The Nikon Z50 is Nikon's first attempt at creating an APS-C mirrorless camera - something Sony and Canon have been doing for quite a while. The Nikon Z50 is akin to a mirrorless version of the Nikon D500 or an APS-C version of the Nikon Z6. During the Z50's initial release many dubbed it a dud for it's lack of Z mount lens options and large lens mount on a small body. But this didn't necessarily mean that the Z50 wasn't useful for underwater photgoraphy. In fact, we think the Nikon Z50 is one of the best, if not the best, cropped sensor for underwater photo and video! The Z50's mirrorless capability mixed with Nikon's renowned F mount lens selection (with an FTZ adapter) creates an unstoppable underwater camera system. Off the bat, the Z50 produces unbeatable image/video quality for its price points. It also features mirrorless capability that underwater photographers crave - like EVF's, edge-to-edge focus points, and quick focus using an LCD.

 

 

But it's also important to consider the crowded APS-C mirrorless field. So how does it stack up to Olympus micro-four-thirds systems or Sony a6000 series cameras like the Sony a6100 and a6600? We took the Nikon Z50 diving in the tropical waters of Maui, Hawaii to find out....

 

 

U.S. MSRP Nikon Z50: $859.95

 

The Nikon Z50 has the same Z lens mount as its bigger relatives, the Z6 and Z7. However, it is much cheaper, smaller, and lighter on specs, with an APS-C sensor instead of a full-frame sensor. Nikon has released two Z mount lenses specifically for this sensor size, and the FTZ adaptor gives access to standard Nikon F mount lenses.This is a huge deal for anyone considering taking the Nikon Z50 underwater, as the F mount lenses are currently the only real underwater options for the camera.

 

The main differences you will find between the Nikon Z6 and Z7 cameras is:

 

You can read more about the Z6 and Z7 in our detailed review. 

 

Nikon Z50 Key Features

Body, Build, & Ergonomics

The Z50 does fall a little short for underwater video. Although it has some nice video recording specs of 4K 30p and 1080 120p, it is missing any form of image stabilization. Image stabilization is very important for underwater video, where it is often very difficult to hold the camera totally steady. That being said, the 4K video sampled from an APS-C sensor is going to be higher quality than 4K video taken with a micro-four-thirds camera or a camera like the GoPro Hero 8.

Best Nikon Z50 Settings for Underwater Photos

• Shooting Mode: (M) Manual
• Image File Format: RAW (RAW+Jpeg if you'd like to have files for immediate use without editing)
• ISO 100
• Monitor View Only (if you are planning on shooting with the LCD)
• Active D Lighting: OFF
• Auto Focus Mode: AF-S or AF-C for moving subjects
• Flash Mode: Fill Flash
• Spot Metering for Macro and Evaluative for Wide Angle
• Custom Setting D Shooting/Display: Apply settings to live view OFF 
• Custom Setting E Bracketing Flash: 1/200 (1/500 for the extended flash sync option for shooting sunbursts but note this will only show as an available option when an external strobe is attached.)

• Super Macro - f/32, 1/250 for black backgrounds
• Macro - f/18, 1/200
• Wide Angle - f/9, f/160 down to 1/125 for more color and detail in the background
• Sunbursts - f/11, 1/160 up to 1/500 for more detail in the highlighted areas

Best Lenses for Underwater Use

 

Recommended Underwater Lenses with the FTZ Adapter

Macro

• Nikon 60mm 2.8G Macro: Great all around lens and especially great for blackwater diving
• Nikon 105mm 2.8G VR Macro: Great for small and shy subjects, giving you more working room than the 60mm and essential for super macro. You will get even more working room than normal on the Z50, with an approximately 150 mm full frame equivalent focal length; even better for shy subjects, but difficult for larger macro subjects
• Nauticam Super Macro Converter: the Nauticam super macro converter (SMC-1) is a wet diopter perfect for taking sharp super macro images. In fact, it is the strongest, sharpest diopter on the market. For the best super macro results, use it with the Nikon 105 mm 2.8G VR lens. 

Wide Angle Fisheye

• Nikon 8-15mm: Get creative with the full circular image, or zoom in for a more standard fisheye lens. Read the Nikon 8-15mm FX AF-S f/3.5-4.5E ED Zoom Fisheye Review by Mark B. Hatter. We used this lens for our review. Please note this is a full frame lens, so there is some crop when used with the Nikon Z50. Although it's an excellent fisheye lens, you can't zoom out as far as a circular field of view.
• Nikon 16mm 2.8 Fisheye: Also a great lens, and a popular choice for full-frame 

 

Wide Angle Rectilinear

• Nikon 16-35mm 4.0: Great for large animals and extremely sharp lens, but requires a larger dome to get sharp images. Keep in mind that on the Z50 it will act like a 24 mm equivalent lens, which rules it out for much wide angle shooting

 

 

 

The Z50 is another exciting mid-range mirrorless option. Now that Nikon and Canon have entered into the mirrorless race, expect the pace of innovation to continue to increase. It's an exciting time for mid-range mirrorless cameras, as the technology continues to get better and better, and smaller and less expensive, while the lens ecosystems continue to grow and evolve.

 

The Z50 is a very good first foray by Nikon into the mid-range mirrorless camera world. This camera is worth a serious look, especially for people who want quick and seamless integration with their smartphone and social media, who like vlogging and selfie taking, and who want a simple but powerful piece of photographic equipment.

 

Sony's offerings may have better specs, though they tend to come at a higher price. And the Z50's specs are already very competitive with more established mirrorless players like Olympus and Panasonic.

 

The lack of native Z-mount lenses is a weak spot, especially now while the ecosystem is so new, and certainly one of the things that may make Olympus or Panasonic cameras better options. Nikon's great line of F-mount lenses can be used with the FtZ adaptor, but that adds significant cost and bulk, while the whole point of this camera is to be small, simple and budget friendly.

 

Every camera is a unique tool that has its own advantages and disadvantages over the competition. The key is to be very clear about what facets are most important to you, what jobs you need it to fill, and then pick the best tool for the job. If that's the Z50, then great, it will do an excellent job. If not, there are lots of other fish in the sea!