Nikon has officially unveiled the Z50 II, a long-awaited update to its compact APS-C mirrorless camera lineup. Building on the foundation of the four-year-old Z50, the Z50 II retains the same 20.9 MP APS-C sensor but introduces Nikon’s latest Expeed 7 processor, delivering significant performance upgrades for both photography and videography enthusiasts.
Nikon Z50 II body: $906.95 at B&H, Adorama.
Nikon Z50 II with 16-50mm Lens: $1,046.95 at B&H, Adorama.
Nikon Z50 II with 16-50mm & 50-250mm Lenses: $1,296.95 at B&H, Adorama.
Key Performance Enhancements
One of the standout upgrades is the Z50 II’s autofocus system, which now matches the advanced capabilities found in Nikon’s professional Z8 and Z9 cameras. It offers nine subject detection modes, 3D tracking, and customizable autofocus areas, ensuring precise focus in a variety of scenarios. The new AF-A mode intelligently switches focus settings based on the scene, while a dedicated Product Review mode makes it easier to toggle focus between people and objects—ideal for content creators and vloggers.
Burst shooting also receives a boost, with the addition of High-speed Frame Capture+ mode. This allows for bursts at 15fps or 30fps, with a one-second pre-capture feature to ensure you never miss the action. For video creators, the Z50 II now offers 4K video at up to 30fps, oversampled from 5.6K resolution, promising sharper, more detailed footage.
Enhanced Usability and New Features
The Z50 II introduces several refinements to improve the shooting experience. Its updated electronic viewfinder (EVF) is now twice as bright as the Z50’s, while the larger 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen supports twist-and-rotate functionality for more flexible framing. Handling is further improved with a larger grip, and the Z50 II remains the only series in Nikon’s mirrorless lineup to feature a built-in flash.
Another exciting addition is Nikon Cloud support, which enables online image uploads, storage, and sharing. Users can also download custom color profiles (Nikon calls them Picture Profiles) from the cloud, with a dedicated button for quick access.
Pricing and Availability
The Z50 II is available starting at the end of November 2024, with preorders open now. Pricing starts at $965.95/£849 for the body only, with various kit options, including an 18-140mm lens bundle in Australia for AU$2,279. With its blend of advanced features and improved handling, the Z50 II caters to both casual users and budding professionals.
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