Nikon
Z50 II
Updated APS-C Z body with improved AF and video for enthusiasts.
$999
Released Dec 2024
Nikon
Z8
Z9 internals in a compact body — 45.7MP stacked sensor, 8K 60p, no blackout burst.
$3,999
Released May 2023
Z50 II is 1.6 years newer.
Wins
Z50 II
Wins
Z8
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- AZ50 II has higher Burst (mechanical) (11 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZ8 has higher IBIS effectiveness (6 stops vs 0 stops)
- BZ8 has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 30 fps)
- BZ8 has higher Resolution (45.7 MP vs 20.9 MP)
- BZ8 has higher AF points / zones (493 vs 231)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Z50 II
127 × 97 × 67 mm
495 g (1.09 lb / 17.46 oz)
Z8
144 × 119 × 83 mm
820 g (1.81 lb / 28.92 oz)
Z50 II is 17mm narrower, 22mm shorter, and 17mm thinner than Z8.
Z50 II is 325 g lighter than Z8.
Depth (front-to-back): 67mm Z50 II · 83mm Z8
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Z50 II
127 × 97 mm
Z8
144 × 119 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Z50 II
127 × 67 mm
Z8
144 × 83 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z50 II
23.5 × 15.7 mm · APS-C
369 mm² area
Z8
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
2.3× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Z50 II
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Z8
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Z50 II
Burst (mechanical)
11 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 127, 96.8, 66.5
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
AA filter
Only Z50 II supports it
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Weight
495 g vs 820 g — lower is better
EVF magnification
1.02 × vs 0.8 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Z8
IBIS effectiveness
6 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 118.5, 83
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B / XQD, SD UHS-II
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, ProRes 422 HQ
Resolution
45.7 MP vs 20.9 MP — higher is better
AF points / zones
493 vs 231 — higher is better
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Z50 II
Pros
- ✓Improved AF
- ✓Compact DSLR-style grip
- ✓Good value
Cons
- –No IBIS
- –Single slot
- –APS-C
Z8
Pros
- ✓45.7MP stacked CMOS from Z9 — class-leading
- ✓8K 60p N-RAW internal
- ✓No mechanical shutter wear — fully electronic
- ✓20fps at full 45.7MP resolution
Cons
- –EN-EL15c battery life only 340 CIPA shots
- –No built-in grip (unlike Z9)
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, Z50 II or Z8?
Z8 scores 9.5/10 versus 0.0/10 for Z50 II — 45.7MP — excellent for prints up to 24×36".
What's the resolution difference between the Z50 II and Z8?
Z50 II is 20.9 MP and Z8 is 45.7 MP, so the Z8 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Z50 II and Z8 have in-body image stabilization?
Z50 II does not have IBIS, while z8 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z50 II or the Z8?
Z50 II reaches 30 fps electronic. Z8 reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z50 II and Z8?
Z50 II weighs 495 g and Z8 weighs 820 g, so the Z50 II is 325 g lighter.
Do the Z50 II and Z8 record 4K video?
Z50 II: 4K up to 60p. Z8: 8K UHD (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the Z50 II and Z8 weather sealed?
Z50 II: No. Z8: Yes.
How much does each cost?
Z50 II launched at $999 and Z8 at $3,999. The Z50 II is $3,000 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.