Nikon Z50 vs Sony a6500: Specifications Comparison

Nikon Z50 vs Sony a6500 Specifications Comparison

NikonZ50_vs_Sonya6500_comparison_front

Camera FeatureNikon Z50Sony a6500
AnnouncedOctober 2019October 2016
Camera TypeMirrorlessMirrorless
Sensor TypeBSI CMOSCMOS
Image ProcessorEXPEED 6BIONZ X
Resolution20.9 MP24.2 MP
Pixel Dimensions5568×37126000×4000
Sensor Dimensions23.5 x 15.7 mm (APS-C)23.5 x 15.6 mm (APS-C)
Sensor Pixel Size4.22µ3.92µ
Low Pass FilterNoYes
IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization)NoYes
Base ISOISO 100ISO 100
Max Native ISOISO 51,200ISO 25,600
Extended ISOsISO 100-204,800ISO 100-51,200
High-Resolution Sensor ShiftNoNo
Focus Stack BracketingNoNo
Pre-Shoot Burst ModeNoNo
Fastest Shutter Speed1/40001/4000
Longest Shutter Speed30 seconds30 seconds
Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter)11 FPS11 FPS
Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter)11 FPS3 FPS
Notes for High FPS Shooting12-bit raw at 11 FPS (14-bit raw is available at 9 FPS)None
Buffer Size (Raw)35 frames (11 FPS)107 frames (11 FPS)
Autofocus SystemHybrid PDAFHybrid PDAF
Autofocus Points209 425
Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100)-4 EV-1 EV
Standard Flash Sync Speed1/2001/160
Curtain to Protect Sensor at ShutdownNoNo
Video Features
Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal)8 bits8 bits
Maximum Video Bit Depth (External)8 bits8 bits
Raw VideoNoNo
4K Maximum Framerate30 FPS30 FPS
1080P Maximum Framerate120 FPS120 FPS
Additional Video Crop FactorNoExtra 1.23x crop in 4K 30p; extra 1.14x crop at 1080p 100 / 120 FPS
Chroma Subsampling4:2:04:2:0, 4:2:2 (External)
Video Recording Limit30 min30 min
Physical and Other Features
Card Slots1 1
Slot 1 TypeSD (UHS-I)SD (UHS-I)
Rear LCD Size (Diagonal)3.2 in3.0 in
Rear LCD Resolution1.04 million dots0.92 million dots
Articulating LCDSingle AxisSingle Axis
TouchscreenYesYes
ViewfinderEVFEVF
Viewfinder Magnification1.02x (0.67x FF equiv.)1.07x (0.70x FF equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution2.36 million dots2.36 million dots
Viewfinder Coverage100%100%
Voice MemoNoNo
Headphone JackNoNo
Microphone JackYesYes
Built-in FlashYesYes
GPSNoNo
BluetoothYesYes
WiFiYesYes
USB TypeType B 2.0Type B 2.0
Battery TypeEN-EL25NP-FW50
Battery Life (Viewfinder)280 frames310 frames
Battery Life (Rear LCD)320 frames350 frames
Weather SealedYesYes
Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card)450 g (0.99 lbs.)453 g (1.00 lbs.)
Dimensions (LxHxD)127 x 94 x 75 mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.9″)1120 x 67 x 53 mm (4.7 x 2.6 x 2.1″)2
Price Comparison
MSRP, Body Only$860 (Check Current Price)$1400 (Discontinued)
Used Prices (Affiliate)Nikon Z50 Used PricesSony a6500 Used Prices
1The Nikon Z50’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 15mm were added to the Z50’s depth measurement in this table.
2The Sony a6500’s depth measurement in this table excludes the optional rubber cap for the viewfinder



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