Nikon Z50 vs Sony a6300 Comparison
Nikon Z50
Sony a6300
Price | |||
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Brand | Nikon | Sony | |
Model | Z50 | a6300 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2019 | 2016 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | October 10, 2019 | February 03, 2016 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Nikon Z50 outperforms the Sony a6300 with a score of 73/100 compared to 61/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released in 2019 and 2016, respectively. They share similarities in camera type and launch prices, with the Z50 at $859 and the a6300 at $1000.
The Z50’s higher score highlights its advantages, such as a larger camera size (127 x 94 x 60mm) and slightly heavier weight (450g) than the a6300 (120 x 67 x 49mm and 404g). This might contribute to better ergonomics and handling for some users.
However, the Sony a6300 has its merits, being smaller and lighter, which can be beneficial for those prioritizing portability. Despite the lower score, it remains a viable option for certain photographers.
Taking these factors into account, the Nikon Z50 is the better option for users valuing ergonomics and handling, while the Sony a6300 caters to those seeking a more compact and lightweight camera.
Nikon Z50 vs Sony a6300 Overview and Optics
The Nikon Z50 outperforms the Sony a6300 in optics, scoring 72/100 compared to Sony’s 68/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as 11 fps shooting speed, CMOS sensor type, APS-C sensor size, and the absence of image stabilization. However, the Nikon Z50 has certain advantages that contribute to its higher score.
One of the main differences between the two cameras is their respective processors. The Nikon Z50 uses the Expeed 6 processor, while the Sony a6300 relies on the Bionz X processor. The Expeed 6 processor in the Nikon Z50 provides better image quality and faster processing speeds. Additionally, the Nikon Z50 has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 97, compared to the Sony a6300’s score of 85, indicating superior sensor performance.
On the other hand, the Sony a6300 has a slightly higher megapixel count at 24.2, compared to the Nikon Z50’s 21 megapixels. This difference allows the Sony a6300 to capture more details in images, but it does not outweigh the advantages offered by the Nikon Z50.
Regarding lens mounts, the Nikon Z50 uses the Nikon Z mount, while the Sony a6300 uses the Sony E mount. Both mounts offer a wide range of lens options, allowing photographers to choose the best lens for their needs. This aspect does not provide a clear winner between the two cameras.
In the end, the Nikon Z50 surpasses the Sony a6300 in terms of optics, mainly due to its superior processor and sensor performance. While the Sony a6300 has a slightly higher megapixel count, it does not make up for the Nikon Z50’s overall better optical performance.
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Optics
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Nikon Z50
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Sony a6300
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 21 MP | 24.2 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5568 x 3712 px | 6000 x 4000 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.5 x 15.7 mm | 15.6 x 23.5 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C | APS-C | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 11 fps | 11 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Nikon Z | Sony E | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Expeed 6 | Bionz X | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 51,200 | 25,600 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 204800 | 51200 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 4000 s | 1/ 4000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 209 | 425 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2,360,000 dots | 2,359,296 dots |
Nikon Z50 vs Sony a6300 Video Performance
The Nikon Z50 and Sony a6300 both have a video score of 91/100, indicating a tie in their video capabilities. They share several video specifications, including a maximum video resolution of 4K, maximum video dimensions of 3840 x 2160, a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, and built-in time-lapse functionality.
The Nikon Z50 excels in user-friendliness, with its intuitive menu system and ergonomic design, making it easier for users to navigate through the video settings. It also has a flip-down touchscreen, which is helpful for vlogging and recording at various angles. This feature gives the Z50 an advantage for those who prioritize ease of use and flexibility in their video shooting.
On the other hand, the Sony a6300 has a slight edge in terms of autofocus performance, thanks to its 425 phase-detection autofocus points. This ensures quick and accurate focusing while recording videos, especially in fast-paced situations. This makes the a6300 a better choice for those who require superior autofocus capabilities in their video work.
Both cameras offer impressive video performance, with each having its advantages. The Nikon Z50 is more user-friendly and versatile, with its flip-down touchscreen and ergonomic design, while the Sony a6300 has superior autofocus capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences in video recording.
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Video
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Nikon Z50
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Sony a6300
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |   | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K | 4K | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 3840 x 2160 px | 3840 x 2160 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 120 p | 120 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4, MOV | MPEG-4, XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, H.264 |
Nikon Z50 vs Sony a6300 Features and Benefits
The Nikon Z50 outperforms the Sony a6300 in features, scoring 86/100 compared to the Sony a6300’s 54/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as the absence of GPS, the presence of WiFi, and flip screens. However, the Nikon Z50 surpasses the Sony a6300 in several areas, making it the better camera in terms of features.
The Nikon Z50 has a larger screen size of 3.2 inches compared to the Sony a6300’s 3-inch screen. This difference allows for a more comfortable viewing experience when composing or reviewing images. Additionally, the Z50 has a higher screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots, providing a clearer and more detailed image than the a6300’s 921,600 dots. The Z50 also features a touchscreen, making navigation and controls more intuitive and user-friendly.
In terms of connectivity, the Nikon Z50 has an advantage with its built-in Bluetooth feature. This allows for seamless and convenient connections to other devices, such as smartphones, for easy sharing and remote control capabilities. The Sony a6300 lacks this feature.
Despite its lower feature score, the Sony a6300 still holds its own with its flip screen and WiFi capabilities. However, it falls short in comparison to the Nikon Z50 in screen size, resolution, and connectivity options.
Taking all these factors into account, the Nikon Z50 stands out as the superior camera in terms of features. Its larger, higher-resolution touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity give it an edge over the Sony a6300, making it the clear winner in this comparison.
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Features
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Nikon Z50
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Sony a6300
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | TFT LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3.2" |  3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,040,000 dots | 921,600 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Nikon Z50 vs Sony a6300 Storage and Battery
The Nikon Z50 outperforms the Sony a6300 in storage and battery, scoring 35 out of 100 points compared to the Sony a6300’s 24 points. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as having one memory card slot and accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. However, there are differences that make the Nikon Z50 superior in this aspect.
The Nikon Z50 is equipped with a battery life of 320 shots, powered by an EN-EL25 battery. Additionally, the camera allows USB charging, making it more convenient for users to charge their device. On the other hand, the Sony a6300 has a slightly longer battery life of 400 shots, using an NP-FW50 battery. However, it lacks USB charging capabilities, which can be a disadvantage for users who prefer charging their camera through a USB connection.
In terms of storage and battery, the Nikon Z50 is the better choice due to its USB charging feature. Despite having a shorter battery life compared to the Sony a6300, the convenience of USB charging outweighs this minor drawback. The Sony a6300’s advantage in battery life is not significant enough to compensate for its lack of USB charging.
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Storage and Battery
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Nikon Z50
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Sony a6300
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | EN-EL25 | NP-FW50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 320 shots | 400 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Nikon Z50
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Sony a6300
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | N/A | ||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | N/A | 24.4 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | N/A | 13.7 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | N/A | 1437 |
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Scores
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Nikon Z50
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Sony a6300
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Main Features | N/A | ||
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Extra Features | N/A | ||
Construction and Durability | N/A | ||
Handling and Ergonomics | N/A | ||
Value for Money | N/A | ||
Total Score | N/A |
Nikon Z50 vs Sony a6300 – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon Z50 or the Sony a6300:
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User Scores
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Nikon Z50
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Sony a6300
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