photostephen

Having GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) I have both a D750 and a D850.
I am a dedicated and serious amateur. I do take professional style photos for a few non-profits as a charitable donation.

In truth (and if you tell my spouse this, I will have to kill you) both the D750 and D850 are very capable and versatile cameras. For any image that I am not going to over-crop and will only print up to 11x14, you can not tell which camera shot which image. From my "in real life" experience, the biggest advantage of the D850 is that it makes me feel like a more important photographer. Of course if I were aiming for huge prints (and who can afford to make many huge prints), the D850 wins.

In low light, they basically tie. With Color Range, they basically tie. Sure if you pixel peak, there is more in the D850 image, but if you only look at the finished product, up to a reasonable size such as 11x14, they tie.

So upgrade to the D750 and know you are getting a great camera. One that won a "Camera of the Year" the year it came out.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

The D750 is a great all around camera, and you can't really go wrong with it. Another option to consider as an alternative to the D850 if you're leaning that way is to check out a used D800E or D810 for landscapes and a used D3S for portraits and low light. Both are phenomenal cameras that can found found with exceedingly low shutter counts.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Best device so far.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

One thing to consider if you want to go into business is having all, or as much, of the capability you need to make money. That is the goal of any business. Having the tools you need to do the work is more important than having the best tools starting out. As the business grows and makes money you can upgrade your kit and add even more capability perhaps.

The other question is will you have other sources of income to support the business while you get it up and going? One mistake that is made too often in starting a business is under capitalization and lack of operating money to get it established.

Some food for thought... Good luck in your endeavor.

BebuLamar

I am sorry for missing the point that you wanted to start a business. For business you have to cut out the GAS completely. Buy what you need to deliver the kind of work your clients want. You must consider that if you buy a better camera can you earn more money? You must consider the payback period.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Well, you should do well with the D750 but now you have to begin to buy lenses that will fit the FX format.
The 24-70 or the 24-120 would be a good start. Primes are up to you and the 85mm f1.8 D or G should be more than adequate for portraits.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Quote Reply is the one to use to reply to individual posts.

Do a bit more research into the differences between DX (crop cameras) and FF (Full Frame), the bodies and lenses are not really interchangeable, going between formats, while it works (FX with DX lenses) it will make life tough.

If you have DX lenses then you will be stuck for a while with lenses that won't make you happy = (DX lens on FX camera - not good, FX lens on DX camera - works out fine).

If you go Full Frame and intend to sell photography, you will need some good FX glass. Going FX is a large expense (even if you go used). The mention of D500, or staying with a DX/crop body (D7200/7500) makes sense for now, if you stay with current lenses, moving to FF will require a set of FX lenses. It is a huge jump dollar wise.

If you intend to save up for the FX gear, work on technique and learning all you can about lighting and such for portraits, and what other gear you will need besides camera and lens. The 5200 and lenses will bring some money back if sold, but not a lot, as they are already getting old in terms of resale value. You might consider the 5200 and lenses as "back-up gear", and save up for a while longer.

Listen to any of the pro's, they have real input on the bottom line of a photo business, and you need to hear it.
Good luck

CurleyB Loc: MAITLAND FL

I am rough on equipment. I recently upgraded to a D750 from a D3200. While a little heavier, I found it to have sturdier covers for the battery and memory cards. They are advertised to be more water resistant. Hopefully I won’t need to test that. There are two card slots and I’ve set mine for RAW-JPG, other options are easily set. Battery life is much better and I find it easier to find seldom used options in the menus. I’ve had really good success obtaining used lenses through several sources. I am extremely happy with my choice.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Buying used (and refurbs) really extends the reach of your dollar!!

photoMark Loc: South Texas

While I would love to have a D850, I decided to go with the D750 and put that extra money into high quality glass, and am glad I did. I'm a believer that a good camera with great lenses is better than the best camera with mediocre glass. You might also consider going with refurbished gear from Nikon. I bought my D750, D500, and several lenses refurbished, and they were all just like new. Get on Nikon's mailing list and they will notify you when they have extra savings on refurb products. I bought my D500 and a lens from Roberts Camera and received an extra three months warranty over what Nikon gives on refurbished products; they are also great folks to do business with. Good luck!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

You should hold out for a mirrorless body if at all possible .

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n4jee Loc: New Bern, NC

Something I learned long ago is that photographers are equipment junkies. Back when the D850 was first announced, people started selling their D810's in preparation for buying a D850. I picked one up that was in pristine condition for way less then a new one was selling for. I wanted to use the lenses that I used to use with my F5's as they were meant to be used, not the 1.5 focal length increase that I got with a Dnnnn body. I also wanted to get back to the larger body size of the Dnnn models. Now my 35-70 f2.8 "normal" lens is "normal" again. The reason that I suggest the D810 is that you can pick them up used for about the same price as a new D750 and you jump from 24 to 36 MP sensor. If I need a longer lens than my 70-210 f2.8 I put it on the D2x body that I found in like new condition for $200. Always wanted a $6000 plus camera body :) Also, hang on to your old body so you can also take advantage of the fx focal length advantage when you need it.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

So, I can’t respond to your question about your Nikon (I shoot with Fuji), but I want to comment about your thoughts on Photography as a business. I’ve known two wedding and one portrait photographer, all of who eventually gave up their photography business. And having seen their work, they were very good photographers. The reason they told me was that it was really hard work, long hours, and they just didn’t make enough money to support themselves.

On YouTube there’s a photographer called the Angry Photographer. He’s somewhat quirky and a little annoying to watch ... but he’s very knowledgeable in all things photography. Watch a YouTube video of his called MONEY in photography: the truth. He talks about the real money in photography is in the things nobody wants to do, such as product, corporate, business and event photography. He states that’s where the money is now in photography.

I have no first hand knowledge in this, and please understand I’m not trying to discourage your pursuit of a Portrait Photography business ... just trying to give you some more food for thought. Good luck.

Bill P

If you want to own your own business, you need to get over this crap ASAP. When you are the boss, you will never ask, how can I upgrade my camera to make my photos better, you'll just be worried about increasing the overhead. Of the town I live in there are many professional photographers, and most of them are shooting crop sensor cameras. Why? Cause if they blow a bunch of money on a new camera, there's not enough money to put gas in the car to get to the shoot.

Open your business, come back in 2 years, then we'll talk.

BebuLamar

And then of course earning/investment.