What To Know
- For sports photography, where speed and responsiveness are crucial, the D5’s 12fps burst rate (expandable to 14fps with a battery grip) gives it a slight edge over the D850’s 9fps burst rate.
- The D5 is the ultimate choice for photographers who prioritize speed, burst rate, and low-light performance, while the D850 is better suited for those who need higher resolution, greater flexibility, and a more compact and lightweight design.
- The D5 has a higher native ISO range of 100-102,400, expandable to 50-3,280,000, compared to the D850’s native ISO range of 64-25,600, expandable to 32-102,400.
In the realm of sports photography, where every millisecond counts, the choice between the Nikon D5 and D850 becomes paramount. These two formidable cameras have been meticulously engineered to capture the adrenaline-fueled moments and breathtaking athleticism that define sporting events. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of the Nikon D5 vs D850 for sports, unraveling their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for various scenarios.
Sensor and Resolution: Megapixels vs Speed
The D5 boasts a 20.8MP FX-format CMOS sensor, while the D850 features a 45.7MP FX-format BSI CMOS sensor. While the D850’s higher resolution provides greater detail and flexibility in post-processing, the D5’s lower resolution allows for faster burst rates and reduced noise in high-ISO situations. For sports photography, where speed and responsiveness are crucial, the D5’s 12fps burst rate (expandable to 14fps with a battery grip) gives it a slight edge over the D850’s 9fps burst rate.
Autofocus: Precision and Accuracy
Both the D5 and D850 employ Nikon’s renowned Multi-CAM 20K autofocus system, but with subtle differences. The D5 features 153 autofocus points, including 99 cross-type points, providing exceptional precision and subject tracking. The D850, on the other hand, has 153 autofocus points, including 99 cross-type points and 55 selectable AF points. This increased flexibility allows for more precise focus placement, particularly in low-light conditions.
ISO Performance: Pushing the Boundaries
The D5 and D850 offer impressive ISO capabilities, enabling photographers to capture sharp images in challenging lighting conditions. The D5 has a native ISO range of 100-102,400, expandable to 50-3,280,000, providing exceptional performance in low-light scenarios. The D850’s native ISO range of 64-25,600, expandable to 32-102,400, is slightly less impressive but still more than adequate for most sports photography applications.
Buffer Depth: Capturing the Action
Buffer depth plays a crucial role in sports photography, as it determines how many consecutive shots the camera can capture before slowing down. The D5 excels in this regard, with a buffer capacity of 200 RAW images (14-bit lossless compressed) or 300 JPEG images (fine quality). This generous buffer allows photographers to capture extended bursts without interruption. The D850’s buffer capacity is more limited, with 51 RAW images (14-bit lossless compressed) or 170 JPEG images (fine quality).
Build Quality and Ergonomics: Durability and Comfort
Both the D5 and D850 are built to withstand the rigors of professional sports photography. They feature robust magnesium alloy bodies and are weather-sealed against dust and moisture. The D5 is slightly larger and heavier than the D850, but its ergonomic design ensures a secure and comfortable grip. The D850’s smaller size and lighter weight may be preferred by photographers who prioritize portability.
Connectivity and Storage: Sharing and Archiving
The D5 and D850 offer comprehensive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. The D5 has a built-in XQD card slot, while the D850 has dual XQD card slots, providing additional storage capacity and redundancy. Both cameras support CFexpress Type B memory cards, which offer faster read and write speeds for seamless image transfer and storage.
In a nutshell: The Ideal Choice for Sports Photography
The Nikon D5 and D850 are both exceptional cameras for sports photography, but each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The D5 is the ultimate choice for photographers who prioritize speed, burst rate, and low-light performance, while the D850 is better suited for those who need higher resolution, greater flexibility, and a more compact and lightweight design. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.
Popular Questions
1. Which camera has better autofocus performance?
Both the D5 and D850 have excellent autofocus systems, but the D5’s 153 autofocus points and 99 cross-type points provide slightly better precision and subject tracking.
2. Which camera has a higher ISO range?
The D5 has a higher native ISO range of 100-102,400, expandable to 50-3,280,000, compared to the D850’s native ISO range of 64-25,600, expandable to 32-102,400.
3. Which camera has a larger buffer capacity?
The D5 has a significantly larger buffer capacity of 200 RAW images compared to the D850’s 51 RAW images, allowing for longer continuous shooting bursts.
4. Which camera is better for low-light photography?
The D5 has a better low-light performance due to its lower resolution and wider ISO range, making it better suited for capturing images in dimly lit environments.
5. Which camera is more compact and lightweight?
The D850 is more compact and lightweight than the D5, making it more suitable for photographers who prioritize portability and ergonomics.
