Nikon has officially launched the Z50 II, an upgraded version of its highly popular Z50 mirrorless camera. Aimed at both amateur photographers and content creators, the Nikon Z50 II promises to deliver a robust feature set in a compact design, perfect for those looking to enhance their creative output without breaking the bank.

While many of the key specifications remain similar, including the 20.9MP image sensor, ISO range of 100-51,200, and a maximum shooting rate of 11fps, the Z50 II still lacks in-body image stabilization. The key upgrade, however, is the inclusion of Nikon’s latest Expeed 7 processor, the same high-performance chip found in the Z9, Z8, Z6 III, and Zf full-frame models.

This upgrade significantly enhances the camera’s performance, greatly boosting autofocus, subject tracking, and video capabilities, while also incorporating advanced features from more premium models in the lineup.

Other enhancements include a brighter viewfinder, a larger rear screen that now flips out (as opposed to flipping down), an improved control layout, and a more ergonomic grip. However, the most striking difference that distinguishes it from previous Z-series cameras is the addition of a completely new button.

A New Control button

The Picture Control button is located on the top plate of the camera, right next to the exposure mode dial. Nikon cameras have featured Picture Controls for several years, which allow users to apply different processing styles to images directly in-camera. Traditionally, these controls were accessed through the menu system, but the new dedicated button offers a more convenient way to apply these effects quickly.

It’s important to note that Picture Controls only affect JPEG images, not RAW files. However, when opening a RAW file in Nikon’s NX Studio software, the selected Picture Control settings will be applied.

The display of Picture Control settings has also been updated for greater clarity. Instead of showing a small thumbnail preview (as on the Z50), the full-screen preview now takes up the entire rear display, allowing users to better visualize the effect. Additionally, you can customize which Picture Controls appear, ensuring that only your preferred options are shown for faster selection, eliminating the need to scroll through less frequently used ones.

Compatibility with New Nikon Cloud service

The Nikon Z50 II supports the new Nikon Cloud service, allowing users to access and download Picture Controls created by other photographers, including those from Nikon Creators. Along with the Z6 III, it is one of the first cameras to integrate with Nikon Cloud, offering all of its additional features.

With this service, images are automatically uploaded to your preferred cloud storage as soon as the camera connects to a Wi-Fi network. Additionally, the Z50 II benefits from seamless over-the-air firmware updates, eliminating the need for the traditional process of downloading firmware to a computer, transferring it to a memory card, and navigating through the camera’s menu to complete the update.

Enhanced Viewing Experience

The viewfinder has seen a significant upgrade, now offering double the brightness of the Z50 and comparable cameras in its class, reaching 1000 nits compared to the previous 500 nits. This enhancement improves visibility, especially in bright conditions, and the brightness adjusts automatically for darker environments to provide a more comfortable viewing experience. However, those seeking a high-resolution EVF like the Z6 III will be disappointed, as it retains the same 2.36-million-dot display as the original Z50.

The vari-angle touchscreen now swivels out to the side, offering better flexibility than the Z50’s bottom-mounted screen, which proved awkward for selfies when using a tripod. Additionally, the display now rotates text and on-screen information based on the camera’s orientation, making it easier to check settings when shooting in vertical mode.

The display’s 3:2 aspect ratio is now slightly larger, at 3.2 inches (up from 3 inches), though the resolution remains the same at 1.04 million dots.

A Bigger Leap for Vloggers and Content Creators

Nikon has made significant improvements with the Z50 II, particularly in video performance. When recording in standard 4K at 30 frames per second, the camera oversamples from 5.6K, maintaining an uncropped image that preserves the native field of view of the lens. It also supports 4K 60p for slow-motion footage, though this comes with a 1.5x crop. Additionally, the camera can shoot Full HD at 120p, offering footage at one-quarter the original speed.

The Z50 II features a 2x digital zoom that doesn’t degrade image quality, unlike traditional digital zooms. Instead of pixelation, it crops progressively into the sensor, still delivering Full HD resolution.

Two function buttons on the front of the camera, along with other control options, act like a rocker switch, allowing for smooth zooming with 11 different speed settings. While the camera lacks in-body image stabilization, it compensates with electronic stabilization, which works by cropping into the sensor’s image area.

For advanced post-production flexibility, the Z50 II supports N-Log recording with a 10-bit codec, providing greater dynamic range and color accuracy, preserving highlight and shadow details while offering more room for color grading.

Nikon is clearly targeting vloggers with its latest camera update, introducing a new Product Review mode that automatically adjusts focus between people and objects.

Leveraging AI-driven face and eye tracking, the camera keeps its focus on the person in the frame. When an object is brought into view and moves closer, the camera shifts focus to it, then returns to the person once the object is no longer in the frame.

This feature is especially useful for review videos, offering customizable focus area sizes to prevent unwanted focus shifts.

Additionally, Nikon has streamlined the streaming process for vloggers. The camera no longer requires the Webcam Utility software to connect. Instead, it is now automatically recognized by both computers and smartphones as a plug-and-play device when connected via USB, making it easy to stream directly to platforms like Twitch, YouTube Live, and Zoom.

Enhanced Usability with Advanced Performance

The Nikon Z50 II retains the same 20.9MP sensor as its predecessor but now benefits from the more powerful Expeed 7 processor, replacing the Expeed 6 found in the earlier model. This upgrade delivers a significant performance improvement.

According to Nikon, the autofocus and subject detection capabilities are comparable to those found in its high-end cameras. With nine different subject recognition modes, the Z50 II can track a wide range of subjects, including people, animals, birds, and even moving vehicles like planes, trains, and cars, all supported by advanced 3D tracking.

In addition, the Expeed 7 processor enhances the camera’s responsiveness in Auto Exposure mode and includes features like the Pre-Release Capture function, which first appeared in the Z8 and Z9. This mode allows the camera to take a few shots in the background before the shutter button is fully pressed, helping ensure that fast-moving subjects are captured even if they occur just before the shutter is activated.

With the Pre-Release Capture, the camera can record up to a second of images at full resolution, shooting up to 30fps with continuous autofocus and auto exposure. However, it’s worth noting that these pre-release images are saved as JPEGs rather than RAW files. The Expeed 7 also improves startup speed, so the camera is ready for action as soon as it’s powered on.

The camera features an enhanced Auto-switch autofocus (AF-A) mode, designed to track subjects whose movement is hard to predict. It automatically shifts from Single autofocus (AF-S) to Continuous autofocus (AF-C) if a previously stationary subject starts moving.

Although this functionality has been present in Nikon cameras for many years, as well as in models from other brands, it was often inconsistent in earlier versions. However, Nikon claims that the reliability of this system has been significantly improved.

The sensitivity range remains unchanged from the Z50, with a maximum ISO of 51,200. Nevertheless, Nikon asserts that high-ISO images are now sharper and show less noise, resulting in noticeably better performance in low-light conditions.

The Z50 II retains the pop-up flash from its predecessor, making it the only camera in Nikon’s Z-series to feature a built-in flash. While this flash isn’t as powerful as professional flashguns, it serves as a practical tool for quick fill light, especially when you need a brief burst to enhance your subject in bright conditions.

Additionally, the camera is compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System, allowing it to function as a Commander unit for remotely controlling external flash units.

The control layout on the Z50 II has undergone a complete overhaul compared to the Z50, aligning more closely with the design of higher-end models in the lineup. Unlike the Z50, which used virtual controls on the rear touchscreen for tasks like zooming and adjusting display settings, the Z50 II replaces these with physical buttons for a more tactile and efficient user experience.

Compact Design with Improved Ergonomics

The Nikon Z50 II is compact and lightweight, measuring 127 x 97 x 66.5mm and weighing just 465g. A redesigned grip improves comfort, and the EVF has been repositioned to reduce its protrusion, giving the camera a more streamlined appearance. The eyepiece is now fixed, preventing accidental detachment without the need for tools.

Nikon targets a younger demographic with the Z50 II, particularly content creators, influencers, and vloggers, for whom video is as crucial as photography. The camera’s price point is also designed to appeal to Gen Z users.

Additionally, Nikon has introduced a new wired remote control, the MC-DC3, which connects via the camera’s headphone socket (as there is no dedicated remote port). This remote supports half-press focusing and includes Bulb mode for long exposures, allowing the shutter to remain open as long as needed.

Pricing and Availability

The Nikon Z50 II will be available at the end of November, priced at ₹77,995 (approx) for the body only. The camera can also be purchased with the 16-50mm kit lens for ₹1,06,990 (approx) or 18-140mm zoom lense for ₹1,15,795 (approx).

Conclusion

The Z50 II is a significant step forward for Nikon, combining cutting-edge video capabilities, improved autofocus, and a user-friendly design in a compact body. Whether you’re a vlogger, photographer, or social media influencer, the Z50 II provides the tools needed to capture stunning content, all while maintaining the portability and ease of use that has made the Z series so popular among creators.

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