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Nikon Z8 Vs D850: Which Mirrorless Camera 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 D850 has a slightly wider dynamic range, which means that it can capture more detail in both the highlights and shadows of an image.
  • The Nikon Z8 and D850 both offer excellent video capabilities, but the Z8 has a slight edge in this area.
  • However, if you are looking for a camera with a more robust build quality and longer battery life, then the D850 is the better choice.

The Nikon Z8 and D850 are two of the most popular cameras among professional and enthusiast photographers. Both cameras offer excellent image quality, fast performance, and a wide range of features. However, there are some key differences between the two cameras that may make one a better choice for your needs. In this blog post, we will compare the Nikon Z8 and D850 in detail, covering their key features, strengths, and weaknesses.

Image Quality: Resolution and Dynamic Range

The Nikon Z8 and D850 both offer excellent image quality, but there are some subtle differences between the two cameras. The Z8 has a slightly higher resolution sensor, with 45.7 megapixels compared to the D850’s 45.4 megapixels. This means that the Z8 can capture images with slightly more detail. However, the D850 has a slightly wider dynamic range, which means that it can capture more detail in both the highlights and shadows of an image.

Sensor Size and Low-Light Performance

The Nikon Z8 and D850 both have full-frame sensors, which means that they are both capable of producing high-quality images in low-light conditions. However, the Z8 has a slightly larger sensor than the D850, which gives it a slight advantage in low-light performance. This means that the Z8 can produce images with less noise and better detail in low-light conditions.

Autofocus System and Performance

The Nikon Z8 and D850 both have excellent autofocus systems, but there are some key differences between the two cameras. The Z8 has a hybrid autofocus system that uses both phase detection and contrast detection autofocus, while the D850 has a purely phase detection autofocus system. This means that the Z8 can autofocus more quickly and accurately in low-light conditions, while the D850 may have a slight advantage in terms of tracking moving subjects.

Video Capabilities

The Nikon Z8 and D850 both offer excellent video capabilities, but the Z8 has a slight edge in this area. The Z8 can record 8K video at 24 frames per second (fps), while the D850 is limited to 4K video at 30 fps. Additionally, the Z8 has a full-width readout for 4K video, which means that it can capture more detail in video footage.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

The Nikon Z8 and D850 both have excellent build quality and weather sealing. Both cameras are made from magnesium alloy and have weather sealing gaskets to protect them from dust and moisture. However, the Z8 has a slightly more robust build quality than the D850, and it is also slightly heavier.

Battery Life

The Nikon Z8 and D850 both have excellent battery life, but the Z8 has a slight edge in this area. The Z8 can take up to 530 shots on a single charge, while the D850 can take up to 510 shots. This makes the Z8 a better choice for photographers who need to shoot for long periods of time without having to worry about running out of battery power.

Price and Availability

The Nikon Z8 and D850 are both available for purchase now. The Z8 is priced at $2,499, while the D850 is priced at $2,299. This makes the Z8 a slightly more expensive option, but it also offers some additional features and capabilities.

The Verdict: Which Camera is Right for You?

The Nikon Z8 and D850 are both excellent cameras that offer outstanding image quality, fast performance, and a wide range of features. However, there are some key differences between the two cameras that may make one a better choice for your needs. If you need the highest possible resolution and low-light performance, then the Z8 is the better choice. If you need a camera with excellent video capabilities, then the Z8 is also the better choice. However, if you are looking for a camera with a more robust build quality and longer battery life, then the D850 is the better choice.

Popular Questions

Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography, the Nikon Z8 or the D850?

A: The Nikon Z8 has a slight advantage in low-light photography due to its larger sensor and more advanced autofocus system.

Q: Which camera is better for video recording, the Nikon Z8 or the D850?

A: The Nikon Z8 has a slight edge in video recording due to its ability to record 8K video at 24 fps and its full-width readout for 4K video.

Q: Which camera has a more robust build quality, the Nikon Z8 or the D850?

A: The Nikon Z8 has a slightly more robust build quality than the D850, and it is also slightly heavier.

Q: Which camera has a longer battery life, the Nikon Z8 or the D850?

A: The Nikon Z8 has a slightly longer battery life than the D850, with a maximum of 530 shots on a single charge compared to the D850’s 510 shots.

Q: Which camera is more expensive, the Nikon Z8 or the D850?

A: The Nikon Z8 is slightly more expensive than the D850, with a price of $2,499 compared to the D850’s $2,299.

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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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