Nikon D850 Availability: After hearing that the Nikon D850 would make a great wildlife camera, I’ve considered selling my D500 and D810 and buying one. Right now I use my D500...

Laura72568 Loc: Anderson TX

After hearing that the Nikon D850 would make a great wildlife camera, I’ve considered selling my D500 and D810 and buying one. Right now I use my D500 exclusively for my birding and wildlife photography and my D810 for everything else (portraiture, macro work, etc). I like the idea of having one camera for everything because I’ve had both a crop sensor and a full frame for a long time. Wondering a few things...
First, when is the backlog of orders expected to be caught up? I cannot find any info online about expected availability. I do not have an order in but have asked to be notified by B&H and Adorama when they’re in stock.
Secondly, has anyone heard of any issues with the D850? I’ve only heard great things. Any input is welcome!

BebuLamar

I don't know about the availability but I am surprised that you want to sell the D500 for the D850. The D500 is quite new.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I sold my 810 and kept the 500 for birds and wildlife. The 850 is great, but I don't believe it replaces the 500 for wildlife and I am pleased to have both the 850 and 500. I know that there are pros with D5's that acquired 500's and are in no hurry to give them up. You could get opinions from Mike Jackson or Steve Perry that may help in your decision.

Note: The similarities between the 500 and 850 are an advantage as well.

Laura72568 Loc: Anderson TX

DaveO wrote:

I sold my 810 and kept the 500 for birds and wildlife. The 850 is great, but I don't believe it replaces the 500 for wildlife and I am pleased to have both the 850 and 500. I know that there are pros with D5's that acquired 500's and are in no hurry to give them up. You could get opinions from Mike Jackson or Steve Perry that may help in your decision.

Thank you! I appreciate your input.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Laura72568 wrote:

After hearing that the Nikon D850 would make a gre... (show quote)

The 45.7MP D850 when shot in DX mode gives you an almost identical image size as the 20.9MP D500 so there is no "reach" advantage to the D500. The only real advantage is its 10fps shooting rate compared to the D850's 7fps.
I find I am using my D500 MUCH less than before I got my D850.
Production is ongoing with over 15,000 USA units shipped since early September. Thats pretty darned good in my opinion considering its in VERY high demand throughout the world!

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I have crop & full frame cameras. My crop cameras are my go-to for macro & wildlife as I don't have to crop as much....

Laura72568 Loc: Anderson TX

MT Shooter wrote:

The 45.7MP D850 when shot in DX mode gives you an almost identical image size as the 20.9MP D500 so there is no "reach" advantage to the D500. The only real advantage is its 10fps shooting rate compared to the D850's 7fps.
I find I am using my D500 MUCH less than before I got my D850.
Production is ongoing with over 15,000 USA units shipped since early September. Thats pretty darned good in my opinion considering its in VERY high demand throughout the world!

Great info...thank you!

Jim Bob

Laura72568 wrote:

After hearing that the Nikon D850 would make a gre... (show quote)

Only Nikon knows the shipping schedule and they ain't telling. A full frame camera like the D850 places challenges on your hand holding techniques and your lenses. Issues with either or both tend to be magnified due to the high megapixel count. The D750 is still better in the low noise category but I don't know if you would consider that an "issue".

Laura72568 Loc: Anderson TX

Jim Bob wrote:

Only Nikon knows the shipping schedule and they ain't telling. A full frame camera like the D850 places challenges on your hand holding techniques and your lenses. Issues with either or both tend to be magnified due to the high megapixel count. The D750 is still better in the low noise category but I don't know if you would consider that an "issue".

Noise is an issue with my Birding...depending on light and weather how high I need to put the ISO.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Many of my insect macro subjects are a lot smaller than even the DX format sensor (many are 5-6mms total), thus I still crop when using a DX sensor.

MT Shooter wrote:

The 45.7MP D850 when shot in DX mode gives you an almost identical image size as the 20.9MP D500 so there is no "reach" advantage to the D500. The only real advantage is its 10fps shooting rate compared to the D850's 7fps.
I find I am using my D500 MUCH less than before I got my D850.
Production is ongoing with over 15,000 USA units shipped since early September. Thats pretty darned good in my opinion considering its in VERY high demand throughout the world!

Jim Bob

Laura72568 wrote:

Noise is an issue with my Birding...depending on light and weather how high I need to put the ISO.

Well you point out some of the variables. And I suspect you will receive a thousand opinions. I will go out on a limb here and say start with the lowest ISO that will allow you to capture the image you seek.

Laura72568 Loc: Anderson TX

Jim Bob wrote:

Well you point out some of the variables. And I suspect you will receive a thousand opinions. I will go out on a limb here and say start with the lowest ISO that will allow you to capture the image you seek.

I always start with the lowest ISO...yes, but for instance, I was in a bad weather situation but had the opportunity to get up close to some Whooping Cranes on the coast. Noise was a factor because I needed the ISO.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

There are always going to be some situations like that, where no matter what, you won't be able to achieve what you desire....

Laura72568 Loc: Anderson TX

Screamin Scott wrote:

There are always going to be some situations like that, where no matter what, you won't be able to achieve what you desire....

Yes, thank you.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

MT Shooter wrote:

The only real advantage is its 10fps shooting rate compared to the D850's 7fps.

And the D850 can do 9 fps with the spendy battery grip add-on.