Nikon D5 vs Nikon D850 – two titans of the professional photography world, each boasting a unique blend of power and precision. While both cameras are renowned for their exceptional image quality, they cater to distinct audiences and shooting styles.
This comparison delves into the heart of these cameras, exploring their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine which one is the perfect match for your photographic journey.
The Nikon D5, a powerhouse designed for speed and low-light mastery, excels in fast-action photography and demanding environments. Its lightning-fast autofocus and robust build make it a favorite among sports and wildlife photographers. On the other hand, the Nikon D850, a versatile all-rounder, boasts a high-resolution sensor and exceptional dynamic range, making it a top choice for landscape, portrait, and studio work.
This detailed comparison will dissect their key features, performance, and capabilities, illuminating the subtle nuances that set these two giants apart.
Nikon D5 vs. Nikon D850: A Comparative Analysis
The Nikon D5 and Nikon D850 are two flagship cameras from Nikon, renowned for their exceptional image quality and performance. Both cameras cater to professional photographers and enthusiasts, but they differ in their target audience and key features. This comparative analysis aims to shed light on their similarities and differences, helping you make an informed decision when choosing the right camera for your needs.
Target Audience and Key Features
The Nikon D5 is primarily designed for professional sports and wildlife photographers who demand high-speed performance and exceptional low-light capabilities. It boasts a 20.8MP full-frame sensor, a blistering 12fps continuous shooting rate, and an impressive ISO range of 100-102400, expandable to 3.28 million.
This combination ensures sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions. The D5 also features a robust build, weather sealing, and a high-resolution optical viewfinder, making it suitable for demanding environments.
On the other hand, the Nikon D850 is a versatile camera targeting a wider audience, including professional photographers, landscape enthusiasts, and studio photographers. It features a higher resolution 45.4MP full-frame sensor, offering exceptional detail and dynamic range. Its continuous shooting rate is 7fps with single-shot AF, and it boasts an impressive ISO range of 64-25600, expandable to 102400.
The D850 also offers features like 4K video recording at 30fps, a tilting touchscreen LCD, and in-body image stabilization (IBIS), making it suitable for a broader range of photography styles.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon D5 and D850 are both renowned for their exceptional image quality, but their sensor differences contribute to distinct strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these differences helps photographers choose the camera that best suits their needs.
Sensor Size and Resolution
The sensor size and resolution play a crucial role in determining image quality. The Nikon D5 features a full-frame (FX) CMOS sensor with 20.8 megapixels, while the Nikon D850 boasts a larger full-frame CMOS sensor with 45.7 megapixels.
- The D5’s sensor, despite having fewer megapixels, excels in low-light performance due to its larger individual pixels, which gather more light. This results in less noise and better detail in low-light conditions.
- The D850’s higher resolution sensor captures significantly more detail, allowing for larger prints and tighter crops. This advantage is particularly beneficial for landscape, portrait, and architectural photography.
Dynamic Range
Dynamic range refers to the camera’s ability to capture detail in both the highlights and shadows. The D850’s larger sensor offers a wider dynamic range compared to the D5, enabling it to retain more detail in extreme lighting conditions.
- The D850’s wider dynamic range allows photographers to recover more detail from underexposed areas in post-processing, resulting in more latitude for creative adjustments.
- The D5’s dynamic range, while impressive, is slightly narrower than the D850’s, limiting its ability to capture detail in extreme lighting scenarios.
Image Sharpness and Detail
The D850’s higher resolution sensor captures significantly more detail, resulting in sharper images with greater clarity. The D5, with its lower resolution, produces images that are still sharp but may lack the same level of fine detail.
- The D850’s high-resolution sensor allows for greater detail in areas like textures, foliage, and intricate patterns.
- The D5’s lower resolution sensor may produce images that appear slightly softer, particularly when viewed at large sizes or when cropping heavily.
Color Reproduction
Both cameras deliver accurate and vibrant color reproduction, but subtle differences exist. The D850, with its more advanced sensor technology, often produces more nuanced and natural colors, particularly in skin tones.
- The D850’s color rendition tends to be more accurate and pleasing, especially in scenarios with complex lighting conditions.
- The D5’s color reproduction is still excellent, but it may exhibit slightly less nuanced color transitions compared to the D850.
Image Examples
“The D5’s low-light performance is truly remarkable, as evidenced by its ability to capture stunning detail in dimly lit environments. Its images are incredibly sharp and clean, even at high ISO settings.”
The Nikon D5 and D850 are both exceptional cameras, but their strengths lie in different areas. The D5, built for speed and low-light performance, is a powerhouse for sports and wildlife photography, while the D850, with its high-resolution sensor, excels in landscape and studio work.
When considering buying either camera, it’s important to understand their condition. A camera described as “mint” is in pristine condition, often indicating it’s barely been used. This definition of “mint” can be crucial when determining the value and desirability of a used camera, especially for models like the D5 and D850, which hold their value well.
Ultimately, the choice between the D5 and D850 depends on your individual photographic needs and budget.
- A low-light image captured with the D5 would showcase its exceptional noise performance and detail retention, even in challenging lighting conditions.
- A high-resolution image of a landscape scene captured with the D850 would demonstrate its ability to capture intricate details and textures, allowing for stunning enlargements.
- A portrait captured with the D850 would highlight its accurate and natural skin tone rendition, showcasing the camera’s ability to capture subtle nuances in color.
Body Design and Ergonomics
The Nikon D5 and D850, while both professional-grade DSLRs, cater to different shooting styles and priorities. Their body designs reflect these differences, influencing handling, comfort, and overall user experience. This section delves into the specifics of their physical attributes, comparing their size, weight, button layout, and ergonomics.
Size and Weight Comparison
The size and weight of a camera significantly impact its portability and handling. The Nikon D5, designed for fast-paced action photography, is a robust, larger camera, built to withstand harsh conditions. The D850, aimed at a broader audience, including landscape and studio photographers, prioritizes a more compact and lightweight design.
- Nikon D5:Dimensions of 159.5 x 160 x 82.5 mm and a weight of 1,355g with battery and SD card, making it heavier and bulkier than the D850.
- Nikon D850:Dimensions of 146 x 124 x 78.5 mm and a weight of 915g with battery and SD card, offering a more compact and lighter form factor, facilitating ease of transport and handling for longer periods.
Button Layout and Grip
The button layout and grip play a crucial role in a camera’s ergonomics, affecting the user’s ability to control the camera comfortably and intuitively. Both cameras offer a well-designed button layout and a deep, comfortable grip, but with slight variations.
- Nikon D5:The D5 features a more traditional button layout, prioritizing accessibility and functionality. The large, deep grip provides a secure hold, essential for fast-paced shooting styles, especially with heavy lenses.
- Nikon D850:The D850 features a more streamlined button layout, prioritizing a cleaner and more compact design. The grip, while comfortable, is slightly less deep than the D5, catering to a wider range of hand sizes and shooting styles.
Ergonomics and Ease of Use
Ergonomics is crucial for comfort and ease of use, especially during extended shooting sessions. The D5, with its larger size and deeper grip, is ideal for photographers with larger hands, who might prefer a more substantial feel. The D850, with its smaller size and more compact design, is more adaptable to various hand sizes and shooting styles.
- Nikon D5:The D5 is designed for professional photographers who often shoot in demanding conditions. Its larger size and deeper grip provide stability and comfort, even when using heavy lenses or shooting for extended periods.
- Nikon D850:The D850 is designed for a wider audience, including photographers who value portability and comfort. Its smaller size and more compact design make it easier to carry and handle for extended periods, making it suitable for various shooting styles.
Weather Sealing and Durability
Both cameras offer robust weather sealing, essential for protection against the elements and ensuring reliable performance in challenging conditions.
- Nikon D5:The D5 boasts a robust weather sealing system, designed to withstand demanding conditions like rain, snow, and dust. It is built to withstand the rigors of professional photography, offering exceptional durability and reliability.
- Nikon D850:The D850 also features a comprehensive weather sealing system, ensuring protection against the elements. While slightly less robust than the D5, it offers sufficient protection for most shooting scenarios, making it a reliable choice for a variety of conditions.
Video Capabilities
Both the Nikon D5 and D850 offer impressive video recording capabilities, catering to photographers and videographers seeking high-quality video production. They both offer a range of resolutions, frame rates, and codec options, enabling users to capture stunning footage for various purposes.
Video Resolutions and Frame Rates, Nikon d5 vs nikon d850
The Nikon D5 and D850 provide a range of video resolutions and frame rates, catering to different video production needs.
- The Nikon D5 supports 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video recording at 30p, 25p, and 24p, along with Full HD (1920 x 1080) video recording at frame rates ranging from 60p to 24p. This allows for flexibility in capturing different types of footage, from fast-paced action to slow-motion sequences.
- The Nikon D850 also supports 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video recording at 30p, 25p, and 24p, but it also offers a higher frame rate of 60p for capturing smooth slow-motion footage. It also supports Full HD (1920 x 1080) video recording at frame rates ranging from 120p to 24p, enabling even slower-motion sequences.
Codec Options
Both cameras support H.264/MPEG-4 AVC codec for video recording, providing efficient compression and high-quality video output. The D5 offers a bitrate of up to 160 Mbps, while the D850 provides a bitrate of up to 100 Mbps. This difference in bitrate can affect the overall quality and file size of the video.
Autofocus Performance
The Nikon D5 and D850 both offer advanced autofocus systems designed for video recording. The D5 utilizes a 153-point autofocus system with 99 cross-type sensors, while the D850 utilizes a 153-point autofocus system with 153 cross-type sensors. Both cameras offer continuous autofocus (AF) modes that track moving subjects effectively.
Image Quality in Video Mode
Both cameras deliver excellent image quality in video mode, thanks to their high-resolution sensors and advanced image processing. The D5’s sensor captures a wide dynamic range, resulting in detailed footage with rich colors and subtle transitions. The D850’s sensor also delivers excellent dynamic range, along with impressive low-light performance.
The Nikon D5 and D850 are both powerful cameras, but they cater to different needs. The D5 excels in sports and wildlife photography with its blazing-fast autofocus and continuous shooting capabilities. The D850, on the other hand, is a versatile powerhouse designed for studio, landscape, and portrait photography.
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Ultimately, the choice between the D5 and D850 depends on your specific shooting style and budget.
Audio Recording Options
Both cameras offer stereo audio recording through their built-in microphones. They also support external microphones via the microphone jack, allowing for better audio quality and greater control over sound recording. The D5 also features a headphone jack for monitoring audio during recording.
The Nikon D5 and D850 are both professional-grade cameras, but their strengths lie in different areas. The D5 excels in low-light performance and speed, making it ideal for sports and wildlife photography. The D850, on the other hand, boasts exceptional image quality and resolution, perfect for landscapes and studio work.
Before making your decision, consider whether you need a complete kit or just the camera body. Should I buy a camera bundle or just the body? Ultimately, the choice between the Nikon D5 and D850 depends on your specific photographic needs and budget.
Other Video Features
Both cameras offer a range of other video features, including:
- Time-lapse recording: This feature allows for the creation of time-lapse sequences by capturing a series of still images at set intervals.
- Slow-motion recording: Both cameras offer slow-motion recording capabilities, allowing users to capture slow-motion footage at various frame rates.
- Zebra pattern: This feature helps to identify overexposed areas in the video frame, enabling users to adjust exposure settings accordingly.
- Focus peaking: This feature highlights the areas of the frame that are in focus, aiding in achieving accurate focus during video recording.
Connectivity and Features
The Nikon D5 and D850 offer a range of connectivity options, catering to both professional and enthusiast photographers. These features allow for seamless file transfer, remote control, and integration with other devices.
Connectivity Options
The Nikon D5 and D850 provide a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, including:
- USB 3.0:Enables high-speed data transfer for quickly downloading images and videos to a computer or external hard drive.
- Ethernet:Facilitates direct connection to a network for file transfer and remote control.
- HDMI:Allows for high-resolution output to external monitors for image review and playback.
- Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi):Enables wireless connectivity for transferring files to smartphones, tablets, or computers and remote control of the camera using a dedicated app.
- Bluetooth:Facilitates low-power wireless communication with compatible devices for basic functions like remote control and image transfer.
Wireless Transfer and Remote Control
Both the Nikon D5 and D850 support wireless transfer and remote control via their dedicated mobile apps:
- Nikon SnapBridge:This app enables automatic image transfer to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, allowing for easy sharing and backup. It also provides basic remote control capabilities.
- Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility:This app offers more advanced remote control features, including live view, shutter release, and exposure settings adjustment.
Built-in GPS and Other Features
The Nikon D5 and D850 offer additional features that enhance their functionality and usability:
- GPS:The Nikon D5 incorporates a built-in GPS receiver, allowing for geotagging of images with location information. This feature is particularly useful for photographers who need to document the location of their shots.
- Time-Lapse Recording:Both cameras offer time-lapse recording capabilities, allowing for the creation of captivating sequences that capture events over extended periods.
- Intervalometer:This feature enables the camera to take photos at predetermined intervals, useful for capturing time-lapse sequences or other specialized photography applications.
- Multiple Exposure:The Nikon D5 and D850 allow for multiple exposures, enabling photographers to combine different images to create unique and artistic effects.
Battery Life and Accessories: Nikon D5 Vs Nikon D850
The battery life and accessories of a camera are crucial factors to consider, especially for photographers who rely on their equipment for extended shoots. Both the Nikon D5 and D850 offer excellent battery performance and a wide range of compatible accessories.
Battery Life
The battery life of a camera is a significant factor, especially for photographers who are out in the field for long periods. The Nikon D5 features the EN-EL18a battery, which is rated for approximately 3,780 shots on a single charge based on CIPA standards.
The Nikon D5 and D850 are both formidable cameras, each catering to different photographic needs. The D5 shines in its lightning-fast autofocus and high burst rate, ideal for capturing fleeting moments. The D850, on the other hand, boasts a higher resolution sensor, perfect for landscapes and studio work.
However, when considering dynamic range, the Sony a7S II offers a compelling alternative. Its ProRes RAW recording capability, explored in detail here , allows for exceptional latitude in post-processing, potentially surpassing both the D5 and D850 in this area. Ultimately, the choice between these cameras hinges on the specific demands of your photography.
The Nikon D850, on the other hand, uses the EN-EL15a battery, which offers a slightly lower capacity, rated for approximately 1,840 shots. The battery life of the Nikon D5 is significantly longer than that of the D850, due to the larger capacity of the EN-EL18a battery.
This is especially important for photographers who shoot in demanding conditions, such as wildlife or sports photography, where they may not have the opportunity to recharge their batteries frequently.
Battery Options
Both the Nikon D5 and D850 offer a range of battery options to meet the needs of different photographers. The D5 is compatible with the EN-EL18a and EN-EL18 batteries, while the D850 supports the EN-EL15a and EN-EL15 batteries. The EN-EL18a battery is the most powerful option for both cameras, providing the longest shooting time.
The EN-EL18 battery is a slightly older model, but it still offers a good level of performance. The EN-EL15a and EN-EL15 batteries are more compact and lighter, making them suitable for photographers who prioritize portability.
Accessories Compatibility
Both the Nikon D5 and D850 are compatible with a wide range of Nikon accessories, including lenses, flashes, and grips. This allows photographers to customize their cameras to meet their specific needs.
Lenses
Both cameras are compatible with Nikon’s extensive range of FX-format lenses, providing photographers with a wide variety of options for different shooting styles. From wide-angle to telephoto lenses, macro to specialized optics, the choice is vast.
Flashes
Both cameras support Nikon’s i-TTL flash system, which enables accurate exposure control when using external flashes. The D5 and D850 can be used with a wide range of Nikon Speedlights, including the SB-910, SB-700, and SB-5000.
Grips
The D5 and D850 are compatible with a variety of battery grips, which extend the camera’s battery life and provide a more comfortable grip for vertical shooting. These grips can also add additional buttons and controls for easier access to frequently used functions.
Pricing and Availability
Nikon accessories are widely available from authorized retailers and online stores. The prices of accessories vary depending on the specific model and retailer. For example, the Nikon EN-EL18a battery can be purchased for approximately $200, while the Nikon EN-EL15a battery is priced around $100.
Nikon Speedlights range in price from approximately $150 to $500, depending on the features and capabilities. Battery grips are typically priced between $200 and $400.
Target Audience and Use Cases
The Nikon D5 and D850 are both professional-grade cameras, but they cater to different photographic needs and target distinct audiences. The D5 excels in capturing fast-paced action and sports, while the D850 shines in high-resolution image quality and versatility.
Target Audience and Use Cases
The ideal user for each camera depends heavily on their specific photographic needs and priorities.
- Nikon D5: The D5 is designed for professional photographers who require high-speed performance, exceptional low-light capabilities, and robust build quality. It is the ideal choice for sports, wildlife, and photojournalism, where capturing fast-moving subjects in challenging lighting conditions is paramount.
- Nikon D850: The D850 caters to a broader audience, including professional photographers, enthusiasts, and even advanced amateurs who prioritize image quality, versatility, and a balance between performance and resolution. Its high-resolution sensor, excellent dynamic range, and video capabilities make it suitable for a wide range of genres, including landscape, portrait, wedding, and commercial photography.
Strengths and Weaknesses for Specific Genres
The strengths and weaknesses of each camera vary depending on the photographic genre.
- Sports and Wildlife Photography: The D5’s strengths lie in its high-speed performance, robust autofocus system, and exceptional low-light capabilities. Its 12 fps continuous shooting rate with full autofocus tracking allows photographers to capture fleeting moments in action, while its high ISO performance ensures sharp images even in low light.
The D850, while capable, lacks the D5’s speed and low-light performance, making it less ideal for fast-paced action photography.
- Landscape Photography: The D850’s high-resolution sensor and exceptional dynamic range are ideal for capturing stunning landscapes. Its ability to capture intricate details and produce high-quality prints makes it a favorite among landscape photographers. The D5, with its lower resolution and focus on speed, is less suited for landscape photography.
- Portrait Photography: Both cameras excel in portrait photography. The D850’s high resolution and shallow depth of field capabilities allow for stunning portraits with exceptional detail and smooth bokeh. The D5’s robust autofocus system and fast continuous shooting rate can be advantageous for capturing spontaneous moments and capturing moving subjects.
- Wedding Photography: The D850’s versatility and high-resolution sensor make it a popular choice for wedding photography. Its ability to capture both high-quality stills and high-resolution video allows photographers to document the entire event. The D5’s speed and low-light capabilities can be useful for capturing candid moments and dimly lit receptions.
Suitability for Different Photography Levels
The D5 and D850 cater to different levels of photography expertise.
- Professional Photographers: Both cameras are professional-grade tools, offering advanced features and robust build quality. The D5 is ideal for professionals who prioritize speed and low-light performance, while the D850 caters to professionals who value image quality, versatility, and a wider range of photographic applications.
- Enthusiasts: The D850 is a fantastic choice for enthusiasts who want a camera capable of producing high-quality images across various genres. Its versatility and user-friendly interface make it accessible to photographers of all skill levels. The D5, with its high price tag and specialized features, might be overkill for most enthusiasts.
- Beginners: While both cameras offer excellent image quality, their complexity and high price point make them less suitable for beginners. Beginners are better off starting with a more affordable and user-friendly camera before transitioning to a professional-grade model like the D5 or D850.
Examples of Use Cases
- Nikon D5: A wildlife photographer capturing a cheetah running at full speed in the African savanna, a photojournalist documenting a political rally in low-light conditions, a sports photographer capturing a high-speed tennis match.
- Nikon D850: A landscape photographer capturing a breathtaking sunset over a mountain range, a wedding photographer documenting a ceremony in a dimly lit church, a commercial photographer shooting a product advertisement in a studio.
Wrap-Up
Ultimately, the choice between the Nikon D5 and D850 boils down to your individual needs and priorities. If speed and low-light performance are paramount, the D5 reigns supreme. But if you crave exceptional image detail, dynamic range, and versatility, the D850 is the champion.
Both cameras offer a world of creative possibilities, allowing you to capture stunning images that truly reflect your vision. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring enthusiast, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each camera empowers you to make the informed decision that aligns with your photographic goals.