• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 45.7 megapixels
  • ISO 64 - 25,600
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Nikon D850 advantages over Nikon Z50

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1840 vs 320 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 346k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.75x vs 0.68x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    45.7 vs 20.9 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon Z50 advantages over Nikon D850

  • Less expensive
    $997 vs $2497*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    60 mm vs 78 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    4 years vs 7 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.0 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    11.0 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 102400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • 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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon Z50

Review Excerpt

  • Class-leading resolution; Excellent dynamic range; Very good high ISO performance; Very fast AF and burst shooting; Durable weather-sealed body; Improved ergonomics; Touchscreen; Dual card slots; 4K video.

  • Live view/video mode still uses sluggish contrast-detect AF; Viewfinder only tests at ~98% coverage; No 4K at 60p; 30-minute video clip limit; Focus peaking not supported with 4K.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Nikon D850
Canon 5DS R
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
Nikon Z50
Canon 5DS R
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Sony A99 II

Nikon D850
Sony A99 II
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon Z50
Sony A99 II
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Nikon D850
Pentax K-1 II
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon Z50
Pentax K-1 II
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon EOS M50

Nikon D850
Canon EOS M50
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon Z50
Canon EOS M50
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Fujifilm X-S10

Nikon D850
Fujifilm X-S10
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $959
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon Z50
Fujifilm X-S10
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $959
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
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