When the Nikon D850 was released in 2017, it paved the way for digital cameras with unique and updated features. This camera comes with quick and easy standard shooting speeds, versatile features, and an efficient battery. It has come a long way to rival other popular DSLRs like the Canon EOS 5DS and the 5DS-R and the Pentax K-1 Mark II but many users agree that this compact camera is getting good reviews from mirrorless camera users as well.
Overview
The Nikon D850 digital camera is an all-round indoor or outdoor use camera. It comes with updated features and good design allowing you to make the most of its many qualities and characteristics. It is a digital DSLR for beginners as well as seasoned users as it is easy to use, adjust, and maintain. If you’re someone who wants a handy, easy-going DSLR then the D850 could be the one for you.
Nikon D850 Key Product Features and Benefits
The following are the many noteworthy specs and features of the Nikon D850.
Body and Camera Features
You will immediately notice that the Nikon D850 is heavy but well-built. This robust construction makes it suitable for daily indoor and outdoor uses. The chassis is made from magnesium alloy which is why it’s strong and very rigid. This is also why it’s sealed from moisture, dust, and dirt.
You will surely notice the absence of a pop flash which is found in the D810 but you can use external Speedlights or a remote flash trigger accessory instead. Frontal view is not at all different from the D810 but once you hold it, you’ll find that the grip is deeper which is ideal for either large or small hands.
Because of these subtle changes, the D850 is more comfortable to use even when you’re using it for longer hours.
When it comes to controls, you’ll find that almost every part of this DSLR is covered with dials, ports, and buttons. These allow you to make adjustments to the camera’s settings without going deep into the camera menu. Another great thing about these buttons is that you can illuminate these in the dark with the use of a simple switch. The LCD is large, easy to ready, and has the usual menu and settings buttons on the left pane. You can tilt this up or down, ideal for low-angle or short subjects.
Meanwhile, the optical viewfinder has 0.75 x magnification and complete frame coverage to create a seamless view; just like while you were using your naked eye. At the back, there is a small but efficient AF joystick which is present in the D500 and D5. This joystick is very convenient as it lets you select the focus point with ease. Meanwhile, the AF-On switch is just above the very convenient joystick.
Autofocus
The D850 features a 153 point autofocus with 99 cross-type autofocus points and 55 user-detectable points. These points are very sensitive and can go as far as -4EV of the central autofocus point while the rest at -3EV. In this setting, the D850 can focus even in total darkness.
Take note that the D850 lacks an efficient Live View mode as compared to Canon’s DSLR but its dual pixel CMOS can rival a mirrorless camera. Live View in the D850 needs improvement and is not as quick as you want it to be.
Full-frame BSI
The D850 comes with an updated 45.7MP full-frame BSI (back-illuminated sensor) which increases its pixels. The light elements are closer to the sensor for improved low-light use compared to other models.
DX Crop Mode
The DX Crop Mode is unique to the D850 and it is where the viewfinder perimeter is covered to produce results similar to an APS-C format DSLR. As the resolution reduces, you will only be using a part of the sensor due to this camera phone’s high resolution to capture high-quality 19.4MP files.
ISO Setting
ISO setting is as high as 25,600 with a native sensitivity of ISO64, this means that the sensor is very dense. But sensitivity ranges can extend up to 108,400. And for people who love landscape shots, the D850 has a LO1 setting to join ISO32.
Video Capabilities
This DSLR can shoot seamless 4K UHD video in the convenient FX-format with no cropping up to 30p to give you more advantage of your field of view. You can also shoot in lower resolution formats as well as full high definition videos in 60p. You can use the 4K time-lapse clips in the camera.
And if 4K time-lapse is not what you’re looking for, this camera can also create full-resolution time-lapse clips using third-party software accessed through the intervalometer. Use this camera for handheld shooting and you can take advantage of a digital Vibration Reduction to reduce shaking and other unnecessary movements.
File Storage and Transfer
The Compact Flash card slot in the D810 is absent in the D850. An XQD slot which is unique to only Nikon cameras is the current spec for the D850.
The D850 comes with the SnapBridge connectivity for easy wireless connections between your smartphone, PC, or laptop, and the camera. Images may be transferred from one device to another even as you take the shot at 2MP or full resolution. You can use the app to check and select files that you want to keep or delete.
Other Cool Features of the Nikon D850
The D850 excels in battery life as a single complete charge can give you more than 1,800 shot life. Another cool feature include three automatic white balance modes.
Pros
- Good build quality
- Ideal for photographers who are into sports, landscapes, single or multiple subjects
- Ergonomic, easy to handle
- Accurate focus and image quality (RAW or jpeg)
- Good low light or high ISO use
- Great screen/viewfinder
Cons
- Not for fast action with high burst speeds
- The screen only tilts up or down
- Every inch covered with buttons/controls
Verdict
Overall, the Nikon D850 is packed with features, can perform better, and gives you good image quality. There may be some flaws like the slow Live View feature and SnapBridge connectivity which users find it hard to operate but still, this DSLR is something that consumers are happy to use. It is more versatile than the D810, making it a well-rounded device for any occasion.
FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Nikon D850