The Nikon Z50 II and Nikon Z8 are both from essentially the same era, but the first is APS-C and the second is full-frame. They have some similar features such as subject detection modes but in most ways they are quite different cameras. Which one of these cameras is right for you?
Nikon Z50 II vs Nikon Z8 Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon Z50 II | Nikon Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | November 2024 | May 2023 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | Stacked CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 7 | EXPEED 7 |
| Resolution | 20.9 MP | 45.7 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 5568×3712 | 8256×5504 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 23.5 x 15.7 mm (APS-C) | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 4.22µ | 4.35µ |
| Low Pass Filter | No | No |
| IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) | No | Yes |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 64 |
| Max Native ISO | ISO 51,200 | ISO 25,600 |
| Extended ISOs | ISO 100-204,800 | ISO 32-102,400 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | No | Yes |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | No | Yes |
| Pre-Shoot Burst Mode | Yes (JPEG only) | Yes (JPEG only) |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/4000 | 1/32000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 900 seconds | 900 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | 11 FPS | No mechanical shutter |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 11 FPS | 20 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | 11 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS) | 20 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS; DX JPEG at 60 FPS; 11 megapixel JPEG at 120 FPS) |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | 200 frames (11 FPS) | Over 1000 frames (20 FPS) |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition | Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition |
| Autofocus Points | 209 | 493 |
| Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100) | -7.5 EV | -7.5 EV |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Curtain to Protect Sensor at Shutdown | No | Yes |
Video Features | ||
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal) | 10 bits | 12 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 10 bits | 12 bits |
| Raw Video | No | Yes |
| 8K Maximum Framerate | N/A | 60 FPS |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 60 FPS | 120 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | 1.5x crop at 4K 60p (4K 30p has no additional crop) | No |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:2 | 4:2:2 |
| Video Recording Limit | 125 min | 90 min |
Physical and Other Features | ||
| Card Slots | 1 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Type | SD (UHS-II) | CFExpress Type B |
| Slot 2 Type | N/A | SD (UHS-II) |
| Rear LCD Size (Diagonal) | 3.2 in | 3.2 in |
| Rear LCD Resolution | 1.04 million dots | 2.1 million dots |
| Articulating LCD | Fully Articulating | Dual Axis |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 1.02x (0.67x FF equiv.) | 0.8x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 2.36 million dots | 3.69 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Voice Memo | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type | Type C 3.2 Gen 1 | Two Type C 3.2 Gen 2 ports |
| Battery Type | EN-EL25a | EN-EL15c |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 230 frames | 330 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 250 frames | 340 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | 270 frames | 370 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 550 g (1.21 lbs.) | 910 g (2.01 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 127 x 97 x 82 mm (5.0 x 3.8 x 3.2″)1 | 144 x 119 x 88 mm (5.7 x 4.7 x 3.5″)2 |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $910 (Check Current Price) | $4000 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices (Affiliate) | Nikon Z50 II Used Prices | Nikon Z8 Used Prices |
| 1The Nikon Z50 II’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 15mm were added to the Z50 II’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
| 2The Nikon Z8’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 5mm were added to the Z8’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
Summary and Recommendations
The most important thing to keep in mind when comparing these two cameras is that the Nikon Z50 II isn’t really a scaled down version of a Z8. That’s different than comparing the Nikon D850 and the Nikon D500 for example, where both are very similar in features except for sensor sizes.
The Z50 II is indeed a capable camera, though. It has decent autofocus and various subject detection modes. It’s the first of Nikon’s Z-mount APS-C cameras to get the EXPEED 7 processor, and thus it will be good enough for most kinds of photography. It also is the first APS-C camera to gain 10-bit video so it’s a great value for the money, for sure.
That being said, the Nikon Z8 pulls far ahead of the Z50 II in several ways besides its bigger sensor. It’s full frame 45.7MP sensor is stacked, which means it’s much faster than the Z50 II and overall, it has stickier and better autofocus. With its much bigger buffer as well, it will just get the shot more often in the most intense of action situations.
The Z8 also has noticeably better 12-bit video in a variety of formats including ProRes and even Raw formats, although interestingly it only as a 90-minute record time limit.
The Z8 is clearly a better camera, which shouldn’t be surprisingly considering that it costs three thousand dollars more! But of course, that does not mean that the Z8 will give you better pictures in every scenario. Often, the Z50 II can get the job done, and when it can, there will be very little difference between the two cameras.
And if you’re just looking for a small camera that still can pull its weight in 80% of shooting situations, the Z50 II is a really decent choice, and certainly much more capable than the original Z50.
Thus, which one you choose really depends on whether you constantly shoot difficult action, in which case the Z8 is the right choice. The Z50 II is for everything else.
What does the Nikon Z50 II offer over the Nikon Z8?
- Lighter weight (360g lighter or about 1.7 times lighter)
- Much lower price, costing $3090 less—you could buy a bunch of cool lenses!
What does the Nikon Z8 offer over the Nikon Z50 II?
- 2.19 times more megapixels (20.9MP vs 45.7MP)
- A Full Frame sensor, which will provide better low-light performance (about 1.2 stops) than the APS-C sensor of the Nikon Z50 II
- In-body image stabilization, allowing for easier handheld photography even with non-stabilized lenses
- Two card slots, which is better for redundancy and backup
- Higher resolution rear display, with about 2.0x more dots, making image review in the field easier
- Higher resolution electronic viewfinder, with about 1.6x more dots, making shooting more enjoyable
- Better battery life when using the viewfinder, with approximately 100 more shots according to CIPA measurements
Questions? Go to our forum, where you can start a conversation and talk to photographers about these two cameras!
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