• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 18.4 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 12,800
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon J4 advantages over Panasonic ZS50

  • Slower slow-motion
    1200 fps vs 240 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.52 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Higher effective ISO
    426 vs 138 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • More pixels
    18.4 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic ZS50 advantages over Nikon J4

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic ZS50

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon J3

Nikon J4
Nikon J3
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
Panasonic ZS50
Nikon J3
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Panasonic ZS40

Nikon J4
Panasonic ZS40
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic ZS50
Panasonic ZS40
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon SX700 HS

Nikon J4
Canon SX700 HS
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic ZS50
Canon SX700 HS
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Faster shutter

Compared to Samsung NX Mini

Nikon J4
Samsung NX Mini
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Higher-res screen
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
Panasonic ZS50
Samsung NX Mini
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon J5

Nikon J4
Nikon J5
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Tiltable Screen
Panasonic ZS50
Nikon J5
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
Compare Other Cameras?