What To Know
- On the other hand, the Nikon D850 offers a more modest 9 fps continuous shooting speed, but it compensates with its impressive buffer capacity, allowing for up to 51 consecutive RAW images or 170 JPEGs.
- Both the Nikon D6 and D850 feature advanced autofocus systems, but the D6 has a slight edge in terms of speed and accuracy.
- The D6 utilizes a 105-point autofocus system with 72 cross-type points, while the D850 has a 153-point autofocus system with 99 cross-type points.
The world of professional photography is constantly evolving, and with it, the demands on cameras have become more stringent. Two cameras that stand out as formidable contenders in this arena are the Nikon D6 and the Nikon D850. Both cameras offer exceptional features and capabilities, but which one reigns supreme? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the Nikon D6 vs Nikon D850 to uncover their strengths and weaknesses.
Sensor and Resolution
The Nikon D6 boasts a full-frame CMOS sensor with a resolution of 20.8 megapixels, while the Nikon D850 features a larger full-frame CMOS sensor with a staggering 45.7 megapixels. The higher resolution of the D850 allows for capturing incredibly detailed images, ideal for landscapes, portraits, and commercial work. However, the D6’s lower resolution provides an advantage in terms of speed and noise performance.
Speed and Performance
The Nikon D6 is a speed demon, capable of capturing up to 14 frames per second (fps) with continuous autofocus and autoexposure. This makes it an excellent choice for sports, wildlife, and action photography. On the other hand, the Nikon D850 offers a more modest 9 fps continuous shooting speed, but it compensates with its impressive buffer capacity, allowing for up to 51 consecutive RAW images or 170 JPEGs.
Autofocus System
Both the Nikon D6 and D850 feature advanced autofocus systems, but the D6 has a slight edge in terms of speed and accuracy. The D6 utilizes a 105-point autofocus system with 72 cross-type points, while the D850 has a 153-point autofocus system with 99 cross-type points. The D6’s autofocus system is particularly impressive in low-light conditions, making it ideal for nighttime photography.
Dynamic Range and Color Depth
The Nikon D6 offers a dynamic range of 14.8 stops, while the Nikon D850 boasts an impressive 15.3 stops. This means that the D850 can capture a wider range of tones and colors, providing greater flexibility during post-processing. The D850 also has a 10-bit color depth, compared to the D6’s 12-bit color depth, resulting in smoother color transitions and more accurate color reproduction.
Video Capabilities
Both the Nikon D6 and D850 offer impressive video capabilities, but the D850 takes the lead in this department. The D850 can record 4K UHD video at up to 30 fps with full pixel readout, while the D6 is limited to 24 fps. The D850 also supports 120 fps slow-motion recording at 1080p, making it an excellent choice for videographers.
Build and Durability
The Nikon D6 is built to withstand the rigors of professional use. It features a robust magnesium alloy body with weather sealing, making it resistant to dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures. The D850, while not as rugged as the D6, still offers a solid build quality with weather sealing.
Other Features
- Storage: The Nikon D6 has dual CFexpress Type B card slots, while the D850 has dual XQD card slots.
- Viewfinder: The D6 features a large, bright optical viewfinder with a 0.72x magnification. The D850 has a slightly smaller optical viewfinder with a 0.75x magnification.
- Connectivity: Both cameras offer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS connectivity. The D6 also has an Ethernet port for wired network connectivity.
The Bottom Line: The Ultimate Choice
The choice between the Nikon D6 and D850 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize speed, accuracy, and low-light performance, the Nikon D6 is the clear choice. It is an exceptional sports and wildlife camera that will not disappoint. However, if you need the highest resolution, dynamic range, and video capabilities, the Nikon D850 is the better option. It is a versatile camera that excels in a wide variety of photographic genres.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q1: Which camera is better for sports photography?
A1: The Nikon D6 is the better choice for sports photography due to its faster continuous shooting speed and more advanced autofocus system.
Q2: Which camera has the better video capabilities?
A2: The Nikon D850 offers superior video capabilities, including 4K UHD recording at up to 30 fps and 120 fps slow-motion recording at 1080p.
Q3: Which camera is more rugged and durable?
A3: The Nikon D6 is built to withstand more extreme conditions with its magnesium alloy body and weather sealing.
Q4: Which camera has a higher resolution?
A4: The Nikon D850 has a higher resolution of 45.7 megapixels, compared to the D6’s 20.8 megapixels.
Q5: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A5: The Nikon D6 has a slight advantage in low-light photography due to its faster autofocus system and lower resolution.
