Photographer’s Dilemma: Nikon D850 Vs D800 – Which One Fits Your Needs?

The Nikon D850 and D800 are two of the most popular professional DSLRs on the market. Both cameras offer excellent image quality, fast performance, and a wide range of features. However, there are some key differences between the two cameras that may make one a better choice for your needs.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Nikon D850 and D800 and compare their key features. We’ll also provide our recommendations on which camera is the best choice for different types of photographers.

Key Differences

The Nikon D850 and D800 share many similarities, but there are some key differences between the two cameras. These differences include:

• Sensor: The D850 has a 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor, while the D800 has a 36.3-megapixel full-frame sensor. The D850’s higher-resolution sensor allows it to capture more detail and produce larger images.
• ISO range: The D850 has a native ISO range of 64-25,600, which can be expanded to 32-102,400. The D800 has a native ISO range of 100-6400, which can be expanded to 50-25,600. The D850’s wider ISO range gives it an advantage in low-light situations.
• Buffer size: The D850 has a larger buffer size than the D800, allowing it to capture more shots in a burst. The D850 can capture up to 51 RAW images or 170 JPEG images in a single burst, while the D800 can capture up to 24 RAW images or 100 JPEG images in a single burst.
• Video recording: The D850 can record 4K video at up to 30 frames per second, while the D800 can only record 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second. The D850 also offers a wider range of video recording options, including the ability to record in slow motion and time-lapse.
• Price: The D850 is more expensive than the D800, with a body-only price of $2,999.95 compared to $1,999.95 for the D800.

Which Camera Is Right for You?

The Nikon D850 and D800 are both excellent cameras, but they are not created equal. The D850 is a more powerful and versatile camera than the D800, but it also comes with a higher price tag.

If you are a professional photographer who needs the best possible image quality, fast performance, and a wide range of features, then the Nikon D850 is the best choice for you. However, if you are on a budget or if you do not need all of the features that the D850 offers, then the Nikon D800 is a great option.

Image Quality

Both the Nikon D850 and D800 produce excellent image quality, but the D850 has a slight edge due to its higher-resolution sensor. The D850’s images are sharper and more detailed, especially when viewed at high magnifications.

The D850 also has a wider dynamic range than the D800, which means that it can capture more detail in both the highlights and shadows of a scene. This makes the D850 a better choice for photographers who shoot in challenging lighting conditions.

Performance

The Nikon D850 and D800 are both fast and responsive cameras, but the D850 has a slight edge in terms of performance. The D850’s autofocus system is more accurate and faster than the D800’s, and the D850 can also shoot at a faster frame rate.

The D850 also has a larger buffer size than the D800, which allows it to capture more shots in a burst. This makes the D850 a better choice for photographers who shoot action or sports photography.

Features

The Nikon D850 and D800 offer a wide range of features, but the D850 has a few more features than the D800. These features include:

• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: The D850 has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which allows you to connect the camera to your smartphone or tablet for remote control and image sharing.
• GPS: The D850 has a built-in GPS receiver, which allows you to track your location and add GPS data to your images.
• Time-lapse photography: The D850 offers a built-in time-lapse photography mode, which allows you to create time-lapse videos without the need for additional software.
• Focus stacking: The D850 offers a focus stacking mode, which allows you to combine multiple images with different focus points to create a single image with a greater depth of field.

Final Thoughts

The Nikon D850 and D800 are both excellent cameras, but they are not created equal. The D850 is a more powerful and versatile camera than the D800, but it also comes with a higher price tag.

If you are a professional photographer who needs the best possible image quality, fast performance, and a wide range of features, then the Nikon D850 is the best choice for you. However, if you are on a budget or if you do not need all of the features that the D850 offers, then the Nikon D800 is a great option.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. What is the difference between the Nikon D850 and D800?

The Nikon D850 has a higher-resolution sensor, a wider ISO range, a larger buffer size, and more video recording options than the D800. The D850 also has a faster autofocus system and a more responsive performance.

2. Which camera is better for professional photographers?

The Nikon D850 is the better choice for professional photographers who need the best possible image quality, fast performance, and a wide range of features.

3. Which camera is better for budget-minded photographers?

The Nikon D800 is a great option for budget-minded photographers who do not need all of the features that the D850 offers.

4. What is the best lens for the Nikon D850?

The best lens for the Nikon D850 depends on your specific needs. However, some popular options include the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED VR, the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, and the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED.

5. What is the best memory card for the Nikon D850?

The best memory card for the Nikon D850 is a fast and reliable card with a large capacity. Some popular options include the SanDisk Extreme Pro CFexpress Type B Card, the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Card, and the ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B Card.