Nikon
Z50
First popular APS-C Z mount for enthusiasts.
$859
Released Oct 2019
Sony
Alpha 1 II
50MP stacked flagship with 30fps RAW, 8K video, and Sony's fastest hybrid performance.
$6,499
Released Nov 2024
Alpha 1 II is 5.1 years newer.
Wins
Z50
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 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 30 fps)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher EVF resolution (9,437,184 vs 2,360,000)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 209)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 11 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Z50
127 × 94 × 60 mm
395 g (0.87 lb / 13.93 oz)
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 × 83 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
Z50 is 10mm narrower, 3mm shorter, and 23mm thinner than Alpha 1 II.
Z50 is 348 g lighter than Alpha 1 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 60mm Z50 · 83mm Alpha 1 II
Sensor size, to scale
Z50
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
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
Subject recognition
Adds People, Dogs, Cats
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 126.5, 93.5, 60
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Weight
395 g vs 743 g — lower is better
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 32,000 — higher is better
EVF magnification
1.02 × vs 0.9 × — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
11 fps vs 10 fps — 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
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
EVF resolution
9,437,184 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
AF points / zones
759 vs 209 — 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
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Z50
Pros
- ✓Affordable Z mount
- ✓Compact
- ✓Good stills
Cons
- –No IBIS
- –Older video
- –Single slot
Alpha 1 II
Pros
- ✓50MP stacked sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free burst
- ✓8K 30p video
- ✓Best Sony AF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Complex menus
- –Large files
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Z50 and Alpha 1 II at major authorized retailers.
Sony Alpha 1 II
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, Z50 or Alpha 1 II?
Alpha 1 II scores 9.0/10 versus 0.0/10 for Z50 — 50.1MP — massive detail for large prints.
What's the resolution difference between the Z50 and Alpha 1 II?
Z50 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 and Alpha 1 II have in-body image stabilization?
Z50 does not have IBIS, while alpha 1 II has 8.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z50 or the Alpha 1 II?
Z50 reaches 11 fps electronic. Alpha 1 II reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z50 and Alpha 1 II?
Z50 weighs 395 g and Alpha 1 II weighs 743 g, so the Z50 is 348 g lighter.
Do the Z50 and Alpha 1 II record 4K video?
Z50: 4K up to 30p. Alpha 1 II: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the Z50 and Alpha 1 II weather sealed?
Z50: No. Alpha 1 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 300 shots (CIPA) for the Z50 and 520 shots for the Alpha 1 II, giving the Alpha 1 II the edge.
How much does each cost?
Z50 launched at $859 and Alpha 1 II at $6,499. The Z50 is $5,640 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon and Sony press materials.