Decision tools · Compare
D90 vs Z50 II
Quick take: The Z50 II has the highest resolution at 21MP; the D90 is the most affordable; only the Z50 II is weather sealed.
16 specs side by side·15 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.
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Verdictwhich should you buy?
Z50 II — All-Round Photography: Nikon's updated APS-C body with 4K/60p, improved subject tracking, and a vari-angle screen — a solid all-rounder.
Who should buy what
Z50 II (2024)
is the right camera for you if…
- Beginners stepping into the Nikon Z system wanting improved autofocus
- Content creators who want APS-C Z quality with subject detection AF
- Z50 owners who want meaningfully better AF performance for people and pets
- Travel photographers wanting a compact, capable Z body at an accessible price
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | D90Nikon · 2008 | Z50 IINikon · 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £25Best | £939 |
| Sensor | 12.3MP APS-C CMOS | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 12.3MP | 20.9MPBest |
| Video | 720p/24 | 4K/60p uncropped, 1080p/120p, N-Log |
| Autofocus | 11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view | Phase-detect, 249 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 11fps mechanical, 30fps electronicBest |
| Battery Life | ~850 shots (CIPA)Best | ~330 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 700g (with battery) | 385g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 132 × 103 × 77mm | 127.0 × 96.8 × 66.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | YesBest |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 96% coverage, 0.94x | EVF, 2.36M dots |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon F-mount (DX) | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD UHS-I slot |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, mini HDMI, MC-DC2 remote | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
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
D90
Z50 II
Portrait
5.2/10
7.2/10
Street
5.0/10
6.4/10
Travel
4.5/10
6.1/10
Wedding & Events
4.5/10
6.3/10
Documentary
3.3/10
7.0/10
Sports & Action
4.8/10
7.9/10
Landscape
3.7/10
5.5/10
Wildlife
5.3/10
8.1/10
Casual
3.0/10
6.4/10
Food
3.6/10
6.7/10
Macro
3.3/10
6.0/10
Architecture
3.8/10
5.5/10
Astrophotography
5.0/10
5.5/10
Vlogging & Video
—
6.8/10
Filmmaking
—
6.0/10
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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