We’re comparing the Sony a7C and Nikon Z50, two Mirrorless cameras from Sony and Nikon, respectively.
The Sony Alpha a7C is a camera in the Advanced Mirrorless class, whereas the Nikon Z50 is in the Entry-Level Mirrorless class.
The Sony a7C will be available on the market in September 2020, while the Nikon Z50 will be available in October 2019. However, because the age gap between A7c and Z50 is just 11 months, we anticipate this will be a fair comparison in terms of age and technological level.
The Sony a7C and Nikon Z50 are two mid-range mirrorless cameras that target different segments of the market. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two cameras:
Image sensor: The Sony a7C has a full-frame image sensor (24.2 megapixels), while the Nikon Z50 has an APS-C image sensor (20.9 megapixels). The full-frame sensor of the a7C provides a broader field of view, better low-light performance, and a shallower depth of field. On the other hand, the APS-C sensor of the Z50 offers a more compact body and a longer effective focal length for lenses.
Autofocus: Both cameras have advanced systems, but the Sony a7C has more phase detection points (567) than the Nikon Z50 (209). The a7C’s autofocus system is faster and better suited for tracking fast-moving subjects. The Z50’s autofocus system is still quick and accurate, but it’s not as good as the a7C’s.
Burst shooting: The Sony a7C can continuously shoot up to 10 fps with the mechanical or electronic shutter and eight fps with the mechanical shutter. The Nikon Z50 is capable of continuous shooting at up to 11 fps.
Video recording: Both cameras can record 4K video, but the Sony a7C has a full-pixel readout, which provides better image quality. The Nikon Z50 has a higher frame rate for slow-motion video recording, but the a7C has a better image stabilizer.
Ergonomics: The Sony a7C is a more compact camera than the Nikon Z50, making it easier to carry and handle. The Z50 is a bit larger and heavier but has a more substantial grip and controls.
Lens options: The Sony a7C is compatible with Sony’s E-mount lens system, which has a wide range of lens options, including high-quality prime lenses, zoom lenses, and special-purpose lenses. The Nikon Z50 is compatible with the Nikon Z mount lens system, which is still developing and has fewer lens options.
Price: The Nikon Z50 is more affordable than the Sony a7C, making it more accessible to budget-conscious photographers.
Battery life: The Sony a7C has a longer battery life than the Nikon Z50, making it more suitable for extended shooting sessions.
Key Specifications
Before we get into our more in-depth comparison of the Sony a7C and Nikon Z50, let’s glance at each camera’s primary characteristics.
Sony A7c Key Specs
- Announcement Date: 2020-09-14
- 24MP – Full frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
- ISO 100 – 51200 ( expands to 50 – 204800)
- Sony E Mount
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 3.00″ Fully articulated Screen
- 2360k Electronic dot viewfinder
- 10.0fps continuous shooting
- 4K (UHD) – 3840 x 2160 video resolution
- 120fps High-Speed Video
- Built-in Wireless
- 509g. 124 x 71 x 60 mm
- Weather Sealed Body
Nikon Z50 Key Specs
- Announcement Date: 2019-10-10
- 21MP – APS-C BSI-CMOS Sensor
- No Anti-aliasing (AA) filter
- ISO 100 – 51200 ( expands to 204800)
- Nikon Z Mount
- 3.20″ Tilting Screen
- 2360k Electronic dot viewfinder
- 11.0fps continuous shooting
- 4K (UHD) – 3840 x 2160 video resolution
- Built-in Wireless
- 397g. 127 x 94 x 60 mm
- Weather Sealed Body
Raw (Sony ARW, 14-bit)
Raw (NEF, 12/14-bit)
The camera’s advantages include the bigger sensor, built-in automated sensor cleaning, and more excellent resolution of the Alpha A7C. Sony’s advantages include faster and more accurate autofocus, a fantastic array of lenses, and an optical image stabilizer.
The fact that the battery has longer endurance is more compact, and supports USB 3.0 are all excellent touches. However, given the size of today’s images and the need for 4K video, this seems like an absurd luxury.
In conclusion, the Sony a7C and Nikon Z50 are high-quality mirrorless cameras, but they target different market segments. The Sony a7C is a full-frame camera optimized for travel and street photographers who value compactness and versatility. At the same time, the Nikon Z50 is an APS-C camera optimized for amateur and hobbyist photographers who want a good all-around camera that’s easy to use.
If you’re looking for a general-purpose full-frame camera that can handle both photography and videography applications, the a7C might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a compact and affordable camera for everyday photography, the Nikon Z50 might be the better choice.