With Nikon introducing a model new APS-C (DX format) Z sequence digital camera into the combination, it begs the query: do you have to purchase the costlier full-frame Z6 mirrorless digital camera?
Each are designed to be nice all-rounders, however that additional actual property for the Z6 picture sensor sees an asking worth of greater than double that of the Z50’s. For those who’re a journey photographer, there’s additionally the truth that the Z6 is greater, heavier and bulkier too.
On this comparability we’ll uncover the important thing variations between the 2 cameras that can assist you determine whether or not you need to splash the money or save the pennies.
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z6: Sensor and backbone
After all, the most important distinction between these two cameras is the sensor measurement. The Z6 totes a 24.5 megapixel full-frame (what Nikon calls FX format), whereas the Z50 has a smaller APS-C (DX format) 20.9 megapixel sensor. Regardless of it being the identical decision because the Nikon D500 sensor, Nikon claims the Z50 just isn’t the mirrorless equal of the DSLR.
A full-frame sensor is usually higher in low gentle, whereas the upper decision ought to imply it’s additionally higher suited to capturing fantastic particulars as effectively. Whether or not you want the bigger sensor very a lot relies on what you prefer to shoot. For those who’re constantly capturing in gloomy circumstances, the Z6 will undoubtedly carry out higher but when, on the entire, you’re capturing in favorable circumstances (akin to whereas touring), then the Z50 ought to be greater than enough.
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z6: Lenses
Each the Nikon Z50 and the Z6 use the identical Z lens mount. That implies that the entire present Z mount lenses obtainable for the Z6 and the Z7 can be utilized with the Z50. Because the sensor is smaller, you’ll must consider the crop issue – so the 35mm f/1.8 S sequence lens would provide an equal focal size of round 52mm.
Moreover, two new Z mount lenses have been introduced for pairing with the Z50, particularly designed to be used with the smaller sensor. These are a 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 package lens, and a 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 telephoto zoom. The previous is designed to maintain the general system as compact as doable and, once more, is nice for these in search of a travel-friendly snapper.
Nikon revealed a lens highway map lately which confirmed that there can be extra lenses introduced all through 2020 and 2021 designed for each its mirrorless methods.
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z6: LCD display screen
Right here’s a very good instance of one other fairly huge distinction between the 2 fashions.
Whereas each have a 3.2-inch LCD display screen, the Z6 has a better, 2100K-dot decision show as in comparison with the 1040K-dot decision on the Z50. Utilized in isolation chances are you’ll not understand what you’re lacking out on, although.
The Z50 additionally has an additional trick up its sleeve – it could tilt to face all the best way forwards, which is nice for selfies and for recording vlogs to digital camera. The Z6’s display screen can tilt, however solely downwards and barely upwards.
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z6: EVF
Each cameras have digital viewfinders, however the EVF on the Z6 – which is the costlier of the 2 shooters – is each increased in decision and measurement.
The Z50’s EVF is a 2360k-dot, 0.39-inch machine, in comparison with the Z6’s 3690k-dot 0.5-inch possibility. Once more, it’s seemingly that if you happen to solely ever use the smaller, decrease decision EVF of the Z50 you received’t know what you’re lacking out on.
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z6: Burst capturing
Right here’s one other level the place the Z6 and Z50 are fairly comparable: the Z6 provides 12fps capturing, whereas the Z50 sits solely barely behind at 11fps, with each speeds ample for capturing sports activities and motion. In truth, you would possibly argue that with the crop sensor, and the longer lens obtainable for it (for now), the Z50 is the most suitable choice out of the 2.
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z6: Reminiscence card
The Z6 makes use of a single XQD card, whereas the Z50 has a single SD card slot. Though XQD playing cards are sooner and extra sturdy, they’re additionally considerably costlier and fewer simple to search out than SD playing cards.
For those who’re already capturing with one other digital camera, you would possibly have already got an present provide of SD playing cards obtainable to shoot with. Because the bodily measurement of an SD card can be smaller, it helps to maintain the general measurement of the Z50 to a minimal.
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z6: Battery life
One other specification which helps to avoid wasting house – the Z50 makes use of a a lot smaller battery than the Z6.
The official CIPA score for the brand new EN-EL25 Z50 battery has but to be introduced, however it’s certain to be lower than the Z6. That mentioned, with a decrease decision sensor, plus a decrease decision display screen and viewfinder, general energy consumption is prone to be decrease.
As for the Z6, its EN-EL15b battery life is formally rated at a meager-sounding 310 pictures – however in real-world utilization you possibly can often get rather more from it, usually lasting not less than an entire day for the typical person.
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z6: Dimensions and weight
Right here’s the place the Z50 has a trump card in case your final concern is portability.
Weighing in at simply 450g (together with battery and reminiscence card), it’s over 200g lighter than the 675g Z6. On high of that, the 24-70mm f/4 lens for the Z6 will add one other 500g to your package bag, whereas the 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 package lens for the Z50 is barely 135g.
As for dimensions, the Z50 is actually a miniaturized Z6. It retains a deep grip and first rate dealing with whereas solely being 126.5 x 93.5 x 60mm, as in comparison with the Z6’s dimensions of 134 x 100.5 x 67.5mm.
It might be that you simply favor the beefier, bulkier Z6 when it comes to dealing with, however it’s onerous to disclaim the Z50’s enchantment as a travel-friendly digital camera.
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z6: Worth
So right here’s the massive one – worth. Each are wonderful cameras, however if you happen to’re on a good funds, the Z50 provides unbelievable worth for cash.
On the time of writing, it retails for round $856 / £849 physique solely (you will solely get the package bundles in Australia), or $996 / £989 / AU$1,799 with the 16-50mm package lens. You’ll must double your funding if you happen to’re eager on the Z6, which can set you again round $1,996 / £1,699 / AU$2,999 physique solely, or $2,596 / £2,249 / AU$3,999 with the 24-70mm f/4 lens.
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z6: Conclusion
There’s loads to love about each the Z6 and the Z50. We’re but to completely take a look at the Z50, however our preliminary impressions are excellent. By now, the Z6 is extra of a recognized amount, and we’ve been very happy with the way it performs.
We’d fortunately advocate the Z6 as a travel-friendly digital camera – it’s nonetheless small when in comparison with equal DSLRs. If you’d like the perfect picture high quality, then it makes extra sense to go for the full-frame possibility and, after all, it’s cheaper than it’s increased decision Z7 sibling.
Nevertheless, in case your key need is to have one thing small, light-weight and a unbelievable all-rounder, the Z50 most likely makes extra sense, particularly if you happen to’ll primarily be capturing in good gentle.
