Nikon Z50 vs Sony WX1: A Hands-On Comparison Across a Decade of Compact and Mirrorless Innovation

When selecting a camera - whether stepping up from a smartphone or adding a specialized tool to a professional kit - the choices can range widely, crossing years of technological evolution and philosophies of design. Today, I’m matching up two cameras that couldn’t be more different yet share the broad goal of capturing compelling images: Nikon’s 2019 APS-C mirrorless entry-level powerhouse, the Z50, and Sony’s 2009 pocketable ultra-compact, the Cyber-shot WX1. While the Z50 clearly represents a modern mirrorless system, the WX1 illustrates what compact travel and casual photography looked like a decade ago.

I’ve spent dozens of hours with both cameras in real-world shoots, testing everything from sensor performance and autofocus to ergonomics and lens versatility. This comparison aims to help you make an informed choice depending on your shooting style, budget, and workflow preferences - whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or an aspiring pro curious about how cameras serve different photography niches.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Design Philosophy

One glance at the physical sizes tells the story. The Nikon Z50 sits firmly in the SLR-style mirrorless camp, weighing a manageable 397 grams but with a robust grip, extensive physical controls, and a sporty presence. The Sony WX1 is tinier and lighter - barely 149 grams - designed as an ultra-compact pocket shooter you can tuck away unnoticed anywhere.

Handling the Z50 reminded me of a serious tool built not just for snapshots but for deliberate photography: its textured grip anchors the camera in your hand, many buttons and dials fall logically under thumbs and index fingers, and the tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen (more on that shortly) is a delight for composition and menu navigation. The WX1, by contrast, achieves simplicity at the cost of control nuance. Its minimal buttons and smaller body mean fast casual snaps but limitations when you want repetitive precision or quick parameter shifts while shooting.

If you prioritize portability absolutely - say for street, travel, or everyday carry - the WX1’s slim profile and low weight are compelling. But for anyone who wants confident, steady shooting in varied conditions, the Z50’s ergonomics provide a noticeably better grip and command.

Through the Lens: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

The battle here is almost legendary: APS-C mirrorless versus a small 1/2.4-inch sensor compact. The Nikon Z50 boasts a 21.0-megapixel APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm - an ample sensor real estate that translates directly into higher resolution, wider dynamic range, and better low-light performance. Sony’s WX1 packs a 10.2-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor at just 6.1 x 4.6 mm, about 13x smaller in sensor area.

In practical terms, this means the Z50 delivers crisper, cleaner images with finer detail, richer color depth, and a much wider ISO sensitivity range (100–51200 native, with boosts up to ISO 204800). The WX1 maxes out at ISO 3200, underscoring the limitations of tiny sensors in dim conditions.

Testing side-by-side - shooting landscapes, portraits, and even astrophotography - the Z50’s sensor consistently produced images with lower noise levels, deeper shadow recovery, and more faithful skin tones. The WX1’s images showed more visible noise or loss of resolution especially when pushing ISO. That said, under bright daylight or casual shooting, the WX1 can still produce respectable shots, especially when combined with its optical image stabilization.

User Interface and Control Layout: Intuitive or Minimalist?

Modern camera users expect touchscreen interfaces, logical button layouts, and a bright, responsive rear LCD. Nikon responds with a big, tilting 3.2-inch LCD boasting 1040k-dot resolution and touch capabilities - perfect for live view composition, selecting autofocus points, or navigating menus quickly.

The Sony WX1’s fixed 2.7-inch LCD with only 230k dots is serviceable but feels outdated by today’s standards. No touchscreen means reliance on buttons which are fewer and smaller, sometimes forcing more menu dives for settings changes.

From my hands-on experience, the Z50’s interface greatly improves shooting speed and satisfaction. Touch-to-focus, swipe gestures, and tilting angles (great for low or high-angle shots) make it versatile. The WX1’s steadiness in simplicity may appeal to casual shooters who shun complex menus, but it lacks the immediacy many photographers crave.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed in Action

Autofocus technology is one of the definitive arenas where the Z50 shines over older compacts. Nikon’s mirrorless APS-C camera features 209 focus points (phase-detect and contrast detection hybrid), with wide coverage, eye detection for human and animal subjects, and tracking AF that remains remarkably reliable in burst mode.

The Sony WX1 offers just 9 focus points, all contrast-detection with center-weighted preferences and no face or eye detection features. Its autofocus is relatively slower and struggles with moving subjects or low-contrast scenes.

Why does this matter? For genres like wildlife, sports, or portraiture - where sharpness on eyes or bird wings is non-negotiable - the Z50’s AF system raises the bar. The WX1, while capable for casual snapshots, won’t keep pace with fast subjects or deliver the pinpoint accuracy pros expect.

Shooting Styles and Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

Both cameras occupy very different realms when examining photo subjects, so I’ve layered my findings through the major photography types:

• Portraits: The Z50’s ~21MP sensor, f/1.8 lenses in the Nikon Z mount, and eye-detection AF deliver dreamy bokeh and razor-sharp eyes. The WX1’s small sensor and variable aperture (f/2.4-f/5.9) limit background blur, and autofocus is less reliable in low light or shallow depth of field. The Z50 is a clear winner here.

• Landscapes: Resolution and dynamic range are crucial. The Z50’s large sensor and base image quality enable detailed, expansive landscape captures with subtle tonal gradations. The WX1 can manage wide shots but loses detail, especially in shadows and highlights. The Nikon’s weather sealing adds durability in challenging conditions, unlike the WX1.

• Wildlife: Fast autofocus, burst shooting, and telephoto lens compatibility count here. The Z50 supports lenses up to super-telephoto primes and zooms, plus 11fps burst rates for action. The WX1’s fixed 24-120mm equivalent zoom and 10fps continuous shooting fall behind in versatility and speed.

• Sports: Similar demands to wildlife - tracking AF, low light capability, high frame rates - which favors the Z50’s newer AF system and fast buffer.

• Street photography: The WX1’s compact size and discreet appearance make it excellent for unobtrusive shooting. The Z50 is larger but still reasonable for travel and street, with quick operation and silent electronic shutter options.

• Macro: Neither camera is optimized for macro, but the WX1 can focus as close as 5 cm, whereas the Z50 relies on macro lenses from its native mount. Stabilization on the WX1 helps with handheld macro shots, but the Z50’s lens options offer superior quality for serious macro work.

• Night/Astro: The Z50’s high-ISO performance, long exposures (up to 30s), and flashlight functionality provide strong night capability. The WX1 is limited both by sensor size and shutter speed maxing out at 2 seconds minimum exposure - hardly astro-friendly.

• Video: The Z50 records 4K UHD at 30p with microphone input but no headphone jack, whereas the WX1 is limited to 720p HD. The Z50’s video quality and control features are vastly superior.

• Travel: The WX1’s size and simplicity may win casual travel shooters, but the Z50’s versatility, battery life, and lens options cater to serious travelers who want one system to do it all.

• Professional use: The Z50, offering RAW support, tethering capabilities, and solid build, can be integrated into professional workflows, unlike the consumer-grade WX1.

Nikon Z50 front Nikon Z50 screen back Sony WX1 front Sony WX1 screen back

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ready for the Elements?

The Nikon Z50 benefits from environmental sealing, designed to withstand dust and light splashes - a feature you’ll appreciate shooting outdoors in variable climates. While not fully waterproof or freeze-proof, its ruggedness is a step ahead.

The Sony WX1 lacks sealing, marking it vulnerable to moisture and dust ingress - an expected tradeoff for its pocket-friendly size.

Ergonomics and Top Controls: Physical Interface in Use

Comparing the top plates, the Z50 presents a thoughtfully arranged dial system - shutter speed, exposure compensation, and mode dials are ergonomically placed for quick tweaks without breaking your composition flow.

The WX1’s top view reveals a stripped-back design: zoom rocker, shutter, and power buttons with minimal dials, focusing on simplicity.

If you’re the type to manually dial in settings on the fly, the Z50 hands-down wins. The WX1 suits quick point-and-shoot frames.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Sustaining Extended Shoots

Battery life on the Z50 (320 shots per charge according to CIPA) is good though not class-leading, partly due to the electronic viewfinder usage. The EN-EL25 battery is compact, rechargeable, and widely available.

The WX1 does not specify official battery life figures, typical for compacts; expect shorter longevity. It uses internal or Memory Stick storage, which is less versatile and slower than SD cards.

Connectivity tallies further separate them: the Z50 includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for instant image transfer and remote control. The WX1 has no wireless features, relying solely on USB or HDMI cables for transfers.

Lens Ecosystem: Flexibility or Fixed Zoom?

A major advantage of the Z50 is its native Nikon Z mount with over 15 lenses available - from fast primes to super-telephoto zooms. Additionally, adapters open options to legacy F-mount lenses, adding a whole universe of optics.

The WX1 uses a fixed 24-120mm equivalent lens (f/2.4-5.9 aperture), limiting versatility. While this zoom range covers everyday needs, it can’t be swapped for specialized glass.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: Value Judgments in 2024

As of this writing, the Nikon Z50 retails near $857, positioning it as a feature-packed, affordable mirrorless camera with professional-grade offerings. The Sony WX1, priced around $149, targets budget-conscious consumers wanting a simple point-and-shoot solution.

Is the Z50 worth nearly six times the cost? For enthusiasts or professionals, absolutely, especially when valuing image quality, control, and expandability. For casual users or beginners on a tight budget, the WX1 can still produce decent images in good light but quickly shows its limits upon scrutiny.

Scoring the Overall Performance: Where Do These Cameras Rank?

After rigorous testing, our expert reviewers assigned both cameras detailed performance scores based on sensor quality, autofocus, ergonomics, video, and more.

The Nikon Z50 leads markedly, thanks to its advanced hardware and modern features. The Sony WX1 serves well as an ultra-portable shooter but is outclassed in virtually every technical metric.

Genre-Specific Performance: Match Your Camera to Your Photography

Breaking down by specialty:

• Portraits, wildlife, sports, landscapes, and professional use clearly favor the Z50.
• Street, travel convenience, and casual snapshots may see merit in the WX1 for its stealth and pocketability.
• Video creators will lean heavily toward the Z50’s 4K capabilities.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Nikon Z50 and Sony WX1 occupy distinct niches shaped by design choices and eras - comparing them directly might seem unfair, but it’s a useful exercise in matching camera capabilities to user needs.

• If you are a photography enthusiast or pro: The Nikon Z50 is an exceptional entry-level mirrorless camera that punches above its price point. Its quality sensor, comprehensive autofocus, and lens ecosystem make it a versatile partner for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and video work alike. The tactile controls, weather sealing, and connectivity round out a package designed for serious use.

• If you want a lightweight, ultra-compact pocket camera for casual snaps: The Sony WX1 remains a venerable option, though it shows its age. It excels in grab-and-go scenarios, street candid shots, and travel with minimal fuss but will challenge you if you want creative control or superior image quality.

In short: Choose the Z50 if image quality, creative flexibility, and future expandability matter. Opt for the WX1 only if absolute portability and budget take precedence over every other consideration.

Appendix: Technical Notes on Testing Methodology

For both cameras, we conducted:

• Controlled lab tests measuring sensor noise, dynamic range, and color reproduction.
• Field shooting sessions spanning different lighting conditions and subject types.
• Autofocus and burst rate accuracy assessments using standardized test charts and moving subjects.
• Ergonomic evaluations via extended handheld sessions.
• Video quality analysis including bitrate, stabilization, and recording usability.
• Battery endurance testing under mixed usage scenarios.
• Lens sharpness and distortion checks (Nikon Z50 paired with prime and zoom lenses).

In closing, both cameras tell compelling stories about their times - the WX1 as a neat, simple, ultra-compact offering of its era; the Z50 as a doorway into serious mirrorless photography. Your choice depends on your photographic ambitions and willingness to invest in quality and flexibility. I hope this comprehensive comparison clarifies which camera fits your vision.

Happy shooting!