Nikon Z50
Real Sensor Data
- Brand
- Nikon
- Sensor Format
- APS-C (1.5x)
- Resolution
- 20.9 MP
- Pixel Pitch
- 4.19 microns
- Circle of Confusion
- 0.0188 mm
- Crop Factor
- 1.53x
- Announced
- 2019
Launched in 2019, the Z50 was Nikon's first APS-C mirrorless body, establishing the 20.9-megapixel sensor resolution the company has carried through its entire DX-format Z-mount lineup since, from this original model through the Z30, Zfc and Z50 II that followed.
Nikon Z50 sensor specs
- Sensor
- APS-C (1.5x)
- Resolution
- 20.9 MP
- Pixel dimensions
- 5,599 × 3,733 px
- Aspect ratio
- 3:2
- Pixel pitch
- 4.19 µm
- Crop factor
- 1.53x
- Circle of confusion
- 0.0188 mm
APS-C sensor · DoF & Hyperfocal Calculator · Astro 500/NPF Calculator
The original Z50 launched without in-body image stabilization, relying entirely on lens-based stabilization where available — a real limitation compared to some competing APS-C mirrorless systems at the time, though its compact size and price remained genuinely competitive. Its twin-dial control layout, unusual for an entry-level APS-C body at the time, gave photographers more direct manual control than many competing beginner-oriented mirrorless cameras offered at a similar price.
Nikon also gave the original Z50 a twin-dial control layout unusual for an entry-level mirrorless body at the time, offering more direct manual control than many competing beginner cameras.
See these numbers used live in the DoF & Hyperfocal Calculator by selecting the APS-C (1.5x) sensor format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the original Z50 still worth buying now that the Z50 II exists?
For photographers on a tighter budget, yes — its core sensor delivers the same resolution, pixel pitch and depth-of-field figures as the newer Z50 II, with the tradeoff being less advanced autofocus tracking and processing speed.
Does the original Z50 use the same sensor as newer Nikon DX-format bodies?
Yes — Nikon has kept this same 20.9-megapixel sensor across every DX-format Z-mount body released since, the Z30 and Zfc included, so their optical figures on this page are all interchangeable.