Upgrade Guide

Nikon D850→Nikon Z50 II

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Nikon

D850

£2199

2017

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

Z50 II

£899 (-£1,300)

2024

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the D850. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the Z50 II

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Full spec comparison

Spec	D850	Z50 II
Price	£2,199	£899
Released	2017	2024	↑
Sensor	45.7MP full-frame BSI-CMOS	20.9MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	46MP	21MP	↓
Video	4K UHD/30p, 1080p/120p	4K/60p uncropped, 1080p/120p, N-Log
Autofocus	153-point AF system (99 cross-type) — Multi-CAM 20K	Phase-detect, 249 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle)
Stabilisation	None (relies on VR lenses)	None (no IBIS)
Burst Rate	9fps (7fps with tilt screen AF)	11fps mechanical, 30fps electronic	↑
Battery Life	~1840 shots (CIPA) — outstanding	~330 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	915g body only	385g body only	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	No	↓
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism — 0.75× magnification, 100% coverage	EVF, 2.36M dots
Screen	3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.36M dots	3.0" fully articulating touchscreen
Mount	Nikon F mount	Nikon Z-mount
Memory Cards	Dual slots — XQD and SD UHS-II	Single SD UHS-I slot

Compare side-by-side

See D850 and Z50 II next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

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Other upgrades from the D850

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Camera family history