It can be sort of confusing to keep up with cameras nowadays, since so many models are named so similarly. When it comes to the Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z5, I definitely have this problem.
The first thing you should know about the Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z5 is that the Nikon Z50 is the older model. It came out in November of 2019, though, so it definitely isn’t “old.”
The Nikon Z5, conversely, just came out in August of 2020 and is Nikon’s latest iteration of the Z-mount system.
However, a lot of people in the Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z5 discussion are urging photographers to skip the Nikon Z50 and go straight for the Nikon Z5 since it is the cheapest full frame model in this lineup to date.
Let’s get into the full Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z5 debate to figure out which camera is right for you.
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z5 Specs
Nikon Z50
The first thing that you need to examine when comparing the Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z5 are the specs of both. I’ll start with the Nikon Z50 specs.
The Nikon Z50 features a 21MP APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor. It comes with a 3.2” tilting screen, as well as 4K video capabilities. The Nikon Z50 is weather sealed for shooting outdoors and it features an 11fps burst mode, so it is a good camera for someone looking to get into wildlife photography.
Other Nikon Z50 Specs Include:
- 21MP APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor
- ISO range of 100-51,200
- 3.2” tilting screen
- Electronic viewfinder with 2.36m-dots
- 11fps burst mode
- 4K video capabilities
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Weather-sealed body
- 320-shot battery life
While these specs are good, the Nikon Z5 specs are great.
Nikon Z5
The Nikon Z5 features a 24MP full frame CMOS sensor. It also features 4K video, just like the Nikon Z5, but it comes with a faster 4.5fps burst mode and a higher resolution electronic viewfinder.
While the ISO range is the same, the Nikon Z5 comes with sensor-shift image stabilization, which was missing in the Nikon Z50.
Other Nikon Z5 Specs Include:
- 24MP full frame CMOS sensor
- ISO range of 100-51,200
- 3.2” tilting screen
- Electronic viewfinder with 3.69m-dots
- 4.5fps burst mode
- 4K video capabilities
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Weather-sealed body
- 470-shot battery life
So, it’s clear to see that while the Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z5 comparison is the same in many regards, like the ISO range, it is also very different when it comes to the battery life, sensor size, and resolution.
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z5 Body & Design
Nikon Z50
When it comes to the bodies of each of these cameras, the Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z5 debate sort of drops off since they are very similarly designed. However, they do feature some differences.
For example, the Nikon Z5 is built of magnesium alloy, whereas the Nikon Z50 only features a top and front plate that is made of magnesium alloy (everything else is plastic). If you’re really averse to shooting with a camera that feels cheap, then the Nikon Z50 may not be for you.
Nikon Z5
Additionally, the Nikon Z50 measures 4.96” x 3.66” x 2.36” and weighs .99 lbs. The Nikon Z5 measures 5.27” x 3.93” x 2.63” and weighs 1.48 lbs. So, if you’re looking for a light camera, then you definitely want to opt for the Nikon Z50.
When it comes to the weather sealing, the specs section of this article is a bit deceiving because the Nikon Z5 features far more advanced weather sealing than the Nikon Z50. This isn’t a huge deal for most professional photographers, since you likely already have your own way of protecting your equipment from the elements, but it is still worth noting.
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z5 Build & Handling
Nikon Z50
Both the Nikon Z5 build and the Nikon Z50 build is pretty straightforward, though a few differences do exist between these cameras. For starters, the still/video mode switch is in a different place on each. On the Nikon Z50, you can find this button on the top plate whereas on the Nikon Z5 you can find it on the rear.
Additionally, the Nikon Z50, since it is smaller, doesn’t feature a AF-ON, DISP, Drive or Zoom button, all of which are present on the Nikon Z5.
Nikon Z5
Lastly, you can expect to find a pop-up flash on the Nikon Z50, but this feature is missing from the Nikon Z5.
When it comes to the Nikon Z5 handling and the Nikon Z50 handling, the only real difference of note (other than the size) is the battery life. Here, the Nikon Z5 trumps the Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z5 debate.
Learn More:
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z5 Video Performance
Huge thank you to TreeTanksDev for the Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z5 video comparison above.
As he pointed out, there really isn’t much difference between the Nikon Z50 video performance and the Nikon Z5 video performance.
Both cameras shoot 4K video, but the Nikon Z5 shoots 4K video with a 1.7x crop (which isn’t present with the Nikon Z50). This was obviously a huge disappointment to videographers everywhere and was a clear statement by Nikon that they were willing to get rid of important video specs in order to cut the price point of this camera.
Nikon Z50
Additionally, the Nikon Z50 can shoot Full HD at up to 120p, whereas the Nikon Z5 can’t. It only gets up to 60p.
Of course, the Nikon Z5 does come with a larger sensor, but if this is the only improvement for videographers with this camera, then it definitely isn’t worth it.
Nikon Z5
When it comes to audio recording, the Nikon Z5 design allows for two 3.5mm ports. However, the Nikon Z50 design only allows for one 3.5mm microphone input.
But, this addition of a headphone output on the Nikon Z5 sort of feels like a bandaid for a much larger issue, which is why we still suggest you opt for a Nikon Z50 if you’re a serious videographer.
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z5 Price
Nikon Z50
If you’re interested in the Nikon Z5 price, it’s important to note that the $1,399 price tag only includes the camera body. If you want to get the 24-50mm f/4-6.3 kit lens with the camera, then that will cost you $1,699.
The Nikon Z50 price is much lower. You can get this camera for $860, if you only need the body. If you add the 16-50mm zoom lens, then you can expect to pay right around $1,000.
Nikon Z5
However, as everyone who has read PhotographyTalk for a while knows, we like to suggest that you buy used cameras when possible. Purchasing them used and putting the additional money down for new lenses is usually a better bet.
Thankfully, both of these cameras are available on MPB. You can still expect to pay far less for a used Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z5. Used Nikon Z50 bodies are available on MPB starting at just $650. If you act fast, there is currently a used Nikon Z50 in “like new” condition for only $685.
Conversely, you can get a used Nikon Z5 starting at $1,130. There are only two used Nikon Z5 bodies on MPB right now, so if they’re gone by the time you’re reading this, then make sure to keep checking back since MPB rotates through hundreds of cameras everyday.
Plus, if you’re interested to learn more about why we recommend that you buy used cameras and used lenses on MPB, you can read our full MPB review in the learn more links below.