D850 vs. new Zs: Now that we know Nikon’s new offerings what do you think about them compared to the D850 and each other? I am planning to upgrade from my D800. I was waiting on...

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Now that we know Nikon’s new offerings what do you think about them compared to the D850 and each other?

I am planning to upgrade from my D800. I was waiting on availability of refurb D850s but the new offerings have my interest. Fortunately I have some time as I’m going on a 3ish month trip and wouldn’t want it delivered while I’m gone.

My main reason for changing out the D800 is that I don’t like the unlighted button/unreadable green screen control system. I also like a tilt screen and the touch screen on my D5600. All three candidates fix those.

I’d like lighter weight so Z’s are a little better on that score.

I’m not keen on xqd cards, so favoring the D850.

For most of my images 24MP is fine and I appreciate better low light performance. That plus price favors Z6 over Z7.

What would be your key deicision factor?

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I know little about the 850 and less about the Z. It'll probably stay that way, as my 800e is sufficiently satisfying my needs. It will, in the near future, exceed those needs just a hair with some custom made parts. I'd rather put less money into the necessary modified equipment than feel I need a new camera.

If anything, I might consider an 850 a couple of years from now.
--Bob

IDguy wrote:

Now that we know Nikon’s new offerings what do you... (show quote)

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

IDguy wrote:

Now that we know Nikon’s new offerings what do you... (show quote)

The need for the FTZ lens adapter to use the many lenses that I already own is a decision factor.

therwol Loc: USA

Kmgw9v wrote:

The need for the FTZ lens adapter to use the many lenses that I already own is a decision factor.

I'm not going to buy either. I'm out of the GAS phase. My Nikon D810 is just fine. Having said that, if I were looking to upgrade, the fact that the lens adapter will not support auto-focusing with the D lenses would steer me to the D850. I have four of those lenses that I use frequently, and I wouldn't be into buying another expensive camera and spending a fortune on new lenses at the same time.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

IDguy wrote:

Now that we know Nikon’s new offerings what do you... (show quote)

First off, the "Z" was just announced, which means forecasted availability is not until Spring-Summer of 2019, which means fall-winter. The D850 is an incredible camera, I cannot envision of an image I could not take with mine. And, if XQD cards are an issue, the D850 has XQD/SD card slots. The "Zs" have a single XQD card slot. Not having dual memory card slots for backup is a deal breaker for a "production" camera. I've had memory cards fail in the middle of a shoot.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

therwol wrote:

I'm not going to buy either. I'm out of the GAS phase. My Nikon D810 is just fine. Having said that, if I were looking to upgrade, the fact that the lens adapter will not support auto-focusing with the D lenses would steer me to the D850. I have four of those lenses that I use frequently, and I wouldn't be into buying another expensive camera and spending a fortune on new lenses at the same time.

I quickly read a description of the FTZ adapter this morning and thought it was compatible with D lens auto-focusing. I might have read too quickly.
At any rate, I am not in a hurry, but until convinced otherwise, I am inclined to think that when I upgrade from my 800E, it will be to an 850 or its successor.
In the meantime, we will soon be learning more about the Z cameras.

Bill_de Loc: US

Kmgw9v wrote:

I quickly read a description of the FTZ adapter this morning and thought it was compatible with D lens auto-focusing. I might have read too quickly.
At any rate, I am not in a hurry, but until convinced otherwise, I am inclined to think that when I upgrade from my 800E, it will be to an 850 or its successor.
In the meantime, we will soon be learning more about the Z cameras.

People often confuse what the "D" means. D lenses could need a motor in the camera or be AF-s. According to the Nikon site, those that need a motor in the camera will not have auto focus supported.

I have 3 AF-s lenses with the "D" designation and 3 that need the motor.

therwol Loc: USA

Kmgw9v wrote:

I quickly read a description of the FTZ adapter this morning and thought it was compatible with D lens auto-focusing. I might have read too quickly.
At any rate, I am not in a hurry, but until convinced otherwise, I am inclined to think that when I upgrade from my 800E, it will be to an 850 or its successor.
In the meantime, we will soon be learning more about the Z cameras.

Look on the 4th page of this article. D lenses will not autofocus with the adapter. That would influence me if I were in the market for a new camera. I don't want to replace my D lenses over a focusing issue. I think they're quite good.

https://www.dpreview.com/articles/0039746111/what-s-the-nikon-z-like-with-adapted-lenses

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Bill_de wrote:

People often confuse what the "D" means. D lenses could need a motor in the camera or be AF-s. According to the Nikon site, those that need a motor in the camera will not have auto focus supported.

I have 3 AF-s lenses with the "D" designation and 3 that need the motor.

Appreciate the clarification.

jak86094

Is it clear whether the FTZ lens adapter is a "per lens" adapter or would you need just one FTZ and switch out many F mount lenses?

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

therwol wrote:

Look on the 4th page of this article. D lenses will not autofocus with the adapter. That would influence me if I were in the market for a new camera. I don't want to replace my D lenses over a focusing issue. I think they're quite good.

https://www.dpreview.com/articles/0039746111/what-s-the-nikon-z-like-with-adapted-lenses

👍

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

jak86094 wrote:

Is it clear whether the FTZ lens adapter is a "per lens" adapter or would you need just one FTZ and switch out many F mount lenses?

One adapter. $249.95

therwol Loc: USA

Bill_de wrote:

People often confuse what the "D" means. D lenses could need a motor in the camera or be AF-s. According to the Nikon site, those that need a motor in the camera will not have auto focus supported.

I have 3 AF-s lenses with the "D" designation and 3 that need the motor.

Yes, that has confused me in the past. All of mine need the motor. If it says AF-S on the lens barrel, then it should work with the adapter.

CO

I think the decision would come down to if you like an optical viewfinder or an electronic viewfinder. It sounds like the sensor in the Z7 is very much like the sensor in the D850 - 45.7 MP back-illuminated full frame. I would imagine the image quality is probably the same. We'll have to wait to see though.

The Z6 has an anti-aliasing filter in front of the sensor while Z7 does not. I wonder if that will make a difference in terms of sharpness.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Z - 1 card slot......D850 - 2 card slots