Both Nikon D850 and Nikon Z9 have Full frame sized 46.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution is not a differentiator between these two cameras.
Another difference between these two cameras is that Nikon D850's sensor lacks anti-alias (Low-Pass) filter. Removing anti-alias filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but at the same time, it increases the chance of moiré occurring in certain scenes.
Below you can see the D850 and Z9 sensor size comparison.
Nikon D850 and Nikon Z9 have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.
DxOMark Sensor Scores
Both Nikon D850 and Nikon Z9 sensors have been tested by DxoMark. DxoMark scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Of the two cameras that we are comparing, D850 has scored 100, 2 points higher than Z9.
Model |
Overall |
Color Depth |
Dynamic Range |
Low-light ISO |
Nikon D850 |
100 |
26.4 bits |
14.8 Evs |
2660 ISO |
Nikon Z9 |
98 |
26.3 bits |
14.8 Evs |
2451 ISO |