Photo news: Nikon's model update and first cine motor zoom

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It's easy to be wrong: last week we wrote that the big new camera launches for this year were just around the corner, but now Nikon is proving this column wrong. Although the Z 50II isn't exactly big, that has always been part of its appeal, especially as Nikon is offering the latest technology without a big price increase. The new model is expected to cost less than 1000 euros, whereas the first Z 50 was released almost five years ago at an RRP of 950 euros.

This is so remarkable because prices from all manufacturers have only gone up for years. Especially at Nikon: the Z6III was briefly more expensive than the Z7II when it was launched. As we described back then, Nikon is concerned with the price points, not just the model number. And this is also the case with the Z50II: it remains an upmarket entry-level model with an APS-C sensor of 21 megapixels. It is even the same as its predecessor, but the rest is state-of-the-art: The Expeed-7 processor is even that of the 5000-euro flagship Z 9.

Small camera, big processor

The Z50II is also capable of AI subject tracking for nine categories, 30 continuous shots for JPEGs and much more, which is explained in our detailed report. Nikon also makes full use of the small sensor in the video area thanks to the processor power. There is a maximum of 4K resolution, but in two modes: with 30 fps and oversampling of the entire sensor, or via crop with 60 fps. Although this is not stated in the data sheet, we were told this by Nikon when the camera was presented. The Z50II also supports N-Log formats for video with 8 and 10-bit color depth. It is due to be delivered at the end of November.

A powerful CPU not only makes sense for the user, but also for Nikon itself: a standardized platform saves development costs. Apple with its M chips sends its regards. And pushing functions from the larger models into the smaller ones, see Z8 and Z9, also becomes easier. Continuous product maintenance helps to retain customers. And also with finally simplified product names: Ever since the Z6III, Nikon has been writing product names without the space, as was previously the case. The correct name is now Z50II, not Z 50II. And, no, we are not correcting all Nikon announcements of the last few years, they are historically correct.

Nikon's first motorized cine zoom

Let's stay with Nikon, because there is also something remarkable for video in the (semi-)profile camp. We are talking about the Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ, a motorized zoom for filming. So far, Nikon has only published a so-called "development announcement", which in the past meant: The device is actually ready, we are in the pre-production phase and are just waiting for the right date for the full presentation. One such date would be the CES in Las Vegas in January 2025.

Until then, we can only judge by the single image of the lens and what Nikon has said in three short sentences: This thing is for "video creators" and small teams or soloists. So it's probably a bit cheaper than the real cine lenses from Canon, for example. The term "cine", which is associated with the claim of professional film production for cinema and streaming, has so far been deliberately avoided by Nikon. Nevertheless, we use it here to clarify the distinction from photo lenses.

The golden ring slips

What you can do with the motor, whether it is fully remote controllable via USB – important for small studios and live productions – and many other things Nikon is still keeping to itself. Perhaps most importantly: Is the lens stable in focus? If so, it would be quite tempting for streaming sporting events, for example. But then you'd rather have a telephoto lens, maybe Nikon will soon follow suit. See above: Standardized platforms are now a development goal for this manufacturer. The fact that the lens exists is undoubtedly a result of the Red takeover.

It is also striking how Nikon has changed the branding. Instead of the discreet golden ring at the front end as on the professional lenses for photography, the Powerzoom is adorned with a thick golden ring in front of the bayonet. So if you have one of the Nikon Cines, which are sure to be rare to begin with, you will immediately stand out in the future. Let's also speculate on the price: the lens is likely to cost well over 2000 euros, as Sony's FE PZ 28-135 mm F4 G OSS, which is comparable in terms of optical data, is in this range. Its RRP is 2300 euros, and it is currently around 200 euros cheaper (starting from 1999 €). If we assume a new product surcharge and the CES date, the Cine-Nikkor could be in stores in February 2025 for around 2500 euros. Please note: All read from a crystal ball, so no guarantee.

End for P+A in Duisburg

Things look less rosy than for Nikon for photo fairs in general and P+A in particular. This actually quite exciting mixture of trade fair and event is taking place this year, this weekend in Vienna, but will no longer be in Duisburg in 2025. The "Photo+Adventure" was represented in the Pott for ten years, but despite record visitor numbers, it is apparently no longer profitable. The main reason given by the organizer is that it has become increasingly difficult to convince exhibitors of the event concept since Corona. P+A Germany will not disappear completely. There will still be online seminars and lectures and workshop weekends. Although the reasons are not quite the same as the end of Photopia, which was seen as the successor to the long-dead Photokina, the result is the same: the coronavirus pandemic has made people accustomed to online events.

The fact that you can't touch brand new and expensive equipment no longer seems to matter. Not to mention the conversations, even with real professionals. And yet P+A had a lot to offer here with its mix of themes from the – Travel and Outdoor – motifs and photography technology. After all, it will continue to take place in Vienna. However, Germany is now missing another major photography event.

From delivery driver to professional photographer

Our recommendation for a long read for the weekend is intended for the train journey to P+A or other occasions. It describes one of the typical dream careers of a photographer: turning a hobby into a profession. Sami Aziz managed to do just that in Philadelphia. He started taking portraits of people on the street while working as a delivery driver and now only makes a living from photography. Or from Instagram, where he has around 300,000 followers. Of course, this doesn't happen overnight: In one year, he photographed 100,000 people. The story of South Street Sam explains how he gets their permission, makes the pictures accessible to them and, above all, how to drive this enormous perseverance and technical development forward.

(nie)