Nikon Z50 II Announced – A Powerful Entry-Level Hybrid Camera

4 days ago

Nikon Z50 II Announced - A Powerful Entry-Level Hybrid Camera

Nikon Z50 II is a new, sub $1,000 entry-level hybrid camera aimed at aspiring content creators, smartphone upgraders, and a broad range of entry-level users. This segmentation does not say much regarding the camera’s capabilities. As with other recent Nikon products, the new Z50 II packs a nice punch with 10-bit 4K recording, improved control layout and monitoring, improved battery, and a new autofocus algorithm, which is in line with Nikon’s contemporary stablemates. Let’s dive in.

In recent years, we’ve seen the market change. Stills-only cameras are all but extinct, except for some niche products, and some of the greatest conservatives turned their skin, ushering in the new age of hybrid. Nikon may be the most stark example. After years of relative neglect, the century-old Japanese manufacturer shocked the world with the 8K 60P Raw video capable Z 9 and has been churning out additional hybrids ever since. The new Z50 II is the most recent addition, bringing some of its big sister’s features to a much broader audience.

Nikon Z50 II top panel. Image credit: Nikon

Specs and features of the Nikon Z50 II

The new Nikon Z50 II offers 10-bit 4K recording, allowing it to capture HLG or N-Log footage in what may just be its most significant upgrade over its predecessor. The camera can shoot uncropped 4K at up to 30P and will apply a rather significant x1.5 crop to its 4K 60P capture. FHD capture is available at up to 120P with no crop. These limitations stem from the rather old sensor, Nikon’s 20-megapixel APS-C unit. At the age of almost eight years since their first version with the Nikon D500 DSLR, it seems that Nikon managed to squeeze impressive performance out of it with its EXPEED 7 Image Processor, but it’s getting a bit long in the tooth compared with some of the competition.

As with all of Nikon’s current APS-C line, there’s no internal image stabilization. The company compensates for this shortcoming with a Vibration Reduction (VR) unit on each APS-C lens (DX in Nikon’s lingo). This may be enough for some, but it can’t offer 5-axis stabilization and won’t stabilize Nikon’s full-frame primes and other lenses. The camera offers an electronic stabilizer, albeit at the cost of quite a significant crop.

Autofocus

Another field in which the Z50 II significantly improves is its autofocus. The use of the current EXPEED 7 processor allows for the use of Nikon’s advanced AF algorithms, such as 3D tracking. The camera also boasts a product-oriented AF mode (as seen in some other entry level cameras from Sony, FUJIFILM, etc.). This will dictate quick AF pull whenever an object is placed in front of the camera, making product reviews a breeze.

Build and ergonomics

At first glance, the Nikon Z50 II and Z50 (1st gen) seem quite similar. But Nikon has implemented some significant changes to the control layout, adding more buttons, a full vary-angle LCD, and a headphone jack next to the mic jack. The new design also trimmed the EVF backward protrusion, so it’s now a bit more flush, contributing to the overall compactness. A front/top-facing Tally lamp is a welcome addition as well.

Nikon Z50 II (left) vs the Z50 (right). Notice the shorter EVF and vary-angle LCD. Image credit: Nikon

These changes may appear minor but significantly affect the usefulness of the new Z50 II, especially for video content creation. One button Nikon emphasizes is the direct image profile button, situated on the top plate. This will allow for quick access to the camera’s color profiles, as well as custom-made profiles created in-camera or downloaded.

Nikon Z50 II (left) vs. the Z50 (right). Notice the number of buttons. Image credit: Nikon

Who is it for

The new Nikon Z50 II will cater to the needs of many. However, video and hybrid content creators will be the main winners here. Every upgrade seems to be tailored for this audience. Better video quality, better autofocus, vary-angle LCD screen, improved battery life, and direct picture profile access will all contribute here. The camera leaves much room to improve with 10-bit N-Log, waveform, and more.

Alternatives

The entry-level segment is usually quite crowded, and it seems Nikon is joining a new generation of cameras here. While lacking an EVF, the FUJIFILM X-M5 poses fierce competition, offering stronger video specifications with 6K open gate and less cropping in 4K. It has arguably better film simulation implementation and a more stylish design. FUJIFILM also offers a much deeper lens line with both entry-level and professional options. It’s also more affordable at $799. If you can forego the hype and vintage look, the Canon EOS R10 will provide you with relatively similar specs, wrapped in Canon’s UX and an RF mount for about the same price – $879. The Z50 II has the edge when it comes to high-quality video with better implementation of Log recording, color profile, and 10-bit workflow. Last but not least is the well-known Sony ZV-E10 II, packed with a newer 26 Megapixel sensor, 4K 60P, better internal microphone system, better battery, and a plethora of dedicated APS-C lenses and other accessories. The ZV-E10 II is a tad pricier at $998. The Sony lacks a viewfinder and easy picture profile access.

Price and availability

The Nikon Z50 II is available for preorder. Body only is priced at $907 / €852.69. Two kits are also available: one includes the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR Lens and will cost $1,047 / €1,003.34. The second kit will also include the NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR tele-zoom Lens for $1,297 / €1,204.21.

Do you see the new Nikon Z50 II as a viable option for filmmaking or other video content? Let us know in the comments.