Nikon D850 Field Test Part I: The professional megapixel monster is more versatile than ever

posted Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 4:27 PM EDT

Click here to read our Nikon D850 Field Test Part I

Generally speaking, cameras with high-resolution sensors tend to offer slower burst performance, making them more appropriate tools for portraiture, landscapes, architecture and other calmer subject matter. On the flip-side, sports- and action-centric cameras typically have lower resolutions yet higher frame-rate capabilities. Now, with the new Nikon D850, the third iteration of Nikon's high-resolution pro DSLR, things are getting mixed up. Despite an even higher-resolution 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor, the super-fast processor of the camera lets it fire-off shots up to 7fps at full-res! (Or up to 9fps with the battery grip.) Then, bring over the D5/D500's fantastic AF system, and here's a super-versatile DSLR offering performance and resolution for almost any photographic subject.

I recently had the chance to test out this new high-end DSLR in Bend, Oregon, shooting a variety of subjects, including landscapes and portraiture as well as action subjects like motocross and whitewater kayaking. I published a big batch of gallery images recently from this trip, but I've now put all my thoughts down on paper as my Nikon D850 Field Test Part I. Here, I discuss the camera's design and ergonomics improvements as well as deep-dive into image quality and dynamic range performance, AF speed and wireless connectivity issues. Considering the D850 for your next camera? Check out my D850 Field Test to see how it handles.