Nikon D850, AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F4.5-5.6G ED VR, 1/360, F2.8, ISO 64, Photo by Z II

Nikon D850 / SHOOTING REPORT vol.1 vol.2

We rated the D850 as "perfect" in the Vol.1. In the Vol.2, I will compare it with the D810 quantitatively and qualitatively. Because of the weather and time constraints, I shot around my neighborhood area in Tokyo.

The camera feels perfect in hand in terms of weight, finish, and design. The only difference in operation is that the positions of MODE and ISO buttons are switched. I interpret this change as their message, "Trust the improved high sensitivity performance. Don't hesitate to raise ISO." Let's see what the results are.

( Photography & Text : Z II )

Nikon D850, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm F2.8G ED, 1/40, F2.8, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

Performance beyond expectation

I won't repeat the specifications of this camera as we have already done that in the Vol.1. The power of 45.75 megapixels is undeniable. The 3D quality is amazing. Not only can I feel the humidity at the location, but also I can almost smell the air!

Nikon D850, AF-S NIKKOR 58mm F1.4G, 1/1000, F1.4, ISO 64, Photo by Z II

With silent mode on the liveview, it's so quiet that the cat in this short distance didn't notice. I know it because of its face. When I showed the image to the cat, it looked surprised and ran away - this is when it noticed the existence of the camera!

Nikon D850, AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F4.5-5.6G ED VR, 1/800, F5.6, ISO 400, Photo by Z II

Nikon D850, AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F4.5-5.6G ED VR, 1/200, F7.1, ISO 64, Photo by Z II

Nikon D850, AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F4.5-5.6G ED VR, TC-14E III, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 800, Photo by Z II

It shoots 7fps at burst mode. This is not extremely fast, but faster than the D810, fast enough to capture subjects in motion (thanks to faster writing speed as well).

Nikon D850, AF-S NIKKOR 58mm F1.4G, 1/8000, F1.4, ISO 64, Photo by Z II

Nikon D850, AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm F4.5-5.6G ED VR,1/400, F2.8, ISO 64, Photo by Z II

Nikon D850, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm F2.8G ED, 1/25, F2.8, ISO 1600, Photo by Z II

Natural graininess realizes smooth graduation, even at ISO 1600.

Nikon D850, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm F2.8G ED, 1/640, F2.8, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

Nikon D810, AF-S NIKKOR 58mm F1.4G, 1/30, F1.4, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

Nikon D850, AF-S NIKKOR 58mm F1.4G, 1/30, F1.4, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

Side by side comparison using the same subject. The top one is D810 and the bottom is D850. The difference is noticeable. The D850 wins in color reproduction and clarity.

Nikon D810, AF-S NIKKOR 58mm F1.4G, 1/100, F5.6, ISO 12800, Photo by Z II

Nikon D850, AF-S NIKKOR 58mm F1.4G, 1/60, F5.6, ISO 12800, Photo by Z II

What about in higher sensitivity at ISO 12800? The difference is obvious.

(Click to view the image at the original size)

Nikon D850, AF-S NIKKOR 58mm F1.4G, 1/125, F5.6, ISO 25600, Photo by Z II

Testing maximum ISO 25600 only with the D850. It is noisy, but still looks smoother than expected and practical. Even though the location was extremely dark, I could use 1/60s shutter at F5.6 with a tripod. Of course, I could shoot it handheld at wide open.

PHOTO YODOBASHI

Convincing improvement.

In the variety of situations I tested, the D850 demonstrated its convincing improvements. It reproduces colors in broader range allowing to express the nuances of tones of the same color. In other words, it can reproduce color depth even better. I'm sure this was realized by the back-illuminated CMOS sensor. This change is so significant that we now have to use the new terms, "pre D810" and "post D850" to discuss the image quality of Nikon cameras. In terms of functions, it has everything we had wanted including the tilting touch-panel LCD and silent mode shutter.

The D850 is the most attractive camera for Nikon users and fans who are considering to upgrade their gears. And, the perfection will please those who are hard to please.

( 11.09.2017 )