markbusinsky

I'm just looking for opinions. I've done all the research on cameras and just want to hear from you based on your experience. I'v got a Nikon D810 and D7100 and some lower end mirrorless cameras from Sony and Fuji. I have a mix of FX and DX lenses, and I'm looking at the D850 (on sale and with a free battery grip) or the Z6 (I don't think I can afford the Z7). Not interested in the Z5. I'm also thinking of not buying anything and waiting for the D860 (if it comes) or the next gen of Z cameras. I'm looking for comments from people who have used the D810, D850 and/or Z6. I believe video is a step up, but not sure about lens selection for video. Again this is a GAS attack and looking for opinions and comments.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Z5?

markbusinsky

Sorry I meant Z50
https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/mirrorless-cameras/z-50.html
but there are rumors of a Z5
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/news/nikon-z5-to-launch-later-this-year-for-under-pound750-dollar1000

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Why not the D850?

markbusinsky

I'm getting older and sometimes size and weight can be an issue. I'm just wondering if people who have used both D810 and D850 consider the D850 that much better then the D810>

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

As a dedicated Nikon D850 user, I can tell you that this most amazing machine has never let me down. I have taken bad pictures, but the mechanical systems of the camera and the way it interfaces with Nikkor and 3rd party lenses are nothing short of amazing. I have had SD cards fail in service, but never with the XQDs in the D850. Focus stacking, a built-in intervalometer, incredible range, and superior construction cannot be beaten. Plus, there is a wide variety of lens options from Nikon, Sigma, Tamron, etc with the F mount. I upgraded to the D850 after my D810's SD card slot failed and needed repair right before leaving for a photo workshop.

Now, I have considered a "Z" system, would only go with the Z7 because of the sensor size. But there are several roadblocks.

Only 1 memory card slot. I need real-time backup with a second card slot.
Lack of depth of Z mount lenses. There currently is no "Holy Trinity" of Z mount lenses. The 70-200 is listed as "to be announced," which is a deal-breaker for landscape.
No 3rd party lens options. I've asked Sigma reps if there is a "Z" product line forecast and only got a maybe.

This all could change if Nikon announced a full-frame Z system with dual CF-Fast card slots, available battery grip with a full range of lenses.

markbusinsky

Thanks for the reply, exactly some of the information I was looking for.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I have a D810 which I continue to really like, as well as a D850 which I originally bought primarily as a second full frame body. I continue to use them side by side, even though there are some small differences in the control layout. The D850 has a little better dynamic range, but it is really tough to tell which image came from which camera. The D810 has a full magnesium alloy body, while the D850 uses quite a bit of carbon composite. As far as I can tell, this isn't anywhere near the issue I thought it might be. We'll have to see if it becomes a problem over time.

The D850 has some pretty cool features, like the slide and negative copy function. It also has some illuminated controls, although there some important buttons that are not lighted. This incomplete implementation is quite disappointing when doing night photography.

To me, the Z7, which I've looked at in some detail, is disappointing in terms of overall feel. It just doesn't feel to me like an expensive camera. It's also difficult for me to see much benefit in the Z6 over a D810 apart from what seems to be quite good video. Of course, a lot of other folks feel quite differently about that.

There has been quite a bit of discussion here recently about how much better the S lenses seem to be when compared to F Mount lenses. To be honest, that may very well be the case, but it's hard to see that there could be any meaningful difference that matters anywhere other than on a spec sheet in real life.

I'm glad to have my D850, but have absolutely no plans to get rid of my D810. Yes, it provides a number of benefits, but none of them are really earth-shattering.

markbusinsky

Great information. Thanks for your reply.

kmpankopf Loc: Mid-Michigan; SW Pennsylvania

I've been looking at the 850 and the Z6 for my next move. Currently using D500 and D7200. Very happy with the D500.
I saw the sale for the D850 and the free battery grip. Before you think that is the final price, look at the battery for the D850 and the charger cost. It ain't cheap.
I'm intrigued with the Z6. That being said, as this the first model from Nikon i see plenty of firmware updates in its future. If you are comfortable with that, it is a possibility. Personal preference is always to stay away from first generation products.
It's tough, but I will be staying with the D500 and if there will be a GAS attack, i will be looking for new glass.

BebuLamar

Why can't you afford the Z7? It's about the same price as the D850.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

That's what I was thinking. And once the D860 comes out, the price for the D850 will most likely drop.

SeaBrat Loc: St Petersburg, FL

I love my D850 for traveling in my car because it’s a little big and heavy. I cannot imagine a better camera for wildlife and most everything else. The Z6 is a little smaller and lightweight so it’s my camera for air travel, lower light and video. I like that the menus in both are similar but there is still a learning curve. I have put my fingers on the lense a couple of times to take the lense cap off only to find I need to turn the camera on to see out the viewfinder!

Silverrails

All I can say on this particular subject, is as an "Advanced Beginner" now with approximately 2.5 years experience, I have been Warned about the possibility of a "G.A.S." attack, although for me at the present time is that the "G.A.S." price is to high to put in my Photography Tank.😂

twice_shooter

IMO, the D850 is the best camera (to date) that Nikon has ever made... film, mirrorless or otherwise. And I have or have used all the F bodies and most of the single digit D’s. The D850 can shoot anything: sports, wildlife, portraits, landscapes ... on and on and do it exceptionally well. Robust body. Fast focus. Cropped it’s a better D500. The quality and richness of the files coming out of the D850 are superb. Great camera all around.