• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

Buy From

Differences

Nikon Z50 advantages over Panasonic S5 IIX

  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    60 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner

Panasonic S5 IIX advantages over Nikon Z50

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Slower slow-motion
    180 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 4.22 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Newer
    18 months vs 5 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    613k vs 346k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.9 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon Z50

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon EOS M50

Nikon Z50
Canon EOS M50
  • $790
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Panasonic S5 IIX
Canon EOS M50
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • NFC
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Sony A6400

Nikon Z50
Sony A6400
  • $790
  • APS-C
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC
Panasonic S5 IIX
Sony A6400
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC

Compared to Fujifilm X-S10

Nikon Z50
Fujifilm X-S10
  • $790
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
Panasonic S5 IIX
Fujifilm X-S10
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Canon R6 Mark II

Nikon Z50
Canon R6 Mark II
  • $790
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $2430
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
Panasonic S5 IIX
Canon R6 Mark II
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • High resolution composite
  • Top deck display
  • $2430
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Panasonic S5 II

Nikon Z50
Panasonic S5 II
  • $790
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Internal flash
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Panasonic S5 IIX
Panasonic S5 II
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • $2000
  • 35mm
Compare Other Cameras?