The Nikon D850 is Nikon’s best high-resolution DSLR and the Nikon Z6 III is a full-frame mirrorless camera, released seven years after the D850. Being from such different eras, they have quite a few differences. Which one is right for you?
Nikon D850 vs Nikon Z6 III Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon D850 | Nikon Z6 III |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | July 2017 | June 2024 |
| Camera Type | DSLR | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | Partially Stacked CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 5 | EXPEED 7 |
| Resolution | 45.7 MP | 24.5 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 8256×5504 | 6048×4024 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 4.35µ | 5.94µ |
| Low Pass Filter | No | Yes |
| IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) | No | Yes |
| Base ISO | ISO 64 | ISO 100 |
| Max Native ISO | ISO 25,600 | ISO 64,000 |
| Extended ISOs | ISO 32-102,400 | ISO 50-204,800 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | No | Yes |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Shoot Burst Mode | No | Yes (JPEG only) |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/8000 | 1/16000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 900 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | 7 FPS | 14 FPS |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 7 FPS | 20 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | Up to 9 FPS with MB-D18 grip | None |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | 200 frames (7 FPS) | Over 1000 frames (20 FPS) |
| Autofocus System | Phase Detect | Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition |
| Autofocus Points | 153 | 273 |
| Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100) | -4 EV | -8.5 EV |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/200 |
Video Features | ||
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal) | 8 bits | 12 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 8 bits | 12 bits |
| Raw Video | No | Yes |
| 6K Maximum Framerate | N/A | 60 FPS |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 30 FPS | 120 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 240 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | No | No |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:0, 4:2:2 (External) | 4:2:2 |
| Video Recording Limit | 30 min | 125 min |
Physical and Other Features | ||
| Card Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Type | CFExpress Type B | CFExpress Type B |
| Slot 2 Type | SD (UHS-II) | SD (UHS-II) |
| Rear LCD Size (Diagonal) | 3.2 in | 3.2 in |
| Rear LCD Resolution | 2.36 million dots | 2.1 million dots |
| Articulating LCD | Single Axis | Fully Articulating |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism / OVF | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.75x | 0.8x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | 5.76 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Voice Memo | No | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type | Micro B 3.0 | Type C 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Battery Type | EN-EL15a | EN-EL15c |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 1840 frames | 360 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | N/A1 | 390 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | N/A | 410 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 1005 g (2.22 lbs.) | 760 g (1.68 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 146 x 124 x 79 mm (5.7 x 4.9 x 3.1″) | 139 x 102 x 89 mm (5.5 x 4.0 x 3.5″)2 |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $3000 (Check Current Price) | $2500 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices (Affiliate) | Nikon D850 Used Prices | Nikon Z6 III Used Prices |
| 1Not specified by Nikon | ||
| 2The Nikon Z6 III’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 15mm were added to the Z6 III’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
Summary and Recommendations
The Nikon D850 is still very capable and widely-regarded. Unlike the slightly faster D5 and D6 models, the D850 has a 45.7MP sensor, making it one of the most popular Nikon DSLRs. It was also the second-last DSLR ever released by Nikon.
The D850 is considered an all-purpose DSLR and can easily handle most situations. Its autofocus is similar to the D500 and is thus still used by many for action and wildlife. No doubt the D850 deserves a lot of respect.
But the Z6 III is much newer, and it cannot be denied that the Z6 III incorporates many advances. It has subject-recognition autofocus that works better than the D850 in most cases. Also, it shoots twice as fast as the D850 at 14fps, even with the mechanical shutter. And, the Z6 III has seriously upgraded video compared to the D850, which was just barely capable in that regard.
Suffice it to say, the Z6 III is overall a better camera. But the D850 still has a few advantages. It’s got better battery life and a 45.7MP sensor, whereas the Z6 III is only 24MP. And while 24MP is enough for almost anyone, the extra megapixels of the D850 gives you an effective 1.4x increase in linear detail in the most ideal of conditions, and thus more cropping latitude.
Which one would I get today? I love the D850 but I’d get the Z6 III. The autofocus is good enough to replace the D850 and the Z6 III also gives you the silent shutter and it’s also much easier to use at low levels due to the rear screen. However, the D850 is still a reasonable choice for those who prefer DSLRs or who want that high-resolution sensor at a good price.
What does the Nikon D850 offer over the Nikon Z6 III?
- 1.87 times more megapixels (45.7MP vs 24.5MP)
- Better battery life when using the viewfinder, with approximately 1480 more shots according to CIPA measurements
What does the Nikon Z6 III offer over the Nikon D850?
- In-body image stabilization, allowing for easier handheld photography even with non-stabilized lenses
- Lighter weight (245g lighter or about 1.3 times lighter)
- Lower price, costing $500 less
Questions? Go to our forum, where you can start a conversation and talk to photographers about these two cameras!
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