Why I'll pass on the Nikon D850
Oct 10, 2017 11:18:26 #
Yes... I will be skipping, or at least delaying, the purchase of the D850. My reasoning is that I need to improve my technique and abilities before I can take advantage of the capabilities of the D850. The camera is just a tool in my bag. And, yes, I have "GAS", but I am a strong grasshopper! 
Oct 10, 2017 11:41:35 #
Chappy1101
Loc: Glenview, IL
Just saw this thread rather late. My experience is very similar to yours. Started DSLR with D70, the later bought D90, loved it and stayed with it. Still using it, but tried latest compact mirrorless Fujifilm X100F for some travel photography and love it for the size, weight, flexibility, feel, and quality. Still Im interested in your observations of the comparision of using your D90 (which you mention "still happy with...". ) vs. the D800. Other than FF vs. DX for printing big, any quick thoughts for a dinosaur?
1963mca wrote:
The D850 is giving me real GAS, however I'm going ... (show quote)
Oct 10, 2017 12:11:33 #
I view the D850 as a step down from the D810, so no desire to buy a D850; however, if it had had far better Low Light performance I'd have been tempted even though I'm a Sony fan boy.
bwa
bwa
Oct 10, 2017 13:27:52 #
In all honesty, I'd be just as happy with my D90 if that was all I had. The desire for the D800 was strictly a "want" to get a FF camera, not a need. The D90 is actually handier due to less size and weight. I don't get much in the way of prints done, largest with the D90 was a 16x20 and it came out fine by my standards. I'm sure pixel peepers could find plenty wrong with it, but on the wall at viewing distance it looks just fine to me.
Oct 10, 2017 15:16:54 #
bwana wrote:
I view the D850 as a step down from the D810, so no desire to buy a D850; however, if it had had far better Low Light performance I'd have been tempted even though I'm a Sony fan boy.
bwa
bwa
A step down? You must not be paying attention.
Better DR
Better low light tolerance (in direct conflict with your assessment, sure it does not go into the million ISO anymore ~ a good thing ~)
Better resolution
Better buffer
Better video
Faster burst speed
Faster writing speed (If using the newer memory card)
Better sensor technology...
I just do not see the step down, far from it. Is a redesigned camera from the ground up, as is the D500 that replaces the D300.
Now despite all that, only real users will be able to deliver the true value of this camera. It can better everything yet be a dud if there are other reliability problems that creep up (like in the D600).
Oct 10, 2017 19:36:37 #
1963mca wrote:
The D850 is giving me real GAS, however I'm going ... (show quote)
I shoot primarily with an 800E and a Df. I passed on the 810--did not see enough of an upside to it.
If I were to not buy an upgrade until I had learned all there is to know about the 800E, and taken full advantage of its capabilities, I would never experience the pleasure of acquiring another camera body.
Bottom line, the 850 has triggered much GAS; and while there is no rush, in relatively short time, I will pull that trigger.
Life is short. The better question is will the 850 make a meaningful improvement in the images.
Oct 11, 2017 00:20:02 #
What do you base your opinion on?
bwana wrote:
I view the D850 as a step down from the D810, so no desire to buy a D850; however, if it had had far better Low Light performance I'd have been tempted even though I'm a Sony fan boy.
bwa
bwa
Oct 11, 2017 01:48:43 #
Rongnongno wrote:
A step down? You must not be paying attention. br... (show quote)
It all depends on what you're looking for! If you're looking for low light performance, it isn't even close to being the best!
- Sony A7S DxO Low Light ISO: 3702
- Sony A9 LL ISO: 3517
- Sony A7R II LL ISO: 3434
- Canon 5D IV LL ISO: 2995
- Sony A7S II LL ISO: 2993
- Nikon D750 LL ISO: 2956
- Canon 6D II LL ISO: 2862
- Nikon D810 LL ISO: 2853
- Nikon D850 LL ISO: 2660
So the D850 may NOT be your best choice regardless of its 100 score!
Not saying it isn't a good general purpose camera but it all depends on your photography requirements...
bwa
Oct 11, 2017 05:30:18 #
DavidPine wrote:
At my age, I don't adhere to sound thinking. I worked hard to get where I am and I vow to go out completely fulfilled and satisfied. If Nikon came out with a D950 tomorrow, I would get it if I wanted it.
Oct 11, 2017 05:46:30 #
I will skip it for one simple reason: I don't want it or need it. I stopped looking for the Holy Grail some time ago....
Oct 11, 2017 05:53:44 #
Kmgw9v wrote:
The better question is will the 850 make a meaningful improvement in the images.
No.
Oct 11, 2017 06:02:42 #
1963mca wrote:
The D850 is giving me real GAS, however I'm going ... (show quote)
I also started with the D90 in 2008, but I never had any interest in the D8xx series, for various reasons.
Unlike you, I don't hesitate to buy something that catches my eye. I have five Nikon DSLRs right now, and I've bought and sold another twenty since the D90. Many of my purchases were used or refurbished, and I did rather well selling them on ebay. Like you, I knew nothing about crop sensors when I bought the D90. A photographer friend asked how I like the crop sensor, and I had no idea what he was talking about. I figure life is too short to spend months trying to decide if I should buy something I want. Sell the old and buy the new.
I got involved with a local ukulele group a few years ago, and I now have eighteen ukuleles, having sold only two. Fortunately, that tendency doesn't extend to women. I was married to the same woman for forty-six years.
Oct 11, 2017 06:05:25 #
I no longer believe a new and "better" camera will make me a better photographer. That was an expensive lesson to learn.
Oct 11, 2017 06:15:16 #
The D850 is by no comparison a step down from the D810. Typically, advancements in technology as applied to products in the market place do not regress.
I have adopted a new appreciation for marketing and will have to see, touch, and feel the D850 before I would consider trading my D810 for the D850. My local camera store does not have any in stock or are they able to order any as they are maintaining a list of potential buyers. On October 18 a Nikon rep is supposed to be at the store with a D850 for show and tell. My question is this, If the D850 was so great in the beta phase of development, why weren't more produced for commercial sales? Did Nikon think there would be no demand? Or is Nikon trying to create a demand through lacking inventory?
Nikon has a worldwide photo-market following yet the cameras are few and far between as are any accessories for the D850.
Time will tell if I upgrade.
I have adopted a new appreciation for marketing and will have to see, touch, and feel the D850 before I would consider trading my D810 for the D850. My local camera store does not have any in stock or are they able to order any as they are maintaining a list of potential buyers. On October 18 a Nikon rep is supposed to be at the store with a D850 for show and tell. My question is this, If the D850 was so great in the beta phase of development, why weren't more produced for commercial sales? Did Nikon think there would be no demand? Or is Nikon trying to create a demand through lacking inventory?
Nikon has a worldwide photo-market following yet the cameras are few and far between as are any accessories for the D850.
Time will tell if I upgrade.
Oct 11, 2017 06:39:49 #
I think your position makes a lot of sense. I have the D750 and in order to cut the weight of carrying it and a lens or two I have moved for most of my travel photography to the Fuji XT-2, an APC size sensor, and three lenses. Both cameras give me excellent quality and I have no need to move up to the 850, not now and probably not ever. If I ever get another camera I expect mirrorless cameras will, like everything else, get better and better. I might fall for another one of that variety at some point, but I’m pretty much finished hauling around those FX monsters and their associated lenses. Different reasons than yours for not moving now to the 850, but valid for me.
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