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.
Shop online with us! shop.graysofwestminster.co.uk/
#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... ;)

[@martynosborne8460]

Incorrect. Its just under double when looking at official UK models ignoring grey market. I don't know where you get x3 from. If you have not tried z mount lenses you really should. They are significantly sharper lenses, and edge to edge for that matter than F mount lenses and no more of that annoying fine tuning that is a right pain with a DSLR.

[@GaryInSoCal]

@@martynosborne8460 I don't live in the 'overpriced UK'... but rather in the 'abundant inventory US'... where I'm seeing D850s for 1200-1600 at a variety of sources... AND... I just picked up an amazing Nikon AF-180 F2.8 (in excellent condition) for only $240... thankyouverymuch.

[@phillippugh2161]

​@@martynosborne8460dude the d850 on mpb is at least half as cheap sometimes more . Unless your a video shooter there's no real reason to trade for a z8 . An the wealth of mount lenses is crazy an there again cheaper

[@timrichards2754]

As a serious amateur, I cannot justify the price difference between a new Z8 and a slightly used D850. I'm currently still shooting with the D810 but plan to upgrade to the D850 this year. I shoot primarily stills and rarely do video, so for my application, the D850 is still great. Plus, upgrading to Z glass would cost a small fortune if I replaced the 10 lenses I have. I have a Z5 with a Z 24-70 F4 lens, but I would much rather shoot with my D810, so at least for the near future, I think I will be really well served by the D850.

[@Stop-All-War]

D810 & good Sigma Art glass is enough for ME. Bought very low Shutter count £400. Only thing I'd like is a 2nd D810. My backup Camera is a D600, both great low light shooters & rugged.

[@Nightsbringer1]

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 😂

[@williambuford6136]

If the Z8 EVF is set to the 120HZ refresh and the diopter setting is right for your eye you should not have any headaches. Hopefully you have lots of D850s at a good used price to choose from.

[@joanneschenstead9181]

I looked at a Z8 in a camera store and the first thing I noticed when looking through the EVF was the lag when I panned the camera. It wasn't that much of a lag, but still noticeable and I didn't like it. Maybe when they speed up the video I will consider a mirrorless camera.

[@joekelly9369]

I tried a z9 , i just cant do with mirrorless , i wasnt convinced the images were better , the d850 images are slightly better ,

[@williambuford6136]

The 120hz refresh needs to be turned on to stop the lag. Sadly when it is set to the Flickr reduction mode, the Z8 turns off the 120zh refresh. Hopefully a firmware update can fix that! @@joanneschenstead9181

[@cerulean999]

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.

[@mick1967]

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.

[@jb-xc4oh]

Same here absolutely no use for video.

[@Ram.Saketh]

Your presentation style is superb! Kept me glued.

[@graysofwestminster]

Thank you very much!

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Great comparison folks. I still didn’t switch to the Z mount and sometimes I’m wondering if I should get a second hand D850. Truth is that at the beginning of the Z mount I switched to the L mount with the S1R, selling my D850 and started my journey in this alliance with Leica SL lenses. But I kept lots of my F mount gear… So now I think the best compromise would be to get a Zf at the price of a D850 second hand and a FTZ adapter 😊

[@BullittMustang3121]

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

[@thisisbenji90]

Well then it would be called the F6.

[@phillippugh2161]

The d850 does shot video but the focusing suck😢 in live view

[@davidroberts6766]

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!

[@johnhjic2]

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.

[@leod1671]

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.

[@OracleTestlab]

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

[@obedbrinkman]

very informative video, cheers

[@larsthufvesson9725]

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.

[@dylanhill1640]

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

[@r.k.manandhar7271]

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

[@johnd5244]

Made my day as I got to see Tilly! The Z8 is proving to be a good choice, but I could also really put the D850 to great use as I mainly shoot stills. I want to try doing video with the Aurora Borealis at night so the Z8 would be the better choice. But my Z6II can also capture it video wise. As for lenses I have been looking at second hand F mount lenses to use for those lenses that aren’t in the z mount lineup. Wish that Nikon would release the Z6III. And I really like the t-shirt Becky! Thanks for sharing with us! 📷☕️

[@williambuford6136]

Love to add a Z6iii to my Z8, D500 and D7000. I will be selling of my Z6ii, but I like that smaller form factor of a body for when I wanted to go lighter.

[@SKgeostrat]

Well don! Nice structure and well organised.

[@vitorguimaraes6443]

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.

[@williambuford6136]

D850 > Z7ii > Z8 order of Dynamic range. 14bit Color depth on all those sensors. The 20 Frames a second is for sport/action/wildlife and is not needed for Weddings, Portraits or Landscape photography. If you are selling photos to people that are happy with pictures on a Cell phone they will not notice the minute difference in Dynamic range between those cameras. Even high framerate photography is an art from, that benefits from planning and technique in both the capture and post processing.

[@vitorguimaraes6443]

@@williambuford6136 Well, for starters you don't know what color depth is, 14bits is not color depth its bits of information, the Nikon D850 transmits 26.4 bits of color only surpassed by Phase One IQ180 Digital Back which transmits 26.5 bits of color . When I say the industry goes after the phone industry, I mean ease of use, that's all. When I say that the industry has not improved the most important thing, it is true, the sensors are similar to the sensors of 10 years ago. Lose some time (or save) and read and try cameras.

[@williambuford6136]

Interesting, you are quoting Color Depths from DXO web pages. I do not see DXO's Color depth equation published on their web page. All of the following Camera sensors are using 14 bits per color channel for 16,384 shades. Each pixel can represent 16,384(Red)x16,384(Green)x16,384(Blue)= approx 4 trillion Color values. So 14 bit x 3 Color channels= Max of 42 bits transmitted theoretical 42 bits limited by dynamic range at BASE ISO is giving actual transmitted Color bits, that DXO is measuring. This is my best guess? Summary of DXO Color Depth at Base ISO Nikon D850 color depth of 26.4 bit at base ISO Nikon Z7 II color depth of 26.3 bit at base ISO Nikon Z8 color depth of 26.3 bit at base ISO The color produced by these cameras is influenced by the processing done via The camera's processor The interesting question is what display device can actually faithfully reproduce a 26.4 bit color image for less than the price of of a Z8? @@vitorguimaraes6443

[@jb-xc4oh]

Glad you mentioned the Phase One IQ180 digital back which costs $52,000 US.........I saw a test recently comparing the results from a Phase One IQ180 against identical images shot on an 8x10 field camera using Velvia slide film. Its no contest, the 8x10 camera wins hands down. I shoot large format film both 4x5 and 8x10, I get a good chuckle out of people who get ecstatic about the image quality obtained from 45-60 megapixel digital cameras. @@vitorguimaraes6443

[@meriharary]

I agree. I also use manual focus on photos and videos on my D850 so I don’t care if the auto focus is better or faster on mirrorless. I like to have creative control.

[@timfdubois]

Thank you for the information because you've just convinced me to purchase the Z8.

[@user-kd9vp7di9r]

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.

[@moherowyberet4657]

Same think . D810 ,D 700 , D 200 , D 80 & Fuji S5 Pro . Still work and nice picture , never mirroless i respect me eye .

[@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.

[@simoneforgione8771]

Lol me too

[@Nick-13]

Yes, very useful - thank you. Already finding the technology/software developments, even over the Z6ii, amazing - the future has arrived !

[@williambuford6136]

I agree it is amazing improvements over the Z6ii. I would still like a Z6iii with similar focus abilities with a 33mp sensor 6K for oversampled 4K60.

[@paulmitchell1580]

I love that Nikon have brought out the Z8, but really my D850 images are so sharp and colourful, i will purchase a Z8 at some point, we all like shiny new things!

[@williambuford6136]

The image stabilization on the Z8 camera will be the game changer allowing you to get more tack sharp photos, especially if you have good technique using the D850.

[@paulmitchell1580]

@@williambuford6136 Shiny new things, we all love them

[@JulioCastrejon04]

The Z8 has inferior dynamic range compared to the D850, so consider that if you haven't gotten it yet.

[@williambuford6136]

I have a Z8 the images you produce with it compared to the D850 will not be noticeable different with the human eye on most output media. Like I said before your exposure setting will impact the dynamic differences ranges more. The dynamic range curve of the Z8 is better in parts of the curve than the D850. Different sensors. The Z glass is amazing as well. The Z8 has better focusing than the D850. The D850 is a great camera. If you have one keep it. If you are making money with it definitely keep it. @@JulioCastrejon04

[@williambuford6136]

Yes we do love new things(I was not so happy with the Focusing on my Z6ii, but I did love the Z glass and images it produced!). I was ready for all the new possibilities the Z system offered over the DSLRs. I enjoyed all my previous DSLRs from Nikon. I'm having a hard time parting with my D500 I have not sold it yet.@@paulmitchell1580

[@Pengranger]

The main reason for changing for me was that trade-in prices on the D850 and F mount lenses were dropping fast. Focusing is a significant improvement and I’ll need to get the hang of focus handover.

[@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!

[@williambuford6136]

Maybe the 135 f1.8?? on the roadmap will have some secret sauce character? Voigtlander is producing Z glass with character. The Grays reviews have peeked my interest in Voigtlander Z glass.

[@CesarinPillinGaming]

I'm a D500 shooter, how do you feel the Z8 vs the D500? I'm debating in upgrading in the future as well. The pain will be the glasses too.

[@NikonDave]

@@CesarinPillinGaming Just for testing purposes, I took out the Z8 this weekend with some of my 3rd party F mount DX glass. It all performed better than on a D500 although not as good as Native Z glass. I am very comfortable with the Z8 now as my everyday camera. I like the flexibility of having DX and FX options with full frame glass so unless Nikon were to come up with a 33 or maybe 40 megapixel crop sensor, I really have no need for a high-end DX body at this point. The EVF and Diopter can be adjusted just like a DSLR so I doubt glasses would really be an issue.

[@CesarinPillinGaming]

@@NikonDave sounds good. I also do not have native glasses. I use mostly FIGMA glass.

[@williambuford6136]

I love my D500 but I'm so happy I have the Z8. So much better for birding and Focus in General. I have used my 200-500 F5.6 with my Z6II and Z8 occasionally. Waiting for the Nikkor 180-600 to replace it. I think I will sell the D500 with the 200-500 F5.6. Hey Fmount glass works well on the Z8. I have been very happy with the 3D tracking focus mode on the Z8 I used it as my primary mode. IT is faster and I'm getting more keepers than I did with the D500. The Z8 feels like the D500 if you were holding it in your hands and not looking at it. One thing I really appreciate with the Z6II and Z8 is how fast they are when you turn them on. On and Shoot superfast. ITs ok to have the camera off to save battery. If you are doing Sports, Action and Wildlife its better in every way. @@CesarinPillinGaming

[@johnclay7644]

informative video on Z8.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

It's funny because I took a Z8 out and hired it for a day took a heap of images, and then I looked at my D8 50. I took side-by-side comparisons and there wasn't a huge jump. Even pixel peeping in there was slot improvement, but it wasn't the image jump that I thought it was and in Australia the price of Z8 was three times the price of D8 50 I could not justify the price of $7000 for a Z8 in Australia. It was Ridiculo, so I started to look around at Fiji film and I bought a GFX 50 S Mark two for $3700. That's half the price of a Z8 and for image quality then I saw the leap. Oh my gosh medium format if I was looking at a new camera now I would get a GFX camera over Z8 for landscape and portrait WORK now it's not gonna shoot birds we know that but for general Photography at GFX camera blows the Z8 out of the water the Z8 in my opinion is a great camera, but it is way way overpriced for what it is.

[@marcelosrocha]

Excelente video, parabens, agora vou mudar para a Nikon, estão deixando a gente sonhar, hehe. Essa Z8 eh um sonho, Deus do Ceu que camara maravilhosa, para minhas fotos de surf e vida selvagem vai ser perfeita, mas o fator preço me faz ficar triste, pois ainda não uso o fotografia para ganhar dinheiro, apenas hobby, mas preciso de uma camera mais atual, pena que aqui no Brasil as novidades tecnologicas chegam caras demais por causa do Dollar, a Nikon Z8 ainda eh um sonho, mas longe de se realizar. Abraços, Sucesso e Deus abençoe.

[@ulrichhofmarksrichter3502]

I admire the cleverness of the marketing guys, to make people change to mirrorless, in the hope to start making better pictures. In my eyes, the only good thing with mirrorless is, it saved Nikon to survive. I am Nikonuser since many years and I was really worried about Nikon to stay in the market. The problems with the mirrorless, every professional knows, are only minimized in the z9, so if you have the money, at the moment only the change to this model makes sence.

[@tuduvu]

Traded in a D700 and D850 plus about 10 F-mount lenses for a Z8 + 24-120; pre-ordered the 180-600 (for bird photography). The 24-120 Z replaces the 25 (Zeiss), 35, 50, 85, 105, 135 and 24-120 F, the 180-600 Z replaces the 70-300, 150 (sigma) and 150-600 (Sigma). I found out that the hassle of bringing all lenses in my bag was too much of a good thing. So most I hardly ever used. In due time may complement the collection with the 105 Z or, if Irix will make one iun Z mount, the Irix 150 for macro. Then a full stop on purchases. I expect the Z8 to serve me for at least another 10 years....

[@paulmontgomery6257]

Another random thought. I've just noticed that the latest version of FoCal includes Z8 support. I'd be interested to see your thoughts on the necessity or otherwise of this..

[@sundermaibram7578]

Now you made me want to buy it

[@donbergeron5466]

Not related to todays topic, but would you know at what temp/dew point a lense or dew warmer should be used on a native Nikon Z Lense

[@DixonLu]

Nitpick: @2:50 mentioned there'd be a comparison of the battery packs later, but only the MB-D18 was discussed, not the infamous MB-N12 (I watched this 2x to make sure).

[@gilbertwuphotography3728]

As a professional photographer, I am still using my Nikon D5. Instead of getting the Z system, I went for the Sony A9 with the benefit of more mature AF and much larger selection of lenses. May get a second hand D850 as a second body just for the price benefit when everyone is getting the newest and the greatest.

[@mostirreverent]

I have a D3S, nothing handles as nicely, so I’m not concerned about weight. Which one tracks insects better?

[@tonyh4266]

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.

[@FstopPicturesByAlunDavies]

I have both the d850 and z8 I still have to get lenses. I got the ftz adapter Ii.

[@spookybookz9981]

Great informative comparison 👏 …I’m eager to step in to the mirrorless word but I adore my D850. If I switch I’d rather use Z lenses…so that would mean selling my entire kit..decisions decisions…

[@paulmitchell1580]

Will you become a better photographer!!

[@MrSimonj1970]

Great cameras, but I'm still very happy with my used Z6, they are good value now, and take photos just as good as these two in a much smaller and lighter package.

[@apetercharlesstudio]

If one calibrates their lenses, the D 850 is equally sharp.

[@williambuford6136]

Happy to not be calibrating lens with the Zsystem!@@apetercharlesstudio

[@knoxyish]

i will stick with my d850 and f mount lenses i had a z6 and went back to the d850 more than does what i need .

[@PJ-om2wq]

The DSLR that interests me is the D780. Used prices seem to be coming down and the phase detect on live view looks really interesting, maybe even able to focus video on a screwdrive lens. I don't need more that 24mpixel. What do people think?

[@williambuford6136]

D780 great camera at a great price used, just not in the same class as the D850 or Z8. A used Z6 should outperform a D780, but you do lose autofocus with screw drive lens and you need the Ftz adapter. I really appreciate the IBIS on my Z6ii and Z8. Low shutter speed hand held shots are great.

[@PJ-om2wq]

​@@williambuford6136 how does the IBIS on the Z6 compare with VR on newer F mount lenses on a DSLR?

[@williambuford6136]

@@PJ-om2wq Using F-mount lens on your Z6, they will benefit from VR + IBIS to give you sharper photos hand held and video will be more stable. Z lens would be even better for stable video compared to a D780 with F-mount lens.

[@thomasgronwall5039]

As a bird photographer I spend a hours in a hide, waiting and watching through the viewfinder before I get to take a picture with my D850. I’m afraid the Z8 will run out of batteries before I’ll take the first picture. I’d go for the Z9 if/when I switch, because of the much bigger battery. I have the battery grip for the D850, with the additional big battery similar to the Z9. The battery grip for the Z8 is big and awful with only one small additional battery. The optical viewfinder of the D850 does not consume as much power as an EVF. However the Z8 and Z9 is silent as they have no mechanical shutter nor mirror slap, which is a really nice thing you did’t talk about. That alone could make me switch to a Z9.

[@williambuford6136]

A USB power brick might be an option for the Blind or the Z8 grip. The Z8 startup time is amazing.

[@joeyassyrian]

i use about 1.5 batteries in my D500 per outing, which is about 1,800 photos.. you will need 4-5 batteries for roughly the same use according to the numbers with the Z8.. I carry 3 batteries for my outings..

[@williambuford6136]

I only used about 2 batteries on a wildlife trip with the Z8. IF you are in a hide with the Viewfinder on all the time you will need those extra batteries. I think the IBIS is eating the batteries when you are using the autofocus. When shooting Moose, Elk, Wild Turkeys and Bison, I was not in a hide and I was able to ride around the park with a long lens for about 5 hours using 1.5 batteries. I did have 4 batteries with me. I'm sure I took at least 1800 photos. @@joeyassyrian

[@johnforbes4795]

I agree with your conclusions and I agree that the D850 is still a wonderful camera capable of wonderful images, but it has handed the mantle to the Z9/Z8.. Having traded my D850 for a Z9, and recently trading my Z7ii for a Z8, the one thing that made me jump ship from the D850 that you didn't mention, probably because it's a relatively short video, is the noise. I used my D850 with the Nikon MB-D18 battery pack attached primarily to achieve the 9 fps that it offered. But, wow is it noisy. It sounds like a machine gun going off (The Nikon D5/D6 are similar from a burst sound perspective.). I certainly thought of that when you showed the images taken by the D850 of wildlife; you'd better get the image right with the first shot, or the animal will get spooked real quick from the sound. And as you mentioned, the Z glass!!!!! A capable photographer can capture a wonderful image with just about any camera, but the Z glass is lightweight, quick to focus, sharp, renders beautifully and gives us Z9/Z8 users a great head start over the older technology.

[@knoxyish]

an vastly overpriced .

[@Franglais91]

I bought into the Z series for the lenses. They work so well at maximum aperture (unlike the F lenses). Two years I bought a humble Z5 which gradually became my main camera as performance improved due to firmware upgrades and me just learning to use it better. Six months ago I sold my D850 and all my F gear (it was too heavy anyway), crossed my fingers for six months (the Z5 is really not ideal for fighter aircraft due to viewfinder blackout). Now I'm ready to order a Z8 knowing exactly why I need it

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

I never owned a D850 but mirrorless replaced my D800, which I finally traded on the Z9. The Z8 is my second favourite camera ... or is it edging out the Z9? Well, depends if Auto Capture comes to the Z8 😀

[@jaimeduncan6167]

I will say most people moving to the z8 from the D850 will want to keep their lenses for a while, if not they will have already move to Sony or Canon that had superior systems for years. The good news is that the Z8 is very good with adapted Nikon lenses (if it's as goos as the Z9). With adapted lenses you can move at your own pace, Maybe the body and one sense and the little by little doing the substitution. The other option is sell all your gear.

[@guermeisterdoodlebug7980]

I have and plan to keep both (Z8 and D850) so I spent most time trying to identify exactly why she is so alluring. Partly because she appears highly intelligent, I think. Aside from that, it was a good comparison which I appreciate.

[@michaelgannon2358]

Torn between a z7ii and z8. I heard there was a slight penalty in IQ with the stacked sensors, has anyone else heard the same? Plus being quite a bit cheaper than the z8 I could grab a Voigtlander or two

[@zappa0609]

A lot of F mount lenses are better as the clinical Z lenses. When buying a Z camera, I will stay to my Zeiss Planar 85/1.4, Zeiss Distagon 35mm/2 and my Voigtlander Nokton 58mm, all F mount, for shure. Especially for portraits.

[@moegamatk]

Hi... Isn't the grip for d850 the mb d18 & not the mb d12 as u mentioned

[@Luigi13]

My final verdict is; if the final image has no distinction on quality and size I am very happy with my D850, especially considering the viewfinder and battery life. 😉😉

[@williambuford6136]

The IBIS makes a difference. Getting more sharp focused shots over Previous DSLRs. But if you are happy with your D850 do not sell it, is the greatest DSLR. The viewfinder on the Z8 is really nice, shooting with out the Mirror black out is great for tracking fast moving subjects! The EVF lets you see things that are too dark to see on the OVF.

[@GetOffMyyLawn]

I have a D800 and got a refurbished Z7. My old f-mount af-s lenses work great, and it is so much easier to manually focus lenses like the 50mm 1.2 with focus peaking. I picked up a 24-70 f/4 S and 40mm f/2 Z mount lenses, and they are very nice. I love my D800 and will never sell it, but the Z7 is getting used most of the time now.

[@williambuford6136]

The Z8 Battery life is ok, but I definitely carry extra. One thing that is more apparent after using the Z8 more is the lack of the Shutter sound. This camera does not scare wildlife when taking a burst of photos. Also this helps when photographing people, less eye closing from the shutter and mirror slap sound.

[@justinthomas3829]

Sounds like an upgrade not replacement. Especially as it gives you access to superior Z glass

[@MysticApertureStudios]

Z series cameras are much better than dslrs. I shoot both videos and photos and i cant express in words how grateful i am to technology for a camera like Z6. I shoots gorgeous photos and brilliant videos.

[@Johnlancaster]

At a lower level I have just gone to the Z5 (with the 24/200) from D7500 and assorted lenses. I can’t get over how much better literally everything is. It’s like a completely new hobby 😂

[@MysticApertureStudios]

@@Johnlancaster try the z6, it much better than the z5. You will instantly notice the difference.

[@AlocinTZ]

I will do an effort to get all and more I can get from my D850 (around 2 years and a half).

[@nickstavropoulos4963]

What about a comparison between Z7 and D850?

[@WILLIAMMORALES-gw1zz]

I keep reading in very low light the z8 can't match d850, also have they fixed the flash af assist issue? I'm keeping my d850 but i do like my z6 for a backup.

[@nickcucchiara]

Great video you two! I can't wait to get the Z8 and expand my reach with the new tech. I will be keeping the D850 too as I will always love using it. Cool thing about a DSLR is it doesn't have to be turned on to scout a shot then turn it on when needed. Thank you for the battery awareness as well. Since I have so many D850 batteries it's good to know I can use them at any point as spares and only the in-body recharge is an issue other than time span. Though one would think since the photographer/videography life depends on the battery, the camera's should come with two in the box. Yet here we are with 1 battery which is manufacturer foolishness.

[@williambuford6136]

I agree, when I bought the D500. It needed a second battery. The Z6ii needed the second battery for the event photography I was shooting. So I have a nice collection of EN-EL15B and C batterys, I hope Nikon can create a EN-EL15D battery with 15% more juice, especially for the Z8!!!

[@wilhelmw3455]

Becky is so hot and sexy!

[@MrScale30]

Love my D850..test a Z8 and as Z9 and its not worth the upgrade fore me. Shoot most studio work..

[@pjcornelius]

You did miss what for me is a huge difference in the Z8 EVF vs optical viewfinder, which is the ability to no longer have to put reading glasses on every time I want to review an image or use the menu system and then take them off again to take shots. This is because with an EVF i can do all that through the diopter adjusted viewfinder and don’t even have to take the camera away from my eye.

[@paulmontgomery6257]

Stop tempting me with stuff I can’t afford 😂. Any chance of a comparison between the D850 and the Z7ii as they’re a closer match in price?

[@graysofwestminster]

Maybe if a Z7iii comes out 🤣

[@paulmontgomery6257]

@@graysofwestminster If or When? Got any inside info? 🤣

[@DixonLu]

~3.2k views but

[@Ian-pv6gw]

2k views. 20k subscribers. But your point is still a good one! Get liking people!

[@DixonLu]

​@@Ian-pv6gwthx. Updated to 3.2k views.

[@williambuford6136]

Agreed this is a good review! Hit the like button!

[@porkster5924]

If a D850 owner wants to do video as well as stills, it’s a no brainier. I’ve owned a D850, loved it and I’d not quibble if I was told it was the only camera I could have for stills. But it’s poor for video work whereas the Z8 is superb. Plus you can still use F mount glass on it so make the jump. And you’ll see how much that EVF is a revelation too. From a Z9 and Z8 owner 😊

[@brianwhitfield2822]

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.

[@madst7521]

You could charge batteries in camera before en-el15c, the new thing is that you can use the camera while charging.

[@Ni5ei]

Why would you want to do that? It's putting unneccesary strain on the battery plus your camera would be tethered to a charger. In a studio situation it's much better to use a dummy battery connected to a DC power source.

[@thegrayyernaut]

@@Ni5ei For long videos, long timelapses, or being a webcam for a long meeting.

[@astrodysseus]

2:35 i had the d850 for a long time, switched to sony because of autofocus.. and was wondering to switch back to nikon now that the z8 is here.. when i took the z8, I was very disappointed; the grip/handle of the d850 is a lot nicer than the z8.. and it's not only the shape/size, but also the texture of it where in the z8 it feels a little bit plastic.. On the positive side, the autofocus of the z8 is amazing and really on par with sony systems

[@williambuford6136]

The D850 and Z8 do they both have a better grip than the Sony you were using?

[@astrodysseus]

@@williambuford6136the D850, z6 and z7 all have a better grip than the sony. The Z8, I would call it just marginally better than a sony but definitely less pleasant than the D850 I got to try it out for 1h on a salon with a 70-200. It was still ok. My impression of the grip/handle improved a bit during that time but not on par with the D850. It is also a lot bulkier than the z6 / z7. It comes down to whether or not you need the best autofocus and/or the (amazing) 20 raw / seconds and/or the superior video capabilities of the z8; if yes then that's a no brainer, take the z8. If no.. a z7 II is IMO largely sufficient Note: autofocus of z8 is mostly on par with the a7RIV. it may be a tiny bit slower but also smoother

[@j.m.gratton6000]

As a part-time pro now, I simply can't justify the price tag of a Z8 (5400CAD) vs 3300 CAD for a D850. I'm still shooting a D3/D4/D800E combo for my work. I will soon be selling the D800E and purchasing a D850. So my kit is more than enough to get the job done. Happy shooting everyone!

[@norbertt.5363]

D850 is a weapon for making the best dynamic and colourfull pictures....i will never change if i only make pictures....

[@jaydogalicious]

Did you talk about the limited battery life of the Z8? While the Z8 outperforms the D850 in a lot of categories, the difference in the real world isn't all that big and tends to be very situational. Lambo vs Ferarri 0-60. Going from a D850 to a Z8 doesn't make a whole lot of sense, espcially for those heavy into F-mount (even with the adapter) and considering how cheap F-mount lenses are right now with everyone buying into the hype of mirrorless who can afford to drop one system to move to the next. Nikkon is making great $ of them. Maybe D850 to Z9? The upgrades there are worth the added $2-3k, maybe. Current D850 owner and I think I will wait another generation or two to see where it goes before I spend all that $. Photographers create images. The camera is secondary.

[@barryoppen1240]

I'm mainly a stills photographer. I'm not interested in video yet, & maybe never will be. I have been a Nikon shooter since the early 1990's starting with film. I now have 3 Nikon DSLR bodies (D7200, D750, & D850) & I can get fantastic AND sharp photos from all 3. I also have 10 AF-S lenses now & there's 2 or 3 more AF-S lenses I still want to get. While I've considered a Nikon Z5 or even a Z8 or Z9, I just can't justify the significantly higher priced Z bodies, in addition to the Z lenses being 2-3 times the price of new AF-S lenses (at least here in western Canada). Not being financially able to afford getting into the Z cameras & lenses, as well as not being a professional, I'm just fine with my DSLR stuff for now. Plus, there are soooo many great deals on DSLR lenses (& bodies) from people that just HAVE to upgrade to the mirrorless & are selling their "old" gear at ridiculously low prices, particularly due to the overwhelming surplus of used gear in my area. MANY photographers I know got influenced & persuaded to go "mirrorless", so they ended up selling all their DSLR bodies & lenses...but now have one expensive mirrorless body, but only 1 or maybe 2 lenses...bcuz that's all they can afford. I also like to put my images thru Lightroom b4 I show others the photos, & with my experience & compositions, my photos tend to be quite breath-taking (like most experienced photographers' images are). So for me, I don't feel the need to upgrade to the Z mirrorless system yet, nor switch to Canon or Sony. I feel that despite how good a camera is, especially newer cameras (DSLR or mirrorless), it's all about the glass! I'd rather have several bodies & lenses that I can afford, than ONLY 1 body & lens & then NOT be able to buy anything more for quite a while. Maybe if I had the budget to easily afford getting into the mirrorless market, I'd feel different.

[@williambuford6136]

Does the ZF change the equation for you? The F-mount lens work fine on the Z bodies with the Adapter. Hey you might be able to find a used Z6 or Z6II to test the waters with your F-mount lens The Z6ii served me well doing event photography. I still use my Z6ii and my Z8 depending on what I'm shooting. When a Z6 3 comes out will will sell my Z6ii. I grew to like the form factor of the Z6/7 camera. The Z8 feels like the D850 and D500 In the hand it is a great form factor as well.

[@ganeshkaranjkar1]

What are 35mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.4 lens options in Nikon? like Sony

[@graysofwestminster]

Nikon started with f/1.8 lenses (35mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/1.8) and are now releasing f/1.2 lenses (50, 85 and hopefully soon a 35 if the roadmap is to be believed). No f/1.4 currently on the roadmap.

[@neilarmitage6632]

Big difference in price

[@torstenahlswede4583]

Ich habe die D850 und die D780. Beides sind super Kameras.

[@NCSTalkid]

Yes

[@rick-ross]

Yet another great show! I never owned a D850, but I did have a D810 (until about a month ago). While the D850 is better than the D810, I didn't upgrade to the D850 because I didn't feel the improvement was enough to justify the upgrade. However, there is a HUGE improvement with the Z8 over the D810. There are many advantages with mirrorless versus DSLR technology, and the Z8 is a significant upgrade over the D850, in my opinion, even though the sensor resolution is the same.

[@AlienGrade]

A Z6ii user here, I rented the D850 and it was significantly slower in real world wedding, also with FTZ 2 adapter and good old vintage primes you can focus peak with the red highlights on Z6ii, IQ is also way improved on the Z6ii. I also owned a d810 since it came out poor focus and had to be a genius in photoshop to make the photos "POP", Z6ii and the right Zeiss lens is a killer team.

[@AdrianIII]

So for those photographers not is a hurry with their photography, get the D850 and save over 50%!

[@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.

[@Not-A-Woke-Liberal]

The Z8 loos like a prosumer camera and the D850 looks professional better built

[@jb-xc4oh]

Makes you wonder how some of the greatest photographs ever taken in the history of photography were possible before the digital camera came on the scene in the early 90's. A lot of this is just pure marketing hype.

[@user-jb2hs5vk4t]

Я точно не приобрету беззеркальную камеру! Касается это зрения.Я замечал что посмотрев некоторое время видео на смартфоне зрение потом как бы надо фокусировать на окружающем.Так что мне привычнее оптический видоискатель.Возможно позже я приобрету Д850. Кроме того у нас цена на хорошую беззеркальную камеру сопоставима с Д850.Аккумуляторы в зеркальных камерах пока что позволяют снимать дольше чем у беззеркальных.

[@vinceriggio72]

High speed sports and wildlife photagraphers, Z8. All others, D850

[@HaimGreen]

complete replacement! end of story!

[@champagnesumo]

I’ve been debating on getting rid of the D850 and D500. I am worried about the resale/trade in value.

[@TEN21Portraits]

It’s only going to continue to go down as you keep waiting, so keep that in mind.

[@williambuford6136]

I would get rid of the D500 maybe hold on to the D850(Especially if have some Screwdrive lens you love to keep), but the prices will keep going down.

[@KADET4x4]

Невозможно купить камеру , попользоваться ей и потом продать её , как новую! Техника всегда устаревает и дешевеет. Поэтому просто или ничего не надо продавать или продать , за сколько купят, не заморачиваясь.

[@arpinkus]

You stuck your finger into the D850 and moved the mirror?!

[@JulioCastrejon04]

The Z8 has inferior dynamic range than the D850. The D850 is still Nikon's best camera in image quality alone.

[@jliang70]

I think Z7ii is the direct replacement for D850, Z8 just shifting that bar a little higher than what Z7ii did. Z7ii has similar sensor if not identical sensor to D850, it also has improved image processor compared to D850. Z8 has a stacked sensor with similar resolution to Z7ii, it is a mini Z9 with almost identical features minus the size and battery grip. I think you have not need to shoot that 20+ frame per second than Z7ii is the natural successor to D850. But for what it delivers Z8 is worth the extra over Z7ii.

[@Darkside-qy1gx]

The D850 remains the king

[@joekelly9369]

Afraid the z lens tests proved to lack behind f mount pro lenses ,

[@RamtinK]

D850 is the king of DSLRs no doubt, but even for landscapes, Z8 beats it because you can get sharper images, not only that, stabilization and the 3 way tilting screen on Z8 alone makes it far superior to D850

[@Ni5ei]

Who charges their batteries in-camera? The whole point of having multiple batteries is so you can continue shooting while charging the empty one(s).

[@potatofuryy]

Well if you are traveling there might be some occasion where you don’t have access to an outlet. I definitely see the use in being able to charge in-camera.

[@daveyboy6210]

Video ?

[@Michel_Vanaken]

Interesting, but like most videos on the same subject, you overlook the fact that a D850 has an autofocus motor in body, while the FTZ adapters don't. So no autofocus with eight of my nine prime lenses 😢

[@williambuford6136]

@@Michel_Vanaken Sadly Nikon wants you to upgrade those Primes, but the Perk is you get the VR and faster focus on them for your effort.

[@NyxxUK]

Price. Price does not stop at the body alone. Z8 £4000 and if you want 2.8 glass you have to buy new also so a 24-70mm Z £2,300, 70-200mm Z £2,600. Total £8,900, the secondhand market is not there yet. I went for a secondhand D850 shutter count of 5,800. £1,800 Bought "like new" and then also a Tamron 24-70mm G2 and a Tamron 70-200mm G2, both lenses together cost £1275 again "like new" Total cost £3,075. So imo the Z8 as much as I would love one is not just a body change, if you're going to have a Z8-Z9 you have to have Z glass to make the most out of them, So for me £3,000 is a steel over what comes with a Z8 with the two Z lenses at £9,000. The secondhand market is fantastic imo for D850 and D500 and glass. I now have both bodies. Is the Z8 better yes it is but its a hell of a lot more ££££. Also at the end of the day, image quality is the virtually the same.

[@zappa0609]

Extreme sharpness isn't very plesant for the skin with portraits and art nude photography for sure!> Models don't want to see extreme sharp skin!

[@deanjelcic9299]

Z8 huge leap from D850. Not even in the same league. Everything else is ignorance. Stiil the D850 is a great camera and will be as long as there would be the last one on the earth. But Z8 is huuuge step up. Time will only tell if mirrorless are durable and long lasting like DSLRs. Thats the only ? now for Z8 and Z9. In everything else is pretty much long ahead.

[@joekelly9369]

D850 , everytime , the z8 is a almost ran to the z9 (by the time you buy a grip and batteries) you have bought a z9 ! Still the d850 best of the Dslrs with THE BEST glass ever made , BAR NONE 😂😂😂, Z GLASS ISNT A STEP FORWARD , QUALITY WISE Z GLASS HAS BEEN PROVED NOT TO BE BETTER THAN F PRO LENSES

[@floridahummer]

D850 any day.

[@sparkyjackson8479]

Double your budget get a better camera, really strange that !!!

[@nevvanclarke9225]

No one is shooting video on big hulking cameras anymore. Everyone is shooting video on small handheld Fugees or small cameras that are much more manageable for video people are using GoPro DJI. I can see in the future that big hulking Mirrorless cameras will not actually have any video features whatsoever I won't use a big hulking camera for video. I'll use a tiny small camer that you can basically strap your wrist and that's how you do video because no one cares about the quality of your video. They just listen and watch it. I think this is something in the manufacturershould learn from thiss

[@slawekdejneka7402]

In Z8 'you get what you see' - you need to do some homework yet ... D850 gives 100% coverage! You don't need a battery to play with composition. In any mirrorless camera you drain a battery every second when you're using it, so come on....

[@graysofwestminster]

It is not only 100% coverage, but also the actual exposure due to evf instead of ovf. May be someone needs to do their own homework?

[@kn7x802]

I still gravitate towards my d850 over Z8. The Z is way too complicated of a system to fail when dealing with critical moments of shootings, plus overheating using CFx issues. I guess it will take me couple more years to get fully comfortable with the settings and knowing its limitations.

[@michaelkaufman9625]

the D850 will never die, a classic and true photographic camera...nothing wrong with D8 new tech..