Nikon Z50 II Review

What makes the Z50 II worth a second look is a processor rather than a sensor. Nikon dropped the chip from the Z8 and Z9 into its cheapest interchangeable lens body, and the subject detection that comes with it finds eyes, animals and vehicles with a confidence nothing else at the price approaches. Buffer depth and general responsiveness improve in step. Video is unexpectedly strong for the money, with ten bit internal recording, a proper log profile and no crop at 4K 30, which makes it one of the better options for anyone shooting both.

The sensor is the same 20.9 megapixel chip Nikon has used since the first Z50, so resolution and high sensitivity performance are competent rather than notable, and there is no stabilization in the body, one card slot, and a battery that empties well before its rivals do. The viewfinder goes the other way, twice as bright as the one it replaces and about the best you can get at this money. The new button for switching color profiles is either a delight or a wasted control depending on who you ask. As a first serious camera it is very hard to beat.