larryepage Loc: North Texas area

There is no learning curve when moving from the D500 to the D850. They are operational twins. All that is necessary is to learn the couple of new functions.

henrycrafter Loc: Orem Utah

Oh well I guess my ignorance is showing. I still attach my T5i to my Sinar view camera so I can use the bellows view camera functions.

Pixel-pusher

I have both models. They are fairly similar (for some strange reason the locations of the ISO & Mode buttons are switched. I use both and have no problem switching back and forth between them. It's very easy to switch between them. I frequently take both — one with a telephoto lens and one with a wide angle lens.

The BIG difference to me is that the 850 Has a full stop extra ISO and considerably higher resolution (45.7 vs. 36.3 megapixels). Those two features alone are worth the extra money when you need them and I can't remember the what price difference was.

For me It's a no brainer. If I only had one, I would want it to be the 850.

The Capt.

If the extra pixels pose a problem just choose a smaller pixel count when desired. As far as speed you can set up the D850 to get up to 30 frames per second.

ltcarizona

I read a lot of comments here that you should go for the Nikon D850 instead of the D810 which has better IQ. I own the D850 and D7200 and I am fine with both. Over the years I have shot professionally (Playboy), wedding photography, and family. I have owned the very best Canon and Nikon cameras and found the camera is only as good as the user. All the bells and whistles though nice that is about it. Sure there is improvements in weatherproofing, but with the 850 and 810 they are the same basically. Sorry no thunderstorm photography.

Now down to you question where you want to upgrade to a FF camera. My question to you is what are you going to do with the extra resolution between the D850 and D810 (which has great prices)? Are you a professional where you need to extra mp to blow up prints? If not the difference between the two in mp is not a big difference. Also handy is the popup flash on the D810 that your D500 does not have or the D850. Great for those fill flash moments when you want to go light and not carry a flash.

One more comparison I have been a active shooter over the years shooting everything from a 454 castile, 44 mag, 357 mag on down. But bigger isn't always better. Often comes with a larger learning curve and if I am not shooting wild boars I don't need a 454 or 44 mag. My 9mm semi is the best controlled gun out of the group and I can place all my shots in the heart in a 1' group. Rapid fire in a 2' group. So I am saying this is similar to a camera. What will get the job done. You have one of Nikon's finest camera's in the D500. Think about this. Also the Nikon 500 uses DX lenses. The 850 or 810 has FX lenses more expensive.

And here's a new flash for you that you need to know Nikon is proceeding with releasing in 2021 a D860 with a 60 mp. That blows the D850 out of the water and places that camera in competition with Canon. Also they are releasing the Z8 mirrorless. By the way Nikon has released some of their finest lenses as mirrorless. And the mirrorless is far more nicer to carry. And it can do anything the 850 can and more. Faster motor drive.

So here are things you should be thinking of. I am 69 years old with 45 years professional, etc, photo experience including teaching and photojournalism and I am going to go mirrorless really soon the way of the future. Nikon sees this as the way to the future.

KimberlyF Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

Hi Dr. Bob. I can weigh in on the 810. Initially I was looking for an 850 but at $2300 vs $1000 for the 810, I opted for it. One thing I love is that I don't need a transmitter and receivers for each flash with the 810. So if you do any studio work, that might be a consideration. Another might be the difference in file size between 36 and 45? megapixels. I definitely love the 810 but not having an 850, I might not know what I'm missing, lol. Oh and if you are looking for the 810, it'll be used so be sure and check that it was a US marketed. The serial number will start with 30 if it is. And also check the shutter count. From what I read, they are good for 200k or so. Good luck! :)

Nicholas J DeSciose

850 is newer. Do you need to hire megapixels

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

Get the 850, Nikons best camera.

Mike1017

The big big secret with the D850 you need Good Good glass when you have lots of m p that is needed My 2 cents Mike

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

I had 2 D810's and now have 2 D850's. If you can afford the 850 go for it. D810 is pretty old by today's standards. The D850 is already 2 years old.

BebuLamar

The OP specifically asked D850 or D810. There is no reason to suggest different camera.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I see no reason not to suggest a different camera. Maybe the open hadn’t considered mirrorless but might want to look into them. I also shoot a D500. I was considering a D850 and decided to take a look at the Z7. I ended up going that way and I’m very happy I did.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I didn’t know they were available for hire. Do they work for an hourly rate or a salary?

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

If you don't mind the loud shutter on the D850 there is no contest between it and the D810. Can't image why you are asking if you did the research.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I own both the D810 and D850. I didn't think there would be that much difference between the two but I was wrong. Both are great cameras. I would take a used or refurbished D850 over a new D810. Just because of its features. The only thing I do not like about the D850 is there is no pop-up flash for instant fill. I bought a used SB-400 flash (from MPB.com) as a fill flash and that has served me well. I will eventually sell the D810 and buy a second D850 as a backup or possibly move to the Z7 and Z lenses.