Nikon has solidified its position as a formidable rival in the market for mirrorless cameras because to the company’s extensive innovation. Photographers who are interested in purchasing a camera that can produce high-quality photographs and has a variety of sophisticated capabilities frequently go for the Nikon Z6 II or the Nikon Z50.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty and evaluate these two cameras to see which one is the superior choice for meeting your requirements.
Design and Ergonomics
The Nikon Z6 II and the Nikon Z50 are both well-designed cameras that provide a comfortable grip as well as controls that are easy to understand. The Z6 II has a rugged body made of magnesium alloy, and it also has weather sealing, which makes it resistant to wear and tear and appropriate for a wide range of shooting environments.
The Z50, on the other hand, is more portable and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for usage both when traveling and in day-to-day life.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon Z6 II features a full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with 24.5 megapixels, which results in great picture quality together with an impressive dynamic range and low-light performance.
The Z50, on the other hand, has a more compact APS-C 20.9-megapixel CMOS sensor, but it is still capable of producing photos that are crisp and clear, particularly when combined with lenses of high-quality.
Autofocus System
Both cameras are top-tier performers in their respective classes when it comes to the focusing capabilities of the devices. The Z6 II makes use of Nikon’s cutting-edge hybrid AF technology, which consists of 273 focus points, to deliver lightning-quick and pinpoint focusing throughout the frame.
The Z50 has a 209-point hybrid AF system that is not only dependable but also quick to respond, and this is especially true for still photography.
Low-Light Performance
Photographers frequently find themselves working in low-light scenarios, and both the Z6 II and the Z50 deliver outstanding performance in these kinds of environments. Even when using settings with a high ISO, the Z6 II’s bigger sensor size and improved performance in low light make it possible for the camera to produce photographs with no visible noise.
Even though it has a smaller sensor, the Z50 offers results that are still quite outstanding and have excellent noise reduction.
Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon Z50 | Nikon Z6 II |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | October 2019 | October 2020 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 6 | Dual EXPEED 6 |
| Resolution | 20.9 MP | 24.5 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 5568712 | 6048×4024 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 23.5 x 15.7 mm (APS-C) | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 4.2µ | 5.94µ |
| Low Pass Filter | No | Yes |
| IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) | No | Yes |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 100 |
| Max Native ISO | ISO 51,200 | ISO 51,200 |
| Extended ISOs | ISO 100-204,800 | ISO 50-204,800 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | No | No |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | No | Yes |
| Pre-Shoot Burst Mode | No | No |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/4000 | 1/8000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 900 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | 11 FPS | 14 FPS |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 11 FPS | 14 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | 12-bit raw at 11 FPS (14-bit raw is available at 9 FPS) | 12-bit raw and single-point autofocus at 14 FPS (no limitations at 12 FPS) |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | 35 frames (11 FPS) | 124 frames (14 FPS) |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF |
| Autofocus Points | 209 | 273 |
| Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity | -4 EV | -6 EV |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Curtain to Protect Sensor at Shutdown | No | No |
| Video Features | ||
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal) | 8 bits | 8 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 8 bits | 10 (12 with paid upgrade) |
| Raw Video | No | No (Yes, externally, with paid upgrade) |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 30 FPS | 60 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | No | 1.5x crop at 4K 60p (4K 30p has no additional crop) |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:0 | 4:2:0, 4:2:2 (External) |
| Video Recording Limit | 30 min | 30 min |
| Physical and Other Features | ||
| Card Slots | 1 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Type | SD (UHS-I) | CFExpress Type B |
| Slot 2 Type | N/A | SD (UHS-II) |
| Rear LCD Size (Diagonal) | 3.2 in | 3.2 in |
| Rear LCD Resolution | 1.04 million dots | 2.1 million dots |
| Articulating LCD | Single Axis | Single Axis |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 1.02x (0.67x FF equiv.) | 0.8x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 2.36 million dots | 3.69 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Voice Memo | No | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type | Type B 2.0 | Type C 3.1 |
| Battery Type | EN-EL25 | EN-EL15c |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 280 frames | 340 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 320 frames | 410 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | N/A | 450 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 450 g (0.99 lbs.) | 705 g (1.55 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 127 x 94 x 75 mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.9?) | 134 x 101 x 85 mm (5.3 x 4.0 x 3.3?) |
Video Capabilities
The Nikon Z6 II is the camera to have if you’re serious about your filming pursuits. It is capable of recording in 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD), with full-pixel readout and no cropping, which results in footage with high quality and a wealth of information.
On the other hand, the Z50 is capable of recording in 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD), but with a little crop factor. Both cameras provide sophisticated video features as well as external microphones, which contribute to an overall improvement in audio quality.
Continuous Shooting Speed
The Nikon Z6 II has a fantastic continuous shooting speed of up to 14 frames per second (fps), which puts it in the lead when it comes to recording fast-paced action. Because of this, it is an excellent option for photographing animals and sporting events.
Although it is not as quick as the Z60, the Z50 still produces a reasonable 11 frames per second, which is more than enough for the majority of shooting demands.
Battery Life
The Z6 II has a bigger battery capacity than its predecessor, making it possible to shoot for longer periods of time without having to swap out the battery often. On a single charge, it is capable of taking roughly 340 pictures.
Because it is a more compact camera, the Z50 has a shorter battery life and can only take about 300 pictures on a single charge. When going on lengthier picture shoots, it is highly recommended to bring along some spare batteries.
Connectivity Options
Both of these cameras include a variety of networking choices, which will make your workflow much simpler. They are equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth already built-in, making it simple to download images and manage the camera remotely.
The Z6 II takes one step further by including an Ethernet interface, which is helpful for professional photographers who demand data transfer that is both faster and more dependable.
Price and Value for Money
When choosing a camera, cost is frequently one of the most important considerations. The Nikon Z50 is a better choice for beginning photographers or those working with a limited budget since it is more reasonably priced and offers exceptional value for the money.
The Z6 II is a higher-end camera, and as such, it comes with a higher price point. However, it delivers improved performance and features for photography lovers and professionals who expect the best.
Conclusion
In summing up, the Nikon Z6 II and the Nikon Z50 are both remarkable cameras that are capable of catering to a variety of shooting requirements. The Z6 II stands out from the competition with its full-frame sensor, improved autofocus, exceptional performance in low light, and outstanding video capabilities.
On the other side, the Z50 is more portable, reasonably priced, and well-suited for photography in everyday life and vacation situations. Consider your demands, as well as your budget and how you want to use the camera, while looking for the model that best fits your requirements.
FAQ
Q. Can I use my existing Nikon F-mount lenses with the Z6 II and Z50?
A. Yes, you can use your existing Nikon F-mount lenses with both the Z6 II and Z50 using a Nikon FTZ adapter.
Q. Do these cameras have in-body image stabilization (IBIS)?
A. Yes, both the Nikon Z6 II and Z50 feature in-body image stabilization, providing steady shots even with non-stabilized lenses.
Q. Are there any limitations to the video recording capabilities of the Z50 due to the crop factor?
A. The slight crop factor in the Z50’s video recording does not significantly affect the overall video quality but may slightly affect the field of view.
Q. Can I shoot in RAW format with these cameras?
A. Yes, both the Z6 II and Z50 support RAW image capture, allowing for greater flexibility in post-processing.
Q. What memory card types do these cameras support?
A. Both cameras support XQD and CFexpress memory card formats for fast and reliable data storage.
