Nikon Z7 vs D850 vs D500 Bird in Flight Wildlife Auto Focus Comparison and Performance

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

I think this is the ONLY KZbin video which compares these 3 cameras with actual wildlife photos. Amazing!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. I am really surprised at how well the Z7 handled the situation. It did quite well!

[@diatomsaus]

Agreed, lots of the other "reviews" are done on a keyboard. Keyboardography.

[@jsfbay1]

I accidentally pressed Return before finishing - the link at the end of my previous post is for the D500. But I can't find the identical information for the D850 - if you find it, please let me know :-)

[@maretilaia88]

Agree, good compares

[@jimpix8019]

Great video. Very interesting and useful info. Thanks 🙏 (-: :-)

[@jeanpierreguaron9222]

Mark, I went with the D500 and D850. For me, it was a no-brainer. I'm heading towards the end of my own life, so planning for the next 20 years is nuts. And for me, the cost of replacing all my F-mount lenses to go with the Z-range of mirrorless would have been simply horrific - altogether TOO much. The Z-range, and Canon's and the rest of the mob, will no doubt make heavy inroads into the DSLR market. But in my lifetime, or what's left of it, they're unlikely to see the same range of lenses and other accessories I already have. For someone starting now - maybe. For me - too little, too late. I can already get everything I want, with gear I already have. Theres nothing in it, for me to make the switch.

[@johnconover8514]

This is THE best description of the Z7’s AF issue in tracking and I have read many. Thank you.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@marcoantonioregiltv]

This is the best review of these 3 cameras!! Thank you so much!! Can't wait to come to one of your workshops!!

[@dbalaji07]

D850 wow! Incredible micro details on that rabbit shot is amazing

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks and I agree!

[@PhotoBob]

Very nice! The D850 was really showing off here. The detail in its images were stellar

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks and I agree.

[@chanjiachi]

Regardless of which cameras, those birds in flight pictures of yours are simply breathtaking.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@lmendezphotography1935]

Mark, amazing photos! I just ordered the Nikon D500 and the Nikon 200-500 5.6 vr lens thank you. And the soonest I receive my order I will watch your video on the set up for the Nikon D500. Keep up the good work and one day I will go to a workshop with you.....

[@ukasz7073]

Are you satisfied with this D500 + 200-500 f/5.6 combination?

[@lmendezphotography1935]

​@@ukasz7073definitely! 100%

[@leftykelly3944]

I'm seriously researching for the purchase of a wildlife setup in the very near future and I really enjoy your videos.

[@travr1131]

Wow! Those Osprey shots were breathtaking! Great comparison too!

[@davehuskey1]

Mark, please keep making your wife and kids do all the chores around the house so you can continue making these great videos. Another great one!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Will do. I've just told them they must take over everything so I can continue.

[@g8erhater1]

Your a WONDERFUL KZbin Photography person! I feel I'd like to use another term but I couldn't come up with one that conveyed that precisely like that one did. I'll keep watching your stuff for sure! Keep doing your wonderful work!

[@cactustweeter2890]

Congratulations on capturing that double fisted Osprey fish catch. Amazing.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@62bryanlc]

Mark, Thank you so much for your informative videos. I have learned a tremendous amount and spent a tremendous amount. Since finding your content Iv'e bought the D850, D500, and 200 500.This video really shows the strengths of the 3 amazing cameras. Props to you !

[@singhsphotolife]

so which one you kept..?

[@arindamdasgupta1710]

Mark, I bought the D850 with the kit lens (24-120) and 70-200 2.8E combo. Trying my hand and I am loving it. Some of your work has inspired me and am an admirer of your channel. Thanks for the no bs content, straight to the point discussion and brilliant explanation of the composition.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. That is very nice of you to say and enjoy that kit!

[@sarahwyer9959]

I'm looking for my first 'big-girl' camera for photographing marine wildlife primarily for my job here in the UK. I was praying the z6 or z7 would be up to scratch with the autofocus - mainly because I will be shooting from a boat and have very small hands... so the compact size of the Nikon Z series would have been ideal as I know the D500 especially is a beast of a camera! And to hold on a moving boat with a lens is going to be challening. But from this video to get the quality photos the D850 seems to be the overall winner here with autofocus, speed and detail. Amazing video and incredible photos!

[@JohanSchmidt]

Some of those 850 images were just amazing - besides the sharpness and colour and light, the action is brilliant

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks! THe D850 is the camera to beat.

[@ungavaproductions]

Mark, you're doing such a great job with birds shooting. You're one of my best youtuber. Thanks to share and make me sick each time !

[@paullofton9566]

Mark, this was a great comparison of the cameras. This has been a big help to me in making my decision about which camera to focus on. Thank you.

[@alfredconqueror4422]

Which one did you chose

[@paullofton9566]

@@alfredconqueror4422 I chose the D500. Partly because of the 10 frames/second and because of the cost. I've been happy with the results. I'm not a professional and don't need the high resolution. This camera when paired with a Tamron 18-400 lens gives me "good" results as walk around camera while on trips.

[@mrmikerhubarb]

First time watcher. Great video man. I liked your example shots and commentary. I'm currently in the research phase of my next camera, so this was helpful.

[@andyandycapt7947]

D850 for. Sure with incredible color. I have a hard time leaving mine home too. I also use my 810 a lot.

[@tztz3992]

Agree. The Z7 is not that goos

[@maxmillion4216]

That was a good comparison of the three cameras. The D850 wins out here.

[@finnlarsen7279]

Thanks for a very educational video, I use the D500, but a D850 for christmas had been nice

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching.

[@Ptcz3891]

Wow! I bought d850 and will test in field very soon. To me, i find all all the photos you shared incredible, but will favor osprey with two catches! Thanks for sharing your review!

[@ForceOfVader]

Great video as usual!! I'm eyeing a D500 myself and this review is really helpful. Plus I could watch vids of you shooting the Ospreys all day long!

[@mikehodgson8004]

Mark, awesome review as well as your set up guide. I purchased the D500 last fall and your set up guide brought me up to a whole new level. Thank you for your tips and suggestions when photographing birds in flight. I have yet to capture Osprey on the feed, however, I have lots of in flight shots. Especially that brief hover upon arrival to the nest. Oh, one more thing, the Male Osprey's bib is less prominent than the Female's bib. Keep up the excellent work, CHEERS from Ontario Canada EH

[@MarkSmithphotography]

That is great to hear!

[@AK-de3ej]

Stunning photos. Your comparison is very good. You are very lucky that You can take this kind of shots.

[@petercseszarik6552]

Incredible shots as always. The one that blew my mind was the one with the D850 in front of the reeds with the bird sort of in back edge profile. No way I was thinking I so need a D850.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@scubagrant6045]

Great stuff Mark as always. Osprey shots were phenomenal. You need your own TV show. Keep it up, someone will come after you. You're a great bio-storyteller.

[@ricardoguerra9693]

I liked the variety of cameras you chose to compare but what I like even more is that you admitted to being out of the focus area on the osprey. I wonder if firmware updates could help with reacquiring subjects and the EVF lag. Nice review.

[@BillFerris]

Mark, thank you for making and sharing this comparison video. It's really helpful to see how these cameras perform in the same use case and under similar conditions.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@NinaHaleConsulting]

Thank you. I've been tormenting myself on whether to buy the 850 or Z7 and this is the best comparison Ive found yet.

[@woodygreen6826]

Thanks for more real world shots comparing these cameras. The pic with two fish was very cool, I've only seen a couple of other photographs with two caught at once by an Osprey. You got a rare and wonderful shot. I also like the very last shot with the Z7 with the bird flying straight at the camera.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. I got a lot of good material those days!

[@tommillard5534]

Thanks for a very educational video, I use the D500, and set it up in your tutorial video, it a brilliant camera for bird flight. Many thanks for you videos.

[@irabrucelevine]

Excellent comparison video, Mark. And, as always, I enjoyed your commentary.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@dsorx]

Fantastic video as usual. I'm still absolutely dying in anticipation of a video where you show how you process your raw files in Lightroom. Your photos are always amazingly sharp and colorful, yet totally natural, and raw files just don't look that way out of the camera.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. I still need to get around to doing that.

[@dsorx]

Looking forward to it. Tweeted you a link to my photo story, inspired by all of your awesome video stories. I'm not a video person, but I used Adobe Spark to post it to the web and it was really easy. I hope you get a chance to take a look at it. Also, just bought your D500 Birding e-book. It's really going to help with the custom button setups and help with the focus modes.

[@hillcountrylightphotograph5345]

Really well done... great imagery (spectacular to pick up that double-fisted Osprey with 2 fish!). Compliments to handling and working with that great glass too, wow! I agree with your findings, the D850 is pretty much faultless when it comes to AF tracking and BIF. I appreciate that you tried two different settings on the Z7 to assess AF options. You identified 3 factors that work against the Z7 in terms of being on par with the D850 -- burst rate, AF options (auto-area AF is strong at acquisition but not on par with 3D AF for tracking, that seems to be the nut of it) and the EVF lag. I shoot all three of these cameras, and was trying to understand the differences in tracking capability. and this makes it pretty clear that the Z7 shooter will have to make some adjustments in technique... while you did deliver incredible imagery with Z7, it would be hard to choose anything but the D850 when you really need critical performance for action and BIF. Your voice-over narration was also really easy to follow, great pacing. Imagery was top top top. Great job!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@andrekorinth327]

Amazing pictures with phenomenal cameras! Bravo!

[@MikeJamesMedia]

I own a D810 and a D500, so naturally, I'm interested to hear comparisons to both the D850 and Z7. (and Z6) So, this video was perfect. Thank you for the detailed information!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

I have a z6 on the way so there will be more on that soon. Thanks for watching. I hope the video helped clear things up a little.

[@Smoothblue90]

@@MarkSmithphotography It is great to see a video comparing these cameras with actual wildlife photography. Thank you.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

@@Smoothblue90 you are welcome

[@toca_83]

@Mark Smith i'm looking forward to the D850, Z6 and Z7 Comparision especially in terms of low light performance. I heard the z6 could be better in low light than the z7 . :) Thanks for your great Video!

[@markkirker6642]

Mark - Love the picture of the Osprey at 7:13 with the wings spread and sort of floating on the water

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@robertwendel9251]

Awesome shots, narrative, and camera information. Thank you.

[@peterbrackenbury]

Thanks Mark, great video. Confirms what I think about my D500 - a great all-round camera.

[@GHOSTOFSPARTA12351]

Yes

[@ianbrown704]

Amazing Mark. After your advise I bought the Z7 and 24-70 S lens with adaptor, but also the D500 with the 200-500. Looking fwd to playing with them over the next few months. I think the D500 will be the master for BIF/Wildlife, but on occasions the Z7 may just be the better option and especially for Landscapes.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

You have a great combo there. Enjoy!

[@mirastudio4204]

I might do the same. Seems reasonable choice!

[@AdventureOverland01]

I had the horrific tragedy of totalling my D850 and lens and was contemplating a switch to the Z series. Thank you I think I’ll stay with D850 legend camera. Love the channel.

[@alexcruz7737]

Another amazing video!!! That shot with the 2 fish is craaaaaazy! That tells you that bird is the boss.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks and yes, that bird is the boss. It doesn't fool around.

[@judyboyd9530]

I thought this video provided an excellent comparison to all three cameras for wildlife photography. I loved the capture of the osprey with the Two fish, awesome!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

THanks so much!

[@iowahabitats]

Mark -- You are by far and away the best You Tuber when it comes to wildlife photography and putting your superb images together with the stories of each one. Incredible! Keep it up! :)

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Wow, thanks for the great compliment.

[@fox1-f6o]

Subscribed. Like your real world testing and love your passion about the animals.

[@ShakeelNaim]

I just came across your channel looking for Nikon D850 videos. I’ve really enjoyed watching them and making my way through most of them. Great work! I’m only a hobbyist and always looking to improve. I used to own a D300 years ago but sold it due to circumstances. In the last few years got back into photography but decided to give Fujifilm a try. Been through X-T1, X-T2 and currently X-H1. I really like the Fuji but can’t say I’m overall 100% satisfied. I recently viewed my old Nikon D300 photos on Flickr and was surprised by how beautiful and clean they looked. So much so that I’ve been contemplating switching back to Nikon, more specifically the D850. Hence my interest in your videos. Only hesitation is obviously going from a reasonably light weight and portable camera system to a big bulky system ... decisions decisions

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Tough choice. Have you considered the D500? It is excellent and smaller.

[@ShakeelNaim]

Mark Smith I did consider the D500 but unfortunately or fortunately fallen in love with D850 ... the heart wants what the heart wants lolll Fuji gear already on eBay so if it all goes well could be getting my hands on the D850 before Christmas :-D

[@ShakeelNaim]

just an update - I had a change of mind ... felt moving from mirrorless back to DSLR might be a bit too jarring so have decided on the Z7 :-D Already ordered with kit lens, hoping for delivery in next week or two

[@enigmabletchley6936]

As a current mirrorless shooter my main interest is in the Z7 but the D500 appears to be the camera mirrorless still has to beat. I only hope that the next generation of D500 (Z500???) will be mirrorless. Awesome video and fantastic captures!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@magnuseriksson8081]

Great photos, and a fantastic way of how you compare these cameras. Too many favorite shots Mate

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much

[@RobertKingofMaine]

Your explanation of the Z issue (beginning at 11:43) is interesting. Your opinion of the D850 and D500 is a mirror of my own. I also love D850 files and there's already a D500 inside my 850. In my loon work, my D500 is along for back-up only.

[@phooesnax]

Great job Mark. Love the comparison and the zoom ins. Great great shots. Jim

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@lassg.3047]

Love your videos its one of the best youtube photography video Ive come across keep it going.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@lesleyh2007]

You videos are so well done. I love your photos and the information you provide is thorough and easily understandable. I really agree with your assessment of these cameras. I have had a chance to use and experiment with a D850 and Z7. I personally still prefer a DSLR but it is my personal preference because I started out with SLR film cameras so likely just my familiarity with that format taints my preference. I am a hobbyist and use a D500 as cost is important to me and I like the extra reach this camera provides. If cost wasn’t an issue I likely would use a D850 as in DX mode is really is a D500. The D500 does have the advantage of having edge to edge focus points which I really enjoy. Presently I just don’t prefer mirrorless because of the EVF and also I like the body size and feel of a DSLR in my hands. The D500 has a nearly perfect body shape and button placement for me. Also like the D500 is very customizable which I try to use to my advantage. Again I totally agree with your assessment on the D850s stellar photo detail. It simply shines in that department. Keep your videos coming. I will keep watching.

[@turtlepurple9304]

Another great video mark. Well done with the double header.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@UniversalBrow09]

Amazing, beautiful... LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! This video is very useful, not to mention they're a feast to the eyes. I love your enthusiasm in your commentary. Thank you for inviting us to cherish these intimate moments with nature.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching and for the compliments

[@105len]

Hi, great video. I'm wondering now 4 years after this video was created what are your current feelings on the best Nikon body for wildlife/birds? Lens recommendations too? Any help is appreciated.

[@troyphillips1077]

Thanks for this test and I am one of the folks who asked for this . Great job as always. I don’t have the d5 battery for my grip yet. I do notice the d500 acquires focus a little more accurate. I’ve been shooting some football with these two.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching and for the comment!

[@u2ten]

Awesome shot of the Osprey with the two fish!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@MMaven]

Wonderful images!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@57sapke]

Thanks for the great video. I own a Nikon D610 and want to upgrade, love to photograph sports, portraits and last month landscapes. Seeing this video my preference goes to the Nikon D850.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

You are welcome

[@jimmytjon8710]

Thanks for another enjoyable video Mark. Although you said it was more technical, I totally enjoyed the all the pictures and especially the narration (is that a word?).

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Yes and thanks so much!

[@TheBigbangguy]

I admire your works Mark. Thanks for sharing. which camera do you prefer the most, D850 or Sony A9 for bird photography, which is the best for you?

[@gordroberts53]

Hi Mark! Favourite shot, one osprey with two fish hands down one of my favourites of all time. Very much enjoyed the comparison, it was fair and informative IMHO and reinforced my decision to buy a D850 last year. Thanks for creating the Quick Start guide btw, it has been incredibly useful to me and I credit a much faster than anticipated learning curve as a result. Good light to you!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

That is awesome to hear. I recently got another shot of an osprey with 2 fish at a different location but I think it might be the same bird.

[@gordroberts53]

@@MarkSmithphotography Greedy little fellow!

[@Michael-fw5ef]

You are very talented Mr. Smith.

[@aniquewaseem6259]

Very comprehensive video, as usual. The comparison is awesome and beautifully explained. 😍

[@sidvicious3129]

Mark I loved the one where the bird had two fish in its talons. The rabbit was probably the sharpest, but its a toss up man all of your inages are great and you explained why you got the backside of the bird. Some complaining wouldnt have caught that. My questions are how is the new 500mm vs the 200-500mm and did you add it and the z7 to your kit and what tripod are you now using? You are the first doing this Z7 in a fast paced situation that showed what a z7 is capable of. We appreciate all of your efforts and you are a serious breath of fresh air on KZbin.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for all the great compliments. My 500mm lens is an older model, not the new 5.6 one. I own it. I don't own the Z7. It is on loan from B&H. I won't be keeping it either because for me, it doesn't replace the D850. I need something for video though and I will most likely wind up owning a Z6. For my tripod setup check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoCnYZV7irhpsJo

[@pauldanesi3299]

Mark, thoroughly enjoy all your videos, especially the D500 (which I own). My wildlife photos are not anywhere near yours, but your videos give me great information when I shoot local Hawks, Ospreys, and seagulls. Thanks.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@ungavaproductions]

Thank you Mark...I have learn alot with this presentation. You are one of my best !

[@barrymayes6712]

My fave shot is the one with the fish losing its breakfast. Bravo!

[@bridgestreetmotorsal]

Hi, great video and amazing photos i wonder if i could ask you a question, i have a Nikon D800 and i am looking to upgrade so my thoughts D500 or the D850 i do mainly dog and horse photography. Hope you didn't mind me asking.

[@angelm1234]

Having a two-fold dilemma here. I own a D810 and a D500. First dilemma is which one to give up. Second, which one to upgrade to, D850 or the Z7. Thanks for another great video. It's gotten me close to a decision.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Give up the d810 for a d850. That's what I did. Never miss it either.

[@angelm1234]

@@MarkSmithphotography Thanks. That's what I'm doing. I think Z7 is not ready for primetime yet. Thanks again.

[@dkdalai]

Great comparisons of three top model cameras of Nikon, thanks for such video. D850 is clearly the winner. I am wondering how D780 behaves in wildlife photography if we compare with these three cameras.

[@nikonid80]

Fantastic tutorials and superb photos, do you have a quicks tart Z6ii/Z7ii guide

[@Stufireman]

I'm glad you like the D850 as this is the one I bought for my retirement present, and 4 lenses. A 200-500 Nikor, a Rokinon 14mm, a Nikor 85mm Macro and the one with the camera a 18-300. I'm extremely happy with the images taken with the D850 more so now I'm actually learning to use it correctly, it's a far different camera to that of the D90 I used to use.

[@ManishKumar-gb8rq]

Bro i am planning on buyinv d850 with 200-500 lens is it a good idea. Please share your views.

[@nicklevy8369]

Hi Mark, Great videos and photos as always. Great to see that you can use a Z7 for wildlife photography, after all the negative comments elsewhere on other channels about the Z7's autofocus! Hopefully you will test the Z6 under similar circumstances and point out the differences between the Z6 & Z7 focusing systems.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. I have a Z6 arriving tomorrow!

[@kevinwilson2082]

“Look at the slime on that ‘gator....” Priceless Mark, thank you.

[@VooDooZg]

Great job, man D850 is out of this world - just jaw dropping !!

[@iftekherhassan9955]

Last shot of Z7 just blows my mind..... it's superb ...

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. Pretty crazy birds

[@iftekherhassan9955]

Yaaaa... :)

[@dbhayesart331]

Outstanding video Mark. This helps me with my decision about a Z7. Thanks a million. Bill

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks and you are welcome!

[@leod1671]

Awesome comparison of the three cameras, the image(s) that I like the most are the first couple pictures of the Osprey flying into the water you took with the D850. Ref @ 4:50+ minutes in. They are amazing images.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. I am trying to get those shots right before impact. That is tough!

[@GertHellevig]

Absolutely great video! Thanks!

[@ron3117]

I set up my D850 for BBF using the AF-ON button and assigned the group focus to one of the buttons on the front. It's a great way to switch between using single point, my default setting to group focus.

[@dance2jam]

Great job with the comparison Mark. Thanks, as always for your efforts! Would you consider making a "Long lens technique" video in the future? Thanks as always!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching and I'll have to add that to my to do list.

[@bulleyes.btp1601]

Thanks to you! After review your pics several times, I made up my mind to buy Nikon D850 and the telescope lens anyhow.

[@lol_world2681]

Hi Mark, Excellent pictures. Are these pictures straight out of the camera or edited ? i have a z7 and my focus is never as sharp as yours. :( I had the same settings as yours.

[@paulstokes786]

The 850 really is some piece of kit. Thanks for your excellent comparison. I'd been thinking of a 500 but think I'm going to wait and save more for the 850.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

The D850 is so impressive on all levels!

[@rncondie]

Full frame lenses are a lot of money. I will stick with my D500.

[@paulstokes786]

@@rncondie I'm not aware of any long lenses that are not full frame or have I missed them?

[@diatomsaus]

I got to play with the Z7 today. Some impressions: - Laggy EVF, yuck. Motion blur when I maneuver around. - EVF is nice and bright, that's great - Adapted my 70-200 f/2.8E, AF is noticeably faster than my D810 (duh), but no as fast and snappy as the D850 - LV AF is great, my D810... well let's not mention that abysmal LV AF speed - Ergonomics is better than expected. Feels like a Nikon, works like a Nikon - Love the thumbstick for AF point selection All and all, it's a really solid performer for an initial release, but ultimately not for me. I shoot primarily microscopy imaging, with a side of wildlife and astrolandscapes. The D850 is a better upgrade for me. The laggy EVF is a major putoff, the rest is really solid. Maybe after 3 iterations, we'll have a some better news. I want the advantages of a shallow, huge mount.

[@diatomsaus]

Looking at the used market, a D500 looks a lot more attractive than a D850!

[@urbanguard]

Great comparison. Love the osprey images. The tilapia is a mouthbrooder and the 'breakfast' was probably its offspring, so you captured an even more special moment. You can just see some loose fry in the other shots.

[@gailjones1342]

Thank you for the video! And actually posting photos, that was incredibly helpful! I've been struggling to commit for months between the D850 and Z7. I shoot mostly wildlife and landscapes, but I do want to shoot more wedding/sports etc. to supplement my income. I keep reading and hearing that the Z7 is better at landscapes (and lighter and quieter), but the D850 outshines the Z7 in wildlife/wedding/sports. So it puts me at a stalemate, lol! But I have been leaning more towards the D850 because I also keep hearing that the auto focus in low light situations is awful in the Z7 compared to the D850. Would you say the D850 is better overall, or just for wildlife?

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

This is amazing work. Tnx. The D850 is amazing; I'm a Canon shooter for the last 20 years and the D850 is my largest temptation :-)

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you. The D850 is an amazing camera.

[@peterpeterson7784]

Go for it. I have both Canon and Nikon and the D850 is a better camera.

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

I know it is a better camera than anything Canon has produced so far. If money was not an issue I would move or run both systems in parallel. But it took me 20 years to build my current Canon collection of gear including L glass. To do it all over again in the Nikon system... I do not know if I have another 20 good years of photography in me (i.e. able to lift large DSLRs and lenses :-)) Selling my Canon gear to move to Nikon is a possibility but what if for example 7 years down the line Canon comes with a better body (than the equivalent Nikon)? Those of us that are old enough remember periods during which Canon had the better bodies or lenses and they may come again. That's my predicament. Canon has frustrated me at no end. Looking back 20 years when I started with SLRs and film I wish I had gone down the Nikon route but at the time Nikon was far too expensive compared to Canon and not innovative enough.

[@jameschilton3901]

@@dimitristsagdis7340 I'm in the same predicament - been a Canon user for 30 years and love their glass but Nikon's sensors are better. I'm a landscape photographer who is doing more wildlife photography now so I need to buy some long glass but am reluctant to do that with the Canon bodies that are available. I was thinking I might just go for the D500 and 200-500mm which seems like a good value combination. If Canon don't come up with anything in the next year or two I can then move across to the D810 or even the D850 which by then may be more affordable 2nd hand.

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

I do landscapes but also travel, wildlife, sports and the occasional portrait (with flashes and light modifiers). So I have a 7DII+100-400 L IS II+1.4x so my wildlife is taken care of in terms of reach and fps. But I want more dynamic range and megapixels. So moving to the D500+200-500 is not cutting it for me. I have more or less that level of DM, MP, fps, and reach with the aforementioned combo. I want better which means D850+speed booster battery grip+400+1.4x. This is some serious money (even used) and it means I should sell my Canon gear. If I do that it doesn't make sense holding on to my FF Canon and my other lenses, flash, remotes, etc. Very frustrated. The 1DxMII doesn't have the same MPs nor DM. My prediction is that Canon will be coming up with their replacement models in 2020. And of course the will be very expensive upon release. So we are talking at least 3-4 years for something that will be at least equivalent to the D850. On the other hand even if I take the plunge and move to Nikon. The new Nikon bodies do not play nice with the Nikon legacy glass. That will become an issue. Canon legacy glass seems to play nicer (e.g. faster AF). Dumbed if you do dumbed if you don't. Sometimes I get so annoyed with both of them (N+C) and I think I had enough of them taking advantage of me for 20 years it is about time I give my money to somebody else like SONY; get an a9+100+400+1.x and be done with it and future proof. OK the a9 is no D850 but nothing is. Why can't a Co come up with just a good body for still only and all Cos to agree on the same lens mount. We need to start a movement/petition. For a budget bare bones FF stills body (e.g. 15 EVs, 15 fps, silent shooting, good AF) with a universal lens mount :-)

[@gillespiemonte592]

Thanks Mark for this review. It really help those like me to choose between those new Z and the DSLRs as an upgrade (I have a D7200 & a D750). For a first mirrorless, Nikon did really a great job. Especially when compared with the "almost perfect" D500 & D850 DSLR.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching.

[@tcwhite0104]

Awesome video and review as always Mark. I’ve got the D850 and D810 both great cameras. I just purchased your D850 setup guide. Thanks for putting these together.

[@BowlesImages]

Mark - very good comparison. My experience is similar with the D500 and D850 and I have not yet tried the Z7 for wildlife. I agree with your thought process of using Wide Large for bird photography. Wide modes - Large and Small - place emphasis on closest subject as long as the subject is in the AF sensor area. All in all, the Z7 performance is pretty remarkable because the D500 and D850 both have a separate AF processor - something the Z7 does not have in order to incorporate IBIS.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. I think the Z7 did a good job for sure. Way better than many people have said.

[@Rockvivien]

Great video! What about the Z7 II ? Did it fix all problems?

[@wwtuber]

Excellent comparison. I appreciate your candor and the testing results.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@JohnPaul-ts8dq]

The D850 is my choice. Great photos Mark. 👍👍🇺🇸

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@PhilThach]

Great video as usual. You do much better with the Z7 than I would have thought was possible based on other reviews. I have the Z6 on order and I don't have any plans to use it for sports or wildlife, I'll keep using my D500 for that. Then again, after seeing this, maybe I'll try it on some slower moving wildlife, like Great Blue Heron. Keep up the great work.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you! The z7 isnt a bad camera and I think the z6 will be good too. They are just different and require a different approach.

[@PhilThach]

I forgot to mention that your new camera settings graphic at the bottom of the screen is really nice and I like the improvement.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

@@PhilThach thanks

[@donaldkelley5785]

Outstanding Video, Mark !!