Nikon Z50 Filmmaker Review At Future's Birthday Event - Z 35mm f1.8 Lens - Best autofocus ever?
Filming Future’s Birthday Party with the Nikon Z50: A Real-World Review
Introduction
Hey, I’m Thomas Brown, and today I’m reviewing the Nikon Z50 while capturing an unforgettable event—Future’s birthday party. This isn’t just another tech review; I put the Z50 through its paces in a high-pressure, fast-paced celebrity event environment.
From autofocus tests to low-light performance, I’ll break down my hands-on experience using this compact mirrorless camera. Let’s dive in!
First Impressions of the Nikon Z50
This is my second time using a Nikon mirrorless camera, my first being the Nikon Z6 about six months ago. Big shoutout to Garnett O’Connor from G Com Photo Lab for lending me a Z50 for this shoot.
To really put it to the test, I rented a second Z50 to compare settings and performance under different conditions. Here’s what I noticed right away:
Lightweight and Compact: Compared to my Panasonic GH5s, the Z50 is smaller and easier to carry.
Autofocus Features: Using full-time autofocus, I was eager to see how it would handle fast movements and low-light conditions.
Color Profile: I shot in standard color profile without any color grading to see its natural rendering.
Autofocus Performance: Real-World Tests
Test 1: Filming with Will Edmund
Before the event, I met up with Will Edmund from Ventures of Will to run some autofocus tests. Using the 16-50mm lens, I tested the focus transition from a building to Will’s face and back.
Results:
Fast and Snappy Focus: Transitioning between subjects was instantaneous.
Accurate Face Detection: It locked onto Will’s face quickly with no noticeable hunting.
Test 2: Setting Up for Future’s Birthday Party
Arriving at the venue early, I set up a time-lapse with the Z50 while preparing for the big event. Setting up a time-lapse mode on the Z50 was incredibly easy and intuitive.
Interval: 15-second intervals over four hours.
Smooth Playback: The 4K time-lapse came out looking buttery smooth.
Test 3: Low-Light Autofocus at the Party
When Future arrived, the room exploded with cameras and lights. It was chaotic, and I had to work fast.
I initially planned to use my GH5s for key moments, but when Future walked in, I happened to have the Z50 on my gimbal—so I just rolled with it.
Results:
Flawless Face Tracking: I tapped Future’s face on the screen, and the autofocus stuck perfectly.
Surprisingly Reliable Low-Light AF: Despite the dim lighting, the Z50 nailed focus with no noticeable hunting.
Smooth Gimbal Performance: The lightweight body worked great for stabilizing shots.
From that moment, I trusted the Z50 and used it for most of my key shots throughout the night.
Nikon Z50 vs. Panasonic GH5s: A Quick Comparison
Since my primary camera is the Panasonic GH5s, I wanted to compare the two:
Feature Nikon Z50 Panasonic GH5s Autofocus Better than expected (reliable face tracking) Manual focus preferred (AF struggles) Low-Light Performance Good for APS-C (clean at high ISO) Superior due to dual native ISO Battery Life Lasted ~5 hours (2 batteries) GH5s lasts longer with bigger battery Weight & Size Lighter and compact Bulkier and more robust Vlogging Capability No flip screen (not ideal for solo vloggers) Flip-out screen for vlogging
Final Verdict: Is the Nikon Z50 Worth It?
After filming Future’s birthday party, here’s my final take on the Nikon Z50:
Pros:
✅ Excellent Autofocus – Surprisingly fast and reliable in both good and low-light conditions. ✅ Compact & Lightweight – Perfect for run-and-gun filming. ✅ User-Friendly Interface – The menu system is intuitive and easy to navigate. ✅ Great Color Science – Natural colors without excessive post-processing. ✅ Affordable Price – At around $1000 with the kit lens, it’s a great value.
Cons:
❌ No Flip Screen – Makes it less ideal for vlogging. ❌ Record Button is Stiff – Requires extra pressure, which can be annoying on a gimbal. ❌ Limited Lens Selection – Nikon Z-mount APS-C lens options are still limited.
Would I Recommend It?
For the price, absolutely. If you need a compact, reliable camera with great autofocus, the Nikon Z50 delivers. While it won’t replace my GH5s for all situations, I’ll definitely keep using it for autofocus-heavy projects.
Watch My Full Review & Behind-the-Scenes!
If you want to see the Z50 in action at Future’s birthday party, check out my full video review. Also, be sure to check out:
📌 Will Edmund’s review of the Nikon Z50 📌 Garnett O’Connor’s take on the Nikon Z50
Big thanks to Garnett for lending me this camera, and I’ll catch you guys in the next one!
Peace.
