I’ve had my Z50II with the 18-140 DX lens for a month now, it’s been an exhilarating time for capturing nature and landscape images with it. So glad I considered everything before making my decision. This camera is such a creative tool including the lens that I’d be hard pressed to move forward without it. I’m creatively taking images I only use to dream of! Just EXCELLENT!
I’ve had mine for a couple of weeks, I absolutely love it. I traded my D500 in for it and I won’t be missing it. The z50ii joins my Z5, Zfc, and my z50 which my wife now uses. AF blows away anything I’ve used before, and I love how Nikon basically left almost all the features/options/customization from the z8/z6iii in this little camera, it’s far beyond entry level - it’s just priced as entry level.
Just picked one up earlier this week. While the Z50 is a very good camera, the new processor and advanced focusing system (similar to the Z9, Z8, Z6III, and Zf) alone makes it worth the upgrade, for me. The dedicated bird detection feature is a major plus (it works really well) as does Pet Detection. It's a little larger than the original Z50 and feels more substantial, but its still pretty light. And the,price, for what you get, is very reasonable.
I bought the z50ii as a second body for my z8. The light weight , the great functionality and the very similar layout of the buttons makes it a good choice for travel and street. The grip and handling is perfect compared to the Zf, which I tested before, but returned.
The Z50ii is what is putting me in to the Z system fully. The only thing left if F mount I have is the 105 macro. While I miss the raw speed of my D500, my hands were having trouble supporting its weight. My Z50ii is fast enough.
Great review. I love this Z50ii camera but wishing the rumored Z90 will be released 1st quarter next year to replace my trusted D500. If not, Z50ii will no doubt be in my camera bag. Thank you, Leigh for another informative video. Stay blessed.
I've had the Z50ii for four weeks now and I'm thrilled. I'm shocked at how well the kit lenses perform. I ordered the 18-140mm with the camera and I bought the 50-250mm and the 24mm 1.7 used at a very reasonable price. Together, this set forms a complete, great photography kit. All of my large lenses will probably stay on the Z8 and Z9. They would spoil the charm of this little camera. From the end of February, when the first wild bees are out and about, I will test the 105mm macro lens in detail on the Z50ii. I'm really looking forward to that.
I sold my Z30. I loved that little sucker, but I am at the age where I really need an EVF. The Z50II came 2 weeks ago, and I am thrilled with it. Same flippy screen as the Z30, and the great autofocus system of flagship Nikons. I have a Z9, Z8, and Zf. This fits as a companion to the Zf for street, and certainly as a travel camera, along with my streaming/Zoom camera. I love it and could not be happier.
Although I have a Z6III to complement my Z9, the little Z50II is really attractive as a hiking and travel camera. The price is very reasonable and it has many improvements over the previous model, especially with the AF and video modes. Bravo Nikon!
I’ve had my z50 for 4+ years and am thinking of upgrading. My biggest spiff with the z50 is the lcd-placed buttons. The faster focus and better/beefier grip and flip out lcd of the z50ii also big pluses for me. I have all the Nikon z-dx lenses and think they are all great if you can live with their slower apertures.
Thanks for this video. The decision is made. I'm going to order! Z50 will be sold to some Platform . We wish you a very marry xmas and a happy new year! From Germany!
I picked up the Z50ii as an upgrade to my Z50 - the Expeed7 and 3D tracking are what sold me. I also preordered the Viltrox 35mm f1.7 which will complete my DX AF prime 5-Pack (16mm / 23mm / 35mm / 56mm / 75mm) and all I can say is I am glad 3rd parties are making primes… but I really, REALLY want the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 to become a Z-mount either Nikkor or Sigma branded. So far, I am loving everything except the fact that DXO still won’t recognize the RAW files from this camera (they say they’ll have an update in February)
Great review. 👍 Ordered one as soon as it was announced. £850 for a body with the Expeed 7 processor and subject detect AF system was too good to pass on. I've been using mine for bird photography with a new Z mount Tamron 50-400. Couldn't be happier with it. Yesterday I took delivery of an FTZ adapter to use with a Nikkor Micro 105 f2.8G VR. A very pleasant surprise... my Tamron SP 24-70 and SP 70-200 f2.8 Di VC zooms also work with the FTZ adapter. Documentation I'd seen online said these two lenses don't AF with the FTZ, but mine do. Less pleasing was the TTArtisan 27mm AF lens, two copies of which didn't work at all so had to be returned. Can't think of any current camera body which offers more bang for the buck right now, the Z50ii is outstandingly good value imo.
I’ve had it for a month or so and it has clean blown my socks off. If Nikon expand the DX lens range there will be very little to gain by lugging the weight of full frame kit around.
Bought the Nikon Z50 II a few weeks ago because it is way lighter than my D7500, has an articulating LCD screen, has lighter lens than a DSLR, has a mic and headphone jack and it does not make a lot of noise unlike a DSLR.
@@kirill_rebro Not much difference between photo and video quality. Both are great. But I purchased the Z50 II because I wanted a lighter, quieter camera with an LCD screen which can take selfies with both a mic and headphone jack and an entry level camera. Z50 does not have an articulating screen. Z30 does not have a viewfinder. Zfc does not have a good grip.
Great video Leigh!! Yes, this is a camera I am considering because of the Nikon color science, the smaller size, and the price. It would be nice if the body had IBIS, although the 3 Nikon zoom lenses you mentioned all have VR (a good thing). Also I am looking forward to your Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 review as Viltrox has been making some great lenses. Have a wonderful holiday!!
Am looking forward to get this bad boy..with 180 to 600 mm wild life lens..if you do a proper dedicated wildlife field test of this bad boy would be very helpful to choose .....
I think I started shooting jpeg only when I realized I could customize my own curves with the older models year's ago. The amount of time saved, I wouldn't trade it for the world. Especially coming from a fine arts/graphics bkg, no thank you 😅 Been there done that. My editing these days is down to straightening out images.
IBIS and maybe also second SD card slot would make it ideal camera for me. But it is entry-level camera which is meant to be cheap. And for the price it does great job
Thanks for the good review of the z50ii. Since the release of the z50ii, there are only 4 cameras to buy in the range. Z50ii, z6iii, z8 and z7ii. Z500 would be a z8 with a aps-c sensor. New z9 might have the expeed 8.
This was a brilliant and super helpful video Leigh!! Like many, I was waiting for a mirrorless D500 to make the jump across from DSLR, but I think this may been good enough! I have one question sorry, can you use the camera in manual mode with auto iso but use the ‘exposure compensation’ button to tweak the exposure sensitivity? My D500 works super well this way but many other less advanced or beginner focused cameras do not allow this?
Yes, you can adjust exposure compensation in Manual with Auto ISO. The camera will show you the exposure change in real time in the viewfinder before you take the picture (which the D500 can't do)
How would you rate this camera against the Om-5 or even Om-1? For nature, wildlife and landscape photography. I often end up in lower light due to time of day or overcast days where I live. I feel like Nikon is catching up in the mirrorless auto focusing and the 180-600 weighs the same as Om 150-600.
I am still waiting for a D7100 replacement, just can’t miss that screen on top. The Z6 would be perfect, but it’s large AF. Hoping for something like a Z60, so basically a Z6 but APS-C.
This looks like a great camera, but I if I'm not mistaken it doesn't have IS nor a focus stick. I think I would be more inclined towards the Fuge XS20.
Does the z50ii have in-camera multiple exposure like some other Nikon bodies? It would be cool to see more of those kinds of features in new cameras that can help make a camera fun and push your creativity without having to post process.
Great camera ! I already have a z9 and z6 III so i will skip this one, for what it is it's a powerful little entry level camera. But if they bring a higher end APS-c with ibis , 2nd card slot and bump the resolution closer to 30 mp .. i'd buy it in a blink. Or a zfc - update with better build quality and the af features of this.
I'm looking to move to the OM system because of the IP53 weathersealing, etc. but is the z50 ii have any weather sealing or the dx lenses? I do snow shooting, skiing, snowshoeing, etc so its a big deal to me
I was waiting for Nikon to come out with something in the Z line to replace my D7500; the original Z50 seemed like a step down. Gave up and got a Zf (which I really like) but the Z50II with EXPEED7 would probably have sufficed. However, the difference in image quality between the 21MP APS-C image and the 24MP full-frame image with an S-line lens is quite obvious. I would be curious to see what images are like with a full-frame S-line lens mounted on a Z50II.
@@kirill_rebro I can't say because I haven't used a Z50II (or Z50 for that matter). In going from a D7200 to a Z50II, you would lose a card slot; that might matter to you.
The Nikon Z50 was missing a good Auto-focus system, I hated that the Single-focus was changed by the shutter and that you could not easily move the focus point, that the Contiguously focus was so bad... And now everything is perfect with the Nikon Z50II, even you get a full articulating Display.... You can move the focus point with the finger on the display when looking through the EVF and you can adjust that the shutter doesn't change the focus, and the Automatic Focus (combines single focus with cont. Focus) mode is the best, here I can choose Group focus points, the face detection is working and even adjust for the best exposure... Honesty is what get you more for the money. Disadvantages until today Lightroom and DXO can not process the Raw files... We have to wait... Endless video and $K with 60frames per second... What you want more?
Hi Leigh. Thank you so much for covering this! I made a comment on a recent video you released about the OM system lineup. I currently shoot with a Z63 for event photography. My general, all purpose slow it down camera is the Zf which I adore! I also have several AI lenses for Manuel shooting as well as z mount full frame lenses. I was considering OM system because I would love one camera system that I can travel with. I would love to see if possible, a video comparing the economics of both systems. As I get older, I definitely need an EVF and I have small hands - had actual surgery on one so I can’t stress it out too much for long periods. So just curious which one of these systems you would enjoy more taking on longer hikes? I know it seems like a no-brainer for me to pick up the Z50 II since I already have an Nikon gear, but that would mean me caring full frame lenses to get the quality I think I want - notice the word think - versus say, a smaller, more portable system. I hope this makes sense. Thank you so much! You guys are top-tier on TH-cam!
Hello Juliette! I know this is not Leigh responding but I've been down this road a few times in my 42 years of taking pictures. I've had full frame, DX/APS-C, Micro 4/3 as well as some high end travel compacts. And I think I'm finally at a place that makes sense to me and it may make sense to you. A few times during my journey, I've had different brands and models for the same reason you mentioned in your post: higher end/heavier for serious/pro work and simpler, smaller or cheaper for travel. The problem has always been having to have double the lenses and accessories as well as learning and knowing more than one system at time. I recently switched back to Nikon (where I've always felt more at home) after making the rounds with Sony, Canon and Fuji. I returned to Nikon with the Z6 III along with the Z 24-120 f/4 S. Shortly after that, I bought a Z30 as I had a personal event that I wanted to film from two different angles. While I absolutely hate not having a viewfinder, I very quickly fell in love with the size of the Z30 for travel. It's hardly any bigger than most m4/3 cameras. And now, my travel kit is that body paired with the Z DX 12-28 f/3.5-6.3 VR and the Z DX 18-140 f/3.5-6.3 VR. I plan to replace the Z30 with the Z50 II very soon as I don't like not having a viewfinder. But I get to stay in the same system, use my full frame lenses on both bodies and not need to learn or buy different accessories such as flashes for two different brands. The size and weight (or lack thereof) of these two lenses is crazy. You barely know they are there! They are both sharp and the colors are amazing!! Of course, I do take a faster prime or two with me on trips for when shooting indoors or at night but that's hardly necessary all the time. I'm very happy with my current kit and don't plan on ever leaving Nikon again. I hope this helps.
@@FreddyRozen Thank you for the feedback. 42 years - congratulations! I'm 17 years behind you and it sounds like I'm catching up. I too spent the earlier part of my photography years using Nikon - both 35mm and digital. I left Nikon, made the rounds with other brands, including Fujifilm. I sold all of it earlier this year to return to Nikon. I got the Zf and the Z6III, mostly for gigs, but after having a hand procedure, I was scared to purchase the larger lenses for travel. I have some cash invested in MFT bodies and lenses, so it wouldn't be a stretch for me to pick up a long lens for travel and I am fairly used to both systems (I am Nikon and Olympus exclusively now). However, to have a consistent body of work and as you mentioned, to make it all one easy system, the Z50 does make sense. I could very easily bring a fast FF prime for night, as you mentioned. I spend my time doing street photography, landscapes and large bird photography when traveling, in most cases, so my ideal would be a lightweight body with a viewfinder and a tilt screen, but I can't have it all (tilt screens seem to be going out of style, but I really prefer it for street). In any case, I'm leaning more and more toward the z50II but my hesitation was the weight difference between this and the Z6III since I already own it. I too don't plan on leaving Nikon again. Thank you again and love the conversation!
@@FreddyRozen, what didn’t you like about micro 4/3. Honest question. I’m have OM-1 and am on the fence switching back to Nikon for some reasons. Thanks for your time.
@@juliette-mansour Makes a lot of sense. Definitely, if you already have some Olympus gear and are happy with it, adding another lens might be easy. In terms of size and weight, I'm not really sure there is much of a difference nowadays between MFT and DX bodies and lenses, especially with the fantastic quality plastics being used by Nikon, Viltrox(my new favorite 3rd party brand) and even Sigma. And speaking of fast primes to match to the "daytime" slower zooms, I just bought a used Nikkor Z DX 24mm F/1.7 to take on my trips. The purchase was only today, so I don't have it yet. But I can say that the zoom lenses I mentioned before weigh next to nothing. And if you wanted to add some additional reach for your hikes and travel, you could add the excellent DX 50-250 as well.
@@briancampbell5243 Hi Brian. It was three things but first let me say that I did love MFT when I had it. The ergonomics and light weight were absolutely fantastic as was image quality in good light. The three issues that took me away from it were horrible AF performance in low light (this was many years ago; not sure if it's improved), very noisy images at higher ISOs and the fact that it's harder to get very shallow depth of field due to the small size of the sensor, needing lenses with much wider apertures like f/1.2 and f/0.95 to get the look I was looking for. I hope this makes sense and answers your question. Feel free to reach out again if you have any others.
I think smaller sensors are not just about lower cost or entry level. I mean, sure, that is another aspect of it, but I know that I don't like bulky or heavy gear. I put up with it because of the quality, but what I'm saying is, everything is a compromise anyhow. It's also that if you want the best zoom lenses for a system, they are typically f/2.8 zooms. But if you don't want the bulk of a fullframe system with f/2.8 zooms, it might be better to get a smaller sensor system with f/2.8s than it is to get slower fullframe lenses. At least from a point of view considering image quality, AF speed, bokeh, build quality, etc. Also, for things like macro, you typically want to stop down anyway if you're on a large sensor. So actually a smaller sensor makes more sense there. Unfortunately though, regarding the Z50II, I can't recommend it to build such a system around. Because there are no such lenses for it. I think the Z50II does make sense as a secondary camera to a Z5 or Z6, to get better autofocus and more pixels on target for things like wildlife. The lack of IBIS isn't a big deal there either, because your lens will typically be stabilised. Also, given the screen, headphone/mic jacks and tally light, it is a good entry level vlogging/video camera, for example with the 12-28mm lens. I think the best thing Nikon can do is allow Tamron/Sigma to release the 17-70/2.8 (which is stabilised), 11-20/2.8, and/or 18-50/2.8 on Z-mount. At least if they're not going to release such lenses themselves. Then the system becomes more viable. And I think that Nikon might be realising they have to do that, because the competition is doing it as well. And likewise, I hope Nikon will release a more premium APS-C model with a larger battery, IBIS, better weather sealing, maybe a better viewfinder, and SD + CFe-B card slots.
@@starbase218 Yes sure, that doesn't mean the Z50 ii's is bad. I personally dont think it is bad. What that little camera is offering for the price is impressive.
This Camera does leave room in the APS-C/DX line up for an upscale model with IBIS and the EN-El15 Battery. Agreed Nikon needs more APC\DX lens. I believe Nikon will update all the APS-C/DX camera with the guts from this camera.
@@williambuford6136 That's what I'm trying to convince myself however, would that be another 2 years or so ? The larger body of the Z5 ii could definitely house the IBIS. Where would th f the much needed higher capacity battery fit ? They could fix the single memory card with Internal memory and a CFexpress card slot.
I consider switching from Fuji x-t3 to the Nikon z50 ii. Fuji lenses are getting bigger, heavier and more expensive... And Fuji does Not have Something similar to the small 16-50 mm.
You failed to mention the very slow sensor readout speed, that renders fast moving objects distorted. Then also precapture is also useless, because you normally will capture fast moving action, like birds, with that function. So in my humble opinion, this review sounds a bit biased. And, yes I own a lot of Nikon DSLR gear, just waiting for a good replacement for my D500.
The Sensor readout speed is the same as your D500. In E-shutter mode you will have rolling shutter issues, but in the physical shutter mode it should perform the same as the D500. I agree that the pre-capture would be useless for BIF or Birds taking off a perch. The pre-capture is Jpeg only as well.
IF it was 24mp or such , withother body enhancement. A higher-end Z DX of course at higher price, I'd have one, love to try with smaller Z lenses (& 3rd party such as Viltrox 40, a couple of Voghtlanders, etc.) or even adapted lenses. So I am all FX for now, traded away all F -mount DX gear. Nikon could make body size of that Z50x a full fame Z. Maybe the Z5 entry level FX Z should have been that size - the biggger battery would be needed though. I sStill think Nikon should have gone 100 pct. full-frame Z at 'all' levels. Lastly something NO ONE has said. Imagine a Z cam, DSLR size body for F mount, with the functionality of Z. It's not nonsense. Nikon could make a FTZ body. Toward actual phase out DSLRs for real, sadly or not. Build for a price, a Z cam with built-in FTZ mount . I Of course for Z mount lenses, BUT they could even build in a motor or 'autoindexing' coupling. to that body.
A FTZ body would not sale any Z-mount lens. Nikon is all about lens sales. Nikon should have made and FTZ that supported the older F mount lens with autoindexing. You might be onto something, using the Z50ii body with a full frame sensor that has a price point under the Z5.
@@williambuford6136 could there possibly be a low price for a compact full frame? But I really believe there would be enough GAS-heads/ spenders who could love an FTZ body experience enough (+prolonging use of many F mount lenses ) enough to buy a Z body and lenses. Nikon would win some, lose some , but keeping more customers happy could pay off. Bye!
"I can't hope but wonder if Nikon will bring out a high end DX body ..." Why? Isn't the Z50II just a perfect DX camera? Many specs are shared with the D500, like sensor and fps. AF is even superior. Many went to full frame meanwhile, like you showing your Z8 and Z9. I hope that Nikon will continue focusing on the full frame portfolio, closing the large price gap between Z50II and Z6III, e.g. release a Z5II or something that competes with the Lumix S9 and the wide to normal zooms 20-60 and 18-40. A high-end DX would be for birders -- whereas the Z50II is already quite competent in this space. S9 & co is for content creators. Which customers are more promising?
I’ve had my Z50II with the 18-140 DX lens for a month now, it’s been an exhilarating time for capturing nature and landscape images with it. So glad I considered everything before making my decision. This camera is such a creative tool including the lens that I’d be hard pressed to move forward without it. I’m creatively taking images I only use to dream of! Just EXCELLENT!
I am quite interested how it performs in close up photography and portraits.
Should i go with dual lens kit or 18-140 one ?
I’ve had mine for a couple of weeks, I absolutely love it. I traded my D500 in for it and I won’t be missing it. The z50ii joins my Z5, Zfc, and my z50 which my wife now uses. AF blows away anything I’ve used before, and I love how Nikon basically left almost all the features/options/customization from the z8/z6iii in this little camera, it’s far beyond entry level - it’s just priced as entry level.
What about video quality in z50 II ?
I'm looking at upgrading my D500, thanks for your comment, good to know!
Just picked one up earlier this week. While the Z50 is a very good camera, the new processor and advanced focusing system (similar to the Z9, Z8, Z6III, and Zf) alone makes it worth the upgrade, for me. The dedicated bird detection feature is a major plus (it works really well) as does Pet Detection. It's a little larger than the original Z50 and feels more substantial, but its still pretty light. And the,price, for what you get, is very reasonable.
If I have a budget, I'll pick it up right now. The first Z50 was on my wish list, this Z50II seems even better. Thank you for the video.
Mine will arrive in 2 days. Already have a Z50 & a Z30 and all the Z DX lenses. Perfect for my use!
I bought the z50ii as a second body for my z8. The light weight , the great functionality and the very similar layout of the buttons makes it a good choice for travel and street. The grip and handling is perfect compared to the Zf, which I tested before, but returned.
The Z50ii is what is putting me in to the Z system fully. The only thing left if F mount I have is the 105 macro.
While I miss the raw speed of my D500, my hands were having trouble supporting its weight. My Z50ii is fast enough.
Great review. I love this Z50ii camera but wishing the rumored Z90 will be released 1st quarter next year to replace my trusted D500. If not, Z50ii will no doubt be in my camera bag. Thank you, Leigh for another informative video. Stay blessed.
I've had the Z50ii for four weeks now and I'm thrilled. I'm shocked at how well the kit lenses perform. I ordered the 18-140mm with the camera and I bought the 50-250mm and the 24mm 1.7 used at a very reasonable price. Together, this set forms a complete, great photography kit. All of my large lenses will probably stay on the Z8 and Z9. They would spoil the charm of this little camera. From the end of February, when the first wild bees are out and about, I will test the 105mm macro lens in detail on the Z50ii. I'm really looking forward to that.
I sold my Z30. I loved that little sucker, but I am at the age where I really need an EVF. The Z50II came 2 weeks ago, and I am thrilled with it. Same flippy screen as the Z30, and the great autofocus system of flagship Nikons. I have a Z9, Z8, and Zf. This fits as a companion to the Zf for street, and certainly as a travel camera, along with my streaming/Zoom camera. I love it and could not be happier.
Great camera and great video for all who loves take a photo.
Although I have a Z6III to complement my Z9, the little Z50II is really attractive as a hiking and travel camera. The price is very reasonable and it has many improvements over the previous model, especially with the AF and video modes. Bravo Nikon!
I’ve had my z50 for 4+ years and am thinking of upgrading. My biggest spiff with the z50 is the lcd-placed buttons. The faster focus and better/beefier grip and flip out lcd of the z50ii also big pluses for me. I have all the Nikon z-dx lenses and think they are all great if you can live with their slower apertures.
This combo is also ideal outdoors sports. The new AF will do a fantastic job.
Thanks for this video. The decision is made. I'm going to order! Z50 will be sold to some Platform . We wish you a very marry xmas and a happy new year! From Germany!
I picked up the Z50ii as an upgrade to my Z50 - the Expeed7 and 3D tracking are what sold me. I also preordered the Viltrox 35mm f1.7 which will complete my DX AF prime 5-Pack (16mm / 23mm / 35mm / 56mm / 75mm) and all I can say is I am glad 3rd parties are making primes… but I really, REALLY want the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 to become a Z-mount either Nikkor or Sigma branded.
So far, I am loving everything except the fact that DXO still won’t recognize the RAW files from this camera (they say they’ll have an update in February)
Great review. 👍
Ordered one as soon as it was announced.
£850 for a body with the Expeed 7 processor and subject detect AF system was too good to pass on.
I've been using mine for bird photography with a new Z mount Tamron 50-400.
Couldn't be happier with it.
Yesterday I took delivery of an FTZ adapter to use with a Nikkor Micro 105 f2.8G VR.
A very pleasant surprise... my Tamron SP 24-70 and SP 70-200 f2.8 Di VC zooms also work with the FTZ adapter.
Documentation I'd seen online said these two lenses don't AF with the FTZ, but mine do.
Less pleasing was the TTArtisan 27mm AF lens, two copies of which didn't work at all so had to be returned.
Can't think of any current camera body which offers more bang for the buck right now, the Z50ii is outstandingly good value imo.
I’ve had it for a month or so and it has clean blown my socks off. If Nikon expand the DX lens range there will be very little to gain by lugging the weight of full frame kit around.
I‘ve had mine for 2 weeks now. The real step up to my Z FC is the AF System.😮
Bought the Nikon Z50 II a few weeks ago because it is way lighter than my D7500, has an articulating LCD screen, has lighter lens than a DSLR, has a mic and headphone jack and it does not make a lot of noise unlike a DSLR.
What about photo and video quality? Better than 7500?
@@kirill_rebro Not much difference between photo and video quality. Both are great. But I purchased the Z50 II because I wanted a lighter, quieter camera with an LCD screen which can take selfies with both a mic and headphone jack and an entry level camera. Z50 does not have an articulating screen. Z30 does not have a viewfinder. Zfc does not have a good grip.
Great video Leigh!! Yes, this is a camera I am considering because of the Nikon color science, the smaller size, and the price. It would be nice if the body had IBIS, although the 3 Nikon zoom lenses you mentioned all have VR (a good thing). Also I am looking forward to your Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 review as Viltrox has been making some great lenses. Have a wonderful holiday!!
Nikon has been exciting these last few years. Especially with the 3rd party lenses.
Am looking forward to get this bad boy..with 180 to 600 mm wild life lens..if you do a proper dedicated wildlife field test of this bad boy would be very helpful to choose
.....
I think I started shooting jpeg only when I realized I could customize my own curves with the older models year's ago. The amount of time saved, I wouldn't trade it for the world. Especially coming from a fine arts/graphics bkg, no thank you 😅 Been there done that. My editing these days is down to straightening out images.
You should mention that precapture is electronic shutter only and will show defects with fast subjects.
IBIS and maybe also second SD card slot would make it ideal camera for me. But it is entry-level camera which is meant to be cheap. And for the price it does great job
Thanks for the good review of the z50ii. Since the release of the z50ii, there are only 4 cameras to buy in the range. Z50ii, z6iii, z8 and z7ii. Z500 would be a z8 with a aps-c sensor. New z9 might have the expeed 8.
This was a brilliant and super helpful video Leigh!!
Like many, I was waiting for a mirrorless D500 to make the jump across from DSLR, but I think this may been good enough!
I have one question sorry, can you use the camera in manual mode with auto iso but use the ‘exposure compensation’ button to tweak the exposure sensitivity? My D500 works super well this way but many other less advanced or beginner focused cameras do not allow this?
Yes, you can adjust exposure compensation in Manual with Auto ISO.
The camera will show you the exposure change in real time in the viewfinder before you take the picture
(which the D500 can't do)
Wonderful thank you!!
Besides the better weather sealing and maybe the batteries (who really needs it?) I see no advantage of the D500 over the Z50 II.
Great review! How does it perform in low light sports?
How would you rate this camera against the Om-5 or even Om-1? For nature, wildlife and landscape photography. I often end up in lower light due to time of day or overcast days where I live. I feel like Nikon is catching up in the mirrorless auto focusing and the 180-600 weighs the same as Om 150-600.
I am still waiting for a D7100 replacement, just can’t miss that screen on top. The Z6 would be perfect, but it’s large AF. Hoping for something like a Z60, so basically a Z6 but APS-C.
This looks like a great camera, but I if I'm not mistaken it doesn't have IS nor a focus stick. I think I would be more inclined towards the Fuge XS20.
Does the z50ii have in-camera multiple exposure like some other Nikon bodies? It would be cool to see more of those kinds of features in new cameras that can help make a camera fun and push your creativity without having to post process.
Amazing video, Leigh! What would you say are your favourite cameras from this year? 😊😊
Please review nikon zf
Great camera !
I already have a z9 and z6 III so i will skip this one, for what it is it's a powerful little entry level camera.
But if they bring a higher end APS-c with ibis , 2nd card slot and bump the resolution closer to 30 mp .. i'd buy it in a blink.
Or a zfc - update with better build quality and the af features of this.
I'm looking to move to the OM system because of the IP53 weathersealing, etc. but is the z50 ii have any weather sealing or the dx lenses? I do snow shooting, skiing, snowshoeing, etc so its a big deal to me
Why didn't they use the en el15 battery?
I was waiting for Nikon to come out with something in the Z line to replace my D7500; the original Z50 seemed like a step down. Gave up and got a Zf (which I really like) but the Z50II with EXPEED7 would probably have sufficed. However, the difference in image quality between the 21MP APS-C image and the 24MP full-frame image with an S-line lens is quite obvious. I would be curious to see what images are like with a full-frame S-line lens mounted on a Z50II.
I'm planning to replace my D7200. Tell me, is the picture quality in z50 II and D7500 different or not?
@@kirill_rebro I can't say because I haven't used a Z50II (or Z50 for that matter). In going from a D7200 to a Z50II, you would lose a card slot; that might matter to you.
Raymond :) Please do a Portrait shoot with Leigh,, to show how great it is, for that :) :) :)
what about old sensor of z50 m2
The Nikon Z50 was missing a good Auto-focus system, I hated that the Single-focus was changed by the shutter and that you could not easily move the focus point, that the Contiguously focus was so bad... And now everything is perfect with the Nikon Z50II, even you get a full articulating Display.... You can move the focus point with the finger on the display when looking through the EVF and you can adjust that the shutter doesn't change the focus, and the Automatic Focus (combines single focus with cont. Focus) mode is the best, here I can choose Group focus points, the face detection is working and even adjust for the best exposure... Honesty is what get you more for the money. Disadvantages until today Lightroom and DXO can not process the Raw files... We have to wait... Endless video and $K with 60frames per second... What you want more?
Nice review. Should I go with dual lens kit or 18-140mm ?
I would go for the 18-140, and a 28 or 35 prime lens
Do you have the full frame 24-200 lens? I think it might be a good do it all-lens for the Z50ii. What do you think?
Couldn't the limited range of DX Z glass be an indication that Nikon is not planning an APSC flagship body ?
I’m not sure when I will make the jump into the mirrorless world, maybe when my D850 and 750 don’t fit my needs any longer.
I bought a D780 and love it. Lot's of mirrorless features but no need to buy new lenses.
Hi Leigh. Thank you so much for covering this! I made a comment on a recent video you released about the OM system lineup. I currently shoot with a Z63 for event photography. My general, all purpose slow it down camera is the Zf which I adore! I also have several AI lenses for Manuel shooting as well as z mount full frame lenses. I was considering OM system because I would love one camera system that I can travel with. I would love to see if possible, a video comparing the economics of both systems. As I get older, I definitely need an EVF and I have small hands - had actual surgery on one so I can’t stress it out too much for long periods. So just curious which one of these systems you would enjoy more taking on longer hikes? I know it seems like a no-brainer for me to pick up the Z50 II since I already have an Nikon gear, but that would mean me caring full frame lenses to get the quality I think I want - notice the word think - versus say, a smaller, more portable system. I hope this makes sense. Thank you so much! You guys are top-tier on TH-cam!
Hello Juliette! I know this is not Leigh responding but I've been down this road a few times in my 42 years of taking pictures. I've had full frame, DX/APS-C, Micro 4/3 as well as some high end travel compacts. And I think I'm finally at a place that makes sense to me and it may make sense to you. A few times during my journey, I've had different brands and models for the same reason you mentioned in your post: higher end/heavier for serious/pro work and simpler, smaller or cheaper for travel. The problem has always been having to have double the lenses and accessories as well as learning and knowing more than one system at time. I recently switched back to Nikon (where I've always felt more at home) after making the rounds with Sony, Canon and Fuji. I returned to Nikon with the Z6 III along with the Z 24-120 f/4 S. Shortly after that, I bought a Z30 as I had a personal event that I wanted to film from two different angles. While I absolutely hate not having a viewfinder, I very quickly fell in love with the size of the Z30 for travel. It's hardly any bigger than most m4/3 cameras. And now, my travel kit is that body paired with the Z DX 12-28 f/3.5-6.3 VR and the Z DX 18-140 f/3.5-6.3 VR. I plan to replace the Z30 with the Z50 II very soon as I don't like not having a viewfinder. But I get to stay in the same system, use my full frame lenses on both bodies and not need to learn or buy different accessories such as flashes for two different brands. The size and weight (or lack thereof) of these two lenses is crazy. You barely know they are there! They are both sharp and the colors are amazing!! Of course, I do take a faster prime or two with me on trips for when shooting indoors or at night but that's hardly necessary all the time. I'm very happy with my current kit and don't plan on ever leaving Nikon again. I hope this helps.
@@FreddyRozen Thank you for the feedback. 42 years - congratulations! I'm 17 years behind you and it sounds like I'm catching up. I too spent the earlier part of my photography years using Nikon - both 35mm and digital. I left Nikon, made the rounds with other brands, including Fujifilm. I sold all of it earlier this year to return to Nikon. I got the Zf and the Z6III, mostly for gigs, but after having a hand procedure, I was scared to purchase the larger lenses for travel. I have some cash invested in MFT bodies and lenses, so it wouldn't be a stretch for me to pick up a long lens for travel and I am fairly used to both systems (I am Nikon and Olympus exclusively now). However, to have a consistent body of work and as you mentioned, to make it all one easy system, the Z50 does make sense. I could very easily bring a fast FF prime for night, as you mentioned. I spend my time doing street photography, landscapes and large bird photography when traveling, in most cases, so my ideal would be a lightweight body with a viewfinder and a tilt screen, but I can't have it all (tilt screens seem to be going out of style, but I really prefer it for street). In any case, I'm leaning more and more toward the z50II but my hesitation was the weight difference between this and the Z6III since I already own it. I too don't plan on leaving Nikon again. Thank you again and love the conversation!
@@FreddyRozen, what didn’t you like about micro 4/3. Honest question. I’m have OM-1 and am on the fence switching back to Nikon for some reasons. Thanks for your time.
@@juliette-mansour Makes a lot of sense. Definitely, if you already have some Olympus gear and are happy with it, adding another lens might be easy. In terms of size and weight, I'm not really sure there is much of a difference nowadays between MFT and DX bodies and lenses, especially with the fantastic quality plastics being used by Nikon, Viltrox(my new favorite 3rd party brand) and even Sigma. And speaking of fast primes to match to the "daytime" slower zooms, I just bought a used Nikkor Z DX 24mm F/1.7 to take on my trips. The purchase was only today, so I don't have it yet. But I can say that the zoom lenses I mentioned before weigh next to nothing. And if you wanted to add some additional reach for your hikes and travel, you could add the excellent DX 50-250 as well.
@@briancampbell5243 Hi Brian. It was three things but first let me say that I did love MFT when I had it. The ergonomics and light weight were absolutely fantastic as was image quality in good light. The three issues that took me away from it were horrible AF performance in low light (this was many years ago; not sure if it's improved), very noisy images at higher ISOs and the fact that it's harder to get very shallow depth of field due to the small size of the sensor, needing lenses with much wider apertures like f/1.2 and f/0.95 to get the look I was looking for. I hope this makes sense and answers your question. Feel free to reach out again if you have any others.
I think smaller sensors are not just about lower cost or entry level. I mean, sure, that is another aspect of it, but I know that I don't like bulky or heavy gear. I put up with it because of the quality, but what I'm saying is, everything is a compromise anyhow. It's also that if you want the best zoom lenses for a system, they are typically f/2.8 zooms. But if you don't want the bulk of a fullframe system with f/2.8 zooms, it might be better to get a smaller sensor system with f/2.8s than it is to get slower fullframe lenses. At least from a point of view considering image quality, AF speed, bokeh, build quality, etc. Also, for things like macro, you typically want to stop down anyway if you're on a large sensor. So actually a smaller sensor makes more sense there.
Unfortunately though, regarding the Z50II, I can't recommend it to build such a system around. Because there are no such lenses for it. I think the Z50II does make sense as a secondary camera to a Z5 or Z6, to get better autofocus and more pixels on target for things like wildlife. The lack of IBIS isn't a big deal there either, because your lens will typically be stabilised. Also, given the screen, headphone/mic jacks and tally light, it is a good entry level vlogging/video camera, for example with the 12-28mm lens.
I think the best thing Nikon can do is allow Tamron/Sigma to release the 17-70/2.8 (which is stabilised), 11-20/2.8, and/or 18-50/2.8 on Z-mount. At least if they're not going to release such lenses themselves. Then the system becomes more viable. And I think that Nikon might be realising they have to do that, because the competition is doing it as well.
And likewise, I hope Nikon will release a more premium APS-C model with a larger battery, IBIS, better weather sealing, maybe a better viewfinder, and SD + CFe-B card slots.
What's wrong with the Z50 ii's viewfinder ?
@@Cervin_Suisse There are APS-C system cameras with better viewfinders (well, higher res anyway) out there.
@@starbase218 Yes sure, that doesn't mean the Z50 ii's is bad. I personally dont think it is bad. What that little camera is offering for the price is impressive.
This Camera does leave room in the APS-C/DX line up for an upscale model with IBIS and the EN-El15 Battery. Agreed Nikon needs more APC\DX lens. I believe Nikon will update all the APS-C/DX camera with the guts from this camera.
@@williambuford6136 That's what I'm trying to convince myself however, would that be another 2 years or so ? The larger body of the Z5 ii could definitely house the IBIS. Where would th f the much needed higher capacity battery fit ? They could fix the single memory card with Internal memory and a CFexpress card slot.
The D500 is so good that 8 years later Nikon is still using its guts to make mirrorless cameras, just without the build quality and ergonomics.
Do you think it’s worth trading from the Z 50?
Depends what type of photography you do.
If it's portraits or landscapes, no.
If it's sports or wildlife, it's 100% yes, get one right now.
I will have a hard time not buying this when it goes on sale.
I consider switching from Fuji x-t3 to the Nikon z50 ii. Fuji lenses are getting bigger, heavier and more expensive... And Fuji does Not have Something similar to the small 16-50 mm.
Fuji has the XC15-45 PZ OIS which is a nicer lens than the Z DX kit lens imo.
Still no IBIS in the end of 2024? Z50ii is not for me...
The lack of IBIS is a strange choice if they want newcomers to start with this camera from a smartphone.
The Kit lens have VR so you will not miss IBIS unless you add some Prime lens to your kit.
You failed to mention the very slow sensor readout speed, that renders fast moving objects distorted. Then also precapture is also useless, because you normally will capture fast moving action, like birds, with that function. So in my humble opinion, this review sounds a bit biased. And, yes I own a lot of Nikon DSLR gear, just waiting for a good replacement for my D500.
The Sensor readout speed is the same as your D500. In E-shutter mode you will have rolling shutter issues, but in the physical shutter mode it should perform the same as the D500. I agree that the pre-capture would be useless for BIF or Birds taking off a perch. The pre-capture is Jpeg only as well.
IF it was 24mp or such , withother body enhancement. A higher-end Z DX of course at higher price, I'd have one, love to try with smaller Z lenses (& 3rd party such as Viltrox 40, a couple of Voghtlanders, etc.) or even adapted lenses. So I am all FX for now, traded away all F -mount DX gear.
Nikon could make body size of that Z50x a full fame Z. Maybe the Z5 entry level FX Z should have been that size - the biggger battery would be needed though. I sStill think Nikon should have gone 100 pct. full-frame Z at 'all' levels.
Lastly something NO ONE has said. Imagine a Z cam, DSLR size body for F mount, with the functionality of Z. It's not nonsense. Nikon could make a FTZ body. Toward actual phase out DSLRs for real, sadly or not. Build for a price, a Z cam with built-in FTZ mount . I Of course for Z mount lenses, BUT they could even build in a motor or 'autoindexing' coupling. to that body.
A FTZ body would not sale any Z-mount lens. Nikon is all about lens sales. Nikon should have made and FTZ that supported the older F mount lens with autoindexing. You might be onto something, using the Z50ii body with a full frame sensor that has a price point under the Z5.
@@williambuford6136 could there possibly be a low price for a compact full frame?
But I really believe there would be enough GAS-heads/ spenders who could love an FTZ body experience enough (+prolonging use of many F mount lenses ) enough to buy a Z body and lenses. Nikon would win some, lose some , but keeping more customers happy could pay off. Bye!
"I can't hope but wonder if Nikon will bring out a high end DX body ..." Why? Isn't the Z50II just a perfect DX camera? Many specs are shared with the D500, like sensor and fps. AF is even superior.
Many went to full frame meanwhile, like you showing your Z8 and Z9. I hope that Nikon will continue focusing on the full frame portfolio, closing the large price gap between Z50II and Z6III, e.g. release a Z5II or something that competes with the Lumix S9 and the wide to normal zooms 20-60 and 18-40. A high-end DX would be for birders -- whereas the Z50II is already quite competent in this space. S9 & co is for content creators. Which customers are more promising?
If it was weather sealed i would have bought it. i was vary disapionted.
Z50 2 is having weather sealing
Ibis
Pity Nikon didn't upgrade that poor low res EVF also the battery life is worse than the z50...sorry Nikon I can't see them queuing up for this one.