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Nikon Z Ii Vs D850: Which One Is Right For You?

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • However, the Z II has a slight edge in terms of dynamic range, which means it can capture more detail in both the highlights and shadows of an image.
  • The Nikon Z II and D850 both offer excellent video recording capabilities, but the Z II has a few more features than the D850.
  • The Nikon Z II and D850 are both expensive cameras, but the Z II is slightly more expensive than the D850.

Nikon’s Z II and D850 are two of the most popular DSLRs on the market, and for good reason. Both cameras offer excellent image quality, fast performance, and a wide range of features. But which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Nikon Z II and D850 side-by-side to help you make an informed decision.

Sensor and Image Quality

The Nikon Z II and D850 both have full-frame sensors, but there are some key differences between the two. The Z II has a 45.7-megapixel sensor, while the D850 has a 45.4-megapixel sensor. The Z II’s sensor is also slightly larger than the D850’s, which gives it a slight edge in terms of image quality.

In terms of image quality, the Z II and D850 are both excellent performers. Both cameras produce sharp, detailed images with accurate colors. However, the Z II has a slight edge in terms of dynamic range, which means it can capture more detail in both the highlights and shadows of an image.

Autofocus

The Nikon Z II and D850 both have excellent autofocus systems, but they work in different ways. The Z II uses a hybrid autofocus system that combines phase-detection and contrast-detection autofocus, while the D850 uses a traditional phase-detection autofocus system.

The Z II’s hybrid autofocus system is faster and more accurate than the D850’s phase-detection autofocus system. This makes the Z II a better choice for shooting moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife.

Burst Shooting

The Nikon Z II and D850 both offer fast burst shooting speeds, but the Z II has a slight edge. The Z II can shoot up to 14 frames per second (fps) with the mechanical shutter and up to 20 fps with the electronic shutter. The D850 can shoot up to 9 fps with the mechanical shutter and up to 30 fps with the electronic shutter.

The Z II’s faster burst shooting speed makes it a better choice for shooting fast-action sports or wildlife.

Video Recording

The Nikon Z II and D850 both offer excellent video recording capabilities, but the Z II has a few more features than the D850. The Z II can record 4K video at up to 60 fps, while the D850 can only record 4K video at up to 30 fps. The Z II also has a full-width 4K readout, which means it can capture more detail in 4K video than the D850.

The Z II is also a better choice for shooting video in low-light conditions. It has a higher ISO range than the D850, which allows it to capture more detail in dark scenes.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

The Nikon Z II and D850 are both well-built cameras, but the D850 has a slight edge in terms of build quality. The D850 is made from a magnesium alloy body, while the Z II is made from a combination of magnesium alloy and plastic. The D850 is also weather-sealed, which means it can withstand dust and moisture.

The Z II is a smaller and lighter camera than the D850, which makes it easier to carry around. However, the D850 has a more comfortable grip and a larger viewfinder, which makes it easier to shoot with for long periods of time.

Price

The Nikon Z II and D850 are both expensive cameras, but the Z II is slightly more expensive than the D850. The Z II body costs around $2,000, while the D850 body costs around $1,800.

Which One Should You Choose?

The Nikon Z II and D850 are both excellent cameras, but they are best suited for different types of photographers. The Z II is a better choice for photographers who need a camera with fast autofocus, high burst shooting speeds, and excellent video recording capabilities. The D850 is a better choice for photographers who need a camera with excellent image quality, a rugged build, and a comfortable grip.

A Conclusion

Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a camera that can handle fast-action photography or videography, the Nikon Z II is a great choice. If you’re looking for a camera with excellent image quality and a rugged build, the Nikon D850 is a great choice.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Which camera has a higher resolution sensor, the Nikon Z II or the D850?

A: The Nikon Z II has a slightly higher resolution sensor than the D850. The Z II has a 45.7-megapixel sensor, while the D850 has a 45.4-megapixel sensor.

Q: Which camera has a faster autofocus system, the Nikon Z II or the D850?

A: The Nikon Z II has a faster autofocus system than the D850. The Z II uses a hybrid autofocus system that combines phase-detection and contrast-detection autofocus, while the D850 uses a traditional phase-detection autofocus system.

Q: Which camera has a higher burst shooting speed, the Nikon Z II or the D850?

A: The Nikon Z II has a higher burst shooting speed than the D850. The Z II can shoot up to 14 frames per second (fps) with the mechanical shutter and up to 20 fps with the electronic shutter. The D850 can shoot up to 9 fps with the mechanical shutter and up to 30 fps with the electronic shutter.

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Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
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