dhroberts Loc: Boston, MA, USA

I went from a D800E and a D4S, a fabulous and versatile combination, to a Z7. I chose this over the (marvelous for sure) D850 and/or a D5 precisely because I was downsizing due to advancing age (I'm 72). The resulting package (Z7 and Z24-70S f/4) is about half the size and weight of my former D800E and 24-70G f/2.8 (and a whole lot smaller than the D4S and zoom). Using this new combination is joy - it is light but not too light, fits my hands perfectly, has a very similar menu setup to the D800E, and has terrific in-body image stabilization that works with any Z- or F-mount lens. The restriction of f/4 rather than f/2.8 is relatively unimportant due to the quality high ISO performance of the Z7 (and the bokeh of the Z24-70S f/4 is excellent). The lack of a second memory card slot doesn't bother me as I've never had an issue with any top-of-the-line memory card, and I download and back up each day. AND THE Z7 TAKES FABULOUS IMAGES, every bit the equal of the D850. Reviews of the new Z-mount lenses (easily found) show that they are optically superior to the corresponding F lenses.

With either camera the quality of your images will be limited only by your skill as a photographer.

There are now several articles and videos on the web that demonstrate that the Z7 works quite well on moving objects such as birds in flight, especially with the latest firmware update. No, it can't quite match the D850 (but the D850 can't nearly match a D5). I have the new Nikkor 500 f/5.6 PF lens on order, and anticipate that it will work marvelously with the Z7. When it arrives I will part ways with my Nikkor 300 f/2.8G VR II monster (which is the standard for super-sharp telephotos), precisely because the 500/5.6 PF is smaller, lighter, and yet has a greater reach.

Whatever you decide, before you buy anything get your hands on both cameras (and corresponding lenses) and see how they handle for you. Any whatever you decide, you can't go wrong with either of these terrific Nikons.

gorgehiker Loc: Lexington, Ky

I have a D850 and a Z6. Both are great cameras. When I shoot with the D850, it seems more like work. The Z6 is just a lot of fun and so easy to use.

CO

I rented the Z6 for two weeks not long ago. I did side by side testing with my D500. I can say the autofocus in the D500 is superior. The Z6 would often hunt to achieve focus in even slightly dim light. I activated the low light focusing option but that didn't seem to help. My D500 would acquire focus on the same subject right away. The D500 is better at continuous AF also. They would need to improve the AF performance of the Z6 a lot before I would purchase.

BruceS

D850

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Huge difference between pixel peeping and talent.

CWGordon

Great explanations, so I will just add my vote. D850 is a great piece of equipment.

CWGordon

Great explanations, so I will just add my vote. D850 is a great piece of equipment.

SkyKing Loc: Thompson Ridge, NY

...you won’t make a mistake with either one...good luck with your choice...

Low Budget Dave

I tried a used D850 in the store a few weeks ago, and even though I have always used Sony, I almost bought the D850. It did everything well. The low light autofocus was surprisingly good, the color balance for skin tones was excellent, even the video autofocus was better than I had expected. The ability to lock on to a moving subject seemed (to me, in that limited test) to be as good as the Sony A7RIII.

Since you already have a D750 in the family, there is some value in having interchangeable lenses with no need for adapters. If you buy one high-end lens for the "family", then you don't have to feel guilty buying a lens that only works best for one of the two cameras.

gompfer1

D850 is the way to go. The Z7 is a first generation camera and needs improvement. Also the lenses for the Z7 are way over priced.

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

I have both. For travel, I take Z7 and wish I took the D850. If you have other Nikon F Mount lenses, I would stick with D850 for a while until Z8 or Z9 comes out. Then give your wife your D850 and get a Z9.

scaudill Loc: Rock Hill, SC

Thanks billnikon. Great information

dino21 Loc: McAllen, TX

You are retiring from Kodak am and dont know enough to make your own decision?? That seems rather odd. But since you asked......850.

scaudill Loc: Rock Hill, SC

Thanks dhroberts

scaudill Loc: Rock Hill, SC

Thank you. Always good to get recommendations from photographers that have used the cameras in question.