Speed And Accuracy: Nikon D5 Vs. D850 – The Ultimate Showdown For Sports Photography
What To Know
- When it comes to sports photography, two of the most popular cameras on the market are the Nikon D5 and D850.
- The D5 has a 153-point autofocus system, while the D850 has a 153-point autofocus system with 99 cross-type points.
- This means that the D850 is better suited for shooting long bursts of images, such as when you’re following a race or a game.
When it comes to sports photography, two of the most popular cameras on the market are the Nikon D5 and D850. Both cameras offer excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and a variety of features that make them ideal for capturing fast-paced action. But which camera is the right choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Nikon D5 and D850 side-by-side to help you make an informed decision.
Image Quality
Both the Nikon D5 and D850 offer excellent image quality, but there are some key differences between the two cameras. The D5 has a 20.8-megapixel full-frame sensor, while the D850 has a 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor. This means that the D850 can capture more detail than the D5, but it also means that its files are larger.
In terms of dynamic range, the D850 has a slight edge over the D5. The D850 can capture up to 14 stops of dynamic range, while the D5 can capture up to 12 stops. This means that the D850 is better at capturing detail in both the highlights and shadows of an image.
Autofocus
Both the Nikon D5 and D850 offer fast and accurate autofocus. The D5 has a 153-point autofocus system, while the D850 has a 153-point autofocus system with 99 cross-type points. This means that both cameras are capable of tracking fast-moving subjects with ease.
However, the D5 has a slight edge over the D850 in terms of autofocus speed. The D5 can focus in as little as 0.12 seconds, while the D850 can focus in as little as 0.08 seconds. This difference is not likely to be noticeable in most situations, but it could be important if you’re shooting in very low-light conditions.
Burst Rate
The Nikon D5 has a faster burst rate than the D850. The D5 can shoot at up to 12 frames per second (fps), while the D850 can shoot at up to 9 fps. This means that the D5 is better suited for capturing fast-paced action, such as sports or wildlife.
However, the D850 has a longer buffer depth than the D5. The D850 can capture up to 51 RAW images in a single burst, while the D5 can only capture up to 200 RAW images. This means that the D850 is better suited for shooting long bursts of images, such as when you’re following a race or a game.
Video Quality
Both the Nikon D5 and D850 offer excellent video quality. Both cameras can shoot 4K video at up to 30 fps. The D5 has a slightly higher bit rate than the D850, but both cameras produce stunning video footage.
The D5 has a slight edge over the D850 in terms of video autofocus. The D5 can use its 153-point autofocus system to track moving subjects during video recording, while the D850 can only use its 99-point autofocus system. This means that the D5 is better suited for shooting video of fast-moving subjects.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The Nikon D5 and D850 are both built like tanks. They’re both made of magnesium alloy and have weather-sealed bodies. This means that they can withstand the rigors of professional use.
The D5 is slightly heavier than the D850, but it’s also better balanced. The D5 has a deep grip that makes it comfortable to hold, even when you’re shooting with a heavy lens. The D850 has a shallower grip, which can make it less comfortable to hold for long periods of time.
Price
The Nikon D5 is more expensive than the D850. The D5 currently retails for around $6,500, while the D850 retails for around $3,000. This is a significant price difference, but it’s important to remember that the D5 is a more specialized camera. The D850 is a more versatile camera that can be used for a wider range of photography genres.
Which Camera is Right for You?
The Nikon D5 and D850 are both excellent cameras for sports photography. The D5 has a faster burst rate and better autofocus, while the D850 has better image quality and video quality. The D5 is also more expensive than the D850.
Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you’re a professional sports photographer who needs the best possible image quality and autofocus, then the D5 is the right choice for you. If you’re a hobbyist photographer who wants a versatile camera that can be used for a variety of genres, then the D850 is a great option.
The Final Verdict: Nikon D5 vs D850 for Sports
The Nikon D5 and D850 are both excellent cameras for sports photography. The D5 has a faster burst rate and better autofocus, while the D850 has better image quality and video quality. The D5 is also more expensive than the D850. Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
If you’re a professional sports photographer who needs the best possible image quality and autofocus, then the D5 is the right choice for you. If you’re a hobbyist photographer who wants a versatile camera that can be used for a variety of genres, then the D850 is a great option.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which camera has a faster burst rate, the Nikon D5 or the D850?
A: The Nikon D5 has a faster burst rate than the D850. The D5 can shoot at up to 12 frames per second (fps), while the D850 can shoot at up to 9 fps.
Q: Which camera has better image quality, the Nikon D5 or the D850?
A: The Nikon D850 has better image quality than the D5. The D850 has a 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor, while the D5 has a 20.8-megapixel full-frame sensor. This means that the D850 can capture more detail than the D5.
Q: Which camera is better for video, the Nikon D5 or the D850?
A: The Nikon D850 is better for video than the D5. The D850 can shoot 4K video at up to 30 fps, while the D5 can only shoot 4K video at up to 24 fps. The D850 also has better autofocus for video than the D5.
