hammond

I have the D500 and want to add the D850 for the following reasons:

- Printing photos in larger formats: the D850 will allow me to print larger images with higher resolution

- Increase the range of utility of my current lenses. For example, as I understand it, my 58mm lens acts like an 85mm lens given the 'crop factor' of the D500, but would act as a true 58mm on the D850. I also have a Nikkor 8-15mm fisheye and the D500 can't produce the full circular image.

- Convenience when shooting: specifically, not having to change lenses as often when out in the field. I often carry 4 lenses with me when I'm out, but can do with 2 if pushed. Having two cameras would allow me to more easily just switch from one to the other: for example, put the wide-angle on the D850 for taking pictures of buildings and put the 58mm on the D500 for capturing details/people.

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

Depends on what I am shooting. Lets look at two examples.
example 1. Nikon 500mm 5.6 lens, subject bird flying at 75 feet with the D850. You get the shot but have to crop. Result, about 15-18 mp on the bird.
example 2. Nikon 500 mm 5.6 lens, subject bird flying at 75 feet with the D500. With this lens you do not need to crop because you have an effective focal length of 750 mm. Result, 20.9 mp on the bird.
WINNER, D500.

Example 3, Nikon 500 mm f5.6 lens, subject bird flying about 30 feet with the D850, result is, you don't need to crop, result 45.7 mp on the bird.
Example 4, Nikon 500 mm f5.6 lens, subject bird flying about 30 feet with the D500, result, at an effective focal length of 750 mm, you only get part of the bird because you are really too close with this lens and camera combo, and even if you fit the bird in, you only have 20.9 mg on the bird.
WINNER, D850.

Just tying to show you what each camera is capable of, each has it's strength's. So, I shoot with both bodies with the 500 f5.6 lens. And I use each on wildlife and use either bodies depending on the environment.
PS. I have the D5 battery in the D850 so I get 9 fps vs. 10 with the D500. So, no biggie.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

Thank for your replies. I can always learn and appreciate your taking the time and effort to reply.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

No it doesn't. It has a narrower field of view. These are not the same.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

A couple of things need to be said here that have not been mentioned:

First...unlike the D810, the D850 provides full, opaque masking in the viewfinder when set to a format other than 24x36 mm full frame. I believe this addresses Thomas's concern.

Second...all DX lenses that I have tried will provide a beautiful 24x24 mm square image with no vignetting when used with a D850 set to that format. Image size is about 30 MP or maybe a little more.

Third...some DX lenses will generate an image larger than DX dimensions but a little smaller than 24x36 if the D850 is set to record a full frame image. In these cases, it can be possible to capture an image on the order of 24-32 MP or so with a 3:2 aspect ratio
You just have to try and see what is possible. Please note that with DX zooms, the image circle may change size as the focal length of the lens is changed. Experimentation is necessary to see what can be achieved.

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

"...narrower field of view." is the divisor in the formula for magnification is: the horizontal size of the sensor divided by the horizontal size of the angle of view

Bill P

Once again we are getting too absorbed in the minutiae and are missing the whole point. Quarrelling over the difference between reach and magnification is not in any way productive. There are some of us who enjoy math, and others who consider those who do to be mentally unbalanced. We all know that the frame outputted by the D500 is approximately the same size as the DX fame from the D850, and we all know the difference between the two should be close to a 10 MP difference (as stated by others on this and other forums) to be visible, so why not just say it. Adhering to the OP's statements, there is no advantage to anyone other than Nikon to get another camera.