Nikon Z50 II Review
Nikon's entry-level APS-C gets a major upgrade with EXPEED 7, improved autofocus, and serious vlogging features. A compelling choice under $1,000.
🎬 Vlog Champion
The Verdict
The Nikon Z50 II is the best value APS-C mirrorless camera under $1,000. With EXPEED 7 processing, significantly improved autofocus, and vlogger-friendly features like a fully articulating screen, it punches well above its price.
While it doesn't match the Sony A6700's specs, it costs $500 less. For beginners upgrading from smartphones or compact cameras, the Z50 II delivers professional quality without the professional price tag.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS |
| Processor | EXPEED 7 |
| Stabilization | Electronic (e-VR, video only) |
| ISO Range | 100-51,200 (exp. 204,800) |
| Autofocus | |
| AF System | Hybrid Phase/Contrast Detection |
| AF Points | 209 points |
| Subject Detection | Human (face/eye), Animal, Vehicle |
| Low Light AF | -4 EV |
| Speed | |
| Burst Speed | 11fps (mechanical), 30fps (crop) |
| Buffer Depth | 40 RAW / 200+ JPEG |
| Video | |
| Max Resolution | 4K60 (1.5x crop) / 4K30 (oversampled) |
| Internal Rec | 10-bit 4:2:2 N-Log |
| Stabilization | e-VR (electronic) |
| Vlog Features | Product Showcase, Self-Portrait mode |
| Build | |
| Body | Polycarbonate, partial sealing |
| Screen | 3.2" vari-angle touchscreen (1.04M-dot) |
| EVF | 2.36M-dot OLED (60fps) |
| Card Slots | 1x SD (UHS-I) |
| Battery | EN-EL25a (330 shots CIPA) |
| Weight | 550g (with kit lens) |
What We Like
- Excellent value at $899 (body only)
- EXPEED 7 brings flagship-level processing
- Improved AF with animal/vehicle detection
- Fully articulating screen for vlogging
- 10-bit N-Log video for color grading
Trade-offs
- No in-body image stabilization
- Single UHS-I card slot
- 4K60 has 1.5x crop
- Battery life could be better (330 shots)
Performance Breakdown
EXPEED 7 Processing
The biggest upgrade from the original Z50 is the EXPEED 7 processor—the same chip used in the Z6 III and Z8. This enables faster processing, improved noise reduction, and AI-powered subject detection that wasn't possible in the original model.
In practice, you'll notice faster startup times, quicker menu navigation, and more responsive AF. The processing improvements also enable 4K60 video and 10-bit internal recording—features that were flagship-only a few years ago.
Autofocus Performance
The Z50 II's autofocus is significantly improved over its predecessor. Human face/eye detection is reliable in good light, with animal and vehicle detection now available. The 209 AF points cover most of the frame, though coverage isn't as extensive as Sony or Canon's systems.
For casual use, family photos, and vlogging, the AF is more than adequate. For fast action or erratic wildlife, the Canon R7 or Sony A6700 remain better choices. The Z50 II is designed for everyday users, not sports professionals.
Vlogging Excellence
This is where the Z50 II truly shines. The fully articulating touchscreen enables easy self-framing. Product Showcase mode quickly shifts focus to items you're presenting. The microphone jack supports external audio. Self-Portrait mode optimizes settings for front-facing recording.
The lack of IBIS is the main limitation for vlogging—you'll need to use e-VR (electronic stabilization) which adds a crop. For walking and talking videos, a gimbal is recommended. For stationary vlogging, the camera is excellent.
Image Quality
The 20.9MP sensor delivers clean, detailed images up to ISO 3200. The EXPEED 7 processor improves noise handling compared to the original Z50, making ISO 6400 more usable. Color science matches Nikon's flagship cameras—natural, accurate, and pleasing.
For a sub-$1,000 camera, image quality is impressive. The kit lens (16-50mm VR) is compact but optically modest—upgrading to Nikon's prime lenses significantly improves output quality.
Ideal Lenses
Nikon Z DX 18-140mm VR
All-in-one travel lens with 7.8x zoom range. Great for vacations and everyday shooting.
Nikon Z 40mm f/2
Affordable pancake lens for portraits and street. Super compact, sharp, and fast focusing.
Nikon Z DX 24mm f/1.7
Wide aperture for low light. 36mm equivalent is perfect for vlogging and environmental portraits.
How It Compares
| Spec | Nikon Z50 II ★ | Sony ZV-E10 II | Canon R50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $899 | $999 | $679 |
| Sensor | 21MP APS-C | 26MP APS-C | 24MP APS-C |
| Video | 4K60 | 4K60 | 4K30 |
| AF Points | 209 points | 759 points | 651 zones |
| Burst | 11 fps | 11 fps | 15 fps |
| IBIS | None | None | None |
Recommended Accessories
Essential gear to maximize your Nikon Z50 II experience:
Memory Card
SanDisk Extreme 128GB
UHS-I card that maximizes the single slot's speed.
Battery
Nikon EN-EL25a (2-Pack)
Essential spare batteries for all-day shooting.
Lens
Nikon Z DX 24mm f/1.7
Best low-light and vlogging lens for Z50 II.
Microphone
Rode VideoMicro II
Compact on-camera mic for better audio quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Z50 II is excellent for beginners. The Guide Mode helps new users learn camera settings. The touchscreen is intuitive, and the menu system is straightforward. It's a significant upgrade from smartphone photography without being overwhelming.
Both are excellent vlogging cameras. The ZV-E10 II has better autofocus and more lens options (Sony E-mount is larger). The Z50 II has better ergonomics, a viewfinder (ZV-E10 II lacks one), and slightly better stills quality. For dedicated vlogging, the Sony edges ahead; for hybrid use, the Nikon is more versatile.
No in-body stabilization. The camera relies on lens-based VR (vibration reduction) for stills and e-VR (electronic, with crop) for video. For stable video, use a lens with VR or a gimbal. This is the main limitation compared to cameras like the Sony A6700.
Yes, all Nikon Z lenses work on the Z50 II. Full-frame Z lenses will use only the APS-C center portion of the lens, which generally produces excellent image quality. This provides upgrade flexibility—your lenses work on both APS-C and full-frame Z cameras.
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Written by cameraupick Editorial Team
Our team of professional photographers and videographers has 10+ years of experience testing cameras. We buy our own gear and provide honest, unbiased reviews.
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