Decision tools · Compare
D500 vs Z50
Quick take: The D500 is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·14 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more
Verdictwhich should you buy?
Z50 — Beginner, Travel, Everyday: Nikon's Z system at its most accessible.
Who should buy what
Z50 (2019)
is the right camera for you if…
- Nikon DSLR users wanting a lighter mirrorless
- First-time enthusiast camera buyers
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | D500Nikon · 2016 | Z50Nikon · 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £484Best | £499 |
| Sensor | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS | APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.9MP | 20.9MP |
| Video | 4K UHD/30p (1.5× crop), 1080p/60 | 4K 30fps (1.5× crop), 1080p 120fps |
| Autofocus | 153-point phase-detect (99 cross-type, 55 selectable) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view | 209-point phase-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 10fps | 11fpsBest |
| Battery Life | ~1240 shots (CIPA)Best | 300 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 860g (with battery) | 397g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 147 × 115 × 81mm | 126.5 × 93.5 × 60.0mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 1.0x | EVF 0.68× 2.36M-dot |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.36M dots | 3.2" downward-tilting touchscreen, 1.04M-dot |
| Mount | Nikon F-mount (DX) | Nikon Z-Mount (DX) |
| Memory Cards | Dual slots: XQD + SD | Single SD UHS-I |
| Connectivity | USB 3.0, mini HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (SnapBridge), NFC, 3.5mm mic & headphone jacks, 10-pin remote | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, Micro USB, Micro HDMI |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
D500
Z50
Portrait
5.9/10
6.6/10
Street
4.9/10
6.3/10
Travel
5.0/10
6.1/10
Wedding & Events
6.6/10
5.5/10
Filmmaking
5.1/10
4.8/10
Documentary
5.6/10
5.8/10
Sports & Action
6.6/10
6.8/10
Landscape
5.3/10
5.3/10
Wildlife
6.4/10
7.2/10
Casual
3.6/10
5.4/10
Food
5.0/10
6.0/10
Macro
4.1/10
5.6/10
Architecture
4.9/10
5.1/10
Astrophotography
5.5/10
5.2/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
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