Nikon Z50 vs Nikon D800
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z50 and Nikon D800. 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 D800 was released 2012. That is a 7 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon Z50 | 2019 |
Nikon D800 | 2012 |
Type of camera
Nikon Z50 is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D800 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Nikon Z50 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon D800 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Nikon Z50 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon D800 | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
** 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 D800 has 36,3 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 D800 |
36,3 MP
36152320 pixels 7360 x 4912 |
Nikon D800 has a 75 % 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 D800. Nikon Z50 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D800 has 100 to 25600.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon Z50 | 100-51200 |
Nikon D800 | 100-25600 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Z50
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D800
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 D800 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon Z50 | 11 |
Nikon D800 | 6 |
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 D800 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 D800 weighs 900 gr (equal to 1.98 lb) which is 100% heavier than Nikon Z50 and its 450 gr (or 0.99 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon Z50 | 450 gr 0.99 lb |
Nikon D800 | 900 gr 1.98 lb |
Nikon Z50 vs Nikon D800 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon Z50 and Nikon D800, 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 D800 |
Name | Nikon Z50 | Nikon D800 |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D800 |
Release Year | 2019 | 2012 |
Release Date | 2019-10-10 | 2012-02-07 |
MSRP | 859 USD | 2999 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D800 |
Camera Type | Mirrorless | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D800 |
Sensor Size |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 5568 x 3712 pixels | 7360 x 4912 pixels |
Megapixels | 21 MP | 36,3 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 3 |
Image |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D800 |
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 D800 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView |
Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 209 | 51 |
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 |
FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D800 |
Articulated LCD | Tilting | Fixed |
Screen size | 3.2” | 3,2” |
Screen dots | 1040000 | 921000 |
Touch screen | Yes | No |
Screen type | TFT LCD | TFT Color LCD with 170 degrees wide-viewing angle |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 1.02× (0.68× 35mm equiv.) | 0.7× |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2360000 | N/A |
Photography features |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D800 |
Frames per second | 11 fps | 6 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Flash Range | 7 meters | 12 meters |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | Yes | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Highlight Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot Average |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D800 |
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 D800 |
Memory Card |
SD/SDHC |
Compact Flash |
Connectivity |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D800 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | Yes | Yes |
Headphone Port | No | Yes |
Wireless |
Yes Built-in (802.11ac + Bluetooth) |
Yes Optional with Nikon Wireless Transmitter for D800 (WT-4A) |
Remote Control | Yes (via smartphone) | Yes (Optional, wired or wireless) |
GPS | No |
Yes Optional with GP-1 |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon Z50 |
Nikon D800 |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
EN-EL25 lithium-ion battery & charger
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 320 shots | 900 shots |
Width | 127 mm | 146 mm |
Height | 94 mm | 123 mm |
Depth | 60 mm | 82 mm |
Weight | 450 gram | 900 gram |