Key Points
- The Z50 II mirrorless camera has Nikon’s Expeed 7 processor and advanced subject detection autofocus, similar to the high-end Z8 and Z9 cameras.
- It includes a pre-capture mode for burst shooting up to 30fps (JPEG) and 4K video up to 30fps oversampled from 5.6K.
- Users can upload custom color profiles directly from Nikon Cloud, with a dedicated Picture Profile button for quick access.
- The Z50 II includes a brighter EVF, a larger touchscreen, a more ergonomic hand grip, and a built-in flash.
Nikon has refreshed its entry-level mirrorless lineup with the new Z50 II, an update to the four-year-old Z50 model. The Z50 II retains the 20.9MP APS-C sensor of its predecessor but adds Nikon’s latest Expeed 7 processor, introducing several performance enhancements aimed at photography enthusiasts and aspiring content creators.
A standout feature of the Z50 II is its subject detection autofocus, a technology Nikon previously reserved for its high-end Z8 and Z9 models. This updated autofocus system includes options for detecting nine different subject types, 3D tracking, customizable autofocus areas, and an improved autofocus auto (AF-A) mode. A new Product Review mode allows users to seamlessly switch focus between people and objects, similar to Sony’s Product Showcase autofocus.
The Z50 II mirrorless camera enhances burst shooting capabilities with a pre-capture mode, allowing users to record up to one second of footage before fully pressing the shutter. This feature supports the new High-speed Frame Capture+ mode, which captures images at 15 or 30 frames per second in JPEG. Video capabilities have also been upgraded, with 4K video at 30fps now oversampled from 5.6K, ensuring sharp, high-quality footage.
New to the Z50 II is compatibility with Nikon Cloud, making it the second Nikon camera after the Z6 III to feature this integration. The Nikon Cloud allows users to upload images and download custom color profiles (Picture Profiles) directly to the camera. A dedicated Picture Profile button on the Z50 II provides quick access to these settings, offering more creative flexibility.
In terms of physical design, the Z50 II sports a brighter electronic viewfinder (EVF), a larger 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen with improved hinge rotation, and a more substantial hand grip for better handling. This camera is also part of Nikon’s only mirrorless series, which includes a built-in flash for users who seek convenience in various lighting conditions. The Z50 II mirrorless camera will be available at £849 for the body only, £999 with a 16-50mm lens, and £1,199 for a kit that adds a 50-250mm lens. Sales are set to begin at the end of November.
