Z5vs Z50 II
VS
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers — Z5 (2020): The most affordable route into full-frame Z — dual card slots, IBIS, and a capable sensor at an accessible price.
All-Round Photography — Z50 II (2024): 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
Z5 (2020)
- DSLR photographers switching to full-frame mirrorless for the first time
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame image quality on a tighter budget
- Photographers stepping up from APS-C who don't need fast burst or 4K
- Z5 II shoppers on a budget — the original Z5 is now excellent value used
Z50 II (2024)
- 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
Quick take: The z5 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the z50 ii is the most affordable; only the z5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 (2020) | Z50 II (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £999 | £899 |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.3MP | 20.9MP |
| Video | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p | 4K/60p uncropped, 1080p/120p, N-Log |
| Autofocus | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection | Phase-detect, 249 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops | None (no IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 11fps mechanical, 30fps electronic |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~330 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 590g (with battery) | 385g body only |
| Dimensions | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm | 127.0 × 96.8 × 66.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification | EVF, 2.36M dots |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Nikon Z mount | Nikon Z-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single SD UHS-I slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 | Z50 II |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Family & Everyday | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
More comparisons with Z5
Camera family history