Decision tools · Compare
D90 vs Z50
Quick take: The Z50 has the highest resolution at 21MP; the D90 is the most affordable; only the Z50 is weather sealed.
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.
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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 | D90Nikon · 2008 | Z50Nikon · 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £25Best | £499 |
| Sensor | 12.3MP APS-C CMOS | APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 12.3MP | 20.9MPBest |
| Video | 720p/24 | 4K 30fps (1.5× crop), 1080p 120fps |
| Autofocus | 11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) 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 | 4.5fps | 11fpsBest |
| Battery Life | ~850 shots (CIPA)Best | 300 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 700g (with battery) | 397g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 132 × 103 × 77mm | 126.5 × 93.5 × 60.0mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | YesBest |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 96% coverage, 0.94x | EVF 0.68× 2.36M-dot |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots | 3.2" downward-tilting touchscreen, 1.04M-dot |
| Mount | Nikon F-mount (DX) | Nikon Z-Mount (DX) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD UHS-I |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, mini HDMI, MC-DC2 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
D90
Z50
Portrait
5.2/10
6.6/10
Street
5.0/10
6.3/10
Travel
4.5/10
6.1/10
Wedding & Events
4.5/10
5.5/10
Documentary
3.3/10
5.8/10
Sports & Action
4.8/10
6.8/10
Landscape
3.7/10
5.3/10
Wildlife
5.3/10
7.2/10
Casual
3.0/10
5.4/10
Food
3.6/10
6.0/10
Macro
3.3/10
5.6/10
Architecture
3.8/10
5.1/10
Astrophotography
5.0/10
5.2/10
Filmmaking
—
4.8/10
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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