D850 Purchase in 2022??

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My question to the OP is: is this decision driven by emotion, logic, finances, or something else? Any or all drivers are valid, but what part do they play in the decision?

If logic is a driver, do you see yourself progressing beyond existing DSLR technology, and if so, when? If you expect to be satisfied with existing DSLR technology, the D850 is a fine choice. Personally, I consider DSLR technology the last throes of 20th-century photography cobbled together with primitive digital technology. I had expected mirrorless to ease some of the barriers I'd encountered with DSLRs but I was shocked at how many barriers were completely obliterated.

If emotion is a driver, we're not the best people to ask. Ask yourself. I continued to use manual mechanical film SLR cameras well into the auto-exposure, AF film camera era because I liked them so I see no problem you doing what you like, regardless of any technology changes.

If finances are a driver, there's a lot of pictures per dollar in DSLR cameras and lenses. However I wouldn't expect them to be serviceable well into the future. At some point parts will be unavailable and the value of DSLR cameras will eventually be so low that even if parts are available service technicians will advise you that repairs are not worth the cost. This doesn't mean "don't do it", it means it would be wise to keep this in mind.

For myself the advantages of mirrorless (wildlife, light macro & scenic) are so huge that I wouldn't consider using any DSLR camera; OTOH I've kept my favorite mechanical SLR just so I can occasionally hear the shutter click.
 
BrianSmall said:
I'm probably in the minority in this thread but I wouldn't buy a D850 today. I owned it and loved it and yes it's still a great camera. But mirrorless is here to stay and the DSLR will soon be going the way of the Dodo. Didn't Nikon say they are stopping all new DSLR production? That kind of tells you everything you need to know. What happens if you need a repair in a couple years.................will there even be parts available? Mirrorless technology far surpasses DSLR and I'd rather be a little ahead of the curve than far behind it. Think of it this way...........would you have bought a VHS tape player right as Blockbuster was switching over to DVD's or when they were about to go out of business? I sure as heck wouldn't have...........................my 2 cents, take it for what it's worth.
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I appreciate your perspective and, in some ways, I agree with it. However, I disagree that mirrorless technology "far surpasses DSLR". Except for auto eye AF and faster frame rate (if these features are important to you), I can't really think of many other things where MILC is appreciably better than state-of-the-art, pro level DSLR cameras, such as the D850 and D6. For the vast majority of amateur photographers, which is most of the people on this forum, a good DSLR camera is more than adequate for most needs (except for the bragging rights a Z9 or A1 brings), particularly considering the relative costs involved. While a Z9 might increase my keeper rate for fast moving subjects like birds in flight, as an amateur, so what? So that I can have dozens more images of the same bird stored on my hard drive or posted to Facebook? I ask myself whether parting with $5500 for a Z9 would give me greater satisfaction than I already get shooting with my two D850, and so far the answer is no.

Perhaps a better analogy than video technology might be gas versus EV - sure, EV is the future, but for most consumers do they offer any significant advantages over gas, especially considering their current higher cost?
 
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Abinoone said:
... I disagree that mirrorless technology "far surpasses DSLR". Except for auto eye AF and faster frame rate (if these features are important to you), I can't really think of many other things where MILC is appreciably better than state-of-the-art, pro level DSLR cameras, such as the D850 and D6...
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Silent mode (birds at close range and other people nearby appreciate this), WYSIWYG exposure and live histogram in the viewfinder (if exposure compensation is set wrong it hits you in the face instantly, zebras tell you in real time if your highlights are over-exposed), being able to see menus and to review photos in the viewfinder (no need to pull out reading glasses, visible in full sunlight), no mirror slap, accurate manual focus in the viewfinder (again, no reading glasses and visible in full sunlight), more accurate AF because the AF sensor is the image sensor. There's also sensor stabilization which can be combined with optical stabilization for additional dimensions of steadiness, or provides 3 axes of stabilization when using lenses without, including legacy lenses. The value of these differences in reality is far greater than on paper.

Regarding the EV analogy, it depends on the load factor, i.e., usage patterns. If the car is going to sit in the driveway most of the time the high initial expense isn't going to be offset by the lower operating expense. If the car will be driven a lot the lower operating expense will easily offset the high initial expense particularly when the residual value is considered.
 
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If you can find a nice used one under $1,500 than sure it isn't a bad idea. However mirrorless has so many advantages over DSLR for your needs that I would either find a great deal on a used D850 or save my money for a mirrorless. The issue with Nikon and frankly Sony and Canon as well is they really only have one killer camera for wildlife and that is a flagship which comes at a hefty price. The Z9, a1, R3 are really the only cameras that really check all the boxes within their platform. Other models have good features but without using a shutter you either have rolling shutter or limitations in some way that in my case kept me from buying anything but the flagship model.

I do expect in the coming year we will start to see some new models with stacked sensors at lower price points. Sony is the only one with the a9II but it still falls short of the a1 beyond MP. So my advise is if you can wait a little I would and buy the next generation of stacked sensor model (pick your brand). If you feel that will take a while or don't want to spend over $2K than a used D850 could make more sense.
 
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Doug Herr said:
Silent mode (birds at close range and other people nearby appreciate this), WYSIWYG exposure and live histogram in the viewfinder (if exposure compensation is set wrong it hits you in the face instantly, zebras tell you in real time if your highlights are over-exposed), being able to see menus and to review photos in the viewfinder (no need to pull out reading glasses, visible in full sunlight), no mirror slap, accurate manual focus in the viewfinder (again, no reading glasses and visible in full sunlight), more accurate AF because the AF sensor is the image sensor. There's also sensor stabilization which can be combined with optical stabilization for additional dimensions of steadiness, or provides 3 axes of stabilization when using lenses without, including legacy lenses. The value of these differences in reality is far greater than on paper.

Regarding the EV analogy, it depends on the load factor, i.e., usage patterns. If the car is going to sit in the driveway most of the time the high initial expense isn't going to be offset by the lower operating expense. If the car will be driven a lot the lower operating expense will easily offset the high initial expense particularly when the residual value is considered.
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All of this and more. The advantages have been discussed in length in many threads so I won't repeat them all but like other generations of single digit D bodies the sum of all the parts is greater than just a spec sheet. I find this true to all the advantages of mirrorless over DSLR. I didn't share this opinion in the recent past until I bought a mirrorless camera to give it a try and that was it, shortly after all my DSLR gear was sold and replaced. I get that for some they can't or won't spend the money and I respect that. Yes a DSLR camera will serve you well but a good modern flagship mirrorless of any brand will do an even better job.

One argument that many who aren't ready for one reason or the other to move to mirrorless claim that better AF or more FPS won't matter to them. I think earlier a member stated if I miss a shot so what. Well if I am just shooting birds in my backyard than maybe I could agree but for me my time is valuable, I travel often and spend significant money in travel to go to a venue to shoot wildlife. I can't even count the thousands of times I had just that perfect shot but my D850, D500, D5, Z6 along with many other bodies over the decades just missed the focus. A shot I wanted to have, a shot I would have printed, a missed shot that frankly pissed me off. Fast forward to today shooting a flagship mirrorless and I can say maybe 3 times that has happened but the funny thing is with 20 and 30 fps I often have an almost identical frame that was tack sharp. At 7FPS and even 12 FPS that was often not the case. Many have proven this to be true that accurate focus and FPS absolutely deliver more results. Often those results are a moment that isn't going to happen again.

In a past life I was a photojournalist shooting Canon F1 and than Nikon F5 and the F5 had a measurable impact being AF and a more accurate meter in my keeper rate. Now if I had a modern mirrorless flagship of today back than I would be a very successful and wealthy photographer lol. Now that doesn't mean I couldn't get the shot back in the day but it was a lot harder than it is today. The point being that progression in technology going all the way back to the very first camera has assisted photographers in capturing their vision and moments that happen in the blink of an eye.

Long winded way of saying until you try it you don't know what you're missing.
 
DavidT said:
All of this and more. The advantages have been discussed in length in many threads so I won't repeat them all but like other generations of single digit D bodies the sum of all the parts is greater than just a spec sheet. I find this true to all the advantages of mirrorless over DSLR. I didn't share this opinion in the recent past until I bought a mirrorless camera to give it a try and that was it, shortly after all my DSLR gear was sold and replaced. I get that for some they can't or won't spend the money and I respect that. Yes a DSLR camera will serve you well but a good modern flagship mirrorless of any brand will do an even better job.

One argument that many who aren't ready for one reason or the other to move to mirrorless claim that better AF or more FPS won't matter to them. I think earlier a member stated if I miss a shot so what. Well if I am just shooting birds in my backyard than maybe I could agree but for me my time is valuable, I travel often and spend significant money in travel to go to a venue to shoot wildlife. I can't even count the thousands of times I had just that perfect shot but my D850, D500, D5, Z6 along with many other bodies over the decades just missed the focus. A shot I wanted to have, a shot I would have printed, a missed shot that frankly pissed me off. Fast forward to today shooting a flagship mirrorless and I can say maybe 3 times that has happened but the funny thing is with 20 and 30 fps I often have an almost identical frame that was tack sharp. At 7FPS and even 12 FPS that was often not the case. Many have proven this to be true that accurate focus and FPS absolutely deliver more results. Often those results are a moment that isn't going to happen again.

In a past life I was a photojournalist shooting Canon F1 and than Nikon F5 and the F5 had a measurable impact being AF and a more accurate meter in my keeper rate. Now if I had a modern mirrorless flagship of today back than I would be a very successful and wealthy photographer lol. Now that doesn't mean I couldn't get the shot back in the day but it was a lot harder than it is today. The point being that progression in technology going all the way back to the very first camera has assisted photographers in capturing their vision and moments that happen in the blink of an eye.

Long winded way of saying until you try it you don't know what you're missing.
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One valuable point you’ve brought up is that the most valuable resource we bring to the task/game isn’t a flagship body or the latest 600mm f/4 lens, it’s our time. Absolutely irreplaceable. I value my time in the field and I'm not interested in using equipment that hinders the best use of my time.
 
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Doug Herr said:
Silent mode (birds at close range and other people nearby appreciate this), WYSIWYG exposure and live histogram in the viewfinder (if exposure compensation is set wrong it hits you in the face instantly, zebras tell you in real time if your highlights are over-exposed), being able to see menus and to review photos in the viewfinder (no need to pull out reading glasses, visible in full sunlight), no mirror slap, accurate manual focus in the viewfinder (again, no reading glasses and visible in full sunlight), more accurate AF because the AF sensor is the image sensor. There's also sensor stabilization which can be combined with optical stabilization for additional dimensions of steadiness, or provides 3 axes of stabilization when using lenses without, including legacy lenses. The value of these differences in reality is far greater than on paper.

Regarding the EV analogy, it depends on the load factor, i.e., usage patterns. If the car is going to sit in the driveway most of the time the high initial expense isn't going to be offset by the lower operating expense. If the car will be driven a lot the lower operating expense will easily offset the high initial expense particularly when the residual value is considered.
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Doug Herr basically wrote my response to you about Mirrorless vs DSLR technology for me........................again, if you're happy with DSLR then by all means stick with it. I'm just one of those people (maybe because I make my living as a photographer) who always wants to be ahead of the curve rather than behind it.
 
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I purchased a new D850 a couple months ago. Actually traded in a D810. For me, I prefer the optical viewfinder much more. Secondly, it’s all about the lenses! I have two F mount lenses, 500 PF and 600 f/4. I really don’t love using them with the FTZ adapter and prefer using them with DSLRs. I’m pretty sure Nikon will continue selling the D850 for several, or more, years. And likely offer repairs on it for 5-10 years. All of these modern cameras, both DSLR and mirrorless, are extraordinary tools! Enjoy whatever you end up getting.
 
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I am also contemplating selling my D500 and getting an used D850. Looks like great value as might only cost me around 500USD with current used prices, which I mostly recover by selling all my dx lenses. I have 500mm pf, sigma 120-300 os and tamron 70-210 f4, so will be main wildlife/ action body. I also have f mount 135mm sigma art and 85mm f1.8, but now mainly used on z6 ii due to more accurate af wide open. Tc’s also work a lot better on mirrorless, so tc1.4x becomes usable with 500pf.

I have following z lenses- z24-70 f4, z24-200 & z35mm, so will not be able to use on D850. I am therefor torn between used Z7 i or D850. I shoot nearly everything other than BIF with z6 ii since getting mirrorless. BIF only makes a small percentage of my shots, so leaning towards Z7 i.

I guess I will be happy with both till I can afford an z7 iii in a few years time. By buying used, I should not lose to much and will likely use for around 2-3 years.
 
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Bennvdm said:
I am also contemplating selling my D500 and getting an used D850. Looks like great value as might only cost me around 500USD with current used prices, which I mostly recover by selling all my dx lenses. I have 500mm pf, sigma 120-300 os and tamron 70-210 f4, so will be main wildlife/ action body. I also have f mount 135mm sigma art and 85mm f1.8, but now mainly used on z6 ii due to more accurate af wide open. Tc’s also work a lot better on mirrorless, so tc1.4x becomes usable with 500pf.

I have following z lenses- z24-70 f4, z24-200 & z35mm, so will not be able to use on D850. I am therefor torn between used Z7 i or D850. I shoot nearly everything other than BIF with z6 ii since getting mirrorless. BIF only makes a small percentage of my shots, so leaning towards Z7 i.

I guess I will be happy with both till I can afford an z7 iii in a few years time. By buying used, I should not lose to much and will likely use for around 2-3 years.
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That is a good strategy. I think buying used makes the most sense as the prices have come down and there is plenty of like new gear at significantly reduced prices from new.
 
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Not mine but the seller is local to me and he sells a lot on Facebook This is a great deal and super clean. For that price point and condition with less than 100 shutter clicks it’s hard to go wrong.
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LarryBFLNC said:
Hi everyone,
I have had a Nikon D7500 for a couple years and I have always wanted a D850! I mostly do landscape and wildlife photography. I have a few FX lenses already and a few DX lenses that I would be selling with the D7500. I just like the feel of the D850 vs a mirrorless camera like the Z7II. The D850 is already 5yrs old, am I wrong to be spending that kind of $$$ on a camera that old??
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The D850 may be 5 years old but its still a fantastic camera for the money.
Its arguably the best all round DSLR ever made.
I still use mine alongside a Z9 - the Z9 is great but I prefer the D850 ergonomics.
I sold my Z7ii and kept a D850 body.
Unless you are shooting birds in flight any camera will probably do the job.
The D850 has great AF and plenty of pixels if you really need to crop.
The F lenses are still great and are now even better value for the money...🦘
 
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DRwyoming said:
I may be in the minority but I don't think a great DSLR like a D850 is a bad investment in 2022. If you've always wanted one then go for it. As great as some of the top mirrorless cameras are, the top DSLRs (and a D850 is a top DSLR) are still great cameras capable of capturing professional quality images. The D850 is still fully supported by Nikon Service and likely will be for a number of years based on how they've supported older cameras in the past.

Also if you're willing to pick up a used camera you can get a D850 for a lot less than retail price right now. I did pretty much the same thing recently picking up a US model D6 that I absolutely love at roughly half the retail price with only a few thousand releases on the shutter. Sure the top MILCs are fantastic but that doesn't take anything away from what a good DSLR can do and it will be a substantial upgrade from your D7500.
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I doubt you are even close to the minority opinion on this one. And I share you view of buying used. My "used" 850 came from BH packed in the original box and had someone not told me it was used I would have had no idea. The only difference was the $800 I saved.
 
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LarryBFLNC said:
Hi everyone,
I have had a Nikon D7500 for a couple years and I have always wanted a D850! I mostly do landscape and wildlife photography. I have a few FX lenses already and a few DX lenses that I would be selling with the D7500. I just like the feel of the D850 vs a mirrorless camera like the Z7II. The D850 is already 5yrs old, am I wrong to be spending that kind of $$$ on a camera that old??
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Great cameras don't get old just like 66 Corvettes don't get "old". 2022 Corvettes have way nicer stereos, are more tricked out and cost less than an original condition 66 Vette though and definitely don't suck. If you like shooting DSLR I doubt you'll be disappointed using a D850 20 years from now.
 
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DavidT said:
Not mine but the seller is local to me and he sells a lot on Facebook This is a great deal and super clean. For that price point and condition with less than 100 shutter clicks it’s hard to go wrong. View attachment 43744View attachment 43745View attachment 43746
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Lots of people think shutter count is irrelevant but regardless, keep in mind that shutter counts are sometimes reset during repairs and cameras used heavily for video wear out quicker from heat than shutter releases. SOme of it's discussed at the 8:30 mark of this video. https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2022/05/lensrentals-podcast-how-to-buy-a-used-camera/
 
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LarryBFLNC said:
Hi everyone,
I have had a Nikon D7500 for a couple years and I have always wanted a D850! I mostly do landscape and wildlife photography. I have a few FX lenses already and a few DX lenses that I would be selling with the D7500. I just like the feel of the D850 vs a mirrorless camera like the Z7II. The D850 is already 5yrs old, am I wrong to be spending that kind of $$$ on a camera that old??
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If you do decide to go with a D850 I have a very gently used one with slightly less that 5500 shutter actuation's that I have been thinking of selling. It is in like new condition with some extras that I will throw in. If you are interested PM me and I will fill you in with details.
 
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Doug Herr said:
Silent mode (birds at close range and other people nearby appreciate this), WYSIWYG exposure and live histogram in the viewfinder (if exposure compensation is set wrong it hits you in the face instantly, zebras tell you in real time if your highlights are over-exposed), being able to see menus and to review photos in the viewfinder (no need to pull out reading glasses, visible in full sunlight), no mirror slap, accurate manual focus in the viewfinder (again, no reading glasses and visible in full sunlight), more accurate AF because the AF sensor is the image sensor. There's also sensor stabilization which can be combined with optical stabilization for additional dimensions of steadiness, or provides 3 axes of stabilization when using lenses without, including legacy lenses. The value of these differences in reality is far greater than on paper.

Regarding the EV analogy, it depends on the load factor, i.e., usage patterns. If the car is going to sit in the driveway most of the time the high initial expense isn't going to be offset by the lower operating expense. If the car will be driven a lot the lower operating expense will easily offset the high initial expense particularly when the residual value is considered.
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WYSIWYG? What does it stand for please?
 
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I'm a bird photographer and I own the D850, so my answer to your question is "yes yes yes", buy the D850. Personally, I will not switch to any mirrorless camera model until they are sufficiently developed and bring about significant improvements over DSRLs that make them truly obsolete.
 
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