Nikon D850 vs Nikon Z7 Landscape Photography | Who WINS?

I decided to do a comparison test, Nikon D850 vs Nikon Z7 landscape photography. I put both cameras side by side, exact same settings, same composition and this video shows the results. I own both the D850 and the Z7 so I was interested to see how they would both perform in a landscape photography situation. Given they are both 45MP cameras I was surprised to see some of the findings in the post processing of the shots I took.
00:00 Introduction
00:23 Taking The Shots
02:09 Comparing The Shots in Post
04:45 Comparing The Shots At 18mm
05:36 Dynamic Range Test
08:15 Summation
08:51 My Two Cents Worth
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© Adrian Alford.
#NikonD850 #NikonZ7

[@adrianalfordphotography]

FYI - Both cameras where on the auto white balance setting “Auto 0 - Keep White (Reduce Warm Colours)”. The test was also to see how both cameras would perform with their native equivalent F and Z mount lenses. So please don't waste your time commenting about how I did not use the same lens on both cameras, that was not the point of the test. I will be doing a test in the future using the same lens on both cameras using varying white balance settings. Please don’t ask me to choose. Kinda like asking which one of your children do you love the most 😂 But seriously, if you’re after a more equal in quality stills and video camera, that’s light weight, go for the Z7 or Z7II. The D850 will always be a great all rounder camera for me, including birds and wildlife photography 🙏📸

[@loveki353]

Thank you for the good video👍👏 It may be personal preference, but the shutter sound of the Z body doesn't feel much of the camera's sensibility😅 I think the shutter sound of the d850 is the best among the dslr bodies of Nikon👍😉

[@michaelsmith697]

I have a leaning towards the D850. I liked the colours better. More realistic and pleasing. Z cameras are wonderful, but I still like my DSLRs. In this video, the D850 wins for me.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching and commenting 🙏

[@rainerblankermann4828]

A great Video . I am still happy with my D850! .

[@paulthomas8986]

I started shooting on Nikon DSLR's and purchased the Z6 a year after it came out. The biggest thing I have noticed using both F mount and Z lenses is exactly what you showed in this video. The rendering and color rendition is a little nicer with the F lenses but the contrast and sharpness is a bit better with the Z lenses. I personally prefer the classic rendering of the F mount lenses. Optically the Z lenses are better, but clinical perfection is not more pleasing in most situations. I recently picked up the Z 40mm f2 and find that lower element count lens to render more classically. It does not have that digital crunchy look that can turn you off looking at modern images right out of camera. I think fuji still delivers the best classic rendition with their Jpeg's. They do not have that digital crunchy look. Its hard to loose that sometimes with the modern lenses, as it takes a lot of carful editing. I have been contemplating picking up a Z7 to print some larger work but part of me wants to skip that and try a Fuji med format with one of their 50mp camera options. The pricing is a real draw if you pick a lens option carefully. Thanks for showing us the side by side comparison. The D850 and older F lenses are still a stellar option.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Paul 🙏

[@bvaldes8791]

Another fantastic video my friend. Since I’ve been following your Chanel you have always talked about your D850 dynamic range and how amazing it is for a older model camera. Now Z7 is also an amazing camera and to have them both is a bonus as you mention for traveling is a perfect combination. Have an amazing weekend.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching my friend much appreciated. Have an awesome week ahead. Both cameras are pretty amazing. Either way you’re on a winner 👍🙏📸

[@tonytfuntek3262]

Great side by side comparison. I am sticking with my D850 but on the lookout for a good used Z7. Thank you

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Tony. Have a great weekend 🙏📸

[@slimbirdy]

Fabulous comparing the two. I love the richness of colour in the D850 and the results always look like a work of art, coming out of that camera. Sometimes sharpness can make things look too harsh. Without the side by side though, you would be hard pressed to tell them apart. Great topic!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks very much for watching. Appreciate you commenting. Have a great weekend, cheers 🙏📸

[@stephendean7756]

Great video Adrian think long term I’m gonna have to change to the Z series hopefully Nikon will get better colours on the Z series in Time.

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Both great camera's Adrian, thanks for sharing.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching John. Have a great weekend 🙏📸

Another great video Adrian, see it's starting to get cold for you while here it's getting hotter!!! A good comparison between the two - D850 for me as it gives a more real photograph. Many thanks for sharing your work and info :)

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Shaun. Yes definitely getting colder here, well cold for our standards anyway. Glad you enjoyed the video mate, have a great weekend, cheers 🙏📸

[@peterviragphoto]

Great test Adrian, loved this comparison. Both looked pretty damn good, the sharpness on the Z7 was exceptional & the DR is imoressive as well but the D850’s colour accuracy out of camera is better imo too. Awesome work!👍👍👏

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Peter, agree with everything you said. They are both good in my opinion so it does not matter which camera you end up with in the end. Have a great weekend mate, cheers 🙏📸

[@Suhailkhan53]

Great job comparing the two. 😊

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@PhilThach]

Interesting comparison, Adrian! The thing I learned more than anything else is the Z 14-30 is great! Thanks!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks Phil. Both good cams and both good lenses. Either way you can't go wrong with what ever you own or end up buying. Should have said that in video. Have a great weekend 🙏📸

[@paulcookphotography]

Great comparison video Adrian! For me, straight out of the camera it has to go to the D850, sharpness to the Z7, and after lifting the shadows and dropping the highlights I liked the look from the Z7 a tad bit more. But to your point, both are great cameras and you'd have to do some serious pixel peeping to really tell any kind of major difference. Great stuff as always mate! Hope all is well! Have a great weekend!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Paul. I'm so lucky to have both these cameras. I never take either of them for granted. Both have their own little specialties that they're good at. Sometimes I'm out with the D850 and I think about the colors I'm getting and can't wait to post process the shots at home. One of those little things I love about photography. Have a great weekend mate, take care 🙏📸

[@scotttilleyphotography]

I'd be happy with either Adrian, certainly shows how well the D850 still performs with such small differences in the shots. Cheers mate👍👍

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Scott. Yes either camera and you’re on a winner for landscapes. Have a great week mate 👍🙏

[@christian.irmler]

Hi Adrian, that's an interesting comparison and shows quite well that a new camera is not automatically better in all areas and that we should think twice if we should really buy a new one. Thank you for the video and enjoy weekend, Christian

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Christian. I do enjoy using both cameras. It will be interesting to see if Nikon ever launch a Z8 model, rumoured to have a 61MP sensor like your A7RIV. We are lucky as photographers nowadays to have so many cameras to choose from. Have a great weekend my friend. 🙏📸

[@paulconnors2078]

Hello Adrian: I traded in my unused/unboxed D850 for the Z9 just this week. So, I never used the D850, but now, I am in the Z universe and decided to go right for the flagship. I very much appreciated your email on the subject of D850 vice the Z system. It helped me to decide. This video, like all of your content has been very, very helpful in making my decision. Thank you.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Paul. Enjoy your day, cheers 🙏📸

[@waynejones1054]

Another great video. Thoroughly enjoyed this comparative review. Thanks again. 👍👍👍

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Many thanks for watching Wayne. Much appreciated. Have a great weekend 🙏📸

[@christopherpitstock8144]

Great video Adrian. Really interesting comparison. It would be interesting to see the same test with same cameras and lenses but chuck in the Z6/ Z6II to the side by side and see what you get with the lesser megapixels. Cheers Chris

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Chris. Be interesting to see your test. Don't know anyone with a Z6II do ya, haha! Did you buy your lens? Cheers mate 🙏📸

[@christopherpitstock8144]

@@adrianalfordphotography Yep sure did. 14-30 unboxed this afternoon. Might even sneak out to Lake Samsonvale or Shorncliffe tomorrow some time to give it a go!!!!

[@davidsaylors]

I like how even today, the D850 is still running with the big dogs. Not as good in the extremes but it was shocking how well it held up. Thanks for the detailed comparison!!!👍📸

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching David. Both great cams, lucky to have both. Have a great weekend 🙏📸

[@worklife4221]

What a great video just subscribed 👍

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching, much appreciate the sub too 📸🙏

[@LEONARDOHANSEN]

Super video

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@wayneyung1262]

I still have both cameras, love them all. D850, Z7, Z7II, Df are all my favourite cameras that I still use them.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Many thanks for watching Wayne. Yes both are great cameras. Have an awesome weekend 🙏📸

[@laurelb8372]

I always longed for a D850 but once I picked up Z camera the weight difference made up my mind. Good comparison Adrian, shows the D850 beautiful colour, but Z7 so good at pulling out detail. Love my Z7

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thank you so much for watching Laurel. I am so lucky to have both these cameras. When I'm using the D850 I fall in love with it all over again and then when I'm using the Z7 I love it for the same reasons you do. Both are great for me and what I do. Have a great weekend, cheers 🙏📸

[@leod1671]

Adrian, Thank you for the video, very interesting. The takeaway that I got form you test is; it is all about the lens. The newer technology Z lens is simply sharper. As Nikon will most likely not develop any new sharper lenses for the F mount eventually we will all have to convert to the Z if we want the latest, sharpest lenses.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Leo and yes good take away from the video to see the lens difference as well. I really wanted to see how both cameras using both their respective native mount lenses would go. It was interesting to see the results. Have a fantastic weekend and again thanks for commenting and your ongoing support 🙏📸

[@leod1671]

@@adrianalfordphotography As far as the cameras go, the D850 is still among the best available in the industry. I still have not made the jump to Z in part due to budget and I am very happy with my D850. Before I go Z, I think I am going to try and find a pre-owned 20mm 1.8G prime lens, I hear that it is pretty sharp. Have you had any experience with it? Actually, that maybe a fun video for you, the history of cameras and lenses you have owned with your experiences.

[@lescobrandon3047]

This is a great video for me. I was going to purchase a D850 about the time the Z series began. I instead bought a Z7 and it’s great for birding because of its sharpness. But the colors are not as good as the D850 as Mr. Alford showed. My “old” D800 also has brilliant colors as does my D3 and D700 which share the same sensor. I now carry the D700 and the Z7 in spite of my octogenarian body.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching. Have a great day 🙏

[@andreasjones9192]

Great comparison overall. But I have to say that a sharpness comparison will only make sense if you use the exact same lens. Even if you do so the ftz adapter might still affect the comparison.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@zih5903]

Hi Adrian. thank you for that. I have kept my DSLR (Canon 5DMK4) and use it along side my Canon R5 mirroeless. Both produce awesome results. Re your test. Out of curiosity, wouldn't two non identical lenses also add to the differences in the photos produced? Cheers. Always enjoy your videos.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Many thanks for watching. Much appreciated. Re the lenses I used the equivalent of F mount and Z mount versions as to see what each model would put out. I could out a 16-35 on the Z camera, but I can't put the 14-30 on the D850. Cheers

[@raymondredding4844]

I shoot primarily in very low light settings. I shoot with four D850’s. I tested the Z7 when it first arrived. I found the autofocus a bit slow and sluggish. I haven’t tested the Z7 Ii. Hopefully they’ve improved that aspect. I’m not slagging the Z7 at all. It’s clear the future is in mirrorless. Looking forward to what the Z9 can do.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Raymond 🙏

[@rolandomunari588]

Thank you for sharing this, nice video! With regards to the colour difference, to see this at a sensor level, it would be cool to see the two cameras tested with the same F mount lens. I understand though you wanted to see the outputs (also for sharpness) with native glass.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching and commenting Rolando. The F mount test on both cameras will definitely be happening in a video coming very soon. Yes, you are correct, this test was to see how each camera went against each other with their native equivalent F and Z mount lenses. Have a great day 👍🙏

[@panagiotiskokolis3315]

for both are the best d850 best dslr made ever and z7 ii the upcoming future on the technology of mirrorless photography

[@hughwolfe1176]

Great comparison and I do believe I made the right decision (for me at least) to purchase the D850 rather than a Nikon mirrorless variant… I’ve been shooting with a D700 for twelve years with no complaints, but I’ve yearned for the D850 for the past five. Yes I’ve looked at the Z series, several times in fact, even waited for the Z9 to arrive. But in the end I decided to utilize the lenses I already own rather than “starting over” with a mirrorless system. Plus the Z9 is just too expensive for me personally.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Hugh. Glad you're enjoying your camera. Have a great weekend. 📸🙏

[@TheThinkersBible]

Very informative and useful. I published my first KZbin video a few days ago and I use a D850 for my videos. And for video there are real gaps, unfortunately. For landscape the D850 is phenomenal. Which camera do you use for your videos?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching and commenting, much appreciated. For video I use the Z7, but in my studio I normally use my D750 with 14-24mm F2.8 lens. Enjoy your day 👍🙏

[@TheThinkersBible]

@@adrianalfordphotography makes sense, the D750 is a classic. I sold mine because it didn't have the pro button layout and I wanted one consistent button layout between my cameras -- but the D750 is legendary and deserves its reputation. Are you shooting in N-log on Z7? Which LUT? Do you happen to know of a good LUT for the D850? It doesn't shoot N-log, only Flat or Natural. Thanks!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

@@TheThinkersBible not shooting nlog or using luts. It’s just for KZbin after all 😂 not trying to win any Academy Awards 🙏

[@marcusslade9804]

Hmm, this seems a bit like having to pick between two equally capable thoroughbreds, one perhaps being a little leaner, faster and more race-prep’d. That said, it’s a valuable comparison. Selfishly, it makes me feel pleased and proud of the D850 I’ve owned almost since its launch and it still returns wonderful results. This is also strong validation for the newer Nikkor glass. Because I shoot a lot of wildlife, a Z9 looms more in my future than a Z7 would at this point. Also, if I only shot landscapes, I dont think I’d be feeling the new kid on the block was beating me with every punch. Nice work and well done. Thank you.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Marcus, appreciate it. This is why I'll never get rid of my D850, it still performs so well in everything photography wise I throw at it. The natural colours I get is why I love using it for bird photography too. I'm happy to have both systems, both have their strengths and weaknesses, and I use both accordingly. Have a great weekend, cheers 📸🙏

[@ambrosechiu2338]

thanks Adrian, great testing. would Z7 shooting birds with eye AF better than D850?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching, much appreciated. The Z7 does not have bird eye AF unfortunately, neither does the D850. I have tried both for birds, but I prefer the D850 colours for the feathers. Enjoy your weekend 🙏📸

[@ambrosechiu2338]

@@adrianalfordphotography thanks again Adrian. if you like ospreys, I would recommend you to visit Berrinba Wetlands. there are about 5 ospreys there, plus Pelicans, herons and other birds. have a great weekend. 😊

[@loveki353]

Hello Adrian! I recently became interested in cameras, so I saw various camera comparison videos and photo results, and among them, Nikon d850 caught me😁 I'm thinking of buying d850 and lenses next year or the year after next and using them for five to six years However, most people recommend mirrorless models from the first camera if they plan to purchase mirrorless models in five to six years😅 In my eyes, I'm definitely more satisfied with the d850 picture than Z7 and Z7ii, what would you do?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching. Everyone's photography needs are different. If you were after a good reliable photographic camera with good image quality then a D850 is fine. However, you have to realise that mirrorless is the future (even if some people refuse to accept it). That means more varying lenses will become more readily available and cameras can be easily upgraded via firmware updates. All the best with your decision.

[@loveki353]

@@adrianalfordphotography Thank you for your kind answer👍 Of course, I have to make the final decision but I wonder what you will choose next year if you are thinking like me😁

[@BLAKEBLAKE-yf5po]

Dear Mr Al What filters do you use??? Like that square one, what ones do you use, do you have a video?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

I am using Haida filters at the moment. My last couple of videos you would see on my channel I use them

[@the4armedmonk]

@@adrianalfordphotography The Haida filters, which ones do you use? Are there only 3 types of filters?

[@the4armedmonk]

@@adrianalfordphotography I have never used a filter before and I understand that in the video that you can remove light to have a longer exposure time, which kind of filter would that be? Again I have never used a filter before and which types do you specifically use?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

@@the4armedmonk watch this video I did kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaPNkGZppLRkmdE

[@adrianalfordphotography]

@@the4armedmonk then watch this video and the one on the end too kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJXOZmyaf7OJo6M

[@Robert-R]

There's no doubt the Z-mount lenses are optically superior. However, it would be interesting to compare the D850 and Z7 with the same lens. Have you considered doing a test like that? Such as with the 14-24 f2.8 F-mount lens.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching. In this test I really wanted to see how both cameras performed with their own native Z and F mount lenses compared to one another. I will be doing another test similar to what you mentioned in the future.

[@Robert-R]

@@adrianalfordphotography Thanks, Adrian. Yeah, I agree with the purpose of the test you did. Interesting to compare system to system using native glass. Will be curious to see the results of your other planned test. I own a D850, and I picked up a used Z6 that I plan on using primarily for astrolandscape photography. But, I've noticed the Z6 has a slight greenish cast in low levels. Waiting to see how the Z cameras flush out on the higher resolution cameras before going that route. So, it will be interesting to see how the D850 compares to the Z7/Z7II on a sensor to sensor level. You get a fair bit of that from the test you did already, but the engineer in me wants to take the lens differences out of the equation. Cheers.

[@harendotesabydos4619]

I kept my D800 and i will keep my D850 until Nikon brings out a real equivalent to the 850. And even then i stick to my D850 as second cam.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Me too. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@andybusard6694]

Would like to see if Z9 vs D850 was the same...

[@adrianalfordphotography]

I’d love to do that. 👍🙏

[@johnjenkins2387]

So,,,, as a non professional photographer, who doesn't sell his work , if you could only have one of these two cameras, which one would you choose, discounting weight, but watching the pennies.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

See pinned comment

[@tor2919]

Interesting test. But there is no point in commenting on the colours when your cameras are set to awb. Would have been nice to see both cameras set to the same kelvin in order to see how the optics render colour.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Read pinned comment!

[@davidcollazos8985]

It seems to me that much of the differences are because of using two different lenses tather than the defferences between camera bodies. So, not the best way to judge which one is better....we all know that the Z lens is way better than the old 16-35. Good video anyway.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

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[@odilonnegapatan3602]

in photography they are 101% equal. its in videography where there is a slight advantage of the mirrorless

[@adrianalfordphotography]

101%? Is that actually a mathematically correct number? And it’s not “slight” it’s a “huge” difference in video with D850 focusing ability being ridiculously sub par compared to the Z7.

[@louvega8414]

Z7 is the Clear winner (pardon the pun), but are we comparing two cameras or two lenses?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Read pinned comment