Thanks to the smaller sensor and the wider mount of their Z Mount mirrorless design, Nikon’s latest camera, the Z 50, is the most compact interchangeable lens model that they have ever produced.

The Z 50 is the third camera in Nikon’s new Z Series line of mirrorless shooters, but unlike the previous Nikon Z 6 and Nikon Z 7 mirrorless full-frame models, it has a DX-format, ASP-C sized sensor.

Weighing only 14 ounces—less than a pound—Nikon coupled the same 20.9-megapixel resolution as found in the Nikon D500, Nikon’s DX-format DSLR flagship, with Nikon’s latest EXPEED 6 image processor. So the body and the optics are smaller, but the capabilities are heightened.

The Z 50 improves on the bursting rate of the Nikon D500 with 11fps continuous still images over the previous top of 10fps. For lowlight shooting, ISO has also been enhanced with a standard ISO range from 100 to 51,200. This can be pushed two more stops all the way up to an ISO equivalent of 204,800. 

To shave down body size, many operational buttons have been moved to the LCD menus. Ideal for shooting from low-to-the-ground and other awkward perspectives, the 3.2-inch LCD screen with 1-million-dot-resolution will also rotate 180 degrees.

With Eye Detection and Face Detection AF, which will track and focus on the eyes of a subject no matter where they move in the frame, it seems a good choice for the vlogger generation. It has touchscreen operations including shutter, and can be set to a Selfie Mode to prevent accidental setting changes.

Wireless communication through Bluetooth and WiFi gives immediate transfer of files to mobiles through Nikon’s SnapBridge app. SnapBridge can be used as a remote control for the Z 50 and a number of compatible Nikon cameras, too. The latest version of the app also unlocks RAW files, with in-camera image adjustments and RAW-to-JPEG conversions. 

Video is available at up UHD resolution for 4K at 30fps. 4K can also be captured in 24 and 25fps, while HD is available at up to 120fps with sound. A slow-motion mode captures without sound at 120fps, and plays back at 240fps for in-camera slow motion video effects.

Creative filters have been carried over from Nikon’s DSLR cameras, like a miniature mode, and selected color, which can be applied from the Z 50 to either photos or videos. In-camera time lapse is also available through the 4K video option.

For audio, the camera has a stereo input for microphones. To save space in the design, Nikon chose to forego a headphone jack for monitoring needs, however.

Unlike the Z 6 and Z 7, Nikon also omitted in-camera image stabilization. Instead, the Z 50 will be available with two kit lenses that have five-axis Dual Detect Optical VR that provide up to five stops of vibration reduction.

Similarly, to save on size and to shrink down the size of the camera’s handhold, Nikon has chosen a new battery type for the Z 50. The new battery type, the EN-EL25, is included with a charger.

They also released a $199 MB-N10 battery power pack as an optional accessory for the previous Nikon Z 7 and Z 6, which can hold two EN-EL15b batteries. It will increase the number of shots possible and movie recording time by approximately 1.8x in those cameras.

The body of the Nikon Z 50 is made from magnesium alloy and has weather sealing. It also has a built-in, pop-up flash.

At $899 starting price for the body only, the Nikon Z 50 will also be available with the the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR and NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR lenses at $999 and $1,349, respectively.