Nikon Z50 II Review: Perfect for Travel and Everyday Shooting

The Nikon Z50 II is a compact APS-C mirrorless camera designed for versatility. Whether you’re starting your photography journey or looking for a lightweight second body, this camera packs the features needed to adapt to a variety of shooting styles.

Coming to you from Gareth Evans with Park Cameras, this detailed video reviews the Nikon Z50 II and how it improves upon its predecessor. It keeps the 20.9-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which provides excellent image quality and allows moderate cropping flexibility. While a higher resolution might have been welcome, the sensor delivers sharp results and handles high ISO settings surprisingly well. In dim lighting, the camera performs admirably, with images remaining usable even at ISO 40,000. This performance, combined with its affordability, makes the Z50 II ideal for travel, casual use, or as a second camera for professionals.

Frost highlights the Z50 II’s shooting speed, capable of 11 fps in raw and 30 fps in JPEG. This, paired with its Expeed 7 processor—borrowed from Nikon’s flagship Z9—delivers impressive autofocus performance. The hybrid AF system includes subject detection for people, animals, and vehicles, ensuring quick and precise focus in diverse conditions. The eye-detection feature even allows you to choose which eye to prioritize, adding precision to portrait photography.

Key Specs

• Sensor: 20.9 MP APS-C CMOS
• ISO Range (Photo): 100-51,200 (expandable to 204,800)
• Shooting Speed: Up to 11 fps (raw); 30 fps (JPEG)
• Autofocus Points: 231 with phase and contrast detection
• Video: 4K up to 60p (cropped) or 30p (no crop), Full HD 120p
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
• Battery Life: Approx. 230 shots with EN-EL25 battery
• Weight: 495 g (with battery and card)

For video, the Z50 II shines as a capable hybrid camera. It records 4K 30p without a crop, while 4K 60p introduces a slight crop—expected at this price point. Full HD at 120 fps offers slow-motion capabilities, and 10-bit recording with N-Log support allows greater flexibility for color grading. Built-in looks can simplify your workflow by providing finished footage straight from the camera. Its vari-angle touchscreen makes vlogging and filming simple, while the lightweight design keeps it travel-friendly.

The ergonomic improvements over the original Z50 include a more comfortable grip and a brighter EVF. Despite its small size, it doesn’t feel cramped in hand. Its light weight means you can easily carry it with a small lens in a regular bag, making it perfect for one-camera setups while traveling. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Evans.