Nikon has recently announced a new full-frame DSLR camera, the Nikon D850. It’s a 45.7-megapixel full-frame DSLR camera with an FX-format, back-side Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor The D850 is capable of a capture rate of up to 7 frames-per-second (fps) or 9-fps with the optional battery grip and EN-EL18a/b battery, while offering a range of new features requested by Nikon shooters around the world.
The Nikon D850 is aimed as a serious tool for every kind of photographer, and the manufacturer says that it delivers intense clarity and accurate skin tones for portraits, with the added benefit of low-light ability for weddings and events. It is said to be versatile enough to be used for landscapes and fine art where broad dynamic range is critical, for sports that require a high frame rate and decisive AF, or for video creators who want 4K UHD flexibility.
“The Nikon D850 is much more than a camera, rather it’s a statement that Nikon is continuing to listen to customer needs, to innovate for the next 100 years, and bring to market a full-frame DSLR that exceeds the expectations of the professionals that rely on this caliber of camera to make a living,” said Kosuke Kawaura, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc.
“I have had the pleasure of putting this camera through its paces, and there is nothing like it. The Nikon D850 introduces a whole new generation of photographers to medium format quality; the resolution is out of this world, and the tonality and range are at a level I never thought possible from a DSLR,” said Nikon Ambassador and award-winning wedding photographer Jerry Ghionis.
The Nikon D850 is a combination of resolution, dynamic range, ISO and processing power. Nikon informed that the 45.7-megapixel CMOS sensor forgoes an optical low pass filter (OLPF) to harness the sharpness of NIKKOR lenses, with fidelity, tonality and clarity. This is also Nikon’s first DSLR to incorporate a BSI CMOS sensor, which captures light more efficiently, resulting in a wider dynamic range and low-noise image capture.
The D850 is capable of shooting up to 7 fps at full resolution, with full AF/AE or 9 fps at full resolution with the addition of an optional battery grip (MB-D18) and EN-EL18a/b battery (Buffer approximately 51 frames of 14-bit lossless RAW capture / 170 frames of 12-bit lossless). The D850 offers a wide ISO range from 64-25,600 (Expandable down to ISO 32, up to 102,400). The D850 uses the Nikon D5’s 153-point, Multi-Cam 20K AF system, which features 99 cross type sensors, 15 of which are sensitive to f/8. The camera has EXPEED 5, which Nikon informs is their most powerful engine yet, allowing for fast data readout and swift image processing, improved low light performance, high speed shooting, full-frame 4K UHD video capture and greater power efficiency for longer battery life. The camera has a 3.2-in., high resolution (2359k-dot) touchscreen LCD monitor. The D850 offers the ability to operate with an electronic shutter in Live View. When in this mode, users can shoot in complete silence. The electronic shutter operates at up to 6 fps (AF/AE locked) at full resolution, while an additional mode enables 8.6-megapixel capture in DX image area mode at up to 30 fps.
Like the D5 and D500, the D850 also supports Radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting with the optional SB-5000 Speedlight and WR-A10 and WR-R10 accessories. Users can choose from 3 sizes of RAW files to enhance workflow, including Large (45.4-MP), Medium (25.6-MP) and Small (11.4-MP). Additionally, the D850 lets users batch process RAW files in camera. It gives users up to 1,840 shots at full resolution or approximately 70 minutes of video on a single charge. Users who opt for the additional control and handling benefits of the optional battery grip can expect up to 5140 shots (CIPA standard).
For macro, product and landscape photographers, there is a Focus Shift Photography feature. This feature lets the user automatically shoot up to 300 shots at adjustable focus step intervals to infinity which can be assembled into a focus-stacked image using third party software.
With the optional ES-2 Film Digitizing Adapter and compatible Micro-NIKKOR lens, the camera is said to enable super high-resolution digitising of 35mm slides or negatives and converts them in-camera to positives. The camera is said to have a rugged and weather-sealed magnesium alloy body.
It features built-in Wi-Fi & Bluetooth for connectivity. The D850 features dual memory card slots, XQD for high-speed capture and transfer, as well as readily available SD media.
The D850’s FX BSI CMOS sensor allows 4K UHD output at a full-frame width at 16:9. Creators can also capture Full HD 1080p at up to 120 fps (4x or 5x) for slow-motion video capture. When shooting Full HD or in Live View for stills, focus peaking can be enabled which highlights in-focus subjects in the frame to ensure sharpness. Users can create 4K UHD time-lapse videos in-camera, or can use the built in intervalometer to capture images for an ultra-high resolution 8K time lapse that can be assembled in post for those who want the ultimate in video quality.
The Nikon D850 will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $3,299.95, and will be available in September 2017. The MB-D18 Multi Power Battery Pack will have an SRP of $399.95, while the ES-2 film digitalising adapter will have an SRP of $149.95.