Nikon D850 Vs Nikon Z7 ii - Which Is Better? Dslr Or Mirrorless?

[@paulmitchell1580]

I just sold my Z7ll mirrorless is just marketing hype, i'll keep the D850 it's fantastic! i could go back to a D700 and take amazing pictures

[@kieranhayesphotography]

The D850 is a really great camera but honestly it does depend on what you shoot. As a hybrid shooter the Z7ii blows the D850 out of the water and the new Z lenses are a nice bit sharper too. In saying that the D850 and D700 even are amazing cameras and in the end it all comes down to your own personal choice, how you use them and what you want to get out of them.

[@paulmitchell1580]

@@kieranhayesphotography I don't believe any camera blows any camera out the water, it's the persons holding the camera.

[@kieranhayesphotography]

@paulmitchell1580 on the stills side of things there is practically no difference in fact I possibly still prefer the D850 for focus and colour rendition but for video the Z7ii is an awful lot better for a few different reasons and the Z lenses are far superior for video also. It all comes down to what you are going to use them for and for me personally the Z7ii is the better camera all around. I still love the D850 but the video quality really sucks from it.

[@paulmitchell1580]

@@kieranhayesphotography I don't use D850 for video

[@deanjelcic9299]

I think that both are great… Mirrorless isn’t soooo better than dslr, but it has some features that are great. For me electronic shutter just wins for my shooting. Z lenses are better. I love dslr dont get me wrong…and i would always stick with my d750 or 780 or 850, I absolutely love the looks, the feel everything… buuut mirrorless is future and no mater how hard is to change I think its a step you need to take. My opinion

[@jesusalvarado6074]

Thank you for making this video and sharing your thoughts! I sold my D850 and F Mount lenses to switch over to the Z7 II and Z Mount lenses. After a year of using my Z7 II, I was noticing a lot of missed shot due to focusing. Shots that I would have not missed with my old D850! Since then, I’ve been wanting to go back! Yes, the Z lenses are amazingly sharp, but a lot of the F Mount lenses did produced amazing shots too. Another thing I wish Nikon would bring back the f/1.4 lenses, instead of going from f/1.8 to f/1.2! Those f/1.2 lenses are gigantic and heavy.

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Hi Jesus, yes, the Z7ii was no Nikon D850 that's one thing for sure. Since I recorded that video I bought and have been using the Z8 and I have to say it's a completely different camera and an actual improvement all round on the D850. I am with you on the F1.2 lenses also. I am hoping that Sigma bring out a range of F1.4 lenses at desirable focal lengths. The next version of the Z7 is going to be greatly improved and the AF issues will be fixed.

[@michaelsmith697]

Ahhh I had a Z6 and took it back to shop. I bought a second hand D850 and it’s a most BRILLIANT CAMERA! I love it so much I take it to bed! ( I study the menus etc… lol)😂❤

[@kieranhayesphotography]

The D850 is an amazing camera and in all honesty it would be a lot better than the Z6, the Z7ii would have given it slightly more of a run for it's money though. The Z8 is truly a beast though and I am sad to say it has already replaced the D850 in my heart. Although I still love it :-) Enjoy it and don't forget to tuck it in at night time ;-)

[@Stop-All-War]

Menus in bed..we've all been there 😂

[@Ton-x4r]

I prefer the D850 but my older legends as the D700, D4 and the D3X are also still very fine. I got the Z5 pure out of interest and to have a Z camera. But the Z line will never replace my dslr's.

[@kieranhayesphotography]

I also loved my D850 and honestly it painted me to swap to a mirrorless camera but when the Z8 came out I just had to buy it, paired with the Z series lenses it's an awesome bit of kit for me personally as I also shoot a good bit of video. Nothing at all wrong with DSLR cameras in the right hands. A camera is just a tool as they say and at the end of the day it all comes down to the person using it. Enjoy those awesome cameras and I wish you great light going forward 👍

[@ksphotography730]

Nice video! Although I beg to differ when it comes to hit rate between the two. I actually went from D850 to the original Z7 (I now use tjhe Z7II) and I was so happy with the transition. I actually got better focus hit rate with the Z7 than with the D850. And on top of that it is so many things I like with the Z system. weight, live view, customization (i-menu is awesome), and much more. Absolutely love the Z system and only have 2 requests: true flip out screen like Canon and even better autofocus to catch up with the others (although it is good as it is). I agree that one needs to learn the mirrorless system to get the best out of it, but when you do it is so much more fun to use than a DSLR(thats my opinion :) ) Thanks again for a nice video.

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Thanks for the feedback and glad you enjoyed the video. The great news is what I am hearing from a few Nikons sources is the next batch of cameras are going to really perfect the auto focus system. I appreciate lots of people use their cameras differently to me and I suppose that's why we all have different styles and end results. Looking forward to what the future brings for the Z series, the way Nikon have been consistently releasing amazing cameras recently we are in for some great news very soon.

[@milpasosdancefitness3299]

Mirror less is for laysies

[@ksphotography730]

@@milpasosdancefitness3299 ok. Great comment.

[@pjc3163]

I like the older lenses because they have character. The new Zed lenses may have edge to edge sharpness but no character. They've shrunk the camera down in size but the bloody lenses are huge e.g the 50mm lenses; what's the point? I did purchase a Z5 and it's a fine camera that gives images similar to my old D750 but I found things lacking; the FTZ adaptor is annoying when putting on old glass, some of the controls are now hidden away I.e the self timer, the EVF is not as good as the optical, etc. Don't get me wrong; like you said the Zed cameras have their strengths but I miss the feel & handling of a DSLR. I wish I'd kept my D750 but a few months ago I purchased a D700, a 15 year old camera with a kickarse sensor and a built like a brick, able to use my older D series & manual focus lenses; now I'm happy!😁

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Yes, they are missing a bit of charachter alright, it's why I am keeping some of my F mount lenses. They are sharp though which for a lot of work is all that matters. Looking at some of the new lenses you would wonder where the lighter camera kit idea went alright 🤣

[@tonyfabris367]

I’m very happy with my D850 which I’m going to keep forever but I’m also eagerly waiting for THE Z8 😅with a slightly bigger body and all the other “goodie’s “, can’t wait. Thank you very much for your nice videos.

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Hi Tony, I was very like you and I was going to keep my D850 and in ways I am still considering it but I have a few people very eager to buy it so I will probably let it go. The Z8 is gonna be an immediate buy for me also, really looking forward to that and the specs and feedback I am after getting from someone that has used a pre production variant of it are fantastic. I might not need 60+ mp but the AF and grip and overall feel of the camera are a lot better I am told. Nikon are about to really stir things up with the Z8 and Z6iii both coming soon, exciting times. Thanks for watching and for the nice feedback also.

[@christopherscragg7956]

I am using the Nikon D610 at the moment, but I am saving up for the Nikon D850 and can't wait.

[@kieranhayesphotography]

I ha e a d600 knocking around here somewhere and I guarantee you that you will see a big difference. I went front the D810 to the D850 and there was a nice improvement even between those two models. Just prepare yourself for slower processing and more storage space being needed for the larger files. You won't regret it though.

[@Stop-All-War]

Did you buy a D850

[@shekatagani]

I have a D2Xs a D700 . a D3s a D850 and several others.... My D3s is my Favorite and My d850 Works great on my latest Lens, They are all great cameras ! I've got great shots from all!

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Exactly, the only bad camera is the one a bad photographer is holding. I have a good few DSLR bodies here also and they are stioll as good as the day they were made. I love technology and my job for a long time was in electronics so I love gadgets, new tech and pushing things to the limit. Mirrorless for me has been great but I love it primarily for video use. Thanks for watching and keep taking great shots as that's what it is all about.

[@HeikoSieger]

Basically agree with you. I own the D850 and the Z7-II and now the Z8 as well. I also owned a Canon R5 for a year, but their wide angle lens options did not work for me. The Nikon Z mount lenses are just incredible! The Z8 is going to replace the D850 in bird photography or anything that needs fast and accurate focusing AND/OR quiet operation. However, I will continue using the Z7-II as a lightweight travel camera when I do landscapes or travel photography. The Z7-II is definitely an amazing camera.

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Yes, they are all amazing cameras and exactly like you I now use the Z8 mainly with the Z7ii being my backup or for when I want to travel light. The z lenses are truly amazing 👍

[@robertcurzon6085]

Great video! I'm a Realtor and do my own architectural photography, but also shoot for many other Realtors. Been shooting a D750 for my business and a D850 for my personal photography. Been borrowing my son's Z6 II with a few lenses for a few weeks. I miss the buttons and easy access on the Z, but love the lighter weight for backpacking and hiking. But, as you say, a lot of it is the Z lenses. Superb. I'll be making the switch when Nikon does a refresh on the Z7 II. The Z8 is a great camera, but more camera than I need, and heavier than I care to carry. You covered the same struggle I have been having and shared it so well. I decided about a week ago it's time for my D850 to find a new home. Thanks again and cheers!

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Hi Robert, good to hear I am not the only one with these issues. Mirrorless is the way forward and with 3 new full frame cameras coming out (I am told by the same source that leaked the Z8 specs to me last August )in less than 12 months you could well be changing soon. The Z lenses are truly amazing, fairplay to Nikon for getting them so right. The crazy part is they still have a long way to go with them as the flange on the nikon cameras is the largest out of all the manufacturers so they can easily produce sublime faster glass than other companies. Now that was a smart move by Nikon. Thanks again and hopefully you will flying around with a new camera soon 👍

[@mattboggs6304]

I had the opposite happen to me with my D850. It has the lowest hit rate of any high end camera I've owned, with the exception of the D810, which was worse. Comparing to the Nikon D5, which is almost always on target, the Sony A9ii, also almost always on target, and the Sony A7R3 which is probably 90% or better unless the light is really bad. I love the images out of the D850, and usually like them better than the ones I get from my Sony's, but I can't trust the D850 and that really makes me sad.

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Hi Matt, I'm genuinely shocked by that now. I suppose it all depends on your focus settings and shooting style. For me personally I couldn't fault the D850 in any possible way. I am no Nilon fan boy although I love their cameras if there is something wrong I will say it. I have used a few Sony cameras and I have to say they worked very well, I just didn't like the grip but again that's a personal thing I suppose. Thanks for the input always happy to hear other people's thoughts and if I am wrong about anything I don't mind being corrected. Have a great weekend👍

[@paulmitchell1580]

You need some lessons

[@adrianhydephotography]

I dropped my d800 back in 2016 it chipped a bit of the concrete broke the lens hood but not the lens, broke a bit of the battery casing but still works perfectly to this day. Built like a tank.

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Adrian I love the "chipped a bit off the concrete" those cameras really are bullet proof. I can tell you now if you drop a Z7ii or a Z8 you will be crying for a good bit. Mirrorless cameras are great and all but you can't beat the build of a DSLR camera.

[@jimkuchler8239]

I enjoyed your video..Thank you. I have both cameras. I lean on the D850 for wildlife and sport and the Z7ii for video or handheld like street photography. I tend to use both for landscape, portraits and architecture. I haven’t made the investment in Z lenses because I have a fleet of F mount glass. So my Z7ii always includes the FTZ2 adapter. Both are going to Alaska with me in a few days. Your Z7ii video set up segment was great also. Thank you!

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Hi Jim, Thanks for the kind feedback and glad you enjoyed the videos. As you say they are both great cameras and yet so different. The Z glass is the real difference between them for me though. Again like you I have about 12 F-mount lenses here still and while I am finding it hard to part with a few of them the F2.8 70 200 and 24-70 in Z glass is just better than the F-mount version. The primes I am not sold on completely as of yet though. Thanks again and enjoy Alaska it's supposed to be amazing there.

[@mike.aya1220]

Thank you for your review. I think I'm going to keep my D850 and F lens. But you did help me decide on going for the the Z series camera and lenses in the future... Like you, why not have both? ;)

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Mike you are doing nothing wrong with the D850 it's truly my favourite camera of all time. The future is the Z mount and fingers crossed it will just keep getting better.

[@michellestewart7494]

I've upgraded to an 850 ...I love it !.

[@kieranhayesphotography]

It's a truly epic camera, you won't regret it 👍

[@nadjauebach9381]

What a great video, it clears up most of the questions about the two systems that I had been mulling over in my head. Thank you!

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Thank you Nadja, you're the best.

[@the_film_foto]

Thank you for your video! 😊 if you had to choose one camera today which one would you pick? 850 or Z7ii?

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Right now it would be the Z7ii, the new Z series lenses are just being so good I would have to go for the Z7ii. Personally though I would pick the Z8 over any camera out there today. Don't get me wrong I love the D850 but the optics would swing it for me. If you were to use the FTZ and f mount lenses only then I would go for the D850 though. That camera stole my heart a long time ago.

[@the_film_foto]

​@@kieranhayesphotographythank you for your quick reply 🙏 I have many F lenses....so, I think in this case d850 is the choice! Thank you very much!!!!

[@kieranhayesphotography]

@@the_film_foto It really is a great camera. The one thing I didn't say is if you shoot video also then it has to be the Z7ii.

[@the_film_foto]

@@kieranhayesphotography thank you

[@TEZabel]

Grr... serious pet peeve of mine! It's not a 'mark' anything! It's a Zed seven two! That's it!

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Just wait till the Z7 iii comes out 😉 Great to see that's the only issue you have with it though 👍

[@paddyrose1731]

very interesting ,a lot of respect for the d850 i see , but as you say independent styles determine what camera you use , for a person wanting to upgrade from an older DSLR to a newer Dslr then the d850 seems the right way to go , great video Kieran, and great photography

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Hi Paddy, Yes that's exactly it, the D850 is a cracking camera and still up with the best of them today. Thanks Paddy and I will be talking to you soon.

[@dellcomputeification]

Help!!! Which one is better for Wedding low light!! Z7 ii or d850

[@dellcomputeification]

Help!! Which one is better for low light at weddings ?????? Z7 or d850 ?

[@kieranhayesphotography]

I would pick the D850 for low light focusing. For noise there is no real difference. Also the faster glass will be cheaper on the F Mount as it's the older format. The D850 is an amazing camera still though. A Z6ii would give you less noise with lower resolution though.

[@hhz246]

Great comparisons between the two, thanks!

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Thank you, Looking forward to seeing how the Z8 compares to them now.

Thank you for sharing :)

[@kieranhayesphotography]

You're very welcome and glad you enjoyed it.

[@peteranthony3134]

Who the fook is that guy

[@kieranhayesphotography]

I don't know either, seems to be an awful fool 👍

[@jouni1313]

Finnish subtitle?

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Hello, I just added the Finnish subtitles there now. I hope it worked.

[@mostirreverent]

What’s best for small moving objects like insects? I was considering the 850 to add with my D3 S

[@kieranhayesphotography]

The D850 is a great camera with very well proven AF, I would certainly go for that over the Z7ii. The Z8 is sublime also especially with the new lenses available. But that's going to add an awful lot to the cost then. Honestly can't go wrong with the D850 though, love that camera.

[@MrMarkx7]

Thank god someone is working with the Z7 line and posting about it. everything I see about Lenses is on a Z9 not everyone has that kind of money. I had a hard time deciding on what to move into, I love the D850 look not as crisp as the Sony / z7 but more natural. Hard to over look Video with Social media Creation these days. I see a more real colors from the D850 and more range, but its is very slight. I heard someone say "marry the lenses" and "Date the camera body" Do you have a video of the best F lenses?

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Hi Mark, yes, there has been a bit of a flood of Z9 posts recently. Tbh I could never own a camera that size again I think. While it's a great camera and all there is very little wrong with the Z7 series. I totally agree with you about the colour toning coming out of the D850 being just that bit better. I personally find the greens and blues to be that little bit too harsh on the Z7 in brighter scenes but only sometimes. Video has become huge now and the Z7ii is a great hybrid camera, I use theZ6ii for video and it's just that bit better. The Z6iii is going to be amazing there though and possibly be one of the best hybrid cameras out there when it comes out in the next 6 months 30-36mp sensor and amazing video is gonna be huge for Nikon. Yes, the camera bodies are gone in 3 or 4 years where as the optics stay with you for life if you treat them right. I haven't gotten around to doing any video on the F mount lenses as I only really started taking KZbin seriously over the last 6 months. I am actually thinking about selling a good few of them now. I will probably start posting a few videos on Nikon lenses but they will probably be about the new Z line up. Thanks a million for watching and have a great weekend.

[@andywainwright7282]

Put L brackets on them......now.....not using an L bracket is amateur....

[@kieranhayesphotography]

L brackets are awesome alright depending on what genre you are shooting of course. I love mine and they only rarely leave my camera.

[@shadyninja1]

It's rear to find any mirrorless camera that can survive a drop apart from the Z9 and canon's R3

[@kieranhayesphotography]

That's very true, would be interesting to see someone try it 😉. Tbh I think every camera should be handled so delicately, they are fairly fragile

[@mattboggs6304]

My wife fell down onto concrete while using a Sony A9ii. It smacked the ground pretty good but there wasn't a mark on it. It had an error message that wouldn't go away until taking the battery out, but after that everything was fine. I think the more expensive mirrorless cameras are probably tougher than they seem. (and yes my wife was also fine, not a scratch on her either thankfully)

[@kieranhayesphotography]

@mattboggs6304 Great to hear the camera and your wife ok after the fall. They are constructed very well in all fairness, it's more the buttons and knows that feel a bit lighter. It's only the perceived build quality though. I used to repair cameras for years and it often surprised me what they survived. It also shocked me how easily they were ruined. I guess a lot of it also comes down to luck and the angle it lands at and what absorbs the impact. I know if my wife fell with my Z7ii I would be shouting for her to break the cameras fall 🤣

[@deanjelcic9299]

I understand you when you say the Z lenses are sharper… It is really better. I mean when comparing side by side you really seeee the difference between the two. And as you stated, the body there is not much difference but in lenses day and night. For my style, macro photography and close up’s, the mirrorless just wins the race with Silent shooting wich removes all vibrations and paired with Z macro 105mm lens, it just makes huge difference, and produces the Images better that DSLR can ever produce.

[@kieranhayesphotography]

I love the 105mm Macro also, I use it a lot for product and jewellery photography and it's way sharper than the F-mount version. Exciting times ahead for new lenses that can make use of the wider flange on the Z system hopefully