Nikon Z50II - APSC with Pro Grade Auto Focus?

[@mattgranger]

UPDATED Nikon Expert Setup Guide: geni.us/nikZ REBLUM Free Trial: geni.us/ReblumApp Z50ii at B&H: geni.us/z50ii Amazon: geni.us/Z50ii 75MM f1.2 LENS: bhpho.to/4emnqsq geni.us/V7512

[@bradtrounson]

Thanks for the review Matt. I don’t think the camera reviewed here however can be seriously compared to the D500. It’s a problem for Nikon if they want to compel wildlife photographers and the like towards the mirrorless range. Another concern that I have is also battery life. A D500 with a grip actually has more than enough power to take over 10000 photos with a healthy amount of power left over. I actually did this at an airshow.

[@starbase218]

I think there’s two ways of looking at it: if you are happy with the base specs of the D500, given that this has incomparable AF that’s probably better, it can do 11 fps RAW which is more than the D500, and it has the same resolution, it could potentially replace it. But if you want to jump from a D500 to crop mirrorless, maybe you’ll be more tempted by the Canon R7 or the Sony A6700. Those are higher-end crop bodies, with bigger batteries and IBIS, and as such are more aligned with the segment that the D500 once occupied.

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

Youre supposed to go full frame, its just the way things are.

[@bradtrounson]

@@jukeboxjohnnie ah sarcasm haha

[@bradtrounson]

@@starbase218 the autofocus of the D500 is pretty good as its the same system that was in their flagship of the day, The D5. The D500 also does 10FPS in RAW. 200 frames consecutively with zero caching thanks to its XQD slot that has been upgraded to CF express type B via firmware updates. It also has an SD card slot as well. It’s still a beast and mirrorless is not currently compelling enough for me personally. Neither for image quality or photo acquisition feature sets at this price range. As far as battery life, anything with a EVF will have a constant draw as long as the camera is on.

[@3Dogs1CatandMore]

I don't think Z50 II is by any meant to be compared to D500. It's probably sitting a lot closer to where D5600 was; even comparing to D7500 is a bit of a stretch. I often think the choice of battery Nikon choose tells a lot about what they are thinking where the camera sits on the line-up. Someday, when Nikon comes up with Z APS-C camera that use the same battery as their mid range full frame (i.e. today that battery is EN-EL15c), you know that's where you should compare to D500 or D7500. Meanwhile, if thinking this is more or less what D5600 has become in mirrorless Z world, it's a great camera.

[@wilkbor]

I'm happy to see that Nikon has updated the Z50. The second version does have some important upgrades from the original, which I own. However, given its features and price point, it's still a mid-range crop sensor camera. There is room in Nikon's lineup there is room for another higher-end model. Let's call it a Z80 or Z90, which could compete with the likes of the Panasonic S9 or Fuji XH2s.

[@Endowpictures]

the pictures are amazing, very beautiful

[@nickrotgolts]

Although most Nikon lenses do not have VR, except for a few slow APSC zooms, they haven't included IBIS in the new Z50. And I suspect they don't plan to make any new fast zooms or prime lenses with VR for APC. That's a pity

[@scriptosaurusrex]

Most telephoto lenses, including Fullframe, for nikon Z have VR. Not all of course. However, I agree. The only thing I was looking up when I heard this was announced this morning, was whether it had ibis. Everything else, apart from maybe the battery, is nearly secondary. Who knows maybe there will be a z80 in six months time...

[@andrzejjaniak6849]

Z50ii is basically an equivalent of Sony a6400, not 6700. They don't put IBIS at this price range. We should hope they release Z70, a competitor to a6700.

[@milansajan1001]

*woüld like ² agree:*

[@daveyboy6210]

They do lol

[@macccu]

@@andrzejjaniak6849 Fuji managed to squeeze IBIS into similar priced X-S20

[@robwurns3932]

Stirling, review outstanding summation thank you so much for your huge time and efforts and sharing your thoughts! Z90 hopefully will be released as flagship replacement for d500

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Good point about APS-C. 😊 I didn’t think about this.

[@jburroughs6645]

Great review. Thanks. Lots of folks are trying to compare this to the D500 and this is not the replacement. Yes it has the same sensor and the FPS is close to that of the D500 but this is truly a consumer based camera. I compare it to the D3000 or D5000 series of cameras. This is what we in the US will soon find at stores like Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club or Costco. Why this camera before say a Z90 or true D500 replacement? Simple answer is “volume”. Nikon needs to sell a lot of these cameras like they did with the D3000 and D5000 series. The D500 was and still is great but the number of pros who want it is dwarfed by the number of consumers who just want something better than a cellphone. I just wish it had IBIS but I know they wanted to keep the price as low as possible. The D500 replacement will come one day. Nikon needs to build up their bank account again since they bought Red. 😊

[@Mixer000999]

Agree. This excellent camera seems to be a successor of good but seriously outdated D5500/D5600 rather than D500. And it aims to satisfy the same type of users: those who need a good budget travel/family camera with some landscape or wildlife capabilities. I predict very good sales especially in Japan.

[@TRobBrownPhotography]

Exactly... this is a mirrorless 5000 series. While the Z30 is like a mirrorless 3000 series.

[@bradtrounson]

A D500 replacement? was part of the original title of the video.

[@dominiclester3232]

I love my D500 but it is 10fps and even the old Z50 is 11fps!

[@jburroughs6645]

@@bradtrounsonNot sure if it was part of the title but there were a lot of comments prior to my comment that were complaining that it does not replace the D500. So I was just trying to explain why it is not a D500 replacement. And if it was part of the title Matt must have changed it.

[@3Dogs1CatandMore]

Thank you for making this initial review video. Your video is the first Z50 II video I choose to watch; among all the KZbin videos came post embargo. Thanks for the informative quick review! Having D500 as my main camera right now, Z50 II does not motivate me to switch (Z6 III on the other hand did get me to start thinking about it). However, for a while, I have been thinking about picking up a D5600/D5500 for a light travel kit. Now I think Z50 II would fit that use case quite well. As for D500 replacement, well, the day when Nikon releases an APS-C Z camera with EN-EL15c (or whatever battery that's in Z6), along with a comparable kit lens as 16-80 f2.8-4, I will know that's probably time D500 replacement has arrived. And I trust Nikon will appropriately flow down the feature contents from the flagship camera (so far, every camera released since Z9 has been more than I expected for the price, this Z50 II is no exception).

[@feelingaLittleRandy___Gregg]

I am wondering what is the camera being used to film Matt when he is sitting in the " corner library" setting on set.(side bar the corner library was a refreshing natural and real setting vs the traditional KZbinrs "home studio" look). At any rate that camera is focusing on the wine bottles to his left and back, and is not focusing on his face.

[@goldfries]

No way this would be a D500 replacement, the build quality is no where close to that of a D500.

[@mattgranger]

You’ve been hands on?

[@goldfries]

@@mattgranger Z 50 owner. Z 50 II isn't that much different on the aspect - build quality is no where the D500, and if I were to add - single card slot, D500 has SD + XQD.

[@bradtrounson]

@@goldfries I just noticed it doesn't have a sub selector for selecting focus points either.

[@starbase218]

I went from APS-C (D7100) to FF (D750). I could step down to APS-C again, but then I want good lenses for it like an f/2.8 standard zoom. Plus I’d probably want IBIS. So Nikon unfortunately doesn’t cater to my wishes. I actually don’t care that much about sensor size. I’m using f/4 zooms on FF where I used f/2.8 zooms on crop. I know FF has a DR advantage but that’s only really relevant for things like landscape work. Which I sometimes do, but not enough to find it that important. The only other use case is tele work, i.e. for wildlife, where the extra reach is very welcome versus a 20-24MP FF body like the Z6 III (my longest lens is 400mm). The other option is getting a Z8 and using it in crop mode, which is a bit of a waste if you only use it for wildlife. But then I don’t do that either, so… What I’m saying is that, at least to me, it’s an ecosystem choice, much more than an “I want APS-C” or “I want FF” choice; what I want depends on the ecosystem.

[@TRobBrownPhotography]

It sounds like you want a Z5ii when it finally releases... that will be a true D500 successor.

[@AndrewDaughtry]

I'd say a follow up video comparing this, the zf and the zfc cameras would be helpful for making a new purchasing decision

[@peterzpictstube]

With the growth of the body it would have been a real winner if they were able to squeeze a IBIS system into it. Resolution growth is really hitting the point of diminishing returns.

[@jhaydnreynolds]

Great review!

[@petrduchac2580]

I am afraid that there is no worthy mirrorless APS-C successor of D500 and people were asking for one all the brands not just Nikon...

[@andrzejjaniak6849]

Agree. No company has produced a D500 equivalent. Even 6700 is not exactly a D500 level.

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

Youre supposed to go full frame, thats the direction its going. I have an Olympus EM1X with 100-400 because its only a casual part of my kit but if I was doing wildlife properly Id go for a Z8

[@bobamarmstrong]

​@@jukeboxjohnniewhy stop with full frame sarcastic guy ? You're supposed to go to medium format, that's where it's going

[@bradtrounson]

@@jukeboxjohnnie You want reach with wildlife. APS-C + 500mm + 1.4 x teleconverter.

[@craigcarlson4022]

I've had the Z50 for about 4 years. I'm wondering if the focus will be good enough for bird photography. Will look forward to others' testing for that. Thanks.

[@3Dogs1CatandMore]

@mattgranger: again, thank you for the quick initial review. One quick question: dose Z50 II include focus shift feature?

[@danieltilley]

Yes I’ll be interested to see how this sells and if Nikon will expand their APSC ecosystem even further

[@MrYyrkoon]

The problem I have with the APSC platforms from Nikon lately is not the crop sensor. Actually in various situations I prefer an APSC sensor for additional reach. Honestly, I'm not sure why this is completely lost on many so called "photographers". The problem I have with the latest APSC cameras from Nikon is the sensor density. I think to this day I would rather buy a D5300 just for the extra 4MP, and while perhaps not on par with the more modern Z cameras, The D5300 was always a companion to the D750 I owned and took some of the best pictures I have ever taken. It was a very capable camera. You see, I wont buy a Z6 just because it's full frame, but am I being silly ? Is crop mode built into these more modern full frame cameras ? If so does it actually translate to the same output as a physical crop sensor camera ?

[@joeprete7424]

That Nikon Guy!

[@瀧君-v3h]

I have repeatedly confirmed that the CMOS of the Z50II is still an old model from five years ago. Although it has many new features, just like if you want to buy an e-sports computer, the new computer has many new features, but its graphics card is Five years ago. It is unknown whether the other components are old models, but CMOS is 100% responsible for determining the imaging, and other components only assist in improving performance.

[@andrzejjaniak6849]

If you look at other apsc cameras on the market, many of them use old sensors, Canon, Sony (a6400) etc. Second of all, this sensor is amazing. It's a sensor from D500, and for me it hasn't aged much, it's still one of the best sensors on the market that are not stacked sensors.

[@瀧君-v3h]

Yes, but the Sony a6400 is from five years ago, and their latest a6700 is not this old Cmos. It can be said that this old Cmos used to be a good Cmos, but it was five years ago. Cmos 100% determines the image quality, so the image it produces is the image quality of five years ago.

[@StillAliveAndKicking_]

In what way is it lacking? Dynamic range and noise control are still as good as any.

[@Stop-All-War]

💡 20mp old sensor reused, zero IBIS Sad to see Nikon half hearted 'upgrades'

[@WarriorsPhoto]

@@Stop-All-War Good point and a very good point.

[@pauka13]

Well the image quality which comes out of that reused old sensor is kinda makes your comment kind of nonsense-ish haha

[@davidpearson3304]

Meanwhile my Fuji has a 40mp sensor with IBIS. (And before some muppet chimes in, the autofocus on my X-T5 works just fine🙄)

[@WarriorsPhoto]

@ Kermit the Frog or Miss Piggy? Lol🤣🤣😜

[@barryobrien1890]

Bit like Canon and Sony with killing ibis in the Fx30 and R5c, and Sony reusing the 12mp sensor in the zve1. I suppose compromise is standard in all of these manufacturers

[@d.k.1394]

Needed ibis

[@andrzejjaniak6849]

That would be Z70. Z50ii is a6400 equivalent basically which doesn't have IBIS either.

[@CloverPhotoandVideo]

Everybody complaining about the lack of IBIS, second card slot, etc., is missing the fact that the target market seems to be people wanting something better than their cell phones. Nikon says this right on the homepage for the Z50II on their website, as they are targeting people who are looking to move up from their cell phone ("Go Beyond Your Phone"). The target audience never heard of IBIS and will likely just buy one or two kit lenses, which have VR. IBIS would bring the cost up to more than $1,000, whiich Nikon probably didn't want to do, and increase the size. We may, at some point, see a D500 replacement, but it will be much more expensive than this camera. That being said, a camera that sells for less than $1,000, with autofocus similar to a Z9 or Z8, is a pretty good deal as it certainly replicates some of the best features of the D500 (autofocus). People who enjoy taking photos of birds will appreciate features like Pre Capture, a fast processor, an advanced focusing system in a DX camera, and small size.

[@christopherleonard3467]

Hi Matt, I hear what your saying about why Nikon wouldn't invest further into APS-c cameras if theres no sales. But in the same token, why do I want to spend my money on APS-c camera that doesn't have things i want like dual cards slots and ibis

[@mattgranger]

Yep fair enough. They’ve never had that.

[@kachaya]

agree, looks like a waste of money.

[@jaymanges4534]

Amazing subject....

[@djxcel23]

I just got rid of my D500. It was my first workhorse, it was a sad day. I moved over to a sony a6400 much lighter

[@woodymallory9058]

Don't think I am replacing my D500 with this one

[@AllCreaturesCount]

Same here. D500 is still the champ.

[@darrelladrian5744]

I think there are many older people who are tired of lugging around heavy DSLR/MIRRORLESS camera and lens combos and would love Nikon to launch a high-spec 45mp rangefinder-style full-frame product like the Sony A7CR but with many of the positive features of the Z8.

[@lcador9]

The lack of IBIS is a serious disadvantage for sport and wildlife shooters as well as soccer mom types. Stability in video mode is very poor in this video. Sure you get what you pay for but Nikon continues to not provide the higher priced cropped option that so many have been demanding. I for one am tired of waiting!

[@ppicans]

There is no equivalent to the D500 in any manufacturer also.

[@CloverPhotoandVideo]

Most of Nixon's DX lenses have VR. Soccer moms or anyone using this for BIF should be using high shutter speeds. IBIS is not really became would drive up the price.

[@mdoohan87]

Sports action/wildlife are the situations you DONT need IBIS because your shutter speeds are so usually high enough that it’s not necessary. 😂

[@GarrettShaw1]

I’ve been trying to decide between picking up a Zf or a Z6II. I currently have a Z9, but I want something more compact that I can throw on a gimbal or use with my Edelkrone gear without adding too much bulk. After some thought, I went ahead and ordered the Z50II-mainly for its 4K60 video support and the upgraded CPU, which should give it a nice boost in autofocus and subject tracking. Since I’ve already got a solid collection of stabilized full-frame lenses, I think I’ll be in good shape pairing them with it. Plus, I’m pretty comfortable working in DX mode on my Z9 for tighter video shots or when I need to extend the lens reach a bit, so I’m hoping this will slide right into my setup. But honestly, who knows-guess I’ll find out if it’s the right call once I start shooting with it!

[@savagejr.2927]

And I’m getting sick of this mindset that you have to buy the crappy thing to get the company to make the thing you actually want just make a real d500 replacement

[@mattgranger]

Other than dual card slots - what features are you looking for in your APSC camera?

[@savagejr.2927]

@ I’m not going to name all the features I want get it it’s a entry level camera and personally is willing to pay more pro oriented photograph camera

[@thedeejlam]

@@mattgrangerFour letters: IBIS. It's 2024. It's akin to 32-bit float with audio recorders in a similar segment.

[@TRobBrownPhotography]

You don't have to buy it. It's for beginners.

[@TRobBrownPhotography]

​@thedeejlam The Canon R50 and R100 don't have IBIS either. This is the entry-level camera to compete with the R50 and R100. If they added IBIS to it, it would be too costly to compete. The original Z50 was already more expensive than the R50 and R100.

[@LOLA6ifyable]

Good little camera , a nice upgrade from the Z50 without adding much to the price. Ibis would have been nice , but the price is good even when compared to other brads. Somthing like a Z90 with Ibis , semi stacked / stacked sensor dual card slot would be a replacement for a D500.

[@MattisProbably]

I went from the first Z50 to the Z7II. In hindsight the Z6II would have been the better camera for me but I was scared of going from 20mp APS-C to 24mp full frame simply because I was cropping a lot. Now I don't crop at all... Oh well. At least the files I get from the Z7II look amazing! The Z50II has me a bit torn... On the one hand it would be a really great second camera. Better video capabilities, on paper better AF capabilities with *3D tracking* (I still don't understand why my D3200 way back then had 3D tracking but the Z7II supposedly isn't capable of it at all but what ever...), the fully articulated screen... But then there are some things about it that make me question if it would be a good choice for me. The 1.5x crop *on top* of the 1.5x APS-C crop for 4K60 is pretty brutal. And with the AF module I question if the autofocus would actually be better compared to my Z7II. A comparison video between the Z50 and other cameras would be nice here! Like a comparison between Z50II, Z50, Z6III, Z8/9 and Z6/7II. I feel like these are all different enough to compare them.

[@afferist]

Cropped 4k/60 video on a crop camera in 2024 sounds like a mockery

[@juliette-mansour]

I never comment here but visit often and I have to say, this is a very enjoyable video, Matt! I like watching you work, hearing your thought process, and overall the quality of the video. Thanks for also helping me get ahead of the decision process. I have the Z6III and Zf and wanted a smaller camera for travel. I was not going to get it since I shoot 80% street photography when I travel and wanted the tilt screen, but your point about the large screen may help me get around that, plus all the other advantages lending itself to large wildlife or birds. Then again, is the weight (my biggest concern) that different from the full frame Zf? Thank you!

[@mattgranger]

My pleasure, thank you for taking time to comment! THe weight difference will be noticeable on the street, but probably not much if you are attached to a birding lens.

[@juliette-mansour]

@@mattgranger thank you. Good to know.

[@predzelj8858]

I own both the Nikon zfc and the Nikon z30 and would have sold both if this camera had ibis, and at the very least a new 24-32mp sensor. I just knew they were going to release something that competes with the a6700 or the r7, sadly I was wrong. Internal n-log and 10bit color along with those red luts is pretty cool though. But what good is that when my footage is going to be just as shaky as the footage I already shoot. Such a shame

[@samkennedy9812]

Nikon ... Why NO IBIS ????

[@mattiasbacklund5617]

Because APS-C are for lightweight travellers not willing to pay >1k

[@WatchmanNiel]

@@mattiasbacklund5617 ... said no X-T5 owner ever. 😀

[@adrianvanleeuwen]

Good improvements and very good for video, however I am still waiting for a flagship APS-C and I would guess that Nikon is working on one to replace the D500 and compete with the Canon R7. But they release this one first. Just like the Zf was released before the Z6iii. This Z50ii has a lot new features to make if far better than the original Z50, but still lacking IBIS (does have electronic VR though) and lacking larger battery, but it has Expeed 7 and bird mode AF. So good improvements. A portrait camera and budget camera for wildlife, yes, but still waiting for a high end APS-C body Z camera for long range bird and wildlife capture and sports. Until then, full frame Z will have to do at a higher expense for body and lenses.

[@speedbumpmedia9584]

I think the biggest miss is not having a secondary card, even like the Zf Micro SD would be great. I have mine ordered and as you say, to use as a smaller cheaper addition to my Z9 and Zf. IBIS would be nice but it would add size and cost though I’d gladly pay a couple hundred more for that and an additional card slot.

[@Vaptomwen]

Ok, I’m looking for lenses for plane spotting 100-400 making it 150-600 before a 1.4 TC , even if it’s not a D500 is it a good proposition?

[@JonInLondon]

An AF Joystick would have been nice, is there some option to do something along those lines (tough-screen finger dragging or whatever)?

[@keithholland4322]

I'd be interested to see this camera tested with the 400mm f/4.5 for wildlife photography. It would be interesting to see how it compares to a full frame camera with a 600mm f/6.3. On paper, it would make a lot of sense to have a smaller and lighter camera and lens with comparable low light performance, but with this camera's lackluster specs, it might be a bit of a disappointment. It's a pity Fujifilm doesn't make such a lens!

So in a nutshel it's a faster processor (for AF and framerate) and a flipping screen. No IBIS, same old sensor (not stacked), no RAW video, no 2 card slots, poor APS-C lens range. I'm disappointed, Nikon. At least the price is not over the mountain. But no, I'm not considering it as a replacement for my Z50.

[@starbase218]

Can I just ask, what do you mean by the “AF module”? With mirrorless, the focus points are on the sensor. So are you talking about the sensor? I would expect this to not be as good as a Z8/Z9 because firstly, it’s not a stacked sensor and so it doesn’t allow an uninterrupted data stream to the viewfinder (which afaik is the stream also used for focusing - which actually makes me wonder if the lower resolution of the viewfinder impacts subject detection as well). And secondly, because the sensor is slower to read out. So maybe, for fast action, it might be a little behind in some cases.

[@kachaya]

is this good without IBIS and with an older 20mp sensor ?

[@ruff1draft]

I just wish the SD Card Slot was at the side like with the Nikon D5600 and Nikon Nikon Z5

[@HR-wd6cw]

I feel that for the price, this is a good deal. However, I think for many, it's also a disappointment because it still sits behind the R7 and a6600/a6700 but ithen again, it's also not priced as such. I do hope that Nikon MAYBE decides to do a higher-end APSC camera like a "Z80" for $1400 that has IBIS and the second card slot for a true competitor to Canon/Sony's high-end APSC but I'm not going to hold my breath either. But htis is a good step in the right direction, but I think it fell short on a few features that will disappoint some. But again, the price for the features is where it matters, and Nikon did give it a good AF boost with the Expeed 7 processor and AF algorithms found in more expensive FF cameras and that says something especailly considering this one is only about $150 more than the original Z50.

[@Kupfertopf65]

I was hoping for a competitor to the Canon R7. But this update is more or less boring. I‘m using a ZFC and really waiting for a something more substantial update….IBIS, Dual Card Slot, Better Sensor aso. It doesn‘t tick the right boxes. So Nikon is still far behind.

[@milansajan1001]

✅️

[@TRobBrownPhotography]

This is an entry-level camera... they needed something new for entry-level folks. They just released the Z6iii for people wanting an advanced camera with IBIS. The Z9ii is probably another year or two away for the pros. People keep expecting pro everything on an entry-level level camera... this isn't magic wish land. No camera manufacturer is going to cram $4K in tech into an $800 camera. They would go bankrupt.

[@milansajan1001]

*if other companies r giving or planning to give...Y nø† nikon coüld give: means if competitor r providing then what ppl expecting (4m nikon) is legit.* i think all d companies shoüld laünch *onlY* ³ camera everY Year... 1 pro leve micro⁴†hird, 1 pro level apsc & 1 pro level füll-frame: rest with tight büdget maY prefer ²nd or ³rd hand market.

[@milansajan1001]

*if other companies r giving or planning to give...Y nø† nikon coüld give: means if competitor r providing then what ppl expecting (4m nikon) is legit.* i think all d companies shoüld laünch *onlY* ³ camera everY Year... 1 pro leve micro⁴†hird, 1 pro level apsc & 1 pro level füll-frame: rest with tight büdget maY prefer ²nd or ³rd hand market.

[@milansajan1001]

*if other companies r giving or planning to give...Y nø† nikon coüld give: means if competitor r providing then what ppl expecting (4m nikon) is legit.* i think all d companies shoüld laünch *onlY* ³ camera everY Year... 1 pro leve micro⁴†hird, 1 pro level apsc & 1 pro level füll-frame: rest with tight büdget maY prefer ²nd or ³rd hand market.

[@muturikanini9176]

Thank you... anyone with a reason why this camera would not be sufficient for photojournalism?

[@ts7071]

Not sure why people would expect this to be similar to a d500 when the original Z50 was not. This is closer to the D7500 now though, only lacking in battery life and handling/ovf if that's your thing.

[@12w3hji123456789]

I am dissapointed that it grew in size. Since it did - it could probably fit in Ibis. Perhaps it could be sold as a with ibis and without ibis option.

[@markusy3410]

I would like to see your setup guides to sell individually. I would not have any reason to have all.

[@mattgranger]

It started as a single camera guide, and grew to cover everything. And the price hasn’t increased….

[@markusy3410]

@@mattgranger Thank YOU! Matt. for your response. But still, I only need one at this time. You and Stef are GR8.

[@markusy3410]

@@mattgranger Hello, I am thinking about joining your discord UNCUT Access. Are these videos available for download? or just streaming.

[@Ben_Stewart]

I am shooting some of my best astrophotography shots with APS-C.

[@redsox7897]

Is the af performance up to par with sony cameras from 2018 a7 iii or a6400?

[@afferist]

thanks

[@Man_Cave]

I'm still using a D5100 and D5600 APS-C and getting amazing images with fast glass.

[@robertoprincipe5749]

to avoid misunderstandings I would call it "zed fifty - second" and not "two". Furthermore, the Roman numeral II in our times means exactly that.

[@mattgranger]

I think that’d cause more confusion - that’s not how Nikon name their cameras

[@hazlinabdulhamid7461]

Malaysia noted..🇲🇾

[@MrBubinski777]

I'm getting one just to support Nikon.

[@MidnightSnack-q3i]

*facepalm*

[@ziminar93]

The thing is that this is a smaller portable camera. If you want bigger sensor, bigger battery, bigger dual SD, etc. At some point you simply stop being a smaller portable camera..

[@tedr5182]

I’m still waiting for a new 24mp DX sensor for birding.

[@poiderh]

My OM systems OM-5 has IBIS and it is smaller than this camera, I had the chance to upgrade from my OM-5 to the OM-1 but held off waiting for this "upgrade" looks like my D7200 will be traded to help me make the full switch to OM Systems, I can not afford the full frame Nikons and new lenses, so I guess it's goodbye Nikon.

[@lokitomanny]

Where are the samples files to download?

[@mattgranger]

as mentioned in video, Nikon said this is pre-production and I cannot give download files.

[@lokitomanny]

@ You are the one that is instructing people to go look at the samples and the links down below, I was just following your instructions, very deceiving on your part, bait and switch, will never watch your stuff, blocked.

[@mattgranger]

I mentioned in video, early, that the manufacturer didn’t allow me to share files. It’s not bait and switch, but i guess you won’t read this seeing I’m blocked… snowflake ❄️ 🤣

[@igordmitriv8964]

nice picture

[@barryobrien1890]

Nikons answer to the fx30. At least you get an evf

[@roccop33437]

Once you get used to IBIS it would be impossible buy a camera without it UNLESS you always use a tripod. My success rate went up with my first IBIS camera.. I'll skip this one.

[@barryobrien1890]

Funny, the R5c and Fx30 lost ibis.

[@HR-wd6cw]

UPDATE (to my last comment): I just talked to a rep. Sounds like there may not be a "Z80" or "Z60" unfortunately. He's very sketpical if Nikon would even bother. And part of that makes sense since Nikon KNEW what they were up against, and had 5 years to release an APSC body, and this is what they released. Again, it's not bad, but I still think they left a gap on the table that Canon and Sony have siezed, but getting very good AF for $900 is a bargain and as I said in another comment, I could see getting this as a compact travel / backup camera to accompany my FF cameras (Z8 and Zf). It certainly wouldn't replace them, but it could be a good option for a casual camera for when I take walks for example and just want something light and compact but still capable (and it would maybe make a great "disposable" street camera -- I got that line from some guy who shoots street and loves using the Fuji XT series versus his $5000 Leica.

[@Vlad-up2pj]

Handsome, good! it is a long time that I am looking for a camera that is good for landscape and makes great videos with a budget of 2.3/ 5k € (with the lens too) ...thought about an r10/7 (even if they do not have many lenses), sony a6700, or this nikon, ...without sponsor or other, Could you help me?

[@NemouseJurado]

Fuji is the only one supporting APSC, and it's sad Nikon just can't.

[@mattgranger]

How so?

[@nicedward7544]

Every other company has apsc although none of them are really pro specs. A6700 blows away anything Fuji has ever made with AF capabilities but single card slot kind of ruins it for me at least. The 10 year old a6000 out performs new Fuji with AF lol. The only reason I see people using apsc nowadays is for each for wildlife/sports where AF is critical.

[@NemouseJurado]

@@nicedward7544 Just talking about bias stuff to Sony, THAT model vs X-s20 is a tie match with Fuji. Keep your Sony but stop misinforming with stuff you don't know.

[@nicedward7544]

@@NemouseJurado lmao ok. I've owned every brand of camera and definitely am not partial to Sony but you can think what you want. Fuji AF isn't good for sports or wildlife. Plain and simple

[@brucegreaves3204]

Does it have bird eye tracking ?

[@mattgranger]

yes, shown in video.

[@IIISentorIII]

only if the birds have eyes.

[@Austinite333]

My take? Nothing wrong with the 20MP sensor. It is a fine performer and how many really need more than 20MP in a APS camera? I had a Z30 for a short while and the clarity of the images was impressive. I have a used, like new Z50 on the way to back up my Z6. It will be used as a EDC and for telephoto work with its extra reach. I do understand the want for a high end APS camera for sports and wildlife. Maybe next year?

[@EricLouisYoung]

NIkon, we want a z30II, with ibis, the tilt-up and flip around screen like S1H, stackable 33 point luts like panny, 4k60 no crop, open gate, independently adjustable codec/framerate/resolution/crop-ratio sliders (yes this is trivial to implement, but they don't think their customers are smart enough to grok it), 26mp no aa filter, enel15c battery, nraw, single cfe-b slot. Feel free to make the entire body minus the grip out of aluminum for maximum heat dissipation. We're smart enough to understand why certain spots will be very hot during usage. Also, feel free to save money by not making it weather resistant, we're not cavemen. All this tech exists and they could pull this off easily, but they hate their customers.

[@mrrolandlawrence]

i really dont know why any camera maker still puts in mini / micro HDMI. just add a 2nd USB-C port. USB > hdmi cables are cheap as and id rather have a 2nd USB for audio, charging etc

[@EricMustardman]

So, in a nutshell the Z 50 II is a 2019 APS-C camera with a 2022 AF system, launched at the end of 2024. No IBIS, no sensor cleaning, no 2nd card slot, still the 8 year-old, slow 20.9 MP sensor - that camera is an entry level DSLM, and that's all there is to say.

[@mattgranger]

Now try it, and form an opinion informed by hands on experience 👍

[@izziereal2010]

This camera would've been more desirable by including IBIS. The kit lenses may have VR, but If you have lenses for your full frame camera you want to use, most likely they do not have VR. I think Nikon dropped the ball with the lack of this feature.

[@mattgranger]

Yeah they haven’t really had ibis in apsc cameras - even d500

[@savagejr.2927]

This not no monster camera 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 or a d500 replacement this barely an update worth talking about ……… why are you shielding for this camera?😒😒😒😒😒😒

[@mattgranger]

Shielding?

[@LoiteringReaper]

This camera is essentially an upgrade from a smartphone camera (w/out smartphone features), good gateway for content creators that want to move into the camera world.

[@daveyboy6210]

Not sure that's very true . Does a smartphone take a 600mm lens at 21meg??

[@Kunal0915]

The Z50 ii is not a successor to the D500. The D500 was a true professional DX body. It's AF can still give the best Nikon mirrorless bodies a run for their money.

[@Jviotr]

Seems odd. Maybe the D500 didn’t sell well? Or maybe it sold too well and Nikon thinks they could have sold more D850s if the D500 didn’t exist? They sure aren’t in a hurry to make a mirrorless D500.

[@xmeda]

No IBIS in 2024 is disgusting. That should be standard for every camera since 2006.

[@mattgranger]

2006…. The year of the d40… sure. Ok.

[@pratakk]

If it had Ibis I would buy it. Theres no benefit over my d7500...

[@keithholland4322]

I hear what you're saying, and I would love to see Nikon make a mirrorless D500 replacement, but until they do, serious APSC shooters will keep on shooting Fujifilm, not Nikon. And if Nikon is waiting for Fujifilm users to ditch their high end APSC cameras and f/1.2 lenses to buy wannabe Nikon gear, they're going to be waiting a long time! So I really don't know who this camera is for.

[@mattgranger]

Fair enough! The focus on this is way better and the software more stable, than any interchangeable lens fuji I have used in the past 4 years, FYI

[@keithholland4322]

@@mattgranger Well, that would have been worth mentioning in your video! Maybe once the production model is released you can make a video comparing it to the X-H2 or X-T5, possibly using some full frame f/1.2 lenses. I would also love to see you compare the Z50 II with a 400mm f/4.5 to a Nikon full frame camera with a 600mm f/6.3 for wildlife photography since that's one area where a true D500 replacement would really shine.

[@mattiasbacklund5617]

Why this title? People use D500 for wildlife, not portraits.

[@mattgranger]

People used D500 for all genres. I am people :) I used it a lot.

[@standclear23]

Well how can we go out and support it Matt if Nikon itself is not showing us it’s worth the respect? If only this z50 ii have IBIS and 4k 60p non cropped, I would go out and support it not with $900, I would pay $1,500, why? Because we are still left with APSC bodies and lenses without VR! To put it simply, if Panasonic doesn’t make lenses with VR, it’s fine, because their bodies already take care of that. But ask anyone, why does the z50 ii have a flipping screen, well, so that people can see themselves while filming. So it’s aimed at vlogging. And when it’s aimed for vloggers, what else is a must, IBIS of course! It’s a vicious circle… So you see Nikon has a philosophy issue. Not until we have a 13mm f1.8, 16mm f1.8, 24mm f1.8 all with VR and native, then sales will always disappoint…

[@peterzpictstube]

Two more silly Ideas why not fork the HDMI and put a second USBC to use with a dongle for other options. Why does nobody allow Bluetooth to be used for headsets and input microphones to reduce the clutter on the camera?

[@christianpetersen1782]

Budget aside, I think the main benefit of owning an APS-C camera is the weight reduction of APS-C lenses. If there aren’t really fast, quality lightweight APS-C lenses especially telephoto, then why bother? All full frame Z cameras offer APS-C shooting (DX mode) with some of the very best full frame lenses. Good try Nikon but no cigar!

[@smileinurhand]

I have been a fan of Nikon until have the Sony a7Riii. I was expecting more updates in Z50ii. But it is a very old sensor & without IBIS 👎. There are nothing improvement in dynamic range

[@ashiish4739]

I was waitng for the upgrade but This is the useless camera for upgrade from z50. Its good for first time buyers only. I was expecting the atleast ibis and duel care like canon r7. Nikon you disappointed me.

[@mattiasbacklund5617]

For the price, this is a killer, with the same processor and AF as the Z9.

[@bobamarmstrong]

​@@mattiasbacklund5617 it's not a killer. It's a crippled camera. We are in 2024 and no IBIS, no big battery, no 2nd card

[@Jviotr]

This wasn’t meant to compete with the R7. Not the same price point. It really is just an update of the Z50 at the same price point.

[@ashiish4739]

@Jviotr I own the Z50 from 4 years and I love that camera bcz of its compact body. But tje upgrade is not meant for those who have Z50 in my opinion mark 2 is good choice for new buyers. Mark 2 feature I don't required for me Ibis is important so I was waiting for the update. Definitely it's not in line of R7 but I am waiting for the R7 like from Nikon hope they will launch that too bcz I don't want to switch to canon bcz like Nikon colours and body f Nikon camera. Thanks a lot.

[@ashiish4739]

@@bobamarmstrong yes it is totally crippled camera like canon do. May be some canon engineers join the Nikon 😂

[@thomaschamberlin2485]

It is ironic that Fujifilm has gone full on into APS-c cameras and lenses, but can't seem to provide an autofocus worth using. Nikon just nibbles at APS-c and has failed to provide IBIS or pre-loaded film simulations, etc, but blow Fujifilm away for autofocus and price. It would be nice if one or the other stepped up.

[@mattgranger]

This has color profiles and a dedicated button. Fuji owns Film stocks and therefore simulations

[@orsoncart9441]

Nikon are falling behind with the important APS-C camera market. There should have been a 30mp+ APS-C with excellent focus years ago. Canon and Fuji have high MP's APS-C cameras. Wildlife photographers are desperate to move over to mirrorless but need a D500 or better. The Z9 and then producing a "Baby" Z9 was ridiculous, it should have been a high MP APS-C camera not a Z8. Nikon must have lost many sales of Z9's to Z8's were is the sence in that! Crazy marketing Nikon, get your act together. I am seeing more and more professional and amatures moving to the likes of Sony.

[@MrBokertov]

Hi, thanks for the nice video. Congratulations, you are one of the very few English speakers who pronounce Nikon the correct way, as shown in this video (starting at 6:10): kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHqyfJurmM-np9Usi=AuPIQeWJ90d0LrM1

[@Anotheronefilms]

Every camera has so called pro grade auto focus now days. Canons r50 is cheaper and has excellent autofocus. As does the Sony zve10. This new Nikon uses the same sensor, every new Nikon apsc camera keeps recycling the same sensor. I think this is a very good camera but not much new so there older cameras are also good.

[@Man_Cave]

How dare you cheat on your Nikon Z9! LOL

[@martinXY]

You seem a little unfocussed.

[@eikonise]

I love Nikon, but their bland refusal to make a halfway compelling APSC camera is going to kill them. They probably are afraid of cannibalizing full-frame sales, but in reality they're driving future FF from the brand instead of growing the Z platform user base. I understand that Sensor quality has stagnated across the industry for a decade, but they could have made it awesome with IBIS or with weather sealing.... anything.

[@huepix]

Bad sensor. Poor auto focus. Limited video options. Very disappointing. Been waiting for this camera. But its to limited and uninspiring for me to hand over my money.

[@mattgranger]

Disagree on all three of your points. It’s a great sensor. The af is very good and it has oversampled 4k. At this price, all three are good imo.

[@Cleverconveyence]

It is insane to me that this camera exists. This is not a compliment.

[@richardgorski23]

No IBIS, Still a low Rez EVF, Still a cheap rear screen, No HI Rez mode, Single card slot.Still limited lens selection. NO thanks.