Nikon D850 Review: Living up to the Hype?
Written by Antonio Cala.
Table of Contents
Are you on the hunt for a top-of-the-line camera that can capture stunning, high-resolution photos? Look no further than the Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR Camera Body.
This camera boasts an impressive 45.7 megapixels of resolution, outstanding dynamic range, and virtually no risk of moiré. Plus, with up to 9 fps continuous shooting at full resolution and full AF performance, you won’t miss a moment of the action.
Some standout features of the Nikon D850 include the tilting touchscreen, focus shift shooting mode, and outstanding battery performance. And with 4K Ultra HD video recording and slow motion up to 120 FPS at 1080p, you can capture stunning video footage as well.
Let’s dive into the details of this amazing camera.
For a complete analysis of wildlife cameras, make sure to check out the ultimate guide to wildlife photography cameras.
Nikon D850 Overview
The Nikon D850 is a high-performance DSLR camera that is perfect for capturing fast action shots in stunning 45.7 megapixel resolution. With its backside illuminated full-frame image sensor and no optical low pass filter, this camera produces extraordinary resolution, outstanding dynamic range, and virtually no risk of moiré.
One of the most impressive features of the Nikon D850 is its ability to shoot up to 9 fps continuous shooting at full resolution with full AF performance. Additionally, the camera comes with 8k and 4k time-lapse movie capabilities, focus shift shooting mode, and slow-motion up to 120 FPS at 1080p.
The Nikon D850 also boasts a tilting touchscreen, outstanding battery performance, and much more. This camera is perfect for photographers who demand the best in image quality and performance.
Key Features
When it comes to digital DSLR cameras, the Nikon D850 is a standout choice. We’ve taken a closer look at its key features to help you decide if it’s the right camera for you.
BSI Full Frame Image Sensor
One of the most impressive features of the Nikon D850 is its back side illuminated (BSI) full frame image sensor. This unique design eliminates the need for an optical low pass filter, resulting in sharper and more detailed images. With 45.7 megapixels of resolution, you’ll be able to capture even the smallest details with ease.
High Resolution and Dynamic Range
In addition to its impressive resolution, the Nikon D850 also boasts outstanding dynamic range. This means that it can capture a wide range of tones and colors, even in challenging lighting conditions. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or action shots, you’ll be able to achieve stunning results.
Fast Continuous Shooting
If you’re looking for a camera that can keep up with fast-paced action, the Nikon D850 won’t disappoint. With up to 9 fps continuous shooting at full resolution and full AF performance, you’ll be able to capture every moment of the action with ease.
4K Time Lapse Movies
If you’re interested in creating stunning time lapse movies, the Nikon D850 is an excellent choice. It can shoot both 8k and 4k time lapse movies with new levels of sharpness and detail. The camera’s file system is also compatible with DCF 2.0, exif 2.31, and Pict bridge.
Pros and Cons
There are plenty of things to love and a few things to consider before making a purchase. Here are the pros and cons of this camera that we discovered:
Pros
One of the biggest pros of this camera is its impressive image sensor. With 45.7 megapixels, you can expect extraordinary resolution and outstanding dynamic range. Plus, the back side illuminated (BSI) full frame image sensor has no optical low pass filter, which means you’ll have virtually no risk of moiré.
Another great feature of the Nikon D850 is its continuous shooting capabilities. You can shoot up to 9 fps at full resolution with full AF performance, which is perfect for capturing fast-moving action.
If you’re interested in shooting video, you’ll be happy to know that this camera can record 4K Ultra HD video and even slow motion up to 120 FPS at 1080p. And with features like focus shift shooting mode and tilting touchscreen, you’ll have plenty of options for getting the perfect shot.
Cons
One potential downside of the Nikon D850 is its price. This camera is definitely an investment, and it may not be the best choice for those on a tighter budget.
Another thing to consider is the camera’s size and weight. While some photographers may appreciate the solid feel of a larger camera body, others may find it cumbersome to carry around for extended periods of time.
Finally, it’s worth noting that some reviewers have reported issues with the camera’s autofocus system. While this may not be a dealbreaker for everyone, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re someone who relies heavily on autofocus for your photography.
User Reviews and Testimonials
Cameras often receive negative online reviews due to technical issues, poor customer service or defective models.
However, the Nikon D8500 receives some of the best reviews out there. There seem to be a lot of happy customers.
Nikon D850 vs Competitors
The main competitors of the Nikon D850 are other DSLR cameras like the Canon EOS 90D, the Rebel T8i and the Nikon D7500. Here’s how it compares to other models.
- |
Nikon D850 |
Canon EOS 90D |
Canon Rebel T8i |
Nikon D7500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CAMERA |
|
|
|
|
|
SENSOR |
Full Frame |
APS-C |
APS-C |
CMOS |
|
PRICE |
$$$ |
$$ |
$ |
$ |
|
WEIGHT |
2 lbs 3oz |
1 lbs 9oz |
1 lbs 1oz |
1 lbs 9oz |
|
MEGAPIXELS |
45.7 MP |
32.5 MP |
24.1 MP |
20.9 MP |
|
BURST RATE |
Up to 7fps |
Up to 10fps |
Up to 7fps |
Up to 8fps |
|
AUTOFOCUS POINTS |
153 |
45 |
45 |
51 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Conclusion
After spending some time with the Nikon D850, we can confidently say that this camera is a game-changer. The image quality is simply stunning, and the auto-focus is fast and accurate. We were also impressed with the touch capabilities and the 7FPS shooting speed.
While the price tag may be steep, we believe that this camera is worth every penny for serious photographers. Whether you are a professional or an amateur, the Nikon D850 will take your photography to the next level.
Overall, we highly recommend the Nikon D850 to anyone who is looking for a high-quality camera that will produce stunning wildlife images. It may take some time to get used to all of its capabilities, but once you do, you’ll be amazed at what this camera can do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the going rate for a Nikon D850 these days?
If you’re in the market for the Nikon D850, you’re probably wondering how much it will set you back. As of the current date, the price for the Nikon D850 is around $3,000 USD on Amazon. However, prices can vary depending on the retailer and any promotions they may be offering.
Can you expect pro photographers to be shooting with the D850?
Absolutely! The Nikon D850 is a top-of-the-line camera that offers exceptional image quality, impressive speed, and a range of features that make it a great choice for professional photographers. In fact, many pros have already made the switch to the D850 and are using it to capture stunning images in a variety of settings.
How does the Nikon D850 hold up over time?
The Nikon D850 is a durable and reliable camera that is built to last. Its rugged design and weather-sealed body make it well-suited for use in challenging environments, and its advanced features and high-quality components ensure that it will continue to perform at a high level over time.
What’s the big deal about the D850’s performance?
One of the standout features of the Nikon D850 is its exceptional performance. With a backside-illuminated full-frame sensor, the camera is capable of capturing stunning images with incredible detail and clarity. It also boasts a fast and accurate autofocus system, as well as impressive shooting speeds of up to 9 frames per second. Additionally, the D850 offers 4K Ultra HD video recording and slow-motion capabilities of up to 120 FPS at 1080p.
Got any cool shots taken with the D850 to show off?
We’ve seen some truly amazing images captured with the Nikon D850, from breathtaking landscapes to stunning portraits and action shots. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, the D850 offers the performance and features you need to capture your best shots yet.
Does the D850 still pack a punch in today’s camera market?
Absolutely! Even several years after its initial release, the Nikon D850 remains one of the top cameras on the market. Its combination of high resolution, fast performance, and advanced features make it a great choice for photographers of all levels, and its rugged design and reliable performance ensure that it will continue to be a top contender in the camera market for years to come.
Other Models Reviewed
If you would like to read more reviews of cameras for wildlife photography, you can check out our other reviews below:
Other Camera Reviews
If you would like to read more about camera options for wildlife photography, make sure you check out our Master Guide to Wildlife Photography Cameras.
For even more specific options, you can check out our other reviews below:
Camera Type
Skill Level
Budget
Brand
Planned activitiy
Nikon D850 Reviews Online
When doing your research, you might want to read what other publications have to say about the Nikon D850 camera.
Here are some of the most popular reviews from the web.
Nikon D850 review. The best wildlife photography camera ever made – by richardpeters.co.uk
Nikon D850 Review for Wildlife Photography – by diyphotography.net
About the Author
Born and raised in Southern Spain, Antonio quit his job in 2013 to travel the world full-time with his wife Amanda for 10 years straight.
They visited 150+ countries, cycled 25,000km + from California to Patagonia, sailed over 10,000NM around the Caribbean & Sea of Cortez, rode their motorbikes 30,000 kms+ across West Africa (Spain to South Africa) and visited Antarctica, among many other adventure expeditions.
Today Antonio runs Adventure Fix with Amanda, where they share their knowledge about the places they’ve visited and the ones still remaining on their list.
Antonio Cala
Co-Founder of Adventure Fix