I’ve just been looking back at BCN+R’s top 10 mirrorless cameras chart for the first half of 2026, and I spotted something I’d missed. Usually, I’m hyper-focused on the top end of the ranking, but right at the bottom, slipping into the #10 spot is the Nikon Z50. That’s right, a seven-year-old last-generation APS-C mirrorless camera that’s long been succeeded by the far superior Nikon Z50II. So, what gives?
Well, first off, the Nikon Z50II ranks higher in the list at #6. And secondly, the Japanese domestic market isn’t necessarily ruled by what’s new and what has the latest specs. Frequently, BCN+R provides evidence that consumers are not opposed to buying up smaller or older cameras, and while the Nikon Z50 has been discontinued, new stock is still relatively easy to get hold of and for some very good prices, too.
BCN's Top 10 best-selling mirrorless cameras (first half of 2026)
- Canon EOS R50
- Sony ZV-E10 II
- Canon EOS R10
- Sony ZV-E10
- Sony A6400
- Nikon Z50 II
- Fujifilm X-T30 III
- Sony A7 V
- Olympus PEN E-P7
- Nikon Z50
Now, it’s easy to dismiss the Nikon Z50. It’s got last-gen AF that wasn’t exactly ground-breaking at the time, can only hit 11-fps bursts, and maxes out at 4K / 30p. But not everyone wants to photograph challenging subjects, and not everyone wants to shoot high-quality video.
In fact, the Nikon Zfc shares almost the exact same specs as the Nikon Z50 and is still in Nikon’s current lineup. At the end of the day, all of Nikon’s mirrorless cameras share the same two advantages: access to an incredible range of Z-mount lenses and supreme image quality.
If all you want is an everyday carry to take on holidays, day trips and family events, this is still a fine little mirrorless camera. And the fact it’s still selling well is proof that Nikon absolutely needs to make a true entry-level camera.
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For more of my Nikon ramblings: 27 miles, two days, and one Nikon Zfc. Is the retro Nikon Z fc still a relevant mirrorless camera in 2025? Plus, here's the latest camera news.
