here's my 0.02c on the pros/cons of current cameras. I've been shooting Nikon since 1984, so continue to be amazed at the sheer excellence of today's cameras and optics. More recently I've used a D500 and Z7 alongside a D850. With mixed feelings, I traded in the D500 2+ years ago. Earlier this year I consolidated my FX system to a D850 and D780 - wildlife and some landscapes, also macro of inverts, herps etc. When funds and logistics permit, a Used D5 will replace the D780 (because I cannot afford a D6!).
And I'm waiting on Nikon upgrading the Z cameras to fix the weak arm in the triad of
Haptics-Ergonomics //
Autofocus //
Image Quality. For my needs, where and when subjects demand, all too often gaps in Custom options of the Z6/Z7 prevent doing justice to the excellent sensors. (As with the D780, these gaps are especially inexcusable at these cameras' prices.)
D500 - cost effectively arguably the best camera for action genres, including relevant aspects of wildlife (eg BIF) with D5 AF engine
D850 (also Z7) - permits cropping and excellent quality. Future proofs almost all realistic options for printing. The diversity of Custom options in the D850 positions this camera far ahead of Zeds and most DSLRs. D500 has similar advantages
D780 - IQ is almost as good in lowlight as D5/D6, Z i-Menu useful. The Liveview is best performing yet on a DSLR ie silent shooting etc. The AFC is significantly better than Z6/Z7. Customization poor, which handicaps using AF modes efficiently.
It's further prosumer cameras (D780, Z6) with the modern 24mp sensors have excellent IQ, which is hard to brand inferior in lowlight compared to Pro models (ie D5 and D6). This is not surprising when comparing sensors specs on PhotonstoPhotos.
Obviously - - image quality and relative success with action is fundamentally contingent on the lens - rather the lens system that work with the camera(s).
The
D5 is far ahead with AFC performance and overall haptics (integral grip) etc, and Customization options are excellent. The Recall-Shooting Functions with much higher diversity of custom AF modes often makes a huge difference to managing challenges in contrasting/sudden action scenes, switching almost instantaneously to backlight/shadowed subjects etc, grabbing sharp eye focus etc etc. Exposure controls can be optimized to "hotkeys" similarly. Shooting banks widens these options further. And contingent on one's genres these pro cameras confer other advantages....
The
D6 extends these advantages significantly - thanks to its new AF " engine" but not only. The emerging consensus of D6 owners is its performance realizes the olde saw of the "Whole being greater than the sum of the Parts" - thus, the realty shows up armchair theorists comparing the spec sheets. And these cameras are tough objects to damage.... (Bear in mind, however, a 20mp FX sensor is intolerant of major cropping!) If the conditions are defeating a D5 (D6 even more so) then the problem resides most likely in the 4" behind the camera sets the ultimate limits, of course.
Nevertheless, consistently getting the optimum performance in Image Quality of scene after scene...shooting for hours.... stands or falls on
whether exposure and focus match contingent conditions.
The design of the pro cameras maximizes capturing the proverbial unexpected moment. This Triad is perhaps one way to think about how the AF and Haptics of the D5/D6 give one enduring support to reliably optimize IQ (a D850 is not far behind, poor light exempted). In contrast, all too often, the inferior AF capabilities and/or custom options in a D780 or Z6 miss the shot - ironic shortfalls considering their excellent sensors:
View attachment 12176
). Good luck with your decision.
