Nikon Z50II mirrorless camera introduced

The Z50II is aimed squarely at content creators with a clear lean towards hybrid shooters.

Z50II features

There are two main changes on the exterior. The first is a Picture Control shortcut button, giving users direct access to Nikon’s picture control modes and recipes.

There is also a larger, 3.2-inch vari-angle monitor – a nod towards the camera’s video-focused target market.

On the inside, the Z5II uses the same 20.9MP CMOS DX-format APS-C sensor as its predecessor, but it is powered by Nikon’s EXPEED 7 processor, the same image engine found in Nikon’s high-end Z9 model.

This processor enables the camera to track nine subject types, including animals and vehicles, with advanced autofocus capabilities that respond to fast and unpredictable movements.

The Z50II also includes a bright 1000 cd/m² electronic viewfinder, which Nikon says is roughly twice as bright as that of the Z50. Handy for sunny conditions.

Video and vlogging with the Z50II

The Z50II supports 4K video recording, capturing at 4K/30p downsampled from 5.6K, 4K/60p in crop mode and 120p in full HD.

The aforementioned vari-angle touchscreen further enhances usability for vloggers, with the ability to face forward for easy framing and control.

The camera also includes some new features specifically for video and vlogging, such as a Product Review mode in which the camera will automatically focus on an object being held closer to the lens than the subject’s face, then revert to the subject’s face once the object has left the frame.

There is also a video self-timer, which allows users time to set up before recording.

Add to this digital image stabilisation and, on paper, you have a capable vlogging machine.

Z50II body

Weighing approximately 495 grams, the Z50II is compact and includes a built-in flash, and external microphone socket.

With regard to durability, Nikon tells us it includes some dust and moisture resistance, but not to the same degree as its full-frame models.

Price & availability

The Z50II is expected to be available from November 2024 starting at £849 for the body only, with kit options priced at £999 (including a 16-50mm DX lens) and £1,199 (with both 16-50mm and 50-250mm DX lenses).

Watch this space for an in-depth review in the future. In the meantime, visit the Nikon website for more information.