Both Nikon Z7 and Nikon D850 have Full frame sized 46.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution is not a differentiator between these two cameras.
Another similarity between these two cameras is that both Nikon D850 and Nikon Z7 sensors lack anti-alias (Low-Pass) filters. 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 Z7 and D850 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon Z7 and Nikon D850 Cameras
Nikon Z7 and Nikon D850 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
DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. It 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. Nikon Z7 and Nikon D850 sensors have been tested by DxO and the results show that D850 has a better overall score of 100, 1 points higher compared to Z7's score of 99.
Model
Overall
Color Depth
Dynamic Range
Low-light ISO
Nikon Z7
99
26.3 bits
14.6 Evs
2668 ISO
Nikon D850
100
26.4 bits
14.8 Evs
2660 ISO
Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each
of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the
Nikon Z7
or the
Nikon D850 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
