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Today Nikon officially announced its new APSC camera, the Z50 mark II, an entry level camera with photographers, content creators and vloggers in mind. After watching most of the pre-launch reviews from YouTube camera reviewers who got the opportunity to try this camera, I decided to write my initial impressions of the Z50 II.
Direct competition for Sony and Fuji
It is clearly Nikon’s attempt to get a slice of the vlogging YouTube creator customer base and a direct competitor to Sony’s ZV-E10 II and Fuji’s X-M5, with one major difference – it has a EVF! At first glance, that is the first thing that differs from the 2 other contenders (along with the Lumix S9) the 2360k-dot (XGA) OLED 1000 nits electronic viewfinder.
It comes with an older only 21megapixel CMOS sensor, which is a bit low compared to the competition, but it does somewhat make up for it with the EXPEED 7 processor, same as in the Z8 and Z9, which significantly improves its functionality.
Embracing the trend of picture profiles that Fujifilm introduced and Panasonic adopted, Nikon too has added a designated button on the top for quick access to its 31 in camera Color Presets, plus you can download 9 additional recipes from Nikon Imaging Cloud or tweak them yourself.
Nikon Imaging Cloud also lets you to automatically transfer full resolution images to your preferred cloud storage site and set up firmware auto updates at a specific time.
New Vlogging features
You can use the Z50 II as a webcam via the UVA/UAC-compliant USB port and connect it directly to a computer, tablet or smartphone. Nikon also introduces the product review mode, that we have already seen in Sony and Fuji cameras, where the camera focuses on the closest object even when your face is in the frame. It does provide additional useful settings where you can determine the precise areas where this feature is active. A 2/10 second self-timer has also been added to position yourself before recording your session.
Besides these new useful features, the two most important vlogging (not only but for stills/video too) features are image stabilization and autofocus.
No IBIS
Following the sad trend of all its competitors (in the $1000 range) the Z50 II does not come with a built in IBIS and relies on the optical Vibration reduction of lenses (that have it) or/and electronic image stabilization. From what I have seen, the electronic stabilization is not very good, as in most cameras, and the lens VR doesn’t help much. Just to be clear, this applies for walking and talking scenarios (true vlogging), for static shots it does fine, but so do most other cameras.
Solid autofocus
The autofocus feature on this camera are quiet impressive, with new autofocus area options (Single point, Dynamic-area, Wide-area) and added subject detection options for people, animals, birds, vehicles, and airplanes.
The results from the videos were solid, there wasn’t much noticeable hunting, the focusing square was sticky and remained on the subject even in tricky situations (check out the duck video).
Photo first camera
Besides the new vlogging features this camera has some great photo features – Nikon has made it clear that it is a photo first hybrid camera in its marketing. The EVF, built-in flash and color presets are clear indications that Nikon want this to be a beginner friendly photo camera.
The new processor allows it to shoot up to 30 JPEG photos/second, use the new 3d-tracking autofocus feature and the up to 1 second pre-release capture mode, all great features to have in an entry level camera. It also gives a better noise performance even at higher ISO values. If shooting in RAW, you can choose between 3 format sizes (Lossless, High efficiency “star”, High efficiency) which determines the quality and size of your files.
Video second
The video specs of the Z50 II aren’t that impressive; it does the standard 4k 24/30p, 4k 60 with a substantial 1.5 x crop and FHD up to 120p. The 1.5 x crop in 4k adds to the 1.25x crop if the electronic vibration reduction is on further downgrading the image quality. It has a maximum recording time of 125 minutes and can record in N-Log or HLG (the Red LUTS applied to the N-Log videos look stunning!).
What I like…
I do appreciate the Nikon did include the EVF, a welcome change from the EVF-less trend that we have seen in competitor cameras. To be fair, the Z30 also had no EVF and perhaps a mark II will also be without it – maybe this will be Nikon’s next entry level video-first vlogging camera. The EVF comes in so handy, particularly in extremely bright situations, both for stills and video, and is essential for specific types of photography/videography such as wildlife and sports.
I also really like the stills/video switch which allows for fast toggling between the two modes, without overriding the corresponding settings and having 3 custom modes per mode (3 for stills and 3 for video). Sony does this even a bit better with adding the 3rd S&Q option. I wish Fuji would follow this functionality.
The autofocus seems good, not on Sony level, but reliable and sticky. These impressions are from the limited material I saw in the initial reviews; we will have to wait for real tests for a more precise evaluation. I like wide selection of autofocus customizable options, the 3D-tracking seems very useful, sadly only usable in photo mode, and the product review mode is a welcome addition.
The implementation of picture recipes were an obvious choice for Nikon, I don’t mind them, they are not on Fuji level, Nikon had always good colors anyway – what I do like is the N-Log color graded using the Red LUTS 709 – the final results look very vibrant and professional.
I also like that Nikon didn’t opt for a flat body but kept a good grip, but I will have to see how it feels in the hands once I get a chance to try it out. They also didn’t skimp on the array of buttons and dials, like some competitors (Sony, Panasonic) – I like to have the option of as many programmable buttons as possible – and the addition of the 2 function buttons on the front is a very appreciated.
…and what could be better
The 1280mAh EN-EL25a battery seems to be the Achilles heel of this camera, and despite being slightly better (a meager 10%) than the older EN-EL25 it still has a mediocre battery life of 230 – 250 shots. The video battery life is stated at about 60 minutes on their official website, but I would like to see a 4k 24/30p and 60p battery life test to see how well it performs in real life situations.
The lack of IBIS is discouraging, yet (sadly) expected for this price range, and the digital image stabilization doesn’t compensate the real deal, but it does add a 1.25 x crop. I would have gladly seen them adding IBIS instead of other features such as the built-in flash.
Comparing it to the competition
If I compare it to its closest competitors Sony’s ZV-e10 II and Fuji’s X-M5 I would say that it has some advantages but lack in other areas – it comes down to what you value most.
If it is reliable autofocus, the ZV-E10 II is a clear winner, with Nikon coming in as a close second and Fuji (at the time of this writing) is in last place. Sony also wins in the area of lens selection, with Fuji being second and Nikon having the least options (you can use full frame z mount lenses but still).
If you want the best video quality Fuji dominates with its open gate 6.2K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit raw in camera recording, 4K/60p and 1080/240p. The X-M5 also has the most options when it comes to vlogging/social media sharing, with its vlogging mode interface, 9:16 short movie modes and selectable low (8, 25) bit rates.
If your priority is photos then the Z50 II would be your best choice, not only because it has a viewfinder (which is a huge +), but also for the built-in flash, 3d-autofocus tracking, ergonomics and great array of customizable buttons/dials.
Coming soon
The Z50 II is already available for pre-order and will start shipping on the 21st of November 2024, just one week after Fuji’s X-M5 – coincidence or strategic move by Nikon? With Sony, Fuji and Nikon having their entry level vlogging/content creator cameras on the market I wonder if we will see anything from Canon – the EOS R50/R10 need updates – will we see a mark II version of one of them?
