Nikon announced the Nikon Z50 II, a second-generation version of its Z50 APS-C mirrorless camera. With the same 20.9MP APS-C sensor as its predecessor, the Nikon Z50 II benefits from Nikon’s Expeed 7 processor.
The Nikon Z50 II continues to use the 20.9MP APS-C sensor found in the original Z50. It is equipped with Nikon’s latest Expeed 7 image processor.
The Nikon Z50 II can now shoot bursts at 30 fps in JPEG mode and 11 fps with full-resolution RAW images.
The Nikon Z50 II introduces Imaging Recipes, a feature designed for photographers to discover and experiment with different photographic styles.
Users can adjust color, brightness and contrast to create unique looks and save these as recipes. Nikon provides a selection of downloadable presets created by professional photographers, which users can apply instantly.
For the first time in a Nikon Z series camera, a Picture Control button has been added. This allows easy access to a variety of color presets in a single step, even in Auto mode.
Photographers can quickly switch between different Picture Control settings, making it easy to try new visual styles on the go.
The Z50II includes a Limit Picture Control option, enabling users to display only their most-used settings for quicker access. This feature streamlines the shooting process by allowing photographers to easily cycle through their preferred imaging styles.
According to latest Nikon news, Users can view the effects of Picture Controls directly on the electronic viewfinder or LCD screen. This live preview function ensures that photographers achieve precisely the look they want before taking the shot.
The Z50II is powered by Nikon’s EXPEED 7 image-processing engine, the same processor used in Nikon’s flagship Z9 camera. This ensures exceptional processing speed, allowing the Z50II to deliver fast autofocus, accurate exposure control and clear images even in challenging lighting conditions.
Leveraging Nikon’s deep-learning AI technology, the Z50II supports nine types of subject detection, making it ideal for photographing people, animals and vehicles.
The AF-A mode automatically adjusts to subject movement, allowing the camera to focus on fast-moving subjects without needing manual adjustments.
In Auto mode, the Nikon Z50 II employs the EXPEED 7’s processing power to analyze the subject and scene. It automatically optimizes settings such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity to ensure balanced exposure, beautiful bokeh or sharp images as required.
The Nikon Z50 II offers shooting rates, with a maximum of 30 frames per second using the electronic shutter and up to 11 fps with the mechanical shutter. This high-speed capture is excellent for action photography, ensuring no detail is missed.
The EVF on the Nikon Z50 II has a high luminance of 1000 cd/m2, making it twice as bright as the previous Z50 model. This bright display reduces the difference between what is seen through the EVF and with the naked eye.
The Nikon Z50 II’s EVF minimizes eye strain and allows photographers to concentrate on framing the shot. The bright EVF also supports easier focus-checking and detail-viewing at the edges of the frame.
According to latest Nikon news, the Nikon Z50 II offers high-resolution 4K UHD video recording with 5.6K oversampling. Video recording is available at 30p, 25p and 24p in DX mode.
Ideal for vloggers and content creators, the Z50II introduces Product Review Mode.
The new video self-timer allows users to set a delay of 2 or 10 seconds before recording begins, reducing the need to edit out pre-recorded segments.
With support for UVC/UAC standards, the Z50II can function as a high-quality streaming device when connected to a computer or smartphone, providing clear video output for online meetings or live streaming.
According to latest Nikon news, the Nikon Z50 II includes a Hi-Res Zoom function, allowing photographers to zoom in on subjects without losing image quality. This feature is useful when using prime lenses and is available at specific frame sizes for video recording (1920×1080; 30p/25p/24p).
The Nikon Z50 II compensates with electronic vibration reduction. This digital stabilization enhances the video’s steadiness, helping to achieve smooth footage without the need for external stabilizers.
A REC lamp has been added to the camera, providing a visual cue when recording is in progress, which is a helpful feature for vloggers and interview-based content creators.
In High-Speed Frame Capture+ mode, the Z50II records images up to a second before the shutter button is fully pressed.
With an ISO range of 100-51200 for photos, the Z50II delivers excellent low-light capabilities. For video, the camera supports a maximum ISO of 25600.
The inclusion of a built-in flash is useful for capturing backlit scenes or nighttime photos.
The 3.2-inch vari-angle monitor allows for flexible shooting angles. Its touchscreen interface makes it intuitive to adjust settings, review images and control the camera’s functions.
When shooting in portrait orientation, the Z50II automatically rotates its UI on the monitor and EVF.
The Nikon Z50 II’s design draws on features from higher-end Nikon models. Its ergonomic grip and button layout make it easy to handle, even during long shoots.
Nikon’s MC-DC3 remote cord is compatible with the Z50II, offering greater control over shutter release during tripod shots and nighttime photography. This accessory is ideal for reducing camera shake in long-exposure or commercial photography.
The Nikon Z50 II is compatible with the EN-EL25a battery, which supports approximately one hour of video recording. It also works with the EN-EL25 battery, although the newer battery offers slightly improved performance.
According to latest Nikon news, the Z50II is available as a body-only option or in two kit configurations, one with a 16-50mm lens and another with both a 16-50mm and 50-250mm lens.
The Nikon Z50 II is set for release in late November 2024. The camera body is priced at $909.95, while the 16-50mm lens kit is available for $1049.95 and the dual-lens kit with 16-50mm and 50-250mm lenses is priced at $1299.95.
As of now, the Z50 II is available for pre-order, with sales starting on November 21, 2024.
