In the world of Nikon wildlife photography, a familiar question often echoes in conversations: Will there ever be a true successor to the iconic Nikon D500? For years, the D500 held a unique position as a professional APS-C camera, combining durability, speed, and impeccable autofocus performance. With the rise of Nikon’s Z-mount system, many feared that the D500’s lineage had quietly ended. Some even whispered that nothing like it would ever exist again.
When Nikon released the Z50 II, curiosity ignited immediately. Could this compact mirrorless camera be the spiritual successor to the D500? I spent a full day in the field putting it to the test, examining whether this camera could bridge the gap between legacy DSLR strength and modern mirrorless innovation.
The Legacy of the D500
To understand the weight of this comparison, it’s important to revisit what made the D500 special. It was the culmination of Nikon’s long-standing professional APS-C line, starting with the D100 and evolving through the D200 and D300. Each generation carried the DNA of pro-level performance in a smaller, more accessible body. The D500, launched alongside the flagship D5, was a powerhouse. It offered a robust build, fast and intelligent autofocus, a high-capacity battery, and stunning image quality for its format. Many photographers still regard it as the finest APS-C DSLR ever crafted.
When Nikon transitioned to the Z-mount, APS-C cameras were initially seen as entry-level options, with limited features compared to their full-frame counterparts. The small batteries, reduced ergonomics, and modest autofocus capabilities left many wildlife and sports photographers longing for the D500’s level of refinement. That’s why the arrival of the Z50 II sparked both anticipation and skepticism.
Could the Z50 II Replace the D500
When I first picked up the Z50 II, I was immediately struck by its more mature design compared to the original Z50. The body feels sturdier and more in line with Nikon’s higher-end Z-series models like the Z6 III. The contours are refined, and the button layout has been carefully adjusted. Even the small touches, such as the repositioned microphones and the addition of a REC lamp for video creators, suggest that Nikon has thought about real-world usability.
In the hand, the camera is undeniably compact. Paired with large telephoto lenses, it looks almost comically small, yet with DX-format lenses, it forms a balanced and nimble setup. The rear controls now resemble those of Nikon’s professional mirrorless cameras, making it easier to switch between bodies without re-learning muscle memory. While the absence of a joystick might disappoint some, the ability to select focus points by sliding your finger across the screen while using the viewfinder is a clever workaround.
One welcome improvement is the upgraded mode dial, which now features three custom user settings (U1, U2, U3). This brings it closer to the D500 in terms of flexibility, allowing you to quickly jump between different shooting configurations. The addition of a programmable Picture Control button near the shutter release is another small but meaningful change that enhances customization.
Autofocus in the Field
The true test of any wildlife camera lies in its autofocus performance, especially under challenging conditions. My day with the Z50 II took place under heavy clouds at the Prague Zoo, where light was scarce and subjects were unpredictable. Despite these challenges, the camera impressed me.
The Z50 II demonstrated an uncanny ability to lock onto eyes, even in complex scenes. Whether it was a duck hidden among reeds or a flamingo dipping its beak underwater, the autofocus tracked with confidence. Birds with unusual shapes or partially obstructed bodies didn’t confuse the system. The experience felt closer to using Nikon’s flagship Z9 than I expected, especially considering the Z50 II’s smaller sensor and more modest price point.
What surprised me even more was its performance with reptiles. The algorithms recognized the subtle details of lizards and snakes, locking onto eyes that were barely visible against textured backgrounds. Photographing a massive gharial, I noticed how reliably the focus clung to its sleepy eye despite the low contrast.
For birds in flight, the Z50 II held its own, although it lacks a stacked sensor. Using the mechanical shutter to capture fast wingbeats means the viewfinder briefly goes dark between frames, but there’s virtually no display lag, which is a major improvement over early Z-series models. While the maximum shutter speed of 1/4000s might feel limiting in bright conditions with fast lenses, in most wildlife situations, it performed adequately.
Design Refinements and Practical Usability
Beyond autofocus, the Z50 II offers thoughtful usability upgrades. The fully articulated 3.2-inch screen makes it versatile for vlogging and vertical compositions. However, for low-angle wildlife shots, I found myself missing the tilting design of the original Z50, which was easier to use at ground level or over water.
The camera’s ergonomics are solid, though slightly larger buttons—especially for the AE-L/AF-L—would have been welcome. The absence of backlit controls in a camera aimed at enthusiasts and semi-professionals is another small oversight. That said, the customizable controls and ability to tailor the camera to specific shooting styles make it a flexible tool in the field.
Battery life remains tied to the EN-EL25a, a smaller cell compared to the D500’s legendary endurance. For long wildlife sessions, carrying spares is essential. On the positive side, the camera supports UHS-II SD cards, which help keep up with bursts during action sequences.
A Mirrorless Camera with D500 DNA
After a day of shooting, one thing became clear: while the Z50 II isn’t a one-to-one replacement for the D500, it carries more of its spirit than I expected. The mature design, improved ergonomics, advanced autofocus, and thoughtful customization options make it a compelling option for wildlife enthusiasts who want a compact yet capable APS-C camera in the Z-mount ecosystem.
Nikon hasn’t abandoned serious APS-C shooters. Instead, with the Z50 II, they’ve crafted a camera that bridges the gap between entry-level convenience and professional-level performance. For those who feared the D500’s legacy had been lost, the Z50 II serves as a reassuring reminder that Nikon still understands what dedicated photographers need in the field.
A Long-Awaited Arrival
In the Nikon wildlife photography world, conversations often circle back to the same nostalgic debate: Will there ever be a true successor to the iconic Nikon D500? For years, the D500 stood as a benchmark for APS-C cameras, revered for its robustness, lightning-fast autofocus, and professional-grade build. Enthusiasts and professionals alike have long speculated about a worthy replacement, often sighing in resignation at the thought that perhaps no camera would ever replicate that legendary balance of performance and price.
When Nikon unveiled the Z50 II, anticipation surged. Could this new mirrorless APS-C model step into the role once held by the D500? I spent a full day in the field testing the camera to answer that very question, and my impressions are rooted in real-world use rather than technical charts or studio conditions.
Understanding the Legacy of the D500
To appreciate what the Z50 II aims to achieve, one must first understand the legacy it inherits. The D500 wasn’t just another DSLR; it represented the culmination of an evolutionary line beginning with the D100 and progressing through the D200 and D300. Each generation refined the formula: compact yet powerful cameras offering pro-level features in a smaller, more affordable body.
By the time the D500 arrived alongside the flagship D5, it cemented itself as the apex of APS-C DSLRs. With tank-like durability, superb ergonomics, uncompromising autofocus, and exceptional image quality, it became the gold standard. Many photographers still regard it as the finest APS-C camera ever made.
The arrival of the Z-mount system changed everything. Nikon’s focus shifted to full-frame mirrorless models, and APS-C offerings were pared down to entry-level options with smaller batteries and limited autofocus capabilities. For a while, it seemed the professional APS-C line had been abandoned entirely.
Then came the Z50 II.
Nikon Z50 II and the Question of Replacement
When I first picked up the Z50 II, the question burned in my mind: is this the long-awaited answer to the D500’s legacy? On paper, it doesn’t seem like a direct successor. It’s smaller, lighter, and lacks some of the rugged, tank-like qualities of the D500. Yet, in the field, the story is more nuanced.
The camera immediately feels more refined compared to the original Z50. Nikon has given it a design language closer to the Z6 III, shedding the softer, rounded contours of its predecessor for a more mature, purposeful aesthetic. The repositioning of the speaker and stereo microphones hints at attention to detail, while a recording lamp on the top appeals to vloggers and hybrid shooters.
Holding it with a large telephoto lens attached, it appears slightly undersized, yet with Nikon’s DX lenses, the balance feels natural. For those venturing into wildlife and sports, the body’s lightness becomes an asset during long days in the field.
Evolved Ergonomics and Controls
The rear controls have been overhauled to echo the layouts of Nikon’s higher-end Z models like the Z6 III and Z8. This alignment of design philosophy makes switching between bodies intuitive, reducing muscle memory conflicts for photographers using multiple cameras. The absence of a joystick is noticeable, particularly for those coming from the D500, but Nikon mitigates this by allowing focus point selection through the touchscreen, even while using the viewfinder.
A small yet significant change is the addition of a dedicated Picture Control button near the shutter. This mirrors the customizable black-and-white switch seen on the Zf but offers a wider array of profiles. For photographers who frequently switch looks on the fly, it’s a practical touch.
Another subtle but appreciated upgrade is the replacement of the old effects mode with a third user setting on the mode dial. Having U1, U2, and U3 provides flexibility previously reserved for higher-tier models. This is particularly valuable for wildlife shooters who need to swap between action, portrait, and low-light configurations instantly.
The fully articulating 3.2-inch display replaces the tilting screen of the original Z50. While vloggers and portrait shooters will welcome this change, ground-level and waterline photographers may find the side-flipping mechanism less convenient than a traditional tilt. Still, its versatility in vertical compositions cannot be ignored.
In-Field Autofocus Performance
Perhaps the most critical aspect of any wildlife-focused camera is autofocus. Testing the Z50 II in challenging conditions, I found myself pleasantly surprised. A gray day at the Prague Zoo offered low light, tricky compositions, and restless subjects—a perfect stress test.
The Z50 II locked onto the eyes of birds with startling precision, rivaling even the Z9 in some scenarios. Herons, ducks, and exotic species like Palm Cockatoos were tracked with ease. Even in unconventional poses, partially obscured frames, and erratic movement, the camera’s algorithms performed admirably.
It wasn’t just birds that impressed. The camera handled reptiles with unexpected accuracy, confidently detecting the eye of a lethargic gharial. This suggests Nikon has pushed its subject recognition algorithms far beyond what was present in earlier Z APS-C models.
For birds in flight, the absence of a stacked sensor introduces limitations. The mechanical shutter must be used to avoid rolling shutter artifacts, and the viewfinder blacks out during high-speed bursts. However, the lack of display lag is a welcome change compared to older mirrorless systems. While the 1/4000s maximum shutter speed may seem restrictive, in real-world shooting it rarely posed a problem, except when using very fast glass in bright light.
Usability and Real-World Observations
One of the more subtle victories of the Z50 II lies in its customization. The ability to assign multiple autofocus modes to different buttons mirrors a professional workflow. Even without a joystick, the intuitive button layout and responsive touchscreen make up for the omission.
Battery life, while improved slightly, still can’t match the endurance of the D500’s larger cell. However, the camera’s overall efficiency allows for extended shooting sessions without constant anxiety about power. The inclusion of a single UHS-II SD card slot may disappoint some, but for the camera’s class and price point, it’s a reasonable compromise.
In challenging lighting, the sensor’s performance stood out. High ISO shots, even at ISO 28800, retained usable detail with minimal noise once processed carefully. For a camera of this size and sensor format, it demonstrates that Nikon is extracting impressive capability from its APS-C technology.
A Balanced Perspective
Does the Z50 II completely replace the D500? Not exactly. The D500 remains a specialized workhorse with a unique combination of speed, durability, and endurance. Yet, the Z50 II closes the gap far more than expected. It inherits the spirit of the D500, offering professional-grade autofocus, nimble handling, and enough customization to satisfy demanding photographers.
For wildlife shooters who have waited years for Nikon to breathe life into its APS-C lineup, the Z50 II feels like a promising evolution. It’s a small, mature, and adaptable tool that offers a glimpse of what modern mirrorless APS-C cameras can achieve. While purists may argue no mirrorless model can ever replicate the D500’s magic, the Z50 II proves that Nikon hasn’t forgotten what made that camera legendary.
In the field, it earns respect not by mimicking the past, but by redefining what a compact, high-performance APS-C camera can deliver in today’s photographic landscape.
A Modern Successor or a Nostalgic Echo?
Within the Nikon wildlife photography community, there has been a long-standing debate about whether a worthy successor to the iconic D500 would ever emerge. For years, conversations around campfires and photo expeditions have revolved around the same question: Will there ever be another APS-C camera that blends rugged reliability with professional-grade performance? Many photographers, resigned to the shift toward mirrorless technology, believed the answer was no.
When the Nikon Z50 II entered the scene, curiosity surged. Could this camera, with its Z-mount design and fresh engineering, step into the shoes of the D500? A day in the field with the Z50 II, capturing the fleeting movements of birds and subtle interactions of wildlife, offered valuable insights into whether this compact powerhouse carries the same spirit as its DSLR predecessor.
The Legacy of the D500
To understand the excitement surrounding the Z50 II, one must first revisit why the D500 became such a revered tool. The D500 wasn’t just another APS-C camera; it was the culmination of years of refinement. From the D100’s approachable professional feel to the D300’s blend of durability and speed, Nikon built a lineage that peaked with the D500.
When released alongside the flagship D5, the D500 brought a professional build, formidable autofocus, a large battery, and exceptional image quality to APS-C users. It bridged the gap between enthusiasts and working photographers who needed a robust yet compact tool. For many, it became the definitive APS-C DSLR.
But with the advent of Nikon’s Z-mount, APS-C development seemed to stall. Entry-level models dominated the lineup, and photographers who thrived on the D500’s capabilities felt left behind. Then came the Z50 II, signaling a shift in Nikon’s intentions for the APS-C mirrorless platform. While it may not replicate every D500 characteristic, the Z50 II offers an intriguing blend of performance, usability, and modern design that brings it closer to the legendary DSLR than skeptics expected.
Z50 II: Design and Handling
The design of the Z50 II reflects maturity compared to its predecessor. The body, now borrowing cues from the Z6 III, has a more refined shape. The speaker’s position has shifted to the left of the viewfinder, while the stereo microphones have been subtly repositioned for improved audio capture. A recording lamp at the top of the camera appeals to content creators, signaling Nikon’s awareness of hybrid shooters.
In the hand, the Z50 II feels small yet substantial. Paired with large telephoto lenses, its compact frame can look slightly disproportionate, but when used with DX-format lenses, the balance is comfortable and natural. The limited native DX lens lineup is a consideration, though the growing range of third-party optics adds flexibility.
Ergonomically, the rear controls have been updated to align more closely with the Z6 III and Z8. This consistency means photographers switching between Nikon bodies will find muscle memory intact. The absence of a joystick is noticeable for D500 veterans, but the touchscreen’s ability to select focus points—even with your eye to the viewfinder—offers a smooth alternative. The customization options for buttons further enhance usability, allowing rapid access to multiple autofocus modes without diving into menus.
The addition of a Picture Control button near the shutter release reflects Nikon’s understanding of modern shooting needs. This feature, akin to the monochrome switch on the Zf, allows quick toggling between preset profiles, enabling creative experimentation without interrupting workflow.
One of the more significant design changes is the fully-articulated rear display. At 3.2 inches and 1.04 million dots, the specifications remain the same, but the shift from a tilting to a side-flipping design caters to vloggers and those shooting at unconventional angles. For low-level wildlife shots, some may miss the simplicity of the previous tilting mechanism, yet the versatility of full articulation opens possibilities for vertical compositions and dynamic perspectives.
While the Z50 II lacks the D500’s backlit buttons and more ruggedized build, it still exudes a sense of thoughtful engineering. Photographers will appreciate the addition of a third custom setting (U3) on the mode dial, replacing the effects mode and allowing more personalized shooting setups—a small but meaningful enhancement.
Z50 II: Autofocus in the Field
Autofocus performance is often the deciding factor for wildlife and action photographers. Testing the Z50 II in challenging conditions—overcast skies, low contrast, and unpredictable animal movements—provided a real-world measure of its capabilities.
The results were surprisingly strong. The Z50 II’s autofocus tracked subjects with precision, from waterfowl dipping beaks into reflective ponds to exotic birds perched in intricate foliage. The algorithms locked onto eyes with a level of confidence reminiscent of Nikon’s higher-end Z9, maintaining focus even during bursts of continuous shooting.
In one particularly demanding scenario, a bird partially submerged in water presented an irregular shape that could have baffled older autofocus systems. The Z50 II, however, recognized and maintained focus on the eye, demonstrating the sophistication of its subject detection.
The camera even impressed when photographing reptiles, a category not explicitly optimized for in its subject detection. A gharial basking in soft light was rendered sharply, the autofocus clinging to the creature’s eye with minimal hesitation. This versatility suggests a robust underlying algorithmic intelligence, extending the Z50 II’s usability beyond traditional wildlife subjects.
When it came to birds in flight, the lack of a stacked sensor meant the electronic shutter wasn’t as effective for rapid wing movement capture, necessitating the use of the mechanical shutter. This introduces brief viewfinder blackout during continuous bursts, though the absence of display lag mitigates some of the disruption. Despite these limitations, the Z50 II managed to lock onto and track fast-moving avian subjects with an accuracy that far exceeded expectations for its class.
Other Usability Remarks
Battery life remains one of the distinguishing factors between the Z50 II and the D500. While the D500’s larger cell offered extended shooting sessions, the Z50 II utilizes the EN-EL25a, delivering respectable performance but falling short of the DSLR workhorse. The single SD UHS-II card slot underscores the camera’s position as a compact, versatile tool rather than a full professional replacement, yet it offers sufficient speed for high-burst shooting and quick buffer clearing.
Customizability is another strength. The ability to map multiple functions to accessible buttons allows photographers to adapt the camera to their shooting style. The menu layout, familiar to Nikon users, ensures a smooth transition from DSLR to mirrorless, maintaining a balance of innovation and continuity.
The Nikon Z50 II does not attempt to be a carbon copy of the D500, nor should it. Instead, it represents a bridge between Nikon’s DSLR heritage and its mirrorless ambitions in the APS-C segment. Its compact build, refined ergonomics, and capable autofocus make it a compelling tool for enthusiasts and even professionals seeking a lightweight companion.
For those who spent years with the D500, the Z50 II may feel like a different species at first glance. Yet, in the field, amidst the unpredictable rhythms of wildlife, it evokes a familiar sense of trust. It may not be the D500 reborn, but it is undeniably a step toward giving APS-C shooters a worthy modern alternative—a camera that respects the past while embracing the future.
Capturing the Essence of Light and Motion
When evaluating the Nikon Z50 II in terms of performance, it becomes evident that this camera is designed to deliver a balance of speed, precision, and aesthetic rendering. The camera’s ability to maintain sharpness in fast-paced environments is particularly striking. In dynamic wildlife scenarios, where fleeting moments define the story, the Z50 II demonstrates remarkable responsiveness. Whether capturing a heron’s sudden flight or the subtle ripple of water disturbed by a kingfisher’s dive, the camera translates motion into detailed, textured frames that convey a sense of immediacy.
Low-light performance also plays a pivotal role in the camera’s identity. With an ISO range that maintains clarity even in dim conditions, the Z50 II handles dusk and early morning sessions gracefully. Images of nocturnal mammals, softly illuminated by fading light, retain depth without introducing excessive grain. Colors remain balanced, and shadow detail is preserved in a way that feels both natural and cinematic.
For photographers accustomed to the D500’s dynamic range, the Z50 II offers a different yet equally compelling rendering style. Highlights are managed with delicacy, allowing for intricate cloud formations or reflective water surfaces to retain texture. Meanwhile, the tonal transitions in midrange values exhibit a painterly smoothness, especially noticeable in portrait-style wildlife compositions.
Video Capabilities and Hybrid Shooting
Modern photography often demands more than still images, and the Z50 II steps into this hybrid space with confidence. The camera records 4K video without crop, ensuring that focal lengths maintain their intended perspective. The footage is sharp and carries the same color science that has long been a Nikon signature. When following moving subjects, the autofocus system transitions smoothly, minimizing the distracting focus hunting that can plague similar cameras.
For content creators blending stills and video, the Z50 II’s fully-articulated screen becomes an invaluable asset. Filming low-angle sequences of amphibians or vlogging field experiences feels intuitive. The addition of the recording indicator, though subtle, reflects a thoughtful approach to the needs of those producing multimedia content.
Audio capture, often an overlooked element, benefits from the repositioned stereo microphones. Field recordings of ambient sound—from rustling leaves to the calls of distant birds—are rendered with surprising clarity, reducing the need for external equipment in casual scenarios. For professional work, the inclusion of external mic and headphone jacks ensures flexibility without compromising compactness.
Lens Compatibility and Optical Versatility
One of the defining conversations around the Z50 II revolves around lens choices. The native DX Z-mount lineup remains modest, but the ability to pair the camera with full-frame Z lenses or adapt legacy F-mount glass significantly expands creative options. Using a fast telephoto lens transforms the camera into a wildlife-focused instrument capable of producing professional-grade results.
Despite its small frame, the camera handles larger lenses with grace, though balance can feel front-heavy with certain optics. The advantage lies in the Z50 II’s autofocus performance, which maintains speed and accuracy even when paired with adapted glass. This compatibility encourages photographers to explore their existing collections while gradually transitioning into the mirrorless ecosystem.
The rendering of images through different lenses highlights another strength: color consistency. Whether using a compact DX zoom or a professional-grade prime, the Z50 II maintains a unified visual signature, making it easier to create cohesive bodies of work. This continuity appeals to photographers who value a consistent aesthetic across varied equipment.
A Question Transformed: Is This the True Heir to the D500?
Many enthusiasts have posed a simple yet profound question: does the Z50 II inherit the mantle of the D500, or does it carve its path? Rather than answering this with a binary response, the experience with the camera reframes the question itself. The Z50 II does not mimic the D500; instead, it offers a modern interpretation of what an APS-C camera can be in a mirrorless era.
For photographers who built their craft on the D500’s rugged reliability, the Z50 II provides a sense of continuity through performance and control. At the same time, its compactness, hybrid features, and evolving lens ecosystem signal a departure from traditional DSLR expectations. This duality is what makes it compelling. It honors the legacy without being confined by it, offering a tool that feels both familiar and forward-thinking.
Conclusion
The Nikon Z50 II stands as a testament to Nikon’s ability to adapt heritage into modernity. It embodies a delicate equilibrium between innovation and tradition, making it more than just another APS-C mirrorless camera. In the field, its strengths become tangible: precise autofocus, versatile handling, and a rendering style that resonates with both enthusiasts and professionals.
Its compact size belies its capabilities. For wildlife photographers, the camera delivers a level of trustworthiness essential for capturing unpredictable moments. For content creators, its hybrid features make it a versatile companion. While it lacks some of the D500’s hallmark elements—such as dual card slots or a deeply rugged body—it compensates by offering a seamless bridge into the mirrorless ecosystem with intelligence and grace.
Ultimately, the Z50 II does not seek to replace the D500 outright. Instead, it acknowledges the changing landscape of photography and offers a response that is both pragmatic and inspiring. It invites photographers to rethink what they expect from an APS-C camera while providing a tool that feels instinctively Nikon. For those searching for a worthy successor to a beloved classic, the Z50 II may not answer with nostalgia but with a quiet confidence that reflects the future of image-making.