Nikon Z50 vs Sony a7 II Comparison

The Nikon Z50 emerges as the winner with a score of 73/100, while the Sony a7 II scores 69/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and have similar dimensions, with the Z50 measuring 127 x 94 x 60mm and the a7 II at 127 x 96 x 60mm. The Nikon Z50 has an advantage in weight, being lighter at 450g compared to the Sony a7 II’s 599g. This makes the Z50 more portable and easier to handle.

The Sony a7 II, however, was released in 2014 and had a higher launch price of $1600, while the Nikon Z50 was introduced in 2019 at a more affordable $859. Despite its age, the Sony a7 II still offers good performance and features.

Considering the scores, weight, and price differences, the Nikon Z50 stands out as the better choice for those seeking a portable and budget-friendly camera, while the Sony a7 II remains a solid option for those who prefer its features and don’t mind the additional weight.

Nikon Z50 vs Sony a7 II Overview and Optics

The Sony a7 II emerges as the winner in the optics comparison with a score of 78/100, outperforming the Nikon Z50’s score of 72/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as having a CMOS sensor and lens mounts specific to their respective brands – Nikon Z for the Z50 and Sony E for the a7 II.

The Sony a7 II has a clear advantage with its 24.2-megapixel resolution, full-frame sensor, and built-in image stabilization. These features contribute to better image quality and low-light performance compared to the Z50’s 21-megapixel resolution and APS-C sensor size. Additionally, the image stabilization ensures sharper images when shooting handheld or in low light conditions.

However, the Nikon Z50 has its strengths, such as a faster shooting speed of 11 frames per second compared to the Sony a7 II’s 5 frames per second. This makes the Z50 more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects and action photography. Furthermore, the Z50’s sensor received a higher DXOMARK score of 97, compared to the a7 II’s score of 90, indicating better overall sensor performance.

In terms of optics, the Sony a7 II proves to be superior due to its higher resolution, full-frame sensor, and image stabilization. These features make it an excellent choice for photographers seeking better image quality and low-light performance. On the other hand, the Nikon Z50’s faster shooting speed and higher DXOMARK sensor score make it a strong contender for action photography and situations where capturing fast-moving subjects is crucial.

The Nikon Z50 outperforms the Sony a7 II in video capabilities, with a significant difference in their scores: 91 out of 100 for the Nikon Z50 and 56 out of 100 for the Sony a7 II. Both cameras share some common video specifications, but the Nikon Z50 excels in various areas.

Both the Nikon Z50 and Sony a7 II have a maximum video resolution and maximum video frame rate. However, the Nikon Z50 boasts a 4K resolution with dimensions of 3840 x 2160, while the Sony a7 II only offers Full HD resolution with dimensions of 1920 x 1080. Furthermore, the Nikon Z50 has a higher maximum video frame rate at 120fps, whereas the Sony a7 II is limited to 60fps.

The Nikon Z50’s advantages extend beyond resolution and frame rate. Its built-in time-lapse functionality allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software. The Sony a7 II lacks this feature, making it less versatile in terms of video production.

The Sony a7 II does not have any specific advantages over the Nikon Z50 in terms of video capabilities. Its lower score reflects its inferior performance in this area.

Based on these comparisons, the Nikon Z50 is the clear winner for video capabilities. Its superior resolution, frame rate, and time-lapse functionality make it a better choice for videographers and content creators. The Sony a7 II falls short in these aspects, making it less suitable for those prioritizing video performance.

The Nikon Z50 outperforms the Sony a7 II in features, scoring 86/100 compared to the Sony a7 II’s 57/100. Both cameras share some common features, such as a flip screen, no GPS, and WIFI connectivity. However, the Nikon Z50 has superior specifications in several areas, while the Sony a7 II offers a few advantages as well.

The Nikon Z50 has a larger screen size of 3.2 inches compared to the Sony a7 II’s 3 inches. Additionally, the Nikon Z50 features a touchscreen, making it more user-friendly and convenient for navigating menus and settings. The Nikon Z50 also has Bluetooth connectivity, which the Sony a7 II lacks. This allows for easier pairing with smartphones and other devices for image sharing and remote control.

On the other hand, the Sony a7 II has a higher screen resolution of 1,230,000 dots, compared to the Nikon Z50’s 1,040,000 dots. This results in a slightly sharper display on the Sony a7 II, which can be beneficial for reviewing images and video.

Comparing the two cameras, the Nikon Z50 stands out as the better option due to its larger touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity. These features contribute to a more convenient and enjoyable user experience. However, the Sony a7 II’s higher screen resolution is a noteworthy advantage for those who prioritize image quality in their camera’s display.

Considering the features of both cameras, the Nikon Z50 offers a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience, making it the winner in this comparison. The Sony a7 II, while having a superior screen resolution, falls short in other areas, resulting in a lower overall feature score.

The Nikon Z50 and the Sony a7 II are close in storage and battery. Both cameras have a single memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. However, the Sony a7 II also supports Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards.

The Nikon Z50’s battery life is slightly lower at 320 shots, compared to the Sony a7 II’s 350 shots. The Nikon uses an EN-EL25 battery, while the Sony utilizes an NP-FW50 battery.

In terms of storage and battery, the Sony a7 II, however, has a marginally better battery life and supports additional memory card types.

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 a7 II:

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