Nikon Z50 Mirrorless VS. Nikon D7500 DSLR 

I spent weeks doing research on the 7500 and the z50 and ultimately bought the 7500. Main factors, battery life, weather sealing and lens availability. Thanks for the very helpful reviews!

Great video, guys. It feels like I'm watching a good morning talk show about cameras... nobody else is doing videos like this and I like it. It's more personal than just a dry specs regurgitation, it's more fun.

I actually switched back from mirrorless to Nikon d7500. Cheaper body, cheaper lenses, great sensor, great AF in OVF. And BETTER ergonomics. Couldn't be happier. I wish sellers and you tubers would stop pushing mirrorless so hard. Not everyone needs a small camera body, not everyone needs to pay extra for that small body and for expensive lenses.

Slight correction on the D7500, Nikon actually used a carbon fibre frame instead of a magnesium one to save a few Lbs. I have one and its such a wonderful piece of kit

Great review. So nice to see a camera channel actually shoot beautiful pictures during their review btw. Well done. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Today I've got my Z50 with the ftz adapter. I was about to buy the d7500 but I've changed my mind at the last moment. Both brilliant cameras but the Z50 really a game changer for me. The EVF is awesome. F mount lenses work flawlessly so the lens selection will not be a problem. The only things wich I'll be really miss is the rugged feel and perfect ergonomics of the dslr.

I have a Z7, which I love. I’m also an avid motorcyclist and I wanted to bring a small camera kit along in my saddle bags while I ride. I bought the z50 and have been really impressed with the results and the workflow. In particular I love the exposure preview in both the EVF and the rear screen. I live in Dubai and often shoot in very challenging lighting situations, with dramatically different exposure values in the frame. Exposure preview enables me to get the shot rapidly, as well as to rapidly bracket in case I want a range of shots. This is important as I ride with a group of riders who can get impatient if I take too long while shooting. One thing that this review didn’t mention; you can obviously mount full frame z lenses to this camera body without and adapter.... Nikon’s 50mm 1.8 S lens is amazingly sharp and when I put it on this little body I have an incredibly sharp 75mm lens (equivalent) that is fast and versatile. Just sayin’.

This channel is so wholesome and charmingly Canadian!

I upgraded from the D7200 to the Z50. The user experience is surprisingly similar and overall the Z50 is already familiar for being a "new" camera. Nikon gives you seamless upgrade from DSLR to mirrorless. With the FTZII, I can still use my favorite 10-20mm DX lens.

Wow! Just the video I was looking for, it’s like you read my mind. Best of all, the video was well shot and all details laid out just like I needed.

Really nice job with this video. The content was thorough and detailed, and presented in a friendly and thoughtful way. May I ask what Brendan shot this on? So refreshing to watch a video that was clean and clear, properly exposed, with clean and appropriate audio levels, and not an amateur hack science experiment in how far one can push a log-grade until it falls apart, then push it some more. I had not watched a TCS video in ages, because I couldn't bear listening to those other two guys go on and on about (I'm not sure but it was important for everyone to know how much they knew, when they didn't at all), and their videos technically were always nauseating to try to watch. So thank you.

Thumbs up for the comparison review! One thought of mine on the EVF/OVF discussion: there are people out there - not much, but including me - that can (and I emphasize CAN, it's not a question of WILL) never get adjusted to the EVF. My eyes are hypersensitive to light (a condition medically called "nyctalopy"), which is actually a bonus when you're into photography. The downside is that with it comes a remarkably sharp sight - which in itself is also a bonus in photography, but which basically results in the fact that I see literally EVERY glitch in the EVF. And believe me, when you can actually see that, you see a lot of it. I see a constant shimmering in the screen, and a distinct and literally nauseating delay when panning the camera. To my eyes, the EVF (wether it's a Nikon Z, Eos R type, Sony α, or whatever) pretty much looks like an analog TV from the 70s that hasn't been tuned in to the channel correctly. The Z system EVF is actually the least problematic to me, the Sony is the worst - which does say something about the quality of the Z EVF. As a matter of fact, for the same reason I keep the use of Live View to a bare minimum. I use the screen for menu handling and result checking, but seldom for shooting. Simply said: my eyes are actually TOO good for the EVF. Apart from that, I prefer to see through the viewfinder what is actually there, not what the camera thinks is there and will make of it (another reason for me not to use Live View). Probably has to do with me wanting to have full control. A trust issue, I know - for the same reason I will only drive a car in autonomous mode, well, like NEVER ;-) So to me, for numerous reasons the exposure preview in the EVF is more of a disadvantage than an advantage. Which means that I am, and will definately remain, in the DSLR camp! At least until the manufacturers are able to produce an EVF which my eyes can handle. Therefore, yesterday I treated myself and bought me a brand new D7500 - so I will be cool for the next ten to fifteen years! ;-) Thanks for an enlightening video, and keep up the good work!

Best advantages of D7500: autofocus with af-d (screw drive) lenses, Way more aps-c lenses without adapter, Vast buffer (100 jpeg/50 raw). Better ergonomics, better weather sealing, better battery life, 1/8000s shutter, focus point selection on screen, shoulder lcd, group af, headphone jack. OVF with much higher resolution (your own eye).

I went to the store to check out the Z50. I already have a selection of DX lenses. Didn't want to start over. Once I had the Z50 camera in my hands. I felt good and the menu is familiar to my D7000. I really only wanted to check it out. But I ended up buying the camera body and adapter.

Beautiful location, beautiful images (best yet from you 2) and best ever video footage. It's the most comprehensive and intersting review I've seen of this camera due to your in-depth approach to these kinds of reviews.

2 year old camera is old but still decent... that's how we got spoiled :)

Great video! One of the very few pointing out 1) that the main advantage of mirrorless is exposure preview 2) how important it is being able to select focus point using the touchscreen when you are looking through the viewfinder.

Right now in the UK the D7500 is a fair bit cheaper than a Z50. For £900 for a body you can get a Z50 or D750. For a given budget your choice is DX mirrorless or FX DSLR.

This is a well produced video, wow! I thought I was watching a Netflix movie...🎥

Both are good cameras. Personally I prefer the D7500 overall. Battery life is important to me, and the ergonomics works better for me. Plus I don't need an adaptor to use all my lenses. I think mirrorless cameras is the future for sure, but in this price range they still has some way to go before I will go all in on them. Maybe in five years or so.

It's nice to watch a review that is unbiased, unlike so many these days that are put out by people who profess to know photos. I'm not in the market for a Z50 (do Pentax know they stole the name?), but it looks like a decent camera. I am not unaware of the advantages that mirrorless cameras have (I use both DSLRs and MILCs), but I think some of the features are overrated, like exposure preview. I tend to trust my camera's meter. Others, like focus peaking, are very useful when using manual focus lenses. YMMV. Overall, I prefer using DSLRs, but as I get older, I am coming around to the lighter bodies, which usually means a mirrorless if I am sticking to full frame cameras.

I have to say that this is a very enjoyable video to watch. The presentation. location and the beautiful photos you two captured are top notch. Reminds me that the camera is not nearly as important as the environment, technique and vision involved. Encourages us to go enjoy a new place and practice.

Nikon, the last one to move to mirrorless avoided all the mistakes everyone else made. I have the z6, which I also had an a73 to test, and kept the z6. Canon having two mounts is terrible, I just ordered a z50 as a backup to my z6 for weddings. The single mount is the main factor, and why I looked at Sony. But Sony designs the worst feeling cameras, the a6600 feels like a point and shoot.

I have been a dedicated Nikon user since 1979. Owned multiple film bodies FE thru F5 and digital bodies D80 and D200. Torn about which next gen DSLR to get and then I saw the Z6 and Z7. Wow!! Decided to go with the Z50 since it is smaller and very ergonomic.

I just bought my Z50, and tomorrow I'm going for a photo-walk to test it :D

where are the outdoor side-by-side image comparisons? :)

5:07 No, set autofocus to group area mode and af-s, then the D7500 will automatically set focus on the eyes of a face in the picture in viewfinder mode 😶

Nice! I want a comparison in low light situations !

I own a Z6 and later bought a D7500. I much prefer using the D7500 so now only use the Z6 when I need it's better low light performance. The ergonimics of the D7500 are soooo much better. If money was no object I would sell the Z6 and buy the D850. I find having to use the menus so often on the Z6 really fiddly & tedious. For me it was a big mistake to not include the traditional 5 buttons on the left of the LCD screen on the Z6.

Fun review guys!! Thanks!!

I would like to confirm. @2:22 we hear that it is a magnesium alloy frame, however i have also heard that D500 is the magnesium alloy frame and the D7500 is polycarbonate

I would love to upgrade from my 7100 but as its still really good and a lot of life left I will keep using it. I tried out the Z50 at my local Jessops shop and it felt so good in the hand and just like a Nikon. Who knows maybe next year I will upgrade but still keep and use my 7100.

A Z70 would be nice with better weather sealing, IBIS and 2 card slots. Solid looking camera though. I love how compact and rugged it looks. That grip looks perfect.

Surprisingly very entertaing & informative too , a lively chat in charming backgrond. Thank you

I am sold in DSLR format bodies... LOVE my D7200, Drool over a D850 and would have to be baker acted for 3 days if I ever get my hands on a D6... Love the format, the weight, the ergonomics of these DSLR bodies... I already had a Z in my hands... felt alien the bells and whistles are more for convenience than need ... if you studied your exposure and composition and etc etc etc... believe me even a Nikon D3300 is a spectacular body with the correct glass... BTW...one thing I DO love about the new bodies (Z850, D500 and Z series) is their auto micro-adjustment for the lenses ... ( Sigma docking station, Tamron?) that alone is worth the premium price you pay for those bodies.

You guys pick better locations than Jordan and Chris ;-) An excellent comparison and great photos on both cameras. Thanks.

2 years old is a old camera now?! I’m actually watching this video because I’m looking to move up from my film school D5000, that I bought 11 years ago (still going strong!), with either the Z50 or the D7500. This was a great video! I’m still on the fence because I’m not sure if they’re going to release Nikkor Z DX Primes (particularly 35mm and 85mm) ever, or if I’m doing to stick with the DSLR DX format, which has been great for the last decade and something I’m pretty happy with.

Nice informative video. I am interested in knowing if there was much difference in low light and dynamic range between the Z50 and the D7500?

Honestly you both farther and daughter are great at reviewing keep it up I'm thinking of going with the 90D

Just picked up the Z50 2 lens kit today and must say I love it already. I have Nikon crop sensor cameras, D80, D5500 & D7200 so this Z50 was an easy choice since I have Nikon glass in the inventory. Shot a few pics with it right away and I must say I am impressed with the picture sharpness. Thanks for a great video guys!

Nikon d7500 any day

Great comparison. I am looking at these two cameras and am having a difficult time deciding.

Would be more interesting comparing the Z-50 to the Fujifilm (such as X-T3) and the new Sony.

I love how nikon z50 looks.

I went from a series of Nikon DSLRs (D7100, D750, D810) to mirrorless because of the weight and size differences, starting with a Z7. Then I saw a Z50 and loved its even SMALLER and more compact size and weight, so snagged a like new model off eBay. Frankly, I MUCH prefer shooting with the Z50 due to its smaller size and weight. I still use my Z7 with the 14-30mm lens for my real estate listings shoots (which I do a lot...5 to 12 a week), but for pretty much everything else I use the Z50. I even find the 50-250mm lens takes photos just fine for portraits, and compared to my 85mm Z lens don't see much, if any, differences in image quality. I am SOOOO glad I switched to these Nikon mirrorless cameras and lenses. I'd NEVER go back to a DSLR again....

Face detection also works in Viewfinder mode. Check custom-setting b4.

Going from a d330p to the z50 after researching a ton of stuff between the z50 and the d7500. What ultimately sold me was I could get a package with 2 of the kit lenses and the FTZ adapter for the same price as the d7500 with 1 lens.

Your videos are getting better and better. Nice comparison. However, I wonder why does Nikon now have three lens types in your opinion? They have the "old" F-mount and the "new" Z-mount. For me, these are two types. The advantage of the Z50s Z-Mount is, that you can use the Z-lenses of the Z6 and Z7. For example the Z 50mm f / 1.8 for portraits. And it's not true, that both cameras have a 1.5 crop in the video. That's only true in the case if you put a full-frame lens on the cameras. With the DX lenses, the Z50 has no Crop but a full-sensor readout. But otherwise a nice video :)

You 2 work well together. Thanks for the video.

I love your guys work ,keep up the good job,greetings from Oklahoma City !!!

The chemistry is certainly getting better. Only early November and it's snowing up there!

For a new user in photography, I highly recommend a mirrorless. Seeing the actual result is a huge benefit especially when understanding aperture, shutter speed and ISO. A mirrorless means one is more likely to get out of Auto mode, where most beginners with entry DSLRs reside. Also the small size means one is more likely to bring it along.

1/8000 is very useful when you shoot a fast prime on a sunny day and you don't want to mess with ND filters

I love you two people use interact with each other so perfectly nice he's are like rice and beans peanut butter and jelly oh and I love your reviews and you guys are getting better looking as time goes on LOL a big fan Steve Costello keep up the great work

GREAT comparo video...just what I was looking for in trying to decide whether I should stay with my D7500 or switch to a Z50...NICELY done! Couple of questions: -I can't get my hands on a Z50 locally where I live to "try it on for size". Dave, with you having the larger hands, did the Z50 feel "cramped" to you as opposed to the D7500? Any issues using the controls with your right hand? -In your individual opinions...is switching from a D7500 to a Z50 a step "up", a step "down" or simply a "lateral" movement? -I'd assume that having a lighter camera is a pleasure when packing it around. With an 18-300mm lens on the D7500, it's a LOAD! -What were your impressions of the "kit" lenses...the 16-50mm and the 50-250? Overall, the reviews seem to be rather enthusiastic as far as sharpness, optical aberration and vignetting. Was that your experience as well? -Not to get into the whole full-frame vs. crop sensor (APS-C) debate, but...since the D7500 is an APS-C camera, stick with that format and go Z50, or consider a move up to a full-frame like a Z5 or better? Thanks! Keep up the great work! 😃

D7500 all day. Lens availability alone makes it a winner. When you can buy decent lens (70-300, f1.8 35, 18-55 kit lens) all 3 for under $350 that is incredible value. You need to spend $900+ on any Mirrorless cameras to get comparable 70-300 telephoto lens.

Another advantage of the Z50 is that it can work better with some third party lenses such as Sigma because they work better with phase detection rather than the Nikon's propriety focus algorithms.

Always enjoy you two review cameras. Thank you. Waiting to launch in India would love to use it.

I have a Nikon D 7100 and 2 DX lens 1 D lens and a Tamron 16-300 mm lens. In the D 7500 I wish they had a fully articulating screen. I am not sure my lens would work on the new mirrorless cameras. The Z 50 with two lens at about $1300.00 doesn't sound bad. It is new . So I will wait to see any flaws or upgrades to it. Nikon had a D 600 with problems, replaced with a D 610. My 7100. Sure I would love to upgrade but to what and will the new camera use my lens.

Canmore area looks absolutely gorgeous in the late fall with that fresh snowfall. A great place to make a comparison video

Old is Gold- I will go for D7500 its gives the feel of that u r using DSLR camera ..and huge battery life

Good review. Did well hitting the pros and cons. As a Nikon DSLR user I’m still waiting on the sideline to see what the gen 2 Z cameras bring. Don’t feel the need to upgrade right now especially since I’m not into video.

Yes was in 2 minds about going from a d5500 to a d7500 or the z50 but the battery life is not as much and I have heard there may be no sensor cleaner on the z50 has put me off a bit if is true. Unfortunately is still a trade off between if want a smaller camera or more battery life and other features like weather sealing .( I thought the z50 had weather sealing but looks like I may be wrong).

I own a 7500 and handled a Z50 today. They are not the same class of camera. They should have compared it with the 5600. I will hold out for the Z70 or whatever they call it. Hopefully it will have CLS, IBIS, 1/8k Shutter and robust body and weather sealing like a proper midline DX Nikon.

0:30 I dont know why but really love the view in this part

That ridiculous drop down screen and Z mount rather than F mount is a deal killer for me. Was looking forward to this camera coming and would have been my transition from D7200 to mirrorless. Nikon really fell short with this APS-C camera. Pretty disappointing.

Great video - thanks! The specs for the Z50 show the lower operating limit is 0 degreesC or 32 degrees F. Looks like you were out in temps below that level. Did you experience any problems using it below the freezing point?

I have both cameras. I really like the size and lightness of the Z50. I WILL take it with me when I travel. The D7500 I just like it soo much that I just can’t sell it! It does take brilliant photos with excellent colours. And I have many non lenses. However, I do prefer the mirrorless camera system overall - it’s better in many ways!

Bought a Z50 and could not keep the sensor clean despite being extremely careful changing lenses. With the sensor unprotected and so close to the front of the camera, and no way to cover the sensor while changing lenses. I had to send the camera back to Nikon three times to have the sensor cleaned. I sold the Z50 and went back to my D5500 for that reason. I can change lenses in the D5500 outside without worry and have done so many times with no sensor dust. Dust on mirrorless sensors is a very common problem and Canon now has incorporated a sensor cover in some mirrorless cameras for this reason.

Switching to the Nikon ecosystem from Pentax, and will be doing so with the Z50. Not too worried about the glass as there is that adapter which will allow me to just use F mount glass.

Great review and comparison ! Well done. Evelyn and Dave you are fantastic !

will get the Z50 in the next days, might be a good addition to the Z6 and D500 that I own. Both of them are relatively heavy, so was looking for a smaller camera. Having the FTZ adapter still, allows to use both FX and DX lenses that I collected over the years (incl. a 150-600), as mounting the Z lenses that I got for the Z6 still. Hoping for a real light weight set, that can replace the others on single day hiking tours, where weight is a painpoint.

It’s 2022 and even though websites are listing d7500 on sale, when you go into stores it’s getting hard to see them in stock. One small specialist store doesn’t even stock dslr bodies. It was all mirrorless. But when I looked the new lens are crazy expensive.

8:46 actually 4 types. Dx and FX both on Z mount and F mount. Great video by the way, I subscribed. 👍

Have been a Nikon DX user since the D70 and have not been tempted by the FX lure so when the Z50 was announced I got excited. I wanted to embrace all those new tech in the mirrorless world and keep them compact and light for my 70 year old hands, but guess what? I just found out that Nikon crippled it by omitting focus shift, a really cool function that found in the Z6/7. Now I may be forced towards the Z6 or Z5?

thank you for the review, I also have a Nikon Z 50 and am very satisfied with using it for my daily photo needs

I've been shooting since 10 years, so I can't answer as a beginner. But, as a prosumer I absolutely love my Z50 with the 50 f/1.8 Z lens. It's a gem for the streets and portraits.

The Z50 compared to the M6 Mk2 feels soooo much better in the hand. The M6 Mk2 feels like holding my old point and shoot while the Z50 feels like gripping a thin and light DSLR.

Hello, thanks for the cool reviews! what a beautiful place to shoot reviews? watching you from Russia)

Great videos, I love you guys that speak so naturally. Excellent work and review. I'm thinking getting Z50.

Please guys... before dumping your D7200 for a Z50 or D500, DO THE LATEST FIRMWARE UPDATE FROM NIKON (1.04) TO YOUR NIKON D7200 AND GET THE ABSOLUTE BEST PERFORMANCE!!!!!!! NOW PAIR IT WITH YOUR SIGMA ART 18-35!!! The issues that plagued the Sigma18-35/D7200 are gone!!! I tried it many times and is razor-sharp anywhere in the focus group! Do not get rid of your Nikon D7200 or Sigma 18-35 ART this combo is ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING!!!

Thanks for the great review. The snow and scenery are awesome! Did I mention the snow? It doesn't usually snow down here in south Florida. I was a long-time Nikon user and have been through almost every camera manufacturer at one time or another. I just went back to Nikon and bought a D7500 for bird photography. I tried M 4/3 but haven't been fully satisfied with the results. I had no issues going back to an optical viewfinder. I don't see myself buying the Z50 but it looks like a nice camera.

I bought the D7500 a few weeks ago. I also owned the D500 last year. I honestly don't see much difference in practical usage. Coupled with any of the AF-P F mount lenses, you will get an incredible hit rate. It is cheap...almost hard to believe how cheap those lenses are now. I want to try the Z50 but I have a set of M43 lenses and body for that style of shooting. When Nikon releases their pancake lenses in Z mount and a Z50 body type with IBIS then I may re-assess. I have a habit of changing my mind on gear though...but that is my thinking as of now. Also, sill Nikon release a D7800 with Z50 performance in live view. I actually would prefer that blend of performance over a Z50. Face and eye detect in live view is perfect! You still then benefit from the battery life and fast start up times of a DSLR when you want it. Plus, no adapter needed. Basically, a D780 in DX form. Would be nice!

Great comparison! Thank you!

Thanks for sharing...I haven't updated to mirrorless as I am still learning & happy with results from my D500... however I did enjoy your presentation on both cameras & although I am only a hobbyist I will consider upgrading one day I am sure... love the location... cheers from Australia...😀

Excellent comparison explained in a very beautiful manner...

Love my d7500 but was tempted with the z50. However staying with there isn’t enough difference on the z50 to make the move. Plus I love landscape and out in all weathers. Looks a good camera tho.

So just wondering if Nikon made the Z 50 with a F mount, that people would still complain probably even more that it isn't a Z mount. I'll take native glass over adapted any day and the Z lenses are better than the F mount lenses optically. They're quieter and lighter.

I just subscribed because your videos are great!!! I went from a D5500 to a 7500 and really never felt comfortable with the 7500. Now I'm trying to decide if I should go with the Z5 or Z50 instead of going back down to the 5500.

I have both cameras and love both for the features they offer! Thanks for your fun video!

Great review and enjoy watching how much fun you seem to be having. Thanks!

My aim is to have 2 camera bodies for each sensor format. I researched D7500, D500 and even getting another D7200 or 7100 but will probably go with buying a Z50 soon, mainly for a compact travel setup. I have also collected an almost complete collection of Nikon 1 mirrorless cameras and lenses, and its because of their features I started thinking about having a mirrorless APS-C.

Another great review. For some reason, even though I am a subscriber, your videos don't show up under "subscriptions" only under recommendations. I keep missing your videos.

Sold my z7 for the d7500. These cheap show pony mirrorless were so disappointing. No sharpnes at all

I have a D3100,D5600.I'm considering adding the Z50 to my gear.Still checking reviews.

you guys are cute , nice old v new comparison, btw there is already a vlogging stick for this z by smallrig 🤗, yes I'm seriously considering this z50🤩

I bought a Nikon 7500 in December and all it's done is make me realize I should have bought a mirrorless camera. It now takes fours steps (lens cap, power, rotate lens, Liveview) to get the camera to the point that took only two steps (lens cap, power) with my Sony a6000. All I had to do was turn on my Sony Powershot with it's automatic lens cap.

In the digital age, mirrors do nothing but require the camera to be larger. Soon manufacturers will stop producing DSLRs, as nobody wants additional bulk if there's no optical advantage to it.

It's tempting at the price -- around $1600CA with the 2 lenses. I considered it for lightweight travel and b-roll. However, the different battery and lack of IBIS convinced me to put that money towards a second Z6. Incidentally, you've convinced me I need to do another winter trip to the Rockies (climbed there lots in my youth).

Well I have a Panasonic mirrorless AND a Nikon DSLR, and both are kind of old now and I love them both. From my experience I would agree with everything you guys say. Except that the DSLR battery isn't much better.