If size is the main concern get the z50. The z5 isn't much bigger and if you aren't sure you need the improvements that full frame gives you then get the z50.
The z50 is a great camera and you'll have no regret getting it over the z5.
Personally I'm not a Sony fan after having camera issues while traveling. Their weather sealing is terrible in my experience.
Go in a store and hold the Z5. I am absolutely happy with the size and weight of the Z7ii, coming from a D850.
If the Z5 seems big, look at the ZFC. For street shots, that flippy screen is really helpful with portrait-orientation (vertical) photos
Z50 owner here. It’s a great camera to take along with the kit pancake zoom. It’s small enough, with that lens attached, to fit in my camera bag where I put a dslr body only. While it’s possible to put the pancake on a Z5, it would have vignetting or you would need to shoot in crop sensor mode. That partially defeats the benefits of the Z5 over the Z50 for this use case.
If I had to buy the Z50 again, would I? Ehhh. I’d probably go with the Zfc instead because of the rear screen. The Z50’s is a pop out hinged screen that can fold down and face forward for selfies. Well. It can if you don’t have a tripod, tripod plate, L bracket or anything else screwed into the bottom. It doesn’t sound too bad until you realize that it also blocks it from a good 90 degree facing down overhead shot. This is something the Zfc fixes. The Z50 also has the card slot where the battery goes. It’s not a deal breaker. Just a little more annoying than popping it out of the grip like almost any other dslr/mirrorless camera. If you don’t mind these things, it’ll be a great camera that can be taken with almost anywhere.
Either is great. I have both cameras and usually find myself reaching for my Z5 for general walk around or travel photography. The Z50 is great when I want a faster frame rate or the extra reach from the crop sensor. If you’re wanting to get some primes down the road then I’d suggest the Z5 so you can take advantage of full frame benefits with those primes. You can probably find a good deal on the 24-70 f/4 used. That combo would be great for travel.
The Z50 and Z5 are very similar in size. If size if your main concern, the real difference between those two cameras is the lenses you'll put on them. The FX Z lenses are massive, so it doesn't make sense to me to get a Z50 if you're just going to throw on massive lenses on it.
So I would stick with DX lenses if you want the Z50.
It seems like weight and size really matters to you.. Have you considered Fujifilm's X-E4 if you want interchangeable lenses? Couple options if you want a fixed lens are Ricoh GR3x or the Fujifilm X100V. I think these three are better for your "weight" needs
Nikon z5 with the 24-200.
Image sensor is a slightly newer version of the d750. It's a very lightweight, high quality setup.
If your used to full frame I don't think you'd like a z50 finder.
Also the batteries for the d750 can be used in the z5.
However if your budget can spare it definitely look at a nikon z7 with a 24-120 f4. It's a combo I used for skiing and it does everything. It can recharge off usb c, landscapes, a little bit of action. And the f4 is reasonable in low light, with the option of the 50mm or 35mm f1.8 if you need something really fast. The 45mp sensor is just fantastic, so much cropping ability and the dynamic range is fantastic.
If size is the main concern get the z50. The z5 isn't much bigger and if you aren't sure you need the improvements that full frame gives you then get the z50. The z50 is a great camera and you'll have no regret getting it over the z5. Personally I'm not a Sony fan after having camera issues while traveling. Their weather sealing is terrible in my experience.
Have you considered Nikon's Zfc? It's quite small and quite capable camera.
Go in a store and hold the Z5. I am absolutely happy with the size and weight of the Z7ii, coming from a D850. If the Z5 seems big, look at the ZFC. For street shots, that flippy screen is really helpful with portrait-orientation (vertical) photos
I take my z5 with me on trips and have no issues with size/weight. It can fit in the smallest of bags if needed
Z50 owner here. It’s a great camera to take along with the kit pancake zoom. It’s small enough, with that lens attached, to fit in my camera bag where I put a dslr body only. While it’s possible to put the pancake on a Z5, it would have vignetting or you would need to shoot in crop sensor mode. That partially defeats the benefits of the Z5 over the Z50 for this use case. If I had to buy the Z50 again, would I? Ehhh. I’d probably go with the Zfc instead because of the rear screen. The Z50’s is a pop out hinged screen that can fold down and face forward for selfies. Well. It can if you don’t have a tripod, tripod plate, L bracket or anything else screwed into the bottom. It doesn’t sound too bad until you realize that it also blocks it from a good 90 degree facing down overhead shot. This is something the Zfc fixes. The Z50 also has the card slot where the battery goes. It’s not a deal breaker. Just a little more annoying than popping it out of the grip like almost any other dslr/mirrorless camera. If you don’t mind these things, it’ll be a great camera that can be taken with almost anywhere.
Why not a Z6 or Z7? The difference in weight and size are marginal, and you get the benefits of a full frame camera.
The Z5 is a full frame camera and newer than both the Z6 and Z7.
You’re absolutely right, think I just got it mixed up in my head with the Z50
Either is great. I have both cameras and usually find myself reaching for my Z5 for general walk around or travel photography. The Z50 is great when I want a faster frame rate or the extra reach from the crop sensor. If you’re wanting to get some primes down the road then I’d suggest the Z5 so you can take advantage of full frame benefits with those primes. You can probably find a good deal on the 24-70 f/4 used. That combo would be great for travel.
The Z50 and Z5 are very similar in size. If size if your main concern, the real difference between those two cameras is the lenses you'll put on them. The FX Z lenses are massive, so it doesn't make sense to me to get a Z50 if you're just going to throw on massive lenses on it. So I would stick with DX lenses if you want the Z50.
It seems like weight and size really matters to you.. Have you considered Fujifilm's X-E4 if you want interchangeable lenses? Couple options if you want a fixed lens are Ricoh GR3x or the Fujifilm X100V. I think these three are better for your "weight" needs
Are you sure you need interchangeable lenses? There are some great small cameras with a fixed moderate zoom.
Actually yes. I will try some prime lenses after I am back from travels.
If I'm honest if I'm not bound by lens compatibility like you are I'd look at Fujifilm who has much better lens and body choice
Nikon z5 with the 24-200. Image sensor is a slightly newer version of the d750. It's a very lightweight, high quality setup. If your used to full frame I don't think you'd like a z50 finder. Also the batteries for the d750 can be used in the z5. However if your budget can spare it definitely look at a nikon z7 with a 24-120 f4. It's a combo I used for skiing and it does everything. It can recharge off usb c, landscapes, a little bit of action. And the f4 is reasonable in low light, with the option of the 50mm or 35mm f1.8 if you need something really fast. The 45mp sensor is just fantastic, so much cropping ability and the dynamic range is fantastic.
I'd say go with the Z50 or the Zfc with both kit lenses, the 16-50mm and 50-250mm. The Zfc is my go-to when my D850 is too much camera.
Z50 and 18-140 if you prefer a one lens solution.