Nikon D850 vs Nikon Z9
Comparison
Nikon D850
Nikon Z9
Price | from $2,796.95Shop 4 Offers 
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Brand | Nikon | Nikon | |
Model | D850 | Z9 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2017 | 2021 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | August 23, 2017 | October 28, 2021 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR |  Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
Nikon Z9 vs D850 Specs
The DSLR vs mirrorless debate has been a hot topic among photographers for the past few years. The Nikon Z9 vs D850 debate is really a question of whether you need a great Nikon DSLR or mirrorless camera. We compare both camera specs to determine which is better for you.
Comparing the specs of the Nikon Z9 and the Nikon D850, it’s clear that the Nikon Z9 is the superior camera. Keep reading for the full picture.
Nikon Z9 Overview
The Nikon Z9 is a relatively new camera, released in 2021. It is part of the Nikon Z series of full-frame mirrorless cameras, which started with the Nikon Z6 and Z7 in 2018. The Z9 is the highest-end model of the series, offering professional standard features and capabilities. It is an excellent choice for professional photographers and videographers looking for a powerful camera with advanced features.
The Nikon Z9 features a 46MP Full Frame Mirrorless Sensor, 30 FPS Continuous Shooting, 8K Video Recording, and Dual EXPEED 7 Image Processor. On all these specs, the Z9 is ahead of the D850. The Nikon Z9 is also more lightweight, making it an excellent option for travelling photographers.
Nikon D850 Overview
The Nikon D850 was released in 2017 and is the latest model in the Nikon D series. It is the successor to the Nikon D810, which was released in 2014, and the Nikon D800, which was released in 2012. The Nikon D850 is a top-of-the-line DSLR. It has a 45.7-MP full-frame sensor, a 153-point autofocus system, and a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD. It also has 4K video recording capabilities and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The Nikon D850 is a powerful and versatile camera that offers a great combination of features for a wide range of users. It was a favourite of CameraReviews writer Nick before he switched to mirrorless (see his full D850 review here!).
Which is Better?
The Nikon Z9 offers three main advantages over the D850. Firstly, it features a much faster autofocus system, allowing for quick and accurate focus in any setting. Secondly, it has an improved image stabilization system, making it easier to capture sharp, blur-free photos. Finally, the Nikon Z9 has a higher resolution sensor, which allows for greater detail and clarity when taking photos. With these features, the Nikon Z9 is the better choice for photographers who want the best in performance and image quality.
The Nikon Z9 has superior video capabilities compared to the Nikon D850. With the Z9, you can record 8K video at up to 30fps, 4K video at up to 60fps, and 1080p video at up to 120fps. It also has a fully articulating LCD screen and a built-in headphone jack. The D850, on the other hand, only maxes out at 4K video at 30fps. It also lacks the articulating LCD and headphone jack.
So, is the Nikon D850 or Nikon Z9 the one for you? Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that serves your needs best. Read on for the full Nikon Z9 vs D850 specs comparison. We hope it helps you with your decision!
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Optics
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Nikon D850
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Nikon Z9
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 45.7 MP | 46 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 8256 x 5504 px | 8256 x 5504 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.9 x 35.9 mm | 23.9 x 35.9 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame | Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 7 fps | 30 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Nikon F FX | Nikon Z | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Expeed 5 | Expeed 7 | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 64 | 32 | |
Maximum ISO Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 25,600 | 102,400 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 900 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 32000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 153 | 493 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   |  | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | 3,686,400 dots |
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Video
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Nikon D850
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Nikon Z9
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |  8K | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 3840 x 2160 px | 7680 x 4320 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 30 p | 120 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MOV, MP4 | MOV |
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Features
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Nikon D850
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Nikon Z9
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3.2" | 3.2" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 2,359,000 dots | 2,088,960 dots | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | |
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Storage and Battery
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Nikon D850
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Nikon Z9
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Memory Card | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible), XQD | CFexpress, XQD | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | EN-EL15a | EN-EL18d | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 1,840 shots | 740 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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Photography Genre
Graded from the first-hand experience of one of our writers |
Nikon D850
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Nikon Z9
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Beginner Friendly | 
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Portrait | 
| N/A | |
Landscape | 
| N/A | |
Sports and Action | 
| N/A | |
Street | 
| N/A | |
Value for Money | 
| N/A |
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DXO Mark Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Nikon D850
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Nikon Z9
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 26.4 bits | 26.3 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 14.8 EVs | 14.4 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 2660 | 2451 |
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Scores
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Nikon D850
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Nikon Z9
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User Scores
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Nikon D850
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Nikon Z9
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B&H photo video |
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