Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
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| General | ||
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. |
10/10/2019 | 06/10/2016 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 127 x 94 x 60 mm | 120 x 67 x 53 mm |
| Camera weight | 450 g | 453 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
21 MP050 | 24.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
5568 x 3712 | 6000 x 4000 |
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 | 15.6 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
11 fps045 | 11 fps045 |
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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘ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. |
512003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Min 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. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max 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. |
2048003003280000 | 512003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max 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. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
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. |
2090300 | 4250300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘ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 dots | 236000009900000 | 235929609900000 |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
4K | 4K |
Max video format ⓘ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 | 3840 x 2160 |
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 fps | 30 fps |
Timelapse 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 |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✓ | ✓ |
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 dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
10400001150001500000 | 9216001150001500000 |
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 ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✓ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo |
| 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 shots1505000 | 350 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✓ | ✗ |
The Nikon Z50 edges out the Sony a6500 with a score of 73/100 compared to Sony’s 72/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and have similar weights, with the Z50 at 450g and the a6500 at 453g. The Nikon Z50, announced in 2019, offers a more affordable launch price of $859 compared to the Sony a6500’s $1400 in 2016.
The Nikon Z50 is better in terms of affordability and slightly lighter weight. However, the Sony a6500 has a more compact size with dimensions of 120 x 67 x 53mm compared to the Z50’s 127 x 94 x 60mm. This makes the a6500 easier to carry around.
Based on these specifications, the Nikon Z50 is a better choice for budget-conscious buyers, while the Sony a6500 may suit those seeking a smaller camera for easy portability.
The Sony a6500 wins in the optics comparison with a score of 74/100, while the Nikon Z50 scores 72/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including an 11 fps shooting speed, a CMOS sensor, and an APS-C sensor size. However, there are notable differences between the two cameras that contribute to their respective scores.
The Sony a6500 has the edge in terms of megapixels, boasting 24.2 compared to the Nikon Z50’s 21. This difference allows the a6500 to capture more detail in images. Additionally, the a6500 features image stabilization, whereas the Z50 does not. This advantage enables the Sony a6500 to produce sharper images, particularly in low light or when using longer focal lengths.
On the other hand, the Nikon Z50 has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 97, compared to the Sony a6500’s 85. This score indicates that the Z50’s sensor performs better in terms of dynamic range, color depth, and low light performance. Furthermore, the Z50 utilizes the Nikon Z lens mount, which provides compatibility with a growing range of high-quality lenses.
Despite the Nikon Z50’s superior sensor performance and lens compatibility, the Sony a6500’s higher megapixel count and image stabilization feature give it a slight advantage in the optics comparison. As a result, the Sony a6500 is the winner in this category. However, potential buyers should weigh the importance of each camera’s strengths and weaknesses to determine which best suits their needs and preferences.
The Nikon Z50 emerges as the winner in the video capabilities comparison against the Sony a6500, with a video score difference of 14 points (91/100 for the Z50 and 77/100 for the a6500). Both cameras share similar specifications in terms of video features, such as 4K maximum video resolution and 3840 x 2160 maximum video dimensions. Additionally, both cameras have a maximum video frame rate of 120fps.
The Nikon Z50 outperforms the Sony a6500 in certain aspects, most notably with its built-in time-lapse functionality. This feature allows the Z50 to create stunning time-lapse videos without requiring additional equipment or software. This advantage makes the Nikon Z50 a more versatile and convenient choice for videographers who enjoy capturing time-lapse sequences.
On the other hand, the Sony a6500 does not offer any specific video features that surpass the Nikon Z50. It lacks built-in time-lapse functionality, which puts it at a disadvantage compared to the Z50. However, the a6500 still delivers high-quality 4K video and a 120fps frame rate, ensuring that it remains a viable option for video enthusiasts.
After examining the video capabilities of both cameras, it is evident that the Nikon Z50 holds an edge over the Sony a6500. The Z50’s built-in time-lapse functionality sets it apart and makes it a more attractive choice for videographers. While the Sony a6500 does not possess any superior video features, it still maintains a strong video performance with its 4K resolution and 120fps frame rate.
The Nikon Z50 emerges as the winner with a feature score of 86/100, while the Sony a6500 scores 81/100. Both cameras share several features, such as touchscreen capability, flip screens, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Nikon Z50 outperforms the Sony a6500 in terms of screen size and resolution. With a 3.2-inch screen and a resolution of 1,040,000 dots, the Z50 offers a larger and clearer display compared to the a6500’s 3-inch screen and 921,600-dot resolution. This advantage allows users to compose and review images with greater ease and accuracy.
On the other hand, the Sony a6500 does not have any significant advantages over the Nikon Z50. Although both cameras score relatively closely, the Z50’s superiority in screen size and resolution contribute to its higher feature score.
Taking these factors into account, the Nikon Z50 proves to be the better camera in terms of features. The larger and higher-resolution screen enhances the overall user experience, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a camera with top-notch features. Meanwhile, the Sony a6500 remains a viable option, but its lower feature score and lack of notable advantages make it less appealing than the Nikon Z50.
The Nikon Z50 outperforms the Sony a6500 in storage and battery with a score of 35/100 compared to the Sony’s 21/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. However, the Sony a6500 also accepts Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, providing additional storage versatility.
The Nikon Z50 has a battery life of 320 shots and uses an EN-EL25 battery, which can be charged via USB. On the other hand, the Sony a6500 lasts slightly longer with 350 shots per charge, using an NP-FW50 battery. However, the Sony a6500 lacks USB charging capabilities, making it less convenient for on-the-go charging.
Despite the Sony a6500’s advantage in battery life and storage compatibility, the Nikon Z50’s USB charging feature gives it an edge in overall convenience and practicality. The Nikon Z50 is a better choice for users prioritizing battery and storage convenience, while the Sony a6500 may appeal to those needing slightly longer battery life and additional storage options.
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 a6500:
