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Nikon D5 Vs D850: The Ultimate Showdown For Wildlife Dominance

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.

What To Know

  • The Nikon D5 has a maximum burst shooting speed of 14 frames per second (fps), while the D850 has a maximum burst shooting speed of 9 fps.
  • The Nikon D5 has a battery life of approximately 3,780 shots, while the D850 has a battery life of approximately 1,840 shots.

The Nikon D5 and D850 are two of the most popular DSLRs for wildlife photography. Both cameras offer excellent image quality, autofocus performance, and durability. However, there are some key differences between the two cameras that make one a better choice for wildlife photography than the other.

In this blog post, we will compare the Nikon D5 and D850 in detail. We will discuss their key features, strengths, and weaknesses. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right camera for your wildlife photography needs.

Sensor

The Nikon D5 has a 20.8-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, while the D850 has a 45.7-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. The D850’s sensor has a higher resolution, which means that it can capture more detail. However, the D5’s sensor has a lower base ISO, which means that it can produce cleaner images at higher ISOs.

For wildlife photography, the D5’s lower base ISO is more important than the D850’s higher resolution. This is because wildlife photography often requires shooting in low-light conditions, where a higher ISO is necessary to avoid blurry images.

Autofocus

The Nikon D5 and D850 both have excellent autofocus systems. The D5 has a 153-point autofocus system, while the D850 has a 153-point autofocus system. Both cameras offer fast and accurate autofocus, even in low-light conditions.

However, the D5 has a slight edge over the D850 in terms of autofocus performance. The D5’s autofocus system is more sensitive, which means that it can focus on subjects that are further away or in darker conditions.

Burst shooting

The Nikon D5 has a maximum burst shooting speed of 14 frames per second (fps), while the D850 has a maximum burst shooting speed of 9 fps. The D5’s faster burst shooting speed is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as birds in flight.

However, the D850’s slower burst shooting speed is still fast enough for most wildlife photography needs. Unless you are specifically shooting fast-moving subjects, the D850’s burst shooting speed is unlikely to be a limiting factor.

Battery life

The Nikon D5 has a battery life of approximately 3,780 shots, while the D850 has a battery life of approximately 1,840 shots. The D5’s longer battery life is a major advantage for wildlife photographers who need to shoot for long periods of time without having to change batteries.

Weather sealing

The Nikon D5 and D850 are both weather-sealed cameras. This means that they are resistant to dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Both cameras can be used in a variety of weather conditions, making them ideal for wildlife photography.

Price

The Nikon D5 is more expensive than the D850. The D5’s body-only price is $6,499, while the D850’s body-only price is $3,299. The D5’s higher price is due to its more advanced features, such as its faster burst shooting speed and longer battery life.

Which camera is right for you?

The Nikon D5 and D850 are both excellent cameras for wildlife photography. The D5 is a better choice for photographers who need a camera with fast burst shooting speed and long battery life. The D850 is a better choice for photographers who need a camera with high resolution and good low-light performance.

Wrap-Up

The Nikon D5 and D850 are both excellent choices for wildlife photography. The D5 is a better choice for photographers who need a camera with fast burst shooting speed and long battery life. The D850 is a better choice for photographers who need a camera with high resolution and good low-light performance.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Which camera has a better autofocus system?
A: The Nikon D5 has a slight edge over the D850 in terms of autofocus performance. The D5’s autofocus system is more sensitive, which means that it can focus on subjects that are further away or in darker conditions.

Q: Which camera has a longer battery life?
A: The Nikon D5 has a battery life of approximately 3,780 shots, while the D850 has a battery life of approximately 1,840 shots. The D5’s longer battery life is a major advantage for wildlife photographers who need to shoot for long periods of time without having to change batteries.

Q: Which camera is more expensive?
A: The Nikon D5 is more expensive than the D850. The D5’s body-only price is $6,499, while the D850’s body-only price is $3,299. The D5’s higher price is due to its more advanced features, such as its faster burst shooting speed and longer battery life.

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Drew D.

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.
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