Nikon Z50 II A perfect update to an amazing camera.

[@dennisjones5579]

The master does it again, phenomenal images from a simple camera. You do make it look so easy. Well done.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you for the kind words! Much appreciated

[@Stop-All-War]

Z50ii isn't a simple camera, its got great sensor & expeed 7 processor

[@kaskoPhoto]

@ I’m sure it was meant as simple in practice not what’s under the hood.

[@notjacknicholson2225]

It is so good to hear your opinion, especially in the first minute of your video. My goodness, hearing you speak out loud what I have on my mind feels absolutely amazing. I was shooting sports events "professionally" (paid by strangers on a regular basis for doing it, does that count? Now I sound like I’ve been a hooker...) 15 years ago, and I shoot with a Z50II today, which I absolutely love. Nowadays, I shoot for myself and my family. I could buy any camera I want, but I have absolutely zero intention of buying anything higher-end than this Z50II. It almost seems like 90% of what you read on the internet is written by late-teen boys who watch 10 hours a day of gear reviews on KZbin. To all these people, please take a step back and reconsider, you are absolutely not living in reality. Don't even start me with "crop sens...", no, stop it.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Well I think I’d consider the hooker route if I could make money 😂 But honestly I kinda wish this little thing had two card slots because I would be using it all the time for a lot of my paid work.

[@jorsetti]

Thanks for doing this video! Enjoyed very much, I agree with you on the Z50 & Z50II they certainly are a blast to shoot and knowing you’ll get great looking images is a wonderful incentive. I’m upgrading and have Z50II on order to add to my existing Z lineup. I liked your comment about the naysayers saying it’s not enough of an upgrade…spot on reply, they aren’t much of a photographer! I’ll never forget going out the day I received my Z50 and that night shooting an outdoor music concert and getting some fantastic images with stunning color rendering. Thanks Sir!🙏🏻

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@jonberg3703]

I had the same problem with a Viltrox lens. It just needed a firmware update and it was fine. All done by the little usb c socket on the lens. Viltrox documented the exact same problem in the update notes. Great video by the way!

[@bobjohnson9597]

Actually 20.9 mp I call it 21 mp. I got mine last week and already got flying birds like the focus box was sticking on them like Velcro. It's my first Nikon and I love it

[@kaskoPhoto]

It is a joy to use and yes, the autofocus with the new processor is amazing.

[@michaelmullen8373]

I am new to your channel and I just love your approach to the review of the new Z50 II. I bought a Z50 about half a year ago for my work as an illustrator and I have had so much fun learning to use it. Once I got back button focus figured out I can't seem to put it down and my friends and clients are wanting to own my photographs. You are the only reviewer so far that shares my opinions on the Z50 and though I applaud Nikon for the upgrade I have more camera right now with the original Z50 that I am staying with what I have... but you have me wanting to try the new one... Thank you for your review and I just subscribed.

[@kaskoPhoto]

To be honest, the image quality is identical and if your subject matter isn’t moving swiftly while shooting, you’re good with the original for sure. I love the thin size of the original. Use it until it’s dead then upgrade.

[@reganalbertson3210]

Thanks!

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you so much!!

[@marcthibault8723]

Great images out of that little camera! Stunning and classy model! Thanks for the video! 🇨🇦

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thanks for the kind words, and I agree!

[@gillianxgrace]

Gorgeous images!

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thanks so much!

[@IIISentorIII]

I just ordered the Z50 II Kit (16-50 mm / 50-250 mm) based on this review alone. It should arrive tomorrow. I'm going to use it for my Samojed and Husky sled dogs daily 5 miles and 1300 feet walk in forests with lots of other animals, deer, fox, birds and so on. I do this since 25 Years with them. And also while mountain biking and capturing the landscape in general. I found myself using more and more my Smartphone (Galaxy S24 Ultra) in the last year just because it's so easy to use compared to an expensive cumbersome setup. And if something gets damaged in the rain/snow because a dog runs it over, it's not the end of the world. In the past I worked professionally with Lightroom for many years and have a graphic background and then went full-time into IT and Photography is my hobby. This should be "the best of both worlds" setup. I also have to say that the model is extremely beautiful and the color of her eyes is stunning, and so are you pictures! Cheers from Switzerland

[@kaskoPhoto]

I had to Samis that I just loved more than humans! I know have a golden that is my world. Enjoy the camera. You are going to be extremely happy with it.

[@IIISentorIII]

@kaskoPhoto I couldn't agree more. One of those Samoyeds I have for over 14 years now, and he has always been gentle to everyone his entire life! Even though he is exceptionally big and clearly the leader of the pack. Cheers

[@simonfitch265]

This is such a refreshing review of a camera. At the end of the day, the final image is all that matters. The images you took with this camera are absolutely amazing. I think worrying about a new camera's spec too much is a modern thing. I can't imagine the great photographers are or were concerned with such things. I know personally I doubt I use even half of the capabilities of my Canon R7!

[@kaskoPhoto]

I agree. Same with the lenses - everyone is much to concerned with specs and perfection.

[@Stop-All-War]

Landscapers: Z50ii + Laowa 12-24mm tilt/shift.. Great combo!

[@kaskoPhoto]

I’ve never tried a Laowa lens but have heard so many great things about them.

[@tcstu90]

Thanks for sharing the images from the shoot and your experience with the Z50II. I have the first version and agree it's a fantastic fun little go anywhere camera. Perfect for vacation, family outings, or just stuffing it in a jacket pocket to have with you. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@kaskoPhoto]

I would be happy with either camera to be honest! but I do love the upgraded fast auto focus. Happy Thanksgiving.

[@randallbrander8157]

I have had that problem with adapters too where the autofocus goes South. I make sure the lens is seated properly and turned all the way. If I have that problem show up I just turn off the camera and turn it back on and it comes back to focusing correctly. I do make mistakes where I am switching the subjects in the wrong camera setting. For an example Changing in video when I mean't to in photo and vise versa. I have learned after awhile of using Nikon cameras set both to the same white balance, subject detection, etc. and then it works better for me. Viltrox lenses do come with a usb port for firmware updates also. I have a problem updating because of the bad Chinese to English translations also sometimes I have to turn on my PC to make it work instead of my Apple computer. Cheers!

[@kaskoPhoto]

I have to do a video on updating. It’s very simple in practice - but it’s confusing for sure reading their directions. But as far as this issue, it is definitely a firmware update that is needed.

[@kapilgautam7244]

Stunning pictures❤️🙏

[@reganalbertson3210]

that was an informative ramble. thanks!

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you

[@randallbrander8157]

I have bought different Viltrox lenses and I was trying to buy the White color 28mm f/8 for my white Sony ZV-E1 and got a reply from the Seller that their was a problem with the casing and were not available at that time. Bummed out I will just wait. I have tried the Viltrox 20mm for Nikon Z and Sony E, the 85mm f/1.8 for Nikon Z and had another KZbinr try out his Viltrox 40mm f/2.5. They perform well. Cheers!

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you for your comment. It does seem they will need a firmware update

[@sdhute]

That z50 has an amazing sensor I’m sooooo tempted to get the II. I miss those viltrox 23mm, 33mm, 27mm, 75mm lenses.

[@randallbrander8157]

Nikon Z50 & Z50II, plus the Z30 and Zfc have the same sensor and I have never heard anyone complain about it. Nikon left it at 20.9mp for low light performance. The Z50II & Z50 have a built in flash where the light can be reflected upward off a wall or ceiling. It is a cropped at 1.5x already and 33mp will decrease the low light performance on these cameras. So Z8, Z9, R5II when cropped are about the same as this newer camera in mp. What I am enjoying is adding a super telephoto lens like the Nikkor Z 180-600mm at a focal length in 35 equivalent of 270-900mm. Great for seeing objects in the distance during the Day or Night. Great Review. Did you buy one? Cheers!

[@kaskoPhoto]

Yes I did. It was well worth the upgrade to my original Z50

[@tonysweeney790]

Good stuff❤

[@carlmcneill1139]

I highly recommend the Nikon 40mm f/2 lens. It doesn't cost much more than the viltrox lens. I was amazed with how sharp it is for a non s lens. I bought mine for street photography but sometimes I use it for portraits. I still can't believe Nikon is giving us this much power in a lower end body. I think they're going to come out with a d500 replacement next year. I think it will have a partial stacked sensor like the z6 III. There's rumors of an R7 II coming out next year from Canon with a stacked sensor. I don't see how Nikon can let this go without an answer. I think that's the camera you'll want to buy.

[@kaskoPhoto]

I can’t argue with that 40mm recommendation at all. It does deliver and is very light weight and sharpe

[@kurt3194]

John, forget the Viltrox, take one of the Nikon Z 50mm lenses. 75 equivalent is as good for portraits. Thats what I do… Anyways, great as always!

[@kaskoPhoto]

I may end up doing just that.

[@kurt3194]

Or just take the 24-70/4.0 - infame quality on Z50 and very practical Zoom range in studio as well as for travelling…

[@kurt3194]

„insane“ - German auto correct…😂

[@shawketyalda7009]

Beautiful 👍👍👍👍👍

[@clarkejones8090]

I enjoyed this . Thank you.

[@kaskoPhoto]

I appreciate you watching!

[@mjcatto]

Thanks for this practical review. I am a Leica shooter, but I think this would be an awesome Bird, Wildlife, and field sports camera with 180-600mm. This was awesome. One question: Does this have manual focus assist like the ZF, etc.? This might be great with the adapter and some older F-Mount AIS glass.

[@kaskoPhoto]

It does.

[@mjcatto]

@ thank you!

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Thanks for sharing.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@MB-dq2gz]

I would like a z50ii as a z50 owner, but I want to wait to see if they will do a zfc II first.

[@kaskoPhoto]

That’s a good question

[@peterperry6696]

My Viltrox 24mm f1.8 mounted on my brand new Z50ii is reverting to MF mode whenever the camera goes into stand-by mode. (It is in AF-C before stand-by is entered.) SOunds like you are having the same problem. Others are reporting it as well. Probaby all viltrox lenses will need a firmware update for compatibility with the Z50ii.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you for the information on this issue. I do appreciate the heads up. Damn I love the people on this channel

[@Vromiaris778]

I just picked up the Z50ii as well - still kept the original Z50 as a second body. I mainly shoot street / travel and I am hoping the 3D tracking will give me back the low light panning shots I had with my D5300 before. The Z50 was simply bad at panning, let along low-light panning. Good to know that I won't embarrass myself if I shoot portraits - I fell in love with the Sirui 75mm f1.2 for portraits on this (and I also have the 56mm f1.4 from Sigma) - excited for what this may bring!

[@TyTy-yf9pu]

I'm getting one eventually

[@kaskoPhoto]

Definitely going to enjoy it. I’m sure the refurbished from Nikon will be available soon at an even more attractive price point.

[@jb-wj3wn]

Kit lens’s can be great for studio . I have a d850, a7iv, lumix s1 and use my d500 with cheap 18-55 af-p lens 75% of the time (it’s super sharp and focus is almost instant).. (fashion/headshots. ) Im shooting at f8 typically so the variable aperture isn’t an issue . The smaller files are nice. Lots of people think they need the most expensive newest gear.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Agreed! And these files from this sensor are spectacular

[@helgividar]

Same sensor as in my D7500 😊

[@kaskoPhoto]

When it works it works!

[@MegaTruck20]

Awesome video as always. I love my Z50 but the auto focus leaves a lot to be desired. Especially in low light. I'm looking forward to upgrading to the mark II. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the camera and it's capabilities.

[@kaskoPhoto]

I found that the upgrades are substantial for sure. It’s everything we already love - just better. Hopefully the Viltrox 56 is going to be good but if not I can always try the Sigma line.

[@MegaTruck20]

@kaskoPhoto did you have the same issues with the viltrox on the original z50? My copy has has performed flawlessly on mine. Definitely try another copy before giving up on it. It's an amazing lens for the price.

[@kaskoPhoto]

I definitely will. I really think it’s just a bad copy.

[@andyh2561]

My z50ii and Viltrox 56 do the same thing. I have to turn it off and on again to activate the autofocus. Hope it will be fixed soon with firmware update.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Did you update the firmware on the lens? I updated prior to this shoot and am wondering if the update had anything to do with the issue.

[@peterperry6696]

@@kaskoPhoto After noting the problem yesterday, I did a firmware update on my 28mm. It didn't solve the problem though.

[@brettryan3298]

This camera really appears to be the biggest bang for the buck in the Z line.

[@kaskoPhoto]

It does. I did another shoot with it today with the Voigtlander APS-C lenses and love it even more

[@thenoobieditor]

Bought a z50 rather than the a6400 4 months ago because the deal was better ln the Nikon and it felt good in my hands. Everyone around me were praising sony more than anything but i never had any complaints with the z50. I didn't compromise on anything afterall. Handling, quality and AF all is good. Now that tje z50ii is out, I felt a bit bad because i thought i could have waited but ig the z50 is good enough for a beginner like me who's still using kit lens, plus it's cheaper.

[@kaskoPhoto]

I agree with you on the Z50 you have. It’s the same image quality and will work perfectly for you. If you get into it more and want to upgrade later you always have that option. I have an a6600 sitting on my desk right now and can honestly say you made the right decision.

[@thenoobieditor]

@kaskoPhoto thanks

[@kamalyadav3024]

5:12 my z6ii camera this problem .. also .. i am very sad

[@manojchandramishra906]

I like your commentary, most. Images and knowledge a bit after that. Aren’t some of the images a bit out of focus? I mean besides the ones you have yourself commented about..bad copy etc. Just an observation. Which camera was used to video? I loved some of the frames, very much. What is your current equivalent FF camera for this latest APSC addition? Thanks again.

[@kaskoPhoto]

No, they are actually all in focus - could be a KZbin thing. I was using the DJI Action 5 for the shoot. Sony A7R 5 for the commentary part. I use Leica M11-P, Sony and Nikon full frame cameras

[@rhodriwilliams2891]

Do you still have the Voigtlanders? Given it has similar manual focus aids as the Zf, the 40f1.2 would be nice for portraits (the 75f1.5 too)… Have you tried the Viltrox dx f1.2s (the 27mm & 75mm, the latter would make for a nice comparison with the Voigtlander)?

[@kaskoPhoto]

I actually reached out to Mr Gandy at Camera Quest to try the APS-C versions

[@rhodriwilliams2891]

@ Cool - aside from the obvious change in field of view, I was wondering if the Voigtlanders reduced vignetting (due to the crop) changed the _nature_ of the image files compared to fx files - eg. less ‘3D pop’ as it were 🤷 ? Looking forward to more Z50ii videos 👍

[@mjcatto]

Just to clarify. Does the Z50II have the manual focus aids of the ZF? Thanks in advance!

[@arvidjohansson3120]

I believe all cameras should come with 64gb of internal memory. 100 dollar phones has that amount. Theoretically speaking there’s a possibility that I might go to grab some photos and forget to put the memory card back.

[@kaskoPhoto]

100% agree

[@intrinsicimagery]

Nope. Cameras are not supposed to be disposables if there is an issue with memory corruption.

[@arvidjohansson3120]

@ I don’t see the logic behind your statement. Hence I believe it can be fun to investigate it. Let’s use the framework o Failure Mode And Effect Analysis. Adding storage would require electronic and data circuitry. These kind of components already exist, hence it should not add any new failure modes. If any load that would kill the internal storage camera would kill the existing cameras on the market. There would be a need for a NAND controller and flash memory. Flash memory introduces a new failure mechanism read/write cycles. It is reasonable to assume a life span of 50-100k read/write cycles per chip. I personally would never reach those numbers in my life time. NAND controls main failure mechanism is to my knowledge thermal fatigue. This could either be improved or worsen depending on system cooling design My conclusion regarding failure mechanism is that there is no critical points introduced with the addition if storage. We might see a slight increase of failures on the scale of parts per million due to additional components being added to the camera. What are the effects of internal memory failure? You loose the possibility of redundant storage. Which would mean that we a re back to the Leica Q3 situation of only one SD-card slot for storage. Hence I see it as crucial failure for only a small section of the users. I further assume that it would be possible to hand in the camera for repairs if anyone finds it crucial.

[@natedagreat90]

Ibis is great for video tho especially since most all nikon mirrorless prime lenses dont have it

[@kaskoPhoto]

I agree - but as a still photographer I love the size of the camera so the trade off wouldn’t be worth it. But 100% get the benefit

[@HamdaniOvais]

My Viltrox lenses turning to manual mode after wakeup from standby, on z50ii only, nikkor lenses working fine, also not sharp on 1.4, good on 1.8, I did sent them email about MF issue and they said they are already working on it. But this mis focus issue maybe they can't resolve it. And why nikkor lenses work fine, fast not Viltrox

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

I had the DSLR Nikon kit lens and it was a good lens just slow. My Micro Four Third kit lens are good also I just don't use them a lot because I shoot weddings most of the time. But I could use them if I really had too. All these new lens are designed on computers and the glass is all cut by machines run by computers. Back in the real old days camera lens and eye glasses someone had to input the settings and cut glass by hand and stop the machine when they thought the job was done. There is a video on KZbin I think its about Francis Ford Coppola he needed some lens refit for filmmaking and he got these really fast lens. He order I think ten copies and tested them all and then picked the best ones. That was back in the day when lens was cut by hand. It might have been another director. I remember the movie was about 1800 Brits or something. Back when men had those big white wigs and red coats. I think he filmed inside with only candle light and natural light and flames. Like those torches they would have on the sides of the walls.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you for sharing. Yep, old bastards like us remember those days clearly. Well, maybe not so clearly anymore.

[@MrHaaaj]

That's the movie "Barry Lyndon" by Kubrick. And yes they only used natural lightning indoors and borrowed lenses that NASA used cause only they were fast enough.

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

@@MrHaaaj Thank you.

[@MB-dq2gz]

The lens probably needs a firmware update. That is the price for 3rd party lenses when new camera bodies come out at times.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Updated to the latest right before the shoot.

[@peterperry6696]

Firmware update did NOT solve the problem for me. I've notified Viltrox.

[@kaskoPhoto]

@@peterperry6696 I think they need another update for this camera

[@forestassets4969]

Sir...I want to buy sony a6400...for Bird watching and Bird video recording... So Can I buy nikon z50 2..

[@kaskoPhoto]

I have the Sony 6600 and like it. But I think you would love the Z50 II which would be better for your needs

[@forestassets4969]

@kaskoPhoto thank u.....sir

[@martintaylor9962]

Who's the model?

[@kaskoPhoto]

I don’t share their info unless they request me to.

[@mrgrzes1]

The only cons are average/poor battery life and increased weight. Apart from that, it's a awesome camera

[@kaskoPhoto]

Well the weight difference is not an issue at all.

[@TejasManake]

real guy

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you.

[@chiftele08]

Never thought you've had a Z50 camera, because besides your other 10 cameras, this entry level camera seems unnecessary. The Viltrox problems may dissappear with a firmware upgrade of the lens. It's common for third party manufacturers with brand new cameras, if they doesn't have a official corporation with Nikon and reverse engineers the electric communications.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Well I don’t have ten but 😂😂 This camera is just so much fun to use and I love the build and ergonomics of it as well. I have upgraded the lens but the issue of the auto focus just shutting down seems like it’s more of a mechanical issue than firmware.

[@lhd7105]

Pre-shooting is JPEG only. Burst above 15fps is JPEG only. It's like buying a D500 (2017) in 2024 and getting Nikon D1 (1999) restrictions. If I don't point this out I feel like I am doing some future nikon fanboy a disservice. From one old Nikon enjoyer to a new Nikon enjoyer--Nikon could do better, wait patiently for Nikon to unf*** themselves.

[@kaskoPhoto]

It’s not a pro sports camera and doesn’t claim to be. But no camera will be good enough for some.

[@lhd7105]

@@kaskoPhoto Could you do the bare minimum due diligence and google about how pre-shooting / pre-capture in RAW has already been a thing for a wide variety of non-sports consumery cameras and phones? .. like pretty please? cus if you are gonna move the goal post of the conversation (we weren't talking about sports cameras, you are) at least do the hard work of being evidence-based about it

[@kaskoPhoto]

@@lhd7105 if you are looking for 15 frames a second and pre capture this isn’t the camera for you. It’s a sub $1,000 camera that produces great image quality and has amazing auto focus. If you need 15 frames a second in raw and pre capture for your everyday photos and family shots - look elsewhere

[@frankelbefotografie]

To say people that are critical with this upgrade are no photographers is a bit …. not nice. It have a very slow sensor readout, with a lot of rolling shutter. That‘s the only thing I don‘t like with this camera. No matter how fast the processor is. But the sensor can not deliver fast pictures. In a few weeks we will hear and see that it can not hold up with subject tracking. Because that‘s how subject tracking is working. It needs very fast pictures from the sensor to search for shapes, colors and contrasts. So yes, for the price maybe it‘s nice. But it‘s no camera for sports and action. Even for your kids doing sports and action. It would be nice if it would be at eye level with Canon R7. A bit faster sensor readout. I think it‘s absolutely legitimate to criticize and say that in 2024.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you for your input. I do appreciate your thoughts. There are not a lack of camera choices out there, and no matter what upgrades or sensors they have, no camera will be perfect for everyone.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

Strange way of reviewing a camera and saying that it's crazy good. Even a d70 would get good results with a controlled environment

[@kaskoPhoto]

I’m sure you’re right, but that’s why there are so many great KZbin channels to watch so we can all get exactly what we want to hear or see from a review.

[@bubby372]

10 year old image sensor...

[@kaskoPhoto]

So age makes it bad…