Nikon Z50 II Mirrorless Camera Body

Nikon Z50 II Mirrorless Camera Body Summary

Nikon has updated its popular crop format (DX) Nikon Z50 II Mirrorless Camera Body with the latest EXPEED 7 processor, along with numerous upgrades both inside and out. This processor enables substantially improved autofocus performance, comparable to that of the flagship Z9 camera, and provides a much faster overall shooting experience.

Creators benefit from easier picture control via a dedicated button, previews of how images will appear, the ability to install creator image recipes, and Nikon Cloud support. Vlogging is better supported with an upgraded electronic viewfinder (EVF) that is twice as bright, a fully articulating vari-angle LCD screen with vertical shooting, and enhancements to USB streaming via computer or smartphone.

The Nikon mirrorless camera now supports product review mode and improved vlogging capabilities as well as the powerful pre-release capture first seen in Z9 and Z8 cameras. This ensures that you never miss a moment when shooting fast-paced subjects by shooting before the shutter is fully pressed. Users also gain the ability to record beautiful 4K/30p video, which is oversampled from 5.6K footage. High-speed recording is also available for slow-motion effects, offering 4K/60p video (cropped) and Full HD 120p in-camera, along with N-Log colour profiles for a wider dynamic range and improved colour grading.

On the exterior Nikon has improved the body grip, updated the button layout to correspond with pro-level cameras, and streamlined the EVF which contributes to a better shooting experience overall.

Key Nikon Z50 II Camera Features

• The latest EXPEED 7 processor with enhanced ISO performance
• 20.9MP DX sensor (APS-C format)
• Upgraded subject detection and high-performance AF
• x2 brighter EVF and 3.2” vari-angle screen for clear views in any orientation
• 4K/30p video from oversampled 5.6K footage
• 4K/60p video (cropped) and Full HD 120p
• USB streaming via computer or smartphone 
• Pre-release capture
• Product review mode for better vlogging
• Updated ergonomics with a deeper grip, new button layout, USB-C and more
• New picture controls and imaging recipes with a dedicated button for presets
• Nikon Cloud support

Nikon Z50 II Mirrorless Camera Body in More Detail

Picture control

What you see is what you get with the Z50 II, which includes advanced Picture Control to preview more precisely what your photo and video content will look like with a selected Picture Control or Recipe. You can select from just your favourite looks with a Limit Picture Control feature for quicker and more streamlined access. Nikon Cloud support also lets you easily download creative Nikon image recipes and automatically send your own images to the cloud. You can even download updated firmware via the cloud to keep your camera up to date effortlessly.

Sample image with Nikon Z DX 16-50mm @29mm. Camera settings: 1/125 seconds. f/8. ISO 200

x2 Bright EVF

Nikon has upgraded the EVF (Electronic Viewfinder), which is twice as bright as its predecessor. The 1000 cd/m² high-luminance EVF makes shooting and composing far easier and more natural, especially when shooting in bright or challenging lighting.

Screen Versatility

With a vari-angle screen, the Nikon Z50 II is easy to view and compose from any angle. The screen features responsive touchscreen control, assisting with shooting, viewing images, and adjusting camera settings. The 3.2-inch LCD screen is among the largest in this class of camera, allowing for easier confirmation of focus, composition, and details.

When shooting stills, the image info displays and menu screen automatically rotate to vertical orientation, resulting in easier operation while capturing vertical content.

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Advanced Video Performance

Enjoy recording stunning 4K 30p video in-camera from oversampled 5.6K footage, as well as cropped 4K 60p and Full HD 120p for slow-motion playback. The addition of N-Log recording with 10-bit codecs and HDR format expands the possibilities for video creators, making it easier to capture colours and tones without worrying about blowing out highlights or underexposing shadow information. This also provides more flexibility when colour grading during post-production to achieve a wider dynamic range and more pleasing colours when shooting in SDR, N-Log, or HLG.

Step Up Your Vlogging

With easy access through the touchscreen, the Nikon Z50 II mirrorless camera introduces Product Review Mode, which automatically switches focus between people and objects. Highlights of the new mode include:

• Quick on/off via the touchscreen
• Greater control by pre-selecting the dimensions of the AF area
• Fewer mistakes when shooting review videos
• No need to cover your face when you want the camera to switch to the product

Sample image with Nikon Z 40mm @40mm. Camera settings: 1/2000 seconds. f/2. ISO 1250

Easy Streaming

Deliver clear, high-quality video for streaming, meetings, and live broadcasts with improved streaming capabilities in the Mark II body. These are available via a connected PC and now also via a smartphone or other smart device when streaming directly to a video platform such as Twitch, Zoom, YouTube Live, and other streaming services.

High-Res Zoom

Benefit from up to 2x zoom when shooting Full HD video, with 11 zoom speeds to choose from. Unlike digital zoom systems, the Nikon zoom shows no loss in resolution, enabling a wider range of expressions from a single lens.

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DX Sensor and EXPEED 7 Processor

The addition of Nikon’s latest high-speed EXPEED 7 Processor enables new levels of subject detection and autofocus performance, equivalent to that of the Z9 camera. The processor and 20.9MP (effective) sensor combination also provide enhanced responsiveness to different scenes when using Auto Exposure modes, along with the addition of Pre-release image capture, and high-speed frame Capture+ (C15, C30), so you don’t miss the most important moments.

With Pre-release capture, anyone can capture the decisive moment with ease, as the Z50 II can record up to 1 second of images before the shutter is fully pressed. This means shooting at up to 30fps (frames per second) to nail focus on fast-moving subjects, even when AF/AE tracking is engaged.

Advanced AF

With the sensor and processor combination, users gain nine types of subject recognition, including people, animals, birds, and vehicles. Auto subject recognition and Nikon’s renowned 3D tracking enable exceptional precision with a system that understands what you’re shooting and reacts quickly to changes in the subject’s position, orientation, or speed. Improved AF-A for stills makes focusing much easier on subjects whose movements are difficult to predict.

The complete list of subjects recognised by the Z50 II now include:

• People (eyes, face, head, upper body)
• Dogs
• Cats
• Birds
• Cars
• Motorcycles
• Bicycles
• Trains
• Airplanes

Cleaner ISO Performance

The Z50 II now offers even cleaner, more natural images when shooting at high ISO values, right up to ISO 51,200, so you can capture beautiful images day or night. A built-in flash pops up to illuminate subjects and scenes, making them stand out even when shooting in harsh light.

Updated Body Design and Ergonomics

For a smoother and more comfortable shooting experience, Nikon has adapted the body design of the second-generation Z50 II to incorporate features from higher-end models in the range. These changes include a button layout inherited from top-end cameras, a streamlined and unobtrusive EVF design, and a sturdy, easy-to-hold grip that enhances stability during handheld shooting.

Type C USB (USB 3.2) and a headphone/remote cord connector add to the updates for this generation body, which still features a single SD memory card slot for high-speed UHS-II cards.

Power can be supplied by either the Nikon EN-EL25a or EN-EL25 battery, and users can add a range of accessories via ports, which include a Type D HDMI, stereo microphone port or the Remote Grip MC-N10.

Despite these updates, the camera weighs only marginally more than the previous model, at 520g compared to 450g, and measures 127 x 96.8 x 66.5mm.

Nikon Z lens support

With a range spanning over 40 models, the mirrorless Z lens lineup offers something for every type of content creation, helping you grow, and expand your creative vision. The camera is available in a kit form too, with the Nikon Z50 II with 16-50mm Lens Kit and Z50 II with 16-50mm and 50-250mm Lens Kit for those new to the system.

Other specific DX models include the Z DX 24mm f/1.7, which is ideal for everything from portraits to landscapes and video, and the Z DX 12-28mm F/3.5-5.6 PZ VR Lens – an ultra wide angle power zoom for stills and video.

What’s in the box

• Nikon Z50 II Mirrorless Camera Body (DX format body-only)