Nikon has just officially announced the new Nikon Z50 II.  Nikon’s newest APS-C camera is built around the reliable 20.9MP sensor, offering 3D tracking capabilities for nine different subject types and allowing for pre-release capture of up to one second.

This new camera is now available for pre-order at B&H/ Adorama.

Z50II is an upgraded iteration of Nikon’s original APS-C Z-mount camera. While the enhancements largely stem from the implementation of the advanced Expeed 7 processor, there are also notable new features that enhance its usability.

Enhanced Color Control with Dedicated Button
One of the key updates is the introduction of a dedicated ‘Picture Control’ button, conveniently positioned above the rear control dial. This feature is designed to make it easier for users to select the camera’s color mode, signaling the Z50II’s intention to cater specifically to creators.

But the changes extend beyond just the button. The Z50II is now the first model to support ‘flexible’ Picture Control profiles, allowing users to adjust existing profiles or download new ones. While it comes pre-loaded with 31 profiles, users can customize which ones are visible when using the Picture Control button, preventing it from becoming overwhelming.

Since 2008, Nikon has been at the forefront among camera brands, offering software for editing in-camera profiles. With its NX Studio software, users can modify existing Picture Controls, adjusting tone curves or the sharpening and saturation levels. However, color response control is somewhat limited to global hue adjustments, lacking the precise re-mapping that a LUT could provide.

Many users are likely to experiment with downloading Creator Recipe profiles from Nikon’s Imaging Cloud, which adds an exciting dimension to the shooting experience.

Improved Viewfinder
The Z50II also features a brighter viewfinder, reaching up to 1000 nits—double the brightness of its predecessor. However, it should be noted that this brightness level does not allow for complete previewing of HLG high dynamic range footage, and the resolution remains at 2.36 million dots.

Advanced Autofocus System
A significant advancement in the Z50II comes from the new processor’s impact on its autofocus capabilities. The camera now supports subject recognition modes from other recent Nikon models, expanding the recognized subjects from three to nine, which includes: Humans (Eye, Face, Upper Body),Birds,Cats,Dogs,Cars,Motorcycles,Bicycles,Trains,Airplanes

Additionally, the camera introduces a 3D Tracking AF mode, improving its ability to follow subjects more efficiently, even if they haven’t been pre-identified.

C30 and Pre-Burst Features
Thanks to the Expeed 7 processor, the Z50II can shoot at impressive speeds in e-shutter mode. It allows image buffering when the shutter is half-pressed, capturing images up to one second before the shutter button is fully pressed.

In C30 and C15 modes, the Z50II can achieve autofocus shooting at rates of up to 30fps and 15fps, respectively, although it records in JPEG format only.

Connectivity with Nikon Imaging Cloud
The Z50II supports Nikon’s Imaging Cloud service, which launched alongside the Z6III. When connected to Wi-Fi, it can automatically upload photos to Nikon’s servers, which can then be directed to your preferred third-party cloud storage solutions like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Lightroom. Additionally, users can set the camera to automatically download firmware updates and synchronize Picture Control presets selected on their devices. Unlike many cameras that require pairing with a smartphone, the Z50II can perform these functions via direct connection to a router.

Video Enhancements
Despite retaining the same sensor as the Z50, the Z50II significantly improves its video capabilities. It now allows 10-bit precision encoding, enabling internal N-Log recording for enhanced color grading potential, as well as HLG high dynamic range capture for optimal playback on HDR displays.

Furthermore, the Z50II can capture 4K/60 video using a cropped section of the sensor. Improvements have also been made to electronic image stabilization (eVR) during video recording. A new “product review” autofocus mode has been added, which allows the camera to prioritize object detection over face detection, a useful feature for vloggers showcasing specific items.

This compact and powerful system features a high-performance 20.9MP DX CMOS sensor and offers compatibility with an extensive range of NIKKOR lenses, such as the Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR and the Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR. Additionally, Nikon’s latest model introduces key enhancements over its predecessor, including the advanced Nikon Expeed 7 processor and a revamped autofocus system that incorporates flagship-level features and functionality. This combination of impressive optics and state-of-the-art technology makes it an ideal choice for photographers seeking versatility and performance in their gear.

Read more Nikon Camera Roadmap