The Z50 is a great little camera… but the Z50II is greater. Already I have heard of people buying Z50II’s as a lightweight backup camera for their Z8 and Z9 cameras 🙏📸
Hi Adrian, a great video, buddy! I agree, the battery can be a game changer. When the Sony A7iii got launched with its new battery, for instance, the question whether upgrading or not was already answered by that 😊 Thank you for the video and nice greetings, Christian
Thank you for watching Christian. I just had to rely on the dual battery charger the other weekend. Having 3 batteries saved me out in the field. Enjoy the rest of you week buddy - hope to see you again soon on TH-cam 🙏
Great video! Thanks for breaking down the differences between the Nikon Z50 and Z52. It's super helpful to see the detailed comparison, especially when deciding whether to upgrade. The insights on the autofocus improvements and video capabilities of the Z52 were particularly interesting. Looking forward to more of your content and seeing the results from your wildlife photography tests with the Z52! Keep up the great work!
@@adrianalfordphotography Thank you for your response! I really appreciate your hard work in creating the video. Looking forward to seeing more of your content!
I plan to upgrade for the better autofocus and the additional U3 user switch (nobody ever mention this feature, why?). The biggest downside is the poor battery capacity, I use already 4 batteries on the Z50😢 when out in the field.
I am also thinking of getting a z50ii as a studio camera. Would love to see a video on your thoughts for creators when you get the z50ii set up in your studio .😊
Great video my friend! Those new features for videos and eye detection for birds, etc are just out of this world for an affordable camera like that. 👏📸
I just bought the Z50 II to complement my Z5 and Zf. In combination with the 12-28mm (=18-42mm) and/or 16-50mm (=24-75mm) it is a very light set-up for walking around. When I am travelling with my motorbike I normally have the Zf with 9mm, 14-30mm and 28-400mm in a compact camera bag with me, now I can extend that to 600mm by just adding the small Z50 II, instead of taking the big and heavy 180-600mm (the 1.4x converter cannot be combined with the 28-400mm). For birding the Z50 II with the 180-600mm is a very nice combo as you have shown, effectively giving 270-900mm.
The new version is so much better for birds & fast action. Definitely worth the upgrade if that’s the type of photography a person does. Great comparison.
Four years ago I made the switch from an APSC sensor DSLR (D7000) to a full frame MILC (Z6) in one go. The Z6 is excellent for almost everything except small bird action. I have been waiting for the new Z6 III for years, and since its release I have thought that the upgrade is not worth the price. Now that the Z5 II has been released, I'm considering buying it as a second camera, for the following reasons: - I could enjoy the benefits of both systems, - I wouldn't have to buy a 1.4 teleconverter for the Z 100-400 VR S lens, because the Z50 II increases the focus of my existing lenses by 1.5 times, - the Z50 II's autofocus has a bird tracking function (even though it probably won't reach the quality of its competitors), - the Z50 II has pre-exposure (even though it doesn't support RAW format, like its competitors do), - I would have a separate small camera for walking, traveling, and family events.
Excellent video again, you're becoming "Z50II ambassador", slowly, lol. I actually had a question for you, if that new Picture control button on top can be programmed into some other functions, or it's strictly fixed to what it is? Thanks!
Thanks for watching. Haha! Yeah, I think I better put up some other videos on other cameras. This Saturday I have one on the D750 coming out. Actually yes, (I just checked the Z50II menu) the Picture control button can be programmed for a heap of other stuff.
Great balanced review mate. I use the Z50 as my backup and the only big difference i find from the Z8 is the autofocus system. Much more basic than the Z8 but if your long in the tooth like me you just wack the central point on the subject anyway. Animal eye detect is good but not really necessary. Have a great Christmas mate.!👌👌👍👍🎄🎄🧑🎄🧑🎄
Hi Adrian, nice informative video, I was wondering what the z50ii is like with the F2Z Adaptor and using F mount glass, I know my Z50 was very sluggish.
I have read that Europe banned the inclusion of wall chargers and that is why the rest of us now have to buy them separately. The law was aimed directly at Apple iPhones to force them to adapt USB charging and cut down on electronic waste. So it provides good cover for camera companies to exclude chargers everywhere, but still charge us the same price.
Great video! I see you have the Nikon Telephotolens bag. Would you know if it fits a Z8 attached to a Nikor 180-600, I am in search for a great affordable bag that fits that combo. Thanks in advance!
I've owned the Z50 for a few years. The sensor is great, I think it's the same as the one in the D500. I don't do much video or birds, so I've been quite happy with my images, even with the kit lenses. Wanting to keep the weight down when vacationing with my wife, I took the Z50 with the full-frame 24-200 Z lens and got some good handheld landscape and slow animals photos while on a safari in Kruger Park, SA. If you're on a budget wanting to upgrade from your phone camera, you'll get a bargain buying a used Z-50 with kit lenses on EBay, Keh, Adorama, or B&H.
Had the Z50 and used it for video work on a gimbal but sold it due to the poor battery life. The Z50 II looks pretty good but if the new battery is worse then that's a deal breaker for me .
@@DarrinSmithGuyana The new battery has a 10% higher capacity (1250 mAh vs. 1120 mAh), but the Expeed 7 processor and/or brighter viewfinder seem to require more power. There are 3rd party batteries that claim 1600 mAh capacity (“Enegon”, “Joiry”, “K&F Concepts”), but I haven’t tested those.
Currently have the Z50 and do not do video. I photograph more larger wildlife (whitetail deer, elk, etc). While I will photograph a smaller bird, but they are not my go to subjects. Still on the fence about the Z50II.
I have a D5300 and Z30 and use the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR for birds. It is nearly impossible for me to get a focus lock on birds in flight. Is it perhaps possible that you could try that lens with the Z50II ?
@@adrianalfordphotography As a side remark; the few AF-P lenses in F-mount have a fast focusing mechanism (that may be like the z-lenses) so I know there is properly a limit for what to expect from AF-S lenses. Thanks for your work effort in testing and investigating, analyzing and editing plus bringing out videos of this kind. Much appreciated.
The Z50ii is even close to the Z8/9 than even the Z6iii in functionality so there is a great reason to upgrade then the expeed 7 makes all the difference .
Personally I think I'd upgrade if I owned a Z50. But I'm still trying to workout if I should buy a Z6III or not. Don't know why Nikon didn't give the Z6III dedicated bird AF?
I got first generation Z50. If that II version got ibis or ~25 mp sensor, I would consider to upgrade. If both I definetly upgrade. But so i go with my Z8 and Z50 Mark I. :)
z50 and z50II are good cameras, but the problem is that they don't really have good lenses, even those with f2.8, let alone 1.8 or 1.4. I have a z50 and maybe I would buy version 2, but the lack of good lenses makes me consider buying a Sony.
I think you'll find the likes of Viltrox and TTArtisan make some outstanding crop sensor lenses in the Z mount. I've reviewed heaps of them, and I'm continually surprised at the quality you get for the price. Have a look at this review video I did on the Viltrox AF 75mm F1.2 Pro APSC lens (one of the best lenses I've ever used) - th-cam.com/video/SJv5jMSBlGU/w-d-xo.html
The Z50 is a great little camera… but the Z50II is greater. Already I have heard of people buying Z50II’s as a lightweight backup camera for their Z8 and Z9 cameras 🙏📸
we need 60 fps on TH-cam so we need to upgrade
@@adrianalfordphotography I would switch for one reason only, autofocus
If it was weather sealed i might have bought it.
My opinion well deserved upgrade
This was a well thought out and put together comparison. Great job, Adrian!
Thanks Phil, appreciate the kind words!
Good comparison between these two cameras Adrian, many thanks for giving a true opinion of these camera's. Have a great weekend
Thanks for watching Shaun. Have a fantastic weekend mate, cheers 🙏
I have a Nikon Z 50ii on the way. I like crop cameras. The camera is my price range. This camera will work great for me. ❤❤❤ Great video.
Hi Adrian, a great video, buddy! I agree, the battery can be a game changer. When the Sony A7iii got launched with its new battery, for instance, the question whether upgrading or not was already answered by that 😊
Thank you for the video and nice greetings,
Christian
Thank you for watching Christian. I just had to rely on the dual battery charger the other weekend. Having 3 batteries saved me out in the field. Enjoy the rest of you week buddy - hope to see you again soon on TH-cam 🙏
Great video! Thanks for breaking down the differences between the Nikon Z50 and Z52. It's super helpful to see the detailed comparison, especially when deciding whether to upgrade. The insights on the autofocus improvements and video capabilities of the Z52 were particularly interesting. Looking forward to more of your content and seeing the results from your wildlife photography tests with the Z52! Keep up the great work!
Thanks for watching Wendy and I’m glad the video was helpful - happy to hear that you liked the comparison!
@@adrianalfordphotography Thank you for your response! I really appreciate your hard work in creating the video.
Looking forward to seeing more of your content!
I plan to upgrade for the better autofocus and the additional U3 user switch (nobody ever mention this feature, why?). The biggest downside is the poor battery capacity, I use already 4 batteries on the Z50😢 when out in the field.
I am also thinking of getting a z50ii as a studio camera. Would love to see a video on your thoughts for creators when you get the z50ii set up in your studio .😊
Video coming very soon re Z50II set up as a studio camera. I'll share my settings and set up technique 🙏
Great video my friend! Those new features for videos and eye detection for birds, etc are just out of this world for an affordable camera like that. 👏📸
Thanks for watching my friend. Have a great week ahead 🙏
I just bought the Z50 II to complement my Z5 and Zf. In combination with the 12-28mm (=18-42mm) and/or 16-50mm (=24-75mm) it is a very light set-up for walking around. When I am travelling with my motorbike I normally have the Zf with 9mm, 14-30mm and 28-400mm in a compact camera bag with me, now I can extend that to 600mm by just adding the small Z50 II, instead of taking the big and heavy 180-600mm (the 1.4x converter cannot be combined with the 28-400mm). For birding the Z50 II with the 180-600mm is a very nice combo as you have shown, effectively giving 270-900mm.
Thanks for watching 🙏
The new version is so much better for birds & fast action. Definitely worth the upgrade if that’s the type of photography a person does. Great comparison.
@@slimbirdy Thanks for watching, cheers 🍻
Four years ago I made the switch from an APSC sensor DSLR (D7000) to a full frame MILC (Z6) in one go. The Z6 is excellent for almost everything except small bird action. I have been waiting for the new Z6 III for years, and since its release I have thought that the upgrade is not worth the price. Now that the Z5 II has been released, I'm considering buying it as a second camera, for the following reasons:
- I could enjoy the benefits of both systems,
- I wouldn't have to buy a 1.4 teleconverter for the Z 100-400 VR S lens, because the Z50 II increases the focus of my existing lenses by 1.5 times,
- the Z50 II's autofocus has a bird tracking function (even though it probably won't reach the quality of its competitors),
- the Z50 II has pre-exposure (even though it doesn't support RAW format, like its competitors do),
- I would have a separate small camera for walking, traveling, and family events.
Thanks for watching 🙏
Excellent video again, you're becoming "Z50II ambassador", slowly, lol. I actually had a question for you, if that new Picture control button on top can be programmed into some other functions, or it's strictly fixed to what it is? Thanks!
Thanks for watching. Haha! Yeah, I think I better put up some other videos on other cameras. This Saturday I have one on the D750 coming out. Actually yes, (I just checked the Z50II menu) the Picture control button can be programmed for a heap of other stuff.
Great balanced review mate. I use the Z50 as my backup and the only big difference i find from the Z8 is the autofocus system. Much more basic than the Z8 but if your long in the tooth like me you just wack the central point on the subject anyway. Animal eye detect is good but not really necessary. Have a great Christmas mate.!👌👌👍👍🎄🎄🧑🎄🧑🎄
Have a fantastic Christmas Scott. Cheers mate 🙏
Excellent recommendations Adrian. Thank you
Thanks for watching - have a great weekend 🙏
Hi Adrian, nice informative video, I was wondering what the z50ii is like with the F2Z Adaptor and using F mount glass, I know my Z50 was very sluggish.
Z50II + F mount lenses video coming very soon 🙏
Great stuff, I have the 6II the z50 and D500 as I have F mount lenses for wildlife but I do love my little Z50 apart from the autofocus
I have read that Europe banned the inclusion of wall chargers and that is why the rest of us now have to buy them separately. The law was aimed directly at Apple iPhones to force them to adapt USB charging and cut down on electronic waste. So it provides good cover for camera companies to exclude chargers everywhere, but still charge us the same price.
Yep, spot on.
Great video! I see you have the Nikon Telephotolens bag. Would you know if it fits a Z8 attached to a Nikor 180-600, I am in search for a great affordable bag that fits that combo. Thanks in advance!
Thanks for watching. I made a video about my bag, hope it helps - th-cam.com/video/7XqvbvTckAc/w-d-xo.html
I've owned the Z50 for a few years. The sensor is great, I think it's the same as the one in the D500. I don't do much video or birds, so I've been quite happy with my images, even with the kit lenses. Wanting to keep the weight down when vacationing with my wife, I took the Z50 with the full-frame 24-200 Z lens and got some good handheld landscape and slow animals photos while on a safari in Kruger Park, SA. If you're on a budget wanting to upgrade from your phone camera, you'll get a bargain buying a used Z-50 with kit lenses on EBay, Keh, Adorama, or B&H.
Had the Z50 and used it for video work on a gimbal but sold it due to the poor battery life. The Z50 II looks pretty good but if the new battery is worse then that's a deal breaker for me .
Fair enough
@@DarrinSmithGuyana The new battery has a 10% higher capacity (1250 mAh vs. 1120 mAh), but the Expeed 7 processor and/or brighter viewfinder seem to require more power. There are 3rd party batteries that claim 1600 mAh capacity (“Enegon”, “Joiry”, “K&F Concepts”), but I haven’t tested those.
I upgraded so you just justified my decision.
Have fun 🙏
I'm curious about a comparison in terms of the ISO. Since the new z50ii has a newer processor it should handle the high ISO better.
I think the Z50ii with the Tamron 150-500 z mount lens is the perfect budget wildlife combo rn
Currently have the Z50 and do not do video. I photograph more larger wildlife (whitetail deer, elk, etc). While I will photograph a smaller bird, but they are not my go to subjects. Still on the fence about the Z50II.
Understand re the Z50II - but the focus functionality between the Z50 and Z50II is substantial - as in night and day difference
I’ve bought the Z 50 ii ….I own a Z FC and the reason for change is the far better AF System.
Good reason
I have a D5300 and Z30 and use the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR for birds. It is nearly impossible for me to get a focus lock on birds in flight. Is it perhaps possible that you could try that lens with the Z50II ?
Video coming soon re Z50II and F mount lenses 🙏
@@adrianalfordphotography As a side remark; the few AF-P lenses in F-mount have a fast focusing mechanism (that may be like the z-lenses) so I know there is properly a limit for what to expect from AF-S lenses. Thanks for your work effort in testing and investigating, analyzing and editing plus bringing out videos of this kind. Much appreciated.
The Z50ii is even close to the Z8/9 than even the Z6iii in functionality so there is a great reason to upgrade then the expeed 7 makes all the difference .
Thank you for watching
Personally I think I'd upgrade if I owned a Z50. But I'm still trying to workout if I should buy a Z6III or not. Don't know why Nikon didn't give the Z6III dedicated bird AF?
I think a lot of Z6III owners would agree with you there. Thanks for watching 🙏
I got first generation Z50. If that II version got ibis or ~25 mp sensor, I would consider to upgrade. If both I definetly upgrade. But so i go with my Z8 and Z50 Mark I. :)
z50 and z50II are good cameras, but the problem is that they don't really have good lenses, even those with f2.8, let alone 1.8 or 1.4. I have a z50 and maybe I would buy version 2, but the lack of good lenses makes me consider buying a Sony.
I think you'll find the likes of Viltrox and TTArtisan make some outstanding crop sensor lenses in the Z mount. I've reviewed heaps of them, and I'm continually surprised at the quality you get for the price. Have a look at this review video I did on the Viltrox AF 75mm F1.2 Pro APSC lens (one of the best lenses I've ever used) - th-cam.com/video/SJv5jMSBlGU/w-d-xo.html
There are good primes for it, but not many fast DX zooms unfortunately.