Nikon has introduced the second-generation compact APS-C camera: the Nikon Z50 II. This model is marketed as a versatile hybrid camera suitable for both photography and videography, targeting content creators and vloggers. In this competitive landscape, the Z50 II faces strong rivals such as the Sony ZV-E10 II and Fujifilm X-M5, which offer comparable specifications. Priced at $956, the Z50 II features a cutting-edge processor, a 20-megapixel sensor, a tilting display, 4K video recording in 10-bit, and support for N-Log.
Nikon has announced that the new Nikon Z50 II is the company’s inaugural crop-sensor camera equipped with its most sophisticated processor to date. This is the EXPEED 7 chip, which is also found in the higher-end flagship models, the Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z9.
With the integration of this chip, the camera is set to offer high-speed autofocus featuring 3D tracking, the ability to capture images at up to 30 frames per second using an electronic shutter, and enhanced video recording capabilities, according to Nikon.
The Z50 II includes nine object detection modes: people, birds, dogs, cats, cars, bicycles, motorcycles, trains, and airplanes.
The Nikon Z50 II is equipped with the same 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor as its predecessor. This sensor offers an ISO range from 100 to 51,200 and features a pre-shooting capability that captures images to a buffer one second prior to fully pressing the shutter button, accommodating 15 to 30 JPEGs, although RAW format is not available in this mode.
An intriguing detail about the Nikon Z50 II camera is that it features a built-in flash. This flash is positioned on the top of the camera and can be opened in a specific manner.
The Nikon Z50 II camera is capable of capturing images at a rate of up to 30 frames per second using the electronic shutter, or 11 frames per second with the mechanical shutter.
It features a microphone jack, headphone jack, micro HDMI, and USB-C port for charging and power delivery. Additionally, it supports UVC/UAC for seamless plug-and-play live streaming as a webcam.
The electronic viewfinder boasts a resolution of 2.36 million dots and offers a brightness level of 1000 nits, which is double that of its predecessor. The 3.2-inch LCD screen has a resolution of 1 million dots and includes a swivel design, allowing for easy shooting in selfie mode.
The Nikon Z50 II features a single SD card slot and is powered by Nikon EN-EL25a batteries. With the battery and memory card included, the camera has a weight of 550 grams.
This new compact mirrorless camera is capable of recording 4K video at frame rates of up to 60 fps. It achieves this through oversampling from a 5.6K resolution, resulting in exceptionally detailed footage. However, it is important to note that recording in 4K at 60 fps will incur an additional 1.5x crop factor.
The following recording modes are available:
3840 x 2160 (4K UHD): 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p
1920 x 1080: 120p/100p/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p
The video is captured in either H.265/HEVC (8-bit/10-bit) or H.264/AVC (8-bit) formats. It is important to note that the Nikon Z50 II does not support recording in the 12-bit N-RAW codec.
Nonetheless, it does offer N-Log recording in a 10-bit format, enhancing the model’s appeal within the compact camera market for bloggers.
Waveform support has been introduced, enhancing the ability to accurately expose scenes, particularly when utilizing N-Log.
The maximum duration for video recording is 125 minutes, and the newly designed EN-EL25a battery (9.5 Wh, 1250 mAh) allows for approximately one hour of video recording. While the previous EN-EL25 battery remains compatible, its performance will be diminished (Nikon has not clarified if any features will be limited when using the older battery).
The Nikon Z50 II lacks in-body image stabilization. Although the camera offers digital stabilization, its use results in significant cropping of the image.
The Hi-Res Zoom feature enables users to magnify a subject while maintaining image quality, even when utilizing a fixed lens.
Additionally, the Nikon Z50 II camera includes a unique view mode that prioritizes focus on foreground objects, preventing the focus from shifting to the background, even if the product, device, or cosmetics are not visible in the frame.
Audio recording can be accomplished through the integrated stereo system or by connecting an external microphone via the 3.5mm jack. The camera also supports timecode (using UltraSync Blue), time-lapse functionality, waveforms, peaking, zebra patterns, and features a USB-C port.
One notable aspect of the Nikon Z50 II is its effort to embrace the film simulation trend popularized by Fujifilm cameras and LUTs found in the Panasonic Lumix S9. This Nikon model now includes a dedicated photo control button, enabling photographers to easily access pre-loaded color presets and customizable photo controls with a single touch.
“ The Z50II is the first Nikon camera to feature a dedicated Picture Control button, opening up new possibilities for expressive colour with a film-inspired look ,” says Nikon. “ With a single press, the user can see in real time the effects of up to 31 built-in colour presets that instantly change the colour, tone and feel of a scene. Using this camera encourages the user to experiment and play with colour settings to develop a truly unique look and feel for images and video, using tones and colour to evoke a feeling that has never been seen before . ”
Main features of Nikon Z50 II :
- 20.9 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor
- EXPEED 7 image processor
- Video recording UHD 4K 60 fps and up to Full HD 120 fps
- Improved autofocus with 3D tracking
- Dedicated image control button
- Preview
Shooting at 30 fps - Bright OLED electronic viewfinder
- 3.2-inch touchscreen with 180° tilt angle
- SD memory card slot
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
It also facilitates USB streaming (UVC/UAC), enabling plug-and-play functionality for online meetings and live video streaming by merely connecting it to a computer or smartphone.
The Nikon Z50 II, featuring an APS-C sensor, is set to be released at the end of November 2024, with a retail price of $956.
Customers will have various options, including a package that comes with the Nikkor Z 16-50mm F/3.5-5.6 VR lens priced at $1,049, or a dual-lens package that includes both the 16-50mm and the 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR lenses for $1,299.
Samples of photos taken using the new Nikon Z50 II hybrid camera were also published:
Among the published images, there are those that demonstrate the autofocus capabilities of the Nikon Z50 II:
One of the primary competitors for the new product is the Fujifilm X-M5 camera. The new product is positioned as a more affordable option and offers several features that the Fujifilm X-M5 lacks. The Fujifilm X-M5 boasts a 26-megapixel sensor and includes an Open Gate video shooting mode, which facilitates the use of anamorphic lenses. It also provides 20 film simulation modes, some of which are accessible via a dedicated adjustment ring, and can capture images at a rate of up to 8 frames per second in RAW format using a mechanical shutter. The maximum bitrate for video recording to a memory card is 200 Mbps, and it supports BRAW and ProRes RAW recording on external monitors and recorders. The retail price is set at $799.
Another notable competitor is the Sony ZV-E10 II. The new product incorporates a sensor from the Sony A6700 and Sony FX30, along with a processor derived from the Sony A7SIII and Sony FX6, offering many of the features found in these higher-end models. This approach marks a shift in strategy for the manufacturer, as they aim to deliver a camera priced at $1,000 that includes the capabilities of more expensive cinema cameras and mirrorless hybrids. Key features include 4K recording at 60 fps, 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth, S-Log and S-Cinetone profiles, HLG support, and an impressive dynamic range of 14 stops, among others.