larryepage Loc: North Texas area

After shooting with a Nikon D200 & later a D300 for many years, I added a D810 in preparation for a night sky photography workshop. After using it for awhile, I then added a D850 in order to have a second body, then faced the same question as you, because the D300 lacked so much compared to the newer cameras. Did I need to move to a D500 from the D300? I ended up doing so, and am glad of the choice, but would offer these observations...

The sensor densities of the D500 and the D850 are virtually the same. The character of images taken by the two cameras is also almost the same. That means a couple of things. First, putting the D850 in DX format produces an image almost identical in appearance and file size to the image produced by the D500 with the same lens. Second, it means that if I'd captured that image in full frame then cropped it to DX, the results would have again been almost identical, except that I'd have had all the benefit of the wider field in the viewfinder when capturing the shot. Third, even though the D500 offers some real advantages around buffer size and function, switching the D850 to DX mode significantly reduces that advantage.

The D500 is essentially a twin to the D850 in terms of design, layout, and operation, except for some new features available on the D850 that were not included on the D500. It is almost as good in limited light situations. The only major shortcoming is in wide angle capability, which is always the case when comparing DX to FX cameras. The D500 is also a little bit faster and cleaner through the shutter release operation, and there are some intangible things that just make it easier, more comfortable, and more "fun" to shoot.

The end result is that I still have and use the full frame cameras for critical applications, like when I know that I'm going to make large prints, or for night sky outings or for wide angle projects. But the D500 (the last camera I bought) has fairly quickly become my daily, no compromise choice the majority of the time.

So having both formats may be beneficial, or it may not. Think through how you think you might use both formats. Don't be too restrictive, and don't be too surprised later if real life turns out to be different from what you thought would happen. And have fun with the whole process.

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

I know less than nothing about Nikon, but I do know that the low-light capability of the a77 is pretty crappy. Anything over ISO 640 and I get a lot of noise. One ancillary reason for getting the full-frame is that I can possible re-join my church's photography team. Taking pics of baptisms and other events (Easter services, etc) was impossible with my crop camera. I'd also like to attempt star shots (if I can stay awake long enough) and with the features of the a99ii I can get pretty creative (time-lapse and other goodies). Nice thing about my a77, though is that it turns my 150-600 into a 225-900. I only have 2 2.8 lenses, a crop 17-50 and a 105 macro (ff) along with a 70-300 and the 150-600.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

It sounds like you are well along on a plan. Best wishes as you proceed.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I have used both sizes and have found the cropped in PP or cropped in camera images do not have the MP or IQ of a dedicated crop sensor camera.
At present I have 3 bodies, 5DIV, 7DII and 80D.
The 5DIV is for macro, wide angle, dim light or when I can get close to birds, like in a blind-then I use it with a 100-400L.
The 7DII I mostly use with a 100-400L and pistol grip on the tripod mount for walking around etc.
The 80D is paired with a Tamron 150-600 G2 on a tripod set by the large slide doors to cover my back yard full of feeders for birds and plants for butterflies. That way I don't have to step outside and spook the birds then wait for them to come back.

You now own both types, I would suggest keeping both and using each where their strengths dominate.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

The increase in score would be the same, 1 point, so neither is "better" than the other. Personally I'd prefer the doubles, make for a more interesting game and who knows, maybe the next batter will hit a home run.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

I've got a CANON 6D mkII to replace my 60D. I always wanted FF and when they became affordable. I've hung onto the 60D for nearly a year now, never touched it once. Even hoped I could entice the sprog to use it but he's happy with his bridge.

So as soon as I've read the digest I'm of to clean it up and send it to MPB.

I've got enough old cameras lying around gathering dust, probably worth more to the scrap metal merchant than anyone else.

Peterfiore Loc: Where DR goes south

It depends on when the home run is hit...It has been known to kill many a rally. ;)

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

Except when you have a full count in the bottom of the ninth.
Smile,
JimmyT Sends

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

Doesn’t a home run score once and two doubles scores once and has a man in scoring position...😎

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Sure! the more tool you have, the better you can do the job.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

It all depends on how many men are in bases.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I carry both a FF and APS-C camera when photographing wildlife. If the subject is at any distance I use the APS-C (using the same lens as the FF) because I can put more EFFECTIVE MEGAPIXELS on the subject than with a FF. On the other hand, if my images are closer, I will switch to the FF.
Yes, for me anyway, their is a decided advantage in carrying both.
And yes, I can also switch my FF to APS-C mode, but I still loose more megs that way than by using a APS-C camera.
Another advantage of using an APS-C camera is that when mounting the FF glass on the camera, I am only using the center part of the lens, the sharpest part. Advantage, APS-C.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

I have Nikon's D500 for dynamic scenes and the D850 for static scenes.

Gatorcoach Loc: New Jersey

Good one, Paul