With my Google Pixel 9, I like to think of myself (delusionally) as a Peter Lindbergh-type photographer—capturing my subjects raw and honest and a master of visual composition. In reality, I let the phone do all the work without touching a single setting.

That is to say, I’m a novice in the world of photography - but it is something I’ve always enjoyed and wanted to learn more about. In the past, I’ve found the sheer varieties of models available, vernacular like aperture and shutter speed and the cost make it feel inaccessible. So when the Nikon Z50II launched, I was keen to give it a try.

The second generation of the Nikon Z50 mirrorless camera has many notable updates from its predecessor which was released back in 2019. It has a new updated processor, a brighter electronic viewfinder and a dedicated Picture Control button. These updates have earned the camera praise from specialist publications like Digital Camera World dubbed it “the most advanced DX-sensor camera that Nikon has in its range, while The Verge suggested that the latter feature was the standout: “That dedicated Picture Control button — the first on any Nikon camera — is the Z50II’s most exciting upgrade.”

The camera was created with beginners in mind so the brand has paid close attention to the Auto mode. It is aimed towards content creators with advanced vlogging features. But can a complete novice really get to grips with it? I put it to the ES Best test.