Is the Nikon Z8 a true D850 replacement?

Pop your headphones in and listen to as a podcast if you like! We hope that this is a comprehensive explanation into the main differences between the D850 and the Z8 which might help you to decide which camera is right for you.

There are lots of smaller nuanced differences, thanks to the general operation of Z cameras and the advances in photographic technology over the past 5+ years, but overall we hope that this gives you a guide if you're struggling to work out which camera is right for you.

#nikon #photography #d850 #nikonz8 #z8

[GaryInSoCal]

You neglected to mention the fact that the Z8 is now 3 times more expensive than what I can now get a D850 for... with F-mount lenses being less than half the price of the equivalent Z-Mount lenses. That's a big enough reason for me to stick with DSLR's for at least another 5-10 years... ;)

[vitorguimaraes]

Well, from what I've read and what really interests me, the D850's sensor has more color depth and, above all, greater dynamic range. The photographic industry is trying to keep up with the mobile phone industry, cameras are not made for real photographers but for aspiring photographers and any clumsy person who has money to spend will get sharp and apparently well photographed photographs, in other words: photography as an art is to die. Who makes art at 20 frames per second? I personally take my photographs one by one and I take care of framing and removing work in post production and enjoying the pleasure of capturing an image, it must be because I'm old and I still believe that photography is an art.

[irajnaghash]

The british people say: Seeing is beleving. 1 picture = 1000 words. Next time when you talk, show the pictures side by side of 2 cameras with the same lens and the same condition.

[Nightsbringer]

A very helpful video for choosing my upgrade. I've decided to go for the d850 as I prefer an optical viewfinder, mainly because I'm so used to it I just can't get my head around an EVF. Plus, when messing around with a friend's z8 for a day, I found that I got a monster headache from the view finder. Maybe that's because I have crap eyes who knows. The only other thing I like about the D850 as a "main difference" is that I love the reassuring clunking of a mirror jumping out the way 😂

[mick]

Thanks for the spot on comparison. I own a Z6 II and a D850 (and a D700) but I am very hot for the Z8. Because of financial reasons I will only buy a Z8 after getting rid of my Z6 II and the D850. Right now, I'm not ready to take that step.
If I'm honest with myself, my equipment offers more than I'll ever need. However, it's still true that having is better than needing.😄
Speaking of which, I would buy a Z8 without video features in a heartbeat. This extreme fixation on video capabilities is what really bothers me about the camera market in general. I still use my D700 because I still feel pure photography without annoying video switches and menus.

[OracleTestlab]

I sold my D850 and ordered Z8, now waiting for delivery. I just cant wait to touch it myself!!

[BullittMustang]

No, because the D850 will live forever in the hands of those who appreciate it's unmatched brilliance. I only wish it shot film. 🎞

[Ram.Saketh]

Your presentation style is superb! Kept me glued.

[davidroberts]

I bought Z7ii on release and love it for landscapes. Part of why I love it, and Z6, is going lighter while hiking. Z7ii and 24-120mm f4 S is a great combo!. If I need faster focus, I use my D850. I am not a hybrid shooter, so a Z8 upgrade is alot of dollars, for many things that I will not use. I am, instead, waiting on a Z6iii instead of Z8. What I am loving about the Z8 is all the F mount glass hitting the used market, to finance those GAS purchases!

[dylanhill]

I enjoy using the Z8 and D850. My 1965 Nikon F is my favorite and has yet to let me down.

[cerulean]

I do commercial photography, art and aerial photography. Your vid gave the me the information I needed to continue coveting my magnificent rock, the D850. I use 4k drones, 4k Pocket 3 for creamy pans and an INSTA 360 for most video, but I come back to my D850 for stills and beautiful 8k time lapses with any of seven lenses already in my case.

[Cory-ki]

Its just a personal thing..I do not like mirrorless cameras, and I do not like the clinical images they produce. So DSLR all day for me. And 24 MP will make a flawless 4X5 foot print if properly exposed with minimal post processing.

[brianwhitfield]

I have both a D850 and a Z8. After a fairly steep learning/relearning curve, I realize the z8 is NOT a replacement for the D850 - it is a revolutionary replacement. I compare the D850 to a Z8 as flying a basic cessna 172 vs a modern F22. Not quite the difference in a kite and a modern fighter, but similar. It is so much better. I feel like I am going to an antique every time I use my D850 (and I do love that camera). I occasionally do miss shots with my Z8 that I probably would have got with my D850, but the reverse is true way more often. The focus on fast action is so much better with the z8. Especially moving animals and action. I love the z8 and intend to buy another but will never get rid of my D850 - mostly out of nostalgia.

[johnhjic]

Hello Both, For me like many the D850 was and is the best DSLR ever, that said I have now jump getting ridded of all but one F mount camera and a number of F mount lenses. I know you did put it up on the screen about IBIS on all adapted lenses as well as saying how much better the F mount glass works with the Z system. There are so many other advantages with the Z system like just being able to zoom in when manual focusing even with a PC_e lenses. I am just hoping that Nikon do not take months and months to deliver them. But that only because I love my Z9 and am looking forward to getting this camera. So when you see Ricci do thank him for all the Nikon teams work on with the firmware 4 for the Z9. Keep well, keep safe and know it was a way shorter video the I was expecting. Thank you.

[larsthufvesson]

I fully agree to the weight reduction - going from D850 to Z8 and my favorite lens was / is 24-70 2.8 is about 200 grams of reduction. Really nice to see that the benefits from Z9 could trickle down to the Z8 ie sensor and processor. Of course, it would have been good to have dual CFexpress B but you can't have it all.

[leod]

Interesting factor I did not catch you state was that at introduction, the D850 price was US$3299.95 compared to the Z8 of US$3996.95. Honestly a US$700 difference between the two is not bad for almost 6 years between them.

[artsilva]

As a relatively new owner of the D850 [I'm 99.9999% a stills shooter] it is the only camera and most practical camera I will ever need... but what I Really do Need is that shirt Becky is wearing, I need one in my life because that is definitely me.

[tonyh]

Hi, I own both! D850 from when it was released and Z9 a year ago. Okay not a Z8 but I like the Z9 more it fits my hands and balances better, I sold my D5 at the same time.
Your are correct, both have their own strengths. I was anti mirrorless for ages until the Z9. Photographing with NIKON SINCE 1998, F4s. Still own it and use it.
Your comments on higher pixel count for the Z8, I cannot see any advantage in going higher that 50mp. File size, speed, ISO performance etc.
I have tried the Z8 and think it’s a winner and had it appeared first would have bought it and kept it too. However, I would have also have hung on to my D5 until the Z9 came along, and then bought that too. Great channel. Gray’s are top notch and I use them regularly.

[r.k.manandhar]

Thank you so much for such a wonderful and useful comparison between Nikon D850 & Z8. Greetings from Nepal !!! 👌👍👏🏻

[NikonDave]

The D850 and D500 (and D5 for that matter) have tremendous sentimental value for me and some of the old F glass had "character" I haven't found in Z glass yet although if there is a direct Z replacement it is optically superior, just missing what made it special...looking at you 135mm f/2 DC and 105mm f/1.4. Long way of saying I have a rather large collection of Nikon bodies (including film) that I will keep forever but really feel good about my Z9 and Z8 purchase. I personally sold my Z6 II, Z7II, Z50 and all my L mount bodies when the Z8 arrived. Good comparison...thank you...looking forward to my first issue of Nikon Owner. Cheers!