Nikon Z50 II
Announced November 7, 2024
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Nikon Z50 II is a compact and highly capable mirrorless camera that integrates flagship autofocus technology and an advanced processor into an approachable, lightweight body. While it offers impressive performance for both stills and video, the camera lacks in-body image stabilization and suffers from limited battery life.
Weighted from 36 reviewer scores
Pros
- Ergonomic, rugged body design with a deep, comfortable grip
- Strong video capabilities including 4K/60p and 10-bit N-Log recording
- Advanced autofocus and subject tracking performance inherited from flagship models
- High-quality, fully articulating screen and bright electronic viewfinder
- Powerful EXPEED 7 processor enabling high-speed bursts and pre-capture
Cons
- Limited battery life and lack of a dedicated charger
- Absence of in-body image stabilization
- Single SD card slot shared with the battery compartment
- Modest 20.9MP sensor resolution compared to competitors
- Noticeable rolling shutter in video modes
- Launch price $909.95 (USD)
- Sensor 20.9MP APS-C CMOS
- Video 4K 30p
- Stabilization None
- Burst 30 fps electronic
What the Reviewers Say
All 36 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 88/100
The Nikon Z50II is a very competent all-rounder for both stills and video. Its limited battery life dents its otherwise strong performance for video but overall it's an enjoyable camera to shoot with.
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There’s no doubt that the Nikon Z50II is a very capable little camera that offers the most advanced feature set in its class.
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[T]his Nikon Z50 II is a tricky one for me to evaluate because no matter what I say, I feel I'm in danger of crucifixion in the comments section.
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With the Nikon Z50 II, you can confidently capture photos and video of a rather wide variety of subjects. [...] But the images are gorgeous, and the camera itself just feels effortless to use.
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I don't think there's currently a better $910 camera on the market. Certainly not one with as broad and deep a feature set, while still capable of pulling off great still and video results.
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If the limitations are acceptable to the buyer, then we have a fantastic camera that handles so well and produces such a great output, all in a compact and light body, then we are onto a winner.
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The new for 2024 Z50 II is a strong update of the 5 year old original model, coming across like a miniature Z6 III thanks largely to the adoption of the latest EXPEED 7 processor.
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It may be pitched at beginners and enthusiasts, but there's nothing 'amateur' about its capabilities, and it really does pack the pro-level performance of far more expensive Nikon cameras higher up the range in a smaller, easy-to-handle body.
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Pitched as an entry-level mirrorless camera for new enthusiasts, the Nikon Z50 II has a secret weapon: an Expeed 7 processor gives it flagship performance, with subject recognition autofocus that’s up there with the best.
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The Nikon Z50II is a solid entry-level camera. It shoots lovely stills with impressive high ISO and dynamic range performance.
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Okay folks, so admittedly this is just an initial hands-on. I have to say it's a bit of a little powerhouse, though.
- Photo Review 9.0/10
The Nikon Z50 II has retained the 20-megapixel sensor, compact and lightweight body and straightforward controls layout of the original Z50 but improved the overall performance by pairing it with the top-of-the-range EXPEED 7 processor.
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The Nikon Z50 II is my clear recommendation for students and enthusiasts buying their first serious mirrorless camera.
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The Nikon Z50 II provides a portable solution for everyday snapping due to its compactness. [...] However, images straight from the camera really sing in terms of color fidelity and naturalistic detail, requiring little if any post-production from the user.
- Photography News 95/100
while the Z 50II is targeted at users moving up from smartphones, its feature set makes it appealing to a broader audience. [...] However, its ISO performance was perfectly acceptable – likely due to the enhancements offered by the Expeed 7 processor.
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I feel like I went all over the place on this, but that's kind of the vibe of this camera.
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This Nikon Z50II review reaches a clear conclusion: the Z50II earns its position as the best beginner mirrorless camera for photographers who want flagship autofocus without flagship pricing.
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In the year I've had it, the Nikon Z 50 II has done everything I needed it to do and more.
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There you have it, the Nikon Z50 II, pop-up flash, vlog cam, creator cam, travel cam, family cam, if you're looking for a small form factor and Nikon colors, this is the camera for you.
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The results are reliable. Really, no real complaints.
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All in all, it is a substantial upgrade from the Nikon Z 50, and it is great to have the auto focus performance of higher-end cameras like the Z 8 or the Z 9 inside a more affordable camera.
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The Nikon Z50 II is a solid camera for anyone looking to step above their trusty smartphone. It’s portable, feels great in the hands, and captures images with great detail and color. I think it is a nice value for photographers looking for a midrange camera body on a budget.
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Is it Nikon's best camera? Quite possibly so; the Z50 II is not only a great starter camera, it's a fantastic camera for just about any use, hobbyist or professional.
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[B]ear in mind it is a bit heavier, but if you are someone that is seriously looking at a DX camera, this by far has the best features of all of them so far.
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When words like aperture and shutter speed aren’t in your vernacular, the world of digital cameras — especially mirrorless, interchangeable-lens cameras — can feel like a minefield.
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I think that the Z50 II is a really exciting, cool, fun tool. I can't wait to use it. I can't wait to put it into my kids' hands and see what they do with it. I think it could be a really, really wonderful camera for a whole lot of people.
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[I] like the camera a lot. As I'm getting more comfortable in the Nikon system I really enjoy the colors and the image quality out of this camera.
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It's the perfect travel, street, and everyday content creation camera.
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I think this is a fantastic option for people getting started in wildlife photography.
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It’s down to the individual to make the call, but if you have a need for a solid reliable camera that’s not going to break the bank and is going to be light and comfortable to carry around then the Z50 II is certainly a model that’s worth checking out.
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Now, we don't usually talk that much about price because prices change, right, all the time, but around $849, this camera is remarkable. I think it offers so much and it can really do a lot for you, no matter kind of what you want to use it for.
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So if you're coming from a D500, D7500, or another DSLR camera and you want to have a crop camera and want to go mirrorless, is the Nikon Z50 II a good idea? I think for most of the people, yes.
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My point here is that APSC cameras get the job done.
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I think this camera could really be for anybody because it's got a lot of professional features. It's very versatile.
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For photography, this camera is solid for both beginners or more seasoned shooters that love Nikon's RAW files that just have a natural look to them that they can edit and post.
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Now that the autofocus system can keep up with that, I think this thing is overall a smoking value and that's why I love it.
