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Home → Comparison

Nikon Z50 II vs Nikon Zf: Specifications Comparison

By Jason Polak No Comments
Last Updated On December 24, 2024

The Nikon Z50 II is an advanced APS-C mirrorless Z-mount camera from Nikon whereas the Zf is a full-frame retro-style camera released just one year before the Z50 II. Both have similar capabilities but the Zf is full-frame. Which of these is right for you? Read on to find out!

Nikon Z50 II vs Nikon Zf Specifications Comparison

NikonZ50II_vs_NikonZf_comparison_front

Camera FeatureNikon Z50 IINikon Zf
AnnouncedNovember 2024September 2023
Camera TypeMirrorlessMirrorless
Sensor TypeBSI CMOSBSI CMOS
Image ProcessorEXPEED 7EXPEED 7
Resolution20.9 MP24.5 MP
Pixel Dimensions5568×37126048×4032
Sensor Dimensions23.5 x 15.7 mm (APS-C)35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame)
Sensor Pixel Size4.22µ5.94µ
Low Pass FilterNoYes
IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization)NoYes
Base ISOISO 100ISO 100
Max Native ISOISO 51,200ISO 64,000
Extended ISOsISO 100-204,800ISO 50-204,800
High-Resolution Sensor ShiftNoYes
Focus Stack BracketingNoYes
Pre-Shoot Burst ModeYes (JPEG only)Yes (JPEG only)
Fastest Shutter Speed1/40001/8000
Longest Shutter Speed900 seconds900 seconds
Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter)11 FPS14 FPS
Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter)11 FPS14 FPS
Notes for High FPS Shooting11 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS)14 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS)
Buffer Size (Raw)200 frames (11 FPS)Over 200 frames
Autofocus SystemHybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognitionHybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition
Autofocus Points209273
Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100)-7.5 EV-8.5 EV
Standard Flash Sync Speed1/2001/200
Curtain to Protect Sensor at ShutdownNoNo
Video Features
Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal)10 bits10 bits
Maximum Video Bit Depth (External)10 bits10 bits
Raw VideoNoNo
4K Maximum Framerate60 FPS60 FPS
1080P Maximum Framerate120 FPS120 FPS
Additional Video Crop Factor1.5x crop at 4K 60p (4K 30p has no additional crop)1.5x crop at 4K 60p (4K 30p has no additional crop)
Chroma Subsampling4:2:24:2:2
Video Recording Limit125 min125 min
Physical and Other Features
Card Slots12
Slot 1 TypeSD (UHS-II)SD (UHS-II)
Slot 2 TypeN/AMicro SD (UHS-I)
Rear LCD Size (Diagonal)3.2 in3.2 in
Rear LCD Resolution1.04 million dots2.1 million dots
Articulating LCDFully ArticulatingFully Articulating
TouchscreenYesYes
ViewfinderEVFEVF
Viewfinder Magnification1.02x (0.67x FF equiv.)0.8x
Viewfinder Resolution2.36 million dots3.69 million dots
Viewfinder Coverage100%100%
Voice MemoYesYes
Headphone JackYesYes
Microphone JackYesYes
Built-in FlashYesNo
GPSNoNo
BluetoothYesYes
WiFiYesYes
USB TypeType C 3.2 Gen 1Type C 3.2 Gen 1
Battery TypeEN-EL25aEN-EL15c
Battery Life (Viewfinder)230 frames360 frames
Battery Life (Rear LCD)250 frames380 frames
Battery Life (Eco Mode)270 frames430 frames
Weather SealedYesYes
Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card)550 g (1.21 lbs.)710 g (1.57 lbs.)
Dimensions (LxHxD)127 x 97 x 82 mm (5.0 x 3.8 x 3.2″)1144 x 103 x 59 mm (5.7 x 4.1 x 2.3″)2
Price Comparison
MSRP, Body Only$910 (Check Current Price)$2000 (Check Current Price)
Used Prices (Affiliate)Nikon Z50 II Used PricesNikon Zf 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 Zf’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 10mm were added to the Zf’s depth measurement in this table.

Summary and Recommendations

I think it’s safe to say that the Z50 II and the Zf have very similar capabilities in terms of autofocus and software features. They both have some basic subject recognition modes and would perform similarly in most cases. So, why get the Zf which is twice as expensive as the Z50 II?

NikonZ50II_vs_NikonZf_comparison_back

For the extra money, the Zf offers a few bonuses. For one, it’s full-frame, and so we’re back to the age-old question: APS-C or full-frame? There is an unquestionable advantage of full-frame, but I think for most shooters, the differences will be slight when it comes to image quality. Perhaps more importantly is the fact that you’ll get a wider field of view if you’re planning on using some of Nikon’s full-frame lenses, which is especially important for wid-angle lenses.

Nikon Zf_Samples_Cervenohorske sedlo_Birds__DPS3069
NIKON Z f + NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S @ 96mm, ISO 100, 1/640, f/6.3 © Libor Vaicenbacher

The other thing is IBIS. The Nikon Z50 II doesn’t have it, but the Zf does! Again, if you’re only planning on using Nikon’s DX lenses, that doesn’t matter that much because all of them have IBIS. But many of Nikon’s full-frame lenses do not, like the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 S, which is one of Nikon’s nicest primes.

Finally, there are ergonomics. This is one decision where I recommend trying the Zf in a store. You might love the retro design, or you might find it uncomfortable for your hands.

Photography-Life-Z50II_01_USDD_LC_4860
Shot with the Nikon Z50 II. Official Nikon Sample Photo.

My overall feeling is that the Zf would be a better choice for a wide variety of general shooting due to the IBIS and the wider field of view, but for wildlife shooters, the Z50 II would be a better choice since Nikon’s long lenses offer IBIS anyway, and the higher pixel density of the Z50 II will give you a bit more detail.
What does the Nikon Z50 II offer over the Nikon Zf?

  • Lighter weight (160g lighter or about 1.3 times lighter)
  • Much lower price, costing $1090 less

What does the Nikon Zf offer over the Nikon Z50 II?

  • 1.17 times more megapixels (20.9MP vs 24.5MP)
  • 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 130 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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Tagged With: Camera Comparison, Choosing a Camera, Nikon Z50 II, Nikon Zf

About Jason Polak

Jason Polak is a bird and wildlife photographer from Ottawa, Canada. He has been interested in photography ever since he received a disposable film camera as a small child. His career as a mathematician led him to move to Australia in 2016, where he started seeing colorful parrots. A few casual shots with a lens completely unsuitable for birds got him hooked, and now wildlife photography is his biggest passion. Jason loves to show the beauty of animals to the world through photography, and one of his lifelong goals is to photograph five thousand species of birds. You can see more of Jason's work on his website or on his YouTube channel.

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