Nikon
D850
Legendary 45MP DSLR still favored by landscape and studio photographers.
$3,299
Launch priceReleased Aug 2017
Nikon
Zf
Retro-styled 24.5MP full-frame mirrorless with classic dials, EXPEED 7 AF, 8-stop IBIS, and 4K 60p video.
$2,049
Launch priceReleased Sep 2023
Zf is 6.1 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
D850
Wins
Zf
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZf has higher IBIS effectiveness (8 stops vs 0 stops)
- AD850 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (1840 shots vs 380 shots)
- BZf has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 7 fps)
- BZf has higher ISO max (native) (64,000 vs 25,600)
- BZf has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 29.97 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
D850
146 × 124 × 79 mm
1005 g (2.22 lb / 35.45 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Zf
144 × 103 × 49 mm
710 g (1.57 lb / 25.04 oz)
D850 is 2mm wider, 21mm taller, and 30mm thicker than Zf.
D850 is 295 g heavier than Zf.
Depth (front-to-back): 79mm D850 · 49mm Zf
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D850
146 × 124 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Zf
144 × 103 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
D850
146 × 79 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Zf
144 × 49 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D850
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Zf
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
D850
✓ more lensesNikon F
270+
native lenses available
Zf
Nikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
D850
Codecs
Adds H.264, MOV, MP4
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 146, 124, 78.5
Card types
Adds SD/SDHC/SDXC, CFexpress Type B / XQD
Battery life (CIPA)
1840 shots vs 380 shots — higher is better
Resolution
45.7 MP vs 24.5 MP — higher is better
ISO min (native)
64 vs 100 — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Zf
AF low-light limit
-10 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Dogs…
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC 8-bit, H.265/HEVC 10-bit, H.264/AVC 8-bit
IBIS effectiveness
8 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 103, 49
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II, MicroSD UHS-I
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 7 fps — higher is better
ISO max (native)
64,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Card slots — Both 2
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
- ✓Microphone jack (3.5mm) — Both support microphone jack (3.5mm)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
D850
Pros
- ✓45MP DSLR classic
- ✓Excellent dynamic range
- ✓Huge F-mount lens library
Cons
- –DSLR mirror system
- –Heavy
- –No modern mirrorless AF
Zf
Pros
- ✓Beautiful retro design
- ✓273-point hybrid AF
- ✓8-stop IBIS
- ✓Fully articulated touchscreen
Cons
- –No grip extension standard
- –Mixed SD + MicroSD card slots
- –24.5MP only
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D850 and Zf at major authorized retailers.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, D850 or Zf?
Zf scores 9.5/10 versus 1.5/10 for D850 — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the D850 and Zf?
D850 is 45.7 MP and Zf is 24.5 MP, so the D850 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D850 and Zf have in-body image stabilization?
D850 does not have IBIS, while Zf has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D850 or the Zf?
D850 reaches 7 fps electronic. Zf reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D850 and Zf?
D850 weighs 1005 g and Zf weighs 710 g, so the Zf is 295 g lighter.
Do the D850 and Zf record 4K video?
D850: 4K up to 29.97p. Zf: 4K up to 60p.
Are the D850 and Zf weather sealed?
D850: Yes. Zf: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 1,840 shots (CIPA) for the D850 and 380 shots for the Zf, giving the D850 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D850 launched at $3,299 and Zf at $2,049. The Zf is $1,250 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D850 vs Zf vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.