Sony a6700 vs Nikon Z50 II

Launched in July 2023, the Sony Alpha A6700 is the improved successor to the A6600 in Sony's APS-C range, marking a significant step forward with its 26-megapixel Exmor R BSI sensor and BIONZ XR processor. These innovations ensure excellent image quality and optimum noise management in low light, making this model ideal for professionals who demand precision in their portraits, landscapes or action scenes, thanks also to an efficient 11 fps burst.

The camera retains the same weight as its predecessor, but with improvements such as a small electronic viewfinder (still present) and increased screen resolution. It also features the introduction of 4K UHD video recording at 60 fps and 1080p at 120 fps, meeting the expectations of professional videographers. The inclusion of a USB-C port and a UHS-II compatible SD card slot significantly increases the efficiency and speed of data transfer.

In short, the Sony Alpha A6700 represents a major step forward and offers excellent value for money. With a compact, rugged body designed to resist dust and moisture, it is perfect for photographers and videographers who want to explore new creative possibilities.

In November 2024, Nikon unveiled the Z50 II, an APS-C hybrid that is a welcome update to the Z50 released four years earlier. Although updated, this camera retains most of the technical specifications of the first version: a 20.9 MP sensor, an ISO range of 100 to 51,200 and a mechanical burst of 11 fps. The maximum shutter speed remains unchanged at 1/4000s and the electronic viewfinder still has 2.36 million dots. Nikon has decided to maintain the lack of internal stabilisation and only offers an SD card slot.

Among the new features, the Z50 II incorporates the Expeed 7 processor used in Nikon's top-of-the-range models. Thanks to its deep learning algorithm, this processor improves autofocus performance and noise management, resulting in sharper images. Nikon has also opted for a new rotating screen, which remains at 1.04 megapixels, and the addition of the UHS-II standard for faster data transfer. USB-C 3.0 ports and a headphone jack are a real bonus for video creators, and the electronic burst is now up to 15 fps.

Finally, when it comes to video, the Z50 II can record in 4K at up to 60p, a significant improvement on the previous version, which was limited to 30p. The camera body weighs in at a slightly heavier 550g, but now lasts longer thanks to the EN-EL25a battery. The Z50 II is designed to be comfortable in the hand, with features such as Picture Control for stylised images. All in all, Nikon offers a compact hybrid that will appeal to amateur photographers and videographers looking for quality and versatility.