Which to Buy: Nikon Z50 vs D5600 Comparison

May 2020

The Z50 is 5 year(s) old while the D5600 is 8 years old. These are both DX cameras and there are additional similarities but also some differences that the buyer needs to be aware of before pulling the trigger.

The similarities between these two cameras are:

Compact design
DX / APS-C sensor
Support JPEG, 12-bit and 14-bit RAW images
Dedicated Fn (function) buttons
Matrix and center-weighted metering
Hotshoe
HDMI jack
External microphone jack
Touchscreen monitor
30-1/4000th sec. mechanical shutter speeds
Bulb shutter
Built-in flash
1/200th sec. flash sync speed
High dynamic range mode
Timelapse photography support
Auto-exposure bracketing
Built-in WiFi to pair the camera with a smartphone
Nikon SnapBridge
Self-timer

The advantages the D5600 has over the Z50 are:

24 MP sensor vs 21 MP (greater resolution)
No anti-aliasing filter/optical low pass filter
Spot metering
Much longer rated battery life at 820 shots vs 320 shots
Built-in flash has a GN of 39 ft vs 23 ft
Fully articulated monitor vs tilting monitor

The advantages the Z50 has over the D5600 are:

21 MP sensor vs 24 MP (for better light gathering)
Mirrorless camera design
Backside-illuminated CMOS sensor
Native ISO 100-51200 vs 100-25600
Highlight-weighted metering
3.2 in. 1040k-dot TFT LCD monitor vs 3.2 in. 1037k-dot
11 frames-per-sec. vs 5 fps
4K UHD video, 30 fps
1080p video, 120 fps vs 60 fps
Slow motion video - 1080p, 120 fps
2360-dot EVF vs pentamirror optical viewfinder
100% viewfinder coverage vs 95%
209 AF points vs 39 points
Auto FP High-Speed flash sync
Eye autofocus (Eye-AF)
Electronic silent shutter
On sensor phase detect AF
Buffer holds more RAW images (18 vs 14 images)
UHS-II card slot vs UHS-I
Built-in Bluetooth to pair the camera with a smartphone
EXPEED 6 image processor vs EXPEED 4
Compatible with Z- and F-mount lenses
Sealing against the elements
Lighter at 397g (14 oz) vs 465g (1 lb)

Neither camera has:

IBIS
Dual memory card slots
Built-in GPS
Headphone jack
Top-side control panel
Built-in NFC to pair the camera with a smartphone
Optional battery grip accessory
Panorama Mode

See these comparisons: