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.

The D850 is the BEST DSLR in history. The Z7 is the first in the future mirrorless. I have the D850. Why go with a prototype? I will most probably choose the next Nikon Mirrorless in a year or so. With all the backlash, it will most likely have Eye-AF and Dual Card Slots and maybe some new surprises like a 50+ Megapixel Sensor. For a Backup now to my D850, I am considering a Z6 as it has the same video capability of the Z7, but $1200.00 cheaper. Anyway, great time to be alive in Photography!

Thank you for actually doing a real review and comparison of these cameras. Personally I love the 2 card slots, larger size body, grip, and the ability to use all my lenses without an adapter. If I did more video work I would look into the Z7 but because I do mainly product lifestyle photography the 850 gets my vote!

I went with both. I had the D850...great stills camera...but after spending a week with a loaner Z7 I thought about it for a couple months and in a weaker moment, bought it at a branch of a local chain. They threw in a 64gig XQD and 3 extended warranty. For raw stills, they are indistinguishable, both excellent. But for JPG stills, the Z7 has the edge because of the newer Expeed 6 processor. I was not concerned about the single slot because during the loaner week I found the new version of their wireless connectivity is lightyears ahead of any other camera I have seen including the D850. Over the two months with it and several events, I still have not removed the XQD once. All the files go really fast to my editing computer and that has been fast and flawless. That is one of the best features, reliable wireless backup that is seamless and 14 bit raw files arriving on the editing computer in just over 1 second after each shot is made. The range is good. The Z7 was intended to be a travel and second camera for shoots with the D850 as the primary but the more I use the Z7 the more it gets priority. I am getting more interesting personal shots because it is small enough to be with me all the time. One of the great benefits of the Z line is that new mount. I know some reviewers say the new low cost small 1.8 primes feel cheap but they are all metal, light and have a noticeably better corner to corner sharpness and contrast wide open and than my top F mount lenses that cost much more and are bulkier. They have very impressive performance. for wide open sharpness, they are the best lenses at their FL available. That bodes well for a large number of primes and faster zooms scheduled to be released in the coming months. Since I do a lot of portraits, I am pretty picky about selecting focus plane so don't care about eye AF but apparently, a lot of people what the camera to decide so there is good news for them, a new firmware update adds 3 big news features 1 Eye AF, 2; 12bit RAW video out the HDMI port which is a game changer for serious videographers who really need top quality images with 10,000 times the fine step of illuminance than the other cameras out with far courser steps. The 3rd feature is an addition of CFExpress card support that should make the camera into an infinite buffer with 5-8 times the buffer clearing speed. The cards announced to have 8 pipes so it is possible to write copies to more than 1 pipe for in-card backup. There are hints of additional features added in later firmware updates. I like grips, and was not happy to hear the battery grip might not have controls. Nikon only says it has 2 battery slots. But playing with the phone app for the camera and finding it is possible to control everything on the camera with BlueTooth, any 3rd party or Nikon can add any number of control to a grip. Within a month or two expect to see 3rd party grips that control at least shutter, AF-on and joystick AF point selector. For those complaining about not having a forward facing screen for video selfies, they seem to lack imagination. Anyone serious about video will have a larger monitor recorder like the Ninja 5 but for the rest, they can use their phone as a monitor. Now I am thinking of selling my D800 because it is gathering dust on the shelf and use that towards a Z6 as a personal walking around camera and second camera for lightweight shoots supporting the Z7. A pro build quality better than the competition, weather sealed, Z mount camera for $1996 is a bargain. For video it has no competition and stills its a very good camera.

I went with d850 cuz some wise man passing by told that it's unwise to drop 3+ grands on v1 of a new product. I love my shiny new toy.

just about to buy my first full frame, regardless of other systems i will be getting a D850.

I have the D850 and that is where I'm staying. It's a great camera and I plan to stick with it for a long while. I'll wait for the Z9!

I would go with the Z7. I tried it at my local shop and loved it. Felt good in my hands. 4 awesome questions at 22:17 that can help someone decide on the Z7 or D850 too! 1) Do you shoot Video? 2) Do you want something smaller and lighter? 3) Can you live with one card slot? 4) Can you live without vertical grip? If you answered "yes" to all of the questions above, heck yeah, jump on the Z7! Both cameras are phenomenal!

I have always been a Nikon shooter going all the way back to the Nikon F2 (film camera). I have both the D850 and the new Z7, and I love them both. But I use these two cameras differently. Hands down, the D850 is the best DSLR on the market today, and I tend to use this camera whenever I’m shooting landscapes from a tripod. The Z7, on the other hand, is my go-to camera whenever I want to walk around shooting handheld due to the weight and the amazing IBIS. And the beauty of the Z7 is that you don’t sacrifice image quality because of the great sensor with exactly the same resolution as the D850. That being said, I have been using the Z7 for landscape work recently as well, and I’m really impressed with the quality of the images. The “kit” 24-70mm f/4 lens is super sharp from edge to edge. Still, I wouldn’t sell my D850. I love both cameras!

I bought the D850 due to its great stills reviews, but then got in to video. Since I had all the Nikon glass, I decided to purchase the Z7 to focus on video. I use both, but exclusively use the Z7 for video. Thanks Jared - great and fair review.

Sold my d850 and Bought the z7. ITs ok but too many little annoying things for me: 1) My tripod plate had to be removed when i switched lenses and FTZ adapter..2)24-70 had alot of chromatic aberration 3) Not many lenses to chose from yet 4) The wired remote plug kept slipping out when shooting vertical 5) Cant be converted to IR(horizontal banding) 6) Not a big weight difference when using FTZ and lens 7) One card slot(not a deal breaker) 8) battery life was really short 9) My EVF kept shutting off to conserve batter power. In the end, I Sold my z7 and repurchased a used d850.

I sold my Nikon Z7 and bought a D850

Right off the bat I'd say the D850, especially since I just spent a year saving up to buy one.

D850 is a magic camera The best in the world

I purchase the D850 because I like to travel with a real weapon! If I hit a creep with a Z7 it would break!

I agree with you 100% and if I were in the market for a 45mp camera then at this moment in time I would go with the D850 but only because of the grip. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the firmware updates fix the eye af because this might be a game changer for me. Exciting times ahead!

Thank you Jared, these videos really help with the decision making process. I use a Nikon d7200 and have been wanting to upgrade to a full frame. I understand mirrorless is the next generation in technology. I thought the Z7 would be a great transition into that as I can use my current lenses and slowly move into the z lenses. Yet, I'm an enthusiast photographer who enjoys birds and macro. Therefore, this video helped very much with my decision. Since I'm not a professional, I can still get a great camera (D850) and probably find one used and not break the bank.

I have over hundred lenses , and I have tried canon , Sony . The D 850 is THE Camera. It will take a lot to get me to change . D850’s is the best

I use a D800 and the Z. My commercial work includes project photos for For interior designers, where I am shooting on a tripod. The Z is fantastic for that! I can see the exposure, real time, on the back of the camera. As lighting is a key element of the design, I use available light with the occasional reflector. Again, the preview is very helpful. I also shot for a local fox hunt group and some motorsports photography. The Z sucks for things that are fast moving. The DSLR is always there and ready, while you have to wait for the Z to wake up. I suspect there's a battery eating option to keep it on all the time, but the DSLR wins, hands down, for shooting things that move and change rapidly. Get both!

I started in photography BEFORE SLR cameras. Twin lens and range finder cameras were almost silent in use, were small and light weight. At 71 years of age I feel that photography has come full circle for me. I'm back where I started, no floppy mirror, light weight and silent shutter release...again.

D850, D850, D850,.... If you're going mirrorless go Fuji film medium format don't waste your money on anything else...

I currently shoot with a D800. I am upgrading soon and think I will be going with the D850. I prefer the size of the camera and how it feels. Also, I have been dabbling in video over the last year or so. I have really gotten used to manual focusing. I imagine a large majority will disagree, but I like the creative freedoms it allows and just having that extra bit of control. Thank you for doing this comparison, Jared!

Never gonna buy such expensive camera but I watch anyway because I like Jared's videos haha

Wedding Photographer = Stick with the tried and true 850 until all of the cons of the Z fall way through evolution. OR - pick up a Z as a back up to get used to with the 850 as a primary.

For me it is really hard to pick. But personally for my style of photography the z7 wins and that is only because I can use all my vintage glass on it and the IBIS, and I shoot mostly manual focus lenses. But I would not say no to a d850, honestly the battery life on the d850 is a huge plus in my book so I won't have to pack as many batteries, I've been drooling over it for ages, I just don't have the money to buy it, and my d810 still works great.

I was upgrading from d800. Here in the uk Nikon we’re giving us an extra 450 quid when part ex to a D850. I got one and love it.

Still ❤️ my Nikon D810. 📷

Saving up to purchase the D850 by the end of the year! Thank you for showing the exact listings for the grip and battery.

Good comparison. Love your work :) It'd be such a hard call. As somebody with both a D750 and a Sony A7RIII, I have to say that my biggest beef with these mirrorless bodies is the lack of buttons and tactile feel. The D850 with the backlit buttons and easier function selects would be dreamy. But OTOH the AF coverage and upcoming Eye-AF (even if it just ends up being serviceable), is such a good thing, When I go back to my D750 the narrow coverage area of the AF is my biggest frustration. I keep thinking about upgrading the D750 at some point, but it's still such a great goddamn camera. Truth of the matter is (for me) neither of these really compel me to upgrade just yet. I have the A7RIII and some native sigma primes for portraits and shoots where I prefer the AF capabilities. I'd be inclined to go with the Z7, but I have to say, every time I hold somebodies D850 in my hand, I really get the itch to grab one.

As a landscape and travel photographer I switched from my D850 to the Z7, it was a no brainer for me. a lighter and more compact package while still holding superb image quality capabilities, The D850 is a superb camera and i cannot fault it or say a bad thing about it. I just wanted something lighter and the Z7 was it. sure its not going to be for everyone but i have no regrets in my decision. and the 24-70 f/4 is superb!

Hi Mr. Jared, I just took my brand new D850 just less than one hour ago... My previous camera was a 6.5 years old D800 and the feeling is the same in my hands: reliable... I'll take my time to cross the river to the mirrorless. I'd like something lighter but that's it for now. I keep trying focusing on my images than in technolgy! Keep on posting this kind of videos, I'm following you since long time. Greetings from Italy

I inclined for the 850. Also I believe that is stronger and better for Landscape Photography. Thank you for your video.

Fro, I upgraded from the 810 to the 850 because I thought it was a significant improvement. After almost a year I believe it was a significant improvement. I will not upgrade to the Z7 for two reasons. First, it does not appear to be a significant improvement since I do not do run and go video. Second my wife would kill me and I would not get to use it anyway. I agree the D850 is the best DSLR available today. It will be interesting to see what Nikon does with the Z7.1 or 7.5 or whatever in a few years. By the way I keep the SD cards as an offsite backup in addition to spare hard drives, etc. But that is the only reason for 2 card slots for me.

This guy is talking about my very exact dilemma. I love his comparison between the cameras. Thank you for taking the time to do this. Although your first name reminds. me of some very scary people!

i sold off my sony mirrorless bodies to get a d850. found these tiny mirrorless bodies awkward to hold and change settings quickly. the d850 feels infinitely better in my hands. now faced with needing a backup camera, i see no reason to get a z7 over the d850; battery life, buffer, larger more comfortable size (for me) all point to the d850.

Thank you very much, you helped me decide the choice of camera. The decisive factor for me was the electronic viewfinder and sensor stabilization. It is very important for me to see how the picture will look as a result. I am not a professional photographer, I am a photographer enthusiast. I like to shoot with old manual lenses and it is very important for me to see the final picture. Working segment Z 7 allows you to connect absolutely any lens through the adapter with the ability to focus at infinity

If I would work all day long as a professional, I would take a D850 and a Z6. With these to you can shoot EVERYTHING. But I can't choose one, way to hard of a decision.

A negative for the cost of 850 battery grip- yet no negative for the cost of ETZ mount adapter...?

I happen to own both cameras, hey I'm a retired old geezer who just sold his house and moved into a retirement community. One thing that the D850 has going for it over the Z7 is the negative digitizer. I do like the weight of the Z7 for taking out in a hurry though. I only have cheep monolights so I tether one of the lights to the camera and set the rest of my lights to slave, this works for the D850 but not for the Z7. Buy the way B & H is selling the Z7 referb for $2,200.00. I was able to pick up the camera, a Z 50 f1.8 lens, the Z adapter, and a uv filter for less than $3,000.00. I don't believe that the Items were ever sold previously buy the condition they were in. Sometimes a product is run with a part missing so the production line is not shut down for a part that is not readily available.

I now have both and I’m very happy about it. I’m selling my D500 since my D850 can stand in for it. Having IBIS is mega important though on the Z7. I have the Sigma 105 f/1.4 and 135 f/1.8 portrait lenses and neither is stabilized, and the Z7’s IBIS makes a ton of difference when hand held. The sharpness I’m getting from those lenses is superlative in average, low, and lower light. This is what sold me on the Z7. It’s truly a fine camera.

2 cards is a professional worry. If you knw what's at stake, you never go without the redundancy.

The Nikon F mount has not changed in 60 years because Nikon got it PERFECT in the first place. I hope they never change it.

As a Nikon shooter, with quality lenses, I just purchased a D850. I'm sure mirrorless have benefits. It doesn't lessen the quality proven in the D850. I also have a D810. The recent D850 + free grip sale was too good to pass up. If my work isn't exceptional with a D850, or D810 for that matter, my future expenditures should be only on education; not on another camera format.

I have the d850 and z6, which I am perfectly happy with both. The z6 weight is great, fun and the viewfinder with non flash pics gives you no reason to blow highlights. The d850 however is just amazing, it does everything a photographer needs so damn well. The 850 all around is a lot better than any camera in it's price range, probably the only reason I'm still with Nikon. After using a mirrorless for a while, you can see why people make the switch over to Sony. If Nikon doesn't have a dual card mirrorless pro body within 3 years, I will probably switch as well.

You keep cranking out great videos Jared, I've learnt so much from watching you these last few weeks, loving it!

Long time hobby shooter from film days. Love my D750. Looking to purchase one of the Nikon film cameras possibly the Nikon FM2. Too much stuff on these beautiful expensive cameras for me. I like choosing my settings & shoot manual (wildlife), etc. Not a professional but alway happy to see the latest gear. Very good comparison of the D850 & Z7. Thank you for the info.

I'm happy that I was finally able to get the Nikon D850 through, none other than, Allen's Camera. My current camera, the Nikon D810 is now my secondary and I finally have an awesome primary camera. Thanks Jared for all the great advice.

If you’re starting to watch this video and wondering whether to sit through it.. DO.. it’s a fair and really good look and discussion about both cameras from someone who’s actually used them a lot in REAL world situations on multiple occasions

for the simple fact that the Z 7 is a 1st gen I wouldn't buy it...I agree that the future is Mirrorless but I'll wait till they sort out most of the kinks...

No, give the full checkmark to the d850 for having NO banding, regardless how far off exposure is!

I know this is an old video but it still helps a lot in making a big decision like this. One thing not mentioned is how to shift from normal still shots to HDR shots. Apparently, this process is buried in the menu system of the Z7, and in the 850 it's only a button push on the camera body. That's a deal-breaker for me and a big check mark for the 850. Thanks and cheers!

When you talk about card slots, it's like talking about seat belts or air bags. You can't say...."can you live with out it or not?" There's no going back! The fact is, if you are a working photographer the answer...if you really truly care about your photos and your clients and your livelihood...is NO, I will not use a camera without dual card slots. Unfortunately, that is a checkmark that makes the D850 the only option between these two.

The issue with the dynamic range of the Z7 has nothing to do with being off in your exposure. You can have good exposure but get banding because you decided to crank up the shadow slider, or if you end up doing something like correcting some vignetting (which on some popular lenses according to DXO mark, can have upwards of 3 stops vignette), pair vignette correction with shadow recovery and you can end up with banding rather easily.

Nikon is going to add their one of the best feature in terms of the AUTO FOCUS, the Eye Af and that is selectable person wise, in near future in their Z series cameras.

Have the D850 and Z6. I think it’s the best combination for now, as the Z6 is better in every aspect for video than the Z7 (even Nikon states this). In addition, the Z6 has better low light performance, and I’ve also benefitted from shooting stills with it handheld at 1/15 or even 1/8th using IBIS. Most video I shoot is captured on the Ninja V, which is also one “slot” if shooting 10-bit. Never had a problem with cards or disks, but I’m not shooting for clients’ once in a lifetime events. That said, I have the grip for the D850, so for wildlife shooting, I never have to worry about the battery from sunup to sundown or of course, about one card failing. I have all the Z lenses so far, and in my opinion, they rival the best high-end F-mount glass that I have. I’m excited about the Z series going forward. With the announcements at CES including ProRes RAW, Eye AF and CF Express support, I believe that the Z series will become a great system over time.

my problem with EVF has been vertigo I get from the display lag. I think that is the reason a lot of old-timer photographers don't like EVF. It's why I have stayed away from mirrorless cameras. -2000 checkmarks for any mirrorless camera till I find one that doesn't give me vertigo.

I will stay with my d850 for what I do landscape photography

I currently shoot a D850, D810 and D500, and to me nothing can beat this trinity of bodies for still photography. With that being said, I have been eyeing the Z6 as my gateway to incorpoarte more comprehensive video capabilities into my tool kit. I simply can't justify a Z7 when my D850 is far superior body for my focus of still photography.

I waited to try out the Z7, then I bought the far superior D850. Super discount sale with free grip promo too. Easier to hold and operate (I don’t have lady hands). Check mark should have gone with the D850 for not needing the clunky lens adapter. Also check mark to D850 for being a better size and weight. Who has tiny hands needed to use the Z7? Smaller is not better when adjusting controls frequently. Dual card slot is huge. Better focus tracking, lit buttons, functional grip, better battery life, way faster FPS. No serious Z lenses yet. The Z line is clearly targeting consumers not pros. If you don’t need the features of the D850, and you have really small hands, then the Z line might be for you.

one major factor for me to chose between D850 and Z7 is the compatibility with 3 party lens, such as Tamron. I just made of my decision in between. I settled with D850, because I have many Tamron lenses.

All about the Z7 looking to the future.. If only a second card slot..

i feel like you've kind of missed the point of the Z7, Nikon have explicitly said that the Z7 isn't intended to replace a D850, it's designed to be used alongside a D850 and the Z6 to be use alongside something like a D5 of D750, that's not to say that they're bad cameras on their own but i don't think there really needs to be a comparison about which one is better because they're meant to compliment each other

Getting ready to pull the trigger on an D850 and then I watched your video. Will still get the 850. Thanks!

Have the D810 and was weighing the 850 vs Z7, Decided to go with the Z7. Major factor was the edge to edge focus coverage, in my case the best new feature that makes a big difference to me. I bought it with the FTZ Adapter (Was included for free along with Sony 64G XQD Card) Also purchased the grip, love that both batteries are hot swappable and can be changed without removing the grip, very important for VIDEO, plus battery level indicators are on the grip itself. No vertical control buttons on the grip but thats not an issue for me. There was also a rebate when I bought this so my final price for the Z7, FTZ and 64 GB XQD was $2,600.00. I strictly use NIKKOR "F" mount lenses with the FTZ (Already own 15 of NIKONs finest Lenses). In addition I Bought the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 ED VR and the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200 2.8E FL ED VR Lens mainly to use with VIDEO but I am thrilled with their results for stills. As for the single card slot, I worked Professionally for over 25 years with a single slot for your roll of film and always made sure that all my eggs were not in one basket. As far as card failure I have only lost images or had card failures with SD format cards, I have been using CF cards for over 20 years without losing any images. I do also record to a Atomos 7" Monitor for about 50% of my VIDEO work.

Thanks for informative video. I feel that Z7 is a bit immature so far and with a limited selection of lenses and a hopeless adapter, I now replace my old D800 with a D850. Then we'll see about a 2-3 years if I'm ready for the mirrorless

Spot on review. It sure does come down to one's style of shooting. This D850 dude, having diverted to supplemental Sony's at the start of the mirrorless era, is not going to the Z7. I still regard the mirrorless movement as motivated as much by marketing (fire up sales) as any technical or artistic advantage. BTW, your Wind Tunnel test was astounding. If the government wasn't shut down, NASA could use that talent of yours.

I’m a sports photographer so I’m saving up for the D850 and watching this video definitely made me more for sure that I want it vs before I watched any videos about it lol.

Great video Jared. I myself only shoot photo as I am not interested in video, so the D850 is a winner for me. I currently have a Nikon F60D Panorama, a Nikon F5, and a Nikon D300 all of which are good cameras in their own right. The D300 I have had from new in 2009 is a very good camera but it isn’t full frame. Both the Nikon F5 and F60D I got from Japan secondhand. I got the mint F5 at the beginning of this year is the camera I like the best as it is a beast. I could look at either the Nikon D6 or the soon to be released Nikon Z9.

On the AF points, yes edge to edge is cool but I can’t imagine a scenario where all the way at the edge of the frame is what I want in focus

My next camera is looking like the D850. Still not interested in mirrorless at that price point.

D850 battery pack can also take rechargeable NiCd batteries so you don't need to spend extra $500 on the Nikon battery and charger

I stayed with D850 till now I finally replaced it with the Z7 II - but D850 will remain as backup.

Z6 or Z7 Any day but just the thing that XQD card thing sucks ..... I mean come on XQD card is not cheap like the SDHC cards

Reading these comments 9 months later. All the protests about the Z cameras "I will never switch" are most likely now using the Z6/7 instead of the DSLR that sits collecting dust and losing value quickly. Yes, the D850 is a great camera, I had one and loved it but after getting the Z 7 and 6 I found I was using them a lot more than the DSLRs which did sit on the shelf. I sold the D850 and kept the D800 simply because the used value was lower than how much I valued the images it produced. The Z cameras with the 3 updates and one expected any time that adds ProRes Raw has made the system really good. Only the Panasonic much heavier S1 is as well or better built, or as well sealed. And both lines future-proofed their cameras by using the XQD/CFExpress. They are very satisfying cameras to use and small enough that you can keep it with you all the time. The lenses have been a very pleasant surprise, beating their more expensive top F mounts in corner-to-corner sharpness in every case. I am shedding F mount lenses after seeing the Z mount is the future with excellent performance. The 24-70 2.8 S is surely the best mid zoom on the market for example. I am waiting for the 70-200 2.8 S and will have my kit for commercial and event photography. The Internet gurus who panned the system revealed their lack

When hiking/skiing through Norwegian wilderness, every gram counts. I look forward to scale up from the D500 to the Z7. I have accurate information that my DX-lenses performs perfectly on the Z7 in DX mode. I can not wait to shoot in silence. Even the tiniest little click is picked up by the sensitive ears of a wolverine, and they high-tail out of the area. I look even more forward to the new big glass coming for the Z7. Thanks again for a good review, Frodo!

The z7 just looks so fragile in comparison to the D850. I personally like the weight of a heavier camera, especially since I have a slight tremor in my hands. And as many others said, the z7 is a prototype, and I don't want the first version of anything. I'm getting a D850 and I'll run it into the ground before I ever think about switching.

D850 BETTER in low light. Between d850 and d780 Witch one is better?

You should add something else in favour of the Z7... the recently announced firmware update...

let me tell you the difference between OVF and EVF, OVF can save power, and in the wild, I can shoot with OVF for days without worrying about battery hog EVF!

I only do portraits and macro in my studio. I went for the D850.

With Eye AF, CFx & external ProRes RAW recording option, 5-Axis IBIS, Nikon Z mount with it’s shallow flange distance (that make new lenses lighter, better, opportunity to create high-quality lenses in future) Nikon N-Log, recording to the external recorder while recording MOV file internally, lighter, better lenses coming for Z-Mount, especially 14-30mm ultra wide angle with the option to attach ND filter, lighter body. Ability to take pictures while recording a video is enormous for me. Or switching from video mode to still mode and going back and forth instantly without loosing my independent settings for photo & video is a big deal to me. It's the future...so all of the points make the Z camera great for me.

Z7 all day. Do we know if there's still firmware updates coming for these cameras? I feel like there will likely be more functional improvements coming for the Z7

I had to make decision between the D850 and the Z7 and went with the D850 because compatibility with my third part Sigma and Tamron lenses was important to me and I was concerned that some of my lenses would not work with the Z7. I had invested a lot in the Sigma ART. Having illuminated buttons was also something important to me and it was the reason I upgraded my D750. I am also not a fan of small cameras so size was a consideration for me and like the size of the D850. I love the D850 and I am happy with my decision. Hope Nikon will make a full featured camera and not worry about size as much and then maybe I will upgrade to the next iteration of the Z7 with 2 card slots.

nice video. I want a D850 because battery problem Z7, and I like the view through the pentaprism.

Finally, I’ve been waiting for this

This was a great review, I went through this basic thought process in October. For context, I have a D810, and a couple of Panasonic mirrorless cameras for video. Because of changes to my typical lighting set-up, the AF on the D810 was struggling, so I hoped the improved low-light AF of the D850 could help. The Z7 was available, so it made sense to consider that too. The low light AF seemed better with the D850, I am most comfortable using a vertical grip, and a general preference of an OVF made me decide that I'd get the D850, probably the last DSLR I will purchase. Maybe in 2-4 years I'll get the Z8?

As a pro doing studio and landscape I have a D800 (and several other bodies) that still do very well. I like the 'concept' of mirrorless, and would buy a Z7 except for the one card slot. If the Z7 can get 23 checkmarks for whatever that was, the D850 should get 23 for two slots. It's like not backing up your hard drive(s). A card WILL fail, and if you have only one card in the camera you WILL lose those images. If you don't make a living with a camera, you may be okay with that. I can't afford to be. D850 for me.

IMO if AF speed is not a concern, the Z7 is a great camera. If AF speed (tracking) is important to you, then get the D850. Or if lens selection is important the D850 may be the upper hand because you don't have to use the FTZ. Of course as time goes on, Nikon will release Z equivalents. I think the Z7 may also have the upper hand in video. IBIS is also helpful as well on the Z7. I guess I'd say the biggest determining factor will be what will you be doing and do you need fast AF and AF tracking. If not, the Z7 is a good option for weight and size reasons.

Have the Z6 and I believe there are enough pluses in additional to a substantial price savings to make the choice the Z6. It is a fabulous camera that has most of the Z7 features and a few that are superior to the Z7. In my opinion in the competition between the D850 and the Z7, the winner is the Z6!!!

You did not mention the 8k time lapse for D850 which is not available for Z7

I shoot mainly photographs and value battery life more, so I think the D850 is a better choice for my needs. But, yeah it is quite a difficult decision to make without testing and comparing both over a period of time. The Z7 is appealing nonetheless.

For all round best camera, I go with Nikon D850. It has what it takes for pro photographer. It can be used for amateur up to pro photographer.

The Z7 seems a joke to the D850, let's be real. I'm a Canon shooter, but the D850 is the best DSLR to date, it's the 5D mark II of these years.

Thanks Jared .. This video helped me decide. I ve been waiting for a direct comparison between the d850 vs the Z 7. I think the d850 is a much safer bet given the longer battery life.. and the dual card slots and plus i love taking stills rather than videos. I did love the 5 axis stabilazation of the Z 7 but I think the d850 is the camera for me just because of the above mentioned points. Keep making those awesome videos.

I have the 850 and the Z7 bird photography I always have problems with the Z7 not good at auto focus often loses the object and focuses on somewhere else Z7 is perfect in the studio think they are both good it depends on what you are going to photograph with it

Again, I agree with you. DLSLRs are on the way out. I've been shooting for 20 years. Friends ask me all the time, "What camera should I buy?" I have been telling them mirrorless for a couple of years now. Nikon had me scared for a while, but I think they are moving in the right direction now.

I want both! but can't afford it so I'll continue to work with my d5500 and dream of the day I can buy a d850, z7 and a d5. 😀

The review I was waiting for!

I know this is picky, picky, picky... but when comparing weights of both cameras, the cards, batteries and Z-mount of each should be included. I mean, after all, few shoot without cards and batteries. In my case, with tons of F-mount lenses on hand, no way am I going to buy new Z lenses, so I would have no choice but to buy the Z-mount adapter. As a matter of fact, at only $250 ea., I would probably buy two Z-mounts if I bought the Z7. Here are the weight comparisons: D850 w/2 cards + bat = 2.2 lbs. Z7 w/1 card + bat + Z adapter = 1.8 lbs. A diff of less than 6.4 oz. or the weight of three tennis balls or 6 wooden pencils or three large eggs. Many thanks, Fro, for making up my mind to stay with my D850.... best camera ever made!

Let's look at this from reverse. As a professional broadcast videographer, who is moving into "hybrid shooting" for broadcast news, documentaries. Call me old fashioned, but a D850 for stills and a Sony XDCAM PMW-330K1 for video. Light weight camera that hits all the broadcast specs and easy to carry. Many VJ's (video journalists/story tellers are already doing this). More flexibility in shooting styles, expediency and turnaround AND still getting some very fine money shots.