Decision tools · Compare
Nikon D780 vs Z50
Quick take: The Nikon D780 has the highest resolution at 25MP; the Z50 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 | Nikon D780Nikon · 2020 | Z50Nikon · 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,999 | £499Best |
| Sensor | 24.3MP full-frame BSI CMOS | APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 25.0MPBest | 20.9MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 10-bit N-Log via HDMI, 1080p/120p | 4K 30fps (1.5× crop), 1080p 120fps |
| Autofocus | 51-point DSLR phase-detect (viewfinder); on-sensor hybrid AF with eye detection (live view/video) | 209-point phase-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 7fps | 11fpsBest |
| Battery Life | 2,260 shots (CIPA, viewfinder) | 300 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 840g (with battery and card) | 397g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | — | 126.5 × 93.5 × 60.0mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 0.7x magnification, 100% coverage | EVF 0.68× 2.36M-dot |
| Screen | Tilting touchscreen | 3.2" downward-tilting touchscreen, 1.04M-dot |
| Mount | Nikon F-mount | Nikon Z-Mount (DX) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD (UHS-II) | Single SD UHS-I |
| Connectivity | USB, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | 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
Nikon D780
Z50
Portrait
6.7/10
6.6/10
Street
5.4/10
6.3/10
Travel
5.6/10
6.3/10
Wedding & Events
7.3/10
5.5/10
Filmmaking
6.2/10
4.8/10
Documentary
6.5/10
5.8/10
Sports & Action
6.3/10
6.8/10
Landscape
6.2/10
5.3/10
Wildlife
6.2/10
7.2/10
Casual
4.2/10
5.3/10
Food
5.8/10
6.0/10
Macro
5.4/10
5.6/10
Architecture
5.9/10
5.1/10
Astrophotography
6.7/10
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 →
Next
More comparisons with Nikon D780
Camera family history