Nikon Z7 is a mirrorless camera, and Nikon D850 is a Digital SLR camera. Both cameras will give you decent performance, but if you are looking for a better option, we think you should go with Nikon Z7.
Why is Nikon Z7 worth buying instead of Nikon D850?
- Nikon Z7 can shoot up to 9fps at a full resolution with minimal shooting noise. Plus, you won’t need an external battery pack. But, Nikon D850 can shoot only seven frames per second.
- This mirrorless camera has an EXPEED 6 image-processing engine, whereas Nikon D850 has an EXPEED 5 processor. So, Nikon Z7 has an updated processor, plus it will suppress noise and ensure perfect details.
- Nikon Z7 comes with 493 Autofocus points, and D850 has only 153 points. Therefore, Nikon Z7’s on-sensor Autofocus points will cover 90% of the frame and track the subject instantly when it enters the frame. But, Nikon D850’s AF won’t perform like the Z7.
- This camera has an In-body 5-axis VR stabilization that provides five stops of stabilization in five directions. Hence, it will reduce all types of noises arising from camera shaking. But, Nikon D850 isn’t formed with this essential stabilization advantage.
- You will get an Ultra-high resolution QUAD VGA viewfinder in the Nikon Z7 mirrorless camera, with 100% frame coverage and sharp magnification ( 0.8x). Another side, Nikon D850 is built with an Eye-level Pentaprism Single-Lens Reflex viewfinder with only 0.75x magnification. So, with Z7, you will get a fantastic EVF experience.
- Nikon Z7 weighs only 585 grams, and Nikon D850 weighs 915 grams. Therefore, Nikon Z7 is lighter than its opponent, and you can comfortably use and travel with it.
So, you can see that the Nikon Z7 mirrorless camera has a more powerful image processor, better autofocus points and continuous drive speed, in-body image stabilization, and an ultra-high resolution viewfinder than its opponent Nikon D850. We think Nikon Z7 would be the best option if you want to invest in a professional camera.
Similar features of Nikon Z7 and Nikon D850 cameras:
- Nikon Z7 and Nikon D850’s ISO sensitivity range is 64-25600, and you can adjust this range to 32-102400. So, both cameras can produce images and videos with greater detail, contrast, and color range.
- You can record 4K resolution, Full HD, and Slow-motion videos with these cameras.
- Both devices have built-in Wi-Fi, and you can transfer your captured files on your phone through the SnapBridge application.
- Both devices come with One-year limited warranty policy. Therefore, the company will repair or replace your camera if any manufacturing defect is found.
Nikon Z7 vs D850 Comparision Chart
Specification | Nikon D850 | Nikon Z7 |
---|---|---|
Image | ![]() |
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Editor’s Ratings | 4.7 out of 5 | 4.9 out of 5 |
Continuous Drive Speed | Seven frames per second | Nine frames per second |
Auto Focus points | 153 points | 493 points |
Image Processor | EXPEED 5 | EXPEED 6 |
Image Stabilization | No | Yes (In-body 5-axis VR) |
Weight(Body only) | 915 grams | 585 grams |
Viewfinder Type | Eye-level Pentaprism Single-Lens Reflex | Quad VGA (OLED) with color balance (auto and 11-level manual brightness controls) |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.75x | 0.8x |
Image Sensor ( Effective Pixels) | 45.7 Megapixels | 45.7 Megapixels |
Sensor Type | Full-Frame Back-Illuminated Design CMOS sensor | Full-Frame Stacked CMOS sensor |
ISO Sensitivity Range | 64-25600 | 64-25600 |
Expandable ISO range | 32-102400 | 32-102400 |
LCD monitor | 3.2 inches Tilting TFT LCD | 3.2 inches Tilting TFT LCD |
Monitor’s resolution | 2.36 Million Dots | 2.10 Million Dots |
Touch panel | Yes | Yes |
Battery Life ( per charge) | 1840 shots | 330 Shots |
Video recording | 4K resolution (3,840×2,160) | 4K resolution (3,840×2,160) |
Warranty policy | One-year limited | One-year limited Warranty |
Features & Benefits of Nikon Z7 and Nikon D850
Design
Nikon Z7 camera’s body weighs 585 grams, and D850 weighs 915 grams. In addition, Nikon Z7’s dimension is 5.3 in. (134 mm) x 4 in. (100.5 mm) x 2.7 in. (67.5 mm), and Nikon D850’s size is 5.8 in. (146 mm) x 4.9 in. (124 mm) x 3.1 in. (78.5 mm). Hence, Nikon Z7 is 330 grams lighter than its opponent, Nikon D850 and this mirrorless camera has a smaller dimension with a comfortable handgrip.
Image sensor and ISO range
The image sensor is a crucial camera feature. Nikon Z7 and Nikon D850 have one of the most exemplary Full-frame sensors with 45.7 million effective megapixels. Hence, both cameras will provide maximum dynamic range and stunning low-light performance. Moreover, they have a 64-25600 ISO sensitivity range, and you can adjust this sensitivity range( 32-102400).
Image processor
Nikon Z7 is upgraded with the most comprehensive and fastest EXPEED 6 image-processing engine. This processor is the brain and Muscle of this mirrorless camera that reduces noise without losing details. Moreover, it ensures excellent processing speed and controls vignettes and distortion. However, Nikon D850 has the previous image processor version (EXPEED 5), which won’t perform like the upgraded one.
Continuous Shooting Speed
With Nikon Z7, you can capture up to 9 frames per second at a full resolution (12-bit RAW or JPEG), and you won’t need any external battery pack. Another side, Nikon D850 can capture only seven frames per second. So, if you prefer silent photography of fast-moving birds or moments, Nikon Z7 would be the right choice.
Autofocus points and viewfinder
Nikon Z7’s On-sensor 493 AutoFocus points horizontally and vertically cover 90% of the frame (approx.)
Moreover, it will instantly acquire the subject as it comes into the frame. Again, this device has an ultra-high resolution Quad VGA viewfinder, including 0.8x magnification. Therefore, it has minimal lag, super clarity, and 100% frame coverage. But, Nikon D850’s Autofocus has only 153 points, and its viewfinder type is Eye-level Pentaprism Single-Lens Reflex with 0.75x magnification. Hence, we can say that Nikon Z7 has better autofocus points and viewfinder than Nikon D850.
LCD monitor and Image stabilization
Nikon D850 and Nikon Z7 have 3.2 inches Tilting TFT LCD. But, Nikon D850’s LCD has 2.36 Million Dots, and Nikon Z7’s LCD has 2.10 Million Dots. In this case, Nikon D850’s LCD is better than its opponent.
However, Nikon Z7 is formed with a robust in-body 5-axis stabilization, and you can use any NIKKOR Z lens with it. Moreover, this camera can produce perfectly stabilized 4K resolution videos. But, this feature isn’t available in Nikon D850, and you have to be careful while using this device.
Battery life and Warranty support
Nikon D850 has an EN-EL15a, and Nikon Z7 has an EN-EL15b Li-ion Battery. Both batteries are rechargeable. Still, Nikon D850 has better battery support as with it, you can take approximately 1840 images, and with Nikon Z7, you can take only 330 shots. Both cameras come with a one-year limited warranty policy for free repairing service for manufacturing defects.
Conclusion
Nikon Z7 mirrorless camera has better and upgraded features, which are not available in Nikon D850. Therefore, we strongly believe that Nikon Z7 will give you a fantastic and smooth photographic experience.
Frequently asked questions about Nikon Z7 vs D850
Does the z7 camera package with a Nikon an-dc19 strap & a memory card? Nikon Z7 includes the strap but not the memory card. So, you will have to buy a memory card personally. I am moving up from a D5600. Should I buy Z7 or the D850? Nikon Z7 comes with an updated image processor, drive speed, sensor, and many more. Moreover, this is a mirrorless camera. So, I think you should go with Nikon Z7 rather than Nikon D850. Can I touch the screen where I want the D850 camera to focus? Yes, Nikon D850’s 3.2 inches tilting LCD has a touch panel. Therefore, you can focus by touching the screen. Do I need to buy a battery charger separately? No, both cameras come with an MH-25A Quick Battery Charger. |
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