If you are a photographer or a lover of photography, then this article is specifically for you. I will be reviewing two full-frame powerful professional-grade DSLR cameras: Nikon D810 vs D850. These cameras are giants and known among many photographers around the world. The DSLR stands for “Digital Single-Lens Reflex Camera” both cameras have proven to be highly effective and profit-making equipment for its users.
First of all, I will start with the D810, it was announced officially in June 2014 and in July of the same year, it was available in stores around the globe. The D810 was loved by all its users because, at the time, it was the best camera. On the other hand, the D850 was established to succeed the D810 and it was introduced to the public in 2017.
The D850 which is one of the Best DSLR Camera 2020 comes with more features than the older D810 and it is also more expensive going for over three thousand dollars while the D810 goes for less than that amount. This article aims at comparing these two giants to help you make a decision, whether to go for the more advanced D850, which is on the high-side price-wise or the D810 is cheaper.
Also, the comparison is going to be based on certain criteria such as the camera features, body type, ISO, lenses and many more to see if it would help you make a decision whether to trade in your old Nikon D810 for the new D850.
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Nikon D810 vs Nikon D850
Body Type
Nikon used the same magnesium-alloy frame to build both cameras, which is very durable. These full-frame DSLR cameras are specially built to withstand all tough environments and harsh weather conditions, this weather-seal both cameras a longer lifespan. If we look at the body dimensions, the D810 is slightly different but as side-by-side, you will hardly notice a difference between these photo giants.
Some buttons on the D850 have been moved to keep a simpler design, but both cameras have the same layout. This means, as a D810 user, you won’t have any challenges to be familiar with the newer model (D850). In terms of weight, the D850 weighs slightly heavier than its predecessor and it is still hard to notice even when you handle both cameras. One major physical difference between both cameras is the pop-up flash on the D810 which is not available in the new D850.
Body-wise, the D850 comes with one feature the D810 does not have “illuminated buttons”, this makes the new model easier to operate in low-or no-light conditions. The D850 adopts a tilting LCD display with touchscreen technology and higher resolution as against the D810’s flat display screen.
ISO Range and Other Features
Although both cameras have the same body type, the D810 can barely match its successor when it comes to the full-frame sensor power. The D850 comes with a lot of more awesome features including a powerful 45.7MP sensor against the D810’s staggering 36.3MP sensor. The D850 also features a 3840 x 2160p 4K UHD video recording mode, which records normal videos at 30fps and up to 120fps for a full HD video.
So, if you are more of a videographer than a photographer, the D850 is your best choice. It is very clear the D810 can not compete with its successor when it comes to video recording, it captures full HD videos up to 60p which is very low.
Camera Speed and ISO Range
The D850 offers a faster 7fps continuous shooting speed, against 5fps continuous speed for the D810. The Nikon D850 can even go faster up to 9fps if you have an optional battery. Additionally, the D810s autofocus technology is no match to the D850. The predecessor (D810), offers a 51-point Auto-Focus system while the successor (D850)has a 153-point Auto-Focus system. The D850 focuses better in low-light situations down to -4EV while the D810 goes as low as -2EV.
When it comes to ISO range, the D850 still tops its predecessor from 6-25,600 which is expandable up to 32-102,400; while the D810 offers an ISO range of 64-12,800, expandable to 32-51,200.
Lens Type
In as much as these two cameras have some little differences, the difference in the picture quality is not noticeable. Both the D810 and D850 use the same F lens mount for Nikon, this means you don’t have to worry about what type of lens to use. You only have to worry about using the lens that suits the kind of photograph you want to shoot.
Battery Life
This is one of the most important aspects photographers and videographers look out for in any camera. The battery life of these cameras determines how long they can be used outdoors where there is no power source. If we compare the battery life of Nikon D810 vs D850, With the D810, you can take a whopping 1,200 pictures per charge, but its successor the D850 takes it up a notch at 1,840 pictures per charge.
This makes the D850 a better camera for landscape, wildlife and other outdoor photo shooting activities. Both cameras allow for the use of external battery packs, which, when combined, offer the D850 an astonishing 5,140 pictures per charge.
Conclusion
Although the D810 lacks some of the awesome features that come with the D850, it is still a great and an amazing DSLR to use, many professional landscape and wedding photographers still use it till date. The D810 still offers high-quality resolution images with details and rich colors. It is a better option for those who are into still photography and are looking for a great camera for less.
On the other hand, the D850 offers both photographers and videographers the best quality with higher megapixels, a flexible display screen, great autofocusing, better ISO range, silent shutter, illuminated buttons and many more. Although it is the best camera for those into video recording, it is also an amazing choice for still photographers.