Upgrade Guide

Nikon D5→Nikon Z50 II

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Nikon

£1800

2016

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

Z50 II

£899 (-£901)

2024

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the D5. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the Z50 II

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Full spec comparison

Spec	D5	Z50 II
Price	£1,800	£899
Released	2016	2024	↑
Sensor	20.8MP full-frame BSI CMOS	20.9MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	21MP	21MP	↑
Video	4K UHD 30fps (heavy sensor crop)	4K/60p uncropped, 1080p/120p, N-Log
Autofocus	Multi-CAM 20K 153-point AF system, 99 cross-type	Phase-detect, 249 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle)
Stabilisation	—	None (no IBIS)
Burst Rate	12fps mechanical	11fps mechanical, 30fps electronic	↓
Battery Life	~3780 shots (CIPA)	~330 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	1405g (body only)	385g body only	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	No	↓
Viewfinder	OVF 0.72× magnification, 100% coverage	EVF, 2.36M dots
Screen	3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.36M dots	3.0" fully articulating touchscreen
Mount	Nikon F mount	Nikon Z-mount
Memory Cards	Dual XQD slots (XQD variant)	Single SD UHS-I slot

Compare side-by-side

See D5 and Z50 II next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

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Other upgrades from the D5

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Camera family history