Compare · 2 products compared

Nikon Z8vsCanon EOS R50: Which is Better?

The Nikon Z8 and Canon EOS R50 are mirrorless cameras built for very different photographers. The Z8 is a high-end professional tool, while the R50 is an entry-level model designed for everyday shooting.

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Intro

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Best for

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Biggest differences

  • Launch price

    Canon EOS R50 leads

    5.88×

    lower is better

    • Nikon Z83,999.95 USD
    • Canon EOS R50679.99 USD
  • Weight

    Canon EOS R50 leads

    2.43×

    lower is better

    • Nikon Z8910 g
    • Canon EOS R50375 g
  • 4K max frame rate

    Nikon Z8 leads

    4×

    higher is better

    • Nikon Z8120 fps
    • Canon EOS R5029.97 fps
  • 4K max frame rate (full width)

    Nikon Z8 leads

    4×

    higher is better

    • Nikon Z8120 fps
    • Canon EOS R5029.97 fps

Features not all of them have

Log profile support

  • Nikon Z8✓
  • Canon EOS R50✕

Headphone port

  • Nikon Z8✓
  • Canon EOS R50✕

Where each one wins

  • Nikon Z8

    • Effective pixels
    • Sensor format
    • In-body image stabilization
    • Sensor type
    • Continuous shooting (electronic)
    • Pre-burst capture duration
    • Max video resolution
    • 4K max frame rate
    • 4K max frame rate (full width)
    • Raw video recording
    • Log profile support
    • Viewfinder resolution
    • Screen size
    • Screen articulation
    • Rear screen resolution
    • Memory card slots
    • Weather sealing
    • Minimum operating temperature
    • Headphone port
    • HDMI port type
  • Canon EOS R50

    • Launch price
    • Native ISO maximum
    • Viewfinder magnification
    • Weight
    • Width
    • Height
    • Depth

What both have

  • Video bit depth10 bit
  • USB charging & power delivery✓

Every spec

Red marks the better value in each row.

SpecNikon Z8Canon EOS R50
Overview

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Overview specs

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Release date2023-05Not published
Launch price3,999.95 USD679.99 USD1
Lens mountNikon ZCanon RF
High resolution pixel-shift modeYesNot published
Sensor & Image

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Sensor & Image specs

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Effective pixels45.7 MP24.2 MP
Sensor formatFull-frameAPS-C
Native ISO maximum25,600 ISO32,000 ISO
In-body image stabilization5.5 stops20 stops3
Sensor readout speedNot publishedNot published
Sensor typeStacked CMOSCMOS
Aspect ratios3:2, 1:1, 16:93:2, 4:3, 1:1, 16:9
Lens & Autofocus

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Lens & Autofocus specs

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Continuous shooting (mechanical)Not published12 fps
Continuous shooting (electronic)30 fps415 fps
Max mechanical shutter speedNot published4,000 1/s
Pre-burst capture duration300 s50 s6
AF subject detectionHuman, animal, bird, train, airplane, motorcycle, vehicleHuman, animal, bird, vehicle
Video

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Video specs

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Max video resolution8K4K
4K max frame rate120 fps29.97 fps
Video codecsH.264, HEVC, ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes RAW, N-RAWH.264, HEVC
4K max frame rate (full width)120 fps29.97 fps
Raw video recordingInternalNone7
Video bit depth10 bit10 bit8
Log profile supportYesNo9
Video dynamic range (log)Not publishedNot published
Viewfinder & Screen

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Viewfinder & Screen specs

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Viewfinder resolution3.69 M dots2.36 M dots
Viewfinder magnification0.8 x0.95 x
Screen size3.2 in2.95 in
Screen articulationMulti-angle10Fully articulated
Rear screen resolution2.1 M dots1.62 M dots
Handling & Power

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Handling & Power specs

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Battery lifeNot published440 shots11
Memory card slots2 slots1 slots
Weather sealingDust and drip resistantNone12
Weight910 g375 g13
Width144 mm116.3 mm
Height118.5 mm85.5 mm
Depth83 mm68.8 mm
USB charging & power deliveryYesYes14
Minimum operating temperature-10 °C0 °C15
Headphone portYesNo16
HDMI port typeFull-sizeMicro
Notes on 16 values — test conditions and caveats
  1. 1Canon EOS R50, Launch price: US RRP at launch as listed by Trusted Reviews; the page does not state whether it is body-only.
  2. 2Nikon Z8, In-body image stabilization: The 6.0-stop figure applies only with Synchro VR-compatible Nikkor Z lenses; the standard body rating is 5.5 stops.
  3. 3Canon EOS R50, In-body image stabilization: No in-body stabilisation; shake control relies on lens IS or Movie Digital IS.
  4. 4Nikon Z8, Continuous shooting (electronic): Full-resolution JPEG bursts reach 30 fps; 14-bit RAW bursts top out at 20 fps.
  5. 5Nikon Z8, Pre-burst capture duration: The 300 s Pre-Release Capture buffer arrived with firmware 2.0; launch firmware allowed 30 s.
  6. 6Canon EOS R50, Pre-burst capture duration: No pre-capture mode appears anywhere in Canon's official R50 specifications, so it is treated as absent.
  7. 7Canon EOS R50, Raw video recording: Canon lists only MP4 recording with H.264 or HEVC; no raw video is offered internally or externally.
  8. 8Canon EOS R50, Video bit depth: Standard Rec.709 recording is 8-bit; 10-bit output requires HDR PQ to be switched on.
  9. 9Canon EOS R50, Log profile support: No Canon Log profile; HDR PQ (a PQ gamma curve) is available instead, which is not a log curve.
  10. 10Nikon Z8, Screen articulation: Nikon's 4-axis monitor tilts both vertically and horizontally but does not swing out like a fully articulated screen.
  11. 11Canon EOS R50, Battery life: CIPA test with the supplied LP-E17 in power-saving mode; viewfinder shooting is rated at about 310 shots.
  12. 12Canon EOS R50, Weather sealing: Canon's own spec sheet also lists water/dust resistance as not provided, so treat the body as unsealed.
  13. 13Canon EOS R50, Weight: Black body with battery and card per CIPA; the white version is 376 g with battery and card.
  14. 14Canon EOS R50, USB charging & power delivery: USB-C charging works with the supplied LP-E17; unauthenticated third-party batteries may not charge.
  15. 15Canon EOS R50, Minimum operating temperature: Rated operating range is 0–40 °C at up to 85% humidity.
  16. 16Canon EOS R50, Headphone port: Canon's full port list covers USB-C, mic-in, HDMI micro and the shoe only — no headphone jack.

Image Quality and Resolution

The Nikon Z8 captures significantly more detail thanks to its 45.7 MP full-frame sensor, outperforming the 24.2 MP APS-C sensor on the Canon EOS R50. Full-frame sensors also gather more light and deliver shallower depth of field.

However, the Canon reaches a native ISO maximum of 32,000 compared to 25,600 on the Nikon. Both models support standard aspect ratios like 3:2 and 16:9, but only the Z8 offers a high-resolution pixel-shift mode.

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Image Quality and Resolution

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Video Capabilities

For filmmakers, the Nikon Z8 leads with 8K resolution at up to 120 fps in 4K, internal raw video recording, and log profile support. The Canon EOS R50 maxes out at 4K resolution and 29.97 fps.

The Canon relies on standard MP4 recording with H.264 or HEVC and offers no log profile or raw video options. Both cameras provide 10-bit video, though the R50 requires HDR PQ to be enabled.

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Video Capabilities

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Speed and Autofocus

Action photographers will find distinct advantages in the Nikon Z8, which reaches 30 fps in electronic shooting and features a pre-burst capture duration of up to 300 s. The Canon EOS R50 shoots at up to 15 fps electronically and 12 fps mechanically, with no pre-capture mode.

Both cameras offer robust subject detection, tracking humans, animals, birds, and vehicles. The Z8 adds specialized recognition for trains, airplanes, and motorcycles.

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Speed and Autofocus

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Handling and Portability

The Canon EOS R50 weighs just 375 g, making it far lighter and more compact than the 910 g Nikon Z8. Travellers and casual shooters will appreciate the Canon's smaller footprint.

On the other hand, the Z8 offers professional build features lacking on the R50, including dust and drip-resistant weather sealing, dual memory card slots, a full-size HDMI port, and a headphone jack. The Z8 also operates in colder conditions down to -10 °C.

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Handling and Portability

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The Verdict

Buy the Nikon Z8 if you need professional video codecs, high-resolution stills, and rugged weather sealing. Buy the Canon EOS R50 if you want a lightweight, affordable camera for everyday casual photography.

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Verdict

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Where to buy

FAQ

Does either camera have in-body image stabilization?

The Nikon Z8 features in-body image stabilization rated at 5.5 stops. The Canon EOS R50 has no in-body stabilization and relies entirely on lens IS or Movie Digital IS.

What memory card options do they offer?

The Nikon Z8 includes 2 memory card slots for backup or overflow. The Canon EOS R50 features a single card slot.

Can I charge both cameras via USB?

Yes, both models support USB charging and power delivery. The R50 charges with the supplied LP-E17 battery.

What is the screen articulation on each model?

The Nikon Z8 uses a multi-angle 4-axis monitor that tilts vertically and horizontally. The Canon EOS R50 features a fully articulated screen that swings out.

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FAQ

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