Nikon
Z50 II
Updated APS-C Z body with improved AF and video for enthusiasts.
$999
Released Dec 2024
Sony
Alpha 1 II
50MP stacked flagship with 30fps RAW, 8K video, and Sony's fastest hybrid performance.
$6,499
Released Nov 2024
Released within a month of each other.
Wins
Z50 II
Wins
Alpha 1 II
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 1 II has higher IBIS effectiveness (8.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher EVF resolution (9,437,184 vs 2,360,000)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 231)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher Resolution (50.1 MP vs 20.9 MP)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Z50 II
127 × 97 × 67 mm
495 g (1.09 lb / 17.46 oz)
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 × 83 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
Z50 II is 9mm narrower and 16mm thinner than Alpha 1 II.
Z50 II is 248 g lighter than Alpha 1 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 67mm Z50 II · 83mm Alpha 1 II
Sensor size, to scale
Z50 II
23.5 × 15.7 mm · APS-C
369 mm² area
Alpha 1 II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
2.3× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Z50 II
Nikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Alpha 1 II
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
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
AF low-light limit
-9 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Dogs…
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 127, 96.8, 66.5
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 32,000 — higher is better
Weight
495 g vs 743 g — lower is better
EVF magnification
1.02 × vs 0.9 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 1 II
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I…
IBIS effectiveness
8.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 96.9, 82.9
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SD UHS-II
EVF resolution
9,437,184 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
AF points / zones
759 vs 231 — higher is better
Resolution
50.1 MP vs 20.9 MP — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 30 fps
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
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
Alpha 1 II
Pros
- ✓50MP stacked sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free burst
- ✓8K 30p video
- ✓Best Sony AF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Complex menus
- –Large files
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, Z50 II or Alpha 1 II?
Alpha 1 II scores 9.0/10 versus 0.0/10 for Z50 II — 50.1MP — massive detail for large prints.
What's the resolution difference between the Z50 II and Alpha 1 II?
Z50 II is 20.9 MP and Alpha 1 II is 50.1 MP, so the Alpha 1 II captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Z50 II and Alpha 1 II have in-body image stabilization?
Z50 II does not have IBIS, while alpha 1 II has 8.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z50 II or the Alpha 1 II?
Z50 II reaches 30 fps electronic. Alpha 1 II reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z50 II and Alpha 1 II?
Z50 II weighs 495 g and Alpha 1 II weighs 743 g, so the Z50 II is 248 g lighter.
Do the Z50 II and Alpha 1 II record 4K video?
Z50 II: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 1 II: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the Z50 II and Alpha 1 II weather sealed?
Z50 II: No. Alpha 1 II: Yes.
How much does each cost?
Z50 II launched at $999 and Alpha 1 II at $6,499. The Z50 II is $5,500 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon and Sony press materials.