Z9 Z7II Z7 D850 📷 | Which One ? | Let's Talk It Through | Matt Irwin 

PLEASE VOTE IN THE POLL D850, Z7, Z7II, Z9, Z7III / Z8 ? ru-vid.com/show-UCjQ120w-el6FqOU7qt1iRewcommunity

Nothing beats the D850 for landscape and wildlife photography...

Another great video Matt. I just want to make a case for the D850 here. I own a D850, Z6II and a Z50. All great cameras, and for my personnel photography, different use cases. The Z50 is my travel and take anywhere camera. It is small and lightweight and generates beautiful images. I bought the Z6II to have a feel of the Z system (it was my first Z camera) and as a scouting camera. I primarily shoot landscapes. When I bought the Z6II I didn't want a D850 replacement (hence why I didn't bought a Z7). I take the Z6II when I go out to scout new places while the D850 is still my main camera. For my particular type of photography, there is noting the Z7 would give me that the D850 doesn't have. At current, I have no plans to replace my D850. And this is the point I want to make: people shouldn't upgrade just for the sake of an "upgrade". Yes mirrorless is the future but that doesn't mean the D850 is not a capable camera anymore. The D850 still works fine for many types of photography. And if the D850 works for someone, they should stick with it until a real upgrade comes along.

Great video!!! I recently bought the z7ii and love it. Your tip about turning the camera off and then on to focus at infinity has been a huge help with my astrophotography shots. Thank you!!!

Image quality-wise the D850 still has an edge over everything else except medium format.

D800E user here with a decent amount of F mount glass, but I'm ready to move to mirrorless, mostly due to the video capability. This is probably the best comparison/review video that I have seen yet. Extremely well done. I don't understand how. you don't have WAY more subscribers than you do. Subscribed!

Another great video from you Matt. Got the z6ii and zfc (coral pink, of course 😜). Z6ii was my upgrade from my trusty D800, which was perfect for me. When my budget allows, will upgrade to z7ii (or which ever iteration is most current). Keep up the good work Matt, look forward to your new vids

Thanks for another great vid matt. All very compelling cameras. I’d be happy with any of the z cameras, but happiest with the z9. I think I’ll pick up a z9 tomorrow. :-) I’m looking forward to getting out with it and taking it through its paces in every environment.. which is why it’s the best choice for me. The variety of photography and video I do will not be in any way limited by the z9. It will get me out doing more of what I love. See you on the streets soon young man. 👍🏻

Interesting run through Matt. I got Z7 when it came out and love it as landscapes my thing. Getting more into wildlife but finding Z7 limiting and picked up a D500 as a stop gap. Z9 seems a big leap and despite what you said about size, I don’t want that bulk, but perhaps I should consider it. Also, just to remind ourselves that Canon and Sony are offering more of an all-in-one body so many of us looking at the Z v3 to see what’s on offer. Of course, we’re not expecting Z9 but something competitive.

Thanks for your great review Matt. For myself as a non professional enthusiast, I just can't justify selling my D850 and lenses to update to the Z system and lose a lot of money , it still does everything I need without shelling out thousands more $. Cheers👍

I was a slow adopter of mirrorless and held on to my favorite "duo" at the time, (D810 and D500) until a year after the first Z cameras appeared. My first was a Z6, then later a Z7, and finally, a Z6II. After going through the small learning curve, adjusting to mirrorless, and seeing the superior results with Z lenses, I decided to make the jump complete. I've traded all my F-mount glass for Z glass, and purchased a Z9, which I finally received about a week ago. No turning back for me! I am more excited about the Z9's capabilities than any camera in my previous experience, and am having a blast. (I've kept the Z6II for the certain night shooting situations... Not astrophotography or other long exposures, but for night shots while traveling, using higher shutter speeds) It's another exciting time to be a photographer.

I'm a casual amateur landscape and vacation shooter and bought the Z7 a year after release. I see no reason for me to replace it. It was, for me, a significant investment. Buying more glass though; having the 24-120 on order 🙂

The Z7II is my current camera, and it is a champ. I have been astonished by the quality of the sensor, and while there are things I miss about my D500 (though not enough to get it out of my closet and shoot with it) i.e. great night shooting viewfinder, lighted buttons, and ability to use my old screw-drive macro, I have simply been blown away by the combination of the Z7II’s sensor and Z optics. I am also still holding out hope for a Z50 sized body, full-frame, with a nice pancake zoom that would be amazing for backpacking and travel.

I was shooting with a D750 but during Covid upgraded to the Z7II. Awesome camera. Travel, portraits, products, low light, action,etc. I bought the battery grip to add vertical options, bigger grip and 2nd battery. Recently did some video work on a cooking exposition. I am thrilled with this camera and the continuous software updates from Mikon. And yet, I find myself lusting for the Z9. Your video helped me realize that I don’t shoot professional sports or much wildlife. I am very happy with my Z7II and it still works great with my F lenses & Sigma lenses with the FTZ2 adapter.

Brilliant exposure of too many options Matt. Love your style. Would love a Z9 but budget suggests a Z7ii.

Well put Matt. I fit in with the Z7 II upgrade route you discribed and have the vertical grip the whole unit fits my hand perfectly, still using F mount glass while slowly upgrading to Z Len's as needs must, the 70-200 vr s is awesome. That said, I still get great wildlife shots with my F 200-500 with X 1.7 - up close and sharp detail.

Hi Matt, nice to have the Z7ii still part of the conversation with all the justifiable excitement about the Z9. As a Z7ii owner, I am looking forward to further firmware updates, mainly to improve autofocus on moving subjects. I am wondering how some of the Sony cameras (which I am told have a stickier autofocus) compare with the Z7ii in terms of processing power. My thought is that if the processing power in the Sony bodies is in the same league as the Z7ii and the Sony cameras really are better at autofocus, there should be lots of headroom for improved focusing in the Z7ii. I really enjoy your channel and also your night time urban photography which is inspiring some of my own efforts. All the best from Toronto.

I’d love a Z9, but it’s just a bit outside my budget…. Well, all the cameras you listed are beyond my budget actually. Until I start to make some money off my photography, I’ll keep with the King of the crop, my trusty D500. Thanks again for your insight and information. Cheers from the great white North (Alaska).

Dear Matt, my biggest problem with the Z9 is just getting it.I ordered mine on 28 October 2021 while watching your video but I’m still waiting. My legacy glass was my prime reason for choosing the Z7 almost 3 years ago. My biggest problem with the Z7 is from missed focus. I miss focus more often with the Z7 than with my 4 year old Sony RX100M6. I’m getting better. The first flagship I bought was an F2S. The Z9 is my second (other than a backup F2 Photomic). Thanks for another great video. I look at the Z9 as the best tool to let my photography skills grow.

Went back and forth between Z7 ii and a 850. All but one of my lenses are Nikon F mount. I ended up renting a Z7 ii and FTZ ii for 10 days. I ordered a Z7 ii a couple days ago. I am mostly shooting portraits.

I own the Z7 and 24 1.8, 50 1.2, 105 1.4 and 70 200Z , after the new AF update it's pretty sticky and working good for my portrait/event work. I am holding out for a Z7iii/Z8 depending on what Nikon does in future hopefully to improve low light performance a little

i own the z9 since almost 4 month; this camera is very amazing, i would never go back to older systems!

Remember with so many people moving to the Z9 there are amazing deals to be had on the D850 and I mean amazing. I picked up my second D850 20k clicks with two lenses a battery grip and batteries a nice bag an intervelometer and a mic for 3k usd.

I had owned (2) D850's sold one of them and my 200-500mm lens to justify the Z9, no regrets, will keep the D850 until a Z8 comes out (eventually). Take care Matt, great discussion and spot on.

Thanks for this lineup, Matt. What a choice, huh? I handled a Z9. It’s a beautiful piece of equipment without a doubt. I’ve owned a D2x, and a D3, D4 & D5. I fell in love, though, with the handier size and feel of a Z7II! I don’t shoot sports (and very little wildlife) so this model works perfectly for me. I passed on the Z9 - but I would certainly jump at an improved Z7III (Z8 ?). Nikon has entered exciting times with their mirrorless lineup.

Thank you for the content and what appears to be a fair comparison. As a new-ish photographer and one mostly interested in birds and wildlife (for now), I have a D500 and a D850 with 300mm and 500mm PF lenses. Let me tell you, the shots with the D850 with the 500 PF are stunning (mostly handheld!). With that said, when Nikon came out with the 800mm PF for the Z mount, I sank. So realizing that the PF line for F mount is most likely ending with the 500PF, I went shopping for a Z mount. My Z7ii is being delivered tomorrow, with the FTZ2 adaptor. Sounds like I chose wisely, for my needs at least. At this point, I do not plan on selling my D850. We'll see, but I love that camera...cheers!

I would love a Z9 but during the sanctions and lack of income from my primary source for 3 years due to covid shutting down tourism, the Z9 is off my options list. If I was still living in the US with 10 times the income I would also have 15 times the expenses. So my current line up of cameras has to cover jobs. My income is now about 75% photography and the remainder repair of pro audio gear. Luckily I live where one can survive nicely despite no income for 3 years from the primary business. What has developed however is an increasing client base in photography with commercial sessions 3 or more times a week, mostly actor portfolios and work for casting directors. My go to camera is the lowly Z6 which I love and my back up is the D850 and its backup is the D800. In-studio conditions, there is no practical difference between them. In the location work that can be 12 hours with a camera in hand, the handling of the Z6 wins the day. Both the D cameras have grips. I recently sent my D800 into the local warranty station to replace the bottom grip signal/power connector and it cost $105. Here that is a lot but back home it would have been spare change. But getting the camera back, I had to check the serial because I suspected they gave me back the wrong cameras since it showed none of the 10 years of rough treatment all over the world. It looked like new, felt like new and called the tech. He said he had some old new stock of panels so he replaced everything, and did not charge me because he felt bad for changing $105. Complete cleaning and replacing buttons that were losing the label ink. I used on the next studio session with a favorite actor, who I used to date and she introduced me to the casting community. I am not sure if the difference was real or just imagined but that session was a joy to use that workhorse again and the results were very satisfying. What really matters is the intangibles more than the camera bodies. Any cameras made in the last 12 years is suitable for client pleasing results. I had forgotten how good ALL the Nikon bodies have been since the D3. I am no longer wishing for a Z9. When things get back to normal the option will be easily affordable but until that time I am very happy with the Z6/D850/D800. I am doing a location shoot this last few days in Kyrgystan and flying home in 3 hours. I have a lot of top 1.4 and 2.8 Nikkor F lenses, 18 from 12mm to 200, and always loved them but the Z6 and an 85 1.8 S sure reveal the limitations of the D bodies, they only work on F mount lenses

Hoping the Z8 is like what the D700 was to the D3 ... D3 lite! Had the option of a battery grip for more juice, but could be lighter if desired. Loved both of them for different reasons (both a step up from D2x!). Evening video capture on the bridges segments made me audibly WOW for imagery magic only a Merlin with best practices/equipment display. Kudos, mate!

Good comparison, I have been transitioning to the Z system over the past few years and since the Z9 has come out I have only the Z6ii and Z9 bodies, and only one F mount lens in my kit. It has been a painful transition, but I now feel confident that I made the right decision.

I just sold my Z7 and decided to stick with the D850 and a D800 backup for the next few years. The Z7 is superior in some aspects, but that is not the limiting factor in my photography. ;-)

I would love a Z7II, I got the Z6ii but I like to shoot landscape and macro the most, but I also do family photos and portraits. It just wasn't fully in the budget, but hopefully in the near future!

I just recently upgraded from a cropped sensor dslr to the z5 and I’m loving it. My plan is to start building up a collection of good lenses before upgrading cameras so I haven’t put much thought into what can’t next camera will be. As it stands right now I think I would shoot for the z7ii but maybe by that point there will be a z7iii or something else entirely that I may be more inclined to get. Who knows? Only time will tell.

I fit your Z7II customer description exactly, and that's what I just traded up to from a Z5. I don't do sports/wildlife and I'd rather avoid the giant size/weight of the dual grip camera format. I had some recent F lenses and used the adapter some but have traded over to Z lenses except for a couple oddities like a fisheye and tilt/shift still being F for now. I really like your moody dark ambiance night photography. I've done some and hope to copy that feel more myself.

Thanks for posting Matt. It all comes down to what you are shooting. As purely a landscape and portrait photographer who does a lot of hiking with a backpack filled with gear, the Z7 is as good as it gets with its smaller size and weight. I had been using the 810, 850 combination but compared to the Z7, they both feel like dated bricks and I rarely use them. I still have my 850 as a security blanket, but the Z7 has all of the same features for landscape plus more. The EVF for landscape is a huge advantage, but he real game changer is the Z glass. The trinity zooms are scary sharp and now the gold standards of the industry. For landscape and not needing autofocus, there is no need to get the Z7II, better to save your dollars for the fabulous glass.

Nice video Matt. Well, I had the Beast (D850) and planned to keep it as a forever. Possibly use it and get a Z7 as my new main. Well that was until accidentally I dropped my D850 (which was in superb condition / low shutter count) in a pool with my back pack. I ended up replacing it with a Z7II. Wow! The technology jump was awesome. I later plan to get the Z9 (or Z9II) as my future main with my Z7II as my 2nd camera. Still rocking my legacy glass which works great with the F to Z adapter. I’ll add some new Z glass soon. I am loving the new Z glass that Nikon has squeezed out lately, high quality. Still miss the legacy D850, best DSLR ever.

great convo Matt..and others... ive just bought a d850,(keeping also my d500 and d4s)...heading to the States/Canada in 4 weeks (from Oz) to shoot wildlife, and may buy a z9 there(as there seems a small 2nds market already) or may wait see what the next iteration looks like? ...im a wildlife and festival shooter and just starting up my utube vid with my XT4..hmmmmmm. My only concern with Z9 is Dynamic range for vid and low light shooting.. cheers muchly ..PS: the first vid i saw of yours was the Blad H4 in streets of melbourne.. i went and bought an H2 with phaseone back after that..love it!

I agree with the analysis that mirrors my move to Z7ii and Z6ii with 5 lenses so far. But I have 2 use cases that, as a hobbyist, keep me in some F’s. 1: I just enjoy shooting my D4, 700, 750 with screw mount and AF-S lenses. 2: I save $12,000 on a Z9/800mm by continuing with my D500 and 500 f4 w/1.4 TC. Together with the D4 and my 200-500 I have equivalent focal lengths 200-1,000. I know that with future offerings I’ll be going a different direction for #2 but I’m saving my 12G for now.

Love the D850 … Tremendous camera. I don’t shoot sports, very little wildlife and no video. My next camera might be medium format which makes more sense than swapping to mirrorless to me and I’ll keep my D850 and F glass.

Matt. Thanx for the rundown of these cameras. I think this is the best comparison I’ve seen. I’m only an enthusiast but I have all three camera bodies. D850, Z7II, and Z9. Love all three and will VERY reluctantly be trading my D850 and some f-mount glass when the 600mm or 200-600mm Z lens comes out. Out of all the blogs on cameras, I like yours best. Its honest, positive, and doesn’t knock other systems. ( so many have resorted to negative controversy to get clicks). Keep up the great content. And I think you are spot on in your views and content. We need the click sluts to go back to just good content so those of us who are not professionals can learn and get better. Thanx for your positive and informative content.

Great video as usual Mat, sold all my digital F mount gear in December D500 , D850 and 11 lenses, bought a Z6ii I'd previously owned the Z6 but got rid of it. added 70-200, 24-70,14-30 and a 20mm, ordered my Z9 last October and received it second batch mid January. I love it I partnered it up with the only F mount lens I kept a 500PF with a 1.4TC it's a superb combination, picked up my Z1.4TC yesterday and am still waiting for the 105 MC and the 100-400, will think about the 800 but will have to sell my wife or my Olympus system. keep up the good work and goodbye from an overcast England.

I went from a D850 to a Z7. And now from a Z7 to the Z9. The shooting experience from both Z cameras feel about the same, except for the lightning fast AF and bursts from the Z9. I've only had my Z9 for 3 days so time will tell other small niggles but so far it's amazing!

Good comparison video!!

As an owner of z6ii and z7ii I was looking forward to the 1 40 firmware. After the update I noticed a small improvement of the autofocus. It was a little more stickier than previous versions. On my wishlist is a separate bird autofocus option. It would be possible with two cpu's. And have the birdAF separated from dogs and catsAF. In this way it should be easier for the camera to just look for birds. This is as I said on my wishlist but I don't think this option will come until the "All over the World wanted" z9 has been delivered to their customers. Then it should be time for firmware 2.0. I ordered (and payed) the z9 late october last year but it seems like deliveries from Nikon to Sweden is not in priority. Little funny though...I ordered an extra battery for the z9 and today it arrived to me. So I have a z9....battery, but not the z9 camera.

Love your videos Matt 😊. I have a Nikon Z6 presently and thinking of upping to Z7ii, thanks to this video. Keep those videos coming…love your accent. I am from Canada eh 😊

Very interesting topic and it really helps. I got rid of all my Nikon gear. I really missed some of the lenses including a 200mm F/2, the 300mm PF F/4, and the 105mm F/1.4. I went to Leica, the SL mount, and although the glass is superb and the Leica SL2 is a very good camera, there was no getting away from the fact that the Nikon lenses I miss were also exceptionally good. I had a brief time with a Z7 and was very disappointed with it compared to a D850 but the D850 would never be able to do what modern mirrorless cameras could do when it came to autofocus. I am really impressed with the Z9 so while I intend to keep the Leica gear, I intend to pick up a Z9 and build up a collection of F and Z mount lenses to complement my Leica gear. For wildlife, sports, and events, it is clear that Nikon is back in the running against Sony and Canon.

Very good informative Video Matt. I was wondering if I really need to give up my F mount lenses, now I am feeling comfortable with using the FTZII. Thanks.

Thanks for the post. Looking forward to my Z9 arriving, already have the spare en el18D spare battery and the 24-120z should be here shortly. Is the Z9 a bit overkill for what I do, maybe, but the features are there for when I do need them. For me the 6/7 while very nice cameras are not for me. When tge 9 was announced and as I watched all the videos it addressed things I did not fully like on previous Z cameras, those that love them great 🙂. I plan to continue using my D850 anD F mount lenses along with the Z9, though the Z9 will get most of the use. Right now I use the D810 as my second camera, but thinking of trading it in when the Z9 arrives. Not seeing a reason to keep it, now about the only time it goes out is when I need to shoot with two bodies. 🙂I do take just it out for nature shots to let it know I remember it. Exciting times

That is why I chose the Z7II. I am not a sports or wildlife photographer but I do take pics when it is available. I have all of the Nikon Z F/1.8 S Primes plus the 40mm and 28mm lens. I use the Tamron F mount F/2.8 24-70mm and 70-200mm with both type of FTZ adapters. The MC 100mm and 50mm are fantastic also. the Nikkor 14-30mm F/4 S is excellent. So I have tried all of the Z cameras with their kit lens plus picked up the DX 18-140mm and I agree with your view. Use the camera best for your needs. The most important thing that was told to me which I agree with is that cameras come and go but glass are the jewels that you will keep longer until something special replaces it. Price, performance, portability and ease of use are what keep me using Nikon. I own all of the Zed cameras as you know and I am still on the fence for the Z9 because of 8k but how many people watch on tvs or computer monitors for that resolution especially when they have their cellphones. Love your story telling and videos. Stay safe and keep Smiling! Cheers!

I was in Nikon until bad experience with a Z6 with almost no lenses available (all the road… from the D100 to the D5). Then I move to Leica SL. An incredible camera and construction. However, the Z9 technology is really awesome. If a Z8 will be a Z9 sensor and autofocus technology in a cheaper body, I think I’ll be back on to Nikon. Thanks for your video. Cheers from Chile.

My D850 just keeps nailing the shots especially with the 500mm pf as I'm a birder. When I go mirrorless probably the Z8 the D850 will be in the buffalo leather bag too. Would love to have the Z9 if I needed it. Otherwise mirrorless is going to drive the price down on F glass and the DSLR which still works amazing making it easier to point anyone asking what to buy.

I was just talking about this with my girlfriend, because she was thinking of upgrading her camera body. This is a video that I am definitely sending her!!! Thank you for a great video and creepy that three days after we talked about this topic, your video was posted…..we’re you eavesdropping? Hahaha

I made the decision to sell my d850 with my 70-200 2.8 DSLR lens to subsidize the Z9 , so then the cost leap was far less for me to get this camera, i had the Z6 and kept that too as well as the Z 70-200 2.8 S lens. Mirrorless is the way , i shoot a number of things from sport to portraits and also need silent modes . I kept my D4 and a few lenses which includes a fantastic sigma 300 2.8 prime which also works great on the Z9 but a bit sluggish on my Z6 . No regrets !

I shoot mostly sports and wildlife with my Z7ii. It works very well, other than for birds in flight. Do I want to spend another couple of thousand pounds to correct this ? I'm not so sure. What I need is a Z7II with the autofocus of the Z9. I have no use for all the other bells and whistles.

Well Matt, as required updates of my Nikon equipment transpires, I will slide into the Z plan. However, I will buy lens adapters as I won’t dispose of my existing DSLR range. I still shoot underwater on a D90 DX - beautiful little camera, which works well - comes down to the subject and light for a good shot. I noted recently that the Z9 is $9000 Aus - lot of money, but worth it for a pro… not sure about the investment at my amateur level.

Thanks again for another great video. You make some wonderful points about the Z7 II, but my dilemma is that I still have the D850 and most of original F mount lenses that go with it. I still use it quite often in my travels and since I don't shoot wildlife or sports I don't see any real needs to get the Z9. Now you would think that the Z7 II would be my default option, BUT my issue with the Z7 II is that the camera basically does the same thing I ask for from a D850. I am slowly transitioning to the Z mount lenses and have gotten myself the original Z6. I would be very curious to see what an eventual Z8 will be like. I two wishes for such a camera is that it has a resolution of around 60 MP and that it comes in a slightly larger camera body, maybe similar in size to the D500/D780. My issue with the current batches of the Z5, Z6 and Z7 is that when you attach any of the large Z mount lenses (i.e. the holy F/2.8 trinity, 100-400, etc) it doesn't balance well with the camera body. So for me I guess I might as well wait and be patient.

Totally with you, Matt. I don't need a Z 9 for what it can do more and prefer the smaller size and lighter weight of the Z 7ii (that I ordered unseen when announced - selling my Z 7). The Z S-class glass is phenomenal and the f/1.8S lenses are in another league than the gold ring G and E F-mount lenses before. If Nikon had released firmware 3.4 to the Z 7 already when they announced the Z 7ii, the decision to upgrade would have been more difficult. With the Z 7ii at firmware level 1.4 now, I feel that significantly more is possible. Yes, I still have a D and some manual and screwdriver (AF-D) lenses, but would rather standardize to one (Z) platform, if possible. In the Z "S" primes, there's one you really need to try - the 105/2.8S macro. While Nikon solved my problems I had with them since I bought my first Nikon in 1975 (F2) - chromatic aberration in, and tint differences between, lenses - this 105/2.8S does that but also renders beautifully soft while being extremely sharp. And, if your trench-coat has large enough pockets, then a Z 7ii with a 28/2.8 (non S-class) is an excellent, almost pancake, walkabout lens.

Hi Matt love what you do, I own a D500, D7500, 200-500, 70-200 F2.8 F mount, 16-80 DX Z50 with 2 kit lens, F to Zll adaptor. Bird photography.

I have a D850 and recently got a Z7 II. I like both those cameras and use them both. If I want to travel light, I go with the Z7 II. I do not shoot video and I don't need the Z9 grip, so I won't be getting a Z9. However, I'll wait to see what comes after the Z9 and may move to that in the future.

Thank You, Matt, for such an informative video, I mainly shot cityscape and architecture only by using Nikon D810, this year I think on upgrade ... would you advise upgrading to D850 or Z7ii? is it time in 2022 to shift to a mirrorless system? I have 4-5 f glass and I am ok to sell and shift to the miriness system appreciate your valuable advice.

Great video, thank you. As a D7200 shooter who does a bit of everything with a focus on wildlife I was leaning toward the D850 just prior to the Z9 announcement, intending to get a A7S iii for video and starting to collect Sony glass. The banding on extremely pushed images completely excludes the Z7 (and previously the D7100) for me as I often do pretty wild edits. Now with the Z9 I don't need to split systems for video and stills. From what I can tell the D850 still has a very slight advantage in image quality over the Z9 but with the AF and many other improvements that minor IQ doesn't matter -- who cares about a minor IQ disadvantage when the overall hit rate is so much better on the Z9?

Speaking as a current D5 user..... I will be getting a Z9. No questions asked. I know this as a wonderful melbourne photographer let me have a short "play" with his Z9 attached via the adapter to my old 400mm 2.8 and it was amazing!! Since that time I have picked up the FTZii adapter and tested all my F mount glass on my Zfc. It all works. Even the old version 1 of the Tamron 70-200 2.8!!! This means that I can take my time in replacing my glass with the Z mount (s) glass. This is good for my wallet!

great video Matt but what about the z6 mk ii does it worth upgrading from the d850 for it ?

I went 'all the way' and have 0 regrets, lol. As Matt says, the actually bang for buck is insanely good. It's double the price of a Z7, but it is much more than double the camera.

Hi, great video. Does the Z7 11 have HSS capability (I use the D850 with the Flashpoint AD200 with no problem) and does the Z7 11 also have focus peaking?

Excellent comparison but....Just curious, besides the two card slots why the Z7II over the Z7 ?

The F-Z adapter works fine with D (or even older) F mount lenses. Just have to manually focus. Wish the focus peaking was better on my Z6 though 🤔

I had the Z6... changed for the Z7ii and now I have the Z9 since 3 months... I really loved my Z6! so easy, fast and good image quality... some disappointment with the Z7... not about the camera by itself, but not a significant difference (on real life) with the Z6... keeping my Z6 would be a smarter move! but... now... the Z9.... other playgrounds! way too much video features for my needs... but, just fun, very fun to use!

Upgraded from a d810 to a z7ii 9 months ago and very pleased. Yes, would love a z9, but can’t justify that with my wife😂😂😂

Nice comparison Matt. There's a couple of points I'd like to make, though: in actual use, it turns out that the D850 has a more reliable AF than the Z7 (II) for stills (obviously not for video; video AF is really subpar on the D850), despite having less AF points and less sensor coverage. Depending on what you shoot, that may be important. Konstantin Kochkin from Grays of Westminster pointed that out a while ago when saying that he still relied on the D850 as opposed to the Z7 (II) for his critical work. I don't know if firmware version 1.40 changes that in favor of the Z7 II, it remains to be seen. Strangely, I've seen almost no reviews at all of this firmware's effects so far (certainly none from major YT channels). On the other hand, the D850 unfortunately doesn't have IBIS - since 45 MP make even the slightest camera shake evident at low to moderate shutter speeds without image stabilization, there's a potential loss of sharpness if you don't use VR lenses, especially longer ones. Fortunately, one can make up for that by increasing the shutter speed (at the price of increasing ISO or using a flash as well if you want to keep the depth of field fixed) or using a tripod. I'd also like to expand a bit on ergonomics, size and weight, which were briefly addressed in the video: the Z7 (II) is indeed smaller and lighter than the D850, but the grip is not as comfortable (especially for people with larger hands), as you pointed out. On the other hand, the extra size and weight of the Z9 due to the integrated vertical grip are not for everyone, unless the features unique to the Z9 outweigh that for one's use case (no pun intended). The superb ergonomics and the particular weight of the D850 makes for perfect balance with larger F-mount primes which are not long telephoto lenses, such as the delicious Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E (for which, by the way, there is no planned replacement/upgrade in the current Z-mount roadmap). Finally, it's a different choice if you already have the D850. Neither the Z7 (II) nor the Z9 are obvious upgrades to it - there are quite a few tradeoffs in either case, especially considering the investment to be made and how much you'd be able to sell your current D850 for (supposing you're willing to do it). There still is no true mirrorless successor to the D850 in Nikon's lineup yet, and I agree with you that neither did Nikon intend the Z7 (II) to be it - as evidence of that, the D850 and the Z7 (II) still remain in the same price range. As for me, right now I'd rather get a Z6 II (or, more desirably, an Expeed 7-equipped future upgrade of it) as a cheaper, lighter, more video-capable and IBIS-enabled path to Z glass but only as a companion to my D850, rather than a replacement.

Matt,, interesting vid. Lots to think about. Have Z6II can’t decide if need 45mp or not but am investing in more glass. (Started from scratch). To keep expenses down a bit am buying used newer f mount , that 300pf is a beauty. Just got a very slightly used Z 50mm 1.8 to try . What I really want to say is how great the quality and style of your videos are. Visually are super. No matter the subject. My bet is you could make one on paint drying and we’d be mesmerized. Thanks

Rocking a D780, waiting for the Z6III to see what that looks like

I have been thinking about it for awhile. I originally bought a z6 than sold it. I am planning on selling my d750 d7200 d850 and hang onto the d500. I will pick up a z7II. I think this gives me the best use of my money and covers my needs.

Twelve years with a D700, 16-35, 24-70, 70-200 with absolutely no complaints. Primarily a landscape photographer thus the speed factor is eliminated. Large hands so I’m not comfortable with a tiny camera body… Yesterday I purchased a D850 as an addition to my bag, not a replacement.

I only ever upgrade so I still have the D850 but when I get my next body it will be the Z9 as I can see with that body a leap in what I can do with the D850 currently A few needs come first before a want

The Z9 shows that a powerful enough processor takes us to the next industry S-curve (from mirrorless to mirror/shutterless bodies) for stills photography. Hardware limitations will influence what trickes down in future software updates for existing bodies and hardware choices what might appear in new models.

Currently have a Z6 with only Z glass. I am mulling over my next move is it Z6ll or Z7ll that is the question?

The Z7ii and Z6ii serves me well as wildlife photographer as the Z9 remains unavailable. Waiting from day 1 and still the waiting list in South Africa is reserved for the NPS users. So they can through 3.0 and 4.0 but if these is no stock it means nothing for users such as me that have used Nikon for 30 yrs. So waiting for the Z9 and 200-600, hope I get to use it in the next 2-3 yrs.. Or Sony A1 and 200-600 might be the next best option.

I’m a little late jumping to the Nikon party. I just purchased a mint Z7 with z lenses just over $2000. I think I will be happy.

Hello Matt, When I first picked up my D800e after using my D700 for a number of years, it felt great and at the time every one was saying it would not work without the hi pass filter but it was great. Then x years later the D850 came out and I will agree simply the best DSLR full stop. I did not see a great benefit to the first mirrorless cameras from Nikon the D850 was fine for me. But after herring so much about the Z glass when the Z7ii was announced I ordered one. A very good camera in a number of ways, better than the D850 but never felt the build quality was the same. Now the Z9 was rumoured as I never had one of Nikons flagship cameras I was not interested and at the time I was thinking the price would be that of a D6+ or $7000. Was I wrong there? I did a wildlife shoot in late December 2021 with my Z7ii and 500mm pf and to be honest was not all that happy with the results. So the Z9 price was out wow, in Mid January 2022 I ordered a Z9 and in the second week of March 2022 I had my own Z9 in my hands. What a camera there is so much to it I just keep finding more things it does very very well, and then version 2 of the firmware comes out and bring even more great features to work with. Yes the Z9 is worth every penny.

Great video Matt. I have to admit I'm a Z fanboy! The story you tell is a reflection of my Z journey, I had all the F mount gear, D850, D5 etc, and made the decision to change and have never looked back. Got a first gen Z7, Z7II and a Z9 and just love them all, especially the Z9. For sports shooting it's out of this world. Also, Z mount glass is superb. I recently purchased a second-hand Z5 which I carry around for a bit of street photography and 'casual' shooting. That is a great little camera which is nice and light and compact. A real bargain in itself and I think a little overlooked in comparison to its big brothers. Cheers, Richard

My primary camera is the D850. I also have a Z6. The F-Mount E series glass works amazingly well on my Z6. I feel no urgency to change cameras. I use my D850 for action and wildlife. I use my Z6 for portraiture and small events.

Thanks for the advice Matt. I can afford the Z9 but gonna stick with my trusty D700.....Why?....think all types of DSLR cameras whether mirrorless or whatever are going down the Microsoft/Apple marketing style....Win7 Win10....Iphone 10 iphone 13....Pro etc. I used to shoot 35mm film and loved it but sadly processing , film and chemicals etc became very expensive. I will say 1 very profound thing though......film made you a good Photographer unlike Digital which can make you "appear" to be a good shooter thanks to Photoshop.....???

Awesome vid, Matt! One of these days I'll probably get a Z8 whenever that comes to fruition. Predominately, I do portraits and I'm good with my Z6 for what I do and even my D750 for my screwdrive lenses (only have three of them).

Great video Matt, as always. I have the D850, Z6 and Z fc, 4 x Z lenses and 6 x F lenses. I hardly ever shoot wildlife or sports and don't shoot much video either. I would love a Z7 or Z7 II as it would make the perfect travel camera for me, when paired with Z lenses - providing super image quality and being a relatively small and light kit. I keep asking myself if I should trade in my D850 for a used Z7 or a new Z7 II. Or, trade in my Z6 for a used Z7?

B&H has had the D850 on sale for $2500. My D850 is plenty good enough for me. I am not jumping on the mirrorless bandwagon. Maybe if I did video I would sing another tune but I don't do video

I remember when Nikon 1st came out with the D1, D2, D3. Nikon always had the companion cameras like the D100 , D200 and D 300. I wish they had a companion camera to the Z9 at a reduced price.

Maybe not your target audience, but there was one area you may have touched on, and that's the amateur/enthusiast shooters. I totally agree that a Z9 would, for pro togs, pay for itself. All I have seen in reviews is that it's a great investment. For me, as an amateur with enough of a budget to but pro, but not top of the line pro, The choice between Z7, Z7ii and D850 is an interesting one. For the record, I picked up a D850 in 2021, a 50th birthday gift to myself, upgrading my 10 year old D7000, and finally slipping into Full Frame. The Z7ii was not out yet so really it was Z7 vs D850, but lets say I'm making the same decision now. Whilst the prices are similar, upgrading from a prior F-mount Nikon means that I would need the FTZ (or FTZii) converter. Then there is battery life, over 1800 shots on the D850, compared to 330 and 420 on the Z7's. Even on a 3 hour modelling shoot, or a day wandering around a foreign city, I am unlikely to shoot 1000 shots ... but I could shoot several hundred. That means I need another 1, maybe another 2 batteries as well. In pricing I looked up on the Aus website where I got the D850 .... prices are now AUD 3,611 for the D850 AUD 4,053 for the Z7 + FTZii + 2 x EN-EL15c AUD 5,465 for the Z7ii + FTZii + 2 x EN-EL15c What do I get for the additional cost? Well.. not a lot. The Z9 is worth double the price (especially for a pro) but 50% more for the Z7ii? 12% more for the Z7 when you look at comparisons like Camera Decision where the Z7 and D850 are ostensibly identical, with the Z7 having poorer battery life and being smaller for my fat fingers. For now ..... Z7ii might be OK if you feel the need to get into the new system, but for a prosumer, upgrading with existing glass ... D850 is still a clear winner, even today.

As a Landscape Photographer I love the Z7II - but for Wildlife & Birds I used & loved my D500 much more - all about the AF Speed. Sometimes I miss the HighRes Qaulity and will have an Eye on the D850 (used) - because the Z9 is too expensive ... Or is there an AF Firmware update for the Z7II in the pipeline?????????? that´s is probably that´s what I´m waiting for.......

I was NPS for years and sold off all my gear and dabbled in the Sony and Fuji system, recently moved back to Nikon picking up the Z7II, 14-24, 24-70 and the 70-200 all f/2.8, I finally got my Z9 and was thinking of selling the Z7II for the cash but just no if I can do it. I was on the waiting list for the 100-400 and finally gave up and got the 500 pf so I have a great kit, the sale of the Z7II would help with the funds but I am going to try and make it work.

My uses case: Landscape photography and family photos. Advanced amateur of 40 years experience. I have the Zfc, Z6 and Z7II mirrorless cameras. I also kept my D850. One thing I really value about mirrorless is how light the camera/lens combos can be…for me the Z7II with 24-120mm Z glass is my every day set up, with Z primes for people pics, low light and macro. Z6 and Zfc for even lighter photowalks with the 40mm f2 and 28mm f2.8 Z glass attached. That is, until winter. Here in Canada, I often shoot at -20C and wear bulky photography gloves. The D850 just works better in deep cold. Way better battery life. Much easier to clear the viewfinder of thick frost from my breath. No toggle between viewfinder and back screen. Button are just easier to use when you have numb fingertips. When its that cold, I find the Zs a bit more difficult to operate, even with the grip. My D850 with f2.8 Trinity glass is still an awesome camera combo in 2022. If $ fell into my lap, I would get Z9 in a heartbeat, but its unjustifiable based on my current use case….$ to lenses instead.

Hey Matt, I will be getting a Z9.

I found using my F-Mount 105mm MICRO f/2.8 lens with the FTZ on the Z7II was a lot slower at focusing than with my D750, which is annoying as the focus limiter on that lens only limits how close it can go, it doesn’t limit the infinity end like the equivalent Z lens does, which makes it less than idea for macro photography with this lens and camera configuration :(

I have d850 and z7ii. My favorit lens ,Nikon 200-400 f4, dosent work on the z7ii. All picks get very dark. Is this a common problem? Works fine on d850

I'm happy you made this video. I feel some Nikon fans are living in a fatancy world. Now that you've used all the high-end Nikon cameras. Is the Z8 necessary? Cause they view it as the D850 replacement. Some view it as the Z9 mini should Nikon go ahead or just keep things straight - forward?

Hello Matt - great video explaining the pluses and minuses. The z7 just dropped by 1000 dollars here in the states and is now $1795 in the US. I was all set to go with the z7 II but at a 1000 dollar difference I am considering a z7 - the only difference after the latest firmware is the battery grip and powered charging. I don’t see any other advantage so I am going to get the z7 - your thoughts?

I would like to make a case for the D850 (I am considering ordering one in the near future). I have some experience with mirrorless cameras. My first full manual camera was the Panasonic Lumix GH3, one of the first mirrorless cameras? When I moved to a DSLR I really missed the focus options including face detection, priority of subjects (yes it remembered faces and set a priority of who to keep in focus), seeing the exposure before hitting the shutter and the sharpness of the micro-four thirds sensor. That said, those features came at a cost. After my move to a DSLR I found I cannot live without framing a shot and getting close to focus with manual focus before turning the camera on, the fast switch on time, being able to take 1,000 plus photos on a single battery (the lumix at times powered down after 200 shots). I also dont miss battery cycling and charging many batteries before a shoot. For me the DSLR may miss some of the features of mirrorless cameras, but these I can live without. However, I cannot live with the downsides that come along with using a mirrorless camera (battery drain and not having access to any camera feature without using power).

Great Video and comparison of the cameras. Yes the Z9 is absolut impressive in its specs and plays in another league especially from the pricepoint. A few month ago I decided to change my camera. I have a number of f-mount lenses and had a D810. I'm interessted in the new Z-Models especially the Z7ii. But when I visit a camera shop and pick the Z7ii it feels not comfortable in my hands. I have big hands and I love the size and the weight of the D810. Also the work with an digital viewfinder is not that satisfactory. I do landscape- and product-/industrial- photography and for my work it is sufficient to use a DSLR. So i made a decision and bought a D850. and I'm happy with my choice. A great upgrade to my workhorse D810 and as the last big DSLR a ideal value.

I have a d850 but the Z camera just felt too cheap on my hand and I sent it right back. I really felt like the physical camera was a huge step back in quality from the d850. The z9 seems more what I want but I shoot landscapes and don’t need amazing focusing or frame rates. So I don’t know if I should just just stick with what I have

Im going with the d850 , i played with the z9 for a week in scotland but just didnt bond with it , loved the built in grip , super sturdy on a tripod , but the electric viewfinder bugged me after a short while , you dont need 20 fps 😆😆😆 raw , for wildlife , i have a friend whos had his z9 for a year and maxxed his shutter count , it still works but hes always expecting it to quit ,

I currently dont own a mirrorless camera. However, I do own a D850 and a D500, both with the grips. I tend to use my D850 for all my landscape, nature, night sky, macro and long exposure work. I use my D500 for all wildlife and sports or anything with action. I love my D500 for those because not only do i get a slightly faster frame rate, but I also get the extra reach of the crop sensor. I am looking at going mirrorless, but am unsure which way I want to go. I have a friend that uses a Z6 for his night sky and from the tests I have seen, the Z6/Z6ii is the best Nikon body for low light, even against the Z9 or any of the other Nikon DSLR flagships of the past. However, I don’t want to be buying multiple bodies for different things. I am looking at the Z9 as a temp replacement of my D850, only because I do not want to give up my D500 yet because of the extra reach with my 200-500 lens. I would hold on to that lens until the 200-600 releases, the sell that body and hope that Nikon has released a Z8 with a high megapixel that i can use as the true replacement for my D850 for all my fine detailed work and then use the Z9 as the true sports and action phenom that it is.