aaj3 Loc: Birmingham, AL

I am an amateur photographer, hooked on Nikon and have migrated from many DSLRs/multiple F mount lenses to Mirrorless, and sold all of my previous F mounts. I have a Z7 and most every Z mount lens available to date, including 24-70 f2.8 and preordered 70-200 f2.8. I want a backup camera to have available at all instances of a potential good photo capture mostly in this summer heat/humidity or travel when I can’t go out with my Z7 without a moisture concern or just to have the lighter weight camera available. I have no DX or F mount lens. Would you go with Z5 + 24-200mm lens and stay FX or go with the Z50 DX two lens kit and stay small/lightweight? I would also consider Z6 body as 2nd camera with the new Nikkor Z 24-200mm lens. Thanks for your input.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

What option will make you happy and meet your needs?

Welcome aboard the forum.

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

Since you have migrated completely away from DSLR's and F-mount lenses, if you want a backup full frame Z camera, I would go with the Z5. From what I have read about it, it is pretty similar to the Z6. If you don't shoot much video, the differences in video specs should not be of much concern. The LCD resolution is less on the Z5 than the Z6. If you are not shooting sports, action, or BIF, than the 4.5 fps compared to 12 fps should not matter too much either. The only major difference that may impact photos is the Z6 has a BSI CMOS sensor and the Z5 has a CMOS sensor.

I shoot Nikon as well, but to this point have not made a switch to mirrorless, and if I do, I would keep my DSLR and F mount lenses too and not get rid of them as you did. But, if it was me, I would not go with the Z50 and the two kit lenses that are available right now. Reading the specs on those lenses, I am not overly impressed by either of them. Yes, the Z50 is lighter than the Z5, it does shoot 11 fps, it does have a 180° tilting LCD, and it has the same Expeed 6 Image Processor. But it does not have the 5-axis IBIS, max shutter speed is 1/4000, not 1/8000, it has 209 auto focus points vs. 273 auto focus points of the Z5, smaller viewfinder than the Z5, less viewfinder resolution than the Z5, 1 card slot vs. 2 card slots in the Z5.

We can all give advice and tell you what we would do. But it ultimately boils down to what you want, require, and need in a backup camera.

Good luck in deciding. And welcome to UHH... saw you just joined a few days ago.

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

Did you ever own a DX and FX body at the same time? Having both can open up a wider variety of photographic options. I’d vote for the Z50.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Z5

ELNikkor

Z50

aaj3 Loc: Birmingham, AL

I jumped from a D300S to D600 and gave the DX to one of my kids and have never had both at the same time. That is a good thought to have a DX and FX and maybe should go on with the D50. It is small and I can leave in my car or outside in these summer months in Alabama to stop condensation. Thanks so much and I am enjoying reading your posts! Have a great weekend?

BDHender

I have a Z7 and had the same issue. I bought the Z6 on sale last month. It has the same body and operating system as the z7. It does a little better in high ISO, has a better video and is a little faster in burst than the Z7. The 7 has a much higher megapixel sensor and better detail. The Z50 has a slightly different body and operating system and is missing several capeabilities. I chose the Z6 since I don't have to think about which button does what. I have configured both cameras the same.

Bryan

gsnelson Loc: Western Maryland

I think you would want to back up full frame with full frame and buy full frame lenses.

tcthome Loc: NJ

Welcome aboard. Depends on what you consider sacrificail as far as dollars go, Your talking possible heat damage if I'm correct. If that's the case, Z50. I would go for the Z6, unless your going to be leaving it the car in 100*F + temps. There is good insurance out there for camera equipment.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Having similar thoughts. Currently have Z6 with FTZ and D5600 with a stable of lenses. I’ve found the Z6 challenging and wish I’d either kept my D800 or got the Z7.

I mostly use the D5600 for wildlife with Nikon 200-500. I’d like to have the higher ISO capability of the Zs for that purpose. Nikon ticked me off by disabling alternative image areas on the Zs with DX lenses. I also used to use it for air travel but I also have a Lumix GM5 when small and light matters most.

Although I only use it rarely I really like the articulated screen of the D5600.

So my random thoughts range from dumping the Z6 for a D850 or getting a Z50 to replace the D5600.

While the FTZ works I find it a pain when switching lenses and cameras.

aaj3 Loc: Birmingham, AL

Agree, I don't like using the FTZ at all. I went from a D600 to D850 and Z7 when they first came out from B&H. No offense to anyone but the D850 is just too heavy for me and since I am a fisherman, "like an anchor", so I decided to move to mirrorless. But the D850 is so pure and fine, that I miss just hearing/feeling the shutter and seeing results! Every camera that I have owned from my first Pentax, Nikon 8008, F4, D100, D200 etc. and upwards is much more capable than I am!!! Any move that I make will be fun. Thanks.

Bill_de Loc: US

I would hold off a bit and see what the new ones offer. Dual card slots are coming, if that is a concern. If you need one now, the Z6 is a good camera.

The Z50 does not have IBIS. The DX/Z lenses have VR. So, it wouldn't make the best backup for a full frame Z. As an extra camera the Z50 with it's kit lenses can be a nice tag along kit.

I own the Z6 and Z50.

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