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Nikon Z Mirrorless Vs Dslr: The Z8 And D850 In Action For Wildlife Encounters

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.

What To Know

  • The Nikon Z8 has a maximum shooting speed of 10fps, while the Nikon D850 has a maximum shooting speed of 9fps.
  • The Nikon Z8 has a buffer depth of 77 RAW images, while the Nikon D850 has a buffer depth of 51 RAW images.
  • The Nikon D850 has a longer battery life than the Nikon Z8, with a CIPA rating of 1,840 shots per charge compared to 530 shots per charge.

Wildlife photography is a demanding genre that requires high-quality gear to capture the beauty and essence of the natural world. Two of the most popular cameras for wildlife photography are the Nikon Z8 and the Nikon D850. Both cameras offer excellent image quality, fast shooting speeds, and advanced autofocus systems. However, there are also some key differences between the two cameras that may make one more suitable for wildlife photography than the other.

Sensor and Image Quality

The Nikon Z8 features a 45.7MP full-frame CMOS sensor, while the Nikon D850 has a 45.7MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor. Both cameras offer excellent image quality with high resolution and dynamic range. However, the D850’s BSI sensor gives it a slight edge in low-light performance, producing images with less noise at higher ISO settings.

Autofocus System

The Nikon Z8 has a hybrid autofocus system that combines 493 phase-detection points with 173 contrast-detection points. The Nikon D850 has a Multi-CAM 20K autofocus system with 153 phase-detection points and 99 cross-type sensors. Both cameras offer fast and accurate autofocus, but the Z8’s hybrid system gives it a slight edge in low-light conditions.

Shooting Speed

The Nikon Z8 has a maximum shooting speed of 10fps, while the Nikon D850 has a maximum shooting speed of 9fps. The Z8’s faster shooting speed gives it an advantage when capturing fast-moving wildlife.

Buffer Depth

The Nikon Z8 has a buffer depth of 77 RAW images, while the Nikon D850 has a buffer depth of 51 RAW images. The Z8’s larger buffer depth gives it an advantage when shooting long bursts of images.

Viewfinder and LCD Screen

The Nikon Z8 has a 0.80x magnification electronic viewfinder with 3.69 million dots. The Nikon D850 has a 0.75x magnification optical viewfinder with 1.23 million dots. The Z8’s electronic viewfinder offers a brighter and more detailed view than the D850’s optical viewfinder, but the D850’s optical viewfinder provides a more natural and immersive shooting experience.

The Nikon Z8 has a 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD screen with a resolution of 2.1 million dots. The Nikon D850 has a 3.2-inch fixed LCD screen with a resolution of 1.23 million dots. The Z8’s touchscreen LCD screen is more versatile and easier to use than the D850’s fixed LCD screen.

Weather Sealing

The Nikon Z8 is weather-sealed to protect it from dust and moisture, while the Nikon D850 is weather-resistant. The Z8’s weather sealing gives it an advantage when shooting in harsh conditions.

Price

The Nikon Z8 is priced at $2,999, while the Nikon D850 is priced at $2,499. The Z8’s higher price gives it an advantage in terms of features and performance.

In a nutshell: Which Camera is Right for You?

The Nikon Z8 and the Nikon D850 are both excellent cameras for wildlife photography. However, each camera has its own strengths and weaknesses. The Z8 offers superior image quality, autofocus performance, and shooting speed, while the D850 offers a more natural shooting experience and a lower price point. Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

What People Want to Know

Q: Which camera has better image quality, the Nikon Z8 or the Nikon D850?

A: Both cameras offer excellent image quality, but the Nikon Z8 has a slight edge due to its higher resolution sensor.

Q: Which camera has faster autofocus, the Nikon Z8 or the Nikon D850?

A: The Nikon Z8 has a faster autofocus system than the Nikon D850, especially in low-light conditions.

Q: Which camera has a longer battery life, the Nikon Z8 or the Nikon D850?

A: The Nikon D850 has a longer battery life than the Nikon Z8, with a CIPA rating of 1,840 shots per charge compared to 530 shots per charge.

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Drew D.

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.
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