I'm beginning to think Nikon is just not that serious about the aps-c market. After seeing this long awaited release I don't think we'll ever see a pro Nikon crop body.
Hi Matt, excellent information on the new Z50II. As an hobbyist photographer and owner of the Z50 with both kit lenses (great travel camera); I am not sure at this point if I am going to upgrade to the new Z50II. The addition of EXpeed 7 processor, improved AF, the color profile and USB-C (for charging) are great upgrades to the Z50. But I think Nikon made a mistake by not adding IBIS, higher megapixel sensor and a larger battery. The Z50 battery life is awful, so I suspect the battery life on the Z50II may be the same or possibly worse, because of the new processor and improved EVF brightness. I always have to carry multiple batteries while out shooting. I guess you can bring a Power bank instead of extra batteries. Looking forward to your full review on the Z50II.
Not the camera for me, but it appears to be a significant and much-needed upgrade from the Z50. I’m interested to see if Nikon will expand the product mode feature to other cameras or if they plan to differentiate models further by reserving certain firmware functionalities for specific cameras. As always, thanks for your efforts.
Already sold my Z50 and preordered the Z50II 2 lens kit. Great for travel and just walk-around. Since my Z 6 III does not have Bird Detection, yet, I can use it for birds.
Great video as always Matt. As someone who started out on mirrorless systems with a Z50 I wanted to ask a few questions that you might want to address at your next video. First is the viewfinder bigger or just brighter? Second for the SD card is it in the same place as the older Z50 next to the battery? And finally do you know or have they hinted will this camera come with a accessory battery gripped to give it the ability for vertical shooting? I've done red carpet Hollywood Events with my Z50 I've put that little beginner camera through the ringer and I love it. Just want to see if the improvements are worth it. Once again thank you for your in-depth report I can't wait to see the field report on the camera from you. Thanks
Hey Jordy, sorry I don't have the camera any more, but I think viewfinder is the same size, SD card is in the battery slot, I don't believe there will be a grip.
This is fantastic! The Nikon webcam utility software maxes out around 10 to 15 frames per second, which I’ve never quite understood. Honestly, the biggest benefit for me is that it can work as a webcam without any fuss. Since I work from home and spend a lot of time on video calls, I currently use the Z30 as my webcam, connected through an HDMI capture card, and it works very well. But I've been considering getting a dedicated camera to keep at my desk just for video calls. This might be exactly what I need
I will keep waiting for a Z30 II or a true video centric camera that competes with the A6000 series, with IBIS. I love the Z30 for what it is, but handheld video is just not good.
Great preview/review Matt! You're always my first stop on these things. Super stoked they kept the inbuilt flash --super handy for travel foodie shots-- and the floppy screen. What's not to love???!!! Oh, I'm sure the BIF Kids will complain, but they're never happy so who cares. Will be adding one of these once they become available for sure. G'Day!
@@romainplagnol882 I’m guessing the z7iii is next then the z90 this time next year. Frankly though I have a Z8 and it’s everything I need for action and birding. I recently picked up a s/h Z6ii for about the price of this new z50ii as I wanted a smaller body as an everything else camera. I might well have been swayed by this had it been available
Holy moly! Expeed 7! Yikes! Couple years ago you turned us onto a bit of software that could edit the photo file to change what the camera model was so Capture One could open the RAW files. I bet that would work here. I use my Z50 as my walking the dog camera. Nice and light. Switched from the kit zoom 500-250 to the 24-200 (I like a wider angle a lot) - perfect combo. But she can be slow. I think this will be a great addition (and I really don't need another camera.....).
I think it‘s a shame that there is no IBIS in it. The competition have it. And there are a lot of third party lenses without image stabilisation. In my opinion this is not a flagship DX camera. It‘s nice, but I have expected a little bit more.
Canon R10 normal price is $979 USD (sale right now at $879) It has no IBIS. The Nikon Z50II is between these two prices. The Canon has no IBIS. Which competition are you thinking of?
@@MattIrwinPhotography the Canon R7 as canon’s flagship aps-c camera for sure have IBIS. The Sony alpha 6700 have it too. And the Fuji and Panasonic flagship crop sensor cameras have IBIS too. In my opinion the Z50 II can not be the new D500. Because the D500 was a pro grade camera, build like a tank with all the technics Nikon have had this time. The Z50 II do not sound like pro grade. But that‘s only what I think and feel about this camera. Sorry about my english. I hope it‘s understandable.
@frankelbefotografie I understand. And I never said for all people. And I never said anything about this being a flagship APS-C. Its price clearly shows us where it sits. And I think it could be perfectly feasible that casual enthusiasts, which I suspect is a large subset of birders, could get a lot of pleasure from this device at an affordable price.
@@MattIrwinPhotographydon‘t unterstand me wrong. I‘m not mad at you. It‘s only talking about a new Camera, personal expectations and thoughts. Internet is so toxic sometimes. 🙂
Thanks for the details!! It has some very interesting upgrades. AF performance just got waaaay better. Only thing missing is IBIS for those beautiful Z mount primes.
I understand your argument, but I think Nikon messed up by not going IBIS in this camera. Even smaller fujifilm bodies have it so size isn’t an excuse. I don’t mind the 20mp of the old Z50. I used to own that and I gave my zfc to my wife so don’t mind that too much. If it had IBIS I might have sold my fujifilm cameras for this to go with my Zf for when I want a lighter body. I also wish this model kept the old screen, but used to it on my Zf, fuji X-H2S, and Canon r7. IBIS really is the only deal breaker for me.
No Nikon , update sensor , but no ibis come on , it's the people who purchase this that get frustrated with blurry pictures at lower speeds as more experienced photographer can adjust for it
День назад+3
Well, I was expecting IBIS. While all the updates are very welcome, IBIS will be missed. Not so keen about the flippy screen too. This camera is clearly for vlogers now. I really think Nikon can compete with Fuji in APS-C space and they forgot APS-C users a little bit (poor selection of DX lense options). But there is a growing segment of APS-C lenses from 3rd party manufacturers, many of them are manual focus and not stabilised. So IBIS would be cool to have (some Fuji models have it). Some old F mount lenses work pretty good, but they are screaming for an upgrade. I think it's time and momentum for a Nikon to UP their APS-C game. Small RAW video + IBIS camera would be so cool! I was expecting Z50II to be it, but it's clearly not. So far I would say - only neccesery udates were made, not the desired ones. I guess we'll have to wait for another few years. We need a pro level APS-C camera, Nikon!
Thank you Sir. Great video as always. Yes, equally disappointed that it doesn't have IBIS. How about focus shift, did Nikon finally add it to the only body which lacked it ? A video showing a comparison between VR lenses and IBIS on the Z50 II would be very interesting to many I think. Definitely looking forward to photographic test with the new little guy. Do you expect the Xpeed 7 to enhance final picture quality and sensor performance(thru an improve processing) ?
This is a first look video, with a pre-production camera, I don't have the camera anymore, I may get to borrow one down the track, I will keep you posted. :)
@@MattIrwinPhotography I have a Z8 which I absolutely love but it is rather heavy and bulky sometimes. I did start out on mirrorless some years ago with the Z50 which was so nice and easy to carry around and tuck into a bag. I was hoping for a DX camera that would allow me to crop, use long lenses for wildlife, and to do some street work but this is another product designed for video bloggers. Oh well, we're getting used to disappointments these days!
Fantastic video. Less fantastic camera. I can't help but feel a bit disappointed about the lack of IBIS and the inevitably poor-ish battery life we'll get out of the EN-EL25 battery type. As such, for a light-weight landscape kit, I suspect it won't bring any noticable improvements over the older Z50 as the autofocus is already good enough for that in the older camera. The lack of IBIS wouldn't be a big deal if Nikon had more lenses with built in VR, but they don't. Most full frame lenses don't have it. And there are only 5 DX lenses, none of which feel as well built as the camera body itself. For example, assume that Sigma releases their lovely APSC zooms for Nikon (the 10-18, 18-50 f2.8s). Those don't have VR. Oof. I wonder how long we'll have to wait before Nikon launches a more capable APSC camera, if at all. Edit: The physical zoom buttons is a big upgrade, I have to say. Having to take my gloves of during winter to zoom in/out or hit the DISP button sucks, especially when the temperatures drop below -30.
i used Nikon zfc as street photography, i faced missing the Camera VR (night street photography). i changed camera for street to OM System OM-5 no need to carry Tripod ... (and ND Filters)
Hi Matt, long time no see, nice BIG little camera with all the impressive features, I should get one that I don't have Z50 for a long time, if I do get this camera it will be my fifth Z cameras (Z6,Zfc,Z30,Z5 will add Z50II). Keep making YT more and see you later.
Body only it's $1249 CDN in Canada, that's pretty good actually. Nice to see the uniformity of button placement on all the new Z bodies. Wish they'd put that tally light on the Z6III.
I wish they would software update the custom controls on the z6 Z6ii etc so we can swap the preview and the shoot mode buttons to match the newer cameras.
This actually has some features I wasn't expecting. I like the button on the top to change the picture profile. It would be nice if all Z bodies would let you assign a function button with a selection of profiles you could toggle through without having to go into the menu. This could be the replacement for the d500 but i can't help but think it's not. I still think they may come out with one with a semi stacked sensor similar to the z6 III with up to 30 fps in raw. The could even use the z6 III body to save money. It should have similar specs as the z8 but in crop sensor. No extra crop in video. Maybe a larger battery like the EL-15. I agree with you on the mp. 21 mp will give a cleaner image in low light.
Nikon z50 is fantastic camera, just got few main issue: ridiculous small battery, no VR and bit small for today 20.9 mgpx, I I just can't believe Nikon didn't do anything to upgrade this in z50 ii , very let down. Waste of waiting for me, Nikon step by step just telling me is not for me anymore, what going on, do we ever gonna get mid professional APSC ? This is like slap to face for APSC Nikon fans.
Hello Matt. Like you I think this is an amazing entry mirrorless camera packed with all sorts of goodies. Not seen one yet so as to a D500 replacement not able to say, Yes it has lots of think, but the D500 was a pro level camera in all but name strong and wether resistant, and by all accounts could handle some quit heavy uses. Not sure if this Z50ii would be up to that sort of uses? If it could then I could see the market for this camera been much wider.
Did Nikon used that old D500 sensor for this new Z50II? Perhaps its a tweak sensor? I dunno? but..when you have that Expeed 7 in there, then things should be blazing quick.
Thanks Matt, a great summary. thanks! I'm lucky enough to have a D500 and a Zfc, otherwise this would be tempting...(yes the Zfc is favourite day to day)
Pretty much guaranteed I won’t be purchasing it by selling it with a lens I already own, that really annoys me since I kept the lens so I could buy a newer small apsc camera, I guess it is time to trade the lens in since I won’t be purchasing the camera.
The D500 is highly regarded for a reason. Nikon states in their Z50II press release "Adoption of the same EXPEED 7 image-processing engine used by our flagship camera, the Nikon Z9, realizes subject-detection and superior AF performance on a par with that of the Z9" www.nikon.com/company/news/2024/1107_imaging_01.html
Matt I see a significant and timely upgrade for the Z50. Perhaps it can satisfy some current D500 users but not all. The D100, D200, D300, D500 could be seen as DX crop professional cameras, with the control and build to be considered “pocket” D3s D4s and D5s. This still isn’t that.
All those glorious details on video capabilities, even noting the max length of recording, and you never addressed battery life -or- if the camera actually supports powering the device via USB-C? (I have to assume the answer is yes)
Two important points indeed. At least it now has a USBC port, the original one was a drag and was very fragile. Reading up on it I saw that it uses a new type of battery, hopefully giving a better autonomy. Perhaps just to compensate for the more power hungry Xpeed 7. They say the use of the USB power connection is " recommended". Perhaps that confirms that it can be charged while in use ?
Awesome, Z50 was my first mirrorless camera after using a D3100 for 9 years - brilliant camera which i still use to this day despite having an A73 + 24702.8
Great unexpected features, lacking necessary ones that have been asked for since the release of the first Z50. Shockingly, I'm looking at OM System for my next camera. You can't keep making APS-C cameras that have better than D500 specs while not having the necessary supporting features Nikon!
Thank you Nikon for finally bringing in an APS-C camera which (specs wise atleast) seems to be at par with the standard across the industry. Bringing in Bird Eye Detect, Pre-Release capture and better low light performance I believe are game changing at the APS-C end. I also appreciate Nikon for being more considerate towards enthusiasts like me who don't always have the time to sit and post process all the pics. I often find that the colour rendition on smart phones is often better than what I get straight out of the camera. More picture profiles, custom picture profiles for direct loading and a DEDICATED button to set the picture profile are great additions. I hope that the SDR vs HDR tone settings are applicable even to still images and not just video. I would love to be able to view high res stills with a wider dynamic range and colour gamut that screens in my daily life are increasingly capable of displaying but are limited by availability of images captured with the relevant information not being lost. Hi-res electronic zoom in video is also a useful feature. I think it might even be possible to implement it in 4K video. Of course the video then can't be downsampled from a 5.6k capture - but having that option can allow us to weigh the pros and cons while making that decision. I think a firmware upgrade might be able to fix that? I still feel that there should have probably been a BSI sensor for a further bump in the low light performance. I agree with Matt that IBIS may not be necessary considering the target audience. However, it would have been nice to have. On the other hand, it might have made the camera more bulky. For someone like me looking for a good camera which is compact for travelling and yet is a bit of an all-rounder in terms of wildlife, street and basic portrait photography, I think this camera checks all the boxes.
Hi Matt! Been a while - glad to see you seem well! The Z50 II seems to be a very good upgrade from the original and should be competent enough for the budget wildlife enthusiast to get the shots that the D500 used to get for them, but at about 40% of the cost so that seem to be a huge win. Especially when you consider all the amazing lenses that this camera can mount as compared to a D500, and the animal/bird/3D tracking options and even 1 FPS more than the D500 - seems like in every way this surpasses the D500. Hopefully all the APSC people are now happy with this powerful yet inexpensive option. -PD
@ if you were not making comparisons between brands and camera types with completely different sensors - compare a7c to a6700 which are the same size. Aps-c is a Goldilocks size and weight. But you can also see it in full frame - the original a7 is much smaller than a7iii
@@nextsibling great point but it’s a feeble 3 axis ibis, simplified controls, they took out the flash and an element in the lens. It also has a third less battery life than the former model
I have been a fan of Nikon until have the Sony a7Riii. I was expecting more updates in Z50ii. But it is a very old sensor & without IBIS 👎. There are nothing improvement in dynamic range
I did not buy the Z6iii because it didn't have bird detection atuofocus (and it has the cursed flippy screen!). So if I did have a Z6iii I would be pretty unhappy that Nikon put bird detection in the Z50ii but not the Z6iii. Nikon is doing some very strange things lately. Like leaving IBIS out of this camera. Even my little Fujifilm X100VI has IBIS for crying out loud. And making you go to the cloud, then to NX, then to connected camera for a film sim is making Fujifilm users laugh and laugh.
Why are you trying to make a point that it could replace the D500, when it clearly isn't meant as a replacement. It is a capable little camera, but not a D500 replacement. Why not? At least Battery, ruggedness, handling are not even close to the D500. A modern pro DX body simply has to offer more than this. For a start: ibis, faster sensor, higher fps, maybe higher pixel density, weather sealing, bigger battery. It is NOT a "pro" body. And also: I wouldn't mind paying double the price for a real d500 replacement.
I said about 3 times, not for everyone. For the casual enthusiast, for example, I think it is a great entry point for testing skills learning about lenses, understanding focus modes etc. this is a valid section of the market. And for them worth a try. As for battery, if you are serious about being in the wild with any mirrorless 2 or 3 batteries is essential unless Z9, or battery elimination. And as I end that section I something like, it might be worth experimenting with. And it might for those keen on an expeed 7 APSC. Otherwise D500 is still the place to be. But you don’t have access to z glass and modern focus systems. So yes it is the closest thing to a D500 in the Z mount. And for some might replace it.
I said about 3 times, not for everyone. For the casual enthusiast, for example, I think it is a great entry point for testing skills learning about lenses, understanding focus modes etc. this is a valid section of the market. And for them worth a try. As for battery, if you are serious about being in the wild with any mirrorless 2 or 3 batteries is essential unless Z9, or battery elimination. And as I end that section I say something like, it might be worth experimenting with. And it might for those keen on an expeed 7 APSC. Otherwise D500 is still the place to be. But you don’t have access to z glass and modern focus systems. So yes it is the closest thing to a D500 in the Z mount. And for some might replace it. And for some it won’t.
I was waiting for this, but without IBIS, I will switch to Sony. Nikon is simply STUPID for releasing any camera now without IBIS. Our phones are preferable to this millstone.
This is a boring update. A lot of users expecting a competitor to the Canon R7. The AF is step forward. The C15 and C30 mode are only JPG Normal no RAW. Old Sensor and no IBIS. Disappointed at this point.
Where is the image stabilization (IBIS)? Where is the speed booster? Any APS-C camera should come with a speed booster included! Where is the sensor with pixel binning for very low noise at night, like the Sony ZV-E1, which is smaller and lighter, although full frame with IBIS? When is Nikon going to wake up?
I am not talking about at base ISO. I specifically described the use case in this video. I have seen some of these videos, I would not say I agree with their conclusions.
Can we stop perpetuating the myth that lower megapixel sensors work better in low-light? This has been debunked for years. Higher megapixel sensors will always be able to resolve more detail, even in extreme ISO & dynamic range conditions.
I got a cheap 50-250 for my Z7 travel kit... 24-70 f4, 50-250,40mm f2 . Not super fast, but pretty darn sharp. All fits in the same bag as my old m43 travel kit did, and only a bit heavier.
A 300$ action cam does perfect image stabilization via software and every 100$ smartphone does have build in GPS. The "great" camera companies are not able to develop these features? Lame!
@@MattIrwinPhotography After peaking at more than 120 million units sold in a single year, the market saw a dramatic collapse between 2010 and 2023. Smartphones are considered the culprit as they became the de facto point-and-shoot, replacing a market once dominated by CIPA members. According to Statista, camera shipments dropped 94% between 2010 and 2023, “wiping out decades of growth Source: petapixel "The Rise and Crash of the Camera Industry in One Chart" (Aug 22, 2024)
Oh, yes, those DX lenses have VR, but they're slooooooow. So, no, this is more like a company providing a similar-segment audio recorder without 32-bit float in 2024. This is chickenshit segmentation that Sony and Canon both don't try anymore with IBIS.
Long live the D500 sensor! Now Nikon, can we have a new flagship DX with 24mp now? Bird and wildlife photographers are just asking.
even higher than 24mp, considering that FujiFilm has gone up to 40... say at least 33MP?
I'm beginning to think Nikon is just not that serious about the aps-c market. After seeing this long awaited release I don't think we'll ever see a pro Nikon crop body.
Still pondering which way to go - question, why is no one talking about the D6 as an upgrade..? ( since all lenses fit..)
Dissapointed about not having IBIS, once your transition from hobby to work it's a huge thing -> the main reason I sold my z50
No IBIS. Big miss with that. Big miss.
Hi Matt, excellent information on the new Z50II. As an hobbyist photographer and owner of the Z50 with both kit lenses (great travel camera); I am not sure at this point if I am going to upgrade to the new Z50II. The addition of EXpeed 7 processor, improved AF, the color profile and USB-C (for charging) are great upgrades to the Z50. But I think Nikon made a mistake by not adding IBIS, higher megapixel sensor and a larger battery. The Z50 battery life is awful, so I suspect the battery life on the Z50II may be the same or possibly worse, because of the new processor and improved EVF brightness. I always have to carry multiple batteries while out shooting. I guess you can bring a Power bank instead of extra batteries. Looking forward to your full review on the Z50II.
Not the camera for me, but it appears to be a significant and much-needed upgrade from the Z50. I’m interested to see if Nikon will expand the product mode feature to other cameras or if they plan to differentiate models further by reserving certain firmware functionalities for specific cameras. As always, thanks for your efforts.
It’s a sure fire winner.
Already sold my Z50 and preordered the Z50II 2 lens kit. Great for travel and just walk-around. Since my Z 6 III does not have Bird Detection, yet, I can use it for birds.
Great video as always Matt. As someone who started out on mirrorless systems with a Z50 I wanted to ask a few questions that you might want to address at your next video. First is the viewfinder bigger or just brighter?
Second for the SD card is it in the same place as the older Z50 next to the battery?
And finally do you know or have they hinted will this camera come with a accessory battery gripped to give it the ability for vertical shooting?
I've done red carpet Hollywood Events with my Z50 I've put that little beginner camera through the ringer and I love it.
Just want to see if the improvements are worth it. Once again thank you for your in-depth report I can't wait to see the field report on the camera from you. Thanks
Hey Jordy, sorry I don't have the camera any more, but I think viewfinder is the same size, SD card is in the battery slot, I don't believe there will be a grip.
This will be the next body I get. Looks awesome. Thanks for helping me spend money Matt 😂
This is fantastic! The Nikon webcam utility software maxes out around 10 to 15 frames per second, which I’ve never quite understood. Honestly, the biggest benefit for me is that it can work as a webcam without any fuss. Since I work from home and spend a lot of time on video calls, I currently use the Z30 as my webcam, connected through an HDMI capture card, and it works very well. But I've been considering getting a dedicated camera to keep at my desk just for video calls. This might be exactly what I need
I will keep waiting for a Z30 II or a true video centric camera that competes with the A6000 series, with IBIS. I love the Z30 for what it is, but handheld video is just not good.
Great preview/review Matt! You're always my first stop on these things. Super stoked they kept the inbuilt flash --super handy for travel foodie shots-- and the floppy screen. What's not to love???!!! Oh, I'm sure the BIF Kids will complain, but they're never happy so who cares. Will be adding one of these once they become available for sure. G'Day!
Very very exciting. May take the place of my z30 for b and c roll. Great review Matt as per usual. Best on the interwebs.
Cheers Joe
It’s at a perfect place. Priced and spec’d right. Thus leaving room for a Z90 which is the true D500 replacement.
The question is WHEN???
@@romainplagnol882 I’m guessing the z7iii is next then the z90 this time next year. Frankly though I have a Z8 and it’s everything I need for action and birding. I recently picked up a s/h Z6ii for about the price of this new z50ii as I wanted a smaller body as an everything else camera. I might well have been swayed by this had it been available
Holy moly! Expeed 7! Yikes! Couple years ago you turned us onto a bit of software that could edit the photo file to change what the camera model was so Capture One could open the RAW files. I bet that would work here.
I use my Z50 as my walking the dog camera. Nice and light. Switched from the kit zoom 500-250 to the 24-200 (I like a wider angle a lot) - perfect combo. But she can be slow. I think this will be a great addition (and I really don't need another camera.....).
Firstly 🎉 on all the other pages
I think it‘s a shame that there is no IBIS in it. The competition have it. And there are a lot of third party lenses without image stabilisation. In my opinion this is not a flagship DX camera. It‘s nice, but I have expected a little bit more.
Canon R10 normal price is $979 USD (sale right now at $879) It has no IBIS. The Nikon Z50II is between these two prices. The Canon has no IBIS. Which competition are you thinking of?
@@MattIrwinPhotography the Canon R7 as canon’s flagship aps-c camera for sure have IBIS. The Sony alpha 6700 have it too. And the Fuji and Panasonic flagship crop sensor cameras have IBIS too.
In my opinion the Z50 II can not be the new D500. Because the D500 was a pro grade camera, build like a tank with all the technics Nikon have had this time. The Z50 II do not sound like pro grade. But that‘s only what I think and feel about this camera.
Sorry about my english. I hope it‘s understandable.
@frankelbefotografie I understand. And I never said for all people. And I never said anything about this being a flagship APS-C. Its price clearly shows us where it sits. And I think it could be perfectly feasible that casual enthusiasts, which I suspect is a large subset of birders, could get a lot of pleasure from this device at an affordable price.
@@MattIrwinPhotographydon‘t unterstand me wrong. I‘m not mad at you. It‘s only talking about a new Camera, personal expectations and thoughts. Internet is so toxic sometimes. 🙂
Thanks for the details!! It has some very interesting upgrades. AF performance just got waaaay better. Only thing missing is IBIS for those beautiful Z mount primes.
Well done Nikon and thanks for the great video update Matt !!!
Always great and informative videos.
No IBIS, no buy.
Why can Fuji do it but Nikon can't?
I understand your argument, but I think Nikon messed up by not going IBIS in this camera. Even smaller fujifilm bodies have it so size isn’t an excuse. I don’t mind the 20mp of the old Z50. I used to own that and I gave my zfc to my wife so don’t mind that too much. If it had IBIS I might have sold my fujifilm cameras for this to go with my Zf for when I want a lighter body. I also wish this model kept the old screen, but used to it on my Zf, fuji X-H2S, and Canon r7. IBIS really is the only deal breaker for me.
I understand, and by looking at the Canon R10, it is priced closer to that level than the R7 in USD
No Nikon , update sensor , but no ibis come on , it's the people who purchase this that get frustrated with blurry pictures at lower speeds as more experienced photographer can adjust for it
Well, I was expecting IBIS. While all the updates are very welcome, IBIS will be missed. Not so keen about the flippy screen too. This camera is clearly for vlogers now. I really think Nikon can compete with Fuji in APS-C space and they forgot APS-C users a little bit (poor selection of DX lense options). But there is a growing segment of APS-C lenses from 3rd party manufacturers, many of them are manual focus and not stabilised. So IBIS would be cool to have (some Fuji models have it). Some old F mount lenses work pretty good, but they are screaming for an upgrade. I think it's time and momentum for a Nikon to UP their APS-C game. Small RAW video + IBIS camera would be so cool! I was expecting Z50II to be it, but it's clearly not. So far I would say - only neccesery udates were made, not the desired ones. I guess we'll have to wait for another few years. We need a pro level APS-C camera, Nikon!
Oh, and where is the stacked sensor?
Thank you Sir. Great video as always. Yes, equally disappointed that it doesn't have IBIS. How about focus shift, did Nikon finally add it to the only body which lacked it ? A video showing a comparison between VR lenses and IBIS on the Z50 II would be very interesting to many I think. Definitely looking forward to photographic test with the new little guy. Do you expect the Xpeed 7 to enhance final picture quality and sensor performance(thru an improve processing) ?
This is a first look video, with a pre-production camera, I don't have the camera anymore, I may get to borrow one down the track, I will keep you posted. :)
@@MattIrwinPhotography Thank you, much appreciated. Kind regards.
No IBIS and still the 20mp sensor. Rather disappointing is my verdict.
What camera are you shooting on today Charlie? :)
@@MattIrwinPhotography I have a Z8 which I absolutely love but it is rather heavy and bulky sometimes. I did start out on mirrorless some years ago with the Z50 which was so nice and easy to carry around and tuck into a bag. I was hoping for a DX camera that would allow me to crop, use long lenses for wildlife, and to do some street work but this is another product designed for video bloggers. Oh well, we're getting used to disappointments these days!
Fantastic video. Less fantastic camera. I can't help but feel a bit disappointed about the lack of IBIS and the inevitably poor-ish battery life we'll get out of the EN-EL25 battery type. As such, for a light-weight landscape kit, I suspect it won't bring any noticable improvements over the older Z50 as the autofocus is already good enough for that in the older camera.
The lack of IBIS wouldn't be a big deal if Nikon had more lenses with built in VR, but they don't. Most full frame lenses don't have it. And there are only 5 DX lenses, none of which feel as well built as the camera body itself. For example, assume that Sigma releases their lovely APSC zooms for Nikon (the 10-18, 18-50 f2.8s). Those don't have VR. Oof.
I wonder how long we'll have to wait before Nikon launches a more capable APSC camera, if at all.
Edit: The physical zoom buttons is a big upgrade, I have to say. Having to take my gloves of during winter to zoom in/out or hit the DISP button sucks, especially when the temperatures drop below -30.
Its very very nice upgrade
Finally 10 bits on a cheap z mount camera! Unlimited recording too!
Yes 2 hours and 5 mins of video recording feels like unlimited :)
Hi Matt, does the camera have focus shift? Can't find information on this yet.
Unfortunately I don’t have it anymore. Being Expeed7 I think it would. Let me see if I can find out. 😀
Offical answer is yes.
@@MattIrwinPhotography Awesome! Thank you very much Matt!
Nikon UK, in the specification list, are showing that the camera does have focus-shift for still photography.
i used Nikon zfc as street photography, i faced missing the Camera VR (night street photography). i changed camera for street to OM System OM-5 no need to carry Tripod ... (and ND Filters)
Nice! Glad they gave you one!👍🏾
Nice camera, but we're still waiting for the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S 😞
Hi Matt, long time no see, nice BIG little camera with all the impressive features, I should get one that I don't have Z50 for a long time, if I do get this camera it will be my fifth Z cameras (Z6,Zfc,Z30,Z5 will add Z50II). Keep making YT more and see you later.
Body only it's $1249 CDN in Canada, that's pretty good actually. Nice to see the uniformity of button placement on all the new Z bodies. Wish they'd put that tally light on the Z6III.
I wish they would software update the custom controls on the z6 Z6ii etc so we can swap the preview and the shoot mode buttons to match the newer cameras.
Great review. I have a noob question, how do you record video menús from the camera?
Cheers - ATOMOS Ninja via HDMI - I believe not all brands of camera allow you to do this
@ thanks I have a z6ii, any guide where the menu to this hdmi output option could be to select it.
Thanks for sharing Matt.
How much crop in 4k 60????
Lack of IBIS and inadequate sensor size are definitely dampeners. Can we use F Mount lenses using FTZ adapters ??
A excellent review right on release.
Cheers, yes FTZ works, you can see in this video an image of the 400mm f/2.8 from a decade or so ago attached to the Z50II.
Utterly fantastic. Take my money!!!
This actually has some features I wasn't expecting. I like the button on the top to change the picture profile. It would be nice if all Z bodies would let you assign a function button with a selection of profiles you could toggle through without having to go into the menu. This could be the replacement for the d500 but i can't help but think it's not. I still think they may come out with one with a semi stacked sensor similar to the z6 III with up to 30 fps in raw. The could even use the z6 III body to save money. It should have similar specs as the z8 but in crop sensor. No extra crop in video. Maybe a larger battery like the EL-15. I agree with you on the mp. 21 mp will give a cleaner image in low light.
I've reprogrammed my video record button on my z6 to change picture control, so it is possible.
Does the new battery, type EN-EL25a, extends the autonomy or just merely compensates for the more power hungry Expeed processor ?
Sounds like a nice little camera. But definitely not a d500 replacement
Does it have bird eye tracking like the Z8 ?
First! What a great move on Nikon's part. This is definitely tempting as a webcam. Thanks, Matt!
All over it Raymond!
Nikon z50 is fantastic camera, just got few main issue: ridiculous small battery, no VR and bit small for today 20.9 mgpx, I I just can't believe Nikon didn't do anything to upgrade this in z50 ii , very let down. Waste of waiting for me, Nikon step by step just telling me is not for me anymore, what going on, do we ever gonna get mid professional APSC ? This is like slap to face for APSC Nikon fans.
can you test if the camera will record at least 4k30 without overheating?
Sadly I don't have the camera anymore, if possible I might get it back, how long and what temperature would you be recording at typically?
Hello Matt. Like you I think this is an amazing entry mirrorless camera packed with all sorts of goodies. Not seen one yet so as to a D500 replacement not able to say, Yes it has lots of think, but the D500 was a pro level camera in all but name strong and wether resistant, and by all accounts could handle some quit heavy uses. Not sure if this Z50ii would be up to that sort of uses? If it could then I could see the market for this camera been much wider.
Inexpensive alternative for sure. Will you review the new Viltrox 135mm 1.8 FE Lab lens. I bought that 16mm 1.8 lens.
Very nice , but do Nikon really need so many different cameras ?
Did Nikon used that old D500 sensor for this new Z50II? Perhaps its a tweak sensor? I dunno? but..when you have that Expeed 7 in there, then things should be blazing quick.
Thanks Matt, a great summary. thanks! I'm lucky enough to have a D500 and a Zfc, otherwise this would be tempting...(yes the Zfc is favourite day to day)
The Zfc and Z30 hopefully will get the Expeed 7 treatment next year.
The Expeed 7 focusing modes blow the D500 out of the water. I still have my D500 and my Z8, Z6iii and Z6ii
I am actually happy that Nikon keeps APS-C at 20 mp
How about SRP?
What country are you in?
Pretty much guaranteed I won’t be purchasing it by selling it with a lens I already own, that really annoys me since I kept the lens so I could buy a newer small apsc camera, I guess it is time to trade the lens in since I won’t be purchasing the camera.
I'd imagine that if you had a D500, you'd be amazed by the 'detect' type autofocus settings for birds and wildlife.
The D500 is highly regarded for a reason. Nikon states in their Z50II press release
"Adoption of the same EXPEED 7 image-processing engine used by our flagship camera, the Nikon Z9, realizes subject-detection and superior AF performance on a par with that of the Z9"
www.nikon.com/company/news/2024/1107_imaging_01.html
Why does this have bird as an option and other ones like the Z6iii only the animal as a option … hoping on firmware update on other models.
This is great for wildlife and macro! Awesome stuff! Ticks all the boxes, flippyscreen is also nice!
Matt I see a significant and timely upgrade for the Z50. Perhaps it can satisfy some current D500 users but not all. The D100, D200, D300, D500 could be seen as DX crop professional cameras, with the control and build to be considered “pocket” D3s D4s and D5s. This still isn’t that.
Agree, it is only potentially for some. It is also cheaper than a D500 was on launch. 2k USD versus 1k USD
Sweet. Looks like a nice upgrade.
Third! The Z50 II is great! Now for a Z30 II, no need for the EVF! Especially for vlogging.
In what world does a hybrid flogging-friendly camera NOT need IBIS? Unless there is another camera on the way to fill those boots.
All those glorious details on video capabilities, even noting the max length of recording, and you never addressed battery life -or- if the camera actually supports powering the device via USB-C? (I have to assume the answer is yes)
Howdy Will, first impressions, not a full review. Yes powering the camera is possible via USB-C
Two important points indeed. At least it now has a USBC port, the original one was a drag and was very fragile. Reading up on it I saw that it uses a new type of battery, hopefully giving a better autonomy. Perhaps just to compensate for the more power hungry Xpeed 7. They say the use of the USB power connection is " recommended". Perhaps that confirms that it can be charged while in use ?
Awesome, Z50 was my first mirrorless camera after using a D3100 for 9 years - brilliant camera which i still use to this day despite having an A73 + 24702.8
With the camera a bit bigger, i wish it would take en-el15c battery like my D7500 or Z8.
Dayum... They didn't add IBIS. ( X_X)
Great unexpected features, lacking necessary ones that have been asked for since the release of the first Z50.
Shockingly, I'm looking at OM System for my next camera. You can't keep making APS-C cameras that have better than D500 specs while not having the necessary supporting features Nikon!
I am praying that Nauticam will make a compact underwater housing for it! And then it'll be time to say goodbye to MFT...
Just in time for Santa!
Thank you Nikon for finally bringing in an APS-C camera which (specs wise atleast) seems to be at par with the standard across the industry.
Bringing in Bird Eye Detect, Pre-Release capture and better low light performance I believe are game changing at the APS-C end.
I also appreciate Nikon for being more considerate towards enthusiasts like me who don't always have the time to sit and post process all the pics. I often find that the colour rendition on smart phones is often better than what I get straight out of the camera. More picture profiles, custom picture profiles for direct loading and a DEDICATED button to set the picture profile are great additions.
I hope that the SDR vs HDR tone settings are applicable even to still images and not just video. I would love to be able to view high res stills with a wider dynamic range and colour gamut that screens in my daily life are increasingly capable of displaying but are limited by availability of images captured with the relevant information not being lost.
Hi-res electronic zoom in video is also a useful feature. I think it might even be possible to implement it in 4K video. Of course the video then can't be downsampled from a 5.6k capture - but having that option can allow us to weigh the pros and cons while making that decision. I think a firmware upgrade might be able to fix that?
I still feel that there should have probably been a BSI sensor for a further bump in the low light performance.
I agree with Matt that IBIS may not be necessary considering the target audience. However, it would have been nice to have.
On the other hand, it might have made the camera more bulky.
For someone like me looking for a good camera which is compact for travelling and yet is a bit of an all-rounder in terms of wildlife, street and basic portrait photography, I think this camera checks all the boxes.
An updated sensor would be much more welcome, like 24MP.
Hi Matt! Been a while - glad to see you seem well!
The Z50 II seems to be a very good upgrade from the original and should be competent enough for the budget wildlife enthusiast to get the shots that the D500 used to get for them, but at about 40% of the cost so that seem to be a huge win. Especially when you consider all the amazing lenses that this camera can mount as compared to a D500, and the animal/bird/3D tracking options and even 1 FPS more than the D500 - seems like in every way this surpasses the D500. Hopefully all the APSC people are now happy with this powerful yet inexpensive option.
-PD
a tiny little jewel, Matt... very nice camera
It is just perfect for my use case. And affordable. I have been shooting bird photos with my Z5 and Z30 :)
No IBIS, no thank you. Nikon has made a huge marketing mistake
There are other cameras that have ibis if that’s what you want. It’s important to remember ibis makes the camera body 30% larger
@@18yearsoldnot not really g85, a7siii are quite small
@ if you were not making comparisons between brands and camera types with completely different sensors - compare a7c to a6700 which are the same size. Aps-c is a Goldilocks size and weight. But you can also see it in full frame - the original a7 is much smaller than a7iii
@@18yearsoldnot Tell that to the APSC Ricoh GRIII.
@@nextsibling great point but it’s a feeble 3 axis ibis, simplified controls, they took out the flash and an element in the lens. It also has a third less battery life than the former model
I have been a fan of Nikon until have the Sony a7Riii.
I was expecting more updates in Z50ii.
But it is a very old sensor & without IBIS 👎.
There are nothing improvement in dynamic range
I’m four seconds in.. the quality of the EVF will be whether I will buy this camera or not…
2.36? I didn’t know it was a Fuji XT2 competitor
I did not buy the Z6iii because it didn't have bird detection atuofocus (and it has the cursed flippy screen!). So if I did have a Z6iii I would be pretty unhappy that Nikon put bird detection in the Z50ii but not the Z6iii. Nikon is doing some very strange things lately. Like leaving IBIS out of this camera. Even my little Fujifilm X100VI has IBIS for crying out loud. And making you go to the cloud, then to NX, then to connected camera for a film sim is making Fujifilm users laugh and laugh.
Why are you trying to make a point that it could replace the D500, when it clearly isn't meant as a replacement.
It is a capable little camera, but not a D500 replacement.
Why not? At least Battery, ruggedness, handling are not even close to the D500.
A modern pro DX body simply has to offer more than this. For a start: ibis, faster sensor, higher fps, maybe higher pixel density, weather sealing, bigger battery.
It is NOT a "pro" body.
And also: I wouldn't mind paying double the price for a real d500 replacement.
I said about 3 times, not for everyone. For the casual enthusiast, for example, I think it is a great entry point for testing skills learning about lenses, understanding focus modes etc. this is a valid section of the market. And for them worth a try. As for battery, if you are serious about being in the wild with any mirrorless 2 or 3 batteries is essential unless Z9, or battery elimination. And as I end that section I something like, it might be worth experimenting with. And it might for those keen on an expeed 7 APSC. Otherwise D500 is still the place to be. But you don’t have access to z glass and modern focus systems. So yes it is the closest thing to a D500 in the Z mount. And for some might replace it.
I said about 3 times, not for everyone. For the casual enthusiast, for example, I think it is a great entry point for testing skills learning about lenses, understanding focus modes etc. this is a valid section of the market. And for them worth a try. As for battery, if you are serious about being in the wild with any mirrorless 2 or 3 batteries is essential unless Z9, or battery elimination. And as I end that section I say something like, it might be worth experimenting with. And it might for those keen on an expeed 7 APSC. Otherwise D500 is still the place to be. But you don’t have access to z glass and modern focus systems. So yes it is the closest thing to a D500 in the Z mount. And for some might replace it. And for some it won’t.
Not anywhere close to a D500 replacement. D7500 possibly.
I was waiting for this, but without IBIS, I will switch to Sony. Nikon is simply STUPID for releasing any camera now without IBIS. Our phones are preferable to this millstone.
This is a boring update. A lot of users expecting a competitor to the Canon R7. The AF is step forward. The C15 and C30 mode are only JPG Normal no RAW. Old Sensor and no IBIS. Disappointed at this point.
Very decent upgrade from Z50. There is so much to like!
wanna be a vlogging camera meaning most of the times will be handheld; doesnt make sense givenit doesnt have IBIS for vloggers
Hmm, most RUclipsrs tic tokers etc I see, film themselves with a fixed camera, far less are walking around shooting themselves
Where is the image stabilization (IBIS)? Where is the speed booster? Any APS-C camera should come with a speed booster included! Where is the sensor with pixel binning for very low noise at night, like the Sony ZV-E1, which is smaller and lighter, although full frame with IBIS? When is Nikon going to wake up?
I am confused you are comparing it with a camera which is twice the cost, 1k to 2k roughly. USD.
The noise with more pixels is simply not true. There are many videos explaining this.
I am not talking about at base ISO. I specifically described the use case in this video. I have seen some of these videos, I would not say I agree with their conclusions.
Can we stop perpetuating the myth that lower megapixel sensors work better in low-light? This has been debunked for years. Higher megapixel sensors will always be able to resolve more detail, even in extreme ISO & dynamic range conditions.
Show me the 40mp APS-C performs the same.
Very versatile camera. Looks like the little brother of the Z6iii to me.
I got a cheap 50-250 for my Z7 travel kit... 24-70 f4, 50-250,40mm f2 . Not super fast, but pretty darn sharp. All fits in the same bag as my old m43 travel kit did, and only a bit heavier.
Another difference from the z50 to the z50 II is that you now get 3 user mode dials to switch between.
I’m excited about this camera
A 300$ action cam does perfect image stabilization via software and every 100$ smartphone does have build in GPS.
The "great" camera companies are not able to develop these features?
Lame!
Lame? Which smartphone or action camera can attach a 600mm lens and deliver.
@@MattIrwinPhotography So why the camera market is falling down to zero since 2010? These cameras are dead!
@@UweRoclawski ??? 5 million units a year is zero ... ?
@@MattIrwinPhotography After peaking at more than 120 million units sold in a single year, the market saw a dramatic collapse between 2010 and 2023. Smartphones are considered the culprit as they became the de facto point-and-shoot, replacing a market once dominated by CIPA members.
According to Statista, camera shipments dropped 94% between 2010 and 2023, “wiping out decades of growth
Source: petapixel "The Rise and Crash of the Camera Industry in One Chart" (Aug 22, 2024)
The Z 50 was my first Z camera. I have about ALL of them now, but WILL add the Z 50 too.
No IBIS? In 2024? Pass.
One card. No backup if it fails.
For sure, like every other camera with one slot, which is what you find at this price point.
We need expeed 7 in the shape of z5ii
Oh, yes, those DX lenses have VR, but they're slooooooow. So, no, this is more like a company providing a similar-segment audio recorder without 32-bit float in 2024. This is chickenshit segmentation that Sony and Canon both don't try anymore with IBIS.
???? Canon R10
@@MattIrwinPhotographyExactly: the Z50II is positioned against a Canon r10 not even against the r7.
No IBIS and 20 megapixels. Way to stay in the past Nikon. Might as well buy Fuji if you want APSC,
True, but cheap and has 10 bit nlog! 4k 60p!
I think the key is to look at the price point
@@chromaticvisuellewhich makes no sense without ibis
Brought into z range,wouldn’t go back to dx.