mgstrawn Loc: Atlanta, GA

Hi, Everyone! I hope I’m posting in the correct area. Last year, I bought the intro Nikon Z50. Basically to replace my Nikon D7200. As I get older, the weight of the camera inflames the arthritis in my hands at times. It seems that Mirrorless is the way of the future, but I’m having a hard time getting used to the Z50. It’s lightweight and easy to understand and operate, but I miss using my D7200, which I still have by the way. I was considering selling it to KEH. Do you guys feel like the DSLR is soon to be a camera of the past? I actually bought the adaptor and use most of my F mount lenses. Just wondering how many of you are using a Nikon Z camera and your thoughts about them. Thanks!

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

I don't know if I will ever go mirrorless. I'm heavily invested in Nikon DSLRs and they continue to fill all my needs. Seems like all the herd members jump on board anything new and "exciting". I'm more interested in tried and true and functional. Not interested in FLASHBANG OH HOW COOL BOY I'M GOING THERE SINCE ALL THE OTHER COOL PEOPLE ARE ALREADY THERE AND I JUST DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE BACK HERE WITH ALL THE WANNABES!
Did I get carried away??

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

The DSLR is dead except for Pentax.
No new Nikon DSLRs and as they get discontinued support will be discontinued a bit later, especially for the enthusiast/beginner models.
You can look and say will my DSLR outlive me and not fail.
Your decision.

Never Get Out Of The Boat

I am thinking of purchasing the Z50 myself so will be interested in any responses to your topic. Weight and handling are also a consideration of mine. I currently have a D850 and a full backpack of dslr gear is hard on my shoulders. I don't think dslrs will totally ever be a thing of the past. People still like shooting film, right?

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I've been shooting Mirrorless since 1969. About 5 years ago or so, I purchased my second mirrorless from a UHH member. That is the one I use now almost exclusively. As for weight, either one is quite heavy and ideally requires a tripod.

I'm sure the camera body to which you are referring is lighter than your D7200. However, how much weight savings are you talking about once you start putting lenses on the Z50?
--Bob

R.G. Loc: Scotland

I only have experience of a Z5 but I get the impression that Nikon are striving for simplicity with the Z cameras and I'm guessing that the Z50 is also a simple camera to operate. So I'm left with the impression that the main problem comes down to the Z50 being different from what you're used to. If the Z50 has a quick access menu like the Z5's you should do all you can to familiarise yourself with its contents and how it works. When you feel more comfortable with it it's the sort of feature that can only help.

photostephen

I recently purchased a Nikon Z30 (similar to a Z50 minus the viewfinder). I still have Nikon D850, D750 and D7100 which I still love, each one has a place in my photography hobby.

My new Z30 has a new role. First it is great for Video. I want to learn Video. Since I retired a few years ago, learning new skills is keeping me both physically and mentally active.

Also, the Z30 takes great photos. I look at screen, see where I want the focus to be and I just touch the focus point on the screen. Almost magically, the Z30 focuses where I touched and takes the photo. And while the Z30 has less pixels than my D850, I rarely print larger than 8x10. And I have Topaz Gigapixel if I need more megapixels.

As for weight, I purchased the Z30 with the 16-50 and 50-250 kit lens. (These kit lens are crop lens so are very light.). Therefore the weight of the Z30 and both lens is less than just the body of any of my DSLR without any lens attached. So much easier to just grab the small camera bag and go.

Thankfully I can afford to keep all my camera bodies and lens, and do not need to sell old equipment to afford new equipment.

I am planning on a vacation soon, and I expect to only take my Z30 with its two lens. Mostly to save my shoulder and back from the weight of carrying one of my full frame DSLR cameras. Before I purchased the Z30, I took my D750 with a 28-300 lens on vacation, who wants to lug a full camera setup on vacation, when photography is not the main objective. Yes camera gear weight matters.

Never Get Out Of The Boat

I was looking at the z30. But decided I need the viewfinder as a backup for bright sunlight. Do you have any trouble viewing the rear screen in bright light?

Tom Shelburne Loc: Roaring Gap NC

I have a Z6 and bought Z50 for my wife as lighter camera. I have used both for over a year and leave my 50-250 one(which is light) and my 24-70 on the other. Very satisfied- will stay out of the DSLR vs Mirrorless debate. I feel both meet my needs in NC and on 2 trips to Africa.I mainly shoot for pleasure but do some paid work also.

photostephen

Yes sometimes in bright light the rear screen is hard to see fully. However, since I just touch the rear screen to set the focus point and instantly take the photo, seeing the screen clearly when taking a photo is not important.
For reviewing the photos, I can turn so my body shades the rear screen and I can see it clearly.

So I am not missing the view finder as much as I would expect.

mgstrawn Loc: Atlanta, GA

Not at all! I am heavily invested in DSLR’s as well! I feel like you are not alone at all in your loyalty to DSLR’s!

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

To answer your basic question, electronic (mirrorless) technology will (already has) replaced mechanical (DSLR) technology. Flapping mirrors are not a long-term solution in this day and age.

But that doesn’t mean that the early implementations are perfect. I was an early owner of a Z50 (to try mirrorless), and have worked my way through a Z6 and a Z7II. As a birder, none of these were as satisfactory as my D500. Only the Z9, purchased last December, has replaced the D500 as my primary body. Unfortunately, the technology in the Z9 has not (yet) trickled down to lighter and less expensive models.

The Z50 is a marvelous little camera, but the way it operates does take a bit of getting used to. But, wouldn’t you find the same challenges with any new camera system, especially in compact formats? On the other hand, I found it VERY easy to get used to the ability to see the exposure before taking the picture, which IMO is one of the great advantages of mirrorless.

I took my D500 out for a day of shooting recently, and it felt clunky and archaic in my hands. And what was that loud clicking when I pressed the shutter button? I used to swear that I would never sell it, but now I am not so sure.

Nothing says you need to give up your D7200, but as you use the Z50 more, you may come to understand and appreciate it more.

Bill_de Loc: US

There is certainly a difference in handling a Z50 and D7200. I own and play with both. We are all different, but I suggest you hang on to the Z50 for a while and "play with it" in your spare time. You might get to like it a lot.

---

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

I have both a Z50 and a Z6II. I really like both. The Z50 travels just about anywhere, and I find it easy to pack for vacations with usually one or two lenses. I have only Z lenses and moved to them over time. The kit lenses for the Z50 perform well and I believe for general photography meet my needs well. Using an FTZ adapter and the F mount lenses was just not for me. Others may not agree with everything I have said. To me, photography is personal thing: I do not pretend to be even an advanced amateur. If Nikon ever upgrades the Z50 with things like IBIS, I will probably upgrade. I like the portability if the camera and am very satisfied with the image quality. Read Ken Rockwell’s and Thom Hogan’s reviews on the Z50 for more “professional” opinions.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Ooh! You asked that question! Although I like the Z cameras, I often find myself grabbing the D750. I've had it for years, and I'm used to it. You have a tough choice to make. I would suggest keeping the one you find most comfortable. I doubt pictures from the D7200 are going to look bad in comparison with those from the Z50. If you're going to sell one, you will probably get a better price here. Offer it to both KEH and MPB. https://www.mpb.com/en-us

Here's what the Z50 has sold for on Bay lately. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=nikon+z50&_sacat=0&rt=nc&LH_Sold=1&LH_Complete=1