I took a closer look at the new Nikon Z50 II. It’s an upgrade from my favorite travel camera, the APS-C Nikon Z50. The new model features the EXPEED 7 processor. This is the same processor found in the Z6 III and Z8 which delivers fast and accurate focusing. With support for 4K 60p video, compact size, flip-out display, and advanced tools, it’s the perfect choice for content creators, vloggers, and photography enthusiasts who want high performance without compromise.  

The biggest question right off the bat: Is it worth the upgrade? For me, absolutely. The Nikon Z50 II brings significant improvements to anyone shooting portraits, wildlife, night skies, or video. It’s a compact powerhouse designed for travel and everyday use. However, it lacks in-body stabilization and a second memory card slot, which were omitted to maintain its compact size.    

Design and ergonomics

At first glance, the Z50 and Z50II look very similar. The biggest visible change is the fully articulated display, which is useful for video and vlogging. It allows full control of the image in any position. A more subtle but important improvement is the deeper grip and slightly more recessed viewfinder, improving the handling of the camera.   

Additional control buttons have been added to the body, offering more customizable controls than the first generation. This gives greater flexibility to tailor the camera to your needs and quickly adjust settings without having to scroll through the menu.  

For content creators who want to minimize post-production and control color adjustments while shooting, there’s a Picture Control button on top. You can upload your own profiles to the camera and shoot in your preferred style. Personally, I don’t use this function, so I like that the button can be reassigned. I’ve set mine to quickly switch to silent shutter mode.   

Connectivity 

The camera connects to your smartphone via the SnapBridge app for easy photo transfer and management. You can also connect wirelessly to your computer and save images directly to your hard drive, reducing the number of cables in your product photography. For documentary photographers, the ability to upload photos directly from your phone to a shared drive or FTP is useful. This allows a team member to start editing while you’re still on location.  

The new model features an updated battery, which is compatible with the previous version but offers longer life. It can also be recharged while the camera is in use, meaning you can connect a power bank or charger via USB-C and shoot video without worrying about battery life.  

Improved Autofocus 

One of the biggest advances over the previous generation is autofocus. The original Z50 received eye autofocus in a firmware update. While its accuracy was decent, it had a drawback—it only worked in full auto mode across the entire sensor area. Personally, I often struggled with focus in documentary photography, preferring to lock focus on a specific point rather than letting the camera decide.   

You can now use eye/wildlife autofocus even in restricted focus areas.  

With the Z50 II, you can use eye/wildlife autofocus even in restricted focus areas. You can now set specific focus zones, giving you more control over which subject the camera locks onto.  The autofocus speed, accuracy, and subject tracking are excellent and highly reliable.     

Demonstration video of subject tracking with 5x slow motion. 

New processor and night mode 

For astrophotography enthusiasts, the second-generation model introduces a night mode that switches the display to a red font and dims extra backlight. This allows you to check settings without losing your “night vision.” Thanks to a more powerful processor, the camera also delivers better performance at higher ISO settings. 

Example of night photography at high ISO. 

Video

The Z50 II finally supports 4K at 60p, letting you slow down footage without sacrificing quality. Autofocus is faster and more reliable in video and the new Product Mode ensures smooth refocusing for the subject you point the camera at. This is perfect for reviews and content creation. Additional improvements include 10-bit HLG and N-Log for advanced color grading, and better handling of low light and high dynamic range. Overall, it’s a change that makes sense. For optimal performance, UHS-II V90 SD cards are recommended, with a minimum write speed of 260 MB/s.

Video sample. See how the Nikon Z50II handles zoom, backlight, and slow motion. 

In closing

Beyond the major updates, the Nikon Z50 II includes additional improvements, such as automatic focus stacking, continuous shooting at up to 30 fps, and even pre-capture, which records images just before the shutter button is pressed. For long-exposure photographers, the ability to extend maximum shutter speed from 30 seconds to 900 seconds (15 min) is a welcome addition. And much more. For me, the Nikon Z50 II is a worthy successor in the APS-C sensor category.    

Moon photography with the Nikon Z50II.

Q&A: Nikon Z50 II

• Is switching from the first-generation Z50 to the Z50 II worth it? Yes. The Nikon Z50 II brings major improvements, especially in autofocus speed, processor performance, and video capabilities. If you shoot portraits, wildlife, night skies, or vlogs, the upgrade is well worth it.  
• What are the main differences from the first-generation Nikon Z50? The key differences include the new EXPEED 7 processor, improved autofocus, 4K 60p video, Product Mode, and better wireless connectivity. 
• Is the Nikon Z50II good for vlogging? Yes. Its flip display, compact size, fast autofocus, and 4K 60p support make it a great choice for vloggers.
• How long does the Nikon Z50II battery last? The new model has a long-lasting battery that supports charging while in use via USB-C, allowing virtually unlimited shooting with a power bank.
• Is the Z50 II good for night sky photography? Yes. It delivers strong high-ISO performance, a dedicated night mode, and extended shutter speeds of up to 900 seconds, making it an excellent choice for astrophotography.