Nikon

We expect the Z7 image quality to be similar but slightly better than that of the D850.

Here are some of the relevant details about the Z6 and Z7:

• Both do 4K at 30/25/24P and 144Mbps (H.264)
• 10 bit / N-Log / 422 is only on HDMI out (boo!)
• Focus peaking, zebras
• IBIS
• Questionable battery life (we need some good tests on this)
• $3400 for the Z7 and $2000 for the Z6

Some video samples:

Who would have thought we would say the day where Nikon bested Canon for video in their DSLR. The D850 is an exceptional stills cam. Perhaps the best stills cam with its sensor size. So having great video is a bonus too and makes for a great hybrid camera.

Keep in mind this is a hand-held sample shot in a camera store with a 105mm lens that does not have image-stabilization. There are some concerning features to this video though (rolling shutter and jitter). However, as the technique wasn’t appropriate we can’t really make any conclusions.

With better technique:

It’s hard to tell from this two minute video how good the Nikon D850’s video quality really is. The lack of IBIS definitely requires more thoughtful and supportive movements. But compared to Nikon’s previous attempts at video this is obviously their best yet.

Nikon D850 Specifications:

Resolution: 45.7 megapixels of effective resolution. 45.4 MP files rich in detail. CMOS backlit sensor in full Nikon FX format and without low-pass optical filter.

• Speeds: 7 fps or 9 fps when using the optional MB-D18 multi-power battery pack (with the EN-EL18B battery inserted).
• ISO Sensitivity in Light: The powerful Nikon EXPEED 5 image processor delivers outstandingly sharp images in the ISO 64-25.600 range, expandable from 32 to 102.400 ISO (equivalent). The full ISO range is also available for 4K video shooting.
• Accuracy: The same phenomenal 153-point Autofocus system of the Nikon D5 top range provides sensitivity up to -4EV at the center point (ISO 100, 20 ° C). Exposure measurement up to -3EV allows precise exposure even under conditions where the only source of light is lunar.
• 4K video with no clipping factor: Record full-size movies at 4K / UHD at 30p, without clipping factor limitations. Snap for over three hours using the MB-D18 multi-power battery pack.
• Accelerated time-lapse movies in 4K directly “on the camera” but not only: in addition, the Nikon D850 uses its 45.7 megapixels to create fast and spectacular 8K post-production movies.
• RAW format flexibility: Snaps into 45.4 MP RAW format (large size), 25.6 MP (average size), or 11.4 MP (small size).
• In every room: thanks to its rugged body and ready to handle all weather conditions, the Nikon D850 is ready to resume in any kind of extreme environment. The same full-blinking light on the Nikon D5 guarantees ease of use even in the middle of the night.
• Quick Store: The two-card slot drive allows you to use a SD UHS-II and an XQD for quick file save.

The Nikon D850 interests us because it appears to be Nikon’s first full frame camera that shoots 4K without crop.

An unconfirmed source has told us that the price for the D850 will be $4,500 CAD, which would amount to approximately $3,500 USD. Ouch if true.

We don’t hate the Nikon D7500 as much as everyone else (although the lack of compatibility with some older Nikon lenses, lack of battery grip, and single card slot aren’t preferable). It’s a nice, small camera with amazing autofocus. Video though is the same old Nikon story: No one buys Nikon for 4K video. The D7500 of course shares the same horrendous video crop factor of it’s big brother the Nikon D500.