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Z-series cameras have a variety of shutter options. Here’s how they work…
When taking action shots of fast-moving subjects with a camera that has a conventional image sensor, the mechanical shutter avoids the ‘rolling shutter’ effect
A conventional camera shutter works in an entirely mechanical way. The shutter is fully closed before taking a shot. At the start of an exposure, the ‘first curtain’ opens, traversing the image sensor in the process. At the end of the exposure, the second curtain slides across in front of the sensor.
But at very fast shutter speeds, the second curtain starts to close before the first curtain has fully opened. That can cause a dark band in images when using a flashgun. The solution is to use ‘Auto FP’ (Auto Focal Plane) orHigh-Speed Sync’flash, which fires a short burst of flashes rather than a single flash.
NikonZ-system mirrorless cameras with mechanical shutters offer other options with pros and cons, but curing the flash sync problem isn’t one of them.
Going electric
Almost all Z-system cameras default to an ‘Auto’ shutter mode. This uses a conventional mechanical shutter most of the time, automatically switching to an ‘electronic first curtain shutter’ when it would be beneficial. As its name suggests, this uses electronics to initiate the exposure, but a mechanical second curtain to end the exposure. As well as letting the camera choose which type of shutter to use, you can select either option for yourself in the Custom Setting menu. In the Photo Shooting menu, you’ll also find a ‘Silent photography’ option. This enables a fully electronic shutter, making the mechanical shutter redundant.
TheNikon Z8andZ9are exceptions in that they ditch the mechanical shutter for stills exposures. Thanks to the super-fast data readout of their fully stacked image sensors, these cameras rely purely on an electronic shutter.
TheZ6 IIIhas a partially stacked image sensor, which is much faster than conventional sensors but not quite as fast as in the Z8 and Z9. The Z6 III therefore has a mechanical shutter and offers the same range of options as most other Z-system cameras.
To select shutter types, head to the Custom Setting menu of Z-system cameras. You’ll need to go to the Shooting/display section and select the option showing as ‘d4 Shutter type’ in the Zfc camera that we’re using here by way of example. And lest we forget, some Nikon DSLRs also have an electronic first curtain shutter option, including theD7500,D500,D810andD850.
Cameras with a mechanical shutter default to it automatically. As detailed in this image, the camera automatically selects the most appropriate shutter mode for the shooting conditions, usually sticking to the mechanical option but swapping to electronic first curtain shutter when this would be beneficial. Leave the camera in Auto mode unless you have particular needs.
Mechanical shutter
As defaulted to in Auto mode, the Mechanical shutter option usually works best. The mechanical shutter takes a snapshot of the scene, which is read out from the image sensor to the image processor. The full range of shutter speeds is available whereas, in Electronic first curtain mode, the maximum shutter speed is often limited to 1/2000 sec. However, the latter mode can be beneficial.
Electronic front-curtain shutter
At shutter speeds of around 1/60 sec or slower, mechanical movement, often referred to as ‘shutter shock’, can degrade sharpness as it can destabilize the camera. The effect can also be problematic when shooting with long telephoto lenses and inmacrophotography. Shutter shock is reduced in Electronic front-curtain mode, as the mechanical shutter only moves at the end of the exposure.
Silent photography off
There are options for switching the Silent photography mode on or off in the Photo Shooting menu, rather than the Custom Setting menu. When switched off, the camera uses Auto, Mechanical or Electronic front-curtain shutter, as set up in the Custom Setting menu. If you want to use a fully electronic shutter, disabling the mechanical shutter altogether, switch on Silent photography.
Silent photography on
The Silent photography mode uses a fully electronic shutter, as well as disabling flash, long exposure noise reduction, flicker reduction and the beep speaker. There’s no shutter shock but, due to the relatively slow line-by-line readout of conventional image sensors, moving subjects change their position throughout an exposure, causing lateral distortion (rolling shutter effect).
Five years on, Nikon’s given its Z series baby a boost
Left: Nikon Z50.Right: Nikon Z50 II
Five years is a long time in the world of cameras. So you might expect to find more novelty on the spec sheet of the Z50 II, an entry-level mirrorless model released in November 2024 – half a decade after the original Z50. Yet a quick comparison reveals that it has the same 20.9MP APS-C sensor, the same mechanical burst speeds and the same ISO range. And like the first-generation model, it also lacks in-body image stabilization.
On first impression, then, the headline numbers don’t do much to justify an upgrade from the Z50. But there’s a lot more to the Z50 II than meets the eye. Dig a little deeper, like we did in ourin-depth review, and you’ll discover that Nikon’s made a number of crucial improvements for the Z50 II.
Some of these changes make the shooting experience better, like the introduction of a vari-angle touchscreen and deeper grip. Others bolster its appeal for videographers, such as support for 10-bit N-log video. And the most significant turbocharges its performance: an Expeed 7 processor equips the Z50 II with flagship subject detection autofocus skills and 30fps electronic burst speeds.
Taken together, these add up to a much more powerful hybrid for beginners. We think the Z50 II is one of the best entry-level mirrorless cameras, at a price that represents fantastic value. There are certainly some compelling reasons to consider upgrading if you already own the Z50. Let’s explore them.
Chief among the upgrades for the Z50 II is its engine: under the hood now lives Nikon’s Expeed 7 processor – the same chip found in the flagshipZ9. Despite being an entry-level model in the Z series line-up, this equips the Z50 II with some serious power. That’s especially true when it comes to autofocus.
Like the Z50, the Z50 II has a 209-point hybrid autofocus system. Thanks to that top-tier chip, though, it benefits from class-leading subject detection skills. While the original Z50 did a solid job of detecting human faces with its Eye AF, the Z50 II is on another level.
It has nine separate modes for different subjects, including people, animals and vehicles. You can also use the automatic mode to recognize and track a number of subjects in a single scene. Based on our review, it delivers the kind of speed and accuracy usually reserved for much pricier full-frame models.
In short, the Z50 II is in a different league to the Z50 when it comes to autofocus performance. If you want a camera that can keep fast-moving subjects in sharp focus, the Z50 II is worth the upgrade.
Both the Z50 and the Z50 II are tidily designed mirrorless cameras, with neat proportions which make them easy to travel with. In our review of the original Z50, we praised its control layout and ergonomic grip, while noting that some buttons had been omitted in order to save space.
The Nikon Z50 II is actually marginally larger than the Z50, and heavier by 70g. We think that’s an improvement: it feels reassuringly solid in the hand, yet also more comfortable to hold, thanks to a deeper grip. The refinements are minor but meaningful, making the Z50 II a more enjoyable camera to shoot with.
The same can be said of its control layout, which is closer to those of its full-frame cousins. Several functions which had to be accessed virtually on the Z50 now have dedicated buttons on the Z50 II: you’ll find a zoom button, a display button and a drive button on the back of the camera.
There’s also a new Picture Controls button on the top plate, which gives easy access to Nikon’s customizable library of color presets. More than a fad, it’s a creative addition for beginners, which can also be reprogrammed to serve as a function button. For enthusiasts who value a tactile interface with plenty of direct-access controls, the Z50 II offers more flexibility to grow.
The Z50 was a capable entry-level stills camera that could also shoot decent4K/30p footage. That changes with the Z50 II, which boasts the recording chops of a proper hybrid. It can shoot 4K/60p video, albeit with a 1.5x crop, while uncropped 4K footage is captured at 30fps, oversampled from 5.6K.
The upgrades go beyond frame rates. The Z50 II is Nikon’s first APS-C camera to support 10-bit N-log video, including the option to use RED Luts color profiles – fruit of Nikon’s acquisition of pro cinema camera maker, RED Digital Cameras, in 2024. This unlocks a huge amount of flexibility when it comes to color grading, making the Z50 II a much more versatile tool for aspiring filmmakers.
There’s also a new Product Review mode, which makes it easy for novice influencers to create content where the focus shifts smoothly from presenter to product. Together with the move to a vari-angle touchscreen, plus the addition of a headphone port for real-time audio monitoring, the Z50 II is more powerful recording tool across the board.
If you already own the Z50 and you only shoot casual video, there’s no reason to upgrade. But if you’ve found yourself exploring videography alongside your stills photography, the Z50 II offers a whole lot more.
4. Upgraded displays
Left: The Nikon Z50’s flip screen.Right: The Nikon Z50 II’s vari-angle screen.
The sensor isn’t the only thing with the same resolution across two generations of the Z50: the rear touchscreen is still a 1.04m-dot display, while theOLEDviewfinder remains a 0.39-inch, 2.36m-dot number. But those figures tell only half the story.
The EVF on the Z50 II is twice as bright, with up to 1000 nits peak brightness. In practise, that means your eyes have to do less work when adjusting from bright ambient conditions to the display inside the viewfinder. A small but noticeable improvement.
More significant are the changes to the rear display. It’s slightly bigger than the panel on the Z50 (3.2 inches plays 3 inches) and the interface helpfully rotates when you’re shooting in portrait orientation. Crucially, Nikon has also ditched the flip-down design of the Z50’s display in favor of a fully articulating setup.
Where the tilting screen of the original would be obstructed by a tripod, the vari-angle display of the Z50 II offers full flexibility for framing from the front, side and even underneath. If you regularly shoot on the move or record video with your camera mounted to a tripod, this change will make a significant difference.
5. Faster shooting
Left: Nikon Z50.Right: Nikon Z50 II
Burst speeds won’t be a dealbreaker for every photographer, but if action is one of the genres you like to cover, the Z50 II easily wins that race. Burst speeds with the mechanical shutter max out at the same rate as the Z50: 11fps. But thanks to that Expeed 7 processor, it has a secret weapon.
A new High-Speed Frame Capture+ mode allows the Z50 II to shoot stills at up to 30fps with the electronic shutter. In our tests, we did encounter some rolling shutter in this mode. Nevertheless, it leaves the Z50 in the dust when it comes to firing off continuous bursts.
The Z50 II is faster in other ways, too. Where the Z50’s performance is fettered by its UHS-I SD card slot, the Z50 II benefits from support for UHS-II cards, meaning faster read and write speeds. Its wired interface has also been upgraded from micro USB to USB-C, which means 5Gbit/s transfer rates.
Taken altogether, these enhancements make the Z50 II an altogether speedier camera to shoot and work with. The Z50 was no slouch, but if you’ll regularly push it to its limits, the Z50 II is the faster horse.
Closing thought: Do you need II?
If you’re choosing between the Z50 and the Z50 II, the answer is clear: the latter is more powerful, more enjoyable to shoot with and more versatile for recording video. It’s a fantastic entry-level mirrorless hybrid for beginners and one that represents excellent value.
The argument for upgrading is less black and white if you already own a Z50. Whether the improvements warrant a switch will depend on what and how you like to shoot. If you’re mainly into landscapes, for example, there’s not really a compelling reason to upgrade. The Z50 II handles noise slightly better, but it fundamentally captures stills with the same sensor.
On the other hand, if you’re into action or wildlife photography, the enhancements delivered by the Expeed 7 processor are significant. Subject detection autofocus is right up there with the top models in Nikon’s Z series range, making the Z50 II a genuinely capable choice for tracking and shooting fast-moving subjects.
Equally, if you feel held back by the video capabilities of the Z50, the Z50 II has the specs to satisfy a keen learner. It’s every bit a genuine hybrid, with a range of features for filmmaking. Whether you want to monitor audio in real time or try your hand at color grading, the Z50 II will let you do it.
Other refinements, such as new buttons and a vari-angle touchscreen, don’t justify an upgrade on their own. But taken as a package of improvements, the Z50 II is every bit the better camera. If you like what the Z50 offers but want something that’s faster and more versatile, there’s a strong case for switching.
Nikon’s entry-level mirrorless camera gets a performance upgrade
Verdict Pitched as an entry-level mirrorless camera for new enthusiasts, the Nikon Z50 II has a secret weapon: an Expeed 7 processor gives it flagship performance, with subject recognition autofocus that’s up there with the best. Tidy dimensions and good ergonomics make it an easy camera to travel and shoot with, while improved video specs bolster its credentials as an all-rounder. There’s still no in-body image stabilization and the 20.9MP resolution is bettered by other APS-C rivals. But with its competitive price tag, the Nikon Z50 II is an excellent value camera to learn and grow with.
Pros
+Expeed 7 chip gives rapid performance
+Top-spec subject detection autofocus
+Deeper grip and vari-angle touchscreen
+Improved video specs including 4K/60p
Cons
-No in-body image stabilization
-20.9MP resolution is average
-Not a huge upgrade from the Z50
Nikon Z50 II: two-minute review
A tidily packaged APS-C camera with great handling and plenty of features at decent price, we rated the originalNikon Z50highly. Its successor takes that recipe and supercharges it, with the help of an Expeed 7 processor. The result is a versatile mirrorless camera that’s perfect to learn and grow with.
Its dimensions are neat enough to compete with thebest travel cameras, yet Nikon hasn’t sacrificed ergonomics. Slightly larger than the original, the Z50 II feels fantastic in the hand. With a deep grip and plenty of direct-access controls, as well as a useful vari-angle touchscreen and upgraded viewfinder, it’s a satisfying camera to shoot with, whether you’re capturing stills or video.
Under the hood, Nikon’s latest Expeed 7 processor runs the show – the same silicon found in theNikon Z9andZ8. It might be pitched as an entry-level option, but that chip gives the Z50 II some serious pace. The interface is quick as you like, while autofocus performance is superlative. Equipped with detection modes for nine different subject types, including people, animals and vehicles, it’s as fast and accurate as many of Nikon’s more expensive models.
Processor aside, a lot remains unchanged from the Z50. That includes the APS-C sensor which, at 20.9MP, is bettered by many of the best beginner mirrorless cameras. That said, it’s still capable of producing detailed and realistic images when paired with a quality Z mount lens. If you already own a Z50, you won’t notice a huge difference in overall quality – although noise performance has been improved thanks to the Expeed 7 processor, meaning stills are cleaner at the same ISO settings.
Nikon has also bolstered the video capabilities of the Z50 II, boosting its status as an all-rounder.4Kframe rates now top out at 60fps, albeit with a 1.5x crop, and it becomes the first Nikon APS-C camera to support 10-bit N-log video – giving videography enthusiasts more flexibility when color grading in post. A headphone socket is a welcome addition, too.
The features above are complemented by a new Product Review mode, which allows influencers to produce content where the focus shifts seamlessly from presenter to product. There’s also a Picture Control button on the top plate, which gives easy access to color presets, with the option to add downloaded Creator Recipes alongside the built-in presets.
Taken as a whole, the Z50 II proves that one camera can work effectively for different creative styles and experience levels. Buy it as a beginner and it will quickly yield impressive results. Stick with it as you improve and the Z50 II has the controls and capabilities to continue delivering.
Dedicated Picture Controls button for style presets
At first glance, the Nikon Z50 II bears a strong resemblance to the original Z50. It’s a tidily packaged camera, very much in the established mold of entry-level mirrorless models. Its dimensions are compact enough to be travel friendly, yet it also benefits from a sturdy build and comfortable ergonomics.
That’s in part because the Z50 II is marginally bigger and heavier than the first version. In the hand, we found its grip substantial enough to wrap our fingers around, without being cumbersome. We also appreciated the extra grams: the body features plenty of plastic, but doesn’t feel flimsy in use.
Look closer at the Z50 II and you’ll find several welcome refinements. The tilting screen of the original has become a fully articulating display, a much more flexible solution for framing on the move. This is especially useful for videography and vlogging, as it can flip all the way around to face the front. So is the addition of a headphone port, which allows aspiring filmmakers to monitor audio in real time when recording footage.
The viewfinder has also received the attention of Nikon’s product developers. It has the same 2.36m-dot resolution as before, but is now twice as bright at up to 1000 nits. In practise, that makes the EVF an easier adjustment for the eyes when framing and shooting in daylight conditions.
Eagle eyes will also discover new additions to the control layout. In our review of the Z50, we complimented the layout and balance of its buttons and dials, praising its resemblance to full-frame Nikon siblings like theZ6andZ7. The Z50 II gets closer still, with the addition of five new buttons.
You still don’t get a joystick, which means selecting the AF point requires use of the touchscreen. What you do get are zoom buttons, a display button and a dedicated drive button. These aren’t game-changing additions, but we valued their presence: they bolster the Z50 II’s chops for aspiring enthusiasts, making it easier to change key settings, without cluttering the interface.
The fifth new button sits on the top plate. A first for any Nikon camera, it gives instant access to Picture Controls – a library of aesthetic presets. To seasoned users, this might sound like a fad, but we think it will appeal to learners who want to get creative while shooting JPEGs. 31 profiles come pre-installed, with the option to adjust them through NX Studio. You can also download Creator Recipes from Nikon Imaging Cloud, and select which appear in the list.
The button’s presence leans into the Z50 II’s status as a camera for all kinds of creators. So does the fact that you can re-program its function, a useful option which will appeal to users as they move into shooting RAW stills and making color edits in post.
Design score: 4.5/5
Nikon Z50 II: features and performance
Expeed 7 processor drives subject-recognition AF
Same 20.9MP APS-C sensor as the Nikon Z50
First Nikon APS-C camera with 10-bit N-log video
If you already own a Nikon Z50, you’ll find a lot of familiar numbers on the spec sheet. The Z50 II uses the same 20.9MP APS-C sensor as its predecessor. Its mechanical burst speeds max out at 11fps. And, like many of the best mirrorless cameras for beginners, it still doesn’t offer in-body image stabilization. What it does have is a new engine.
The headline upgrade for the Z50 II is its Expeed 7 processor – the same chip used by the flagship Nikon Z9 and, subsequently, the Z8. This is the first time it’s been fitted to an APS-C body. As the motor that drives everything from autofocus to burst shooting speeds to video frame rates, it has a lot to do. Based on our experience, the Expeed 7 makes the Z50 II a proper pocket rocket.
Chief among the benefits of that new chip is top-spec subject-recognition autofocus. It might be an entry-level model, but the Nikon Z50 II can detect and lock on to targets rapidly and reliably. It has dedicated detection modes for nine different subject types, including people, animals, birds and cars, as well as an auto setting which can pick up a range of subjects at the same time.
In our experience, the Z50 II’s autofocus performance feels just as snappy in action scenarios as many of Nikon’s more expensive full-frame Z series models. With a new High-Speed Frame Capture+ mode which allows you to shoot at up to 30fps using the electronic shutter, this is a camera that’s perfectly comfortable covering action. We did encounter some rolling shutter when using this mode, but it’s nevertheless an impressive feature for an entry-level camera.
It helps that the SD card slot now supports UHS-II cards for faster read and write speeds. The USB port has also been upgraded to a Type-C number, which brings a host of benefits: as well as 5Gbit/s transfer rates, it can be used to charge the camera directly, while UVC/UAC compatibility means it can be used as a webcam without the need for additional software.
Nikon has pitched the Z50 II as a hybrid, which is reflected in its video skills. Even with the same sensor as the Z50, Nikon has harnessed the power of the Expeed 7 to squeeze more recording performance out of it. That includes the ability to capture 4K/60p video, albeit with a 1.5x crop. Uncroppped 4K footage is shot at 30fps, oversampled from 5.6K.
It’s also the first Nikon APS-C camera to support 10-bit N-log video, as well as the option to use RED Luts. This makes the Z50 II a camera with the flexibility for budding filmmakers to grow with, as they learn the ropes of videography and start to explore the possibilities of color grading.
These enthusiast-grade video capabilities might go beyond what most beginners need, but the Z50 II is also well-equipped for first-timers. A new Product Review mode seamlessly adjusts focus from the presenter to an object brought into the frame, similar to the Product Showcase feature found on cameras like theSony ZV-1. It won’t be relevant to everyone, but if you have ambitions of becoming an influencer, it’s an effective tool.
Like the Z50, the Z50 II features electronic vibration reduction to help steady handheld footage. As before, this applies a 1.3x crop to video. Nikon claims that the feature has been improved for the Z50 II, though our tests found that it still isn’t a replacement for full in-body image stabilization.
Features and performance score: 4.5/5
Nikon Z50 II: image and video quality
Excellent image quality in most conditions
Better noise-handling than the Z50 at the same ISO
4K/60p video with a 1.5x crop
On the whole, images from the Z50 II are as they were with the Z50: realistic, vibrant and clear. While its competitors offer higher resolutions, the 20.9MP sensor inside the Z50 II still does an admirable job of capturing detail.
With the white balance on automatic, we found stills out of the camera to be nicely saturated and just the right amount of dynamic range, without straying too far from neutral. The metering system coped well in a range of lighting scenarios, delivering well-judged exposures. We found that skin tones in particular were rendered faithfully in natural lighting, with a touch of warmth only detectable when shooting under heavy artificial lighting.
While its sensor size and ISO range are unchanged, we found that the Nikon Z50 II handles noise better than the Z50, thanks to the Expeed 7 processor. It was always going to lose out to its full-frame siblings, but you can get away with pushing the ISO number higher on the Z50 II before significant smoothing becomes an issue. ISO 12800 is still the upper limit, but you can comfortably lean on ISO 6400 if the conditions demand it.
If you’re purely a stills photographer, you will get better resolution elsewhere. What sets the Z50 II apart as a value offering is its autofocus performance, as well as its hybrid video abilities. As noted above, stabilization isn’t perfect, but the same adjectives are true of 4K footage from the Z50 II as for its stills.
We found 4K/60p video to be well-defined and nicely balanced. In our tests, the Z50 II adapted well to different light sources and levels, producing lifelike footage that’s good for grading. Used with a tripod, we can’t see content creators having any issues with the video that the Nikon Z50 II captures.
Image and video quality score: 4.5/5
Should I buy the Nikon Z50 II?
Buy it if…
You want top-spec autofocus Driven by Nikon’s Expeed 7 processor, the Z50 II offers autofocus performance to rival the flagship Z9. With subject detection modes for people, animals and more, it’s rapid and reliable.
You value ergonomics and handling A deeper grip makes the Z50 II even more comfortable to shoot with. A vari-angle touchscreen is helpful for framing, while new buttons bring its control layout in line with full-frame Z models.
You want to shoot a mix of stills and video With 4K/30p footage oversampled from 5.6K, plus support for N-log 10-bit recording and a useful Product Review mode for vloggers, the Z50 II has the video capabilities of a proper hybrid.
Don’t buy it if…
You already own the Z50 Performance improvements from the Expeed 7 processor are notable, but with few other changes to the overall package, there’s probably not enough here to justify upgrading from the original Z50.
You need in-body image stabilization Like many entry-level mirrorless cameras, the Z50 II lacks in-body image stabilization. Electronic video stabilization is available with a crop, but you’ll need a VR lens for optical shake reduction.
You want high-resolution stills At 20.9MP, the Z50 II’s APS-C sensor doesn’t have the highest pixel count. If the number of megapixels matters to you, other entry-level mirrorless cameras offer more for similar money.
Nikon has also bolstered the video capabilities of the Z50 II, boosting its status as an all-rounder.4Kframe rates now top out at 60fps, albeit with a 1.5x crop, and it becomes the first Nikon APS-C camera to support 10-bit N-log video – giving videography enthusiasts more flexibility when color grading in post. A headphone socket is a welcome addition, too.
