Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z50 II
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Nikon Z50 II (2024) moves ahead on 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p) and subject-detection AF. If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Nikon Z50 gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Nikon Z50 II if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p and no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap).
- ✓You photograph moving subjects — it adds AF subject detection for animals and vehicles that the other body lacks.
- ✓You vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -9 EV gives it the edge after dark.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the Nikon Z50 II is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
- ›Durability: the Nikon Z50 II is weather-sealed against dust and rain; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon Z50 or the Nikon Z50 II better?
Same line, different generation: the Nikon Z50 II (2024) moves ahead on 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p) and subject-detection AF. If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Nikon Z50 gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Nikon Z50 II?
Choose the Nikon Z50 II if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p and no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap). Choose it if you photograph moving subjects — it adds AF subject detection for animals and vehicles that the other body lacks. Choose it if you vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -9 EV gives it the edge after dark.
What is the main difference between the Nikon Z50 and the Nikon Z50 II?
Video: the Nikon Z50 II is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | APS-C | APS-C |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 7 |
| Effective Resolution | 20.9 MP | 20.9 MP |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 51200 | 100 – 51200 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | − | − |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/4000 | 1/4000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/4000 | 1/8000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 11 fps | 11 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | 29 min | No limit |
| Log Profiles | N-Log / HLG | N-Log / HLG |
| Built-in Mic | Mono | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 209 | 209 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -4 EV | -9 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | 2.36M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.68x | 0.68x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.04M dots | 1.04M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v5.0 | v5.3 |
| USB | USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-I | 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $909 |
| Body Material | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate / Magnesium |
| Dimensions | 126.5×93.5×60 mm | 127×96.8×66.5 mm |
| Weight | 450g (15.9 oz) | 495g (1.09 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | No | No |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 280 shots | 230 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 300 shots | 250 shots |
| Battery Type | EN-EL25 | EN-EL25b |
