The test winner, the Z50 II, is compact and lightweight. Thanks to its well-defined grip, it sits really comfortably in the hand. It produces high-quality photos and videos. Thanks to the fast image processor (Expeed 7), the autofocus recognises the subject very accurately and at a very high speed...

As good as smartphone cameras have become in the meantime. At some point, creative photography still reaches its limits. For example, the focal length can only be adjusted to a very limited extent, if at all. In addition, the depth of field cannot be controlled. But this is precisely what is essential for consciously influencing the image effect...

After five years, Nikon presents the successor to its first mirrorless DX camera. A lot has changed, especially in terms of autofocus, which recognises numerous subjects via Kl. The flip-up monitor appeals to vloggers. Some people might miss an image stabiliser (IBIS), but even the competition in this price range does not usually offer this...

Recently, camera manufacturers have criminally neglected entry-level cameras. As a result, hardly any new models have come onto the market that are available from specialist retailers for less than 1000 euros - let alone for less than 500 euros. In the days of DSLRs, the choice in this price range was much greater...

The combination of first-class autofocus and crop factor makes the Z50ll interesting not least for animal photographers. Those who do not need more than 21 megapixels are still well advised to use the sensor, which has very good noise behaviour. Nevertheless, there are still wishes that a top-of-the-range DX model could fulfil: above all, a larger viewfinder, automatic sensor cleaning and image stabilisation...