Upgrade Guide
Nikon D850→Nikon Z6
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Strong upgrade
The Z6 improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most D850 owners will notice the difference.
What's new in the Z6
-
StabilisationIBIS added — significant for handheld and video
-
Burst rate12fps vs 9fps (7fps with tilt screen AF)
-
Generation1 year newer (2018 vs 2017)
Unchanged or similar
-
Resolution24MP (down from 46MP — optimised for low light)
Suitability by genre
| Genre | D850 | Z6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landscape | -1.0 | ||
| Wildlife | -2.0 | ||
| Portrait | — | ||
| Sports | — | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | ||
| Travel | +1.0 | ||
| Street | — | ||
| Wedding & Events | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D850 | Z6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,199 | £749 | |
| Released | 2017 | 2018 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 45.7MP full-frame BSI-CMOS | Full-frame BSI CMOS 35mm | |
| Resolution | 46MP | 24MP | ↓ |
| Video | 4K UHD/30p, 1080p/120p | 4K 30fps (full-width), 1080p 120fps | |
| Autofocus | 153-point AF system (99 cross-type) — Multi-CAM 20K | 273-point phase-detect hybrid AF | |
| Stabilisation | None (relies on VR lenses) | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | |
| Burst Rate | 9fps (7fps with tilt screen AF) | 12fps | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~1840 shots (CIPA) — outstanding | 310 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 915g body only | 585g (body only) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism — 0.75× magnification, 100% coverage | EVF 0.80× 3.69M-dot | |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.36M dots | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.1M-dot | |
| Mount | Nikon F-mount (FX) | Nikon Z-Mount | |
| Memory Cards | Dual slots — XQD and SD UHS-II | Single XQD / CFexpress Type B |
Compare side-by-side
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