The Nikon D850 Unboxing and Review
The Nikon D850 camera has been a long time in the making since the Nikon D810 was first released over 4 years ago. Why has the Nikon D850 received so much attention in the since it was announced? Nikon have been trying to steel back their customers. Nikon have now responded with a strong camera which can now eat away at Canon’s dominance. The high 45.7 Megapixel image sensor could also part of the appeal of the Nikon D850. A Higher Dynamic range and crystal clear images have made the Nikon D850 a camera to be reckoned with for years to come.
We had been discussing whether there was a need for a new camera, secondly; which camera would we get, which camera would surpass its expectations as well as having multiple lens options for our blogging needs/requirements. With all of the above criteria, there was only one option, the newly released Nikon D850. So this is the Nikon D850 Unboxing and Review, and I will go over some of the major benefits of this new flagship camera.
Why The Nikon D850?
Why did I go for the Nikon D850? Well there are a few reasons and it is mostly to do with the fact that Nikon have always produced high end quality camera’s. With some the parts being sourced outside of Japan, some of questioned Nikon’s reliability and build quality. The 45.7MP (MegaPixels) image sensor had to be sourced elsewhere outside of Japan. Mainly because Nikon’s factories are only just recovering and returning to full production, this is from the earthquake they had just over 2 years go.
Since the media announcement back in August 2017, the Nikon D850 has been hotly anticipated to succeed its older brother, the Nikon D810. There some similar features which have been carried over from the D810, however, this big boy has some major advancements. It has a bigger image since and pixel ratio. 45.7mp to be exact. It can also record in 4k and take 8k time lapse footage. If you are looking for some slow motion movie recording, it can record movie footage in 120FPS (frames Per Second).
If you are wish to use this type of camera for Vlogging, it does have facial tracking and auto focusing. I have not tested the internal microphone, but it would good idea to get an external microphone. Røde have some of the best external microphones and have an outstanding record when it comes to DSLR mounted microphones
D850 Technical Stuff
Some technical data for all those tech savvy people out there.
- Image sensor size: FX (full Frame 35mm negative size, CMOS, 35.9 mm x 23.9 mm
- Effective Pixel: 45.7million
- Storage Media: XQD and SD, SDHC (UHS-II compliant), SDXC (UHS-II compliant)
- WIFI and Bluetooth: Snap bridge app for both iOS and Android.
- No Flash: With most Nikons there is a flash which can pop up at the push of a button. Just like the Nikon D5, the D850 does not have a flash. This allows for a bigger viewing crystal where the flash would be.
- Frame Advance Rate: 7FPS without a battery grip. Up to 9FPS with the MD-D18 Battery grip and EN-EL18b battery
- ISO Sensitivity: between ISO 64 to 25600
- Movie Frame rates: 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD); 30p | 1920 x 1080: 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p | 1920 x 1080 (slow-mo): 30p x4, 25p x4, 24p x5
- Touch Screen Monitor: 8-cm (3.2–in.) diagonal tilting TFT touch-sensitive LCD with 170° viewing angle, approximately 100% frame coverage
- Battery: EN-EL15a rechargeable Li-ion battery (Up to 1840 still images, however, this has not yet been reached as my batteries have been depleted at after almost 500 images)
- Optional – Attachable Negative Digitiser: Which makes it easy to convert colour or black-and-white film negatives to digital data (JPEG)
For further technical data, please go to the Nikon EU website.
The 24-70MM ƒ/2.8G AF-S ED lens
There are quite a few package options and I decided to go for the 24-70mm ƒ/2.8G ED AF-S lens with an extra battery. This D850 package was still on the expensive side, however, given these lenses will cost over £1500+, this was a bargain.
With the the ƒ/2.8 large aperture, it make this lens very fast; giving me a narrow depth of field for open air shots. 24-70mm also makes for a all round duel purpose lens for landscapes and portraiture. For continual shoot and pressing and holding down the shutter button, the camera will buffer up to 20 photographs and one continuous burst.
When the light is very bright and I really need to control the light coming in to the camera, I can set the camera’s mode to Aperture priority and the camera will raise the shutter speed to 1/8000’s of a second if I really need it to.
The Nikon D850 Camera Field Test
As part of a field test for the camera, I went out to Manchester City Centre. I wanted to see how well the camera performed and these are the examples from just two days ago.
Because there was a lot of cloud cover, I had to raise my ISO (light sensitivity) up to 6400. Any more than 6400 and the digital noise would really spoil my photographs.
A Small Gallery of Photographs at Salford Quays. (Due to the way WordPress uploads images. These images have been compressed and somewhat compromising quality.)
Panoramic also taken at Salford Quays
My Thoughts on the Nikon D850
The Nikon D850 is a very remarkable camera. Very versatile and colours and dynamic range of this camera is above any other in its DSLR category. The only really let down at the moment, is the battery, I hope that Nikon do firmware upgrade to sort out the power management on this camera.
There are some features which for now I will be saving for another blog post, but needless to say, I am blown away by what this camera can do. If you are professional and have looking for a new camera, then please do take a look at the Nikon D850.
Don’t Under Estimate the Nikon D850
The other down side to this camera. Nikon are only releasing so many at a time, which means Nikon have severely under estimated how popular the Nikon D850 camera has become, and how many units they needed to produce. They will need to build more to meet demand. Some people in the USA placed a back order back in August and are only just getting their hands on the camera now.
It does depend on who and where you place your preorder with. I was very lucky, I placed my pre-order in the middle of November and received the camera on the 2nd of December. How’s that for timing? I would say this is one camera which has already surpassed my expectations and I will do for years to come.
Please Like and Comment below.
John M
*I am not being paid for this review, and all the words and photographs are my own.
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50 Comments
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This looks like such a good option for my next camera! Thanks for the detailed review
A lot of people are switching from both Canon and Sony just because of this camera. I still have lots of more testing todo, but so far. This camera has exceeding expectations.
John M
I’m really glad you like your new Nikon, the depth in your photo is great!
C x
It was a big investment and it is something which we really needed. I love photography and this was something I needed to share.
John M
I’ve just bought myself a new Canon after my old one bit the dust. I do love the sound of this camera though. That’s great that you are so pleased with it. Well done on getting one
Well, I guess someone had to purchase a Canon. lol. Seriously though. If you needed an upgrade then you chose what you think you needed and fit your requirements.
John M
I have two Nikon cameras, the D90 and the D700 and love them both! I woudlnt ever get anything other than a Nikon now!
I have always loved Nikon and I have used Pentax but when it came to image quality. Nikon stole the show. I am the same now, I will never get anything different other than Nikon.
John M
I have a Nikon camera and I love it – this sounds like a much needed upgrade though. *adds to my list*
This is one camera which is on everyone’s list at the moment. Glad to hear from another Nikon camera lover. 😉
John M
I’m a Nikon gal and this camera is on my wishlist! Eeeek!
Glad you like the review and camera. Good luck getting the camera you are looking for.
John M
I have a Canon but I am almost went for a Nikon. I like the look of this model. It sounds great too!
The Nikon D850 is a great camera.
John M
I could really do with a new camera, this looks ideal
I hope you manage to get the camera you are looking for.
John M
This sounds like a great camera, such a detailed review too. I really need a new camera, although I think this might be a bit out of my price range.
Thank you. Yes the Nikon D850, for some will be out of their price range. For now, just get a camera which suits your needs and is in your budget range. I can always help with suggestions you are looking for some help in choosing the right camera for your needs.
John M
What a helpful and detailed review. It sounds like it was a great investment for you!
Thank you.
Lots of great detail there. Looks like a fab camera.
Thank you.
It sounds like you have a good camera on your hands, shame about the battery, here’s hoping they do some upgrades to help that out in the long run.
I am in contact with Nikon to address this issue. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of it soon. Fingers crossed there is a firmware release to sort this out. So far I am still very happy with this camera.
John M
Its a shame Nikon have failed to see how popular the camera is when people have to wait for it, especially when companies release so many new ones in a short space of time. I would love to own a proper camera like this though as I tend to use my phone a lot at the moment
It is a shame but Nikon have release a monster of a camera and a LOT of people are happy. There are some niggly issues which are being addressed. As for using your phone. I guess you use what ever camera is available to you.
John M
Ooooh a beautiful piece of kit there! I would love to upgrade my very old Nikon D3000 to this beast but maybe next year! 😛 Great review!
I had the Nikon D5300 and I had got to the point where I needed an upgrade. There is nothing worse of getting a new camera and then a new model comes out. For this reason, we waited until the D850 was announced then released. It took time get one, but so far its paying off.
John M
I’ve always shot on Canon exclusively and have never used a Nikon but it looks like a good investment x
Everyone has their own favourite brand. If you happy with Canon, thats okay. We got the camera that we felt fit our needs.
John M
This camera looks super high spec and looks like it takes some super pics x
Oh it does. The specs for this camera are very high and I have used my skills to put this camera to good use.
John M
Thanks for the details review I’ve been looking for a good DSLR and this was such a detailed post. Appreciate the info x
I always try to be informative with my reviews. I glad you liked it.
John M
This looks like a great camera. I’m considering upgrading my DSLR in the near future and this looks like it could be a serious contender!
Well, you don’t have to, but go for a camera which is on your budget. If you really want to and feel you benefit from the D850, then yes. Part with that money and start snapping.
John M
Looks like a great camera, I love Nikon although had no idea they had a limited number of pictures and I agree, 100,000 doesn’t sound enough at all. Love the look of this one though, perfect upgrade.
Its not more or less the limited number, but more to do with the Shutter life span. With the lower end camera’s they tend to limit the shutter life to around 100,000. I was already over the half way mark, making my old camera imminent for shutter failure at some point.
John M
This is really interesting, I purchased a Canon last year and so far I love it, but this Nikon seems to have some really great features 🙂
The Nikon D850 has a lot of features that a lot of photographers have been asking for a LONG time. For this reason the D850 has exceeded expectations.
John M
I have a canon at the moment but its playing up and I have been looking at replacing it with a Nikon. Shame the battery isn’t as good as it could be
I am in contact with Nikon to see what is causing this battery drain issue. I have always loved Nikon and I hope you make the switch.
John M
I love Nikon cameras I feel like they’re great value for money and you always get just that little bit more! I’ve been reading reviews about this particular model and so many people are raving about it!
A lot of Professional photographers are REALLY impressed with this camera. For now, this camera is still on the expensive side. For your money, you are getting your value for your money.
John M
What a great detailed review. You really can’t go wrong with Nikon and I have used them for years.
Agreed. I am a firm Nikon Fan boy now.
John M
I love Nikon cameras, they have always been my favourite brand
Nikon is my favourite brand too.
John M
I am definitely a Nikon girl! I did photography at Uni and was the only one who preferred Nikon to other brands. Love the lightness!!
There was something about Nikon I just preferred to Canon. That being said, when it came to going for Full Frame camera’s. It was a no brainer for the D850. It can be VERY heavy with a large lenses on.
So far with the bad weather and fog before Christmas, I was not been able to get out with this beast. I really need to get out more.
John M