Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z50
57 Imaging
75 Features
89 Overall
80


74 Imaging
67 Features
84 Overall
73
Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z50 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 25MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3.2" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 51200 (Increase to 204800)
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 840g - 144 x 116 x 76mm
- Revealed January 2020
- Earlier Model is Nikon D750
(Full Review)
- 21MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.2" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 51200 (Expand to 204800)
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Nikon Z Mount
- 397g - 127 x 94 x 60mm
- Revealed October 2019

Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z50 Overview
Below, we will be analyzing the Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z50, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both created by Nikon. The sensor resolution of the D780 (25MP) and the Z50 (21MP) is relatively close but the D780 (Full frame) and Z50 (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

The D780 was announced 3 months later than the Z50 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Nikon D780 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Nikon Z50 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.
Before getting in to a full comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the D780 scores vs the Z50 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z50 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon D780 and Nikon Z50. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon D780 Gallery and Nikon Z50 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D780 over the Nikon Z50
D780 | Z50 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen resolution | 2359k | ![]() | 1040k | Clearer screen (+1319k dot) |
Reasons to pick Nikon Z50 over the Nikon D780
Z50 | D780 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Selfie screen | ![]() | Easy selfies |
Common features in the Nikon D780 and Nikon Z50
D780 | Z50 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | January 2020 | ![]() | October 2019 | Same generation |
Manual focus | ![]() | Dial accurate focus | ||
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Tilting | Tilting screen |
Screen dimension | 3.2" | ![]() | 3.2" | Identical screen sizing |
Touch screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z50 Physical Comparison
If you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Nikon D780 comes with physical dimensions of 144mm x 116mm x 76mm (5.7" x 4.6" x 3.0") with a weight of 840 grams (1.85 lbs) and the Nikon Z50 has specifications of 127mm x 94mm x 60mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 2.4") along with a weight of 397 grams (0.88 lbs).
Take a look at the Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z50 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at that moment. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the D780 against the Z50.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the D780 and Z50 is 57 and 74 respectively.

Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z50 Sensor Comparison
Normally, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements just by researching technical specs. The visual here will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the D780 and Z50.
As you can tell, both the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The D780 using its bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh easier and the Nikon D780 will render more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures much more aggressively.

Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z50 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D780 vs Nikon Z50 Specifications
Nikon D780 | Nikon Z50 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Model type | Nikon D780 | Nikon Z50 |
Category | Advanced DSLR | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Revealed | 2020-01-07 | 2019-10-10 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Expeed 6 | Expeed 6 |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | Full frame | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 35.9 x 23.9mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
Sensor area | 858.0mm² | 369.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 25MP | 21MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 6048 x 4024 | 5568 x 3712 |
Maximum native ISO | 51200 | 51200 |
Maximum boosted ISO | 204800 | 204800 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW photos | ||
Min boosted ISO | 50 | - |
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Total focus points | 51 | 209 |
Cross type focus points | 15 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Nikon F | Nikon Z |
Total lenses | 309 | 15 |
Crop factor | 1 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Tilting | Tilting |
Screen size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
Resolution of screen | 2,359k dots | 1,040k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 2,360k dots |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.7x | - |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 900 secs | 30 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shooting rate | 7.0fps | 11.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | no built-in flash | 7.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | no built-in flash | - |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 100p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM |
Maximum video resolution | 3840x2160 | 3840x2160 |
Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | Yes | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 840 grams (1.85 lbs) | 397 grams (0.88 lbs) |
Dimensions | 144 x 116 x 76mm (5.7" x 4.6" x 3.0") | 127 x 94 x 60mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 2.4") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 2260 pictures | 320 pictures |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | Built-in |
Battery ID | EN-EL15b | EN-EL25 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible) | SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported) |
Card slots | Two | One |
Pricing at launch | $2,297 | $857 |