Upgrade Guide

Nikon D850→Nikon Nikon Z8

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

You own

Nikon

D850

£2199

2017

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

Nikon Z8

£3999 (+£1,800)

2023

✅

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 Nikon Z8

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Full spec comparison

Spec	D850	Nikon Z8
Price	£2,199	£3,999
Released	2017	2023	↑
Sensor	45.7MP full-frame BSI-CMOS	45.7MP full-frame BSI stacked CMOS
Resolution	46MP	46MP
Video	4K UHD/30p, 1080p/120p	8K/60p RAW, 4K/120p, ProRes RAW
Autofocus	153-point AF system (99 cross-type) — Multi-CAM 20K	Subject detection AF, 493-point phase-detect
Stabilisation	None (relies on VR lenses)	6-stop IBIS
Burst Rate	9fps (7fps with tilt screen AF)	20fps RAW / 120fps JPEG	↑
Battery Life	~1840 shots (CIPA) — outstanding	330 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	915g body only	910g body only	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism — 0.75× magnification, 100% coverage	0.5" Quad-VGA OLED EVF, 3.69M dots, 120fps
Screen	3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.36M dots	3.2" tilting touchscreen
Mount	Nikon F mount	Nikon Z-mount
Memory Cards	Dual slots — XQD and SD UHS-II	Dual CFexpress Type B / XQD

Compare side-by-side

See D850 and Nikon Z8 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

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