Capturing the world through a Nikon lens
Guide

Nikon Z5 Vs Nikon Z50: Battle Of The Budget Mirrorless Cameras

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • The Z5 is a more expensive camera, but it offers a number of advantages over the Z50, including a larger sensor, a faster and more accurate autofocus system, better video capabilities, and a more durable build quality.
  • The Z50 is a better choice for photographers who are looking for a more affordable camera that is still capable of producing great images and videos.
  • The Nikon Z5 has a few advantages over the Z50 in terms of video, including a built-in microphone input and a longer battery life.

The Nikon Z5 and Z50 are two of the most popular mirrorless cameras on the market. Both cameras offer excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and a wide range of features. However, there are some key differences between the two cameras that may make one a better choice for you than the other. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Nikon Z5 and Z50 side-by-side to help you decide which camera is right for you.

Sensor and Image Quality

The Nikon Z5 and Z50 both have a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor. However, the Z5’s sensor is slightly larger than the Z50’s sensor, which gives it a slight edge in terms of image quality. The Z5’s sensor also has a higher dynamic range than the Z50’s sensor, which means it can capture more detail in both bright and dark areas.

Autofocus

Both the Nikon Z5 and Z50 have excellent autofocus systems. However, the Z5’s autofocus system is slightly faster and more accurate than the Z50’s autofocus system. The Z5 also has a larger number of autofocus points than the Z50, which gives it better coverage across the frame.

Video

The Nikon Z5 and Z50 both offer excellent video capabilities. Both cameras can record 4K UHD video at 30fps and 1080p Full HD video at 120fps. However, the Z5 has a few advantages over the Z50 in terms of video. The Z5 has a built-in microphone input, which allows you to connect an external microphone for better audio quality. The Z5 also has a longer battery life than the Z50, which is important for long video shoots.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

The Nikon Z5 and Z50 are both well-built cameras, but the Z5 has a slight edge in terms of build quality. The Z5’s body is made of magnesium alloy, while the Z50’s body is made of plastic. The Z5 is also weather-resistant, which means it can withstand dust and moisture. The Z50 is not weather-resistant, so it’s not as well-suited for outdoor photography in inclement weather.

Price

The Nikon Z5 is priced at $1,399, while the Nikon Z50 is priced at $859. The Z5 is a more expensive camera, but it offers a number of advantages over the Z50, including a larger sensor, a faster and more accurate autofocus system, better video capabilities, and a more durable build quality.

Which Camera is Right for You?

The Nikon Z5 and Z50 are both excellent mirrorless cameras. However, the Z5 is a better choice for photographers who need the best possible image quality, fast autofocus, and extensive video capabilities. The Z50 is a better choice for photographers who are looking for a more affordable camera that is still capable of producing great images and videos.

The Final Verdict

The Nikon Z5 and Z50 are both excellent mirrorless cameras, but they are best suited for different types of photographers. The Z5 is a better choice for photographers who need the best possible image quality, fast autofocus, and extensive video capabilities. The Z50 is a better choice for photographers who are looking for a more affordable camera that is still capable of producing great images and videos.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which camera has a better sensor?

The Nikon Z5 has a slightly larger sensor than the Z50, which gives it a slight edge in terms of image quality.

2. Which camera has a faster autofocus system?

The Nikon Z5 has a slightly faster and more accurate autofocus system than the Z50.

3. Which camera is better for video?

The Nikon Z5 has a few advantages over the Z50 in terms of video, including a built-in microphone input and a longer battery life.

4. Which camera is better for outdoor photography?

The Nikon Z5 is weather-resistant, while the Z50 is not. This makes the Z5 a better choice for outdoor photography in inclement weather.

5. Which camera is more affordable?

The Nikon Z50 is more affordable than the Z5.

Was this page helpful?

Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
Back to top button