Wildlife photography is a challenging yet rewarding genre that requires a combination of skill, patience, and the right equipment. When it comes to cameras, Nikon is a popular choice among wildlife photographers, and the Nikon D850 is one of the most highly-regarded models in the market. But is the Nikon D850 good for wildlife photography? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the camera’s features, capabilities, and performance to help you decide.
Key Features of the Nikon D850
Before we dive into the camera’s performance, let’s take a look at some of its key features that make it suitable for wildlife photography:
- 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor: The Nikon D850 boasts a high-resolution full-frame sensor that provides excellent image quality, even in low light conditions.
- Fast autofocus: The camera features a 153-point autofocus system that provides fast and accurate focusing, even on moving subjects.
- 7 fps continuous shooting: The Nikon D850 can shoot at 7 frames per second, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving wildlife.
- Weather-sealing: The camera is built with a weather-sealed body that protects it from dust and moisture, making it perfect for shooting in harsh environments.
- 4K video: The Nikon D850 can shoot 4K video at 30p, making it a great option for wildlife videographers.
Image Quality and Resolution
One of the most important factors in wildlife photography is image quality. The Nikon D850’s 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor provides exceptional image quality, with excellent resolution, dynamic range, and color accuracy. The camera’s sensor is capable of capturing a wide range of tonal values, from the brightest highlights to the darkest shadows, making it ideal for shooting in high-contrast environments.
Resolution and Cropping
The Nikon D850’s high resolution also provides the flexibility to crop images without sacrificing too much quality. This is particularly useful in wildlife photography, where it’s not always possible to get close to your subject. With the Nikon D850, you can crop your images to get a tighter composition without worrying about losing too much detail.
Autofocus and Tracking
Fast and accurate autofocus is critical in wildlife photography, where subjects can move quickly and unpredictably. The Nikon D850’s 153-point autofocus system provides fast and accurate focusing, even on moving subjects. The camera also features a range of autofocus modes, including single-point AF, dynamic AF, and 3D tracking, making it easy to track and focus on your subject.
Subject Tracking
The Nikon D850’s subject tracking feature is particularly useful in wildlife photography. This feature allows you to track a specific subject, such as a bird in flight, and maintain focus on it even as it moves across the frame. The camera’s advanced algorithms and fast autofocus system make it easy to track and focus on your subject, even in complex environments.
Continuous Shooting and Buffer
The Nikon D850’s 7 fps continuous shooting mode makes it ideal for capturing fast-moving wildlife. The camera’s buffer is also large enough to handle long bursts of shooting, making it easy to capture the perfect moment.
Buffer and Memory Cards
The Nikon D850’s buffer is capable of handling up to 51 14-bit RAW files or 170 12-bit RAW files. This means you can shoot long bursts of images without worrying about the camera’s buffer filling up. The camera also features dual memory card slots, making it easy to expand your storage capacity and reduce the risk of running out of memory.
Video Capabilities
The Nikon D850 is not just a stills camera; it’s also a capable video camera. The camera can shoot 4K video at 30p, making it a great option for wildlife videographers. The camera’s video capabilities are also enhanced by its fast autofocus and subject tracking features, making it easy to track and focus on your subject.
Video Autofocus
The Nikon D850’s video autofocus is fast and accurate, making it easy to track and focus on your subject. The camera also features a range of video autofocus modes, including single-point AF, dynamic AF, and 3D tracking, making it easy to customize your autofocus settings to suit your needs.
Conclusion
The Nikon D850 is an excellent camera for wildlife photography. Its high-resolution full-frame sensor, fast autofocus, and 7 fps continuous shooting mode make it ideal for capturing fast-moving wildlife. The camera’s weather-sealing and 4K video capabilities also make it a great option for shooting in harsh environments and capturing high-quality video.
Who is the Nikon D850 for?
The Nikon D850 is a professional-grade camera that’s ideal for serious wildlife photographers. Its high price point and advanced features make it a great option for photographers who are looking for a camera that can deliver exceptional image quality and performance.
Alternatives to the Nikon D850
If the Nikon D850 is out of your budget, there are several alternative cameras that you may want to consider. Some options include:
- Nikon D500: A crop-sensor camera that’s designed specifically for wildlife photography.
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: A full-frame camera that’s similar to the Nikon D850 but with a lower price point.
- Sony Alpha a7R III: A mirrorless camera that’s designed for landscape and wildlife photography.
Final Thoughts
The Nikon D850 is an excellent camera for wildlife photography. Its high-resolution full-frame sensor, fast autofocus, and 7 fps continuous shooting mode make it ideal for capturing fast-moving wildlife. While it’s a professional-grade camera with a high price point, it’s a great option for serious wildlife photographers who are looking for a camera that can deliver exceptional image quality and performance.
| Feature | Nikon D850 | Nikon D500 | Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | Sony Alpha a7R III |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 45.7 megapixels | 20.9 megapixels | 30.4 megapixels | 42.4 megapixels |
| Autofocus Points | 153 points | 153 points | 61 points | 399 points |
| Continuous Shooting | 7 fps | 10 fps | 7 fps | 10 fps |
| Video Resolution | 4K at 30p | 4K at 30p | 4K at 30p | 4K at 30p |
In conclusion, the Nikon D850 is an excellent camera for wildlife photography. Its high-resolution full-frame sensor, fast autofocus, and 7 fps continuous shooting mode make it ideal for capturing fast-moving wildlife. While it’s a professional-grade camera with a high price point, it’s a great option for serious wildlife photographers who are looking for a camera that can deliver exceptional image quality and performance.
Is the Nikon D850 suitable for capturing high-quality images of fast-moving wildlife?
The Nikon D850 is an excellent choice for wildlife photography, particularly when it comes to capturing high-quality images of fast-moving subjects. With its 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor, the camera is capable of producing incredibly detailed images with excellent resolution and dynamic range. Additionally, the D850’s autofocus system is highly advanced, featuring 153 focus points, including 99 cross-type sensors, which provide fast and accurate subject tracking. This makes it ideal for capturing sharp images of birds in flight, running animals, or any other fast-moving wildlife.
The camera’s burst mode is also impressive, allowing for up to 9 frames per second in continuous high-speed mode, which is more than sufficient for most wildlife photography applications. Furthermore, the D850’s buffer capacity is large enough to handle extended bursts, reducing the likelihood of the camera slowing down or filling up the buffer during critical moments. When combined with a suitable lens, such as a telephoto zoom or a prime lens with a wide aperture, the Nikon D850 is more than capable of capturing stunning images of fast-moving wildlife, making it an excellent choice for professional and enthusiast wildlife photographers alike.
What are the key features of the Nikon D850 that make it well-suited for wildlife photography?
The Nikon D850 boasts several key features that make it an excellent choice for wildlife photography. One of the most significant advantages is its 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor, which provides exceptional image quality, resolution, and dynamic range. The camera’s autofocus system is also highly advanced, featuring 153 focus points, including 99 cross-type sensors, which provide fast and accurate subject tracking. Additionally, the D850 has a wide ISO range of 64-25,600, which can be expanded to 32-51,200, allowing for excellent low-light performance and flexibility in a variety of shooting conditions.
The camera’s weather-sealing and durability are also important considerations for wildlife photographers, who often find themselves shooting in harsh and unpredictable environments. The D850’s magnesium alloy body is both durable and weather-sealed, providing protection against dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Other notable features include the camera’s 4K UHD video capabilities, slow-motion video, and focus peaking, which can be useful for capturing wildlife footage or creating documentary-style content. Overall, the Nikon D850’s combination of image quality, autofocus performance, and durability make it an excellent choice for wildlife photographers who demand the best.
How does the Nikon D850 compare to other cameras in its class for wildlife photography?
The Nikon D850 is widely regarded as one of the best cameras in its class for wildlife photography, and its performance is comparable to other high-end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. In terms of image quality, the D850’s 45.7-megapixel sensor provides exceptional resolution and dynamic range, making it ideal for capturing detailed images of wildlife. The camera’s autofocus system is also highly advanced, with fast and accurate subject tracking that rivals other top-end cameras. When compared to other Nikon cameras, such as the D500 or D5, the D850 offers superior image quality and resolution, although it may not match the speed and agility of these cameras.
When compared to cameras from other manufacturers, such as the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or the Sony Alpha a7R III, the Nikon D850 holds its own in terms of image quality and autofocus performance. However, the D850’s bulk and weight may be a consideration for some photographers, particularly those who prefer the smaller size and weight of mirrorless cameras. Ultimately, the choice between the D850 and other cameras will depend on individual preferences and needs, but for wildlife photographers who demand the best image quality and autofocus performance, the Nikon D850 is an excellent choice.
Can the Nikon D850 be used for low-light wildlife photography, and if so, how effective is it?
The Nikon D850 is highly effective for low-light wildlife photography, thanks to its wide ISO range and excellent noise reduction capabilities. The camera’s native ISO range of 64-25,600 can be expanded to 32-51,200, allowing for excellent low-light performance and flexibility in a variety of shooting conditions. The D850’s full-frame sensor also provides a significant advantage in low-light conditions, as it is able to capture more light and produce cleaner images with less noise. When combined with a suitable lens, such as a telephoto zoom or a prime lens with a wide aperture, the D850 is capable of capturing stunning images of wildlife in low-light conditions.
In practice, the Nikon D850 performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions, producing images with excellent detail and minimal noise. The camera’s autofocus system also remains highly effective in low light, allowing for fast and accurate subject tracking even in challenging conditions. Additionally, the D850’s noise reduction capabilities are highly advanced, with both in-camera and post-processing noise reduction options available. This makes it possible to capture high-quality images of wildlife in low-light conditions, such as during early morning or late evening shoots, or in heavily shaded or forested areas. Overall, the Nikon D850 is an excellent choice for low-light wildlife photography, and its performance is among the best in its class.
What lenses are recommended for use with the Nikon D850 for wildlife photography?
For wildlife photography, a variety of lenses can be used with the Nikon D850, depending on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer. Telephoto zoom lenses, such as the Nikon 80-400mm or 200-500mm, are highly versatile and provide a convenient focal length range for capturing images of wildlife at a distance. Prime lenses, such as the Nikon 300mm or 500mm, offer exceptional image quality and a wide aperture, making them ideal for capturing portraits or close-up images of wildlife. Additionally, lenses with a wide aperture, such as the Nikon 70-200mm or 100-400mm, can be useful for creating a shallow depth of field and isolating subjects from their surroundings.
When choosing a lens for use with the Nikon D850, it’s essential to consider factors such as focal length, aperture, and image stabilization. A lens with image stabilization, such as Nikon’s VR (Vibration Reduction) technology, can be highly beneficial for handheld shooting or in low-light conditions. Additionally, lenses with a wide aperture, such as f/2.8 or f/4, can provide a shallow depth of field and create a pleasing bokeh effect. Ultimately, the best lens for wildlife photography will depend on individual preferences and needs, but some popular options for use with the Nikon D850 include the Nikon 80-400mm, 200-500mm, 300mm, and 500mm lenses.
How does the Nikon D850’s autofocus system perform in wildlife photography applications?
The Nikon D850’s autofocus system is highly advanced and performs exceptionally well in wildlife photography applications. The camera features 153 focus points, including 99 cross-type sensors, which provide fast and accurate subject tracking. The autofocus system is also highly customizable, with a variety of modes and settings available to suit different shooting styles and conditions. In practice, the D850’s autofocus system is highly effective at tracking moving subjects, such as birds in flight or running animals, and can quickly acquire focus even in challenging conditions.
The Nikon D850’s autofocus system also features a variety of advanced technologies, including Nikon’s Advanced Scene Auto Selector and Group-Area AF modes. These modes allow for highly accurate subject tracking and can be highly beneficial in wildlife photography applications. Additionally, the D850’s autofocus system is highly responsive, with fast and accurate focus acquisition even in low-light conditions. When combined with a suitable lens, such as a telephoto zoom or a prime lens with a wide aperture, the D850’s autofocus system provides exceptional performance and is highly effective at capturing sharp images of wildlife in a variety of conditions.
Is the Nikon D850 a good value for the price, considering its features and performance for wildlife photography?
The Nikon D850 is a highly advanced camera that offers exceptional features and performance for wildlife photography, and its price reflects its high-end status. However, for professional and enthusiast wildlife photographers who demand the best image quality and autofocus performance, the D850 is an excellent value. The camera’s 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor, advanced autofocus system, and weather-sealed body make it an ideal choice for capturing high-quality images of wildlife in a variety of conditions. Additionally, the D850’s durability and reliability are highly beneficial for photographers who shoot frequently or in harsh environments.
When compared to other cameras in its class, the Nikon D850 is highly competitive in terms of price and value. While it may not be the cheapest option available, the D850’s exceptional features and performance make it an excellent investment for serious wildlife photographers. Additionally, the camera’s versatility and ability to capture high-quality images in a variety of genres, including landscape, portrait, and studio photography, make it an excellent value for photographers who shoot a wide range of subjects. Overall, the Nikon D850 is a highly recommended camera for wildlife photography, and its price reflects its exceptional features and performance.