I'm watching the video like I could afford such a camera

if I hate somebody, I will teach him Photography, and he will go broke!

Spend $10k and buy both. Then use them to shoot JPEG

Just shot a wedding with D3s and d850, wish I had the D5 for reception. D850 even at a smaller file size had too much noise for me. I plan to sell my first born and kidney and purchase the D5.

The low light ability of the D850 is so good I can't imagine how it would get better. The ability to view the scene in "live view" and make exposure settings to deal with back lighting and front lighting is incredibly useful. Shooting sports photos in snow is a snap. I am very happy with my purchase.

And also, people thought I was crazy when I said I have a D5 for weddings, well during the day (the ceremony, blah, blah, blah) I use the D810 for the cleaner files, and higher resolution, but when it's time for the reception the D5 comes out, better at high ISO indoor shooting, especially for the dancing where you want a higher shutter speed, and with a higher frame rate I can capture action sequences, like some drunk A-hole trying to break dance and falling on their face (true story, laughed my ass off).

D850 in a couple of months. After owning a D3200 I think its a step enough! Great VID man

Check mark goes to "Me" had me giggling, great short comparison Mr Polin, thank you. D850 arrives in my life next week!

I am a Nikon user myself. I already have a Nikon D750 (as well as a D700 and D7000). If I had the budget, I would buy both the D5 and D850 plus several lenses. If I had to choose one of these two cameras, it would be the D5 for the speed and build quality.

In my opinion, comparing who has the highest ISO is not meaningful, in most cases. Highest usable ISO should be the question. 100 vs 64 on the low end, I wish every camera could do 64. Is anyone going to shoot a photo at 102400 and try to use or sell it? I don't think so. Even for personal use, it would be so noisy it would not even be worth taking the photo, again my opinion. Now compare 3200 vs 3200, 6400 vs 6400 or maybe even 12800 vs 12800 and see what is cleaner or usable would make more sense. Unless something new happens in the future where shooting at 102400 produces something usable, I don't think it makes sense what has the highest ISO if we are talking in the tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands or expandable to 3 million. I am more interest what has the cleanest image at the higher amounts.

I had to make this choice, and I chose the D5. It's more of a specialized tool for sports, low light work, and for use in crappy conditions. It's an absolute beast when you use it for what it was meant to be used for. The D850 is an amazing general purpose camera. I agree with you that for your average person, the D850 is the better choice. But the average person isn't outside shooting night time sports with the worst lighting imaginable and being required to deliver high quality photos. The D850 won't help you much for that. Just pick the right tool for the job you do. For me, the D5 was the no-brainer. Nothing else that Nikon makes will do the job I need it to do.

Have them BOTH....my opinion is different tools for different jobs. BOTH great. Like comparing a top line table saw to a 12" sliding compound miter saw. Both are saws, and great ones at that....but used for different things.

A quick side note here. I have shot about 15 functions to-date using both cameras side by side. Can I point out a huge problem for me. Using both cameras simultaneously at a function and changing setting quickly as I move around the room sometimes from inside then outside again, flash-on and flash-off, long-lens and wide-lens on alternative cameras. I am constantly changing from manual to aperture priority. If you notice the positioning of these buttons are very dangerously placed. I have found myself changing the QUAL on the D850 as its in the same place as the MODE on the D5. Regarding the ISO on the D5 it is not just a number that sounds impressive, it really is far Superior over the D850 in low light. In the studio however the clarity on the D850 is the best I have had the privilege to use.

I think I should buy D850 to save money.. and buy good lenses.

You are truly the doyen of the photographic world. Most camera/photography equipment reviewers talk to much about nothing and annoy the shit out of me. Jared, thank you for being highly informative and cooler than the other side of the pillow.

If you are into wildlife and here especially bird photography, I am sorry but here just speed and Autofocus performance counts. So that means for me that I would prefer a Nikon D5. I currently own a Nikon D4S and also a Nikon D850 and most of my birding I am doing with the Nikon D4S. The keep rate is substantially higher than with my Nikon D850. What also really sucks is that 9fps you only have with the additional battery grip. If either internal battery or battery in battery grip is drained then FPS rate goes down to 7fps again. You have to change battery then. That’s really ugly, I already missed important shots due to that. On the other side, with the Nikon D4s I typically can take between 3500 to 4000 shots before a battery needs to be changed. And regarding the mentioned speed advantage, well, I just can say that with fast moving objects you better use the fastest camera you can get. And that’s right now either a Nikon D5 or Canon 1DX Mark II. I am saying this based on own a experience. You just need to try taking pictures of birds like the Kingfisher to understand what I mean. Every FPS more counts here.

I've been a commercial photographer for 25 years. Used to be I used a large format system, medium format and occasionally 35mm; different tools for different jobs. Great gear has always been built to last and has never been cheap. I still use a plain Nikon D3 alongside of my D810. Clients don't see a difference in image quality but may wonder why some files are so huge. Flagship cameras are literally built to take to war. If I had problems that these cameras would solve I'd buy both; currently there's no reason to buy either. If I needed a tax deduction I'd buy the D850 and more hard drives/a server to store/backup the huge files.

Something that is rarely mentioned is that if you're shooting macro, D850 get the checkmark not only thanks to the higher megapixels, but even more so from the in-built focus shifting, which works fantastic (ones you learn how to use it).

I would choose the D850 because I occasionally shoot behind the scenes stills on indie films. The silent shooting in live view would really come in handy when sound is rolling. My only silent option at the moment is a Nikon 1J3 & the low light performance is terrible.

Fro 👃 Photo

You get what you pay for folks: there is a reason why the D5 is the flagship. I like both cameras but if you decide then the D5 is it no doubt. Best choice would be to own both cameras.

Thanks Jared for the in-depth review. Keep them coming.

Love your videos as always. With the 100mb raws from the D850. What hardware would you recommend? I’ve a 27” iMac i7 3.5gb. 16gb ram. 3tb fusion. 4gb graphics. Will I struggle with that? Thank you in advance!

Absolutely love your reviews and the way they are structured.

I'm just making motions toward making photography a career. I have been shooting since the Canon AE-1, film, and home dark rooms. Yeah, about 200 years. As much as I would love to have a D5, it just doesn't make sense. Instead, I am buying the D850, a 24-70 f2.8, and an iMac 27". I already have a number of other lenses well suited to the various genres I wish to shoot, so I am well on my way. Thanks to Jared for all his efforts. You and Ken Rockwell have been very inspiring.

D750 with a grip is the dogs bollocks (in England that means it's fantastic). I compared files from my D750 to that I shot with a D850 and there is very little difference. In fact, you can only tell which is which by pixel peeping. D750 is a superb all round camera that is excellent value for money.

If I could, I would put my money on the D5. The D850 is a beast but I love pro bodies in my hand. The D5 is built like a tank as well and it will probably be an amazing camera to keep for years to come until Nikon makes a camera that will shoot natively at ISO 10,000,000. haha! Man, now I want a D5.

I shoot sports. However, I am not a big time NFL, NBA guy, so extra 3fps between D5 and D850 is not going to any different. I have to sell lots of pictures to make up the difference in price on the D5. I rather have two D850 with two different glass and have better opportunity on those shots than one D5. My answer is D850 with vertical grib.

Wow, great review; a lot to think about. I'd keep my D7200 as a backup and get the D850 for my primary. Unless I'm using a tripod most of the day, the lighter camera's for me. Gotta say, though, low light with the D5 must be nice...

As a working photographer, I own both the D4s as well as the D850. While I’m obviously excited about my new camera (D850) I see a need for both cameras in my work. They both have their own strengths and will be used accordingly. I absolutely love the flagship bodies and how they feel in the hand. When I get the grip for my D850 it'll feel better to work with, but I already like the way it feels (minus the no grip issue). Different cameras, different needs. A great team having both. I obviously didn’t feel the need (or want to spend the money) to go from the D4s to the D5. The D5 is pricing itself a little too aggressively in my eyes. Hopefully Nikon cools that down for future flagship models.

I use a D 810 at the moment and am starting out with wild life photography. After looking at many reviews including this one, I am more gravitated towards the D 5, for its rugged build quality and the faster frame rate. Also, since I have a D 810. Thoughts and remarks are appreciated.

Great Info - Thanks,! I would select the D850 over the D5 since I shoot landscapes and need the higher resolution. I also do Focus Stacking and love that feature built-in to the D850.

Can the D5 still just shoot 3 minutes of video before it stops recording automatically?

For me, the D850 would be my first preference. Here's why: first is cost (as you so aptly describe the advantages). Second, is the type of photography I do, namely travel and portraits. I also believe the D850 with it higher MP capability would allow me to keep the camera longer before needing to replace it.

I was on the wait list for 3 months waiting for the D850 to magically materialize, I instead chose to buy a D4 that was recently refurbished by Nikon with a new shutter for the same price. Going forward I will do the same for the D5 when the right situation is presented and stick with the pro bodies.

For the price I'll go with the D850 and some glasses, with the D850 I have the option of higher or same MP as the D5. The ISO 25600 on the D850 should be sufficient for any low light situation. The 7FPS is decent for sports.

@jared polin I will go for D850, just looking for good price with 'some' good kit. Any recommendation (-kit wise-)? oh and: You helped me in my choice today, thanks!

Would you mind doing those comparison videos with just some little tests in between? For me those kind of videos are pretty useless the way you do them, since I know the specs already. Some direct comparisons and sample shots (hell, even some scenes from your real world reviews) would improve this "ultimate battle" format really much.

i'm going with D850 with premium NIKKOR 24-70 f/2.8

I would go D850 because the higher MP when I’m shooting automotive (lifted trucks) I can have really good detail shots as well as have more AF points to choose from. Plus, this would be my first Full Frame camera and it’s nicely stacked with features

Hi Jared I do think that now they are different tools in that the D5 is an superb at spots and low light image capture unbeatable in the Nikon line up for press and event photography, Where as for commercial and more general work the detail you can get from the D850 is up with larger format camera of 5 to 10 years but at a fraction of the cost. I have both the D850 and X1D they are both different tools and give outstanding image quality but they both relay on good technique. Thanks for all the great videos.

My Husband would love the D850 he takes family pic's and travel pic's hobby thanks for the info

Hi, I am about to invest into a new body however still not 100% sure which one to buy...? I really like D850 features eg. silent shooting, tilting monitor... which would perfectly support my Event photography however what draws me back is huge RAW files. Question to you guys out there.... What is your experience shooting with D850 in Medium-RAW resolution in Low Light situations? Especially, I would like to hear your experiences around how sharp the images out of the camera are? What about ISO performance in 4000 - 10.000 range? FYI. Currently I use D4s . Thank you!

D850 i just bought it! i started with the D7200 a few years ago.

Coming from D2H, D3S & D4S I kinda stuck on the tough build & weather sealed. I like to go outside in the cold and snow, sand & dust & damp seaside where we live. But I really wish I had WiFi. I love the low light monsters of these recent D single digit. 6400 clean low noise at f1.4-2.8 indoors or night games w/ soft fill flash. However, if you do make a living off this, you should have multiple choices. A quick side-kick w/ a different lens ready to go.

I️ have a D5 for HS soccer games which are played at night under jenkey HS stadium lights. High ISO and shutter speed (1250) are both a necessity to capture the action. I️ use a 200-400 f4, this rig yields nice shots. I️ have a D850 on order for pretty much all other shooting opportunities, mostly travel. Grip is a cheaper upgrade if you have the D5 as you already have the battery and charger.

for that price I prefer a d500 with af-s 300 2.8 lens

I am currently shooting with the 850 and pleased to say it's not going anywhere. The z8 is tempting but I won't get rid of my 850 to make that happen. In my opinion the only thing the z8 has that makes possibly better is the ibis. I also shoot with R6's, nice for videos doesn't touch the 850 stills. Thanks for a chance to rant & rave.

Hey great video Jared. I would get the D850 better video capabilities. - full frame UHD 4K Video rec @ 30 fps - 1080p @ 120 fps.

Great video Jared, thanks. I was leaning towards 2- D850’s with grips since I like the same bodies with different lens at all times. However after watching this perhaps best setup is D5 and D850 no grip. Price is a little less and gives me room for another lens. Thoughts welcome and thanks in advance.

Excellent review! If you could add a type of sample picture where D5 will make very big difference (and also for d850), It would be great. You did cover this in the review verbally, but will d5 actually get you much better chance at that action photo which d850 will fail? Could you comment on this please?

I went from a Canon 5D IV (with a 400 f/2.8 mk I lens) to the D850 (with a Sigma 500 f/4 Sports for aviation photography. Though, I figured that the D850 can't handle large telelenses. Everything about 40m and further was out of focus, so I went to the shop again and tested it with a Nikon 500 f/4 VR II, but with the same results.. Everything far away was out of focus or not sharp. Though, on a calibration chart it was perfectly sharp. The shop gave me the option to go to the D5, which is way better with large telephotolenses. Is there anyone who shares the same experience with me?

Sir Jared Polin Which is the best D850 or D5 live view autofocus tracking?

Having used D850 there are caveats, Best buy i ever made. D5 is a lovely camera, but the cost of getting it in the UK i got a 70-200, a 50mm and 35mm. Saved me money and i got it for what i wanted, Events/sports/weddings/family and its not a massive machine without the grip. Iso argument is just pure BS. I never shoot above 6400, so why need 102,000 iso?? is 24mb is enough of course, i bought mine though because i can crop and still keep quality if needed, can still get extra range on my 70-200 in DX mode but still see a FF view through the viewfinder to help compose the frame better. Buffer in DX mode is unending, FF mode i get around 54-56 i think, but i never burst like that normally and as the buffer clears so fast i find in FF burst that its clearing between shooting of action. Is there anything i would change about it? Totally rotating back screen, so when its vertical i can rotate it, Dual XQD cards please, Some sort of Banding Protection for LV use(i know its frequency issue but there must be a some fix for that). Overall i am really happy, i will be purchasing a backup 850(replace my D800 backup)but i am holding off to see what Mirrorless Nikon is coming out with.

What do you think how the D850 compares to the D750 in terms of ISO? I'm thinking of upgrading from my D750 cameras to a D850 or D5 but I think the better ISO Performance of the D5 is what I want... I'm shooting many weddings and events by the way...

I would like to take pictures of surfers in the water with a housing. Which camera do you think would be the best ? Thanks

Hey Jared Is It Worth Upgrading To The D850 From The De810 ?

Hey Froman, keep up the good work. One error. The D5 silent high speed is dead silent and 30 frames a sec. I was at a shoot, quiet on set, In ten minutes I shot 1100 images by mistake. The silent images are jpeg only, no raw and active d-lighting does not apply.

The D5 is better at so few things as to make it a tool for specialists only. Downsizing the D850 files makes it a better camera for weddings if you don't want such a high megapixel count as the greater dynamic range will still give better portrait images. The D5 is really a photo journalists camera or a specialist sports camera and is good for people who want to shoot black cats in mine shafts. Everything else the D850 does better.

The only situation I would recommend the D5 is for a professional sport shooter (extreme buffer, durability). The D850 is so much more versatile and half the price, so...

HEY JARED! Can you make the comparison video: Canon 1DX Mark II VS Canon 5D Mark IV Which To Buy: The ULTIMATE Battle The big question in the world of Canon right now is which camera should you buy, the Canon 5D Mark IV or the 1DX Mark II. Lets first start off by saying these are Nikon's two most expensive offerings. It is also a tough decision to make for a ton of people saying should they stick with the 1DX Mark II or the 5D Mark IV.

Yo bro, long time ago I had a Nikon D3 and a Nikon D700. Same Expeed Sensor and such, but the Nikon D3 always gave me a wider dynamic range and also, when getting data from shadows with much less noise than the D700. As well, the view finde of the D3 was correctly bright (the one of the D700 was a bit darker). Have you notice something like thi in the comparisson? Thanks in advance, man. Cool video.

get a D4 or even a D3s. amazingly fast cameras with great iso even by today's standards, way cheaper than D850.

D810 shooter and picked up a D5 with 9k shots for $1400 recently. Thing is a monster and AF is insanely accurate. I can't see me needing anything more for a long time. Anyone buying cameras for megapixels as "future proofing" needs to go chat with professional wedding photographers still making a living shooting D3s for the past decade!

Hi. Can you please guide which one should i go for D850 or 5dm4. I want to buy one and not been able to decide

I`m so happy using my elder Nikon D700 :)) up to now no issues, it`s solid build like a little tank and reliable under all conditions - if I`ve to make a decision I would go for the D5, I`m not interested in videos, so for me those features aren`t important, the D5 is a real tank and that`s what I like, need and expected from a Nikon

I'm disappointed in Nikon's production over the past few cameras that sit below the flagship in that they have moved their production from Japan to Malaysia, Thailand, etc. The point is, there is a definitive difference in the feel of the quality since the 810, and even the 800. I have both the 700 and the 800 and the 700 just feels more solid. so, in short (hehe) I would go with the D5 because I prefer a camera that feels more solid. I have yet to test the 850 on a job, but I can say that the difference in quality and feel from the 5 is immediately apparent. I don't shoot video, so the advantages that the 850 present over the 5 for that is not a factor

Love these videos. Keep doing them, Jared.

Alpine Mountain Lanscapes in extreme weather.....I love the idea of the higher megapixels on 850, but thinking the D5 might be the better solution to handle that kind of environment...am I right?

Well I will have to go with Jared on this one, the D850 is for me. I am an amateur and have been taking more and more photos over the years. Had a D300, D800 and now am dreaming of the D850. The D5 is just out of my price range, but I really like the "bang for your buck" of the D850! Anyone want to loan an old Irishman $3300? LOL Thanks Jared, nice comparison.

Great message. Nicely done.

Why they put so many MP on D850 sensor when a little MP improvement over D5 is totally fine? I know the "crop" thing, but.. overall more MP create more problem on D850 compared to D5, expecially ISO noise. With less MP and more attention the D850 is the choice. Also i think AF problems come from software and too high resolution, difficult to track sometimes. Evertime they miss something, don't know if accidentally :/

I had a similar quandary this past summer. Canon 1Dx Mark II or 5D Mark IV. (A photographer told me to spend my available money on good class first. Learn how to be a good photographer before you spend LOTS of money on fancy cameras. So I did that.) I am not a full-time professional photographer but I do sell mainly sports photos. I shoot a lot of sports and news/photo journalism type stuff. My choices were Canon 1Dx Mark II, 5D Mark IV or an earlier generation 5D. (I was doing this before the 6D mark ii came out.) I choose the 5D Mark IV mainly because of the wifi feature and the price. Just couldn't justify additional cost of the 1Dx. Although, maybe someday, I will justify the move to 14 f/sec for state-of-art football and baseball photos. (So far MLB is not knocking down my door offer to buy that camera for me.)

Jared, I’m getting back into commercial photography and yes it’s been awhile because I used a F4s back in the day. Trying to decide which one of these fine cameras to get. I shoot a lot of landscapes while backpacking so weight is a little bit of an issue but want the best shot. And I’m starting to shoot weddings. So F5 or D850? Thanks, Drjones552

D5 is probably the world's best low light camera right now. Usable shots at 102,400 without NR.

D850 100% I shoot landscapes and wildlife, as well as video and stills in a controlled environment (studio like setting). The cropability, the lower native ISO, and full frame video are very exciting to me. Hope to get one in a few months. For now the D7200 is serving me well.

Which is best camera for wildlife photography

D850. I would say why but I just agreed with everything you said, the D5 would probably be too op for me.

A really good comparison, thanks! As a professional photographer, i like to work with the D5. The precision and reliability are great. Next to my D5, I work with a D800 too. But it will be a matter of time until it is replaced by a Nikon D850.

as a newish full timer, I am struggling with this decision. I have a d750 that is getting tired and I think will be a great backup camera. I shoot portraits, in studio and on location to pay the bills. No weddings or family stuff for me. I shoot landscapes for fun and to keep my sanity. I don't know what to buy!!!! If they were both the same price, I'd buy the d5. Since they are not, I think I will buy the d850. ugh!! ~Ashlyn

Is all about which lenses you use and the magic of light. Have a old Nikon F5 and a Nikon D4. Have sell my Nikon D3, D5 and D6. For me 16MP is more than enough and I don’t shoot high ISO. For me the lenses are far more important and use only metal AF-D prime lenses. Like the Cream Machine 85mm lens and the two 105mm / 135mm DC lenses. On my Nikon F5 I do black and white photos. And on my Nikon D4 color photos which is still sharp. Much better than the Nikon D5 and the D6. Do portraits indoor and outdoor. Have use a Nikon D700 and a D810 with the grip but it’s to heavy and clumsy than a Nikon D4. For now the Nikon D4 is still a great camera to use now. Maybe I buy a Nikon F4 to replace the Nikon F5.

I own the D5 and think it’s a great camera, but I’m considering selling it to buy a D500 AND D850. Talk me out of it. I need the higher fps for swim meets, but I’m also interested in the higher resolution of the D850 for portraits, landscapes and wildlife.

I have been shooting with my Nikon D7000 for quite some time and was looking forward in testing one of these bodies but i believe the D810 will be a big change for me since i have never used a Full Frame Body Before. A big turn off with the D5 is that i will have to upgrade my memory card since it only accepts XQD Cards.

BOTH camera are amazing. even now in 2021. I own the D5 and its great camera, hope to buy soon the D850, the best FF Dynamic range DSLR from Nikon

You didn’t talk about pixel pitch ans pixel area. Why?

In my case Jared, it’s like the song said, I’m torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool potation marks. I want both but my just my problem is figuring out which one to purchase first! I may get the 850 now, and purchase the defibrillator or just wait for the D6 to come out.

Maybe if they were the same price, I'd think this would be a valid question. But why buy old tech at twice the price? Forget that. D850 is more future proof.

Can you also please do a wind tunnel test in the Ultimate Battle between the 5D Mark IV and 1DX Mark II???

I love Nikon more than life itself

D850... because i looooooove waiting for the stuff i purchase.

I’d go with the D850 for the simple reason that the nearly identical specs for the D5 don’t warrant double the price.

Hi! I'm having a problem with my Nikon D5 and I can't understand it. The focal point illumination is changing by itself while I'm trying to follow a subject or even when stady. I use back button focus and the llittle square gets red well illuminated for 1 second but then I hardly see it. What is that? Thank you!

I got a brand-new Nikon D5 here in Shanghai (where I am living and working) at 32k RMB or 5.05k USD. A brand-new Nikon D850 cost here also about 25k RMB or 3.5k USD and if you add the MB-D18 battery grip, the Nikon d850 cost you about 4k USD. So we talk about a price difference of 1k USD. I would select the Nikon D5 personally as it's the better choice for Wildlife / Action / Sport due to higher frame rate and buffer and slightly better Autofocus.

I have both D 5 for birds in flight D 850 low light and landscapes

Jared you cracked me up. “Built like a brick shithouse” is so Aussie lol. Brilliant 😀😀😀

I have the olympus pen e-pl2 And it work very great only at the lowest iso and the superior slow autofocus But I do not have any problem about any kind of photography landscape,sport and etc. So I do not understand why people keep buying new camera while I am using 7-6 years camera

D5 Shutter Life Expectancy - 400000 cycles D850 Shutter Life Expectancy - 200000 cycles

I would buy the D5 as I need the faster shooting rate. I’m a photographer for my yearbook at my school and the high iso would be allow me to take better low light photos. I don’t crop much so the higher resolution is Unnecessary. The tougher body would allow me to use it in most conditions without being afraid of breaking my camera.

Over a year latter and have both cameras but I’m still kinda wanting a d5x. Larger battery, better build, vertical grip, dual XQD and resolution of the 850. I also do video so I want a d5 in a mirrorless design as well lol

I still shoot with the d3300 and I love it! I can only imagine if I had one of these cameras o.O