Nikon Z50 vs Canon EOS RP
- 20.9MP sensor
- 4K video capabilities at 30fps
- 11fps burst mode
- Built-in image-stabilization (video only)
- ISO range of 100-51,200
- 209-point AF system
- 3” 1.04m-dot tilting touchscreen
- .99 lbs
- 300-shot battery life
- 26.2MP sensor
- 4K video capabilities at 24fps
- 5fps burst mode
- Built-in image-stabilization (video only)
- ISO range of 100-32,000
- 3” 1.04m-dot articulating touchscreen
- 1.07 lbs
- 250-shot battery life
photo by EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER via iStock
Both the Nikon Z50 and the Canon EOS RP dropped in 2019. Both the Nikon Z50 and the Canon EOS RP are mirrorless cameras. Both the Nikon Z50 and the Canon EOS RP are mid-range cameras that are among the lightest available on the market.
So, you can see why everyone is wrapped up in the Nikon Z50 vs. Canon EOS RP debate. What differences really exist between the two mirrorless cameras? And where will you land in the Nikon Z50 vs. Canon EOS RP debate? Let’s find out!
Editor’s Note: To help keep people inspired, our friends at MPB are doing a weekly #mpbthrowback Instagram giveaway. It's #tbt with MPB style: they’re inviting people to share a photo they've taken in the past, where they were, how they noticed it, and what kit they were using. Join in, have fun, and get inspired!
Nikon Z50 vs Canon EOS RP Specs
In order to compare the two, incredibly similar cameras, let’s run through their basic specs.
Nikon Z50 Specs:
Canon EOS RP Specs:
Both cameras sport a single UHS-II card slot. While some have decried this as a travesty, for most shooters, a single card slot is fine, especially if you invest in a durable, fast memory card.
I have a Canon EOS R that has a single card slot, and I've paired it with a ProGrade UHS-II card for shooting video, and it's performed beautifully. The same can be said for my ProGrade UHS-II card in my Canon M6 Mark II.
The key to getting the most out of whichever camera you buy is having a memory card with blazing-fast read/write speeds, and my ProGrade cards have been up to the task each and every time.
So, while a single card slot might be a turn-off for some folks, for most of us, it's really not a big deal, particularly if you have high-quality cards like those from ProGrade!
Nikon Z50 vs Canon EOS RP Body & Design
I think the design of a camera is nearly as important as its specs. For instance, the Nikon Z50 features a built-in flash while the Canon EOS RP doesn’t. If a situation calls for you to use a built-in flash, the Z50 would be the better choice.
Additionally, the Nikon Z50 has a slightly larger screen at 3.2” vs. 3”. The reason why the Nikon Z50 has a larger screen, though, is that it’s dimensions are slightly larger than the Canon EOS RP.
Finally, the Nikon Z50 is a tiny bit lighter.
While I don’t think this design feature would make me choose the Nikon Z50 by itself, it is worth mentioning.
Nikon Z50 vs Canon EOS RP Build & Handling
The Nikon Z50 and Canon EOS RP are both really strong in the handling department. They both feature articulating touchscreens and smartphone remote control capabilities.
However, only the Nikon Z50 features weather-sealing, while only the Canon EOS RP features a headphone port.
Both cameras also feel sturdy though. The Canon EOS RP is light and solid. The body is built from polycarbonate-on-mag alloy, which lends it stability. The one problem here is that the camera may be a bit too small for your hands, meaning your pinky will hang off the edge.
The Nikon Z50, on the other hand, features a beautifully chunky grip and plenty of controls for any photographer to grow into.
Nikon Z50 vs Canon EOS RP Video Performance
Huge shout out to ThomasVisionFilmsTV for providing the above video test.
For me, it’s clear to see that Nikon put a ton of effort into the video capabilities of the Nikon Z50, whereas this feature wasn’t as important to Canon.
The Nikon Z50 can shoot 4K video at up to 30fps with the entirety of the full-frame sensor. The Nikon Z50 is compatible with external recording equipment, which doesn’t exist in many entry-level cameras.
If you’re interested in videography, then the Nikon Z50 also has slo-mo capabilities when shooting in Full HD.
All of this isn’t to say that the Canon EOS RP can’t shoot good video because it can. It just isn’t quite as good. The Canon EOS RP can shoot 4K video at up to 24fps, as opposed to 30fps.
The Canon EOS RP also offers one video quality the Nikon doesn’t: a fully articulating screen to see any shot in any lighting scenario.
Watch the video by Potato Jet above to see exactly what I’m talking about.
Nikon Z50 vs Canon EOS RP Price
Yet another reason why the Nikon Z50 vs. Canon EOS RP debate rages on is that the cameras are priced just about the same.
The Canon EOS RP is just $900 brand-new right now because it’s on sale for a few hundred dollars off, while the Nikon Z50 is $850 new.
Canon EOS RP
If you happen to miss the sale on the Canon EOS RP, then MPB currently has a few Canon EOS RPs available starting at $950.
MPB doesn’t currently have any Nikon Z50s, but make sure to check back because they rotate through products faster than any website out there.
I recommend MPB because I know from personal experience that they are committed to providing you with the best possible customer service.
They’re available to answer your questions about buying, selling, or trading in gear. They offer fast shipping, impeccable service after the sale, and they put every item they sell through a rigorous grading process, that way you know the item you buy is exactly the item you get.
Buying used can save you hundreds of dollars - and that’s money you can reinvest into other gear to expand your kit even further.
What’s not to like about that?!
