Nikon “Z50II” review : An entry-level model with high functionality and high image quality that will appeal to beginners and advanced users alike

Design and operability inherited from higher-end models

The design and button layout are consistent with the higher-end models. The design continues from the Z9, and the appearance and feel in the hand are the same as the Z6III, which is very good. Even though it is an entry-level model, it doesn’t feel cheap.

The button layout is also the same, so you won’t be confused when switching to a sub-camera for a higher-end model. Most basic operations can be performed with the right hand. There are also two function buttons next to the mount, the same as higher-end models such as the Z8 and Z6III.

The size is about 100g heavier and a little larger than the Z50. However, the grip is deep and there is no gap for the little finger, making it much easier to hold than the Z50. You can hold it firmly even with a slightly heavy lens attached. It seems that Nikon is looking for ease of use rather than compactness and lightness.

Size Comparison

Tally lamp indicates recording status

On the left shoulder is a tally lamp that is not available on higher-end models. It lights up during recording and also flashes to let you know when the battery is low.

Vari-angle monitor for flexible shooting

The Z50II has been changed from the tilt-type monitor used in the Z50 to a vari-angle monitor, which allows for a variety of shooting angles, including high-angle, low-angle, vertical video, and selfies.

While many entry-level models from other companies use 3-inch monitors, the Z50II uses the same 3.2-inch monitor as its higher-end models. The large, easy-to-see screen makes it easy to perform live view shooting, video shooting, menu operations, and more. The information display is also easy to see, making it easy to check and preview shooting settings.

Built-in flash

Although built-in flash has become rare in recent mirrorless cameras, the Z50II still has it. This is a big advantage for beginners. Beginners who are not familiar with controlling light tend to take dark photos when shooting in dark places or against the light, but using a built-in flash can reduce such mistakes.

In recent years, a new trend has been seen: using a front-facing strobe to recreate the pop and distinctive atmosphere of the “Utsurundesu” disposable cameras that were popular in the 1990s and 2000s. If you have a built-in strobe, you can easily enjoy this style.

However, the flash cannot be used as a video light, which is a shame, as this is a feature that may be in demand, such as for brightening the face when taking selfies. Also, the flash charges very slowly.

High-speed recording media

The recording media used is a UHS-II compatible SD card, which improves write speeds when taking continuous photos.

Input terminal

A headphone jack has been added, which was not available on the Z50. The USB port has also been changed from Type B to USB-C, and USB power supply is now supported. It’s a bit disappointing that the microphone jack interferes with the vari-angle monitor when it is rotated.

Equipped with the high-performance image processing engine “EXPEED 7”

The image processing engine is the same EXPEED 7 as the Z9, Z8, and Z6III. This makes the camera feel much faster than the Z50. There is almost no difference in speed compared to higher-end models in terms of startup speed, AF speed, playback image display, and switching between photos and videos.

High-precision AF and advanced subject detection

The autofocus system uses hybrid AF (phase detection AF/contrast AF), inheriting the powerful AF performance from the higher-end models. It also has a subject detection function that was not available on the Z50, and can detect subjects such as people, animals, birds, airplanes, and vehicles in subject auto mode. In particular, the bird detection function is not yet available on the higher-end Z6III (it is available on the Z9 and Z8). Although strict measurements have not been performed, the subject detection speed is almost the same as that of higher-end models. In addition, the subject detection function can be used even when in MF (manual focus), and the color of the focus point changes when the subject is in focus. It is also very convenient when using old lenses or cine lenses that do not have AF functions.

Full functionality comparable to higher-end models

A characteristic of Nikon cameras in recent years is that they tend to generously include all hardware-enabled features, even in entry-level models. Other companies often differentiate between models by omitting features deemed unnecessary for beginners. However, Nikon does not differentiate in this way, and by including every possible feature, it provides cameras that users can continue to use for a long time.

This philosophy has been firmly inherited in the Z50II, which is equipped with a full range of functions comparable to those of higher-end models, so the more you use the camera, the more you will appreciate its benefits.

Also, even if you use it as a sub-camera for a higher-end model, you won’t be surprised to find that this function isn’t available. It has enough functions and performance to satisfy even advanced users.

Supports up to 4K UHD 60P, achieving high-definition images with oversampling

The Z50II supports video recording at up to 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) 60P. However, please note that when shooting at 60P, the image is cropped by 1.5 times. In Full HD (1920 x 1080), you can shoot at 120P, allowing you to record smooth slow-motion footage.

When shooting 4K UHD, 5.6K oversampling is used to achieve high-definition images.

Additionally, the 30-minute recording time limit that was in the previous model, the Z50, has been eliminated, which can be said to be a major improvement.

Supports 10-bit N-Log, essential for video production

10-bit Log recording is becoming an essential technology for cameras these days. The Z50II also supports 10-bit N-Log video recording. Log recording enables a wide dynamic range and rich color expression, which is effective for color grading and HDR production.

Furthermore, by using the “RED Supervised N-Log LUT” recently announced by Nikon, you can easily reproduce the soft, film-like color of a cinema camera. I have recently been using this LUT as the basis for color grading. It is a LUT that matches any scene, so I recommend you give it a try.

Create your own original colors with Flexible Color Picture Control

Nikon’s free software NX Studio allows you to freely adjust hue, saturation, brightness, clarity, etc. to create your own original colors, and if you import it into your camera, you can shoot while viewing the color. This is the perfect function for discerning users who are not satisfied with the preset color tones. In addition, for users who find it difficult to create their own colors, you can save picture controls created by creators from Nikon Imaging Cloud.

Reasons and impacts of not having in-body image stabilization

This model does not have the built-in image stabilization mechanism that is found in many recent cameras. Of course, it would be better if it had one, but it would increase the price and make the camera more difficult for beginners to buy, which defeats the purpose.

Many recent Nikon lenses do not have image stabilization, but many APS-C lenses have image stabilization (VR) built in. The kit lenses NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR, and NIKKOR Z 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR also have image stabilization built into the lens. When we tested these, they performed quite well for normal shooting, except in special situations such as when using them as a gimbal.

The electronic image stabilization is relatively strong. If you shake the camera and then suddenly stop, the image will shake back, so it takes some getting used to. However, it can be used without any problems when shooting with slow handheld movements.

It is also important to note that since there is no in-body image stabilization, there is no sensor cleaning function.

Unique features of the Z50II

It has some unique features that are not available on the higher-end models Z9, Z8, and Z6III, including features that are friendly to entry-level users and convenient features that we would like to see on higher-end models.

(1) Product review mode

When doing product reviews on YouTube etc., you usually shoot using face recognition. However, you may have had the experience of holding a product in front of the camera and the AF focusing on your face. In such cases, the product review mode is useful.

If you use this mode, the device will prioritize recognizing products. When I actually tried it, the response was very good. Furthermore, if you use the product review mode (custom), you can limit the range of products that are recognized.

(2) Video self-timer

The camera is equipped with a function that allows you to set the timer to start recording at 2 seconds or 10 seconds, which prevents unnecessary parts from being recorded before shooting, making it easier to edit and post.

(3) Picture Control button

The new model is equipped with a dedicated button that allows easy access to the Picture Control (color preset) change menu. This allows you to quickly switch to the color or atmosphere you want to express, improving efficiency while shooting. In addition, the Picture Control selection screen can now be displayed by selecting the Picture Control you use most often.

(4) Scene mode

The Z50 also has a scene mode (SCN) on the mode dial that is not available on higher-end models. This mode automatically changes the camera settings to suit various shooting scenes. It supports 16 different scenes, including portrait, landscape, child snapshot, night scene, and food, so even beginners who don’t know how to set up a camera can shoot with the appropriate settings. For beginners, enjoying simple shooting is the first step to continuing filmmaking for a long time.

Equipped with the new battery “EN-EL25a”

The Z50II comes with a new battery, the EN-EL25a. This battery has a slightly increased capacity of 1,250mAh/9.5Wh compared to the conventional EN-EL25 (1,120mAh/8.5Wh). When shooting in 4K UHD 60P H.265 10bit, the recording time with one battery was about 73 minutes (the catalog value is about 60 minutes).

About 45 minutes after the start of shooting, the battery level reached one mark and the tally lamp started flashing to warn of the remaining charge, but I was able to continue shooting after that. This result is a very practical shooting time. However, if you plan to shoot all day, it is a good idea to have a spare battery on hand. It also supports USB power supply from a mobile battery, so using that in addition would be a good idea.

I also felt that it would be useful if the accuracy of the remaining battery level display could be more accurate.

Thermal shutdown: 125 minutes of continuous shooting possible

When shooting at high resolutions of 4K UHD or higher these days, the thermal shutdown of the camera is an unavoidable issue. Therefore, we tested the Z50II to see if it would thermally shut down in a room temperature of 22°C. Nikon cameras are designed to stop recording once every 125 minutes, so we used this as the standard.

I shot in 4K UHD 60P H.265 10bit and was able to record for 125 minutes without any thermal shutdown. However, it is important to note that the camera body got quite hot during shooting. Results may vary in hot weather or other high temperature environments, so keep that in mind.

Three lens kits to choose from

In addition to the body alone, the Z50II is available with the following three lens kits.

If you already know which lens you want, you can purchase the body alone, but if you are just starting out in video production, we recommend the double zoom kit. Both lenses are equipped with image stabilization, making them easy to use even for beginners.

The image quality is also so excellent that you might be surprised and ask yourself, “Is this really an entry-level kit lens?” Most of the examples at the beginning of the article were taken with the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, and you can see how good the image quality is.

The next lens you should get after the kit lens

To be honest, some people may be satisfied with the double zoom kit and not need to buy any additional lenses, but Nikon has many other attractive lenses.

Among them, the one I especially recommend is the NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2. It is a prime lens that boasts beautiful bokeh with an aperture of F2 and a compact, lightweight design weighing just 170g. It is also relatively affordable, costing around 35,000 yen. It is a lens that has received high praise from many photographers.

The appeal of the Z50II as felt through actual use

The moment I took the Z50II out of the box, I was impressed by its texture. To be honest, before I actually touched it, I didn’t have high expectations because it was an entry-level model. However, my expectations were pleasantly exceeded.

It is equipped with the same functions as higher-end models, and the image quality is sufficient. It is particularly great that it can shoot in 10-bit N-Log, and color grading is also smooth. By using the “RED-supervised N-Log LUT,” you can enjoy the moist film-like texture of a cinema camera. In addition, the Flexible Color Picture Control allows you to shoot while imagining the final result, so even beginners in video production can easily create impressive images.

If you ask me, “Would you actually use it at work?”, in my case, I own equipment such as the Z6III and Z8, so unless there are special circumstances, I probably won’t use it much. However, that doesn’t mean that the Z50II is inferior, and it’s of a quality that can be used as a sub-camera or for BTS (behind the scenes) photography.

The small body is also easy to carry around in the mountains, which is my field of photography. I highly recommend this camera to anyone who is hesitant to carry a heavy camera to the mountains.

Compared to the cameras I had when I first started shooting video with a single-lens reflex camera, the Z50II’s performance is overwhelmingly superior. In terms of video performance, it exceeds the level of high-end models from a few years ago. Furthermore, despite its high performance, the actual selling price is about 130,000 yen for the body only, and less than 200,000 yen for the double zoom kit. It’s amazing how many features it packs into this price range.

Recently, I tend to say, “iPhone is good enough,” but when I saw the images I got, I felt the significance of shooting with a camera like the Z50II. I want this camera, especially for the entry-level users, to make them feel that “I’m glad I bought a mirrorless camera” or “I was able to take images that could only be taken with a mirrorless camera.” The Z50II is the perfect camera for that purpose.

The Z50II is a camera that we can confidently recommend to people who want to get started in video production.

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