Nikon Z50 II Review: A Game-Changing Hybrid Camera for Creators

The Nikon Z50 II is a hybrid APS-C mirrorless camera that combines the best features of the Z30 and Z50. It offers a fully articulating screen, USB-C connectivity, a bright EVF, and improved autofocus, making it ideal for both video creators and photographers. While it lacks in-body stabilization and has a limited DX lens selection, its excellent image quality, robust build, and versatile features make it a standout option in its class. Perfect for hybrid creators or enthusiasts looking for a compact yet powerful system.

Nikon Z50 II: A Perfect Blend of Video and Photography Features

As someone who initially chose the Nikon Z30 over the original Z50, my experience with Nikon’s APS-C mirrorless cameras has been one of balancing compromises. The Z30 served me well as a tool for YouTube video production, thanks to its flippy screen, USB-C connectivity, and extended recording times. However, when I started using it more for photography as a backup to my Z6, the lack of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and autofocus (AF) issues became evident. Reviewing shots on a larger screen often revealed missed focus that wasn’t obvious during shooting.

Enter the Nikon Z50 II. With its release, Nikon seems to have addressed the limitations that led me to choose the Z30 while incorporating the photography-focused features I missed in the original Z50. After using the Z50 II extensively, I can confidently say that it’s the camera I wish had existed when I started exploring the Nikon Z lineup.

Why I Initially Chose the Z30

When I was first exploring YouTube video production, the Z30 was a standout choice. At the time, the original Z50 lacked some key features I needed, including:

1. A Flip-Out Screen: A fully articulating screen is a must for solo video creation. Without this feature, the Z50 was immediately less appealing for my video work.
2. USB-C Connectivity: The Z30’s USB-C port allowed me to connect the camera directly to a power source during longer recording sessions, which wasn’t possible with the Z50.
3. Extended Recording Times: The Z30’s ability to handle longer video clips made it ideal for filming uninterrupted sequences.

The Z30 proved to be an excellent entry point for my video projects. However, as I began using it more for still photography, some significant limitations became apparent.

Challenges with the Z30 as a Photography Backup

Using the Z30 alongside my Z6 revealed its shortcomings in photography, particularly when used in fast-paced or challenging environments.

Lack of an EVF

The Z30’s reliance on its rear screen for composition is fine for video but less than ideal for still photography. In bright conditions, it was hard to see the screen clearly, and the absence of an EVF made precise framing difficult.

Autofocus Performance

While the Z30’s autofocus system works well in controlled settings, I experienced a noticeable number of missed focus shots when photographing moving subjects or in low light. These errors often went unnoticed until I reviewed the images on a larger screen, which was frustrating.

These limitations made me yearn for the original Z50’s EVF and a more reliable autofocus system. However, I didn’t want to sacrifice the Z30’s video-friendly features.

Why the Nikon Z50 II Stands Out

The Nikon Z50 II feels like the perfect hybrid of the Z30 and the original Z50, addressing the gaps that each model left behind.

A Return of the EVF

One of the Z50 II’s most welcome features is its electronic viewfinder, which is bright, responsive, and essential for precise composition in photography. With this addition, I no longer have to struggle with screen glare in bright conditions or miss subtle focus issues during shooting.

Improved Autofocus System

The Z50 II inherits its autofocus capabilities from Nikon’s flagship Z9, resulting in a significant leap in performance. The improved subject detection, enhanced eye-AF, and reliable low-light focusing make a noticeable difference in both still photography and video. The system tracks moving subjects with impressive accuracy, a feature I’ve relied on heavily for dynamic scenes.

Same Sensor, New Potential

It’s worth noting that the Z50 II retains the same 20.9 MP DX-format sensor found in its predecessor, the original Z50. While this may seem like a missed opportunity for an upgrade, the sensor is still highly capable, delivering excellent image quality and dynamic range. The enhancements in the Z50 II’s autofocus system and image processing, courtesy of the new EXPEED 7 processor, maximize the potential of this sensor, ensuring it keeps up with the demands of modern creators.

Video Features from the Z30

The Z50 II retains the Z30’s strong video capabilities, including:

• A fully articulating screen for easy framing during vlogs and solo video shoots.
• USB-C connectivity for extended recording sessions.
• Oversampled 4K video (30p) for excellent detail, along with a new Product Review mode that’s perfect for showcasing objects during recording.

These features make the Z50 II just as capable for video as the Z30, if not more so.

Integration with Nikon Cloud Services

For photographers and videographers who prioritize workflow efficiency, the Z50 II’s compatibility with Nikon’s cloud services is a valuable addition. Nikon’s cloud platform allows users to seamlessly back up photos and videos, organize files, and access them from any device. This integration is beneficial for creators managing large media libraries or collaborating with teams.

Enhanced Build and Handling

The Z50 II’s weather-sealed body and redesigned grip feel solid and comfortable. The layout of controls is intuitive, allowing quick adjustments during shoots. Despite its compact size, the camera feels professional in hand, making it a reliable companion for both travel and studio work.

Image and Video Quality

The Z50 II’s 20.88 MP DX-format sensor, combined with the EXPEED 7 processor, delivers outstanding results in both stills and video.

Photography Performance

• Dynamic Range and Detail: The sensor captures fine details with a pleasing dynamic range. Colours are natural, and images hold up well even in post-processing.
• High ISO Handling: Low-light performance has improved, with usable results at ISO 12,800 and beyond.

Video Excellence

The Z50 II shines in video production, offering oversampled 4K footage with rich detail. It also introduces improved electronic stabilization, making handheld shooting smoother. The ability to capture high-quality audio via external mic inputs further adds to its appeal for content creators.

Who Is the Z50 II For?

The Nikon Z50 II is ideal for:

1. Hybrid Creators: Those who need a camera that excels in both photography and video.
2. Travel and Street Photographers: Its compact size, EVF, and weather sealing make it perfect for on-the-go use.
3. Content Creators: Features like Product Review mode and simplified streaming options cater to vloggers and YouTubers.
4. Enthusiast Photographers: Its advanced autofocus and image quality make it a great upgrade from entry-level cameras.

What Could Be Better

No camera is perfect, and the Z50 II does have some limitations:

• No In-Body Stabilization: The lack of IBIS may be a drawback for handheld photography, though lens-based stabilization mitigates this for many users.
• Limited DX Lens Selection: While Nikon’s Z-mount ecosystem is growing, the DX lens lineup is still somewhat limited, requiring users to rely on full-frame lenses at times.
• Cropped 4K/60p Video: Although 4K/30p is oversampled, the 60p mode comes with a crop, limiting wide-angle compositions.

Final Thoughts

The Nikon Z50 II strikes an excellent balance between photography and video capabilities, making it the hybrid camera I always wished for. It combines the strengths of the Z30’s video features with the photographic prowess of the original Z50, addressing the key frustrations I had with both models.

With added benefits like seamless Nikon Cloud integration for file backup and organization and maximizing the performance of its familiar yet reliable sensor, it offers a streamlined experience for creators who juggle photo and video projects.

Whether you’re a content creator, an enthusiast photographer, or someone looking for a capable all-rounder, the Z50 II is a versatile and reliable choice. For me, it’s become an indispensable part of my kit, delivering the features I need for both my YouTube channel and my photography projects.

I recently created a short video showcasing the Nikon Z 50 II, filmed in 4K N-Log with the standard kit lens. The footage was edited in DaVinci Resolve using the Nikon/RED Technical LUT for color grading. While the weather was a bit overcast and I forgot to pack my variable ND filter, I’m still pleased with the final result.

What a difference a couple of days make. I returned to the same location with my Nikon Z50II the weather was a lot nicer ableit colder and this time I remembered my variable Neutral Density filter.