Upgrade Guide
Nikon Z7→Nikon D850
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Situational
One clear hardware improvement over the Z7. Worth it if that specific upgrade aligns with what you shoot.
What's new in the D850
-
Battery life~1840 shots (CIPA) — outstanding vs 330 shots (CIPA)
Unchanged or similar
-
ResolutionSimilar (46MP)
-
StabilisationIBIS not present in new body
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z7 | D850 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | — | ||
| Landscape | — | ||
| Architecture | — | ||
| Street | — | ||
| Travel | -1.0 | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | ||
| Vlogging & Video | +1.0 | ||
| Wildlife | — | ||
| Sports | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | Z7 | D850 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,099 | £2,199 | |
| Released | 2018 | 2017 | ↓ |
| Sensor | Full-frame BSI CMOS 35mm | 45.7MP full-frame BSI-CMOS | |
| Resolution | 46MP | 46MP | |
| Video | 4K 30fps, 1080p 120fps | 4K UHD/30p, 1080p/120p | |
| Autofocus | 493-point phase-detect hybrid AF | 153-point AF system (99 cross-type) — Multi-CAM 20K | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | None (relies on VR lenses) | |
| Burst Rate | 9fps | 9fps (7fps with tilt screen AF) | |
| Battery Life | 330 shots (CIPA) | ~1840 shots (CIPA) — outstanding | ↑ |
| Weight | 585g (body only) | 915g body only | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.80× 3.69M-dot | Optical pentaprism — 0.75× magnification, 100% coverage | |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.1M-dot | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.36M dots | |
| Mount | Nikon Z-Mount | Nikon F-mount (FX) | |
| Memory Cards | Single XQD / CFexpress Type B | Dual slots — XQD and SD UHS-II |
Compare side-by-side
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