Nikon Z50II camera review

[@christopherfrost]

Correction: price with 16-50mm kit lens is $1050, not $1500.

[@SEMRVUA]

hi, what about Nikon Z50II ftz?

[@domm6812]

Thanks for giving your honest opinion. I'm a Nikon owner and I've liked their cameras in the past, but in order for them to continue to be competitive they need valid criticism thrown at them, not unconditional praise, and I think you did well there.

[@macbaar6073]

Thats the Price of the z50iv But Tell us the Lotto Numbers of coming Games….

[@leonnoel9702]

For me it is very important that the camera is easy and pleasant to use, the Z50II is perfect for me

[@branimirteodorovic2297]

I am surprised that image quality is average or below average. When I compare the image quality of the original Z50 against other APS-C cameras using dpreview image compare tool, the Nikon looks among the best to my eyes. Also, the dynamic range looks the best of any APS-C cameras on the exposure latitude comparison tool.

[@Durio_zibethinus]

The colour characteristic is quite punchy and pleasing for many people.

[@dominiclester3232]

Agreed🎉 I have a Zfc (which does not have the expeed 7 chip) and I am constantly impressed by image quality.

[@segercliffhanger]

Not crucifying you for an 8-yr old sensor by my personal favorite camera manufacturer. A more than excellent review again that I would rather recommend. Keep it up. Love what you do.

[@msure3367]

Sold my z50 and purchased this one, glad I did.

[@tonyferrell3456]

I'm thinking about doing the same. How is the difference in size and weight for you? Do you find it to be just as portable?

[@starbase218]

The sensor is old, but I think it's not bad(?) It has a fast readout speed of 24.6ms, which comes in handy in the mirrorless age. Resolution-wise it's not great. However, as it has no AA-filter, it should actually be about as sharp as 24MP fullframe bodies (as they often do have an AA-filter). So in that respect, resolution is also a marketing term. Would 24MP have been better? Well, yes, except if that would mean a slower readout speed. But maybe it would help people if you showed the amount of detail that this can resolve against some of its competitors. I am surprised that you find the noise performance worse than the competition. The comparison tool on DPReview shows hardly any difference between this and the Sony A6700, with the Sony actually being a tad worse. Even when scaling the images differently to compensate for the resolution difference. Lack of IBIS, small battery, and single card slot are all downsides, but it's about what is to be expected for this price. Autofocus is great. A lack of stabilised wide-to-normal lenses might not be a big problem. If you want to shoot people with say a 50 or 85mm lens, you should get a shutter speed above the reciprocal rule anyway, because otherwise you risk motion blur. I would not recommend this camera to build a system around, as there is not much in the way of a Z-mount DX ecosystem. If Tamron would release their 11-20 and 17-70 in Z-mount (the latter of which is stabilised), that would change things. Or if Nikon themselves would decide to release more interesting Z DX lenses. I would, however, recommend this as a second body for wildlife, for someone who already owns a Z5 or Z6 series body. The higher pixel density makes it better suited for that, the lack of IBIS isn't a big problem as super tele lenses often have it built in, and the combination of those two bodies makes for a flexible, cheap, and capable system for those not willing to purchase a Z8. The video features, screen and tally light probably make it good for vloggers etc as well. I have a feeling that this will sell, in part because it allows D7500/D500 users to get a very capable Z DX body for wildlife. And I hope that this will make Nikon realise they have an actual shot at DX, and that they should be getting their act together around this sensor format. Meaning a higher end body with all those things I mentioned (IBIS, bigger battery, maybe higher res sensor, dual card slots, etc), and more interesting lens options. After all, the 11-20 is now available for RF-mount too. If they want a slice of the DX pie, they need to compete with that.

[@Durio_zibethinus]

Fortunately, an "old" sensor and lack of ibis doesn't bother me personally. The grip is lovely, the autofocus is improved, and video spec is sufficient for short video.

[@michaelbell75]

Just get a used DSLR for 1/4 the price then 😃

[@gerhardsteinhofer]

​@@michaelbell75 This is a comparison like apples and oranges

[@birdnerdqc4028]

​@michaelbell75 Probably never used a mirrorless for thinking this way, even the original Z50 had better AF than any DSLR, and the Z50 II is way better, if your shooting still subject, cheap reflex can do the job, but for action sport or wildlife, it cannot compared, IBIS is overated, gived the footage weird warping with wide lens anyway, and with telephoto most lens have VR.

[@marcp.1752]

Always these "old" Sensor & ibis guys - D500 20 MP Sensor is still excellent, into 2025+ and way beyond. Do you shoot Street ads, or billboard ads? 🙂 FYI, i've made excellent 120x80cm Canvas prints with "just" 12 MP from my trusty D700. How do you think, Photography survived 178+ years without IBIS? It's a craze nowadays, sadly shows you've no clue. All DX Nikon Z mount lenses besides the 24/1.7 DX Z are Zooms, all feature VR. So vibration reduction. IBIS is not a all-life saver, always, just understand this, please. Furtherway, the worlds #1 camera with IBIS was a Minolta Dimage A1, from 2003, with 5 MP on a 1/2" Sensor design, 28-200mm (FF-equivalent) focal length, and 235.000 Pixel EVF, it looked like a Mini DSLR with attached zoom. And i can tell you this, bc i own that one since 2003. IBIS was later being featured into the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D 2004 (6 MP, APS-C) and later into the cheaper Dynax 5D (also 6 MP, APS-C) budget DSLR, into 2005. Nevermind, pixel poopers, err -peepers, watching F1.0 to F1.4 prime lenses photographs at 200-400% at the extreme corners for all kinds of optical flaws and G.A.S. GearHeads with Featureritis aren't being photographers. Into the end, it's all about the composition, and the quality of light, what counts, not the used lens, not the used camera especially, and so on. Do you go to dinner - and tell the cook after a delicious meal: Du Chef, the meal was very tasty, because you used pots from brand xy to cook it? Go figure! 😃

[@wojciech2456]

I think it’s important to mention that it also handles not only custom profile pictures but also Nikon Flexible Colour feature :).

[@RickSchrader-p5w]

What is the Nikon flexible color feature ??

[@boblozano]

In the video you said $1500 with 16-50 lens ... it's actually $1050, and $1300 with both the 16-50 *and* the 50-250 kit lenses. At any rate, at $1k this has filled the `small inexpensive travel camera` very well for me ...replaced an xt-5 which was both beguiling and maddening. Use the z50ii whenever size is at a premium (so no z6iii z8 etc) and for any reason don't want to bring a Q. Ignoring prices ... sure I would have liked a new sensor and ibis, but after using this a month or so have really grown to appreciate what it brings at the $1k price - including kit lens. Keep in mind that ibis+better sensor has taken the xt-5 with a kit lens to twice that price, yet remains plagued with really frustrating AF, mysterious UX, and modest build quality.

[@Durio_zibethinus]

plus the messy firmware update from fuji made it more chaotic for the users. For nikon it's just work for reasonable purposes. No fluff here and there. *And I using manual focus quite frequently.

[@kiwi2631]

I picked this up as an affordable APSC option to go along with my Z9 and Zf. Unlike some losing it over the sensor size and lack of IBIS, I totally understand Nikon’s decisions based on mfg costs and pricing. Keeping the cost to a grand while adding the more expensive Expeed 7, improving the capabilities and overall design, etc in spite of the ridiculous inflation rates since Covid is quite admirable. If a new 24mp sensor and IBIS were added then I would expect a price pushing $1400 or more, a massive jump for an entry level camera.

[@miklosbremer3120]

I know it's older but the Z5 is 1 grand and it's full frame 24MP and has IBIS, I don't know what you are on about, it should definitely be possible to make an apsc camera with those specs for under 1000

[@boblozano]

The budget has to come from somewhere. My guess is the computing platform alone is about $300-$400 increment, and well well worth the impact on overall performance. I suspect that if there is a z5ii with the exceed 7, it'll be more like $1300-$1400 body only.

[@nicedward7544]

I really don't see a huge downside to this camera. I see the sensor that handles high iso well to keep shutter speed high to negate ibis. It's an entry level wildlife camera in my eyes.

[@Aperazzo_Salsa_Pics]

Too many reviewers that complain about the sensor forget that most images only make it to FB or Insta and get viewed on cell phones or tablets. Not to mention that all too often dodgy filters get applied. Even if viewed on a larger screen; the screen is unlikely to be viewed and might wel be set to artificial coloring for "late night viewing". It seems a very, very valid point to include very responsive AF instead of some fancy sensor that will never be used properly.

[@amitkrupal1234]

@kiwi2631 howz the skin tones on z50ii

[@opalyankaBG]

Chris, why is the camera 'let down' by the sensor? In this price range competitors are at 24/26 mp which is about 10% of linear resolution gain, not something 99% of people can notice. At the same time, the sensor's DR and noise performance are just as good as the competition.

[@sdhute]

This has been my favorite sensor it has amazing colors.

[@pjimmbojimmbo1990]

It does give my D200, a run for the Money regarding Colour/Contrast

[@m4rcin847]

Like every other sensor on the market.

[@artmaltman]

Superb review. Perceptive and honest. Likely the best review of this piece out there. Us photographers with deeper pockets always struggle with what to recommend at lower price points, because of what we are used to, but this does look like an acceptable set of compromises - especially that fine autofocus and the lovely color, and great handling. I love the retro look here as well.

[@chinmayeed]

Nice video Chris ! I got mine for $785 body only. And I am quite impressed with the features like Bird Eye Detect, Focus shift, 4K video etc. I am using it with my F mount AFS 300 f4 for bird photography. Love from India!❤

[@jean-charles9931]

Hi, same combo for me but with Z50 first version. I really miss bird eye detection and battery drains quickly, I would have expected the bigger EN-EL15 battery on the new release. Skip to FX or purchase this new version, I did not decide yet. Cheers.

[@Durio_zibethinus]

Did you tried it with sigma 150-600mm?

[@chinmayeed]

@ good! That’s great combo too. I earlier used D500 and found Z50 ii way better than D500 in terms of AF speed. Expeed 7 really made a difference

[@chinmayeed]

@@Durio_zibethinus no I did not get a chance to try. But my Sigma 18-35 1.8 Art works super fast. You may rent the camera and try or simply visit nearest shop they usually have demo camera body and you can then try out.

[@AnthonyMarkPhotography-ke9ld]

For me, I'm absolutely loving the z50ii. I have owned the d500 (traded in for this), still own d7500, z50, zfc, z5. This camera beats them all in terms of features and customizability. Yes I would like two cards and IBIS, but I don't understand why IBIS is such a HUGE deal for so many. The only lens I'm missing it a bit is the 70-180, and that's only if I'm doing detail photos as for photographing people my shutter speeds are generally fast enough even in the dark to still function fine with a bit of care. Maybe this is because I don't mind some noise in my images, if I needed to always shoot 100-500iso in the dark handheld then I can see needing IBIS with a small prime. In some very rare circumstances I can just use my z5 if I would really need IBIS. I never had stabilization for any prime lenses with my D500 (even the 50-100 sigma) so I can still use the same techniques with my mirrorless. Eventually the technology will get cheaper and appear in entry level cameras, or Nikon will release a pro level DX with it, and I'll be happy when they do. For now and for my main uses (people, family, wedding, event photography) I will use the z50ii and enjoy almost all the other features that the 6iii, zf, z8 and z9 users have at a tiny fraction of the price. A stronger wish for me is not IBIS or new sensor, but MORE/ANY dx pro level lenses. Thanks for the review Christopher!

[@domenicoavizzano8841]

The Nikon D5600 is better with a better sensor.. Cheers! D.

[@brianeibisch6025]

Reviewers seem to hate the Nikon 20.9MP sensor because it is 8 years old or something like that. Big BUT, but this sensor was in the D500 Nikon APS-C flagship and people rave about its picture quality. This sensor was also placed in the D7500, seen as a plus. A cheaper camera having the same sensor as the D500!! Wow! So what would replace the sensor, a 24MP sensor from say the D3500 or D5600?? Basically just as old as the 20.9MP sensor. Huh?? What?? Now, granted the 20.9MP sensor has 13% less resolution but if you optically crop in with your zoom lens … just a twitch … your resolution of subject, in the middle there somewhere, will have the same resolution as the 24MP sensor, in that area, would have had. Also the 20.9MP sensor with larger pixel pitch theoretically should give you better low light performance. I have the D7500 as my workhorse camera and can assure you that the image quality, coming from the 20.9MP sensor, in practical applications, is stunningly good. Cheers!

[@fotografalexandernikolis]

Guys like you completely miss the point. Users want an equivalent to Canon R7 which has IBIS and pixel density equivalent to 80mp on FF. That makes it an excellent camera for birds and wildlife. Meanwhile the 21mp Nikon sensor offers barely any cropping advantage over the 45mp FF. Nikon has the better telephoto lens lineup and therefore amazing potential for a higher specced APS-C camera.

[@gerhardsteinhofer]

​@@fotografalexandernikolis I think you completly miss the point. Please don't be so naive and believe that with 80 MP equivalent you will get the same good image quality in terms of low light capabilities, dynamic range and noise performance.

[@fotografalexandernikolis]

@@gerhardsteinhofer Where the hell did I talk about noise performance? Did you forget it's possible to take wildlife photos in good light?

[@gerhardsteinhofer]

@@fotografalexandernikolis It's a weak camera, when it's only useable under excellent lighting conditions. I don't want such a one trick pony. A huge amount of great wildlife pictures were taken during sunrise or sunset. And btw wildlife is not the only usecase for this camera.

[@Aperazzo_Salsa_Pics]

@@fotografalexandernikolis IBIS seems to be quite irrelevant cause it would have more people go for third party glass. Seems Nikon releases Z lenses that have rather good VR. Also, what use is IBIS if it comes instead of this level of AF? At least, if you want to remain in this price bracket and/ or are eager to get the crop. Lastly, it opens the possibility for Nikon to release a camera with dual memory slots, top display and IBIS sometime in 2025? Such a camera would probably compete with the Z6III and would make that and the Z50II much less easy to market.

[@waltermayr339]

I've been a Nikon photographer for decades. Nikon won me over to APSC with the D7100. This format has huge potential. Why Nikon is launching an APSC camera without IBIS in 2025 borders on mental confusion. How would I have wished for a camera like this. But now I wish Nikon continued healthy sleep.

[@SMGJohn]

Would cost Nikon too much, but considering the m43 20 megapixel sensor is just a third worse DR at ISO 1600 and beyond, its kinda hard buy the Z50 II even for the asking price specially with the lack of APS-C lenses unless you adapt which there are a few nice options like Sigma 30mm F1.4 is very nice APS-C lens and of course 18-35mm F1.8

[@MB-dq2gz]

Probably because when they charge $1200 for it you will say they're crazy and reference a Z5.

[@grovimyboi3815]

The Canon r10 is comparable to the z50ii and doesn't have ibis, the crop Sony cameras that have ibis are more expensive or came out six years ago

[@vk027]

IBIS, IBIS, IBIS, kann man ohne nicht mehr fotografieren oder was 😮 Ich habe die z50ii und die stabilisierten DX Linsen und bekomme ohne Problem verwackelungsfreie Fotos damit gemacht, erst den Weihnachtsbaum mit 1/13 sec ohne verwackelt fotografiert…

[@waltermayr339]

@@vk027 Ich nicht....

[@Asgeir_W]

I just got mine yesterday, so far very pleased. I had the first version also, but this one just feels better in the hand, better grip, slightly bigger body. The buffer has gotten a big upgrade, probably inherited the buffer from the D500? AF is leaps and bounds from my short time with the camera, the eye af locks on like a charm, at least on my cats and on my neighbor 😄 I'm however not a big fan of that it ships with no battery charger, just a USB C cable for charging directly in camera, that seems very cheap to ne to save a few bucks. Other then that, I'm looking forward to taking this little gem with me on my holiday this coming week!

[@JuanSanchez-zz3me]

Thr sensor being old seems to be such an overstated thing. If you check photonstophotos, it has as much DR as any other modern apsc camera. If you check dpreview studio tests, the Z50 og is already like half a stop cleaner than the canon R10, if not a bit more. And readout is relatively fast as well. 24ms, vs R10 at 35ms, R7 at 29ms, and a6700 at 25ms. Age is the main complaint, but when you look at performance, it still is above the competition

[@stephanweiskorn6760]

Excellent video 😮!

[@nevertestELOHIM]

I have a nikon d3200, should I upgrade to this one?

[@JJCPhotography]

Great review! Thank you for sharing!

[@micahaka]

Still waiting for the CF Voigtlander Ultra-Wide Trio review! 10mm/12mm/15mm

[@AndreGranjo]

Your footage of some of your musical scores reveals very good taste!! I have those exact editions of the same pieces... nice!!😊

[@amateurgamer149]

Good review ❤. Sir, can you make a comparison video between Nikon z50 ll and Canon r10? It might be helpful for a lot of people who are trying to get a decent body under 1000$.

[@chrisbryant8317]

Great review Chris, thanks. I have had my Z50 for just over two years which is a record for me. It is a really excellent camera, the only bugbear for me is not IBIS but sensor cleaning. You will need to clean it on a regular basis especially if you are changing lenses in the field. Would I pick up a Z50ii? Prolly not. There isn't enough in the Z50ii to make the upgrade worth it in terms of money I would need to spend.

[@Alsayid]

Christopher, when you say this camera has mediocre image quality as the ISO rises, is that in comparison to other APS-C cameras?

[@wj45]

My biggest disappointment with this camera is the fully articulated screen. I loved the tilting screen on the original Z50 because it was very practical for street photography, where you often shoot from the hip and have to act quickly to catch the fleeting moment. These new vlogging screens are more cumbersome and slow to deploy, and the off-axis positioning makes it difficult to level the camera properly at times. Otherwise, it's a much-needed update to the original Z50 that brings a lot of goodness from cameras released after 2019 (which is mostly a given, as it's just copy and paste of firmware code), but one that hasn't gone the extra mile to really impress. Many of the original model's problems remain: small battery with unreliable indicator, flimsy port covers, shutter speed of only 1/4000 (can't use fast lenses fully open in sunny weather without an ND), etc.

[@nathanbasset]

Ive seen this argument a lot and its perfectly understandable. Alternatively I much more favor this 360 degree screen because it allows for so much more flexibility. Ignoring traditional photography I often shoot vertically, either over my head or low down to the ground. With the traditional tilt screen you have no way of seeing the screen and have to shoot blind!

[@alphaandomega2709]

All of those problems you have Sony has them fixed, experience eye autofocus won’t go back to Nikon.

[@mizshellytee]

The original Z50 has a flip-down screen. Have you confused it with the Z5, which has a tilting screen?

[@Vromiaris778]

I loved the tilt screen of the Z50 as well.... except for when I was trying to get a portrait orientation from a low angle.... I had this style screen with my D5300 and it does a good job.

[@wj45]

@@mizshellytee No, I haven't confused it with the Z5, as I owned both. The misunderstanding lies in the definition of "tilt", where we differ. But your "flip-down" term is also valid, I agree.

[@luminvade]

IBIS and VR I see many are worried that this camera does not have IBIS, but doesn't it come with a VR lens? Doesn't the VR lens help in reducing the shaking? (I'm new to understanding these concepts, please bear with me)

[@MrPetebuster1]

Whats wrong with the sensor? Its served many people for many years. newer sensors dont actually produce better image qualiity. It produces great images with good glass so i see no issue. People harp on too much about what it lacks. The AF is a vast improvement over the z50 and makes a very cheap option for sports and BIF . iTS ONLY £849 fgs

[@alienhatz3265]

lower resolution is lower resolution

[@hoatd1993]

It's old and it has low mpx. Give me a reason to buy it over other brand apsc models.

[@MrPetebuster1]

@hoatd1993 Too many people hung up on mega pixels. Mega pixels dont give you better images

[@MrPetebuster1]

@hoatd1993 what do you think 24mp gives you over 20? Not aware of any aspc that has more than 24 ( well most ) You won't see any difference. If you think you need more mp then you buy full frame or medium format

[@MrPetebuster1]

@alienhatz3265 And? Its not about resolution. If you want high resolution you buy Full frame or medium format

[@sbeckmesser]

I wish the ISO/noise comparison stills had been the same ISOs and screen-layout/magnification as those in Frost's Nikon Z fc review (a camera using the same sensor). This would help answer the question as to whether the Z50II noise performance has been truly degraded by the newer processor or some other feature. The Z fc review doesn't come down nearly so hard on the sensor performance, at least verbally. And to my eyes it does look a little cleaner in the review than the Z50II at higher ISOs. In the shots I've made with my Z fc at higher ISOs, I've been satisfied how AI noise reduction has helped, at least up to ISO6400. AI NR does get riskier above that point.

[@TheMetalButcher]

Makes me appreciate my X-T4.

[@sennay9974]

I bought a Nikon Z6 with the 24-200mm based on your videos😊

[@waltermayr339]

Photography should be a synonym for pleasure and joy - not for drudgery and inconvenience. This would be much easier to achieve with the APSC format than with “full format”. After 50 years as a professional photographer, I know what I'm talking about. At some point I got completely tired of lugging around tripods. What a pleasure it was to invent IBIS.

[@Chum_chumi]

Seems good value. I'd happily pay more for same sensor but with ibis.

[@Vromiaris778]

My camera body journey went from the Nikon D5300 to the Z50 and now, the Z50ii. While I agree that the sensor is an antique in dire need for replacement and IBIS would have been nice, I still want to believe that Nikon is gearing up for a new DX sensor with IBIS into a higher grade DX body to come (Z70 / Z80 / Z90), but they need to increase their DX lens stock first. I decided to get the Z50ii after owning the Z50 strictly because of the Expeed7 and the VASTLY improved focusing and I am not at all disappointed so far. I am currently unable, however, to process RAW in post since the software I use (Affinity & DXO Photolab) do not offer support just yet (DXO promised something by February) Overall, I am pleased, but not thrilled by this update. I know what the image sensor can give me, it's limitations and it's strengths and I will carry on until a higher grade DX body becomes a reality.

[@beeryye]

What lens was used to test the sensor capabilities? My first gen Z50 with a decent lens compares favorably with newer 40mp Fuji sensors and 32mp canon aps-c, both of which really are much softer than they should be for their resolutions but the Fuji in particular is pretty rough. This can be compared easily on dpreview and under many varied conditions for both jpeg and raw. I will say modern jpeg processing is definitely not Nikon's strong suit as you were saying. But that sharpening wasn't even as egregious as Sony's newest A1II you just tested.

[@slimphotog]

Is that kit lens worth it?

[@AndyLucy-z3x]

CF makes much of noise and dynamic range deficiencies in the sensor, describing it as “last generation” and “a bit behind the competition”. This is misleading. I’m disappointed to see such comments from CF, where he appears to have decided that a sensor that originally dates from 2016 must equate to poor performance. No aps-c camera has noticeably better noise / dynamic range performance than the Z50ii. The latest generation of aps-c sensors are stacked bsi cmos sensors. The Z50ii is not pretending to be in this class: only Fuji have a camera with a stacked aps-c sensor camera (the X-H2S), which is more than double the price of the Z50II. The noise / dynamic range performance is actually worse than that of the Nikon aps-c sensor: the deficiency is a trade off for faster sensor readout speed. The previous generation of sensors are non-stacked bsi cmos sensors. The noise and dynamic range of these sensors in current Nikon, Sony, Canon, Fuji cameras is very similar and the Z50ii is right up there with the competition (e.g. Sony 6700, Canon R7, Fuji X-T5). See data from photons to photos. The previous but one generation of sensors are fsi-cmos sensors, as found in Canon’s current low price cameras (R10, R50, R100). These have noticeably worse noise / dynamic range performance than cameras with bsi sensors.

[@ScottJWaldron]

Great job on the video! Overall a decent enough camera, but I don't see much value compared to the Z5. I was hoping they will produce a Z30 replacement more like a cheaper Sony FX30, but I'm guessing they will cut this camera down again for the Z30ii. 😅 At least it should be cheaper on average than the Z50ii due to no viewfinder.

[@TorToroPorco]

I’m not a fan of comparing noise performance using just JPEG images as it’s heavily influenced by the JPEG engine processing. I prefer to compare using RAWs from DpReview’s image comparison database (which doesn’t have the Z50II yet but does have the Z50). Granted JPEGs will be preferred format for more casual shooters or those looking to exploit the highest frame rates. But I’d rather have the sensor’s base noise characteristics and apply my own noise correction as necessary.

[@AsDoomas]

Awaiting my Z50ii with 18-140, will be second walk about camera with ZF

[@catalin-ap]

The first decent Nikon mirrorless APS-C! Great specs! Nikon have put all they were able to, at this price point - so no IBIS, no dual slots etc. And finally 3D tracking has reached this low in the range. Now hopefully they will do a Z70 (? - Nikon naming :)) ) with IBIS, dual card slots and a better sensor, pro video specs (4k120) to replace both the legendary Nikon D500 DSLR, and to compete with Sony a6700 and Canon R7 (or R7 mk II, which might arrive soon enough).

[@davidroberts6766]

Owning the Zfc, I have a number of DX zooms, and inexpensive 3rd party DX primes. I may be tempted to buy this camera as a better focus option, while still remaining lightweight, which is the key DX factor, for me.

[@holgerstolz3526]

You can certainly criticize Nikon, but the thesis that the sensor is no longer capable of performing just because it is 8 years old is not backed up with facts at any point in the review.

[@RockMaster0815]

A great camera, but the biggest disadvantage is the limitation to jpg format in the electronic shutter. And why jpg and not the new heif format? The Expeed 7 processor should make this possible.

[@martintretjak1396]

I wonder if Nikon will ever make a successor to the high-end d500? The current ones are all entry level.

[@janwedek]

I wish they would make a it more like DX Z8. The crop would make it amazing for wildlife while keeping weight down, especially with the amazing primes Nikon has. Obviously not at this price point but I would happily pay a lot more just as for eg a OM-1

[@robiuk666]

Why expressing prices in USD and not in GBP?

[@yatoakito2037]

USD is more common

[@Sebas-sg1kj]

Fair review. I think right now the best entry camera is get a mint Z6 used. Ibis, amazing BSI Fullframe sensor, amazing dynamic range, great speed, great video quality 4k 30 and fullhd 120 without crop, sealed, very well build, made in Japan!, good AF with latest firmware, it's a very solid choice. For usd 650/750 you get a better camera than the Sony A7iii.

[@fancyman-i8g]

I am thinking of buying it in the distant future. We will see. I am surprised at the price and with Expeed 7. My 2c is that it has the capabilities to sell to dslr shooters looking to get into video; as well as beginners coming of a phone camera.

[@bondof69]

The biggest improvement is in autofocus capability. Now its a very compelling 2nd camera for wildlife shooters who need a 2nd Dx camera for reach. This works really well for someone who wants to get into wildlife but has limited resources. Buy a few extra batteries and you are sorted. For the others who are into landscape and potrait, there are a lot many options in the market to choose from as the older z50 is still very capable on these accounts.

[@pjc3163]

Why would you need a new sensor? If you need a higher resolution camera go full frame. Has anyone heard of the "point of diminishing returns"?

[@mareius]

It’s for people with Nikon glas who are ok with getting less.

[@dct124]

Dude 21mp is high. 12mp is low but adequate. 30mp is excessive. What Canon, Fuji, etc. gained in higher mp, they lost noticably in image quality. You can only go but so high with APS-C before you hit the wall of dimensioning returns. Having a pixel density in the 3 micron range is not a flex. The high mp race has long since been over. These companies better start focusing on IQ and Color depth. The Z50 has better ISO performance than the D3. Full frame today is still stuck roughly where the D3s peaked more than a decade ago.

[@fotografalexandernikolis]

Guys like you completely miss the point. Users want an equivalent to Canon R7 which has IBIS and pixel density equivalent to 80mp on FF. That makes it an excellent camera for birds and wildlife. Meanwhile the 21mp Nikon sensor offers barely any cropping advantage over the 45mp FF. Nikon has the better telephoto lens lineup and therefore amazing potential for a higher specced APS-C camera. And no, 40mp on Fuji is not useless, I went from 26 to 40mp myself. With a sharp lens (like most of mine are) I can actually get full 40mp of detail rendition.

[@dixinggao7178]

What was true yesterday isn't necessarily true today. Bigger, higher resolution display has proliferated in the last 15 years. An entry level smartphone today is 1080P, and 4K has become mainstream for desktop monitors and TVs. And the introduction of multi-touch has made zooming into images a lot more intuitive, and therefore done more often. The world demands more resolution. And the assertion that higher resolution lowers IQ? Proven false. DxOMark measures EOS R3(24MP) at 25bit color depth and 14.7EV dynamic range, the contemporary EOS R5(45MP) at 25.3 bit and 14.6 EV. The Sony A7R IV (61MP), launched a year earlier, got 26bit and 14.8EV. Low resolution sensors do have an advantage in low light performance, but that gap has considerably narrowed. DxO gave EOS R3 a maximum acceptable ISO of 4086, the A7R IV at 3344. That's less than 1/3 a stop of difference. And in the real world, modern denoising algorithms have made that argument obsolete. I know this is controversial, but as long as your lens can back it up, higher resolution is straight up better.

[@dct124]

@dixinggao7178 until bandwidth is solved. It, the industry as a whole will continue to be 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. iPhones still can't even play 4K on KZbin. Even if someone has a 4K screen, you LITERALLY can't see the benefits of 4K b/c you, your face, your eyes, can't get close enough to it. I don't care that people choose to spend their own money ignorantly. The benefit of 4K, until human eyes get an upgrade will be for editing and special effects. Additionally, downsampling from 4K to 1080p looks better than 4K.

[@dixinggao7178]

​​@@dct124agreed high res sensors not benefitting video. I'm talking exclusively about stills. High res sensors often have significant readout penalties, and in video mode you can't count on a mechanical shutter to solve it. Stacked sensors solves the readout issue for stills, but AFAIK all ILC with fully stacked sensors disable the stacked SRAM when shooting videos. (I believe the partially stacked sensor on Z6III does have improved video mode readout) ps: I just checked, my iPhone 14 Pro Max can play YT videos in 4K (even though the panel has a lower res). Apparently it's exclusive to HDR capable devices on iOS. Yes, I can tell the difference between a 4K desktop monitor and a 1440P one. I switched from a 4K 16:9 monitor to a 1440P 21:9 one last year and the drop in sharpness is unmistakable.

[@dct124]

@@fotografalexandernikolis I'm not going into a long debate. Nikon went the optical route. Unfortunately for Fuji, it's teleconverters aren't even close to the performance of what Nikon produced which has a 0 drop in quality, or AF speeds. They also produced lenses that are faster optically which make up for the loss in light and they're compeletively priced Go do the math and you will come to the same conclusion, that Fuji is going to cost you significantly more regarding the Z50ii and all supporting items, lenses, TC, body, etc to get the similae results and with just a 20mp sensor. Keep in mind that the Z8 was developed and priced strategically. That 90mp equivalency you're looking for. Z8 1.4x & 2x TC clears every meaningful metric you assume the X-T5 has. The Z50ii simply misses the reach by just over 100mm, but ends up costing significantly less than an X-T5 kit to the point you could probably buy a 2nd Z50ii.

[@wonghoe475]

I think Nikon finally up to the standard for them entry level camera, Z50II is very good choose for newcomer want to enter Nikon Z system. If I only started getting into photography now not start of this year, I definitely will pick up the Z50II not the ZFC.

[@AWAShowme]

Thanks for the content. Perhaps the color control dial would be more useful if it was fully customizable.

[@veeaa]

The color profile button is customizable.

[@AWAShowme]

Oh cool.

[@planterz42]

You can get a Sony a6600 (on sale) for a few bucks more. Unless you plan on eventually upgrading to Nikon's full frame ecosystem, I see no point in getting this camera.

[@livejames9374]

The list of advantages for Z50ii over the A6600 is extensive

[@HagaishiSama]

Agreed, the Sony a6600 is such a much better camera and a hell alot better lens system 💯

[@HagaishiSama]

​@livejames9374 Name them please.

[@livejames9374]

@@HagaishiSama a6700 yes. A6600 heck no lol

[@starbase218]

As a single camera for all kinds of photography, I agree that it's not that enticing. Courtesy of there not being very many interesting DX zoom lenses available. There are a number of good primes though. But yeah, I wouldn't recommend this camera to build a system around. In addition to a fullframe Nikon Z body like the Z5 or a Z6 series, it becomes a completely different story. You can have a cheap but very capable 2-body system. You can have the FF body set up for general photography, landscape, portrait, etc, and the Z50II set up for wildlife.

[@wuguanzheng6031]

I would like to give a suggestion to compare the image quality with other APS-C cameras, including JPG and RAW. My user experience is that although this sensor is old, the image quality is still outstanding, especially in low light and dynamic range.

[@subbuks2160]

It is good upgrade. May be Nikon has reserved the spec expecations of z50ii to a another model. Hard to believe if they don't have one in making when competitors has a6700, R7, XT-50, XT-5.

[@harjitsaggu279]

Solid Review. in Canada it's currently $1,250 body.

[@PhotoswithArt]

They should use a sensor from d3000 series. I have d3400 the sensor is 24 mp.

[@jan-willempeters7714]

Unfortunately, it is overlooked that the development of sensors is towards stacked and half-stacked and an APS-C variant is not yet available at Nikon. So the choice for this one is logical. Furthermore, the stacked sensors do not perform better in terms of image quality than the CMOS sensors, so that can no longer be an argument against the 8 year old sensor.

[@asokedas2977]

Nowadays an 8 old sensor, visible noise at 1600, no IBIS at one grand is a losing deal. I would rather wait for the 1st Apsc model from Nikon with 33 mp sensor or new 26mp at least, IBIS and latest EXPEED for 300 - 350 more.

[@alavallee2]

We need a review of the new fujifilm 16-55 mark 2 please 🙏

[@EXkuroganePhotos]

As a nikon user mainly, i don't understand why they don't change to a newer sensor that's capable of uncropped 4k60p, when the 2 year old canon R10 could do it. It doesn't matter if it's 26, 24 or 21mp as long the readout speed is faster. Sony probably has a large catalog of apsc sensors they could buy. This is the only problem i have. No ibis is normal for apsc camera bodies under $1000. The way i see it, Nikon specced the Z50ii to be a budget body for wildlife and bird photographers. I have friends who do that and are very pleased with the Z50ii. The chunky body and grip seem to be designed exactly for accommodating and balancing bigger lenses.

[@ascorbic123]

Really liked my original Z50 and regret selling it. Shame Nikon don't do enough to support the APS-C format so I ended up just going full frame.

[@michaelbell75]

Canon doesnt either. These companies are greedy and want you to buy their overpriced FF cameras and lenses, not their affordable crop sensor cameras and lenses.

[@Robin_Polarstern]

Please can you do a video of the leica SL-3s release on 16th January

[@Jviotr]

While I agree that what you’re getting is fine for the money, I think a lot of prosumers would prefer paying more for IBIS and/or a newer sensor that’s faster or higher resolution, but Nikon is still acting like DX is only entry level on Z..

[@robwinklerphoto2189]

"Some of its features are frankly top of the line." With an eight-year-old sensor? Though I have the D500, Z50 and Z30, I'm not getting the Z50II. I wanted a camera that could shoot a hummingbird at very close range with the F-mount 300mm f/4 PF lens using silent shutter (so as not to startle the bird) -- without distorting the wings as a result of rolling shutter. From what I can tell, this capability -- a must for a true bird photography camera -- is beyond the Z50II. If anyone can prove me wrong, I'd love to see your photos.

[@gerhardsteinhofer]

For the hummingbird picture I recommend a Sony A9iii. There is a small price difference between the cameras, but I am sure that the hummingbird picture is worth it to you.

[@robwinklerphoto2189]

Thanks, Gerhard.

[@eltinjones4542]

Regarding the sensor, most people like me wouldn't notice the difference with the latest types

[@zyxyuv1650]

Nikon is too scary to invest in. I considering buying a Z6 III setup for video, but there's no Sigma or Samyang lenses, so it became impossible to build a viable setup, I was stuck having only 1 option in many cases...Like I'd need to pay $2400 to get a good 85mm portrait lens...which would only be $400-$600 on Sony or Fujifilm. The same applies across the whole system. Without Viltrox, the Nikon Z system would be a total blowout disaster. So little options available.

[@fangli]

Yes, i agree with you, VIltrox cheap lens is helping nikon camera sales, because only viltrox make serious lens for Z mount best for budget,,

[@starbase218]

Are you seriously saying the 85/1.8 isn't a good portrait lens? And scary to invest in? They've been making healthy profits year over year. IIRC there was one time where they had losses.

[@nathanjimenez1562]

That old sensor and lack of ibis is the only thing holding me back from buying this camera i would have gladly spent the extra money for those two things oh well maybe in the next 4 years they should have use a new 21 mp bsi senor to boos that low light performance and read out speeds

[@stevemockoviak8384]

Personally, I prefer the flip down screen on the original Z50. I don't use the camera for selfies, so the fully articulating screen is a waste for me. IBIS would be nice, but since most people don't get more than the kit lens at this price range, I understand Nikon's decision to leave it out and just have VR in the lens. The resolution is okay for what I do, and I appreciate Nikon keeping the price down. My biggest complaint with both the Z50 and Z50II is the terrible battery life. And of course, I'd like some more DX lenses such as a 16-200mm or 16-300mm like they had for the FX mount. Happy to see third party lenses showing up. Otherwise, for the money, it's a great camera.

[@nicedward7544]

With the severe crop on video...i think the low iso looks worse than 1600.. so over sharpened.

[@Ben_Stewart]

I don't consider the IMX321 sensor to be old considering NASA is still using CCD's for telescopes. It's a very capable sensor at this price point and IMO strikes the balance between low light and resolution. 16MP would be ideal for an APS-C sensor. I will wait for this puppy to go on sale like the Z8 and Z6iii.

[@benardjamwa2017]

I find this camera so complicated and hard to use. especially when shooting manual

[@盾神京矢]

The sensor is really not doing justice to this camera. We will need to wait for another 5 years to see what Nikon will do next. Although Nikon has the Z30 and Zfc, they are pretty much the same camera as the Z50 in different styles of bodies.

[@Nitrodr1]

IBIS would have been nice, but for the price the camera does a real nice job.

[@Iwan2007]

I don't get it why they launched a camera without IBIS. It looks to me like Nikon is giving up APSC market to Fuji which treats its consumers in a more grown-up manner offering actual working tools in this format. Nikon however is like "you want good camera - look at full frame". Anyway, the sensor - despite its old is still good one and is spitting out really detailed and good images. When it comes to 20 mps it's fine to me. I can print pictures 60x90 cm which are huge.

[@LiquidTurbo]

The image quality seems stunning from the sample images so who cares how old the sensor is! That's just my opinion.

[@michaelbell75]

An 8 year old sensor and no IBIS for $1k? If Canon did this, you would never hear the end of the hate, but Nikon gets a pass? This should be priced around $600 like the R50, they both basically have the same specs. At least the R50 gives you a new sensor and a great AF system.

[@johngamer7]

The only thing this camera accomplishes, is that it makes every other older Nikon camera a value for money purchase...

[@strongandco]

Anyone else start thinking of the Techmoan muppets at the end?

[@unique93obr]

It's really good little camera, BUT: 1/4000sec is BAD...there are lots of f1.2-f1.4 primes for crop bodies, and you cannot use that aperture in sunny day without ND filter...1/8000sec is a must, or even 1/16000sec. Also lack of IBIS is really stupid And one SD card is also stupid...they should add at least second microSD slot, like Nikon ZF.

[@bsc001]

So please, I beg you, tell me which ASP-C body in this price-range offers 1/16,000 and IBIS? And offers more than 1x UHS-II slot? I might have to wait for a while, it seems.

[@bilalkaraca4459]

No camera should come without ibis at this time. M43 guys did it for a low price years ago

[@jimstirling7223]

How many $900 APS cameras at launch came with IBIS ?

[@hughjohns9110]

@@jimstirling7223 I would have paid a good bit more to have IBIS.

[@bilalkaraca4459]

@@jimstirling7223 I dont know, but it's not a expensive technology now. Last year I bought a used Xh1 for about 700. That is a tank of a camera and has very good ibis. Also Sony a6500 has ibis , not a good one though.

[@AbdonPhirathon]

@@jimstirling7223It doesn’t mean it can’t be done. If Nikon sells the Z5 with IBIS on sale pretty much year round at $999, I don’t want to hear no apologia about how Nikon could not include it in a sub $1k camera. It’s all excuses at this point.

[@coastalsandwich]

Photography has done without IBIS for a long time, it’s absolutely not a necessity

[@shengchen3148]

There just isn't a lot of lenses out there for this camera....

[@bsc001]

Au contraire. There are many lenses if you know what you’re looking for. You’re not restricted to dx Z lenses. Just saying.

[@bsc001]

Coming back to your comment, I recently got this body for my wife to augment her d500 setup. Well, today, the 28-400mm Z lens arrived, and I have to say, it is probably the ideal all-rounder. Provided you have good light, it does a great job in general photography, and definitely sharp enough. I am quite impressed by it, well worth the money, if you’re after an all-in-one.

[@GungKrisna12]

And it's still mirrorless version of Nikon D7500

[@yohan2437]

The biggest misunderstanding with sensor pixel count is that it necessarily determines the amount of details captured - it does not. What's the point of more megapixels if I see the same or less details in the image from a less megapixel sensor? Case in point: Take of a picture of distant trees where the leaves are small within the scene. In cases where a Fuji 24 or 26 Mp sensor simply renders green mush, you will actually still be able to distinguish individual leaves with the Nikon 20 Mp. The strength or the lack of an anti-alias filter over the sensor can have a huge impact on detail capture. Case in point 2: Compare dpreview's studio shot, using the Nikon 20 Mp with the Canon 32 Mp from the M6 II at ISO6400. You will see that the Nikon still shows fine crosshatching in the artwork in the scene whereas the Canon has turned to grainy mush. In fact, you will see more resolved detail in the Nikon 20 Mp than the Fuji XT50 40 Mp at ISO6400. It is stupid to make assumptions on image detail capture based purely on megapixel count. The amount of actual details captured is all that matters, not the number of megapixels of the sensor or the age of the sensor. You don't need to fix what isn't broken.

[@CallMeRabbitzUSVI]

Dpreview comparison tool has alot of flaws, not standardizing with the same lenses and not processing Fuji X-trans with the best editors for it i.e. CaptureOne. I've owned both the X-H2 and the Nikon Z50 and while the Nikon Z50 wasn't bad it wasn't anywhere near close to what the X-H2 can produce. Did captured birds and portraits mostly.

[@yohan2437]

@@CallMeRabbitzUSVI I owned the Z50 and now, the Z30 and Zfc. While they may all use the same sensor, Nikon noticeably improved the image quality on the later Z30/Zfc so that they capture more detail and less noise. This is another big misunderstanding that cameras with the same sensor necessarily have the same IQ - an often parroted statement by lazy reviewers and review sites. Comparing the Fuji X-H2 to the Nikon 20 Mps (including the Z50) at sensitivity as low as ISO 6400 yields no useful incremental details and tons more noise in the 40Mp image that cannot be explained away by optics or version of RAW converter. BTW, I've owned the Fuji XA-1, XT-1, Xpro-2 and currently own the X100V, XE-3, XE-4, X-70 and use both Lightroom and Capture One so I know how Fuji images behave. It is disappointing to see the poor performance of the Fuji 40 Mp cameras with respect to detail retention at moderate to high ISO compared to 20 Mp Nikons.

[@CallMeRabbitzUSVI]

@@yohan2437 Why are we comparing these 2 sensors at high ISOs where they won't be used 99% of the time? Each cameras handles ISO differently so that comes down to software not hardware. Especially since Nikoj seems to be more aggressive with their Noise reduction than Fuji cameras (and yes I'm talking about in RAW) I could easily says that for high ISO scenes Fuji has superior HDR Capture resulting in better dynamic range and lower noise Nikon. But that would be an extremely niche use case. 99% of the time the Fuji 40mp X-trans sensor will produce a better more detailed image than the 20mp Nikon Sensor in any of their cameras given that the Lens IQ remains the same.

[@domenicoavizzano8841]

The Nikon D5600 is much better than this (Z50II) toy, to me. Cheers!.. Domenico

[@Veangent]

A cheap camera for a bit cheap price. Got it

[@welfarestates8465]

With an old sensor and no IBIS people may as well buy an older model and save money. Good job Nikon 🥴

[@80-80.]

Not sure but it seems like the Nikon fans think it’s perfectly fine with $1000 for a 20 mp crop camera in 2025.

[@Bartek9957]

Nikon fans are starved for budget wildlife body and Z50II seems to be all they will get.

[@veeaa]

Which other camera does better at the same price?

[@Pertti456]

This same sensor has scored quite well on ISO performance for an APS-C sensor previously in other cameras (dxomark etc). I wonder if it has gotten worse because of some new features, or was Chris actually comparing the performance to other APS-C sensors?!

[@markdecoveny1785]

I'm actually considering trading my Zfc for this. The EXPEED7 processor makes the cameras much more responsive. I do wish Nikon would release or license third parties a faster normal zoom

[@starbase218]

How many megapixels do you need, if I may ask?

[@JLEOY]

waiting for the z30 mark ii...

[@oblivion_007]

APSC cameras shouldnt exist in 2024 and beyond. Period

[@mwalsh-t4t]

neither should idiots !

[@JaySilva88]

Canon R10 is better imo.

[@fader72]

I love my R10 but idk what's better about it besides a little bit more Megapixels

[@fangli]

lol, better for what? canon 3rd party lens ?

[@HagaishiSama]

​@@fanglilmao or the lack of

[@michaelbell75]

@@fader72 New sensor vs an 8 year old sensor is huge. R10 also has a better AF system and it can shoot more than double what the Nikon can in continuous (23fps vs 11fps) Thats enough of an advantage

[@konradkoeppe2840]

Every canon shooter i know who switched to mirrorless have had nothing but major problems and canon refusing to help.

[@jayoungrn]

no IBIS no buy

[@bsc001]

Learn to use your gear. In the old days, we didn’t have all these modern aids, yet we could still take photos. 1/FL a good place to set your shutter speed to avoid blur. I own a z8, Z9, a couple Zf’s, a d500 and d850, and this z50ii is a wonderful little body. Very fast AF, and very acceptable image-quality. Absolutely great for birding when combining with my 100-400 or 180-600 lenses. A super bird setup, especially with the 180-600. Just imho of course.

[@jayoungrn]

@ I have been shooting since the 80s - I can use a manual film camera but they are outdated, so I don’t . This camera is outdated at launch so nope.

[@bsc001]

@@jayoungrn All good. There are many bodies to choose from.