From the descriptions that we read from Nikon and others, the D850 appears to have the capability of being a great model. But it includes a number of significant changes from long-standing standards in its price/performance tier. The two biggest, in my opinion, are the shift to a combination metal/composite body and the addition of the tilt monitor. Both of these changes concern me because professional equipment tends to see a lot harder use than "enthusiast" gear. I need to see if the tilt implementation results in more trips to the repair shop. The manager of my local shop told me that in general, movable monitors generate a significant number of repair situations. I also tend to use my flip up flash quite a bit...whether to provide some fill in an emergency when I don't have my SB800 or as a really good way to control off-camera flash. I'd have to figure out how to do without it.

It is also interesting to me that we have not heard more from those on the forum who already received their D850s. A few test shots have been posted, but I've not seen any significant 'completed' photos or read any meaningful posts with impressions or brief reviews. It may just be that those folks are having so much fun shooting that they haven't yet been able to free up time to share with us.

I still love my D300 & D300s, and my D810 provides all of the capability I really need in more advanced situations, although a couple of the new features and modes on the D850 are very interesting to me.

I agree with Larryepage that the tilt screen is a weak point. I see no benefit to the tilt screen for still photography. In my early days I learned how to hold a 4 x 5 Speed Graphic over my head and properly angel it when I needed to keep the back of people's heads out of the frame. I can do it with any handheld camera, although there are weight limitations at my age. In fact, you don't really need a "live view" feature if you think about it. To me, the main advantage of the LCD is the histogram and the ability to verify your picture following exposure.

The D850 is giving me real GAS, however I'm going to pass at this time. My D800 has far more capability than I as an "advanced" amateur. The only reason for thinking of changing is GAS. My reason for passing at this time is that at my age I expect I will only get one or two more DSLR's. The only DSLR's I've had are the D90 and the D800, both of which I still have. I entered the world of digital in 2008 with the D90, adding it to my Nikon F4 (which I still use). I was so new to digital I didn't even realize that DX meant a crop sensor, I just thought the D90 was a top of the line amateurs 35mm (FF) DSLR camera. The info I read at the time didn't really describe the crop aspect. All I knew was that it was a lot less expensive than the "Pro" Nikons. I was and am still happy with the D90 and the DX format is absolutely no hindrance to me, has no bearing on the desire to upgrade, but GAS forced me to want an actual FF camera. Didn't need it, just wanted one. Plus I have a lot of FX lenses from the F4 era and have now added more (yes, have used them on the D90). Finally bit the bullet in 2014 and jumped in to the D800. Again, far more camera than I need but love it. So this was a gap of 6 years between my first DSLR and latest DSLR. Now, looking at the timeline of Nikon FX releases I see a span of only 2 to 3 years between them, each offering interesting steps forward, especially in sensor size and/or iso. So my thought is, since I've only had my D800 for 3 years now that the D850 is out, what will Nikon be releasing in another 3 years? If I keep my 6 year gap between DSLR purchases then I'm wondering what Nikon will have for us in 2020? Figure if I start saving now, I'll even have enough money to buy whatever they have to offer by then. If I had a real reason to upgrade, I'd get a D850, but..... I can wait. Anybody else thinking of waiting?

I am not only waiting, but will pass GAS completely. I recently upgraded to a Df from a D5300 (kept the D5300 for video and on the advice of UHHers). I found that FX glass, no surprise, is much more expensive. So while I learn the camera, I am also much more selective about glass purchases. I have one great 50mm f1.4 and two used lenses - WA zoom and a long zoom. The long zoom cost me all of $25! Will it be a great piece of glass? I doubt it, but it will help me decide what I really want in a long zoom. Ditto on the WA zoom. Although better and more $$, it will also show me the way on the short end. So with a total of about $600, I can cover: 18-35, 50, 70-300. Now I can go to "school" and learn more about the craft and about what I really will use. BTW, not bragging, but I could afford to spend the money, but choose not to. Somehow, money in the bank already is much harder to spend.... still learning patience even at my age! I am thankful for the hoggers who make this site so useful and interesting.

The D850 is giving me real GAS, however I'm going to pass at this time. My D800 has far more capability than I as an "advanced" amateur. The only reason for thinking of changing is GAS. My reason for passing at this time is that at my age I expect I will only get one or two more DSLR's. The only DSLR's I've had are the D90 and the D800, both of which I still have. I entered the world of digital in 2008 with the D90, adding it to my Nikon F4 (which I still use). I was so new to digital I didn't even realize that DX meant a crop sensor, I just thought the D90 was a top of the line amateurs 35mm (FF) DSLR camera. The info I read at the time didn't really describe the crop aspect. All I knew was that it was a lot less expensive than the "Pro" Nikons. I was and am still happy with the D90 and the DX format is absolutely no hindrance to me, has no bearing on the desire to upgrade, but GAS forced me to want an actual FF camera. Didn't need it, just wanted one. Plus I have a lot of FX lenses from the F4 era and have now added more (yes, have used them on the D90). Finally bit the bullet in 2014 and jumped in to the D800. Again, far more camera than I need but love it. So this was a gap of 6 years between my first DSLR and latest DSLR. Now, looking at the timeline of Nikon FX releases I see a span of only 2 to 3 years between them, each offering interesting steps forward, especially in sensor size and/or iso. So my thought is, since I've only had my D800 for 3 years now that the D850 is out, what will Nikon be releasing in another 3 years? If I keep my 6 year gap between DSLR purchases then I'm wondering what Nikon will have for us in 2020? Figure if I start saving now, I'll even have enough money to buy whatever they have to offer by then. If I had a real reason to upgrade, I'd get a D850, but..... I can wait. Anybody else thinking of waiting?