Nikon D850 vs Nikon Z8
Nikon Z8 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The D850 is the better pick for portraits; the Z8 is better for beginners, travel, wildlife, sports, vlogging.
Choose the D850 for
- a lower price (from £699)
Choose the Z8 for
- faster bursts (20fps vs 7fps)
- a lighter body (910g vs 1005g)
- stronger video (8K 60p)
- in-body image stabilisation
- more lenses in our database (54 vs 25)
- a newer design (2023)
Specs side by side
| Spec | D850 | Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 45.7MP | Full frame, 45.7MP |
| Mount | Nikon F (DSLR) | Nikon Z |
| Released | 2017 | 2023 |
| Burst | 7 fps | 20 fps |
| Readout | OVF | ≈4 ms |
| Max ISO | 25,600 | 25,600 |
| Stabilisation | Lens only | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p | 8K 60p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical | Electronic |
| Weight | 1005 g | 910 g |
| Battery | Nikon EN-EL15c | Nikon EN-EL15c |
| Card slots | XQD/CFexpress B + SD | CFexpress B + SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | No longer sold new | £2,999 |
| Used at MPB | £699–1,329 | £2,229–2,489 |
| Native lenses in our database | 25 (14 third-party) | 54 (31 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | Z8 |
| Everyday & travel | Z8 |
| Portraits | D850 |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | Z8 |
| Sports & action | Z8 |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | Z8 |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The D850 uses Nikon F (25 lenses in our database, 14 third-party) and the Z8 uses Nikon Z (54 lenses, 31 third-party). They share the same battery (Nikon EN-EL15c).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon D850 better than the Nikon Z8?
It depends on your priorities. The D850 offers a lower price (from £699); the Z8 offers faster bursts (20fps vs 7fps), a lighter body (910g vs 1005g), stronger video (8K 60p).
Which is better for video, the D850 or the Z8?
The Z8 is stronger for video: D850 records 4K 30p, Z8 records 8K 60p.
Which is cheaper, the D850 or the Z8?
The D850 costs No longer sold new new and from £699 used at MPB; the Z8 costs £2,999 new and from £2,229 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Nikon D850 lenses on the Z8?
Not directly. The D850 uses Nikon F and the Z8 uses Nikon Z; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.