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

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It's tough to say goodbye to cameras. This is a bit of our process in deciding what to get rid of!
Z50 Review: • Nikon Z50 - Replacing ...
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Hi! I’m SnapChick. My channel is about photography as an art form and as a lifestyle, with a healthy dose of technology thrown in! I post new videos every week so subscribe here on KZbin, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+, and join in on the conversation!
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[@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.

[@johnkosterimages]

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.

[@MercedLCARS]

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

[@luca_rr4660]

It sounds like a motorbike haha

[@phanumatduangthai3401]

Love the D500's shutter sound!

[@gyozakeynsianism]

Thank you for this video. You've taught me a lot about how AF works in the two camera styles. I didn't realize that the max aperture for a lens is important when it comes to AF! If lots of people are selling their D500 I may be a buyer, since the stuff they cut from the D7500 is kind of important (no preview button!?!?). Interesting times we're living in in the transition from DSLR to mirrorless now that mirrorless tech is so good. Great video!

[@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!

[@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.

[@OneCameraOneLens]

Superb video Leigh, I'm sure many people will find this useful. Since moving to mirrorless myself, I can never see myself going back to a DSLR for many of the reasons you mention! Keep up the good work!

[@MercedLCARS]

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

[@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

[@bivouacphotography4768]

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

[@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.

[@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 🌞

[@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

[@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.

[@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 😀

[@robertdavis1255]

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

[@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.

[@johnkosterimages]

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]

@@johnkosterimages 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.

[@nadantagaming2276]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@johnpuga1982]

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 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@gumplenet]

Great video! I switched to mirrorless late last year opting for the Z7 instead of the D850 and haven't regretted that decision one bit. Have also considered a Z6 for more night shooting and getting into video. I also have a D500 which I plan to hold onto until there's a true mirrorless replacement for it. The Z50 while looking great with some updates to the Z6/7 doesn't feel like it's the right body to replace my D500 just yet. I feel with the improvements Nikon is making, it's only a matter of time before I go fully mirrorless.

[@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

[@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

[@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! :)

[@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.

[@mcoffroadinaz4075]

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

[@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.

[@randygeene9455]

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

[@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).

[@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...

[@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.

[@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.

[@andrewriley4990]

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

[@slodays1158]

Thanks for the vid. I better understand where you are coming from with your decision. You do also have the A7RIV. I would love the D500 capability in a mirrorless format ( I know, I know...Sony). I have the Z 7 but it's a different beast. I also like that I can set up differnt focus points on a button on the D500.Video capability on the Z 7 is great too vs the D500 live view. Thanks again.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@Ausknutz]

Nice video! I think the D5600 is the one for me, since I am not a pro photographer and I like the flip screen for selfies. I would love to get the Z50, but here in Brazil there's nowhere to find neither Z mount lens nor the FTZ adapter so far, which is quite a bummer. Also the flip down screen in the Z50 is not optimal for me since I often use a tripod.

[@pauldhoff]

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.

[@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!

[@sarfaraz.hosseini]

I throughly enjoyed this video. Lots of informative points of view. +1

[@55whiplash]

I hope you're feeling better!

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@johnkosterimages]

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]

​@@johnkosterimages 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!!

[@wayner8088]

Very informative and detailed info. I have both the D500 and Z50 at the moment and I am also in the process of selling one of them. So far for the past month I've been using the Z50 7 times out of 10 photoshoots, and it is seriously a darling and major contender in the world of mirrorless cameras. Going back to the D500 definitely feels like going back to semi-truck. No words can express the ease of usability and functionality of the Z50. I will go with your weighted words on letting go your D500 and do the same here. Thanks!

[@fabioreina6384]

Hello. Is Z50 good at high ISO? Is it a good camera?

[@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.

[@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.

[@sidvicious3129]

I actually respect that she does stuff like this. It gives an on-site to her and Raymond’s thought process regarding both in buying and selling cameras. It can be fun trying different things if you can afford it, which is why camera and lens rentals is always an option. For me I own a d810, d500, F4 and a Fuji Xt3. Mirrorless advantages are undeniable, but for me, I have never even considered selling my d500 for Fuji, Nikon, Sony or anything else because it’s purpose and I enjoy shooting with it. The d810 is a studio camera for me and the Fuji is for video or times,that I want a lighter body even for photography. I still love DSLR and the next upgrade for me will be extremely well thought out and take some time, due to the financial beating you take when you sell or trade in. If I were going to do anything, it would be to move to an xt4 with ibis, but for me I would like to see what Fuji will do with a xh2 first, and I will see what sales if any are offered on the Xt4. In the Nikon camp, I will just wait, the Z6s and Z7s look to be what the Z6 should have been, but a d850 would be an even better bet for me at this time if the price was lower still. I don’t have the rush to the smallest camera mentality as some do, smaller has its place, but sometimes the laws of physics with the bigger lenses kills the Mirrorless size advantages. With larger lenses the DSLR is more balanced in the hands,but heavier and for birding that’s what a gimbal is for. I agree that you don’t necessarily need the buffer of the d500, but if you have ever shot jets or fast moving aircraft at air shows, this is one area specifically that the d500 buffer along with the d5 comes in handy and you will be glad that you have it. Mirrorless is great, but Nikon and Canon’s bread and butter is for the time being still DSLR and I still love them and wouldn’t turn down a d5 for any Mirrorless body except a Sony A9, which is just a pleasure to shoot. It comes down to each to their own. I can’t wait to see her and Raymond buy the new Canon R5 and R6 and give their thoughts.

[@andrewlockett4692]

Just got the Z50 loving it so far.

[@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.

[@RRRCCCDDD]

Between the two, for me D500 is king outdoors. Inside, I just love mirrorless.

[@tommacbride3654]

Nice job! Well done, Cheers!

[@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.

[@HeroShotz]

I love my z50 i just wish i could get a few batteries lol they are all sold out everywhere. A battery grip would be nice too but im sure in time a 3rd party will make one hopefully.

[@jeepcats]

Try directly from Nikon's website. I got my extra there after failing to find one anywhere else.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.)

[@mitchtillison]

Like you, I love the immediate feedback provided by electronic viewfinders. Thanks for your many thoughtful reviews and insights. I own th D500 and the z6 and when it comes to anything other than sports or fast moving wildlife, the z6 is infinitely more advantageous for me and my circumstances.

[@troyphillips1077]

I have the d500 with a grip and I grip all my cameras. I just got the Sigma 40mm Art for my gripped d850 . Wow dang it’s heavy. Loving the the lens even though it’s heavy. I walked through the woods today with it and an old film camera. It was an old Fujifilm 6x9 rangefinder. I have bad knees and very weak these day . After about two hours of walking n shooting I felt strained. A year ago I kind of laughed at folks who complained about the weight of dslrs. Especially full grow men . Well I’m starting to feel there complaints . I’d always worked hard and heavy. Guess I didn’t realize what it was like for folks that had live their lives behind desks and computers. I’ll be moving into the mirrorless realm partially within a year . Thanks for your great reviews

[@patrick.771]

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! :)

[@leroymichaelson4922]

I haven't touched my DSLRs since I bought a Z6 and 2 Z50s. (I needed 3 for video.) With a pile of Nikon pro glass, the Z series work very well. The Z6 is my main camera. The Z50s are cameras B and C (with pro glass), while they also make great pocket cameras for my wife and I with the kit lenses. We use the Z50s for things that we would have used our phones for. Now we are no longer disappointed with our snapshots.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Thank you for sharing your experience. :)

[@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 :-)

[@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

[@dan4466]

I have no desire to sell my D500, but I wouldn’t want to lose $1000. From what I see I’d be lucky to get $1500 for it with the 16-80 kit lens. Paid $2500. I do plan on getting a Z50 just for travel because of the lightness. Seems like a awesome little camera.

[@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.

[@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.

[@michaelyolch79]

You're such an incredibly alluring presenter. I honestly don't mean that in a weird way...but far more the "powerfully and mysteriously attractive and fascinating" part of the definition. THANK YOU for creating such an inspirational channel! I just love it! :)

[@burritobrosvideos8060]

Weirdo

[@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.

[@DavidPetryk]

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

[@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

[@PatrickOSullivanAUS]

The D500's buffer and it's ability to clear the buffer is an action winner. In fact the D500 buffer (200 shots) is intentionally limited so momentarily removing your finger and pressing again you can action shoot again. I also have the Fuji X-T3 and its buffer is way too short. Anyway camera's are getting better so enjoy them. Also the 35mm Dx lens is good but slow at focusing.

[@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.

[@dapastra]

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

[@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.

[@arthuranderson9339]

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

[@GeoFavTech]

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

[@user-ui3pg5ot6f]

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.

[@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

[@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

[@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?

[@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.

[@felipousismix]

Thanks for you honest point of view, priceless!

[@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.

[@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.

[@kirk0831]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@dkasvin1]

Something in your words makes me feel that you hesitant to betray "battle tested" (your words, not mine) D500. Keep both if you can afford. You keep your film cameras, Right?... Z50 is hands down the nice little camera. It just doesn't offer the same confidence that D500 does every time. I am keeping both. Thank you for all the reasons you shared though. all true...

[@chirag4]

DSLRs feel "unnecessarily Large & Hollow, and a bit cumbersome", and that you like the "Sleek yet Solid" ("Lean & Mean" & Tactile; Haptics matter) feel of Mirrorless cameras .... that sounds so true in 2020. Thanks for the affirmation.

[@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 ...

[@blackmamba3427]

Awesome video and commentary 👌

[@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 .

[@theclips2093]

Coming from the d850 that buffer sounds so good. waiting for the camera to catch up will be a thing of the past

[@theclips2093]

im guessing you have a d850 and know what im talking about it doesnt take long for that buffer to fill up. rightfully so those pictures are huge

[@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

[@josephcole3187]

Price was the biggest factor for me, the Z50 is less than half the price, funny enough also half the weight and will be noticeable when hand holding with a 150-600. With owning the Z6 for all of it’s awesomeness I figured little brother would hold up just as well for that extra reach for wildlife. Great review thank you 🙏🏻

[@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

[@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.

[@niteline42]

Own both cameras, keeping both cameras for different reasons, sent a different body down the road when picked up the Z50 instead of the workhorse. The popcorn is almost done. Now I can watch the video but, pretty sure know what camera you're keeping already without watching from previous video comments. ;)

[@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.

[@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.