Unleash the Power of Portability: Nikon Z50 II Review - A Pocket Rocket at an Unbeatable Price

Nikon Z50 II: A Pocket Rocket at a Competitive Price

The original Nikon Z50 was a powerhouse, and its sequel, the Z50 II, takes that winning formula and supercharges it with the help of an Expeed 7 processor. The result is a versatile mirrorless camera that’s perfect for anyone looking to learn and grow with their photography.

Great Handling and Features at a Decent Price

While the Z50 II isn’t as small as the best travel cameras, its slightly larger frame doesn’t sacrifice ergonomics. The camera feels fantastic in the hand, with a deep grip, plenty of direct-access controls, and a vari-angle touchscreen and upgraded viewfinder. Whether you’re snapping stills or videos, there’s nothing to dislike about the Z50 II’s design.

Expeed 7 Power Delivers

Under the hood, Nikon’s latest Expeed 7 processor runs the show – the same silicon found in the Z9 and Z8. It’s an entry-level camera, but that processor gives the Z50 II some serious pace. The interface is fast and seamless, and the autofocus is both speedy and accurate, with detection modes for nine different subject types, including people, animals, and vehicles.

Still and Video Capabilities

Although the 20.9MP APS-C sensor won’t set new resolution records, it’s still capable of producing detailed and realistic images when paired with a quality Z mount lens. If you already own a Z50, you won’t notice a huge difference in overall quality – although the Expeed 7 processor does improve noise performance, so your stills will be cleaner at the same ISO settings.

Video Upgrades

The Z50 II also bolsters its video capabilities, now capable of 4K frame rates at 60fps with a 1.5x crop and support for 10-bit N-log video – a first for Nikon’s APS-C cameras. A headphone socket is a welcome addition, making the Z50 II a more enticing choice for vloggers.

Should You Buy the Nikon Z50 II?

Buy it if:

You’re just starting out with mirrorless photography and want a user-friendly, feature-packed camera.
You’re looking for a solid all-rounder for stills and video.
You want a camera that’s easy to use and grows with you as your skills improve.

Don’t buy it if:

You require the absolute highest resolution or megapixels.
You’re looking for a camera with exceptional in-body image stabilization.
You’re planning to shoot 4K/60p with no crop.

Also Consider:

Canon EOS R10: Another stellar entry-level mirrorless camera with a compact design and impressive autofocus.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: A compact, retro-inspired camera with excellent in-body image stabilization and a more affordable body-only price.
Nikon Z fc: A retro-styled, APS-C Z mount camera with a similar sensor to the Z50 II and a vari-angle touchscreen.

How I Tested the Nikon Z50 II

I tested the Z50 II over a fortnight, shooting with it daily. Nikon provided me with three Z mount lenses, including the 35mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.2 S, and 70-180mm f/2.8. I used the camera to capture a range of subjects and scenarios, from street scenes to portraits, and assessed its hybrid capabilities, including autofocus and burst speeds, with fast-moving subjects like children and dogs.

Specifications:

Body only: $909.95 / £849 / AU$1499.95
With 16-50mm kit lens: $1,346.95 / £1,199 / AU$N/A

Final Verdict:

The Nikon Z50 II is a pocket rocket at a competitive price, offering great handling and features for beginners and experienced users alike. With its Expeed 7 processing power, it’s a versatile camera that’s easy to use and grows with you as your skills improve.