Canisdirus

You want small and light?

This is not something Nikon is known for...even in the mirrorless dept.

The lightest mirrorless body Nikon has is the Nikon Z 30.

Otherwise try Sony...Oly...Fuji...or Panasonic.

Sony is the widest option lens wise...and performance wise.

If you anticipate joining the only growing photography market...video...Sony or Fuji.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

I conducted a highly reliable and quite scientific experiment to compare the image qualities of my Nikon D810 DSLR and my Nikon Z6 mirrorless cameras. I set them up using the same Nikon mount lens on a tripod and studio lighting with a backdrop. Set them both with the same camera and lens settings and a time delay to avoid any camera shake and give me time to stage. I sat on a stool absolutely still looking into the lens taking a shot with each.

Examining all of the image data to assure they were exactly the same and pixel peaking looking at the finest details, the experiment proved beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I am ugly regardless of what camera takes my picture.😁

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

I'm in the same boat, Sippy.

bkwaters

Look at the Canon R50.

neillaubenthal

Suggest ignoring the orange shirted troll.

Seriously…the Z50 is smaller and lighter than a D500…an depending on your needs/wants/physical abilities/whatever else is a decent replacement. Essentially the same size sensor as the D500 though…both are APS-C…and I don't know if the sensor in the Z50 is of a more advanced design than that in the D500…if it is then IQ and noise and high ISO performance are potentially better. There are a lot of other advantages that come along with mirrorless…and actually most of them are not really due to the lack of a mirror but to being newer/more capable because of advances in technology and computer chips/software. One advantage that is due to no mirror is the EVF which lets you see the actual exposure rather than the lens wide open view of the DSLR.

However…the truth is the 80/4 rule…80% of a good photo comes from 4 inches behind the viewfinder…and generally speaking either a DSLR or a MILC can provide the other 20%. Technology marches on though…and the troll is right that DSLRs are now technologically mostly inferior to MILC…but again, it's not really the mirror or not…it's the advance in tech.

neillaubenthal

Ima pretty sure that noses aren't the word in the original saying…but hey, ha gotta keep it clean so the forum police don't get ya.

neillaubenthal

If only you would do the same…

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

It’s the weight of those full frame lenses that are driving your total system weight. Here are 3 good choices that will substantially reduce your weight and produce great results:

1) Fuji with Fuji lenses (APS-C sensor)
2) Panasonic with Panasonic or Olympus lenses (4/3 sensor)
3) Sony RX100 V7 (1” sensor)

As you go down the list, the sensors get smaller which results in poorer low light performance for the same resolution sensor (typically about 1 stop for each reduction in sensor size), but the camera gets smaller/lighter. For me, the Fuji X-T4/X-T5, both with image stabilization was as much of a hit as I was willing to accept in low noise/high ISO and DR performance vs full frame, and the weight saving vs full frame lenses was night and day. In terms of resolution, the Fuji X-T5 at 42MP is a substantial jump up from the Panasonic G or Sony RX100, both 20-24 MP (depending on the model)

JD750 Loc: SoCal

There are many variables but if you want smaller and lighter consider a M43 kit. They are great for travel, great IQ in good light, Lens + Camera, will be 1/3 the mass and volume of equivalent in APS-C or FF.

neillaubenthal

I realize I'm not a math genius like you apparently are…but a D500 body with battery and card weighs 29.6 ounces…and a Z50 body equivalently equipped weighs 15.7…and even a simpleton like me can see that is a reduction of 13.9 ounces…which unless I completely misunderstand basic arithmetic which as a guy with an engineering degree I'm thinking is unlikely…that's about a 33% difference. Granted…if one were to use the F mount lenses and FTZ instead of getting Z mount lenses the numbers will be closer but still I'm thinking it will be more than 10% although without knowing exactly what lenses we're talking about I didn't do the math…but most people that buy Z bodies use mostly Z lenses ya know. I can guarantee that the Z50 2 lens kit takes pretty darned good images and is plenty good enough for most people's needs…I've even used them for some wildlife shots although I'll admit it doesn't have the AF capability or FPS of the higher priced FF Z bodies but ya know what…I still got the shots.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

I'm sorry but I beg to differ. In the DSLR days Nikon prosumer camera bodies were smaller compared to the others such as Canon. Prosumer and consumer models are always smaller than pro models. I advised OP to consider M43, because if he really wants smaller and lighter why go 1/2 way?

neillaubenthal

Maybe his lack of a mirror to look in is preventing him from recognizing that his patronizing, trolling remarks make him not look nearly as wonderful as he thinks…

stevinri Loc: Rhode Island

Ok everyone lets get back to being adults.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

HA! Didn't see that coming. Got me on that on you did.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

M43 kit for less weight.

FYI Trying to buy a camera listening to the marketing advertisements is like trying to buy a house by looking at real-estate adverts. You have to visit the house you're going to buy. Often the reality is different from the advertisement. Not always in a good way.

Same with cameras. Beg, borrow (don't steal) or rent some of the cameras/lenses you are considering. Got to stores where you can hold them, and try them out. Buy a memory card and take some pics in the store and take the card home look at the images. You are making a long term commitment, so take some time to do the proper research yourself.

Or if that's too much work, you can listen to some random guys on the internet. (Like me.)