Getting the most from your new Nikon Z50II
Try these tips and techniques with Nikon’s new, feature-packed DX camera
Zoom with a prime!
Just because you’re filming with a prime lens doesn’t mean you can’t zoom! Only previously available on higher-end Nikon Z cameras, with the Nikon Z50II you can zoom up to 2x in Full HD and there are 11 different zoom speeds to choose from. You can also set the control ring of your lens to allow manual zoom. Try it out on a video to see how changing zoom speeds can give different moods and creative results.
Get into N-Log
Give your videos a really professional look by setting the Nikon Z50II to shoot in N-Log, which will give you much more control over the final look of the footage. Log footage is a bit like RAW in stills, where you capture much more of the colours and dynamic range of the scene. It looks very flat straight out of the camera, but with all that information you can alter colours and contrasts to get the finish you really want.
Vlog like a pro
Product reviews remain one of the most popular genres of video across different platforms. To get a truly professional look to your reviews, the Nikon Z50II now comes with Product Review Mode, an Autofocus mode that automatically switches between you and an object when you hold up to the camera. It’s easy to set up so give it a try and you could be on your way to becoming the next YouTube sensation!
Experiment with Picture Control
The Nikon Z50II is the first Nikon Z camera with its own dedicated Picture Control button, allowing you to cycle through different colour options and moods before you take a picture. It’s also only the second Nikon Z camera to be connected to the Nikon Imaging Cloud, where you can collect, create and store your own image Recipes. Take some time to check out all the different Picture Controls and Recipes. Then you can spend less time worrying about camera settings and more time being creative.
Be in a movie, not a meeting
On a video call with friends or in a virtual meeting, your laptop or phone camera is not doing you any favours. But with the Nikon Z50II all you have to do is plug the camera into the laptop or phone and that’s it. Set the camera to the right height for your face on a small tripod (no more people looking up your nose!), set the Autofocus to Eye AF and the difference is huge. It’s the perfect set-up for livestreaming video content, too.
Let the camera work for you
With an enhanced Auto mode, the Nikon Z50II can allow you to keep an eye on what’s happening around you, ready for the moment. Then all you have to do is turn the camera on and go, letting the Z50II make all the decisions for you. Try Auto mode on a city walk with lots of different subjects and different distances to see amazing results (and when photographing in a city, don’t forget to look up).
Go back in time with Pre-Release Capture
Pre-Release Capture on the Nikon Z50II is like having a time machine. With Pre-Release turned on, the camera starts taking images when the shutter is half pressed, so you can capture an exact moment. You can buffer up to a second’s worth of images (at up to 30fps) to ensure you’ve got the shot. Try it out where there’s movement – waiting for a bird to take off, people dancing or playing sport are all good options.
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