• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

Buy From

Differences

Nikon Z50 advantages over Nikon D780

  • Less expensive
    $997 vs $2797
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Nikon D780 advantages over Nikon Z50

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 4.22 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 2260 vs 320 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More telephoto lens reach
    120 mm vs 75 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Higher-res screen
    786k vs 346k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    24.5 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
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Nikon Z50
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon D780
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $2230
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Built-in GPS

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Nikon Z50
Pentax K-1 II
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon D780
Pentax K-1 II
  • $2230
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon EOS M50

Nikon Z50
Canon EOS M50
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon D780
Canon EOS M50
  • $2230
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Sony A6400

Nikon Z50
Sony A6400
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon D780
Sony A6400
  • $2230
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Fujifilm X-S10

Nikon Z50
Fujifilm X-S10
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $949
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
Nikon D780
Fujifilm X-S10
  • $2230
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $949
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Compare Other Cameras?