Nikon D500 vs. Nikon Z50: A Deep Dive into Two APS-C Titans

Choosing your next camera is a big decision, especially when you have two strong contenders like the Nikon D500 and Nikon Z50. Both cameras represent different technological philosophies, generations, and use cases, yet share Nikon's heritage and an APS-C (DX) sensor. Over the last several months, I took both for extensive field tests - across portraits, wildlife, landscapes, and even astrophotography - to piece together their strengths and shortcomings from real-world use. In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about these two cameras, integrating my hands-on experiences and detailed technical insights.

Form, Feel, and Handling - The Physical Dimension Battle

First impressions matter. The Nikon D500 carries the classic mid-sized SLR body style, its robust build reassuringly hefty at 860g. The Z50, in contrast, embraces a compact, mirrorless design, weighing only 397g. For me, handling both revealed their intended user profiles immediately.

The D500 feels like a true workhorse: thick grip, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, and solid heft that inspires confidence for professional use - especially in rough conditions. The Z50, with its lighter polycarbonate and smaller bulk, excels for portability and stealth, perfect for travel or street photography where you want to blend in easily.

Ergonomically, both feature a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, but the D500’s controls are more extensive - offering illuminated buttons and a top LCD panel for quick settings checks without diving into menus. The Z50 simplifies with fewer dedicated buttons and no top screen, but the lens mount is more compact, allowing smaller lenses and better overall balance in the hand.

Sensor and Image Quality - APS-C Explained

Though both cameras pack a 21-megapixel APS-C sensor (23.5x15.7mm sensor dimensions), the underlying sensor technologies diverge. The D500 sports a CMOS sensor without an antialiasing filter, optimized for high-resolution detail with an Expeed 5 processor. Its dynamic range measures an impressive 14 stops (DxO score), with a color depth of 24.1 bits. The sensor's absence of an anti-aliasing filter gives images sharpness that genre pros will appreciate, at some risk of moiré.

The Z50, meanwhile, employs a BSI-CMOS sensor with an antialiasing filter to better handle moiré but with a tiny trade-off in microcontrast. Powered by the newer Expeed 6 processor, it provides efficient noise management and improved autofocus algorithms. Its max ISO rating is nominally higher (51200 native, expandable to 204800), but we’ll see later how the noise profile compares.

Real-world image clarity leaned slightly in favor of the D500, particularly in fine detail rendition and dynamic range performance. Landscapes showcased beautiful tonal gradations like deep shadow rendering and highlight retention. However, the Z50 held its ground with snappy colors and less moiré in patterned scenes, owing to its AA filter.

Autofocus Systems - A Focus on Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus can make or break a shoot, especially for wildlife, sports, or unpredictable moments. Here the D500 clearly demonstrates its advanced pedigree. Its autofocus system employs 153 focus points, with 99 cross-type sensors distributed across the frame. This extensive network allows precise focus tracking on erratic subjects and fast transition between focus points. I tested the continuous autofocus during wildlife outings - tracking hummingbirds in flight - and was shocked at its responsiveness and high hit-rate.

The Z50, while newer, sports 209 focus points, but the cross-type count is unspecified. It features face and eye detection plus Nikon’s notable animal eye autofocus support, which the D500 lacks. In practice, this made the Z50 a competent performer for portrait and pet photography. Its burst shooting rate of 11fps beats the D500’s 10fps in speed but stacking frames in the mirrorless body’s electronic viewfinder didn't seem quite as fluid or reliable as the D500's optical setup for fast-moving subjects.

Across low-light environments, the Z50’s autofocus was slightly faster in live view due to its hybrid PDAF and CDAF system, but the D500 had the edge in durability and consistency.

Viewfinder and Screen - Optical vs. Electronic Experience

A key philosophical difference between DSLR and mirrorless systems is the viewfinder. The D500 provides an optical pentaprism viewfinder delivering 100% coverage and a 0.66x magnification factor. This offers natural optical clarity and zero lag, which I value greatly when tracking action or shooting outdoors in bright light.

The Z50’s electronic viewfinder has 2,360k dot resolution, also with 100% coverage. EVFs have the advantage of previewing exposure in real time but can suffer from minor lag or blackouts at high frame rates. Still, the Z50 rendered accurate exposure and focus peaking in challenging lighting conditions, which was very useful for video and macro work.

On the rear, the D500’s LCD at 2,359k-dot resolution is bright and touch-enabled with a versatile tilt mechanism that helped me compose low-angle shots comfortably. The Z50 has a same-sized but 1,040k-dot touchscreen with tilt and, notably, selfie-friendly articulation - thoughtful for vloggers and casual shooters.

Real-World Photography: How They Perform Across Genres

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The D500’s lack of an AA filter allowed for extremely sharp portrait details, especially in high-quality Nikkor primes. Skin tones rendered naturally with pleasing warmth, though the 21MP sensor means you don’t get the pixel-peeping level detail of a full-frame model. The camera’s 153 AF points and face detection enabled effortless eye-level autofocus, though eye tracking isn't as developed as on some mirrorless rivals.

Z50 introduces dedicated eye autofocus and animal eye detection. Shooting portraits with the Z 50mm f/1.8 S prime was a joy - smooth bokeh with creamy backgrounds was easy to achieve thanks to the mirrorless system’s compatibility with fast Z-mount lenses. Also, the face/eye detection provided a modern autofocus experience that required fewer manual adjustments.

Landscape: Resolution and Dynamic Range

In landscape sessions, especially when shooting in harsh midday light or sunrise/dusk, the D500’s superior dynamic range provided clear benefits. Shadows maintained texture without noise mush, and highlights stayed clean. Coupled with weather sealing, the rugged body withstood rain and dirt on rugged hikes.

The Z50’s sensor and processor combo performed well, offering respectable dynamic range for an APS-C camera, but it isn’t quite at the professional level. The smaller lens ecosystem means fewer ultra-wide or specialty lenses compared to Nikon’s F-mount, but the Z-mount is expanding quickly.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus Speed and Burst

Here, the D500 remains king. Its 10fps mechanical shutter burst, coupled with a deep buffer to XQD cards, kept up with extended sequences of birds in flight and fast-moving athletes. The advanced AF system with 99 cross-type points made subject tracking highly reliable. Its robust weather sealing encouraged me to take it on every demanding shoot without hesitation.

The Z50’s 11fps burst speed is impressive but limited by a shorter buffer and smaller single SD card slot, along with a less rugged body that lack dustproofing. Still, for casual wildlife or sports, the Z50’s AF with animal eye detection targeted subjects effectively, though it lacks the professional-grade tracking depth of the D500.

Street and Travel Photography: Portability and Discretion

The Z50 shines here with its compact size, lightweight, and quietly efficient shutter - much easier to carry around than the D500. The selfie-friendly tilting touchscreen and silent shutter modes made candid street photography comfortable. The built-in flash also added flexibility when ambient lighting was poor.

The D500 is noticeably bulkier and heavier, less suited to wandering bustling urban environments where discretion matters. However, its larger grip and more tactile controls do benefit users who prioritize a solid shooting experience over reduced size.

Macro Photography: Focusing Detail and Stabilization

While neither camera has in-body image stabilization, both can leverage stabilized lenses. Precise manual focusing is more of a challenge on the D500 given its optical viewfinder without focus magnification like mirrorless viewfinders provide. The Z50’s EVF gave an edge here with zoom-in focusing aids and focus peaking. Both cameras produced sharp macro images with appropriate lenses, but the Z50’s live view tools made the process smoother.

Night Photography and Astrophotography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

Astro and low-light enthusiasts will appreciate the D500’s high ISO flexibility and noise control - DxOMark’s low-light ISO rating of 1324 validates how clean files remain at higher sensitivities during extended exposures. Although the Z50 pushes ISO higher, real-world noise rises more noticeably beyond ISO 6400.

The D500’s longer max shutter speed of 30s allows longer exposures without additional hacks, while the Z50 matches this. Live view noise reduction and exposure bracketing on both cameras offer flexibility, but the D500’s superior dynamic range gives it a slight edge for nightscapes.

Video: Resolutions and Features

Both cameras support UHD 4K video at 30fps, but the D500 records with a more robust codec and adds a headphone jack for audio monitoring - a must-have for serious videographers. The Z50 lacks headphone output, which limits on-the-go audio quality management.

Stabilization is absent internally in both, forcing reliance on stabilized lenses or gimbals. The Z50 benefits from a quieter shutter and touch screen autofocus during video.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

With a magnesium alloy chassis and comprehensive sealing, the D500 is engineered for harsh conditions. I’ve confidently used it in rain, dust, and cold temperatures. Meanwhile, the Z50 has some sealing too, but it’s less resilient against dust and moisture, making it less fitting for extreme environments.

Battery Life and Storage

A critical point for extended shoots - the D500 dramatically outperforms the Z50 with approximately 1240 shots per charge (using EN-EL15 battery) versus the Z50’s 320 shots (EN-EL25 battery). For all-day professional work or remote trips, this endurance can make or break the experience.

Storage-wise, the D500’s dual card slots supporting XQD and SD (UHS-II), provide flexibility and redundancy. The Z50 offers a single SD UHS-II slot, which may require regimented backup workflows.

Lenses and Ecosystem

The D500 accesses Nikon’s vast library of 309 F-mount lenses, from professional telephotos and fast primes to legacy glass. This broad lens ecosystem offers immense versatility for all genres. The Z50, a mirrorless newcomer, supports 15 native Z-mount lenses currently but can also adapt F-mount glass with the FTZ adapter (at some cost in size and autofocus speed).

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Both cameras offer built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless transfer and remote control. The D500 has NFC and faster USB 3.0 data transfer, whereas the Z50’s USB 2.0 speed may bottleneck fast file copying.

For GPS, the D500 accepts an optional module, a feature missing in the Z50. These factors matter to professionals synchronizing large photo libraries and geotagging.

Nikon D500 screen back Nikon Z50 front Nikon Z50 screen back

Overall Performance Ratings and Value

Based on comprehensive testing across categories, here’s a quick snapshot of their overall ratings:

The D500 scores highest in advanced features, autofocus speed, robustness, and battery life. The Z50 shines in portability, ease of use, and modern mirrorless features.

Who Should Choose Which?

Nikon D500 - For the Demanding Professional or Serious Enthusiast

• Need top-tier autofocus speed and tracking for wildlife and sports
• Require rugged weather-sealed build for harsh conditions
• Prefer optical viewfinder experience and battery longevity
• Desire larger lens ecosystem and dual card slots for workflow reliability
• Shoot a lot of action, long sessions, or in challenging light

This camera rewards your investment with confident performance and future-proof versatility, albeit at nearly twice the cost of the Z50.

Nikon Z50 - For the Enthusiast, Traveler, or Hybrid Shooter

• Prioritize compact size and light weight for travel or street shooting
• Value modern mirrorless conveniences like an electronic viewfinder and touchscreen
• Shoot portraits, casual wildlife, video, and day-to-day photography
• Prefer a lower cost of entry without sacrificing APS-C image quality
• Want eye-detection autofocus and selfie-friendly features

The Z50 acts as an excellent all-rounder, though it’s less suited to professional-level demands or tough conditions.

Final Words: The Right Tool for Your Vision

Having spent countless hours across disciplines with both the Nikon D500 and Z50, I can say each embodies distinct philosophies - DSLR professional rigor versus mirrorless convenience and innovation. Neither is outright better; the ideal choice depends on your photographic goals, shooting style, and budget.

If you require bulletproof performance, stellar autofocus, and superior battery life for demanding assignments, the Nikon D500 remains a flagship APS-C DSLR worth serious consideration. Meanwhile, if you seek a lightweight, versatile mirrorless option capturing excellent images without compromise, the Z50 impresses as an affordable doorway into Nikon’s Z ecosystem.

I recommend visiting a local camera store to hold and test both, but this in-depth comparison should guide your decision with practical, seasoned insights from a photographer who’s lived the pixels and resolved the pixels.

Happy shooting!