larryepage Loc: North Texas area

So you have received an avalanche of responses, including the suggestions for thought that I provided earlier. It's like that here. I had hoped that we might hear back from you with more information. As has been mentioned, the D500 that you already have is probably an optimum choice for your wildlife shots, although it's also one of the best general-usage DSLRs available as well. It's just that hardly anyone can mentally free their thinking beyond the ingrained lore (and Nikon's own merchandising) to think to use it for other things besides sports and wildlife.

So I am going to ask you...you have been motivated for some reason to order a D850. Think about what your motivation was for doing that. We can see from what you have already that you keep your cameras for a long time and aren't always rushing out to buy something new, so if I had to guess, I'd venture that your D700 has disappointed you in some way. Or perhaps you are learning about something new that you are wanting to do photographically.

Despite what goes on here and on other forums (which I've figured out is a lot of the same people), I can tell you that there is no perfect camera, and there is no perfect technology. There is no magic bullet, and there is no magic pixie dust (or is that pixel dust) that will lead to perfect photographs. For instance...I have gradually come to the place that I hope to someday have a mirrorless camera. Not until Nikon offers one with the user interface like on the D500 and D850, though, not one that costs $5500. (That's $6,000 with sales tax.) And even then, I will never use that camera for night sky photography. The reason is that there is too much chance of inadvertently activating the EVF in a way that destroys my night vision. Shooting in the dark of the middle of the night invariably leads to accidentally pushing the wrong button or inadvertently doing something else unintended, no matter how experienced and careful one might be. Mirrorless is "the newest thing." And it will be until the market of us old folks who do photography with dedicated cameras is satisfied. Then it will be a dead technology, too. So ignore the noise and choose what you like.

You will find the D850 a pleasure to shoot. You will find that your lenses work great on it. So don't worry, and don't second guess yourself. Spend that energy having fun shooting.

tcthome Loc: NJ

For wildlife, The D850. Too much shutter blackout & shutter lag causing slanted photos when taking photos of moving subjects. Especially when taking photos while panning.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

In the years I spent farming I got that question frequently, but the subject was not cameras, but tractors. I had 8 of them.

The answer is the same for both subjects. They do different things.

I started with one tractor (and one camera). It was a general purpose tool, I used it for everything.
Then I got a tractor for cultivating. Then I got a tractor with more power for plowing and disking. Then I got a four wheel drive tractor for muddy fields. Then I got another tractor that was better at cultivating. Then I got another of the same kind as the cultivating tractor and used it to produce seedbeds. The cultivating tractor had the same wheel spacing and I didn't have to switch implements to do the cultivating or the seedbed production. Then I got a narrow tractor for cultivating between plastic rows. Then I got a tractor with a cab for use in bad weather.

My initial digital camera (Nikon D200) was an all-purpose tool. Then I got a D3 that was MUCH better in low light. Then that one disappeared from my truck so I got a D4 to replace it. Then I got a D800e, a high megapixel camera, mostly for documentation. Then I got a D5 that did better than the D4 for low light since I did a lot of events that were frequently lacking in illumination. So now I have a D4 for general purpose work, a D800e for documentation, and a D5 for low light. The old D200 got given to a local kid who was interested in photography.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Hilarious typo. Keep ‘em coming!

WDT52 Loc: Sarasota, FL

If by Z camera you mean the Z7 ii, I recommend that you don't do it. I just bought one for landscape photography and love the output. I put my 300mm PF and 500mm PF on it for BIF and wildlife and the focus on moving animals is terrible. I will admit that I have not used it long enough to understand all of the features but when it comes to wildlife I'll stick with my trusty D500.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Welcome to the Hog, Linda, enjoy. The 850 is a great choice, if you can handle the megapixels, I am 79, I bought the Nikon D800e a couple of years ago, great camera, but at my age and condition, being in a wheelchair, it was a dumb idea. Any camera shake at all will ruin your
shots unless you have really steady hands or use a hefty tripod. Being in a wheelchair prevented me from using a tripod, so I got me a monopod, which helped, but didn't solve my problem completely, so I gave my 800 to my son and got the D500, great camera, but because of
my shaking hands I still have to use my monopod.

Settlit Loc: Baton Rouge LA

Happy birthday!

therwol Loc: USA

The Z9 has a stacked sensor. No rolling shutter effect (slanted photos). The other Z cameras have the option of using a mechanical shutter instead of the electronic shutter. No rolling shutter or slanted photos.

russraman Loc: New York City

I'd go with the Nikon D850... I have one (along with 2 Nikon Df's) and love it.

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

...check Hudson Henry for the how to. Secret is using *subject tracking* with effect...you will then use your Z7II with full capability.

srt101fan

Is this thread for real? Four pages of comments responding to someone who has Nikon D700, D7200, and D500 cameras, researched the D850 and mirrorless cameras, ordered a D850, and now asks for help in deciding which way to go? I'm confused....

Old Coot

Since you already ordered it, seems you have already made up your mind. Enjoy

therwol Loc: USA

Let me try again. Put the same lens on a D500 and a D850. The size of the subject will be identical on both sensors. Crop the D850 photo to include only what covers the smaller sensor area of the D500, and you will have the same picture or close enough. This is because the pixel density is about the same and all you're doing is eliminating what is outside of the borders of the D500 sensor. With 45 megapixels and a good lens, there should be absolutely no issue. Just shoot away and crop later.

You can also pre-set the D850 to crop to DX size before taking the pictures. The pictures again will be virtually identical. I've not done this, but one slight issue I see is that framing might be a little harder if you are only using a part of your viewfinder.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Possibly not. I have presumed that it is a person who researched, ordered, and then had second thoughts during the extended wait for her camera. Probably trying to decide what to do if it never arrives. I'm willing to be part of that discussion. But I do think that it would be good to hear back from her.

srt101fan

Hearing back from the OP would most definitely help....