Good point.

In all modes, the "cooking" starts immediately after exposure. What we call RAW is already highly manipulated, it is not untouched data from the sensor. I shoot RAW for the extra info in the shadows and highlights, how Nikon or Canon gets that data isn't important to me as long as it is there.

Remember when both Sony and Nikon were using the same sensor. You would think their RAW files would have the same dynamic range, but Nikon's DR was greater.

Best of luck - Dan

I'm not familiar with the Df. But, the size settings on the 750 and 810 only effect JPGs. When reviewing Nikon's info for the 850, it appears the reduced NEF settings only applies to 12 bit files. --- SIGH

Best regards - Dan

Checking out the manuals, you are incorrect. The manuals state: "The option selected for image size does other effect the size of the NEF images." According to the info Nikon sent me, the 850's NEFs will be smaller but still FF. This is not the case with the 810 or 750.

For me, that is important. I expect to shoot the 850 much of the time at FF and 25mp and produce approximately 30mb NEF files. I'm guessing that the 46mp setting will produce about 85mb NEF files capable of pro quality 60x90 inch prints. If those numbers are correct, the buffer will support approximately 150 25mp files! -- I'll always have the option of what size NEFs to use for the desired final product.

Remember the glass is what you keep, not the bodies. Current pro Nikon bodies can and do use Nikkor lenses going back to the 60s. I fully expect the 850 to work perfectly with my 1969 55mms f3.5 micro lens.

Thanks, I'll definitely check this out when I get back from Nevada. I very well could have missed this in the 600+ pages.

Think about this. The 850 can shoot at 9 FPS and has the D5's AF. That's at 46mp or 25mp or 12mp.

Sounds to me like a sports / PJ body, a studio body, and a general use body. Landscape, wedding, studio, sports... --- All in one.

And what about 1850 shots with the small battery and over 5000 shots with the grip battery - spectacular.

The fear and envy of the D850 is already starting. Guys please remember, using pro equipment doesn't necessarily mean better pics for amateurs and that it is what's between your ears that really counts.

No I haven't tried them. -- The 46 will be great for studio work and other applications where the camera is attached to a sturdy tripod with the highest quality lenses and good control over depth-of-field. The 25 for general hand held work. The 12 for press / sports work that needs to be submitted quickly.

Not every photo a pro makes needs to be from an 90MB file. But it will be nice to have that option always available.

For all who don't like the use of the word "best", put a question mark at the end of the title.

I'm not familiar with how to produce, in camera, reduced mp RAW files in FF for either my 810 or 750s. Perhaps one of the above posters can give me guidance.

I expect the 850 to be the pro camera to have and to shake up all other pro cameras. We'll see.

I'll wait six months before ordering a couple.

To correct my original post - The 810 apparently has 3 mp modes in full frame: 46, 25, and 12mp. From what I've read these are not crops but reduced mp counts, perhaps done with down sampling.

You may change your mind once the reviews come out. You might remember dpreview took two years to review the D810, hopefully they'll do the D850 quicker.

Good points.

Interestingly, last year I was traveling in England with another USA photographer who slipped into a pool and fractured his leg and scraped it badly. I took him to a local health clinic for treatment. No charge - free treatment.

I got the full specs last night from Nikon. In my mind there's no question that it will be the best FF camera available from any manufacturer. But, just wait to see the reviews. Try NikonUSA.com, they probably have have the specs.

The reduced mp mode uses the full sensor. That means you don't have to use bloated 46mp files when hand holding or using or using less than spectacular lenses. As is well known, high mp bodies require great technique, very firm support, and great attention to depth of field.

It uses the D5 AF. It shoots at 7 or 9 FPS. It has a ton of other still and movie features. It costs a very reasonable $3300.

Will it be better than my older 50mp Hassy? We'll see.