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Five years is a long time in the world of cameras.
And like the first-generation model, it also lacks in-body image stabilization.
Left: Nikon Z50.Right: Nikon Z50 II
On first impression, then, the headline numbers dont do much to justify an upgrade from the Z50.
But theres a lot more to the Z50 II than meets the eye.
Others bolster its appeal for videographers, such as support for 10-bit N-log video.
Left: Nikon Z50.Right: Nikon Z50 II
Taken together, these add up to a much more powerful hybrid for beginners.
There are certainly some compelling reasons to consider upgrading if you already own the Z50.
Thats especially true when it comes to autofocus.
Like the Z50, the Z50 II has a 209-point hybrid autofocus system.
Thanks to that top-tier chip, though, it benefits from class-leading subject detection skills.
It has nine separate modes for different subjects, including people, animals and vehicles.
The Nikon Z50 II is actually marginally larger than the Z50, and heavier by 70g.
The refinements are minor but meaningful, making the Z50 II a more enjoyable camera to shoot with.
The same can be said of its control layout, which is closer to those of its full-frame cousins.
Powerful video specs
The Z50 was a capable entry-level stills camera that could also shoot decent4K/30p footage.
That changes with the Z50 II, which boasts the recording chops of a proper hybrid.
The upgrades go beyond frame rates.
If you already own the Z50 and you only shoot casual video, theres no reason to upgrade.
But those figures tell only half the story.
The EVF on the Z50 II is twice as bright, with up to 1000 nits peak brightness.
A small but noticeable improvement.
More significant are the changes to the rear display.
Burst speeds with the mechanical shutter max out at the same rate as the Z50: 11fps.
Left: Nikon Z50.Right: Nikon Z50 II
But thanks to that Expeed 7 processor, it has a secret weapon.
In our tests, we did encounter some rolling shutter in this mode.
Nevertheless, it leaves the Z50 in the dust when it comes to firing off continuous bursts.
Left: Nikon Z50.Right: Nikon Z50 II
The Z50 II is faster in other ways, too.
Its wired interface has also been upgraded from micro USB to USB-C, which means 5Gbit/s transfer rates.
Taken altogether, these enhancements make the Z50 II an altogether speedier camera to shoot and work with.
Left: Nikon Z50.Right: Nikon Z50 II
Closing thought: Do you need II?
Its a fantastic entry-level mirrorless hybrid for beginners and one that represents excellent value.
The argument for upgrading is less black and white if you already own a Z50.
Left: The Nikon Z50’s flip screen.Right: The Nikon Z50 II’s vari-angle screen.
Whether the improvements warrant a switch will depend on what and how you like to shoot.
If youre mainly into landscapes, for example, theres not really a compelling reason to upgrade.
The Z50 II handles noise slightly better, but it fundamentally captures stills with the same sensor.
Left: Nikon Z50.Right: Nikon Z50 II
Its every bit a genuine hybrid, with a range of features for filmmaking.
Other refinements, such as new buttons and a vari-angle touchscreen, dont justify an upgrade on their own.
But taken as a package of improvements, the Z50 II is every bit the better camera.
