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Nikon D5500 Vs. D850: The Battle Of The Budgets

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 D5500 has a burst shooting speed of 5 frames per second (fps), while the D850 has a burst shooting speed of 7 fps.
  • The Nikon D5500 can record video at a maximum resolution of 1080p at 60 fps, while the D850 can record video at a maximum resolution of 4K at 30 fps.
  • The Nikon D850 is better for sports photography than the D5500 because it has a faster burst shooting speed and a more advanced autofocus system.

The Nikon D5500 and D850 are two popular DSLR cameras from Nikon. While they share some similarities, they also have some key differences that make them suitable for different types of photographers. In this blog post, we will compare the Nikon D5500 vs D850 in terms of their key features, performance, and price to help you decide which camera is right for you.

Sensor and Image Quality

The Nikon D5500 has a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, while the D850 has a 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor. This means that the D850 has a larger sensor with more pixels, which gives it an advantage in terms of image quality. The D850’s full-frame sensor also allows it to capture images with a wider dynamic range and less noise, especially in low-light conditions.

Autofocus System

The Nikon D5500 has a 39-point autofocus system, while the D850 has a 153-point autofocus system. This means that the D850 has a more advanced autofocus system with more focus points, which gives it an advantage in terms of focusing speed and accuracy. The D850’s autofocus system is also better suited for tracking moving subjects.

Burst Shooting Speed

The Nikon D5500 has a burst shooting speed of 5 frames per second (fps), while the D850 has a burst shooting speed of 7 fps. This means that the D850 can capture more images in a shorter period of time, which is useful for capturing fast-moving subjects or sports.

Video Capabilities

The Nikon D5500 can record video at a maximum resolution of 1080p at 60 fps, while the D850 can record video at a maximum resolution of 4K at 30 fps. This means that the D850 has an advantage in terms of video quality and resolution. The D850 also has a built-in time-lapse mode, which allows you to create time-lapse videos easily.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

The Nikon D5500 has a polycarbonate body, while the D850 has a magnesium alloy body. This means that the D850 is more durable and weather-sealed, making it better suited for use in harsh conditions. The D850 also has a larger and more comfortable grip, which makes it easier to hold and operate for extended periods of time.

Price

The Nikon D5500 has a starting price of around $800, while the D850 has a starting price of around $3,000. This means that the D850 is significantly more expensive than the D5500. However, the D850 offers a number of advantages over the D5500, including a better sensor, autofocus system, burst shooting speed, video capabilities, build quality, and weather sealing.

Which Camera is Right for You?

The Nikon D5500 is a great camera for beginners and hobbyists who are looking for a good all-around camera that is affordable. The D5500 offers good image quality, a decent autofocus system, and a reasonable burst shooting speed. It is also relatively lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around.

The Nikon D850 is a great camera for professional photographers who need a high-quality camera that can handle a variety of shooting situations. The D850 offers excellent image quality, a fast and accurate autofocus system, a high burst shooting speed, and great video capabilities. It is also built to withstand harsh conditions and has a comfortable grip.

Questions You May Have

Q: What is the main difference between the Nikon D5500 and D850?

A: The main difference between the Nikon D5500 and D850 is the sensor size. The D5500 has an APS-C sensor, while the D850 has a full-frame sensor. This gives the D850 an advantage in terms of image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance.

Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?

A: The Nikon D850 is better for low-light photography than the D5500 because it has a larger sensor with more pixels and a wider dynamic range. This allows the D850 to capture images with less noise and better detail in low-light conditions.

Q: Which camera is better for sports photography?

A: The Nikon D850 is better for sports photography than the D5500 because it has a faster burst shooting speed and a more advanced autofocus system. This allows the D850 to capture more images in a shorter period of time and to focus on moving subjects more accurately.

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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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