There are not many entry-level cameras left in the current camera economy. Many manufacturers aren’t even offering budget options anymore, but thankfully, even with narrowing options, there is one standout choice.
The Nikon Z50 II was so intriguing that I actually picked one up for myself and put it to the test. It’s important to understand just how few options there are for cameras under $1,000 anymore. This market is currently dominated by Canon with the R100, R50, and R10. Sony doesn’t even offer a budget camera anymore; both the a6100 and a6400 are still available, but they are almost 7 years old. Fujifilm’s only offering is the X-M5, which lacks an EVF—a dealbreaker for me. Nikon’s Z30 is more affordable but also lacks an EVF because it’s a camera more focused on content creation.
The Nikon Z50 II is the newest and most capable camera of these options. The only camera that really competes with it is the Canon R10, but the Nikon has a great trick up its sleeve: Nikon Recipes. These are similar to Fujifilm’s Film Simulations (or community recipes) and make shooting in the field far more enjoyable for me. The best part is that these recipes apply to both raw and JPEG images. This means you can shoot in raw with a “look” applied and still edit or change your mind later. If you’re interested in seeing more examples or downloading some recipes for yourself, you can find mine here and they are completely free.
For anyone learning photography, picking up their first camera, or even considering content creation, the Nikon Z50 II is a standout option. In the video, I showcase a ton of example images and talk more in-depth about why this is easily the best “budget” camera currently.
