Nikon Z50II: All-round APS-C camera with fast processor presented

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Nikon introduces the mirrorless DX camera Z50II, which according to the manufacturer is a perfect all-round camera for aspiring content creators. The Z50II combines the technology of higher-end Z-series models – such as Auto Scene Recognition – with ease of use and creative features such as Picture Control configurations and access to the Nikon Imaging Cloud.

New features and improvements

The Z50II features the powerful Expeed 7 image processor, which is also built into the top-of-the-range Z9 model. According to Nikon, this offers a 12-fold increase in processing speed compared to its predecessor, the Z50. In addition, the camera starts up in around half the time of its predecessor. Thanks to the fast processor, the APS-C camera offers automatic subject recognition for nine different subject types (the Z50 only recognized people, dogs and cats) and should also reliably track fast, unpredictable movements. The improved AF-A mode is designed to recognize even the smallest movements and switch between AF-S and AF-C as required.

At 1000 cd/m2, the electronic viewfinder delivers twice the brightness of the Z50 and the 3.2-inch display can now be rotated and tilted, in contrast to the Z50's display, which can only be tilted horizontally.

The Z50II records videos with a maximum resolution of 5.6K oversampled as 4K/30p and also supports N-Log/HLG with eight and ten bits.

A new video mode for product presentations is designed to prevent the camera from focusing on hands or faces instead of capturing the product in focus. The Z50II is recognized as a webcam via USB and allows direct streaming to platforms such as Twitch, Zoom and YouTube.

With pre-release capture, it works at 30 frames per second, but only uses JPEGs. It is designed to record raw photos at 11 frames per second and JPEGs at 30 frames per second.

Creative possibilities

The Z50II offers extensive Picture Control options – Nikon speaks of 31 options that can be quickly selected via an additional button on the top of the camera. This gives photographers quick access to special image looks, for example for portraits or black and white images. Users can also download so-called imaging recipes and color presets free of charge via the Nikon Imaging Cloud.

Despite the image sensor without image stabilization inherited from its predecessor, Nikon promises low image noise at increased ISO values of up to 51,200 for photos. The APS-C sensor still delivers 21 megapixels and, according to the manufacturer, has apparently been slightly optimized via firmware.

Nikon has based the housing on the full-frame models and has also equipped the Z50II with a similar button layout. This means that the changeover when switching cameras within the system is minimal. The camera has become slightly larger and weighs around 100 grams more than the Z50, the non-slip housing is sealed against dust and splash water.

The overall package makes the camera an interesting option for beginners and content producers. The predecessor model will be discontinued at the end of the year, as its micro-USB connection does not comply with the EU requirement for a uniform charging standard for small electronic devices.

Availability and prices

The Nikon Z50II is due to go on sale at the end of November. The recommended retail prices are just under 1000 euros for the body, 1150 euros for the kit with the Z DX 16-50mm VR lens, 1400 euros for the double kit with Z DX 16-50mm VR and Z DX 50-250mm VR and 1420 euros for the kit with the Z DX 18-140mm VR.

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