Decision tools · Compare
Z5 vs Z50 II
Quick take: The Z5 has the highest resolution at 24MP; the Z50 II is the most affordable.
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.
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?
Z5 — Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers: The most affordable route into full-frame Z — dual card slots, IBIS, and a capable sensor at an accessible price.
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
Z5 (2020)
is the right camera for you if…
- 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)
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 | Z5Nikon · 2020 | Z50 IINikon · 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,249 | £939Best |
| Sensor | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.3MPBest | 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 | No stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 4.5fps | 11fps mechanical, 30fps electronicBest |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA)Best | ~330 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 590g (body only) | 385g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm | 127.0 × 96.8 × 66.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
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
Z5
Z50 II
Portrait
7.7/10
7.2/10
Street
6.1/10
6.4/10
Travel
5.9/10
6.1/10
Wedding & Events
7.3/10
6.3/10
Filmmaking
6.1/10
6.0/10
Documentary
6.7/10
7.0/10
Sports & Action
6.4/10
7.9/10
Landscape
6.1/10
5.5/10
Wildlife
6.8/10
8.1/10
Casual
5.2/10
6.4/10
Food
6.6/10
6.7/10
Macro
6.4/10
6.0/10
Architecture
6.0/10
5.5/10
Astrophotography
6.4/10
5.5/10
Vlogging & Video
—
6.8/10
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 →
Next
More comparisons with Z5
Camera family history