acquiring and holding. Plus the D500 is lighter and smaller, and the continuous frame rate of the D500 is significantly faster than the D800. You have to shoot (4 or 5 seconds at most) bursts to get good shots at an air show. I don't think I would ever run out of buffer on the Z50 after seeing your video. The reason I'm telling you this is that as I get older, the weight and size of the camera become more and more important to me. I would really like to switch to the Z50 to get the smaller size and weight, but only if I could be sure that it could hold focus on an aircraft coming straight toward me at 700 mph, and then continue hold that focus during an extremely quick pan as the aircraft flies closely by. I've also heard that panning with an EVF is more difficult than with an optical VF. What do you think about these things? Thanks, Russ

[@myetoob23]

Would have been great to see an answer to this considering the autofocus performance is going to be the deciding factor for me between the 2 cameras.

[@SohamDas1995]

I have both D500 & Z50. I feel like D500's Iso performance is better than Z50 ( almost a stop better ). I am quite astonished as both have megapixel & same sensor size

[@ivanhass5002]

On the Z50 with the ability to use many companies lens via adaptors how do you set aperture without the camera having input from the lens. Everything I find talks about how to focus, well every lens for my FE2 was manual focus, but the camera new how to meter the scene, close the aperture, take the shot and open back to full so I could see through the view finder. Now if I set the aperture beyond f8 I can't see much and being in the dim light of the Pacific NW isn't helping. If I raise the flash on my Z50 I get a nice bright viewfinder as the camera thinks it will fill the scene. What is a workable method for a lens that is all manual and no electric contacts and camera having no info on aperture.

[@garra7472]

How does Nikkor 17-55 F2.8 works with Z50 compared to Nikon D500?? How is the focus? Speed? Accuracy? I am thinking of buying between Fujifilm XT-3 and Z50. Currently using Nikon D3200 18-55 kit lens and 35mm F1.8G DX

[@ivansmiljkovic88]

Ok, Im about to change my D7100, should I go with Z50 + 16-50 kit lens (with additional 10.5,35 1.8g,50 1.8g mm i already have), or should I go with D750 (6years old body) use 35 and 50mm and buy 24-120 f4 for it? i have to say, Im doing low light club nightlife photography and portraits. What is the answer, D750 or Z50?

[@ytr8989]

A Z50 isn’t a D500 replacement; it is more like a smaller mirrorless version of the D7500. The main reason for the Z50 is Fujifilm’s X-T30. But they messed up with those ZX lenses not made for low light conditions. The Z50 has excellent low light capabilities, but those f4.5-6.3 lenses? 😩

[@612morrison]

More like a mirrorless d5600

[@KungPowEnterFist]

@@612morrison Its actually above a D7500. The Z50 has better AF in most situations. Video capabilities are vastly superior. Considerably smaller and lighter. 11fps vs 8fps. BSI sensor. And many more. The Z50 is what I wished the D7500 would be but wasn't. Once the Z lenses fill, this wont even be a discussion. I mean, honestly.

[@kenlamb4430]

Question.....I have heard people say the D850 in DX mode is like having a D500 built in. Is that really the case? And, if so along same thought, how does the Z7 compare to Z50 if used in DX mode? Using a full frame in crop mode does it really hit "close enough" results to the DX counterpart? I do not routinely shoot S/A/W, I mostly do studio work, however, on occasion I do like to snap some faster moving or further away subjects for fun and don't want to have carry around a second camera, etc....but, I still expect high quality results.

[@mswhite1532]

To all those who commented about keeping their D500, I believe Leigh did mention that everyone has their own reasons for choosing one over the other depending upon their needs. For those who shoot professionally, yes the D500 is likely the one to choose primarily because of its buffer capacity and dual card slots. However, that aside I believe there is no difference in image quality. For those of us who don’t shoot professionally, I believe the Z50 is a better choice especially given that it is less bulky and has the optional silent shutter. I have used a Nikon D7200, D500 as well as the Z50, and based upon my experience I will grab the Z50 first. I value being somewhat respectful when intruding into the peacefulness of nature. Also, I value taking time to slow down and being in the moment, having the image I want to capture in my head, rather than machine gun shooting and hoping to get an epic shot that most times wasn’t visualized. Really, anyone can do that. Great video!

[@LeighAndRaymond]

True - everyone has their own preferences and should use the camera they like. :)

[@genghis2510]

Marcia White So what’s the purpose of this video if not to pitch the z50 at the expense of the D500. It’s a pitch ploy by measurebators to extol or build up a new model with low sales over an old model that has been well received and whose profit goals over production costs has already been surpassed. I’m a Nikon guy and was looking for a get and go small camera and it’s for this reason I watched this video - also out of curiosity how she’ll build explanatory logic to downgrade D500 over z50. I’m so turned off I’m setting my sights instead on Sony a6600. I owned before a Sony a6000 (used) and I kinda like Sony a6xxx neat body design - no protruding viewfinder head on its top plate so common among cameras.

[@joeandrews9846]

If that's the case, and you want small and affordable, look at the Sigma FP. That's a great small camera.

[@midas1929]

Ok, old fashioned opinion here. Remember when cars did not have lane assist and we did not miss it? Nowadays they sell it to us as if we would die without it, together with all the other electronic stuff. If you really need lane assist, you should not be on the road. The same goes with some camera features. If you do not need video, do not mind the size, don't need the latest stuff, want to go on budget and just want to shoot great pics, the D750 is still a full frame option at a now unbeatable price. Nowadays all are photographers, until the "A" is off.

[@kennypringle4580]

I shoot portraits of family’s, head shots, events, weddings, with a little real estate thrown in. I have a d500 and a D750 with 5 full frame primes, an 18-35, 200-500, a 10-24 and 16-80 for my dx. I’m considering selling my D750 and getting another d500 to do it all. 🤔🤔🤔

[@burritobrosvideos8060]

Ok grandpa

[@frederikvanreusel]

(Right now i have a d7200 and d3500) I’m thinking about 2 things, or getting full into mirrorless FF, getting a Z6ii and slowly sparing my money for 24-70, 14-24, 70-200 which will probably take me years and years to get but just slowly build up for it, or I get a D500 instead (for main use) and a second body Z50 (for portraits mainly) and invest in good DX lenses like the Sigma 18-35, 40mm Macro, Sigma 50-100 which is all much more affordable for me and would still give great results but might be less future proof, what would you do? The Z6ii looks awesome camera but if I get that one I won’t have any spare money for Z/full frame lenses since I would spend all of it on the body

[@cesarm8811]

Interesting video. I currently own the a D7200 with the 16-85mm DX VR lens and the 70 -300mm VR (not DX) lens. After following my granddaughter around Disney World parks for several days, I decide to purchase the Z50 with the kit lens and the FTZ adapter. Haven't had chance to use the Z50 yet, but I already like the size and weight versus my D7200. I am still keeping my D7200, but with time I may sell it. Really enjoy your videos, looking to more on the Z 50.

[@johnbenson7801]

Granted my old 70-300 didn't have VR, but the 50-250mm Z lens blows the old zoom out of the water. Might be something to think about.

[@ionbarari7202]

How is the Z50 after 6 months?

[@cesarm8811]

@@ionbarari7202 I purchased the Z50 mainly to use for traveling (vacations, visiting the grandchildren, etc). Unfortunately Covid 19 has stop all my travel. But I have used it a little, so far I really like the size, ergonomic, image quality and EVF. Using a DSLR for many years and liking the optical viewfinder, I thought I won't like the EVF. But to my surprise I really like the EVF, since you can see the exposure real time and make adjustment as need. I am looking forward to using the z50 once I get to travel.

[@DexterLaurence]

If the Z 50 is the only camera that you had, would you use it to do paid work, is it good enough?

[@daveyyc9784]

As an amateur I want to go on a two or three day back pack trip in the mountains and not ever worry about battery life. I got that with my D90 and now with my D500, until mirrorless improves, not for me. Not interested in carrying extra batteries. Just me though. Do whatever you like.

[@TheBigbangguy]

Dave YYC Z50 battery can be powered up with a bank power...

[@DavidPetryk]

Curious if you were buying a apsc (dslr or mirrorless) body for wildlife and action which would it be?

[@randygeene9455]

I’ll take your D500 to go with my other D500 so that I can carry 2 set-ups at the same time!

[@cycling-john]

I loved everything about the D500, except the sensor size. I like to shot wide, which is easier on the D850. I just use my Z6 for video 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@perezrj25]

I have a D850 and a D750. I have been thinking of selling my D750 because it hardly gets any use anymore. I have been thinking of the Z50 because of it's size and I think it would make a great travel camera. I know it's a crop frame but do you think I could replace my D750 with the Z50. The only time I use the D750 is when I'm shooting a wedding and I use it as a second camera to my D850.

[@GeoFavTech]

Can the usb port in the side connect to a pc for stop motion photography.

[@juttakarin]

I have saved money 3 times for the Nikon D500 only to have to take it out of savings to pay Bill's. I have just about given up having the chance to purchase it! Makes me so sad!!! What are you selling it for?

[@Gael32]

A used Nikon D500 is between $900-1100 depending on how heavily it was used. However, you can buy it new for $1,200 which I consider a steal even in 2020. I bought mine used back in 2017 for $1,700 and it's not like it performs any worse just because you buy it brand new for $500 less than that, lol.

[@arish.santoso3128]

I enjoy this tutorial. Please allow me to ask: How to get Z50 continues powered while in use (for video streaming)? Thank you.

[@ABPhotography1]

The D500 is a beast, I'm keeping mine and my D850.

[@radicalrenegade8528]

I have both also! I could not see going down to a z50 just for focus detection. Maybe if I was going to do video but why not just get the z6 or 7?

[@jeremyn6726]

Good video. My current dilemma is used Z6 vs new Z50... Do you have any thoughts? After watching endless video comparisons I thought Sony A7III was my choice but after briefly trying the Nikons I'm leaning away from Sony despite the comparisons stating superior Eye AF etc

[@scraymond5597]

If you like telephoto, the Z50 gives you better resolution compared to cropping a Z6 shot for wildlife, etc... If you do video and would hook to an external recorder, like an Atomos Ninja, I'd get the Z6 and the 12 bit video upgrade.

[@maarekstele2815]

This is a useful video, however your comparison does not go deep enough regarding action & sports. I have both camera bodies and shoot sports. I fill a buffer on cameras often. What was left out here was the massive issue with blackout & freezing on the EVF when shooting action and sports. My purchase of the Z50 was to dabble in the realm of mirrorless and it delayed my switch to mirrorless for sports because of the EVF blackout primarily. Had to wait on the Z9 before I could make the switch. So for a sports photog, the Z50, Z6, Z6ii, Z7, Z7ii are all poor choices due to the same issue. With the most recent firmware updates on the Z50 it is a very good camera however & if you are not shooting action sports as your primary subject, I would highly recommend it. If you do have a mix of action stills in your work however, and don't need the video features, the D500 is a clear choice here. Ultimately, while these cameras are both DX, the D500 is a pro level body and the Z50 fits into a consumer/pro-sumer slot like the D5600 did, two slots below where the D500 sits. I pick up my Z50 over my D500 in the following situations: 1. video, 2. size for vacation. hats it. The D500 is weather sealed, has 2 card slots, better noise performance, it is tougher. It is a pro level body & the Z50 isn't.

[@1dbjack]

Have you given thought to sending the Z6 off to Nikon to add the ProResRaw capability? I would love to see a review of that. I assume you have the Ninja 5 and a Rode microphone or something like it.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

I have thought about it but haven't quite found the motivation to spend the money on it. I do have the Ninja V and, using 10-bit video does make a big difference in terms of post processing.

[@1dbjack]

@@LeighAndRaymond I have heard from a couple of friends that the 12-bit raw full-frame is a game-changer. Of course, they are amateurs and I was hoping someone with a bit more experience would test it and confirm.

[@ravichander479]

a very good video, iam a nikon shooter for the past 35 years from film days to DSLR, at my age the weight of the DSLR is too much for my neck and back, so on 24/01/2020 i bought a Z6 with S lens 24 to 70 f4 i hope i works fine for me in fast auto focus dept, any advice on this camera please

[@arthuranderson9339]

Which one better in low light condition as well as high iso starting at 25600?

[@matcoleman3804]

Wait... why did you use the crappy DX 35 1.8 instead of the FX 35 1.8 seeing as you were using an FX Z lens on the Z50... That Z 35 is 10x the lens the DX 35 is... no comparison.

[@freedom978]

I agree' Nikon User D500, D7200, D5300, D5200 and Nikon Lens plus Rokinon 10mm and Macro Sigma 70-300mm. I like your combo' I hope to add the D850 soon. Please recommend a Mirrorless camera for for night photography' This will be my first Mirrorless Camera; I will of course research It and Thank you for your time and your video.

[@timmydowd7556]

I have the D5300 as a back up and purchased the z50 just recently with the 2 lenses. amazing camera and I would highly recommended, quick question which mount do I need to use the d5300 lenses on the Nikon z50? Most of my d5300 lenses are sigma

[@StevenBrener]

Did you test out DX DSLR lenses on the Z50 with an adapter? How did they perform? Thanks (Bummer about IBIS though, I have it on my Pentaxes, and love it.)

[@andrewlockett4692]

Just got the Z50 loving it so far.

[@jbenedict100]

I have a question that I would like your input on. I have two cameras. A Nikon D7500 and the D750. I am using the full frame for wildlife photography and the crop sensor for portrait and studio work. Do you think I should switch?

[@Snailmale7]

John Benedict no, I think you are should add the Z50 to your collection and have 3 cameras .

[@doplinger1]

That D500 sure does have a buffer on it! Like you said though, not many need that kind of buffer. What seems more important to me would be how fast does it clear once filled? That's always been a sore spot for Sony, though it doesn't bother me because I never shoot a that speed.

[@barthonhoff5547]

My main problem with a non-pro camera as a hobby-ist is the ease to have settings silently changed. That is the reason to continue to use DSLRs like the D7200 and D200. That was also - next to IBIS - the reason to purchase an X-H1

[@roninr8199]

I just got d7500 and When battery is still inside the camera and is turned off, the top lcd screen still shows number of shots remaining. How do I turn that off completely?

[@NJ_Galactic]

you dont

[@roninr8199]

@@NJ_Galactic did you mean you can't turn it off?

[@Steve-jq4st]

I got my D500 last year on the recommendation of a tour guide and professional photographer for a major international outdoors/wildlife magazine. I won’t be selling it because it does everyone I want and exceeds my capabilities. There is too much pressure to always have the latest and models change almost continuously (don’t get me started on golf clubs).

[@Paul-D-Hoff]

You know about carrying film and the room that took. What is the problem with having more than one battery and more. Your not paying for film anymore, so that is money for batteries.

[@marcoferrito9672]

the sound of the d500 is pure orgasm. I have a d3100 and I want to upgrade my setup. I'm looking for something ""serious"" for landscape and video as well. The nikon dsrl sucks in video, but the z50 is really good on that, but the d750,d810 are really good for landscape. The z6 is too much expensive right now for me. What do you suggest?

[@joeandrews9846]

I really hope you don't sell a D500 assuming that a Z50 has the same power for a Nature Photography tour. Respectfully, the D500 owns the Z50 in both focal acquisition, buffer, and durability. The D500 is for hardcore nature work, (birds) and sports, in the environment. The Z50 is not a camera I'm hooking up a 600mm lens with and going birding with. If your work is with a 35mm lens walking about, I suppose the Z50 would suffice, but you really should be comparing the D7500 to the Z50.

[@glenhar1225]

What you say is true but already baked into her analysis. If the D500 lost marginally in the arena she is playing in, the D7500 certainly would have.

[@scraymond5597]

If those were our only cameras, we'd probably keep the D500. As Leigh says in the video, having the Sony a7 R IV makes it much easier to sell the D500. One more note - we "should" compare whatever cameras we want. In this case, we compared two cameras that we own, so that we could determine which we'd sell. Have already photographed birds in flight with the Z 50. Worked great. It's a fast camera and we only filled the buffer when we were intentionally trying to.

[@joeandrews9846]

@@scraymond5597 The Sony is a beast. The only reason I haven't switched is too much Nikon glass, and something in the shots seem off contrast wise vs. the Nikon. But it's a beast.

[@notjacknicholson2225]

I've been into photography for around 15 years. I wanted to buy a d500 lately and couldn't get one anywhere... So I went with the z50. I am so so pleased with this camera. I have a bunch of dx lenses which I love for various reasons and the z50 actually has a better resolution than the z6 in dx mode (which wouldn't have been the case with the z7 but the limit I could afford was the z6 so..!). Also, I bought a couple of z mount lenses and so far and I'm very impressed. They are sharper, more compact, produce less chromatic aberrations, have much faster focus speed and are quieter (all in general) than older f mount lenses. I'm very happy I couldn't get a d500 in the end.

[@nikonian4589]

I recently bought the Z50 to see how I feel about the EVF and smaller body. I really enjoy the Z50, I find myself using the F-mount lenses and adapter. If Nikon would come out with some native glass, I would like it a lot more. For now I’m sticking with the D850.

[@Stop-All-War]

If I had a D850, weight vs results & functions..I'd happily carry it.

[@blackmamba3427]

Awesome video and commentary 👌

[@greyhoundrick5568]

Great advice! Its really up to the individual photographer to do the research and find out the best fit for them. So many variables! I have the D500/D850/Z7. I love them all and shoot them all about equal time! If I was pinned down to keeping just one it would be a difficult choice, but at this juncture I think I would choose the D850 by just a hair over the Z7. However, given a couple of more S lenses, teleconverters, firmware updates etc. I think the Z7 will evolve into my favorite! One other thing to mention with regard to the DSLR vs. Mirrorless with Nikon that Ive found. I do a lot of off camera flash and have used Nikon, Alien Bees, Pocket Wizard and Godox products. In my experiences the D500 and D850 work seamless with the Godox system whereas the Z7 is not as adaptable in terms of off camera TTL and basic consistent reliability. I believe its a Godox thing as the updates seem to lag behind a bit more with the Z system. Great channel and best to you, Rick

[@mcoffroadinaz4075]

Yes, shooting motor action, we need that buffer. FAST action is something that goes faster than a bicycle.

[@geraldheitman7687]

I have big mitt's for hands and when I went and picked up the smalller Z camera's they just didn't feel good to me. I'II keep my big D500 wth grip with 17-55 2.8 DX, 70-200 2.8 FX and 200-500 5.6 FX.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Ergonomics is DEFINITELY all about personal preference. If you don't like holding your camera, you'll never use it!

[@donwest1869]

I love the D500 or race cars. I shoot 10fps and get nice results.

[@Dylon1981]

just got a Z50 to replace my D500 for my hikes and travels. but still keeping the D500 and my D780. only got the Z50 for its weight and 4K video.

[@greyhoundrick5568]

Always a treat to visit your channel Leigh! You and Raymond do a fantastic job and are very reputable. Im a 13 year Nikon shooter and have shot briefly with Sony cameras before returning them (A7riv/A7iii). Nothing against Sony at all, but in every area except AF for fast moving subjects the Z and F mount Nikons are better for me personally. The Nikon files are extraordinary as is the entire experience. I do believe that Nikon has come a long way with their Z camera's AF for sports/wildlife and will soon be on equal ground in that area vs. Sony. With regard to this video, I am currently shooting with a Z7 and D500. I use the D500 for fast action and feel the AF is superior to the Z cameras at this moment in time, but it would not surprise me to see the Zs catch up quickly! I have not yet shot the Z50 but am looking forward to giving it a go in the near future! Best to you and your channel and hope to see you folks out at The Riparian, Zoo, Botanical Gardens etc. sometime. It would be great to meet you! Take care, Rick in Ahwatukee 😀

[@kencochrane8795]

Hi, got a Z50 and love it. I have 1 comment. I believe Nikon made a mistake not including IBIS. Lack of this feature means that Z50 shooters are pretty much bound to the new Nikon Z mount, DX, VR lenses. I would be perfectly OK purchasing the Z mount, F lenses that do not have built in image stabilization, but rely on the in body feature. I do not like plastic lens mounts. Thanks for your review

[@CloverPhotoandVideo]

Life is short. I say keep both! :) Actually, both cameras are great, and definitely have their strengths. I love the buffer and fast focusing of the D500, but the Z50 works great with the FTZ and Nikon's AF-P lenses, and the kit lenses, especially for the price, perform well. Video of course is a big plus with the Z50. The D500 feels more rugged. The Z50 great if you want to travel light. A newcomer to DSLRs or mirrorless cameras (someone moving up from a cell phone) might feel overwhelmed with a D500. Bottom line, you can't go wrong with either camera.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

That's right - you can't go wrong with basically any camera on the market today. They certainly all have their benefits/drawbacks, but they're all very capable!

[@sunking9050]

Great video. Your comments about mirrorless vs DSLR are spot on. I couldn’t go back to an optical viewfinder having used the electronic viewfinder in the Z6

[@Gael32]

I'm the opposite. The Z6 evf is "ok" until you try to zoom in and then the refresh rate drops like a rock to the bottom of a pond which means I get no better functionality with it over an OVF. On the other hand, Sony has it's refresh rate down pat. I can zoom in x2 with the A7III without refresh rate issues.

[@LawrenceStanger]

Great video. I shoot junior rodeo with a Nikon D500, specializing in capturing facial expressions on kiddos and on their horses. I typically spray and pray to get spirit and personality, on horse and rider together if I can. I usually shoot 12,000 to 15,000 RAW pix during a 7-hour rodeo but just shot 25,000 in my last rodeo. What blows me away is that I typically get 5,000 to 7,000 pix per battery. No chimping. Can't explain that but I love it. My greatest problem is at night on a poorly lit arena where I am shooting at an ISO of 51,200 at 10 frames per second and the mirror black out time in a dim viewfinder makes keeping action centered in the sensor difficult. A fellow photog with the latest mirrorless Nikon does not have that black out issue. But I would not change even if I could afford to. I love my D500.

[@davidjoy5996]

Have been waiting for the prices of full frame dslr’s and lenses to fall due to the market shift to mirrorless for years but it hasn’t happened. Why? Because many, many photographers continue to use and enjoy them. Go buy mirrorless so I can purchase more full frame used stuff at lower cost!

[@canjo7301]

Well said.....

[@snehasispal833]

Can I use XQD cards for both the slots?

[@wildlifebybrianhoule]

I don't shoot Nikon, but my friends who do, have stuck with the D500 over the Z series. The D500 seems to yield great results judging from their photos. As for 17:25, YES! I just bought the A7RIV as a 2nd body to my A9. The A7RIV does seem to pack a ton of value for the cost. I can't wait to put it through its paces.

[@trfisher78]

Can the Z50 use every Nikon AF lens built since 1977? The D500 can and is the only body I know of that can.

[@jasonkrupp2326]

I believe all of the current Nikon DSLRs can. D7500, 850, 780 and D6. I don't think any of the mirrorless bodies will autofocus with the old lenses.

[@trfisher78]

@@jasonkrupp2326 All of the current Nikon DSLR's will autofocus with some older lenses but the D500 is the only one that autofocuses with all older lenses per the lens compatibility chart on Nikon's website.

[@PunjabiGymBeats]

If weight not issue D500 is still a beast, nikon d780 could be a successor but it missed the joystick and 153 autofocus points.

[@CaptainJamesTKirk-en4kt]

I own the Z6 and just bought the D500 because I shoot a lot of sports and landscape stuff. Sports, the hands-down the D500 works the best, plus not enough lenses with the Z series and they are a tad too expensive. The Nikon menu system works for me, and I have invested in lenses so hard to switch but I have Shot with Olympus and Sony as well as Canon.

[@whfowle]

I use the D500 for auto racing. It gives me greater reach for my telephoto lenses and has the speed and buffer of the D5. I also have a Z6 and 7 but they cannot keep up with the autofocus of the D500 so I use them for stills and other things. For me the replacement of the D500 will be the Z9.

[@patrick.991]

thank you for the review! you compared a 35mm DX on the D500 with a 35mm Z on the Z50. Doesn't the 35mm Z behave like a 50mm on the DX sensor? What's the minimum shutter speed you can shoot with the Z50 to get sharp images when using the non-stabilized Z lenses? thanks! :)

[@ProxodilMimo]

I find that my d700 with 200-500mm still serve me well, so I am not in the market at the moment. But I can't help but to say: what a great review, as always! I am finding that your channel is the only remaining that I can trust for objective and non-bashing material. Thanks again Leigh and Raymond for being there, I look forward to each of your reviews.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Thank you for watching! :)

[@TeKnoVKNG23]

Not dealing with anything near the quality you are, but I've been shooting with both my D7100 and a Sony A6000 that I just got this past cyber Monday, despite it being an old camera, I wanted something somewhat entry-level for my first foray into mirrorless. I still love my big Nikon boy, but I have to say the weight and portability of the A6000 is winning me over and the electronic viewfinder is awesome. Battery life is a bit of an issue, but easily solved with a portable USB charger that I can literally charge the camera with out of my pocket if need be. If I want to go out and shoot with my D7100, I have to bring along my bag full of lenses, but with the A6000 I can literally put the kit 16-50 in my pocket and easily swap between it and the 55-210. As I said, I still love shooting my D7100, it just fits so nicely in my hand and being a bigger guy I like having a bit of weight, so the A6000 is a bit "tiny" in my hands and that can be annoying at times, though I think it's sold me on going Mirrorless when I do eventually upgrade to a professional level camera. For now though, I get the best of both worlds since K&F makes an adapter so I can throw all my Nikon lenses on the A6000.

[@dougchrisope9958]

Great video Leigh! Explaining your process will be very useful to some. I just bought myself a D500 for Christmas as it was an upgrade to the D5300 and D3400 bodies I've been using. With so many DX lenses in my collection, I saw it as a way to boost capabilities in the DSLR world. I am enjoying the improved video and stills immensely. It was sort of a last gasp-grasp of the DSLR world, but I got a world-beater for $1200! I expect my next body will be mirrorless in 1 or 2 or 3 years.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Hi Doug! I'm glad you're enjoying the D500 - it's a great body. I'll be sad to pack mine up and send away.

[@dapastra]

Hi I have a question to you, the z50 show histogram will you shot video? Thanks

[@pattybuie5878]

No camera is the right camera for everyone, we all have the one that feels right. With the quality of cameras today, you select one for the niche that you need to scratch. Personally for my business I can not justify replacing all of my fast glass with new glass. My customers could never tell the difference. I have shot the Z7 with 85mm 1.8 and it is super.

[@garygodfrey9708]

Going into Retirement and going to a low budget I wanted to buy cameras that would last for years to come. I purchased the D-500 and the Z6, and I don't think I could do any better. These two cover everything I need in my future photography with the glass I own. Great video, thanks...

[@451greenwood]

That's a great match

[@MiamiVPG]

That is exactly what I have and love them both. I use the D500 for wildlife/nature and the Z6 for family/portraiture type photos. I have also placed my Nikon 105mm macro lens on the Z6 for still subjects like flowers and it has been amazing. I just wish Nikon was a bit quicker getting Z lenses to the market.

[@garygodfrey9708]

@@MiamiVPG that's exactly what I use both cameras for and I am very happy, as a bonus I do too much video but if I do I have heard the Z-6 does a great job with video, take care...

[@johnrandle1337]

Hi snapchic. I have a D500. Got it just before Christmas. I've always used Nikon cameras. This camera is built like a tank and i wouldn't worry about taking it out in wet weather. The Z50 i imagine isn't as well sealed i think? So this for one reason would make me think twice about swapping. I would like to go into mirrorless for the advancement in the tech specs of these cameras especially the Sony's. But are Sony's as reliable and as strong build as a D500. I look at the Sony's a lot but there is always that niggling doubt about good build quality and reliability and good weather sealing etc🤔

[@LeighAndRaymond]

The Z50 isn't as weather-sealed as the D500 but I wouldn't hesitate to take it out in a bit of weather. As for Sony, I would take my Sony a7R IV to all of the same places as the Nikon D500. I think people tend to be too fearful of taking their gear out. :)

[@johnrandle1337]

@@LeighAndRaymond hi. Has the z50 an alloy body or just plastic?

[@ThirdDjembe]

Great video, really lays out your situation and criteria well. I understand your decision, but does that leave you with any Nikon DX F-mount bodies in your collection?

[@scraymond5597]

D50 and D70, which obviously don't hold up to today's standards, but will be fun to make a "Z50 versus D50" video :)

[@carolinagorodetsky8200]

Thanks! Do you use VR2 Nikon 70-200 version?

[@MichaelWolffKG4Y]

While the test case raised an eyebrow to compare these two cameras (others have mentioned the niche that the D500 was apparently intended to fill), it made for an interesting view. It seems that you have experience with the D500 in the use case for which it is widely known to shine, but the alignment of the test case seemed to biased toward what a Z50 might be better suited. More candidly, taking a D500 with a fixed, relatively short, focal distance into a museum to compare to the Z50 seems a bit akin to bringing a .44 Magnum to a fencing match. Further, I found following your reasoning on giving up the D500 for the Z50 to be a bit curious, as I am under the impression the work you do is less shooting in museums than it is shooting landscapes, wildlife and sports. I might be incorrect, as this is the first of your videos I have ever watched. Certainly, it was interesting to see the bake-off approach taken in deciding which to keep and which to sell, but I think the ground truth is the D500 was seen as lesser necessary to retain because of your preference for the Sony A7 and A9 variants that you pointed out for shooting the things for which the D500 seems to otherwise excel. Thanks for sharing!

[@KevTheHeartist]

Do you still have the z50