Nikon Z50 II | A Perfect Camera for Beginners

The Nikon Z50 II is a compact vlogging camera that is packed full of useful features for videographers and photographers while weighing just 495g making it a perfect travel companion for content creators. At the heart of the camera is a 20.9MP DX CMOS Sensor paired with the latest EXPEED 7 processor so that we can get sharp, high-resolution images with fast startup times and reliable performance.

Available as body only or kits;

Watch the full video below for a first look.

Speed, Auto Focus and Subject Recognition

The Z50 II is capable of high-speed continuous shooting of up to 30 fps and features Pre-Release Capture, so that you can be assured to capture the action even if it happened before you released the shutter. This is further aided by advanced autofocus modes and 3D tracking to ensure that you can keep up with fast moving subjects as well as 9 types of intelligent subject recognition for people, dogs, cats, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trains, and airplanes.

Film Simulations

I have been a Nikon user for years but I have always been a big fan of Fujifilm’s film simulations. The reason I bring that up is that Nikon has started to do the same. The Z50 II gives you easy access to different looks via the new Picture Control function button. Simply click to preview different “recipes” or filters in real-time through the electronic viewfinder or the vari-angle touchscreen, allowing you to instantly see how they affect your photos and videos. Not only that, you can download new recipes directly to your camera via Nikon’s cloud.

Low-Light Performance

The Z50 II has a maximum ISO of 51,200 (but can be expanded up to 204800) to allow you to capture crisp images even in low light without excessive noise. I was able to capture usable shots as high as 45,600.

ISO 45,600
ISO 45,600

Integrated Flash

Another very handy feature of the Z50 II is the integrated flash to aid in low-lit conditions. The flash can be easily raised by simply pushing the lever that's conveniently positioned next to it.

Without Flash
With Flash

EVF

One glaring omission from that Nikon Z30 was the lack of a EVF which is not the case with the Z50 II. Having an EVF makes me feel more like a photographer and allows me to immerse myself in the images that I am capturing. The Z50 II features an EVF that is twice as bright as the original Z50 and is so helpful when it comes to using in harsh sunlight, dark environments, or changing light conditions. Not only that but you preview how the scene looks with a filter applied so that you can get the exact feel you are looking for. You can also view these different looks via the vari-angle screen.

Vari-Angle Monitor

The 3.2”, 1.04M-dot vari-angle touch screen made it easier for me to get images from a lower perspective as well as being great for taking self portraits or for ensuring that you are in frame while vlogging. The screen also allows you to navigate through all of the Z50 II’s menus and features making it a great choice for those wishing to upgrade from a smartphone to something more professional.

Video Specs

The Z50 II is capable of recording in oversampled 4K UHD/30p for breathtaking quality or in 4K/60p with a slight crop for high-speed detail but you can get up to as high as 120p when filming in Full HD. Other useful video features include HDR with HLG formats. 10-bit N‐Log for greater control in post-production and a Product Review Mode that intelligently switches focus between objects and people, making it easy to highlight details.

Conclusion

While this is very much aimed at vloggers and content creators there is no denying that this is a fantastic travel camera with very useful photographic capabilities. As far as the vlogging side of things go the camera delivered on everything that you would expect. It is the photographic side of the camera that I was not expecting to be so impressed by.

An EVF is not something that you always find on cameras of this ilk and it makes image capture so much easier and more natural. I personally love to be able to look through an EVF and frame my image. It just makes me FEEL more of a photographer if that makes any sense?

The film simulation modes are a very worthwhile addition which can be applied to both photo and video and being able to view them on the touchscreen and aforementioned EVF is great.

The flash was a very useful feature to have and the portability of the camera was a huge plus point. The weight was more than manageable and the grip was comfortable to use for the entire time I was out shooting.

The tracking and subject detection was more than adequate, especially for a camera that isn’t designed specifically for wildlife. I only wish that I had taken out my old 200-500mm and seen what it could do as I have no doubt that it would have been impressive.

Overall though I had a lot of fun with the camera. It was compact enough to not feel like a burden but had so many features at its disposal that I never felt it was lacking at any time.

Key Features

20.9MP DX CMOS Sensor
EXPEED 7 Processor
30fps continuous shooting
4K Movies at 30p
Slow-motion capture in Full HD
Smooth, bright EVF
3.2-inch touchscreen
NEW picture control feature
Enhanced for vlogging and streaming
Advanced AF modes
Max ISO 51,200

Convinced yet?

The Nikon Z50 II Body, Nikon Z50 II with 16-50mm Lens Kit and Nikon Z50 II with 16-50mm and 50-250mm Lens Kit are available to order now.

Thank you!

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog, we really do hope they help you out and answer some of your questions. If you still have some unanswered, then please feel free to get in touch with our team of experts.

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By Ben Wright
23 Feb 2025

Nikon Z50 II | A Perfect Camera for Beginners