Big test
Vivid
zero, I got 604 shots at the claimed 30fps, which is an excellent capacity. Pre-Release Capture is featured on the Z 50II and available in C15 and C30 electronic shutter modes. There are three pre-release options: 0.3sec, 0.5sec and 1sec – and four post- release options: 1sec, 2secs, 3secs and maximum. Having the timing options is a benefit, but it’s disappointing that the feature is JPEG only, though that’s not really a surprise given this camera’s target market. Nikon’s Z 8 and Z 9 have excellent AF skills, and the Z 50II – powered by the ultra-fast Expeed 7 processor – follows suit with accurate, responsive and sensitive performance. It offers single-point, zone, 3D-tracking and full-area options, along with strong subject detection capabilities such as auto, people, cats/dogs, birds, vehicles and planes. I made use of three lenses for this test, including the Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR zoom. The camera’s AF was sensitive, even on grey winter days. Snapping birds and squirrels in the garden, I used auto subject detection with the cats/dogs and birds settings. The system performed perfectly well for stills, though didn’t always pick up on a creature’s eye unless it was large in the frame. The Z 50II’s hybrid credentials are evident when looking at the camera’s video specs. It can shoot edge-to-edge 4K/30p video and 4K/60p with a 1.5x crop (which, of “VIDEO IMAGE QUALITY WAS EXCELLENT, WITH CRISP AND DETAILED IMAGES” course, is on top of the 1.5x crop of the DX format). You get this with 3D tracking and subject detection AF. The AF performance in video mode was impressive, with subject and eye detection working well. While the Z 50II is considered entry- or mid-level in price, it can shoot 10-bit and N-Log video internally and features separate microphone and headphone ports, catering to more advanced users. The Z 50II lacks IBIS, so handheld footage can be a bit shaky, although Nikon’s DX format zoom lenses offer vibration reduction (VR) to help. The camera does feature electronic VR, but this comes with a significant crop. However, my tests proved video image quality to be excellent, with crisp, detailed and sharp images. To sum up, while the Z 50II is targeted at users moving up from smartphones, its feature set makes it appealing to a broader audience. The downside is its relatively modest 20.9-megapixel sensor, which has been around for several years now. However, its ISO performance was perfectly acceptable – likely due to the enhancements offered by the Expeed 7 processor. See more photos online at photographynews.co.uk/reviews
Deep Tone Monochrome
HANDLE WITH FLAIR The 20.9-megapixel APS-C format sensor looks tiny within the Z mount. Meanwhile, the two Fn buttons on the front are easy to use and generally enhance the Z 50II’s handling
Final word
Verdict
Creators, vloggers and photographers looking for a high-performing APS-C format camera with hybrid potential at a competitive price should look at the Nikon Z 50II. This sector of the market gained a member recently with the Fujifilm X-M5, which is also blessed with an impressive feature set. One notable difference in terms of handling, though, is that the Z 50II has an EVF – and a very good one too. To sum up, the Nikon Z 50II is a welcome addition to the APS-C hybrid market. It performs well, is affordable and is backed up by a reasonable line-up of dedicated DX format lenses, with the potential of full-frame Z mount lenses too. Highly recommended.
Dream
23 /25 FEATURES
The Z 50II’s megapixel count is lower than most APS-C cameras and its sensor is getting on, but its overall feature set still compares fairly well with its rivals. The Z 50II has a reassuringly robust feel that promotes confidence. The control layout is excellent, including the new dedicated Picture Control button.
24 /25 HANDLING
Melancholic
24 /25 PERFORMANCE
Photo and video image quality is first-rate and supported well by highly capable exposure and focusing systems.
24 /25 VALUE FOR MONEY
The Z 50II is a fine and competent sub-£1000 imaging device, allowing you to get plenty of bang for your buck.
95 /100 OVERALL
While it’s touted as an entry-level camera, the Z 50II belies this. It handles and performs exquisitely with no obvious red flags.
PROS Pre-capture mode, lovely handling, bright EVF, fully articulating monitor, Picture Control button, flexible Picture Control recipes, video features, tally lamp, no recording time limit, integral flash, great value CONS No IBIS, single card slot, modest resolution, not much else
COLOUR ME IMPRESSED A selection of out-of-camera JPEGs showing the sort of effects achievable using the Z 50II’s Picture Control feature. Users can fine-tune these settings further, adjusting parameters like contrast and saturation for a more personalised look
22 Photography News | Issue 120
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