Way back in 2019, it seems like a lifetime ago, I picked up the Nikon Z50. Deep into the Z system, I saw this little beauty as a perfect walk-around camera, vlogging machine, and 2nd camera for my live streams. Turns out the Z50 would get more use than I expected. This is, when 2020 came around. To this day, I hang that original Z50 from an arm for live streams at my studio. All that is about to change, as Nikon released the Z50II, and I plan on being first in line to pick up this minute gem of a camera. With every upgrade I could want and more.
Additionally, the Z50II will be a perfect camera for those stepping up from their phone or point-and-shoot. For pros like me, this is a great second camera option for both stills and video. Let’s take a look at the Nikon Z50II, and perhaps you’ll be in line right behind me to add this to your kit.
Key Specs of the Nikon Z50II
- Superior 20.9-megapixel DX-format (APS-C size) sensor
- 31 built-in color presets
- Z50II can automatically detect and accurately track nine distinct subjects.
- 4K UHD/60p in camera
- 120p slow-motion in Full HD
- Product review mode
- Built-in Flash
- Nikon SnapBridge app
Biggest Features of the Nikon Z50II
The Nikon Z50II sports a 20.9-megapixel DX-format (APS-C) sensor. It is powered by the EXPEED 7 processor found in Nikon’s pro-level mirrorless cameras. With 4k/60 internal video capture, N-log, and a Variangle screen, the Z50II is a capable video camera for content creators and vloggers alike. Designed to be simple to operate yet produce astounding results, the Z50III is the ideal upgrade from a phone or carry-anywhere camera for a pro.
20.9 Megapixel DX-Format Sensor
20.9 Megapixels only tells part of the story here. When dealing with digital sensors, we must also consider the sensor’s size. The Nikon Z50II has a sensor that is many times larger than that of a cell phone camera. Imagine if you have the exact pixel count on the tiny sensor; we get tiny pixels. The larger the pixel, the more light hits it. The richer the detail and color, the less digital noise. In the case of pixels, size trumps quantity for overall quality, especially when working outside the studio in uncontrolled light. In short, the larger pixels in the Nikon Z50II make for higher-quality images and video. Without getting too technical, the larger sensor also allows for a more shallow depth of field. Thus, more cinematic photos and videos.
Interchangeable Lens
If you’ve been around as long as I have this feature might be easy enough to overlook, but to the creator upgrading from a phone, this is a game changer. This is an article about a camera, and when looking at spec sheets, cameras are, on the surface, more attractive than lenses. That being said, the lens draws the image onto the wonderfully large sensor of this Nikon mirrorless. The lens plays a big part in the sharpness, color saturation, and, of course, what you frame in the shot. The Nikon Z50II allows you to choose from a wide range of Nikon lenses. This opens your world to new ways to see. Suppose you decide to add an additional Nikon Z to your kit. In that case, these lenses can be shared, making an investment in lenses a creative joy and a practical matter for a creator of any level.
Multi-Subject Recognition Autofocus
The Nikon Z50II has a remarkable autofocus system with features that mirror those available in the Nikon’s Professional line. This is possible because the Z50II is the first DX-format camera with the EXPEED 7 processor. The Nikon Z50II can recognize and quickly focus on nine types of subjects. Beyond that, the Z50II can accurately lock on and track them. This includes people, dogs, cats, birds, and vehicles. In fact, the Z50II has dedicated modes for birds and airplanes! This precise and specialized autofocus allows creators to focus on framing and interacting with their subjects, not on how sharp the image is. It is sharp, very sharp.
Cinematic Video Capture
Capturing 4K UHD/60p in camera is the foundation of the pro-level video you can create with the Nikon Z50II. The Z50II then adds the ability to shoot 120p slow motion in HD. As mentioned before, the larger sensor allows for more depth of field control. All combined, you have a very capable video camera, whether you are vlogging, live streaming, or shooting content for social media. Capturing video at any angle is a breeze with the Full 3.2″ LC Variangle LED Screen. To cap it all off, the Z50II can capture footage in N-Log! This will allow filmmakers to color grade their footage to match other Nikon Z cameras and use LUTs.
For those who create product reviews, the Z50II has the product review mode, making your footage snap by allowing for seamless autofocus between your eyes and items you hold in front of the camera.
Color Presets
With 31 built-in presets and the ability to craft your own, the Nikon Z50II allows creators the freedom to craft their own look. These presets can be applied to photos and video so creators can keep a consistent style and voice whether producing video or stills. This is another function those of us deep into post-production might overlook. Alas, that would be a mistake. The demand, and let’s face it, desire to create more fresh content means any feature that allows us to have a final product quickly and to our taste is worth looking at. Why spend a bunch of time in post-processing when you can create images you love, transfer them to your phone via SnapBridge, and have them on display to the world in seconds?
MC-DC3 Remote Release Cord
For long-exposure work, Nikon has released the MC-DC3 Remote Release Cord. This 1-meter-long cable fits into the 3.5mm jack of compatible cameras and allows the shutter to be fired without causing a camera shake. The MC-DC3 also features a lock for time exposures, which is excellent for astral photography.
Who Should Use the Nikon Z50II
The Nikon Z50II is the perfect mix of bridge camera and professional tool. For new photographers and creators who have been working with phones, this will allow your creativity to explode. For those who have been shooting forever (like me), this is a fantastic carry-anywhere tool that can lighten our load but won’t disappoint when it comes time to create. As a vlogger, a YouTuber, or a filmmaker creating short-form content or live streams, the Nikon Z50II has you covered. As a photographer looking for a travel companion or with the extra reach of APSC for things like bird photography, the Z50II is an excellent choice.
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z50II
In many ways, the Z50II is familiar. The body has been slightly redesigned to have a more ergonomic grip, and the Variangle screen is excellent. The EXPEED 7 takes the autofocus to the next level. If you have been shooting with the original Z50, this camera is a serious upgrade worth your time.
Check out our video overview on AdoramaTV, by Seth Miranda
Final Thoughts
I’ve been super happy with my Z50. It has served me well for the last 5 years, and I wasn’t really thinking about replacing it. Then I saw the Nikon Z50II and was blown away by what they are offering. My Z50, as it is still going strong, will be gifted to my young niece, and a Z50II will take it’s place in my camera bag, in my life, and in my art.
All images provided by Nikon
