JimBart Loc: Western Michigan

I currently have a Nikon 7100 with 2 kit lenses and a 1.4 extender etc that I use. I also use a Sigma 150-600 contemporary lens. This camera has about 15 k actuations. I’ve had it about 4-5 years.
I noticed today that Nikon has a refurbished 780 ($1599…$700 off) and an 850 ($1999….$800 off).
I was thinking of upgrading my camera but don’t know what each of these refurbished ones would offer me that I don’t currently have. I do know that these are full frame and my current one is crop. Other than that I’m in the dark.
I mainly shoot wildlife, nature, car shows and landscape. I’m not into sports, portraits, racing etc.
Can you guys help me out or tell me it’s just a GAS attack as I’m 75. What would you do
Thanks to each of you for you input.

fredpnm Loc: Corrales, NM

I have a D5200, D750, and a D850. The 850 has many features, not on either of the other cameras...focus stacking for example - and don't so no to that, it can be very useful. I almost always use the 850 now, with the large sensor the image detail is impressive, but have plenty of disk storage space...lol.

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

The D850 would also help you with deep crops.

Don

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

The 780 has a newer generation AF that is way ahead of the 850 in live view and video if you want to catch grandkids in motion and keep them in focus which the 850 cannot do.
That is the biggest difference.
The 850 is higher resolution but cannot give as clean photos in low light compared to the 780 so if you do not want to use a flash the 780 gets you better low light.
Also the 780 gets you to 12 12 fps vs 7 fps with the 850.
The 850 does have higher resolution if you are into heavy cropping that lets you do that.
And finally the 780 is much lighter than the 850 which is a big factor as one gets older.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

The 780 is a fine camera but the 850 is in a class of its own. Too many features to try and state them all here. Just do a little research and make your decision based on the features you think are important to you.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

The D850 is arguably the best dslr ever made. It has a very good AF system, fairly good low light performance given the 45.7mp sensor and IQ is stunning with the right glass. I will never part with mine as it has the feel of a well worn pair of jeans that just fit right.

tramsey Loc: Texas

I upgraded from a 7100 with three lens to a 850 and one lens a 70-300 F/4 and couldn't be happier. It is a little hefty but the pictures we produce are phenomenal. I don't have any problem in low light. I've taken several shots with only a 7 watt night light.

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

When I purchased my D7000 I didn't understand DX vs FX but as I gained more knowledge I decided to purchase FX lenses so that I would have the lenses I needed in case I moved to full frame which I did when I purchased a D750. I love the D750 and still use it even though I purchased a D810. I think you will love the 780 but if you use your DX lenses you won't be getting all the best of what the D780 offers. The D850 is a great camera and I considered it before purchasing the D810 but I felt the D810 will be all the camera I need from here on out. Again, your DX lenses will not give you everything the 850 has to offer.

Maybe consider the D780 plus a refurbished FX lens.

Best luck with your journey towards a new camera.

Dodie

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

The D780 and D850 have very different user interfaces. The D780 interface will be quite similar to your D7100. The D850 is built with Nikon's professional interface, which is quite a bit different. It will require some effort to get fa.iliar with, but once learned, provides much easier and quicker control of your camera. If, like many here, you use your camera mostly to capture images for processing later, this is unlikely to make much difference to you. But if you have a need to produce usable images from your camera, it can be a significant benefit.

Most folks overstate the weight difference between the two cameras. What is different is that the D850 is noticeably thicker front-to-back than just about any other DSLR that I have handled. It still works fine for me, but you might want to borrow one and make sure that you are OK with it.

Lots of folks talk a lot about the superior low light performance of the D780. Small differences here tend to get really overblown. And the D850 is still a top preference for night sky photography, even after four years.

You would most likely enjoy using either of these cameras. Just be aware that they are different in significant ways, some of which may not be immediately obvious. There's a really good chance that what is important to me is different from what is important to you. My choice between these two cameras is easy and quick, but it doesn't mean it would be right for you. Shop carefully and think it through.

ELNikkor

Faced with a similar situation 5 years ago, I went with the D750 because it was lighter-weight and had a built-in flash. (Unfortunately, with all the improvements in the D780, they removed the built-in flash!) Still, I would probably get the D780 and get a small Nikon flash to go with it.

reguli Loc: Uruguay

I can't tell you about the technical characteristics of the Nikon system because I have a Canon system. But what I can say is that your Nikon is a "new camera" with 15K shots and if you want to go full frame camera that's fine. But if you can, don't sell the 7100. My story is that I had a Canon 7D (crop sensor) and bought a Canon 5D Mark III expecting much better photos. But the improvement was not there. Briefly, I had to study a lot of photography and post-processing to feel like my photos are now decent with each of the two cameras I have.

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

Is there some type of shot that you are currently unable to get with your current camera?
Are you getting good quality images with your current equipment?
If the answers are no and yes, then your just experiencing GAS, it will pass.

Bayou

...which would be need as you'd lose much of the "reach" you currently get with your long zoom if used on a FX body. That 600mm lens gives you an equivalent focal length of 900mm on your D7100. On an FX body it would be 600mm.

Warhorse Loc: SE Michigan

Life is too short, I say go with the D850 and some FX lenses if it tickles your fancy.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

Jim, I am 77, and am finally realizing after trying to support numerous systems and always looking for the Holy Grail that Gas gets you nowhere but a higher credit card balance... I realize that certain folks require certain features but I think that nothing is more important than the lens and the guy behind it... I have been trying to control my own GAS and using more of what I have instead of becoming just a collector. Having a crop body as well as a FF body and using FF lenses has been very helpful with different focal lengths from the same lens. Good luck in your choices....