Nikon Z50II - a budget entry point to Z world? (1 Viewer)

[kb57]

I just received an email today from Nikon with a link to their latest DX camera, the Z50II. As a D7200 owner, I wondered if this was the camera designed to tempt people like me into Z world.
Looking at the advertising, I thought probably not...squarely aimed at v-loggers demonstrating products for their YouTube channels. Then I looked at the specs, and its got apparently similar AF to the Z8, with bird detection and (if you don't shoot RAW) a not-too-shabby 9.7x frame rate. For £850, it's an economical entry point to Z world, and would presumably work OK with something like the 180-600 for anyone considering a budget crop sensor mirrorless birding setup.

 

[MelospizaMelodiaFan]

I might have heard there is no IBIS, did you hear this as well?

 

[asp09]

I might have heard there is no IBIS, did you hear this as well?

That’s correct — no IBIS.

 

[Adare]

I bought a Z50 because I wanted to use the 180-600 lens. I had been using a D7500 and Nikon 200-500 for 7 years. I used a D7200 before that. I have also had recent forays into Fujifilm and Sony which didn't end well. I have now got the Z50ii on order.
Firstly no IBIS is not a problem as the VR on Z180-600 is so good. The Z50 sensor puts more pixels on the bird than the FF 45mp cameras but also controls noise well. This is essential because I find I'm almost always shooting in low light and at high iso, ie tropical forests or Wales. The noise hi-iso performance were disappointed me on the XT50 and A6700) Even with the reduced feature set I was getting as good shots on the Z50 as with the D7500. When I learned to effectively use the "Zoom in" button I was able to improve focus accuracy and actually get more keepers than the D7500. (There's no way to check this on a DSLR unless you switch to live view). Additionally I had an extra 100mm of reach and have frequently found myself using the Zoom button as a telescope feature on distant birds.
The Z50ii has the Z9 AF software and the reports have been good - more buttons means more control than the Z50. Subject recognition is added and having seen how effective this is on the Z9, I have high hopes.

Some sample shots Gambian Birds 2024