Has The Nikon Z50 Really Been Discontinued?

Last Updated on 12/02/2024 by Nilofer Khan

Nikon’s camera streak only became better with their full-frame cameras, namely the Z8, Z9, and Zf. With firmware updates, the three devices changed how we saw the company. And that says a lot, especially when their APS-C models were not exactly the best in class. An example is the Nikon Z50, which was launched in 2019, and had a serious identity crisis. So, it doesn’t surprise us to learn that Nikon Japan has issued a statement for discontinuation.

According to Nikon’s website (via Asobinet), the company is pulling out The Nikon Z50, including the camera body, the VR, and the double zoom kit lens. Here’s what the translated text said:

Thank you for your continued patronage of Nikon products.

We would like to inform you that we will be discontinuing production of the mirrorless camera “Z50,” “Z50 16-50 VR Lens Kit,” and “Z50 Double Zoom Kit,” for which we announced on July 18, 2024 that we would be temporarily suspending orders.

We deeply apologize to our customers and other parties who have been waiting for the product for any inconvenience caused. Thank you for your understanding.

Asobinte further adds that Japanese stores such as Yodobashi Camera, Map Camera, and Kitamura Camera have either discontinued the Nikon Z50 or suspended its sales. While this is the case in Japan, Nikon USA still continues to show the product on its website. So, we don’t know how long it will carry on before the company reveals the same.

There is no clear reason why this may have happened, but a few things could have led to the sudden demise of the Nikon Z50. In July, due to a large number of orders, the company suspended taking further orders. But, perhaps this could be just a way to slow the production process because the Z50 II was already on its way. Launched on November 4, almost six years later, the company has yet again made a device that caters to content creators more than photographers. So, naturally, there is a possibility of mid-range cameras seeing a lesser demand. In their Q2 revenue report, the company further released that the Z6 III and the Z50 II are their higher-performing devices, which hints that the Nikon Z50 is no longer needed.

The gradual discontinuation of Nikon 50 proves that Nikon, like other companies, can’t distinguish between an enthusiast photographer and a YouTube content creator. So, the next best step in such instances is to visit second-hand stores and get an old full-frame equivalent camera by spending $100 to $300 more. The only reason it makes sense for one to purchase a new APS-C is if it features such as Pre-release capture, which is useful for wildlife photographers. Otherwise, low light image quality, weather sealing, and autofocus are other reasons to purchase a second-hand model.

Product disposition is nothing new; many companies have done so to cut costs and apply their energies in places where it can actually result in profits. The Nikon Z50 was clearly not worth the effort. But perhaps this is exactly why camera manufacturers must change their outlook and stop looking at APS-C cameras as disposable devices. Smaller sensors hold value for many, and the rising interest in compact cameras indicates that this will not change anytime soon. So, Nikon must do better.