Which one to purchase...the Nikon D5 or the Nikon D850? If I were thinking about purchasing a new nikon which one would you recommend that I purchase (D5 or D850)? I'm looking for...

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

If I were thinking about purchasing a new nikon which one would you recommend that I purchase (D5 or D850)? I'm looking for responses from people who have used either camera but do have some real-life knowledge of the differences in use. Thanks.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Kind of depends on what your going to do with it.
I use the D850 and I love the massive cropping ability it offers. You can get several photos just by cropping the same image different ways. It also is a very high resolution camera which can slow down image captures so, it probably would not be the first choice for fast action sports but would be the first choice for a landscape shot.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

via the lens wrote:

If I were thinking about purchasing a new nikon which one would you recommend that I purchase (D5 or D850)? I'm looking for responses from people who have used either camera but do have some real-life knowledge of the differences in use. Thanks.

It's 2018. One really good option would be to either wait for the new full frame mirrorless Nikons and trade systems for one of those, or to trade up to something from Sony, Panasonic, Olympus, or Fujifilm. Either path would ensure you aren't investing in a dying technology.

The D5, however, is the low light/smooth color gradation champ of the current Nikon lineup. It's also really fast, if you need high frame rates for sports or wildlife. The D850 is awesome for daylight use, especially for landscapes, where it records more detail and allows more cropping options.

Without knowing what sorts of photography you do on a regular basis, and what lenses you own, it is hard to suggest anything more specific than to read lots of reviews at http://www.dpreview.com, and to watch lots of review videos on YouTube. Collectively, reviewers tend to list ALL the strengths and weaknesses of a given camera. After absorbing 3-4 reviews of the same body, you have a consensus of the highlights.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

tradio wrote:

Kind of depends on what your going to do with it.
I use the D850 and I love the massive cropping ability it offers. You can get several photos just by cropping the same image different ways. It also is a very high resolution camera which can slow down image captures so, it probably would not be the first choice for fast action sports but would be the first choice for a landscape shot.

I have the D500 for wildlife and have been using the D800 for landscapes, so probably mostly for stable sorts of subjects. Just interested in the difference between the two, i.e., why purchase one or the other? I generally shot for the shot so will not be using whatever I purchase as a wide-angle camera.

alx Loc: NJ

Have to agree with tradio here. You have to weigh what you shoot and your needs. That being said, from my point of view, I wouldn't trade my D850 with its pixel count and sophistication for the speed and the extra money. But again, I don't need that extra speed. I am very happy with my choice. It is a fantastic camera.

BebuLamar

via the lens wrote:

If I were thinking about purchasing a new nikon which one would you recommend that I purchase (D5 or D850)? I'm looking for responses from people who have used either camera but do have some real-life knowledge of the differences in use. Thanks.

I think you have to answer this question yourself and whatever your decision is, it's a good one. I would like to do some statistic analysis on this thread because I believe there will be about the same number of members who recommend the D5 and D850 as well as some other cameras. Yet they all have very good reasons to do so.

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

I tend to shoot sports/pageantry the majority of the time, but delve into other, more stabile realms, too. The D5 takes care of business for all of my needs. That said, I've owned a D800 since its debut and use it for studio work. However, I would not hesitate to shoot a portrait session with the D5...it is the best camera I own. If I were making the choice of it and the 850, and didn't require blazing speed, I'd take the 850. But then, if I *needed* that speed/low light edge I wouldn't have it. They are tools, after all, proper tool for the job and all that...

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

chasgroh wrote:

I tend to shoot sports/pageantry the majority of t... (show quote)

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

via the lens wrote:

If I were thinking about purchasing a new nikon which one would you recommend that I purchase (D5 or D850)? I'm looking for responses from people who have used either camera but do have some real-life knowledge of the differences in use. Thanks.

The D850 without hesitation with its dynamic range, low light capabilities, ISO and shutter speed range, built in functions and control design. My photography jumped 5 levels going from the D850 from the earlier D810. Unless you were going to specialize in birds, wildlife or serious sports photography, then you would want the D5 for the high frame rate.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

That is a difficult choice, and as has been said several times, depends on what you shoot. The D850 has substantially ( ~2 stops) better DR up to iSO 1600 - thereafter, they are essentially equal. The D5 is the low light and fast frame rate king (sports, action photography).

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

burkphoto wrote:

It's 2018. One really good option would be to eith... (show quote)

Thanks, I am thinking about the mirrorless option, too.

Bill_de Loc: US

You have a high speed camera and a high res camera. Knowing which you favor should answer your question.

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via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Bill_de wrote:

You have a high speed camera and a high res camera. Knowing which you favor should answer your question.

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Well, that depends on what I'm shooting: I use the crop camera for speed, mostly wildlife, and the FF for landscape and still objects. So, I am inferring from your statement that the faster camera is the D5. Thanks.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

via the lens wrote:

Thanks, I am thinking about the mirrorless option, too.

Then, be prepared to wait until the end of 2019 until there is sufficient stock on hand for no waiting lists. As of this week, D850 are finally filling the pipeline for retail. and that was introduced what, September of last year?

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Then, be prepared to wait until the end of 2019 until there is sufficient stock on hand for no waiting lists. As of this week, D850 are finally filling the pipeline for retail. and that was introduced what, September of last year?

One of the reasons I like Apple is they never pre-announce anything. Oh, we might hear about something from a rumor site. The rumors are often very wrong. When the real deal is announced, it is usually available within three weeks. They'll usually take pre-orders over the web immediately.

I can't stand companies that announce and then miss their release by months and months because they ran into "unforeseen circumstances."