Why Z6

The full-frame mirrorless Nikon Z6 has become my “go-to” camera, replacing the APS-C sensor Fujifilm X-Pro2 as a lightweight alternative to my DSLR cameras.

However, the Z6 is bit heavier and bulkier than the X-Pro2, so when Nikon announced the Z50 — a bantamweight entrant in Nikon’s late challenge to the pro mirrorless contest — I was all eyes.

As the “outro” of the video above demonstrates, weight becomes a major consideration, along with stabilization, for walkabout “vlogging.”

Mixing footage from the Nikon and Fujifilm cameras is a real time-waster in post-production. As soon as budget allowed, I was planning to consolidate my video-capable cameras. Of course, a second Z6 was my first choice. But, a Z50 and two lenses released with it — a NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR and DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR — can be had for around $1600CAD. The Z6 body alone costs $2500 (usually with a FTZ adapter for F-mount lenses thrown in).

The Z50 kit is tempting. However, as I say in the video, a closer look at the specs convinced me to spring for a second Z6.

Why not Z50

• Of course, the Z50 is not a full-frame camera; it has a 20.9MP DX CMOS sensor. I liquidated my F-mount DX lenses (along with 3 DSLR bodies) 4-years-ago to rationalize the X-Pro2 purchase, so in spite of the fact that sensors have improved in the interim and the X-Pro2 has a capable 25MP APS-C sensor, going to DX seemed like a step backwards.
• No IBIS (in-body image stabilization); VR in lenses instead.
• The Z50 batteries are different, smaller, so not compatible with the Z6.
• Single card slot … which is not a dealbreaker in itself — the Z6, to the dismay of many, has only 1 card, but it holds a robust, blazingly fast XQD. The Z50 uses a single SD card, capped at UHS-1, slower than UHS-II and III.
• Not weather-sealed to the same degree as its full-frame siblings.
• The Z50 LCD articulates downward so it can be viewed from the front of the camera … however, the screen would be obscured by a tripod, monopod or gimbal.

So, while I’d happily buy a Z50 for travel and b-roll video — I’m sure video quality would be better than the GoPro Hero8 — it made more sense for me at this time to double up on the Z6.

Some people have asked why not a 45MP  Z7?

A: $1300 and the fact that the Z6 is better suited to video, which topped the feature list when I chose my first Z6, last spring. I now pick up the Z6 over my 36MP Nikon D800 for stills as well.