Nikon Z50 vs Nikon D3400
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z50 and Nikon D3400. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon Z50 were released 2019 and Nikon D3400 was released 2016. That is a 3 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon Z50 | 2019 |
Nikon D3400 | 2016 |
Type of camera
Nikon Z50 is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D3400 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.
Sensors / crop factor
Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon DX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Nikon Z50 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon D3400 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Nikon Z50 has a 21 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3400 has 24 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Nikon Z50 |
21 MP
20668416 pixels 5568 x 3712 |
Nikon D3400 |
24 MP
24000000 pixels 6000 x 4000 |
Nikon D3400 has a 16 % larger resolution than Nikon Z50. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.
ISO range
Nikon Z50 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3400. Nikon Z50 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D3400 has 100 to 25600.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon Z50 | 100-51200 |
Nikon D3400 | 100-25600 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon Z50 has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D3400 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D3400 there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Z50
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3400
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon Z50 can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3400 can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon Z50 | 11 |
Nikon D3400 | 5 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
In this case, both Nikon Z50 and Nikon D3400 can shoot movies.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.
Nikon Z50 weighs 450 gr (equal to 0.99 lb) which is 14% heavier than Nikon D3400 and its 395 gr (or 0.87 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon Z50 | 450 gr 0.99 lb |
Nikon D3400 | 395 gr 0.87 lb |
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon D3400 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon Z50 and Nikon D3400, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.
Product |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D3400 |
Name | Nikon Z50 | Nikon D3400 |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D3400 |
Release Year | 2019 | 2016 |
Release Date | 2019-10-10 | 2016-08-17 |
MSRP | 859 USD | 649 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D3400 |
Camera Type | Mirrorless | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D3400 |
Sensor Size |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 5568 x 3712 pixels | 6000 x 4000 pixels |
Megapixels | 21 MP | 24 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 4 |
Image |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D3400 |
ISO Range | 100 - 51200 | 100 - 25600 |
White Balance Presets | 12 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No | No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D3400 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | No |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 209 | 11 |
Lens Mount |
Nikon Z See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
DX / APS-C (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
DX / APS-C (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D3400 |
Articulated LCD | Tilting | Fixed |
Screen size | 3.2” | 3” |
Screen dots | 1040000 | 921000 |
Touch screen | Yes | No |
Screen type | TFT LCD | TFT-LCD |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 95% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 1.02× (0.68× 35mm equiv.) | 0.57× (0.38× 35mm equiv.) |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2360000 | N/A |
Photography features |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D3400 |
Frames per second | 11 fps | 5 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Flash Range | 7 meters | 7 meters |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | Yes | No |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Highlight Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D3400 |
Video recording | Yes | Yes |
Video format |
MPEG4 H.264 |
MPEG4 H.264 |
Video resolution |
1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 |
1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | Yes | Yes |
Storage |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D3400 |
Memory Card |
SD/SDHC |
SD/SDHC |
Connectivity |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D3400 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | Yes | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless |
Yes Built-in (802.11ac + Bluetooth) |
Yes Built-In SnapBridge (Bluetooth only) |
Remote Control | Yes (via smartphone) | Yes (via smartphone or wireless remote) |
GPS | No | No |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D3400 |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | No |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
EN-EL25 lithium-ion battery & charger
|
EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery and charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 320 shots | 1200 shots |
Width | 127 mm | 124 mm |
Height | 94 mm | 98 mm |
Depth | 60 mm | 76 mm |
Weight | 450 gram | 395 gram |