Nikon Z50 User's Manual

DIGITAL CAMERA

User's Manual (with Warranty)

• Read this manual thoroughly before using the camera.

• To ensure proper use of the camera, be sure to read “For Your Safety” (page x).

• After reading this manual, keep it in a readily accessible place for future reference.

Package Contents

Z 50 Model Name: N1912

Be sure all items listed here were included with your camera.

BF-N1 body cap

DK-30 rubber eyecup (comes attached to

Camera

EN-EL25 rechargeable Li-ion battery with terminal cover MH-32 battery charger (plug adapter supplied in countries or regions where required; shape depends on country of sale) AN-DC20 strap (0 9)

Memory cards are sold separately. Purchasers of the lens kit

option should confirm that the package also includes a lens (manuals for the lens may also be provided).

The Nikon Download Center

A pdf version of this manual is available from the Nikon Download Center, together with an English-language reference manual with detailed operating instructions, which can be downloaded in pdf format or viewed online in html. Visit the Nikon Download Center to download firmware updates, ViewNX-i and other Nikon computer software, and manuals for other Nikon products including cameras, NIKKOR lenses, and flash units.

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/

camera)

Warranty (printed on the back cover of this manual)

User’s Manual

UC-E21 USB cable

About This Manual

Symbols and Conventions

To make it easier to find the information you need, the following symbols and conventions are used:

This icon marks notes, information that should be read before

using this product.

This icon marks tips, additional information you may find

helpful when using this product.

This icon marks references to other sections in this manual.

Menu items, options, and messages that appear in the camera displays are shown in bold. Throughout this manual, the display in camera monitor and viewfinder during shooting is referred to as the “shooting display”; in most cases, the illustrations show the monitor.

This camera uses SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, referred to throughout this manual as “memory cards”.

Throughout this manual, smartphones and tablets are referred to as “smart devices”.

Camera Settings

The explanations in this manual assume that default settings are used.

A Fo r Your Sa fety

Before using the camera for the first time, read the safety instructions in “For Your Safety” (0 x).

Nikon User Support

Visit the site below to register your camera and keep up-to-date with the latest product information. You will find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and can contact us for technical assistance.

https://www.europe-nikon.com/support

iii

Package Contents ......................................................................... ii

Menu List ....................................................................................... vi

For Your Safety .............................................................................. x

Notices.......................................................................................... xiv

Getting to Know the Camera 1

Parts of the Camera ...................................................................... 1

Camera Body ............................................................................................1

The Monitor and Viewfinder...............................................................5

The G Button.......................................................................................7

First Steps 9

Attach the Camera Strap ............................................................. 9

Charge the Battery...................................................................... 10

The Battery Charger............................................................................ 10

Insert the Battery and a Memory Card.................................... 11

Attach a Lens................................................................................ 15

Turn the Camera On ...................................................................17

Basic Photography and Playback 18

Taking Photographs (b Mode) ................................................18

Shooting Movies (b Mode)....................................................... 22

Basic Playback.............................................................................. 24

Viewing Movies ....................................................................................24

Deleting Unwanted Pictures ........................................................... 26

Technical Notes 27

Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions........................ 27

Specifications...............................................................................32

Approved Memory Cards ..........................................................43

Battery Endurance ...................................................................... 44

NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/3.5–6.3 VR Lens ............................. 45

NIKKOR Z DX 50–250mm f/4.5–6.3 VR Lens........................... 47

Notices........................................................................................... 50

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (Wireless LAN)......................................... 51

Trademarks and Licenses .......................................................... 56

Warranty Terms - Nikon Europe Service Warranty ...............61

Menu List

The camera offers the following menus. For a more complete description of individual menu items, refer to the “Menu Guide” chapter in the Reference Manual.

PLAYBACK MENU

Delete Playback folder Playback display options Image review After delete Rotate tall Slide show Rating

PHOTO SHOOTING MENU

Reset photo shooting menu Storage folder File naming Choose image area Image quality Image size NEF (RAW) recording ISO sensitivity settings White balance Set Picture Control Manage Picture Control Color space

PHOTO SHOOTING MENU

Active D-Lighting Long exposure NR High ISO NR Vignette control Diffraction compensation Auto distortion control Flicker reduction shooting Metering Flash control Flash mode Flash compensation Release mode Focus mode AF-area mode Optical VR Auto bracketing Multiple exposure HDR (high dynamic range) Interval timer shooting Time-lapse movie Silent photography

MOVIE SHOOTING MENU

Reset movie shooting menu File naming Frame size/frame rate Movie quality Movie file type ISO sensitivity settings White balance Set Picture Control Manage Picture Control Active D-Lighting High ISO NR Vignette control Diffraction compensation Auto distortion control Flicker reduction Metering Release mode (save frame) Focus mode AF-area mode Optical VR Electronic VR Microphone sensitivity Attenuator Frequenc y response Wind noise reduction

CUSTOM SETTING MENU

Reset custom settings

a Autofocus

a1 AF-C priority selection

Auto-area AF face/eye

detection

a3 Focus points used a4 AF activation a5 Focus point wrap-around a6 Focus point options a7 Low-light AF

Built-in AF-assist

illuminator Manual focus ring in AF

mode

b Metering/exposure

b1 EV steps for exposure cntrl

Easy exposure

compensation

b3 Center-weighted area

Fine-tune optimal

exposure

c Timers/AE lock

Shutter-release button

AE-L

c2 Self-timer c3 Power off delay

vii

CUSTOM SETTING MENU

d Shooting/display

d1 CL mode shooting speed d2 Max. continuous release d3 Exposure delay mode d4 Shutter type

Limit selectable image

area

d6 File number sequence d7 Apply settings to live view d8 Framing grid display d9 Peaking highlights

View all in continuous

d10

mode

e Bracketing/flash

e1 Flash sync speed e2 Flash shutter speed e3 Exposure comp. for flash

Auto c ISO sensitivity

control

e5 Bracketing order

CUSTOM SETTING MENU

f Controls

f1 Customize i menu

Custom controls

(shooting) Custom controls

(playback)

f4 Customize command dials f5 Release button to use dial f6 Reverse indicators

g Movie

g1 Customize i menu

g2 Custom controls g3 AF speed g4 AF tracking sensitivity g5 Highlight display

viii

SETUP MENU

Format memory card Save user settings Reset user settings Language Time zone and date Monitor brightness Viewfinder brightness Viewfinder color balance Information display AF fine-tune Image Dust Off ref photo Image comment Copyright information Beep options Touch controls Self-portrait mode HDMI Location data display Airplane mode Connect to smart device Connect to PC Wireless remote (ML-L7) options Conformity marking Energy saving Slot empty release lock Reset all settings Firmware version

RETOUCH MENU

NEF (RAW) processing Trim Resize D-Lighting Quick retouch Red-eye correction Straighten Distortion control Perspective control Image overlay Trim movie Side-by-side comparison

MY MENU

Add items Remove items Rank items Choose tab

* Can only be displayed by pressing i and

selecting Retouch when a retouched image or original is displayed.

For Your Safety

To prevent damage to property or injury to yourself or to others, read “For Your Safety” in its entirety before using this product.

Keep these safety instructions where all those who use this product will read them.

DANGER: Failure to observe the precautions marked with this icon carries a

high risk of death or severe injury.

WARNING: Failure to observe the precautions marked with this icon could

result in death or severe injury.

CAUTION: Failure to observe the precautions marked with this icon could

result in injury or property damage.

WAR NIN G

• Do not use while walking or operating a vehicle.

Failure to observe this precaution could result in accidents or other injury.

• Do not disassemble or modify this product. Do not touch internal parts that become exposed as the result of a fall or other accident.

Failure to observe these precautions could result in electric shock or other injury.

• Should you notice any abnormalities such as the product producing smoke, heat, or unusual odors, immediately disconnect the battery or power source.

Continued operation could result in fire, burns or other injury.

• Keep dry. Do not handle with wet hands. Do not handle the plug with wet hands.

Failure to observe these precautions could result in fire or electric shock.

• Do not let your skin remain in prolonged contact with this product while it is on or plugged in.

Failure to observe this precaution could result in low-temperature burns.

• Do not use this product in the presence of flammable dust or gas such as propane, gasoline or aerosols.

Failure to observe this precaution could result in explosion or fire.

• Do not directly view the sun or other bright light source through the lens.

Failure to observe this precaution could result in visual impairment.

• Do not aim the flash or AF-assist illuminator at the operator of a motor vehicle.

Failure to observe this precaution could result in accidents.

• Keep this product out of reach of children.

Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury or product malfunction. In addition, note that small parts constitute a choking hazard. Should a child swallow any part of this product, seek immediate medical attention.

• Do not entangle, wrap or twist the straps around your neck.

Failure to observe this precaution could result in accidents.

• Do not use batteries, chargers, AC adapters, or USB cables not specifically designated for use with this product. When using batteries, chargers, AC adapters, and USB cables designated for use with this product, do not:

- Damage, modify, forcibly tug or bend the cords or cables, place them

under heavy objects, or expose them to heat or flame.

- Use travel converters or adapters designed to convert from one

voltage to another or with DC-to-AC inverters.

Failure to observe these precautions could result in fire or electric shock.

• Do not handle the plug when charging the product or using the AC adapter during thunderstorms.

Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock.

• Do not handle with bare hands in l ocations exposed to extremely high or low temperatures.

Failure to observe this precaution could result in burns, or frostbite.

CAUTION

• Do not leave the lens pointed at the sun or other strong light sources.

Light focused by the lens could cause fire or damage to product’s internal parts. When shooting backlit subjects, keep the sun well out of the frame. Sunlight focused into the camera when the sun is close to the frame could cause fire.

• Turn this product off when its use is prohibited. Disable wireless features when the use of wireless equipment is prohibited.

The radio-frequency emissions produced by this product could interfere with equipment onboard aircraft or in hospitals or other medical facilities.

• Remove the battery and disconnect the AC adapter if this product will not be used for an extended period.

Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or product malfunction.

• Do not fire the flash in contact with or in close proximity to the skin or objects.

Failure to observe this precaution could result in burns or fire.

• Do not leave the product where it will be exposed to extremely high temperatures, for an extended period such as in an enclosed automobile or in direct sunlight.

Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or product malfunction.

• Do not look directly at the AF-assist illuminator.

Failure to observe this precaution could have adverse effects on vision.

• Do not transport cameras or lenses with tripods or similar accessories attached.

Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury or product malfunction.

DANGER (Batteries)

• Do not mishandle batteries.

Failure to observe the following precautions could result in the batteries leaking, overheating, rupturing, or catching fire:

- Use only rechargeable batteries approved for use in this product.

- Do not expose batteries to flame or excessive heat.

- Do not disassemble.

- Do not short-circuit the terminals by touching them to necklaces,

hairpins, or other metal objects.

- Do not expose batteries or the products in which they are inserted to

powerful physical shocks.

- Do not step on batteries, pierce them with nails, or strike them with

hammers.

xii

• Charge only as indicated.

Failure to observe this precaution could result in the batteries leaking, overheating, rupturing, or catching fire.

• If battery liquid comes into contact with the eyes, rinse with plenty of clean water and seek immediate medical attention.

Delaying action could result in eye injuries.

WARNING (Batteries)

• Keep batteries out of reach of children.

Should a child swallow a battery, seek immediate medical attention.

• Keep batteries out of reach of household pets and other animals.

The batteries could leak, overheat, rupture, or catch fire if bitten, chewed, or otherwise damaged by animals.

• Do not immerse batteries in water or expose to rain.

Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or product malfunction. Immediately dry the product with a towel or similar object should it become wet.

• Discontinue use immediately should you notice any changes in the batteries, such as discoloration or deformation. Cease charging EN-EL25 rechargeable batteries if they do not charge in the specified period of time.

Failure to observe these precautions could result in the batteries leaking, overheating, rupturing, or catching fire.

• When batteries are no longer needed, insulate the terminals with tape.

Overheating, rupture, or fire may result should metal objects come into contact with the terminals.

• If battery liquid comes into contact with a person's skin or clothing, immediately rinse the affected area with plenty of clean water.

Failure to observe this precaution could result in skin irritation.

xiii

Notices

•

No part of the manuals included with this product may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form, by any means, without Nikon’s prior written permission.

• Nikon reserves the right to change the appearance and specifications of the hardware and software described in these manuals at any time and without prior notice.

• Nikon will not be held liable for any damages resulting from the use of this product.

• While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in these manuals is accurate and complete, we would appreciate it were you to bring any errors or omissions to the attention of the Nikon representative in your area (address provided separately).

xiv

Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction

Note that simply being in possession of material that has been digitally copied or reproduced by means of a scanner, digital camera, or other device may be punishable by law.

• Items prohibited by law from being copied

or reproduced

Do not copy or reproduce paper money, coins, securities, government bonds, or local government bonds, even if such copies or reproductions are stamped “Sample.”

The copying or reproduction of paper money, coins, or securities which are circulated in a foreign country is prohibited.

Unless the prior permission of the government has been obtained, the copying or reproduction of unused postage stamps or post cards issued by the government is prohibited.

The copying or reproduction of stamps issued by the government and of certified documents stipulated by law is prohibited.

• Cautions on certain copies and

reproductions

The government has issued cautions on copies or reproductions of securities issued by private companies (shares, bills, checks, gift certificates, etc.), commuter passes, or coupon tickets, except when a minimum of necessary copies are to be provided for business use by a company. Also, do not copy or reproduce passports issued by the government, licenses issued by public agencies and private groups, ID cards, and tickets, such as passes and meal coupons.

• Comply with copyright notices

Under copyright law, photographs or recordings of copyrighted works made with the camera cannot be used without the permission of the copyright holder. Exceptions apply to personal use, but note that even personal use may be restricted in the case of photographs or recordings of exhibits or live performances.

Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories

Nikon cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex electronic circuitry. Only Nikon brand elec tronic accessories (including lenses, chargers, batteries, charging AC adapters, and flash accessories) certified by Nikon specifically for use with this Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within the operational and safety requirements of this electronic circuitry.

The use of non-Nikon electronic accessories could damage the camera and may void your Nikon warranty. The use of third-party rechargeable Li-ion batteries not bearing the Nikon holographic seal shown at right could interfere with normal operation of the camera or result in the batteries overheating, igniting, rupturing, or leaking.

For more information about Nikon brand accessories, contact a local authorized Nikon dealer.

D Before Taking Important Pictures

Before tak ing pictures on impor tant occasions (such as at weddings or before taking the camera on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is functioning normally. Nikon will not be held liable for damages or lost profits that may result from product malfunction.

D Life-Long Learning

As part of Nikon’s “Life-Long Learning” commitment to ongoing product support and education, continually-updated information is available on-line at the following sites:

• For u sers in the U.S.A.: https://www.nikonusa.com/

• For users in Europe and Africa: https://www.europe-nikon.com/support/

• For users in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East: https://www.nikon-asia.com/

Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography. Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the following URL for contact information: https://imaging.nikon.com/

xvi

Getting to Know the Camera

Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the names and functions of camera controls and displays. You may find it helpful to bookmark this section and refer to it as you read through the rest of the manual.

Parts of the Camera

Refer to this section for the names and locations of camera controls and displays.

Camera Body

5 6 7 8

1213 11 10

1 Eyelet for camera strap...................9

2 Stereo microphone....................... 23

3 Speaker............................................ 25

4 Movie-record button ................... 22

5 Power switch............................17, 18

6 Shutter-release button................ 18

7 E button

4 3

8 S button

9 Main command dial

10 Photo/movie selector ............18, 22

11 Mode dial 12 Accessory shoe (for optional flash

unit)

13 Focal plane mark (E)

1Getting to Know the Camera

The Camera Body (Continued)

1 2 3

1 AF-assist illuminator .....................20

Red-eye reduction lamp Self-timer lamp

2 Built-in flash 3 Flash pop-up control 4 Cover for microphone connector 5 Cover for USB and HDMI

connectors

2 Getting to Know the Camera

6 Lens mounting mark ....................15

7 Image sensor 8 Connector for external

microphone

9 USB connector 10 Charge lamp 11 HDMI connector

12 Body cap..........................................15

1317 141516 12 1011

653421

1 Monitor mode button 2 Viewfinder eyepiece 3 Viewfinder 4 Eye sensor 5 Diopter adjustment control 6 A (L) button

7 J button ...........................................8

8 Multi selector ....................................8

9 Memory card access lamp.......... 21

10 G button..................................vi, 7

11 O button ......................................... 26

12 K button ....................................... 24

13 i button 14 DISP button

15 W button.................................. 25

16 X button ......................................... 25

17 Monitor

3Getting to Know the Camera

The Camera Body (Continued)

1 Sub-command dial 2 Fn1 button 3 Fn2 button

4 Battery-chamber cover latch......11

5 Battery-chamber cover ................11

6 Lens mount.....................................15

4 Getting to Know the Camera

7 Lens release button ......................16

8 CPU contacts

9 Tripod socket

10 Battery latch ...................................11

11 Memory card slot ..........................11

The Monitor and Viewfinder

At default settings, the following indicators appear in the monitor and viewfinder in photo mode.

Monitor Viewfinder

23 3 4 5 6

81021 24 9

11032 4 5 6 7 8

26 25 24 23

22 21

1517

20 19

1 Shooting mode

2 Focus point..................................... 20

3 Release mode 4 Focus mode 5 AF-area mode 6 Active D-Lighting 7 Picture Control 8 White balance 9 Image size

10 Image quality 11 i icon

12 Exposure indicator

Exposure compensation display

13 “k” (appears when memory

remains for over 1000

exposures) .................................... 13

14 Number of exposures

remaining ..................................... 13

15 ISO sensitivity 16 ISO sensitivity indicator

Auto ISO sensitivity indicator

1412 16120 18 1722 13

5Getting to Know the Camera

17 Aperture 18 Shutter speed 19 Subject tracking 20 Metering

21 Battery indicator............................13

22 Shutter type 23 “Clock not set” indicator 24 Optical VR indicator 25 Tou ch s hoo tin g 26 AF-area brackets

The following items appear in movie mode.

Monitor Viewfinder

1 42

8 7 6

1 Recording indicator ......................22

Recording disabled .......................23

2 Frame size and rate/

image quality

3 Time remaining..............................22

4 File name

6 Getting to Know the Camera

3 4

586 37

5 Release mode

(still photography)

6 Sound level

7 Microphone sensitivity

8 Frequency response

The G Button

Press the G button to view the menus.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1 D: Playback menu ........................vi

2 C: Photo shooting menu............vi

3 1: Movie shooting menu............vii

4 A: Custom Settings menu.......... vii

5 B: Setup menu................................. ix

6 N: Retouch menu..........................ix

7 O/m: My Menu or

recent settings (defaults to

My Menu)........................................ ix

8 d: Help icon 9 Current settings

7Getting to Know the Camera

❚❚ Using the Menus

1: Move cursor up

3: Move cursor down

2: Select highlighted item

or display sub-menu

4: Cancel and return to

previous menu

J: Select highlighted item

You can navigate the menus using the multi selector and J button.

1 Highlight the icon for the

current menu.

Press 4 to highlight the icon for the current menu.

2 Select a menu.

Press 1 or 3 to select the desired menu.

3 Position the cursor in the

selected menu.

Press 2 to position the cursor in the selected menu.

8 Getting to Know the Camera

+ 56 hidden pages

Nikon Z50 User's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Package Contents

Table of Contents

Menu List

For Your Safety

Notices

Getting to Know the Camera

Parts of the Camera

Camera Body

The Monitor and Viewfinder