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Nikon D850 vs Z fc

The Nikon D850 and the Nikon Z fc are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in July 2017 and June 2021. The D850 is a DSLR, while the Z fc is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (D850) and an APS-C (Z fc) sensor. The D850 has a resolution of 45.4 megapixels, whereas the Z fc provides 20.7 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D850
versus
Nikon Z fc
Nikon D850   Nikon Z fc
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
45.4 MP – Full Frame sensor 20.7 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 64-25,600 (32 - 102,400) ISO 100-51,200 (100 - 204,800)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.2" LCD – 2359k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Tilting touchscreen Swivel touchscreen
9 shutter flaps per second 11 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
1840 shots per battery charge300 shots per battery charge
146 x 124 x 79 mm, 1005 g 135 x 94 x 44 mm, 445 g
logo
Check D850 price at
amazon.com
logo
Check Z fc price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D850 and the Nikon Z fc? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D850 and the Nikon Z fc are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The Z fc can be obtained in seven different colors (silver, grey, brown, pink, green, white, beige), while the D850 is only available in black.

Size Nikon D850 vs Nikon Z fc
Compare D850 versus Z fc top
Comparison D850 or Z fc rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon Z fc is considerably smaller (30 percent) than the Nikon D850. Moreover, the Z fc is substantially lighter (56 percent) than the D850. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D850 is splash and dust resistant, while the Z fc does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the D850 gets 1840 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL15a battery, while the Z fc can take 300 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL25 power pack. The power pack in the Z fc can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D850 146 mm 124 mm 79 mm 1005 g 1840 i Jul 2017 US$ 3 299 amazon.com
2.
 
Nikon Z fc 135 mm 94 mm 44 mm 445 g 300 i Jun 2021 US$ 959 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 i Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 i Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T20 118 mm 83 mm 41 mm 383 g 350 i Jan 2017 US$ 899ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 i Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D600 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 i Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 i Oct 2013 US$ 1 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D800 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 i Feb 2012 US$ 2 999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D800E 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 i Feb 2012 US$ 3 299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 i Jun 2014 US$ 3 299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D5300 125 mm 98 mm 76 mm 480 g 600 i Oct 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 i Jan 2015 US$ 899ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 i Nov 2013 US$ 2 749ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon Z30 128 mm 74 mm 60 mm 405 g 330 i Jun 2022 US$ 709 amazon.com
16.
 
Nikon Z50 127 mm 94 mm 60 mm 450 g 320 i Oct 2019 US$ 859 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 i Sep 2016 US$ 3 199ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty Camera
Model

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Z fc was launched at a markedly lower price (by 71 percent) than the D850, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D850 features a full frame sensor and the Nikon Z fc an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the Z fc is 57 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, the Z fc uses a more advanced image processing engine (EXPEED 6) than the D850 (EXPEED 5), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Nikon D850 and Nikon Z fc sensor measures

With 45.4MP, the D850 offers a higher resolution than the Z fc (20.7MP), but the D850 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.35μm versus 4.22μm for the Z fc) due to its larger sensor. However, the Z fc is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 11 months) than the D850, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D850 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D850 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 27.5 inches or 104.9 x 69.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 22 inches or 83.9 x 55.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 18.3 inches or 69.9 x 46.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon Z fc are 27.8 x 18.6 inches or 70.7 x 47.1 cm for good quality, 22.3 x 14.8 inches or 56.6 x 37.7 cm for very good quality, and 18.6 x 12.4 inches or 47.1 x 31.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Z fc has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Nikon D850 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 64 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 32-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon Z fc are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-204800.

In terms of underlying technology, the D850 is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the Z fc uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D850 versus Z fc MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D850 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.414.82660100
2.
 
Nikon Z fc APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.213.8213185
3.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
4.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T20 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.2170481
6.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
7.
 
Nikon D600 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.2298094
8.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
9.
 
Nikon D800 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.314.4285395
10.
 
Nikon D800E Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.614.3297996
11.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
12.
 
Nikon D5300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.9133883
13.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
14.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280i24.613.1327989
15.
 
Nikon Z30 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.313.9223086
16.
 
Nikon Z50 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.113.6196384
17.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
  empty Camera
Model

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/30p).

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Z fc has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the D850 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the D850 has a higher magnification than the one of the Z fc (0.75x vs 0.68x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D850 and Nikon Z fc in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D850optical i3.2 / 2359 tilting i 1/8000s 9.0/s i i
2.
 
Nikon Z fc2360 i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/4000s 11.0/s i i
3.
 
Canon 5DSoptical i3.2 / 1040 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
4.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical i3.2 / 1040 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T202360 i3.0 / 1040 tilting i 1/4000s 8.0/s i i
6.
 
Nikon D5optical i3.2 / 2359 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
7.
 
Nikon D600optical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/4000s 5.5/s i i
8.
 
Nikon D610optical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/4000s 6.0/s i i
9.
 
Nikon D800optical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 4.0/s i i
10.
 
Nikon D800Eoptical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 4.0/s i i
11.
 
Nikon D810optical i3.2 / 1229 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
12.
 
Nikon D5300optical i3.2 / 1037 swivel i 1/4000s 5.0/s i i
13.
 
Nikon D5500optical i3.2 / 1037 swivel i 1/4000s 5.0/s i i
14.
 
Nikon Dfoptical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/4000s 5.5/s i i
15.
 
Nikon Z30i i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/4000s 11.0/s i i
16.
 
Nikon Z502360 i3.2 / 1040 tilting i 1/4000s 11.0/s i i
17.
 
Sony A99 II2400 i3.0 / 1229 full-flex i 1/8000s 12.0/s i i
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
  empty Camera
Model
The Z fc has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the D850 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Z fc is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon D850 and the Nikon Z fc both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The D850 writes its imaging data to SDXC or XQD cards, while the Z fc uses SDXC cards. The D850 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the Z fc only has one slot. The D850 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the Z fc can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D850 and Nikon Z fc and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D850istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
2.
 
Nikon Z fcistereo / monoiimicro3.2iii
3.
 
Canon 5DSimono / monoiimini3.0iii
4.
 
Canon 5DS Rimono / monoiimini3.0iii
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T20istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
6.
 
Nikon D5istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
7.
 
Nikon D600imono / monoiimini2.0iii
8.
 
Nikon D610imono / monoiimini2.0iii
9.
 
Nikon D800imono / monoiimini3.0iii
10.
 
Nikon D800Eimono / monoiimini3.0iii
11.
 
Nikon D810istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
12.
 
Nikon D5300istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
13.
 
Nikon D5500istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
14.
 
Nikon Dfii / iiimini2.0iii
15.
 
Nikon Z30istereo / monoiimicro3.2iii
16.
 
Nikon Z50istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
17.
 
Sony A99 IIistereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
  empty Camera
Model

It is notable that the D850 has a headphone jack, which is not present on the Z fc This port makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D850 (unlike the Z fc) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the D850 and the Z fc are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The D850 replaced the earlier Nikon D810, while the Z fc does not have a direct predecessor. Further information on the features and operation of the D850 and Z fc can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D850 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon Z fc Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D850 and the Nikon Z fc? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Advantages of the Nikon D850:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (45.4 vs 20.7MP) with a 48% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
  • Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.75x vs 0.68x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2359k vs 1040k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1840 versus 300) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in July 2017).


Reasons to prefer the Nikon Z fc:

  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (EXPEED 6 vs EXPEED 5).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 9 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (135x94mm vs 146x124mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 560g or 56 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (71 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 3 years and 11 months of technical progress since the D850 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the D850 is the clear winner of the match-up (18 : 13 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D850 18:13 Z fc

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D850 and the Nikon Z fc place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the D850 or the Z fc perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D8504.5/5+ +5/589/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2017 US$ 3 299 amazon.com
2.
 
Nikon Z fc4/5..4.5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2021 US$ 959 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X-T205/5+ +5/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 US$ 899ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D6004/5+ +..87/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D8005/5+ +..82/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 US$ 2 999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D800E......84/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 US$ 3 299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 US$ 3 299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D53004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 US$ 899ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 US$ 2 749ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon Z304/5..4/586/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2022 US$ 709 amazon.com
16.
 
Nikon Z505/5..5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2019 US$ 859 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 3 199ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty  Camera 
 Model 

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Check D850 price at
amazon.com
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Check Z fc price at
amazon.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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  • Kodak AZ901
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  • Olympus E-1
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  • Pentax 645D
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Specifications: Nikon D850 vs Nikon Z fc

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

Camera Specifications
Camera Model Nikon D850 Nikon Z fc
Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses
Launch Date July 2017 June 2021
Launch Price USD 3,299 USD 959
Sensor Specs Nikon D850 Nikon Z fc
Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
Sensor Size 35.9 x 23.9 mm 23.5 x 15.7 mm
Sensor Area 858.01 mm2 368.95 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 43.1 mm 28.3 mm
Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
Sensor Resolution 45.4 Megapixels 20.7 Megapixels
Image Resolution 8256 x 5504 pixels 5568 x 3712 pixels
Pixel Pitch 4.35 μm 4.22 μm
Pixel Density 5.30 MP/cm2 5.60 MP/cm2
Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO Setting 64 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
ISO Boost 32 - 102,400 ISO 100 - 204,800 ISO
Image Processor EXPEED 5 EXPEED 6
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 100 ..
DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.4 ..
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.8 ..
DXO Low Light (ISO) 2660 ..
Screen Specs Nikon D850 Nikon Z fc
Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.75x 0.68x
Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
LCD Resolution 2359k dots 1040k dots
LCD Attachment Tilting screen Swivel screen
Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
Shooting Specs Nikon D850 Nikon Z fc
Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/4000s
Continuous Shooting 9 shutter flaps/s 11 shutter flaps/s
Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/4000s
Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
Storage Medium SDXC or XQD cards SDXC cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
UHS card support UHS-II UHS-I
Connectivity Specs Nikon D850 Nikon Z fc
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 3.2
HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
Near-Field Communication NFC built-in no NFC
Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
Body Specs Nikon D850 Nikon Z fc
Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
Battery Type Nikon EN-EL15a Nikon EN-EL25
Battery Life (CIPA)1840 shots per charge300 shots per charge
In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
Body Dimensions 146 x 124 x 79 mm
(5.7 x 4.9 x 3.1 in)
135 x 94 x 44 mm
(5.3 x 3.7 x 1.7 in)
Camera Weight 1005 g (35.5 oz) 445 g (15.7 oz)
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