Nikon Z50 User manual

DIGITAL CAMERA
Reference Manual
En
• Read this manual thoroughly before using the camera.
• To ensure proper use of the camera, be sure to read
“For Your Safety” (page xxii).
• After reading this manual, keep it in a readily accessible
place for future reference.

ii
Choose from 2 different manuals.
The Reference Manual (this manual)
In addition to the material covered in the User’s
Manual supplied with the camera, the Reference
Manual explores applied photography, details the
options available in the camera menus, and covers
such topics as connecting the camera to other devices.
Among the topics covered in the Reference Manual are:
•Advanced shooting options
•The iMenu
•Menu guide
•Wireless connections to computers,
smartphones, and tablets
•Connecting to other devices
•Flash photography using optional
flash units
The Reference Manual can also be viewed online in html format.
https://onlinemanual.nikonimglib.com/z50/en/
For a guide to all aspects of camera operation, read:
•
•
•
•
•
•
nikon online manual Z 50
Z 50 Model Name: N1912

iii
The User’s Manual (included)
Master basic camera operations and features.
Outline:
•Table of Contents
•Menu List
•Getting to Know the Camera
•First Steps
•Basic Photography and Playback
•Basic Settings
•Troubleshooting
•Technical Notes
•Index
For a guide to basic shooting and playback, read:
•
•
•

iv
Be sure all items listed here were included with your camera.
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).
Package Contents
BF-N1 body cap
DK-30 rubber eyecup
(comes attached to
camera, 0438)
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 (030)
Warranty
User’s Manual
UC-E21 USB cable (0391)
The Nikon Download Center
Visit the Nikon download center to download firmware updates,
ViewNX-i and other Nikon software, and manuals for Nikon products
including cameras, NIKKOR lenses, and flash units.
https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/

v
Symbols and Conventions
To make it easier to find the information you need, the following
symbols and conventions are used:
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.
About This Manual
DThis icon marks notes, information that should be read before
using this product.
AThis icon marks tips, additional information you may find
helpful when using this product.
0This icon marks references to other sections in this manual.
AFor Your Safety
Before using the camera for the first time, read the safety instructions
in “For Your Safety” (0xxii).

vi
Package Contents ........................................................................ iv
Menu List ................................................................................... xviii
For Your Safety .......................................................................... xxii
Notices........................................................................................ xxvi
Getting to Know the Camera 1
Parts of the Camera ...................................................................... 1
Camera Body ............................................................................................1
The Monitor and Viewfinder...............................................................5
Camera Controls............................................................................ 7
The Viewfinder.........................................................................................7
The Monitor Mode Button...................................................................8
The Mode Dial..........................................................................................9
The Command Dials ..............................................................................9
The S(ISO Sensitivity) Button .................................................... 10
The E(Exposure Compensation) Button.................................... 11
Touch Controls ..................................................................................... 12
The DISP Button..................................................................................... 18
The Xand WButtons................................................................... 20
The A(L) Button ............................................................................. 20
The GButton.................................................................................... 21
The iButton (iIcon)........................................................................ 24
The Function Buttons (Fn1 and Fn2)............................................... 27
The Flash Pop-Up Control................................................................. 29
First Steps 30
Attach the Camera Strap ...........................................................30
Charge the Battery...................................................................... 31
The Battery Charger............................................................................ 31
Table of Contents

vii
Insert the Battery and a Memory Card....................................32
Attach a Lens................................................................................36
Turn the Camera On ................................................................... 38
Basic Photography and Playback 40
Taking Photographs (bMode) ................................................40
Shooting Movies (bMode).......................................................44
Basic Playback.............................................................................. 48
Viewing Movies .................................................................................... 48
Deleting Unwanted Pictures ........................................................... 50
Basic Settings 51
Focus.............................................................................................. 51
Choosing a Focus Mode.................................................................... 51
AF-Area Mode ....................................................................................... 54
The Touch Shutter............................................................................... 63
Manual Focus ........................................................................................ 65
White Balance ..............................................................................67
Silent Photography.....................................................................71
Rating Pictures.............................................................................73
Protecting Pictures from Deletion ........................................... 74
Shooting Controls 75
The Mode Dial..............................................................................75
P: Programmed Auto .......................................................................... 76
S: Shutter-Priority Auto ...................................................................... 76
A: Aperture-Priority Auto................................................................... 77
M: Manual................................................................................................ 78
User Settings: U1 and U2 Modes ...................................................... 82

viii
h(Scene Modes) ..............................................................................84
kPortrait .......................................................................................85
lLandscape.................................................................................85
pChild............................................................................................85
mSports..........................................................................................86
nClose up.....................................................................................86
oNight Portrait...........................................................................86
rNight Landscape ....................................................................87
sParty/Indoor.............................................................................87
tBeach/Snow .............................................................................87
dSunset.........................................................................................88
eDusk/Dawn...............................................................................88
fPet Portrait ...............................................................................88
gCandlelight.................................................................................89
jBlossom......................................................................................89
zAutumn Colors ........................................................................89
0Food.............................................................................................90
q(Special Effect Modes) ...............................................................91
4Night Vision..............................................................................92
VSuper Vivid................................................................................92
TPop ............................................................................................92
UPhoto Illustration....................................................................93
5Toy Camera Effect ..................................................................93
6Miniature Effect ......................................................................94
7Selective Color ........................................................................94
1Silhouette..................................................................................95
2High Key ....................................................................................95
3Low Key .....................................................................................95
The S(ISO Sensitivity) Button............................................ 100
Auto ISO Sensitivity Control.......................................................... 101
The E(Exposure Compensation) Button............................. 102
The A(L) Button................................................................... 104
Autoexposure (AE) Lock ................................................................. 104
Focus Lock ........................................................................................... 104

ix
The Built-In Flash.......................................................................107
Flash Modes.........................................................................................108
Flash Compensation.........................................................................111
FV Lock ..................................................................................................112
The iMenu 114
Using the iMenu ......................................................................114
The Photo-Mode iMenu.........................................................115
Set Picture Control ............................................................................116
White Balance .....................................................................................120
Image Quality......................................................................................126
Image Size ............................................................................................128
Flash Mode...........................................................................................129
Metering................................................................................................131
Wi-Fi Connection ...............................................................................132
Active D-Lighting...............................................................................133
Release Mode......................................................................................135
Optical VR .............................................................................................139
AF-Area Mode .....................................................................................140
Focus Mode .........................................................................................140
The Movie-Mode iMenu.........................................................141
Set Picture Control ............................................................................142
White Balance .....................................................................................142
Frame Size, Frame Rate, and Movie Quality.............................143
Microphone Sensitivity....................................................................145
Wind Noise Reduction .....................................................................146
Metering................................................................................................147
Wi-Fi Connection ...............................................................................147
Active D-Lighting...............................................................................147
Electronic VR........................................................................................147
Optical VR .............................................................................................148
AF-Area Mode .....................................................................................148
Focus Mode .........................................................................................148

x
More About Playback 149
Viewing Pictures ....................................................................... 149
Full-Frame Playback ......................................................................... 149
Thumbnail Playback......................................................................... 150
Photo Information.................................................................... 151
The iButton: Playback............................................................ 159
Select to Send/Deselect.................................................................. 161
Choose Start/End Point................................................................... 162
Save Current Frame.......................................................................... 165
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom.................................. 166
Deleting Pictures ...................................................................... 168
During Playback................................................................................. 168
The Playback Menu .......................................................................... 169
Menu Guide 171
Defaults ...................................................................................... 171
DThe Playback Menu: Managing Images .......................... 182
Delete ........................................................................................... 183
Playback Folder......................................................................... 183
Playback Display Options...................................................... 183
Image Review ............................................................................ 184
After Delete ................................................................................ 184
Rotate Tall................................................................................... 185
Slide Show .................................................................................. 186
Rating ........................................................................................... 187
CThe Photo Shooting Menu: Shooting Options.............. 188
Reset Photo Shooting Menu................................................ 189
Storage Folder........................................................................... 189
File Naming ................................................................................ 193
Choose Image Area ................................................................. 193
Image Quality ............................................................................ 194
Image Size................................................................................... 194
NEF (RAW) Recording ............................................................. 195

xi
ISO Sensitivity Settings...........................................................196
White Balance ............................................................................198
Set Picture Control ...................................................................204
Manage Picture Control .........................................................206
Color Space.................................................................................209
Active D-Lighting......................................................................209
Long Exposure NR ....................................................................210
High ISO NR ................................................................................210
Vignette Control .......................................................................211
Diffraction Compensation.....................................................211
Auto Distortion Control..........................................................211
Flicker Reduction Shooting...................................................212
Metering ......................................................................................212
Flash Control ..............................................................................213
Flash Mode..................................................................................215
Flash Compensation................................................................216
Release Mode.............................................................................216
Focus Mode ................................................................................216
AF-Area Mode............................................................................216
Optical VR....................................................................................216
Auto Bracketing ........................................................................217
Multiple Exposure ....................................................................227
HDR (High Dynamic Range)..................................................234
Interval Timer Shooting .........................................................239
Time-Lapse Movie ....................................................................249
Silent Photography..................................................................256
1The Movie Shooting Menu: Movie Shooting Options ...257
Reset Movie Shooting Menu ................................................258
File Naming.................................................................................258
Frame Size/Frame Rate...........................................................258
Movie Quality.............................................................................258
Movie File Type .........................................................................258
ISO Sensitivity Settings...........................................................259
White Balance ............................................................................259

xii
Set Picture Control................................................................... 260
Manage Picture Control......................................................... 260
Active D-Lighting ..................................................................... 260
High ISO NR................................................................................ 260
Vignette Control....................................................................... 261
Diffraction Compensation .................................................... 261
Auto Distortion Control ......................................................... 261
Flicker Reduction...................................................................... 261
Metering...................................................................................... 262
Release Mode (Save Frame) ................................................. 262
Focus Mode................................................................................ 262
AF-Area Mode............................................................................ 262
Optical VR.................................................................................... 263
Electronic VR .............................................................................. 263
Microphone Sensitivity .......................................................... 263
Attenuator .................................................................................. 264
Frequency Response............................................................... 264
Wind Noise Reduction............................................................ 264
ACustom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings............ 265
Reset Custom Settings ........................................................... 268
a: Autofocus.................................................................................... 269
a1: AF-C Priority Selection..................................................... 269
a2: Auto-Area AF Face/Eye Detection............................... 269
a3: Focus Points Used............................................................. 270
a4: AF Activation....................................................................... 270
a5: Focus Point Wrap-Around.............................................. 270
a6: Focus Point Options......................................................... 271
a7: Low-Light AF....................................................................... 271
a8: Built-in AF-Assist Illuminator......................................... 272
a9: Manual Focus Ring in AF Mode.................................... 273

xiii
b: Metering/Exposure..................................................................274
b1: EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl ...........................................274
b2: Easy Exposure Compensation ......................................274
b3: Center-Weighted Area ....................................................275
b4: Fine-Tune Optimal Exposure ........................................275
c: Timers/AE Lock ..........................................................................276
c1: Shutter-Release Button AE-L..........................................276
c2: Self-Timer..............................................................................276
c3: Power Off Delay..................................................................277
d: Shooting/Display......................................................................278
d1: CL Mode Shooting Speed...............................................278
d2: Max. Continuous Release ...............................................278
d3: Exposure Delay Mode......................................................278
d4: Shutter Type........................................................................279
d5: Limit Selectable Image Area..........................................279
d6: File Number Sequence....................................................280
d7: Apply Settings to Live View...........................................281
d8: Framing Grid Display .......................................................281
d9: Peaking Highlights............................................................281
d10: View All in Continuous Mode .....................................281
e: Bracketing/Flash .......................................................................282
e1: Flash Sync Speed ...............................................................282
e2: Flash Shutter Speed..........................................................283
e3: Exposure Comp. for Flash...............................................283
e4: Auto cISO Sensitivity Control ......................................283
e5: Bracketing Order................................................................284
f: Controls.........................................................................................285
f1: Customize iMenu ...........................................................285
f2: Custom Controls (Shooting)...........................................286
f3: Custom Controls (Playback)............................................292
f4: Customize Command Dials.............................................294
f5: Release Button to Use Dial ..............................................296
f6: Reverse Indicators ..............................................................296

xiv
g: Movie............................................................................................ 297
g1: Customize iMenu ......................................................... 297
g2: Custom Controls ............................................................... 298
g3: AF Speed .............................................................................. 303
g4: AF Tracking Sensitivity.................................................... 303
g5: Highlight Display .............................................................. 304
BThe Setup Menu: Camera Setup......................................... 305
Format Memory Card ............................................................. 306
Save User Settings ................................................................... 306
Reset User Settings.................................................................. 306
Language .................................................................................... 306
Time Zone and Date................................................................ 307
Monitor Brightness.................................................................. 307
Viewfinder Brightness ............................................................ 308
Viewfinder Color Balance ...................................................... 309
Information Display................................................................. 310
AF Fine-Tune.............................................................................. 311
Image Dust Off Ref Photo ..................................................... 312
Image Comment ...................................................................... 314
Copyright Information ........................................................... 315
Beep Options ............................................................................. 316
Touch Controls.......................................................................... 316
Self-Portrait Mode.................................................................... 317
HDMI............................................................................................. 317
Location Data Display............................................................. 317
Airplane Mode........................................................................... 317
Connect to Smart Device ...................................................... 318
Connect to PC............................................................................ 320
Wireless Remote (ML-L7) Options...................................... 323
Conformity Marking................................................................ 324
Energy Saving............................................................................ 325
Slot Empty Release Lock........................................................ 325
Reset All Settings...................................................................... 326
Firmware Version ..................................................................... 326

xv
NThe Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies ...........327
NEF (RAW) Processing.............................................................330
Trim................................................................................................333
Resize ............................................................................................334
D-Lighting ...................................................................................336
Quick Retouch ...........................................................................336
Red-Eye Correction ..................................................................337
Straighten....................................................................................337
Distortion Control.....................................................................338
Perspective Control .................................................................339
Image Overlay............................................................................340
Trim Movie ..................................................................................343
Side-by-Side Comparison......................................................343
OMy Menu/mRecent Settings..............................................345
Establishing Wireless Connections to Computers
or Smart Devices 350
Network Options .......................................................................350
Connecting to Computers via Wi-Fi.......................................351
What Wi-Fi Can Do for You.............................................................351
The Wireless Transmitter Utility ...................................................351
Infrastructure and Access-Point Modes.....................................352
Connecting in Access-Point Mode ..............................................353
Connecting in Infrastructure Mode.............................................357
Uploading Pictures............................................................................364
Disconnecting and Reconnecting ...............................................368
Connecting to Smart Devices .................................................369
The SnapBridge App.........................................................................369
What SnapBridge Can Do for You................................................369
Wireless Connections.......................................................................370
Connecting via Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Mode)..............................................371
Connecting via Bluetooth...............................................................377
Troubleshooting........................................................................390

xvi
Connecting to Other Devices 391
Connecting to Computers Via USB ....................................... 391
Installing ViewNX-i............................................................................ 392
Copying Pictures to the Computer............................................. 393
Connecting to Printers ............................................................ 396
Printing Pictures One at a Time.................................................... 397
Printing Multiple Pictures............................................................... 398
Connecting to HDMI Devices ................................................. 399
Connecting to Other HDMI Devices ........................................... 400
On-Camera Flash Photography 401
“On-Camera” Versus “Remote”.............................................. 401
Camera-Mounted Flash Units....................................................... 401
Remote Flash Photography........................................................... 401
Using an On-Camera Flash ..................................................... 402
Flash Control Mode .................................................................. 404
Remote Flash Photography 405
About Remote Flash Photography ....................................... 405
Controlling Remote Flash Units............................................. 406
Using the SB-500 ............................................................................... 406
Troubleshooting 409
Before Contacting Customer Support.................................. 409
Problems and Solutions .......................................................... 410
Battery/Display................................................................................... 410
Shooting............................................................................................... 411
Playback................................................................................................ 415
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (Wireless Networks)................................. 416
Miscellaneous..................................................................................... 416
Indicators and Error Messages............................................... 417
Indicators.............................................................................................. 417
Error Messages ................................................................................... 419

xvii
Technical Notes 422
Compatible Lenses....................................................................422
The Camera Display ..................................................................423
The Monitor: Photo Mode ..............................................................423
The Monitor: Movie Mode..............................................................428
The Viewfinder: Photo Mode.........................................................429
The Viewfinder: Movie Mode.........................................................431
The Nikon Creative Lighting System .....................................432
Other Accessories......................................................................437
Charging AC Adapters .....................................................................439
Software......................................................................................442
Caring for the Camera ..............................................................443
Storage ..................................................................................................443
Cleaning................................................................................................443
Cleaning the Image Sensor............................................................444
Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions......................446
Specifications.............................................................................451
Approved Memory Cards ........................................................462
Memory Card Capacity.............................................................463
Battery Endurance ....................................................................464
NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/3.5–6.3 VR Lens
User’s Manual .......................................................................465
NIKKOR Z DX 50–250mm f/4.5–6.3 VR Lens
User’s Manual .......................................................................475
Lenses That May Block the Built-in Flash and AF-Assist
Illuminator.............................................................................485
Trademarks and Licenses ........................................................487
Index ............................................................................................490

xviii
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.
Menu List
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
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
PHOTO SHOOTING MENU

xix
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
Frequency response
Wind noise reduction
CUSTOM SETTING MENU
Reset custom settings
aAutofocus
a1 AF-C priority selection
a2 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
a8 Built-in AF-assist
illuminator
a9 Manual focus ring in AF
mode
bMetering/exposure
b1 EV steps for exposure cntrl
b2 Easy exposure
compensation
b3 Center-weighted area
b4 Fine-tune optimal
exposure
cTimers/AE lock
c1 Shutter-release button
AE-L
c2 Self-timer
c3 Power off delay

xx
dShooting/display
d1 CL mode shooting speed
d2 Max. continuous release
d3 Exposure delay mode
d4 Shutter type
d5 Limit selectable image
area
d6 File number sequence
d7 Apply settings to live view
d8 Framing grid display
d9 Peaking highlights
d10 View all in continuous
mode
eBracketing/flash
e1 Flash sync speed
e2 Flash shutter speed
e3 Exposure comp. for flash
e4 Auto cISO sensitivity
control
e5 Bracketing order
CUSTOM SETTING MENU
fControls
f1 Customize imenu
f2 Custom controls
(shooting)
f3 Custom controls
(playback)
f4 Customize command dials
f5 Release button to use dial
f6 Reverse indicators
gMovie
g1 Customize imenu
g2 Custom controls
g3 AF speed
g4 AF tracking sensitivity
g5 Highlight display
CUSTOM SETTING MENU