Nikon D850 Review

It’s finally here!

The long-awaited Nikon D850 review is finally finished! It took me 11 states, two countries, eight weeks, and 16,000 images to get it done, but here it is! This is a true field test loaded with real world examples, advice, and tons of tips for getting the most from all the new features. 

Yes, it’s a bit of a long review, but I didn’t want to simply tell you about the new features, I wanted to show you how to use them as well. Nothing more frustrating than a review that tells you about some amazing new feature but leaves you clueless when it comes to using it, right? Well, rest assured this will give you all that and more. So, sit back, kick your feet up and enjoy!

BTW – you can help support this site and these reviews if you order your D850 (or anything else) through my Amazon link – Nikon D850 FX-format Digital SLR Camera Body  

Thanks!

Extras!

I also wanted to include some extras here on the blog to go along with the video. These are either items that people have frequently asked about or that I referred to in the video. Oh, and if I have any updates to share down the road, I’ll put them on this page as well. Here’s what we’ll cover:

My Bird In Flight Settings For The D850
Nikon Approved Lenses
ISO Comparisons 
My Buffer Findings
My Settings For Focus Shift Shooting (Focus Stacking)
Some Sample Photos

Also see my post on my initial D850 setup here.

D850 Bird In Flight (BIF) Settings

One of the questions I am getting a LOT is about bird-in-flight (BIF) settings. As with my other cameras, this sensor sees a lot of flying feathers, so you’re in luck!

As always, keep in mind that what works for me may not work for you and that’s cool – we can still be friends. 

Focus Mode: AF-C of course. Since I use BBAF, I’m always in AF-C. However, if you’re more of a shutter release shooter, you’ll want to make sure you remember to switch to AF-C for action or face cards full of 46MP disappointments. AF-C is the only mode that can track / follow your subject, so, if you’ll pardon the pun, it’s the only way to fly!

AF Activation – For me, it’s always Back Button AF. It gives you the best of both AF-S and AF-C without all the switching back and forth. Rather than ramble on, I’ll refer you to this good-looking guy who did a video on the subject:

AF Area Modes – On the D850, I found myself once again gravitating towards Group AF for BIF shots, however, I also used the super-small D9 Dynamic Area as well – especially when the subjects were a bit slower or I needed more precise focus. Group AF likes to grab whatever is closest to the camera, so sometimes that can lead to sharp wingtips and cottony soft eyeballs. D9 gives you a little more precision in that department, BUT it is more difficult to keep on target. 

Speaking of which, if you find D9 / Group is too tough, try a larger area like D25 or F72. As a general rule, always use the smallest AF area you can manage for whatever subject you’re after. Only go bigger if you can’t seem to stay on target. 

For more on how Nikon’s AF modes work, see this video. Note that this was done prior to the D850 (and D500 / D5), but the way the modes (Group, 3D etc) work is the same.

Focus Tracking With Lock On (custom function A3) – I mention this in the video, but I’d like to go into more detail here since Nikon has made some changes from the D810 to the D850. The first part of this setting is, “Blocked Shot AF Response” and the idea here is that if something comes between you and your subject for an instant, the camera won’t jump to the obstacle but instead hesitate just a bit and stay with your target until the obstacle has past. Very handy if you’re tracking a bird flying by and a tree jumps between you and your subject as you pan.

The setting allows you to choose a value from 1 to 5. The higher the number, the “stickier” the AF system is. Of course, when people read that, the first thought is often to crank it up to 5 and call it a day. However, if the system is too sticky it will make it tough when you need to switch between subjects. Additionally, it can cause hesitation when you have an AF point on the wrong area of the subject and are trying to lock back onto the eye. I usually have this set to 2 or 3, but it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it option either. You may want to dive in and switch things up if the AF is letting go too easily or when it’s stickier than a three year old who just discovered the maple syrup jar. 

The other part of this setting is “Subject Motion.” This new setting is a way for you to let the camera know how erratic or steady your subject is – especially when it’s coming at the camera. If you have a subject that likes to start and stop suddenly, you want “Erratic.” On the other hand, for a subject coming steadily at the camera, switch to “Steady.” For wildlife and BIF shots, I usually have good success just leaving it in the middle. 

Custom Controls (Custom Setting F1) The D850 also has some exciting new options for the preview button, sub-selector, function button, and AF-On button. Here’s how I have a couple of mine set up.

For the PV (preview) button, I have selected the “AF area mode” option, “Single Point AF.” This setting allows you to press the PV button on the front of the camera and regardless of what AF area mode you’re currently in, it will switch you back to single point as long as the button is held in (demo in the video). This is really handy when you’re in Group AF and your subject gets into a tight area (since Group AF loves to focus on the vegetation around the critter instead of on the critter itself).

For the Fn1 button, I have it set to cycle through Image Area Mode (1.2X, 1.5DX, etc.). The reason for this is that the buffer capacity of this camera is somewhat limited and switching to a crop mode will increase buffer depth. And, if I’m going to crop back home anyway, I figure I might as well just do it in the field and enjoy the gains. 

To set, head to custom setting F1, and choose Fn1 button + dial turn (the right-hand column). Select “Choose image area” from the resulting menu. You’ll also notice an arrow on the right of this menu. Give it a press and you can even select which image areas you want to scroll through. Way faster than setting this stuff via the menu!

Oh, and another cool option for crop modes is called “Masking” and is found under the Photo Shooting Menu > Image section. Look for an item called Viewfinder mask display. Turn that on and kiss those useless crop outlines goodbye. Instead, you’ll have a handy, semi-transparent mask to show you your image area. Try it, you’ll like it!

Frame Rate – This is set to maximum frame rate (7 or 9, depending on if you have a grip). Keep it at maximum for the best variety of wingbeats / expressions and shoot in short, controlled bursts whenever there’s something cool under your AF point. 

Shutter Speed – I’ve been keeping my shutter speed at 1/3200 or higher for most of my birds in flight shots and that seems to keep my success rate pretty high. I have gone with lower speeds, but my keeper rate gets progressively more disappointing as my shutter speed drops (exactly like the D500 in fact). For faster birds, don’t be afraid to go to 1/5000th or higher if you have enough light. 

F/Stop – This really depends on how much light I have at my disposal. Most of the time, I shoot wide open to keep noise to a minimum (usually F4) and capture those creamy, subject isolating backgrounds.  However if it’s bright enough, I’ve been known to drop down to F5.6 for a little added depth-of-field fudge factor – especially with fast, tricky subjects. 

ISO – This varies depending on the light of course, but I tend to cap out around ISO 6400 (preferring to keep it under ISO3200). Beyond that, I feel like I’m losing too much detail in the fur and feathers of my favorite subjects. About the only exception to that would be if something extraordinary was happening, but if I can get basically the same shot the next day in better light, I’ll wait (or grab the D5 🙂 ).

Also, I generally use Manual Mode with Auto ISO if I’m in an autoexposure kind of mood. With this method, I just set in the ISO range I want and choose the shutter speed and F/Stop I want to use. From there, the camera will float the ISO to give me a proper exposure. It’s either this or full manual mode, depending on the subject / scene.

 See this video for more:

 

Nikon Approved Lenses For The D850

Now, for the “Nikon approved” lens list. As noted in the video, this list is chock-full of current lenses that Nikon wants to sell you. Many older discontinued lenses are NOT listed but would work just fine (like any big prime for example).  Ditto for excellent third party glass. So, for what it’s worth:

Primes:

AF-S NIKKOR 20 mm f / 1.8 G ED
AF-S NIKKOR 24 mm f / 1.4 G ED
AF-S NIKKOR 24 mm f / 1.8 G ED
AF-S NIKKOR 28 mm f / 1.4 E ED
AF-S NIKKOR 28 mm f / 1.8 G
AF-S NIKKOR 35 mm f / 1.4 G
AF-S NIKKOR 35 mm f / 1.8 G ED
AF-S NIKKOR 58 mm f / 1.4 G
AF-S NIKKOR 85 mm f / 1.4 G
AF-S NIKKOR 85 mm f / 1.8 G
AF-S NIKKOR 105 mm f / 1.4 E ED
AI AF DC-Nikkor 105 mm f / 2 D
AI AF DC-Nikkor 135 mm f / 2 D
AF-S NIKKOR 200 mm f / 2 G ED VR II
AF-S NIKKOR 300 mm f / 2.8 G ED VR II
AF-S NIKKOR 300 mm f / 4 E PF ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 400 mm f / 2.8 E FL ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 500 mm f / 4 G ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 500 mm f / 4 E FL ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 600 mm f / 4 E FL ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 800 mm f / 5.6 E FL ED VR
AF – S Fisheye NIKKOR 8 – 15 mm f / 3.5 – 4.5 E ED

Zooms:

AF-S NIKKOR 14-24 mm f / 2.8 G ED
AF – S NIKKOR 16 – 35 mm f / 4 G ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 24-70 mm f / 2.8 G ED
AF – S NIKKOR 24 – 70 mm f / 2.8 E ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 24 – 120 mm f / 4 G ED VR
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200 mm f / 2.8 G IF-ED
AF-S NIKKOR 70-200 mm f / 2.8 G ED VR II
AF – S NIKKOR 70 – 200 mm f / 2.8 E FL ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 70-200 mm f / 4 G ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 80-400 f / 4.5 – 5.6 G ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 200-400 mm f / 4 G ED VR II
AF-S NIKKOR 200-500 mm f / 5.6 E ED VR

Macro / PC

AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60 mm f / 2.8 G ED
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105 mm f / 2.8 G IF-ED
PC-E NIKKOR 24 mm f / 3.5 D ED
PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45 mm f / 2.8 D ED
PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85 mm f / 2.8 D
PC NIKKOR 19 mm f / 4 E ED

D850 ISO Comparisons

Next we have the actual images from the video for ISO comparisons (100% crops, the D850 downsized to D5 and D810 size. The D500 was downsized to D850 DX size). Just click to enlarge and it will open on a new tab. Once on that screen, you may need to click it again to see it full size. I highly recommend viewing these at full size – if you don’t you won’t get a proper comparison!

First, the D850 Vs The D810:

 

Now, the D850 Vs The D5:

 

 

Now, the D850 in DX mode Vs The D500

 

 

Finally, the D850 full frame downsampled to the D500 at ISO 6400:

 

D850 Buffer Findings

Next, we have my buffer test findings. I may add more down the road, but for now this should get you started. 

First, results from my normal, outside test scene (again, these can and will vary depending on the scene, don’t take the number as gospel).

14 bit 7 fps

FX – 35
1.2 – 80
DX -200

14 bit – 9 FPS

FX – 23
1.2 – 36
DX – 46
12 bit – 7fps

FX – 84
1.2 – 200
DX – 200

12 bit – 9fps

FX – 44
1.2 – 70
DX – 86

Now, some figures I got with the lens cap on and viewfinder shutter closed. (The results are higher because it’s easy for the camera to compress and create a file when it’s just black.)

12 bit FX 9 fps = 48 
12 bit 7 FPS = 193
14 bit FX 9 FPS = 26 
14 bit FX 7 FPS = 51

I also tried a few rounds with higher ISOs. As you can see, the higher the ISO, the shallower the buffer:

12 bit 7 FPS ISO 6400 = 67
14 bit FX 6400 = 25 
14 bit FX 5000 = 36
14 bit FX 3200 = 43
14 bit FX 1600 = 46
14 bit ISO 800 = 47
14 bit ISO 400 = 50

D850 Focus Shift Shooting Settings (Focus Stacking)

I also wanted to share the settings I typically set with I use Focus Shift Shooting (I wish they would have called it focus stacking, but what do I know…) Be sure to see the video for a quick intro – or check out my Nikon AF book for an even more detailed lesson. 

Landscapes:

Number Of Shots: 50+ (since the system stops at infinity)
Focus Width: 4
Interval Until Next Shot: 0 or 1
Exposure Smoothing: On (Off if you’re in manual mode)
Electronic Shutter: On

(I usually shoot landscapes between F/6.3 and F/8)

Macros:

Number Of Shots: 20 (you can add more if needed)
Focus Width: 4
Interval Until Next Shot: 0 or 1 (set to 3 or 4 if electronic shutter is off)
Exposure Smoothing: On (Off if you’re in manual mode)
Electronic Shutter: On
(I usually shoot macros between F/8 and F/11)

D850 Sample Photos

Finally, a few sample photos 🙂

 

 

 

~Steve

PS…

If you enjoyed this review, I think you’ll REALLY like my e-books, Secrets To Stunning Wildlife Photography and Secrets To The Nikon Autofocus System. They’re filled with hundreds of pages of information just like this. Check it out – click here (hey, it’s free to look 🙂 )

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Graham Smith
Graham Smith
3 years ago

Non tech question….In the Nikon D-850 sample pictures, there is a lighthouse picture….What is the name of the Lighthouse & is it in the USA?

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Sebastian
Sebastian
5 years ago

Hi Steven, I own a D850, after working with a D750 and I also read your ebook about secrets about the Nikon Autofocus System. After a while I discovered that in Live-View my D850 wasn’t working with BBF, instead is was constantly/permanent focusing consuming battery for VR & AF-C. It took me ages to find out that there are entire different behaviors/setups for the camera working in ‘Viewfinder’ and ‘Life-View’ Mode. I learned, switch on the Life-View screen – and then I need to push the front AF button and switch the Autofcous mode to AF-C, rather searching in the… Read more »

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Jack Palmer
Jack Palmer
5 years ago

Steve – Regarding D500 vs D850, the D500 and D850 have very similar pixel densities (D500=56,670 pixels/mm^2, D850=53,041 pixels/mm^2) and similar pixel sizes. D850 just has a larger (FX) area. So why is the D850 imaging that much “better than” or superior to the imaging of the D500? Light gathering or what? Seems like I read a bunch of sites that say the D850 produces sharper, well balanced images.

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Emilio Lavignasse
Emilio Lavignasse
5 years ago

Hello Steve, I really enjoy your reviews. You are clear on your explanations and take amazing photos. I learnt BBAF and Manual with AUTO-ISO thanks to you on my Canon 80D, now I own the D850. Amazing camera. I would like to share something I learned to replace my gone C1, C2 in 80D (the quickest way to jump from stationary bird to BIF). I would like your opinion on it and maybe you can expand on it (if you think is useful) and make it better. ======================================================================================== After spending a long time playing with the D850 settings I discover… Read more »

Mark
Mark
5 years ago

Gorgeous photos… just stunning.

Jay Hall
Jay Hall
5 years ago

Hello Steve, Having recently bought the D850 to replace my D810 and (hopefully) my D7200 for my birding shots, i was going through the set up and came across something i’d not seen before in the menu and just wondered if you had a take on it. In the Auto ISO Control (e4) theres an option for ‘Subject and Background’ and ‘Subject Only’. Now, as the weather is still not playing ball here yet in Northern England testing it is an bit limited for me atm. Have you tried both options, and if so what are your thoughts? Fantastic site… Read more »

Shoumitro Chatterjee
Shoumitro Chatterjee
5 years ago

Hi Steve, Many thanks for your excellent review. In your opinion, how essential has the grip been for shooting birds? And does it make it inconvenient to carry around the camera on the field?

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[…] more active organisms. Prominent reviewers – those few trusted IMHO – for astrophotography, wildlife, etc on the versatility of the D850 across all genres all agree the D850 is Nikon’s best DSLR […]

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[…] Without question, the Nikon D850 is the best camera I’ve ever owned. I love everything from how it handles to its astoundingly detailed image files. Even if you’ve read about it elsewhere online, you owe it to yourself to check out Steve Perry’s video and written reviews: Steve Perry’s Nikon D850 Review. […]

Mark
Mark
6 years ago

Greatly appreciate the video “manual mode for Auto ISO” for the D850. I shoot RAW images and have been experimenting with manual mode and bracketing exposures. I can’t seem to get my D850 to bracket exposures by varying ISO only while holding shutter speed and aperture constant. I have the camera set for Auto ISO and have played with all options under the customs settings e6. Is this just something beyond the capability of the camera or am I missing something? Thanks

Mark

Georg
Georg
6 years ago

d850 is an exceptional camera, but why to use it for the bird photography? IMHO grab the d5 or d500 instead and you will be more than happy for many reasons.

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[…] I do agree with prominent reviewers – those few trusted IMHO – for astrophotography, wildlife, etc on the versatility of the D850 across all genres; the D850 is Nikon’s best DSLR to date: […]

Adrian Douglas
Adrian Douglas
6 years ago

You mention using Natural Light White Balance but how do you set that?

FPD Cotterill
6 years ago

update on D850. A recent report feedback on NikonGear by an experienced pro after upgrade to the Firmware 1.01 ….
> Flaws in the White Balance – details not specified

> The menu is sometimes inaccessible but the camera still takes photos

> A better high ISO performance, comparable or better than the D500.

I only upgraded my D850 this weekend so will be observant of any issues & also Positves

Daniel+Mackey
Daniel+Mackey
6 years ago

I just finished reading your e-book on Nikon autofocus and your explanation of Focus Stacking still left me with one question. You said to use the setting of 4 or 5 when you are doing landscape focus stacking like the tower shot taken at 24 mm. I can see that a proper amount of overlap is necessary for each of the shots in the stack but it would seem to me that when you got near the last shot it would be important that the camera make an exposure on that exact spot (infinity), and then take another shot past… Read more »

Daniel Mackey
Daniel Mackey
6 years ago

Hi Steve, It has only been a couple of weeks since I saw this video posted on You Tube. I was so impressed with your knowledge of photography that I purchased both of your e-books on Wildlife Photography and Nikon Autofocus and enjoyed watching all of your current website videos. I also signed up for your Costa Rica trip (July 14th). I have been a Canon digital shooter since 2005, having been to Africa twice( 2011-South Africa+2013-Massai Mara;Amboselli) for photography safaris using the 5Dmk3 and Sigma 50-500 glass, along with Canons 70-200 2.8, and 24-105 4.0 zoom lenses. I used… Read more »

Caleb
Caleb
6 years ago

I live in China, I found I cannot buy your “secrets to nikon AF system” , cuz I don’t have a master, discover or visa card. Is there any other way i can buy it? Really gotta know how nikon’s dynamic area system works.

Caleb
Caleb
6 years ago
Reply to  Caleb

It is a pity that this payment doesn’t include alipay or wechat.

Robert D.
Robert D.
6 years ago

As I continue to set up my D850 I am reviewing your excellent articles and videos. I have purchased your books and have recommended them to several camera clubs. I am very pleased that you have decided to prepare an article on Exposure that will be a tremendous contribution to the field. I do have a question about the D850 Custom Setting Menu f1, specifically what are the most useful settings for Fn1 and Fn2?
Thank you again for your great work. I hope one day to join in one of your workshops.

Winston Shaw
6 years ago

Easily, very, very, very easily, the best camera review I’ve seen in more than 40 years of photography. I can’t think of a single question I might have that wasn’t answered, and answered definitively, in this video. Three Cheers and a dozen bananas!

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Jean-Luc Dubois
Jean-Luc Dubois
6 years ago

Hi, Steve great book usefull of really good advice.
I would like to suggest something about the PV button: setting it to d9 seems to me more usefull because when you are using single point you can switch quickly to d9 and when you are in d25 also, I am always in single point when shooting landscape and so I don’t have to change anything when I shoot BIF.

Dakota Shae
6 years ago

Hi, I’m wondering if you can comment on the video capabilities of this camera? I know the photo side is amazing, but am also a videographer and am interested in seeing what it can do in that realm. Thanks.

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[…] his work, check out his website, YouTube channel and Facebook page. This article was also published here and shared with […]

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[…] About the author: Steve Perry is a nature photographer and the owner of Backcountry Gallery. You can find more of his work, words, photos, and videos on his website, Facebook, and YouTube channel. This article was also published here. […]

Ben Hearthside
Ben Hearthside
6 years ago

Hello Steve,
Thank you for your superb review, as usual.
Could you tell us whether the Micro Nikkor 200mm f/4 lens is usable with the focus shift feature on the D850?
Thank you.

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[…] About the author: Steve Perry is a nature photographer and the owner of Backcountry Gallery. You can find more of his work, words, photos, and videos on his website, Facebook, and YouTube channel. This article was also published here. […]

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[…] About the author: Steve Perry is a nature photographer and the owner of Backcountry Gallery. You can find more of his work, words, photos, and videos on his website, Facebook, and YouTube channel. This article was also published here. […]

F P D Cotterill
F P D Cotterill
6 years ago

Hi Steve
Came across this review that concurs on the more than adequate AF performance of the D850. Some other interesting comments and comparisons
https://www.cameralabs.com/nikon-d850-review/

thanks

al hart
6 years ago

Hi, Steve – Steve, I’m interested in focus “shifting” but confused by the 850 setup parameters. My question #1: The Menu Guide offers Focus Step Widths from 1 to 10. I asked Nikon Tech Support (NTS) to tell me what units are associated with those steps. NTS said “none, they’re just a range from narrow to wide”. If true, how does one decide on a proper step for a given subject? My question #2: The manual and the Menu Guide are silent as to the time units associated with the Interval Until Next Shot. 850 shows a range of 0-30… Read more »

David Glatz
6 years ago

Hi Steve – fantastic review of the D850! Also wanted to say the update (primarily addressing D850) to your Nikon autofocus book also is excellent. Re-read the entire book. Question for you on the D850 with the grip. Just got my grip and trying to make sure I’m set up for max frame rate. I have the D5 battery and everything needed to use it in the grip. My question is: do I need to remove the regular D850 battery (from the camera itself not the grip) in order to achieve 9 fps using battery grip and D5 battery? I… Read more »

Dave Glatz
6 years ago
Reply to  David Glatz

Thank you Steve!

Beert Chris van 't Hul
Beert Chris van 't Hul
6 years ago

Hi Steve,

Thank you very much for this review.
I have a note/question about the ‘D850 Buffer Findings’ section. You do not mentioned the used shutter time. According to my own experience this has great impact on the buffer capacity.

Thanks,

BC

Christophe Bailly
Christophe Bailly
6 years ago

Hi Steve, from France,
I saw you, in your (excellent) video, using an AF-D 200 mm f:/4.0 macro lens. But you didn’t mentioned that the new focus stacking mode wasn’t useable with older AF-D lenses (?). Or is it my mistake ?

Kishore Bhargava
6 years ago

As always a brilliant review. I just bought a D500 less than 4 months ago, the D850 was not yet on the cards. The D500 was an upgrading my D300S. While I was extremely tempted by the D850, I guess I will stick with my D500 for a while. My second body will remain the D300S and at some point when I decide to go full-frame, I might get myself a D850. Sad to see you retiring the D500. For me, that means, no more articles/videos about that wonderful camera. But life goes on. Once again, thanks for all the… Read more »

David Hillock
David Hillock
6 years ago

Hi Steve,

High-quality review!

What’s the difference between Exposure Delay (D5) and using the timer?

Ken
Ken
6 years ago

Steve: Being a strict wildlife photographer, would you recommend still the D500 over the D850 for this type of photography?

Great review by the way, and thanks for writing the ebooks 🙂

Paul
Paul
6 years ago

Thank you for another wonderful article, and for the obviously huge amount of time and effort spent. 2 questions: You are obviously sensitive to every nuance which affects your images, and stated that you really like the color rendition of the D850. Have you compared using Nikon View or Nikon Capture compared to Adode or other non Nikon software? I’ve read some claims that only Nikon knows the color algorithms for its cameras, so only Nikon software gives the best color rendition. And, does the focus stacking feature make Nikon PC lenses obsolete for getting max depth of field?. I… Read more »

Ferdy
6 years ago
Reply to  Steve Perry

hi Steve, First, thank you for a wonderful site, only discovered it now and already purchased the Nikon focus book and watched the video review. Awesome how you bring down complicated stuff to real-world actionable advise. I had the same question as Paul and need some help with your answer. I fully agree that color rendition on the D850 is awesome. I tend to use the vivid picture control in combination with the new auto daylight WB, or whatever it is called. The results on both the LCD and in View NX is stunning, more importantly, identical. I don’t understand… Read more »

John Koerner
6 years ago

Great review.

The only error is where you say the D850 is not as good in low light, featuring Bill Claff’s graph. In point or fact, Mr. Claff rescinded/revised his graph, after an extensive questioning and debate:

http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,6649.msg107154.html#msg107154

Appreciate the time and effort that went into your presentation.

John Koerner
6 years ago
Reply to  John Koerner

Per above, this was with respect to the D750. The D850 has better base ISO DR, not less.

Eric
Eric
6 years ago
Reply to  John Koerner

Funny how he “revises” his data on a 3-year-old camera when it turned out that it actually beat the 850. Even now, 0.1 stop difference? That’s basically meaningless, and the 750 is better at many other portions of the graph. From the samples I’ve seen, I still prefer the IQ of the D750’s sensor.

John Koerner
6 years ago
Reply to  Steve Perry

Steve, pardon me, I meant Base ISO, not low light.
The ability to use Base ISO 64 is pretty much the only area that matters for landscape.
Also, if one checks DXO, the D850 is ahead the whole way, not just in DR, but markedly so in color sensitivity.
https://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Nikon-D850-versus-Nikon-D750___1177_975

Eric, Photons to Photos was the only entity lauding the D750 as ‘the king’ of DR and Base ISO.
Even Nikon never lauded the D750 as a Base ISO champ, nor did anyone else.
Only Photons-to-photos did, which It now now longer does.

Eric
Eric
6 years ago

One more quick question for you: as a pure wildlife camera, would you recommend the D850 over the D500 for most people, or vice versa? I see that you are mainly shooting with a huge, 600mm f/4 prime. In this case, I would choose an FX camera, too. However, my longest lens is the 200-500, and I like to hand hold. I also like to crop frequently because I just can’t get close enough. In my case, I think the D500 is the wiser choice.

Eric
Eric
6 years ago

I recently bought the new Sigma 14mm prime, after my 14-24 Nikon started to give issues. Wonderful upgrade coupled to my d750, Just so much better managing refractions. Put the 14-24 on my d3500 getting some fun stuff.
Try it

James
James
6 years ago

Great review as always well worth the wait. I had a question on 12 bit vs 14 bit. You mentioned that above 400 iso there isn’t much of an advantage to 14 bit and I was just wondering why that would be. Thanks

Jason
Jason
6 years ago
Reply to  James

The difference between 12 and 14 bit seems small but is vastly different in terms of rendered tones. 12 bit will render 68.7 billion tones whereas 14 bit will render 4.4 trillion possible tones. Research does suggest that the human eye can only detect 10-12 million but in a field that is riddled with OCD personalities, the clear choice for the most accurate tonal range is 14 bit.

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  Steve Perry

Great, thanks for the link.

Jacek Myrcha
Jacek Myrcha
6 years ago

Hi Steve, got your book and going to read it today on the train (6hrs :)), but quick question for D850. for panning fast cars, handheld, would you switch off VR ? (70-200 lens) ? any other suggestions on AF how to set it to get in-focus shots (while background panned.blurred) – usually i get like 20% of shots in focus…

Jay
Jay
6 years ago

As always just find your vids that best. Bought all your guides too… love em’. I was very tempted by the 850 but nowadays only seem interested in bird photography and like the 1.5 benefit so – I’m saving my money. That said, (to use a SP phrase) – I still would love the 850 and if I win the lottery – well, you know… Thanks for the thoroughness you bring to your vids. I know doing so pays the bills (brings the viewers) – but hey, we benefit to. Cheers –

Eric
Eric
6 years ago

Thanks a bunch! The ISO comparisons are very interesting. It’s amazing how close the D500 is since it’s “only” a DX camera. I see no reason to upgrade.