Nikon D5 Vs D850 For Wildlife: Which One Captures The Perfect Shot?
What To Know
- The Nikon D5 and the Nikon D850 both have excellent autofocus systems, but the D5 has a slight edge in terms of speed and accuracy.
- The Nikon D5 and the Nikon D850 both have excellent burst shooting capabilities, but the D5 has a clear advantage in this area.
- The Nikon D5 and the Nikon D850 are both very well-built cameras, but the D5 has a slight edge in terms of durability.
When it comes to wildlife photography, choosing the right camera is essential. Two of the most popular options for wildlife photographers are the Nikon D5 and the Nikon D850. Both cameras have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to understand the differences between them before making a decision.
In this blog post, we’ll compare the Nikon D5 and the Nikon D850 in terms of their image quality, autofocus, burst shooting, video capabilities, and overall build quality. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right camera for your specific wildlife photography needs.
Image Quality
The Nikon D5 and the Nikon D850 both have excellent image quality, but there are some subtle differences between the two cameras. The D5 has a slightly higher resolution sensor, with 20.8 megapixels compared to the D850’s 45.7 megapixels. This means that the D5 can capture more detail in your images, but the D850’s higher resolution sensor can be more useful for certain types of wildlife photography, such as bird photography.
Autofocus
The Nikon D5 and the Nikon D850 both have excellent autofocus systems, but the D5 has a slight edge in terms of speed and accuracy. The D5’s autofocus system can focus on subjects in as little as 0.12 seconds, and it can track moving subjects very effectively. The D850’s autofocus system is also very good, but it’s not quite as fast or accurate as the D5’s.
Burst Shooting
The Nikon D5 and the Nikon D850 both have excellent burst shooting capabilities, but the D5 has a clear advantage in this area. The D5 can shoot up to 12 frames per second (fps) with autofocus, while the D850 can only shoot up to 9 fps with autofocus. This makes the D5 a better choice for photographers who need to capture fast-moving subjects, such as birds in flight.
Video Capabilities
The Nikon D5 and the Nikon D850 both have excellent video capabilities, but the D850 has a slight edge in this area. 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 a better autofocus system for video than the D5, which makes it a better choice for videographers who need to capture moving subjects.
Overall Build Quality
The Nikon D5 and the Nikon D850 are both very well-built cameras, but the D5 has a slight edge in terms of durability. The D5 is made of magnesium alloy, which is a stronger and more durable material than the D850’s carbon fiber body. The D5 is also weather-sealed, which means that it can withstand rain, snow, and dust.
Which Camera is Right for You?
The Nikon D5 and the Nikon D850 are both excellent cameras for wildlife photography, but the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs. If you need a camera with the best possible image quality, autofocus, and burst shooting capabilities, then the Nikon D5 is the better choice. If you need a camera with excellent video capabilities and a more durable build, then the Nikon D850 is the better choice.
Tips for Choosing the Right Camera for Wildlife Photography
Here are a few tips for choosing the right camera for wildlife photography:
- Consider your budget. The Nikon D5 and the Nikon D850 are both expensive cameras, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping.
- Think about your shooting style. What kind of wildlife photography do you plan to do? If you’re interested in bird photography, you’ll need a camera with a fast autofocus system and a high burst shooting rate. If you’re interested in landscape photography, you’ll need a camera with a high-resolution sensor.
- Read reviews and watch videos. There are a lot of great resources available online that can help you learn more about the Nikon D5 and the Nikon D850. Read reviews from other photographers and watch videos to get a better idea of how each camera performs in the field.
- Try before you buy. If possible, try to rent or borrow a Nikon D5 and a Nikon D850 before you make a decision. This will give you a chance to see how each camera feels in your hands and how it performs in different shooting situations.
Alternatives to the Nikon D5 and D850
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, there are a few other cameras that you might want to consider. The Nikon D750 is a great all-around camera that’s perfect for wildlife photography. It has a 24.3-megapixel sensor, a fast autofocus system, and a burst shooting rate of 6.5 fps. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is another great option for wildlife photography. It has a 30.4-megapixel sensor, a fast autofocus system, and a burst shooting rate of 7 fps.
Frequently Discussed Topics
- Q: Which camera is better for wildlife photography, the Nikon D5 or the Nikon D850?
- A: The Nikon D5 is better for wildlife photography if you need the best possible image quality, autofocus, and burst shooting capabilities. The Nikon D850 is better for wildlife photography if you need excellent video capabilities and a more durable build.
- Q: How much does the Nikon D5 cost?
- A: The Nikon D5 body costs around $6,500.
- Q: How much does the Nikon D850 cost?
- A: The Nikon D850 body costs around $3,300.
- Q: What are the main differences between the Nikon D5 and the Nikon D850?
- A: The main differences between the Nikon D5 and the Nikon D850 are their image quality, autofocus, burst shooting capabilities, video capabilities, and overall build quality.
- Q: Which camera is better for bird photography, the Nikon D5 or the Nikon D850?
- A: The Nikon D5 is better for bird photography because it has a faster autofocus system and a higher burst shooting rate.
