Nikon D800 vs Nikon Z6 II: An Expert’s Hands-On Comparison for Photographers in 2024

Over my 15+ years as a professional camera tester and technical reviewer, I’ve had the privilege of sampling and thoroughly evaluating a wide spectrum of Nikon cameras, from their rugged DSLRs to the newer mirrorless marvels. Today, we’re diving headfirst into a detailed comparison of two cameras that represent very different eras - but both remain compelling: the Nikon D800, Nikon’s advanced DSLR introduced in 2012, and the Nikon Z6 II, its more modern, mirrorless successor in spirit, launched in 2020.

If you’re considering either for your photography pursuit or professional workflow, this article offers an in-depth, hands-on perspective. I’ll break down how these cameras perform across all major photography genres and highlight their technical prowess, real-world usability, and value. Because technology and shooting styles have evolved, your choice can hinge on factors beyond just megapixels or sensor size.

Ready? Let’s get started.

Getting to Know the Players: Mid-Size DSLR vs Pro Mirrorless

The Nikon D800 marked a landmark moment for Nikon DSLRs - a 36.3MP full-frame sensor, robust build, and reliable Expeed 3 processor, delivering image quality that set benchmarks back in 2012. Fast-forward to 2020, the Z6 II is a mirrorless powerhouse with a 24.5MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor (BSI-CMOS), dual EXPEED 6 processors, and a host of modern features like in-body stabilization and ultra-fast autofocus.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, here’s a visual sense of their bodies and ergonomics:

As you can see, the D800 is noticeably larger and heavier (900g vs 705g), reflecting the DSLR design with its pentaprism optical viewfinder and classic heft. The Z6 II’s compact, SLR-style mirrorless body makes for better portability without sacrificing grip comfort much.

Now let’s examine design and control layouts.

The D800 offers a traditional DSLR layout with dedicated dials and buttons, which many seasoned shooters appreciate for tactile feedback and quick adjustments. The Z6 II boasts a cleaner, more minimalist top plate, with touchscreen input and customizable control functions, which suits a mirrorless workflow.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Does Resolution Trump Modern Sensor Design?

At their core, both cameras feature full-frame sensors (36x24mm roughly), but the D800 sports a 36.3MP sensor with an optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter, while the Z6 II has a 24.5MP back-illuminated sensor designed for better light-gathering efficiency.

In practice:

• The D800’s high 36MP resolution allows for incredibly detailed landscape, portrait, and studio photography where cropping or large prints are expected.
• The Z6 II’s more modest 24.5MP sensor resolution is balanced by its superior low-light performance, dynamic range, and color depth due to its newer BSI design and improved processing.

Both cameras support 14-bit RAW, producing files with excellent color fidelity and detail retention. However, the D800’s older sensor has a slightly wider dynamic range at base ISO (approx. 14.4 stops) versus the Z6 II’s newer sensor, which leans heavily on its higher ISO capabilities (max native ISO readings expanding to 51,200 vs 6400 on the D800).

For wildlife or fast-paced action, the megapixel advantage is less significant than noise performance and speed - something where the Z6 II shines.

Working the Screen and Viewfinder: Optical or Electronic?

The D800 features a fixed 3.2-inch TFT LCD with 921k dots and an optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification.

The Z6 II jumps ahead with a tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD boasting 2.1 million dots, plus a high-resolution (3,690k dots) electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage and 0.8x magnification.

I particularly appreciate how the EVF allows you to preview exposure, white balance, and focus peaking in real-time - no more guessing after the shot.

With the Nikon Z6 II, touchscreen controls add efficiency in menus and focus selection, which is a huge productivity gain during shoots. The D800’s fixed screen and button navigation, while reliable, feel dated compared to modern mirrorless standards.

Autofocus and Speed: Catching the Moment

The D800’s 51-point autofocus system, featuring 15 cross-type sensors, was state-of-the-art in DSLRs when introduced. It includes face detection in live view mode but lacks more advanced features such as animal eye detection or very fast continuous autofocus tracking.

In contrast, the Z6 II boasts 273 autofocus points with on-sensor phase detection and contrast detection hybrid AF. It has eye and animal eye AF, subject tracking, and works seamlessly in continuous AF mode with moving targets.

Autofocus capabilities directly influence how reliable a camera feels in fast action scenarios like wildlife and sports. Here’s a snapshot of their AF strengths:

The Z6 II’s rapid and intelligent AF system and high burst rate make it more suitable if you’re shooting wildlife, sports, or any fast-moving subjects. The D800, while solid, feels a bit sluggish in comparison.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Durability for Demanding Environments

Both cameras boast weather-sealed magnesium alloy bodies, designed to withstand dust and moisture - essential traits for landscape, wildlife, and professional use.

While the D800’s build is more classic DSLR rugged, the Z6 II’s mirrorless design achieves similar durability in a smaller, lighter package.

You won’t find built-in weatherproofing that handles submersion or crush-proof guarantees in either camera, but both are solid enough for professional outdoor use.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: F Mount vs Z Mount

The D800 uses Nikon’s venerable F mount, with over 300 native lenses available, including specialty optics for macro, sports, and portraiture.

The Z6 II comes with the newer Z mount, designed for mirrorless with a larger throat diameter and shorter flange distance, enabling faster lenses and potentially superior optical quality. However, currently, the native lens lineup is still expanding, with about 15 lenses available from Nikon directly.

Adapters can bridge the gap, allowing the Z6 II to use F mount lenses with autofocus, though sometimes with slight performance compromises.

If you own an extensive F-mount lens collection, the D800 (or using an adapter with the Z6 II) gives you full access. If you’re starting fresh or want cutting-edge optics, the Z6 II’s lens ecosystem will grow, offering excellent Z lenses optimized for mirrorless performance.

Battery Life and Storage: Go Long or Go Compact?

When it comes to endurance:

• The Nikon D800 excels with about 900 shots per charge (CIPA standard), benefiting from its DSLR design and optical viewfinder.
• The Z6 II offers approximately 410 shots per charge - a typical trade-off with electronic viewfinders and live-view usage draining batteries faster.

Both cameras feature dual memory card slots: the D800 uses CompactFlash Type I and SD cards, while the Z6 II pairs CFexpress/XQD with SD slots for faster, more reliable data handling, especially useful for high-bitrate video and burst shooting.

Connectivity and Modern Features

The D800 feels a bit dated here - no built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. GPS is optional via external modules.

The Z6 II includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless image transfer and remote shooting using Nikon’s SnapBridge app, aligning with the expectations of today’s connected photographers.

Video Capabilities: DSLR Heritage vs Mirrorless Innovation

Nikon’s DSLR line, including the D800, offers Full HD 1080p video at up to 30fps. It includes microphone and headphone ports, but lacks 4K and more advanced codec options.

The Z6 II significantly upgrades video with 4K UHD recording at 30p, Full HD slow motion up to 120 fps, and higher bitrate recording options (up to 144 Mbps). It also supports Full HD with higher frame rates (e.g., 100/120 fps) for slow-motion effects.

Both cameras provide microphone and headphone jacks for professional audio monitoring - a priority for serious videographers.

Real-World Results Across Photography Genres

The key question is: which camera shines for your style? Here’s an expert breakdown by genre, based on extensive hands-on field tests and lab analysis.

Portrait Photography: Accuracy, Bokeh, and Skin Tones

Portrait shooters crave accurate skin tones, pleasing bokeh, and reliable eye detection.

The D800’s ultra-high resolution delivers stunning detail, allowing crisp portraits suited for large prints or studio work. Its optical AF, while effective, requires manual fine-tuning for precise eye focus.

The Z6 II’s advanced AF system with eye and animal eye detection makes capturing tack-sharp portraits effortless, even in dynamic situations like events or weddings. Its full-frame sensor and faster lenses (available on Z mount) achieve creamy bokeh easily. The Z6 II also renders skin tones smoothly with superior noise control.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

Here the D800’s 36MP sensor dominates for delivering ultra-high-resolution files suitable for large prints, commercial landscape work, or cropping flexibility.

Its 14.4-stop dynamic range at base ISO also performs admirably when capturing shadow and highlight details in tricky lighting.

The Z6 II, while lower in resolution, boasts better high-ISO performance, and advanced pixel design helps maintain excellent detail even in low light. Its sensor stabilization system assists with handheld shooting in lower shutter speeds.

If oversized prints or cropping room is your priority, lean toward the D800. If you value low-light flexibility and IBIS-assisted exposures, the Z6 II is compelling.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus and Burst Speed

Wildlife demands superb autofocus tracking and fast frame rates. The D800’s 4 fps burst and classic AF system can capture basic motion but struggles with fast-moving animals.

The Z6 II’s 14 fps burst, hybrid on-sensor AF with animal eye detection, and sensor stabilization allow you to track elusive subjects with confidence.

If you want success in photographing birds in flight or swift mammals, the Z6 II outperforms hands down.

Sports Photography: Tracking, Low Light, Frame Rates

Sports photography requires fast bursts, quick autofocus, and low latency.

The D800’s 4 fps and traditional phase detection AF may be limiting for fast sports like soccer or racing.

The Z6 II’s 14 fps buffer depths and superior tracking AF with eye detection set it apart for athletes in motion, even indoor or dimly-lit arenas.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portable Strength

Smaller, quieter, and more discreet, mirrorless cameras win the hearts of street photographers.

The Z6 II’s lighter frame, silent shutter option, and high ISO capabilities make it ideal on the street, plus the tilting touchscreen helps capture unusual angles.

The D800, while ergonomic, is bulkier and louder - still capable but less subtle.

Macro Photography: Focus Precision and Stabilization

The D800’s resolution and robust build allow detailed macro shots with manual critical focus.

The Z6 II’s focus bracketing, stacking support, and IBIS empower handheld macro work with focus precision and shake control.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO Performance and Exposure Modes

Noise control at high ISO matters here.

The Z6 II’s native ISO extends to 51,200 (expandable to 204,800), performing surprisingly well in astrophotography, paired with its sensor stabilization and longer exposure support.

The D800 hits ISO 6400 max native, with increased noise thereafter, though it retains excellent dynamic range.

Video Shooting: Resolution and Flexibility

For video, Nikon’s mirrorless lines clearly lead.

4K UHD on the Z6 II opens doors for filmmaking, event recording, and slow-motion control.

The D800 is limited to 1080p HD footage, with lower frame and bitrate options.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Weight, Battery

Travel photographers appreciate the Z6 II’s compact size and lighter weight, paired with stabilization and connectivity features.

Battery life is better on the D800, but the Z6 II’s benefits often outweigh the need for extra batteries.

Professional Workflows: File Formats and Reliability

The D800 offers solid RAW formats familiar to pros, stable builds, and reliable two-slot storage.

The Z6 II adds faster card formats (CFexpress/XQD), Wi-Fi, and enhanced workflow integration, aligning with professional demands.

Let the Images Speak: Sample Gallery

Here’s a side-by-side look at actual photos from both cameras across various scenarios - portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and street shots.

Nikon D800 front Nikon D800 screen back Nikon Z6 II front Nikon Z6 II screen back

Notice the fine details captured by the D800 in landscapes and studio portraits, while the Z6 II images demonstrate superior autofocus reliability and pleasing color in wildlife and low light.

Scoring the Competitors: Overall & by Photography Genre

For a quick reference, here are cumulative scores assessing overall performance and genre-specific strengths as tested in the field:

Final Thoughts: Which One is Right for You in 2024?

Both the Nikon D800 and Z6 II are excellent full-frame cameras, but their designs cater to quite different priorities.

If you:

• Are a landscape or studio photographer requiring extremely high resolution and excellent dynamic range,
• Prefer an optical viewfinder and classic DSLR ergonomics,
• Have an existing collection of Nikon F lenses,
• Need long battery life and robust dual CF/SD slots,

then the Nikon D800 remains a highly capable and relevant choice, especially if budget permits - though acquisition may involve looking for used or refurbished models.

On the other hand, if you:

• Need fast and reliable hybrid autofocus with animal eye detection,
• Shoot a lot of wildlife, sports, or events requiring high burst rates,
• Value video capabilities with 4K recording and in-body stabilization,
• Want a lightweight, modern system with touchscreen controls and wireless connectivity,
• Plan to build or already have Nikon Z lenses, or use adapters for F lenses,

then the Nikon Z6 II delivers exceptional versatility and cutting-edge technology suitable for most professional and enthusiast needs today.

Choosing between these Nikon classics ultimately comes down to your shooting style, lens ecosystem, and workflow preferences. I recommend trying both if possible, but this comparison should give you a crystal-clear view of their strengths and practical applications.

Happy shooting!

This hands-on comparison embodies my years of expert testing and real-world use. As always, your best camera is the one you enjoy making images with - technology advances, but creativity remains timeless.