Nikon D6 Vs D850: Choose Wisely!
The Nikon D6 and D850 are two powerful cameras. Each offers unique features for photographers.
Choosing the right camera can be tough, especially with top models like these. The Nikon D6 is a professional DSLR known for speed and performance. The Nikon D850, on the other hand, is famous for its high resolution and versatility.
Comparing these two can help you make an informed decision. Whether you are a sports photographer or a landscape enthusiast, understanding their strengths and differences is crucial. This comparison will guide you through key aspects, helping you decide which camera suits your needs best. Stay tuned to learn more about the Nikon D6 and D850.
Table of Contents
- Introduction To Nikon D6 And D850
- Brief History
- Key Features
- Design And Build Quality
- Material And Durability
- Ergonomics
- Image Quality
- Sensor Comparison
- Low Light Performance
- Autofocus System
- Speed And Accuracy
- Tracking Capabilities
- Video Capabilities
- Resolution And Frame Rates
- Additional Features
- Battery Life
- Shooting Time
- Power Saving Features
- Price And Value
- Cost Comparison
- What You Get
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Are The Key Differences Between Nikon D6 And D850?
- Which Camera Is Better For Wildlife Photography?
- How Do The Sensors Of D6 And D850 Compare?
- Is The Nikon D850 Good For Video Recording?
- Conclusion
- CallofPhotography
Introduction To Nikon D6 And D850
The Nikon D6 and D850 are popular choices among photographers. Both offer unique features, making them suitable for different needs. Let’s explore their history and key features to understand their strengths.
Brief History
Nikon has a long history of producing high-quality cameras. The D6 and D850 are part of this legacy. The D6, released in 2020, is a professional DSLR. It targets sports and action photographers. The D850, launched in 2017, is known for its versatility. It appeals to landscape, portrait, and event photographers.
Key Features
The Nikon D6 boasts a 20.8 MP sensor. It excels in low-light conditions. It offers 14 frames per second continuous shooting. The camera has a robust autofocus system with 105 focus points. Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi provide added convenience.
The Nikon D850 features a 45.7 MP sensor. It delivers stunning image quality. It supports 7 frames per second continuous shooting. The autofocus system has 153 focus points. It also offers 4K UHD video recording capabilities. These features make it a versatile choice for various photography genres.
Design And Build Quality
The design and build quality of a camera are crucial for photographers. They affect comfort, durability, and usability. In this section, we compare the Nikon D6 and D850. We will focus on their material, durability, and ergonomics.
Material And Durability
The Nikon D6 is built with a magnesium alloy body. This material ensures high durability and strength. It can withstand harsh conditions and heavy use. The D850 also features a magnesium alloy body. Both cameras have weather-sealed construction. This protects them from dust and moisture. These materials make both cameras reliable and long-lasting.
Ergonomics
The Nikon D6 has an ergonomic design. The grip is deep and comfortable. This design reduces hand fatigue during long shoots. The buttons are well-placed and easy to reach. The D850 also offers a comfortable grip. It has a slightly smaller body compared to the D6. The button layout is intuitive and user-friendly. Both cameras provide excellent handling and ease of use.
Image Quality
When choosing between the Nikon D6 and D850, image quality plays a significant role. Both cameras offer excellent performance, but they cater to different needs. In this section, we will delve into various aspects of image quality. This will help you understand which camera suits your requirements better.
Sensor Comparison
The Nikon D6 comes with a 20.8-megapixel full-frame sensor. This sensor ensures fast processing and reliable performance, making it ideal for sports and action photography. The D850, on the other hand, boasts a 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor. This high-resolution sensor is perfect for capturing intricate details and producing large prints.
In summary, the D6 focuses on speed and reliability, while the D850 emphasizes resolution and detail. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize speed or image detail.
Low Light Performance
Low light performance is crucial for many photographers. The Nikon D6 excels in this area with its advanced noise reduction technology. It offers a native ISO range of 100-102,400, expandable to 3,280,000. This allows for excellent performance in dim lighting conditions.
The D850 also performs well in low light, with a native ISO range of 64-25,600, expandable to 102,400. While it doesn’t match the D6 in extreme low light, it still provides impressive results. Its larger sensor size and high resolution contribute to capturing more light and detail.
In essence, the D6 is better suited for extreme low light scenarios. The D850 is ideal for less demanding low light situations while delivering higher resolution images.
Autofocus System
The autofocus system can make or break a camera’s performance. Both the Nikon D6 and D850 offer impressive autofocus capabilities. But, how do they compare in terms of speed, accuracy, and tracking capabilities? Let’s dive into the details.
Speed And Accuracy
The Nikon D6 has a 105-point all-cross-type AF system. This setup provides fast and precise autofocus. It excels in low light and challenging conditions. The D850, on the other hand, boasts a 153-point AF system with 99 cross-type points. This ensures high accuracy, especially for still subjects. The D6’s autofocus is faster, making it ideal for sports and action photography. The D850, though slightly slower, offers exceptional detail and sharpness.
Tracking Capabilities
The Nikon D6 shines in tracking moving subjects. Its advanced 3D tracking system uses AI to predict movement. This makes it perfect for dynamic scenes. The D850 also features a robust tracking system. However, it is not as advanced as the D6. The D6 is more reliable for fast-moving subjects. The D850 still performs well but might miss a few shots. Both cameras are excellent, yet the D6 has the edge in tracking performance.
Video Capabilities
The Nikon D6 and Nikon D850 are renowned for their stellar video capabilities. Both cameras cater to different needs, and their video features highlight their unique strengths. In this section, we will compare their video capabilities focusing on resolution and frame rates and additional features.
Resolution And Frame Rates
Both the Nikon D6 and Nikon D850 offer impressive video recording options, but they differ in some key areas:
| Feature | Nikon D6 | Nikon D850 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Resolution | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) |
| Maximum Frame Rate | 60 fps | 30 fps |
| Full HD Frame Rate | 120 fps | 120 fps |
The Nikon D6 offers 4K recording at 60 fps, ideal for smooth motion. The Nikon D850 records 4K at 30 fps, providing crisp quality but at a lower frame rate. Both cameras offer Full HD recording at 120 fps for slow-motion videos.
Additional Features
Beyond resolution and frame rates, each camera boasts unique additional features:
- Autofocus: The Nikon D6 provides advanced autofocus tracking, essential for dynamic scenes.
- Time-Lapse: The Nikon D850 has a built-in 8K time-lapse mode, perfect for capturing stunning sequences.
- ISO Sensitivity: The Nikon D6 features higher ISO sensitivity, beneficial in low-light conditions.
- Touchscreen: The Nikon D850’s touchscreen interface enhances ease of use during shooting.
- Battery Life: The Nikon D6 offers extended battery life, supporting longer video shoots.
Both cameras have their strengths in video recording. The Nikon D6 excels in high frame rates and low-light performance. The Nikon D850 stands out with its time-lapse capabilities and touchscreen interface.
Battery Life
Battery Life is a critical factor for photographers. Whether you are shooting in a studio or the great outdoors, having enough power can make or break your session. Let’s compare the battery life of the Nikon D6 and D850 to see which one suits your needs better.
Shooting Time
The Nikon D6 offers impressive battery life. You can expect up to 3,580 shots per charge. This is ideal for events where you can’t afford to stop and change batteries.
On the other hand, the Nikon D850 provides up to 1,840 shots per charge. While this is less than the D6, it is still sufficient for most professional tasks.
| Model | Shooting Time (shots per charge) |
|---|---|
| Nikon D6 | 3,580 |
| Nikon D850 | 1,840 |
Power Saving Features
Both cameras come with power-saving features to extend battery life. The Nikon D6 has an Eco Mode that reduces power consumption. This is useful during long shoots.
The Nikon D850 also includes energy-efficient settings. You can adjust the LCD brightness and turn off non-essential functions to save battery.
- Eco Mode on Nikon D6
- Energy-efficient settings on Nikon D850
Choosing the right camera depends on your specific needs. If battery life is critical, the Nikon D6 stands out. For those who require a balance, the Nikon D850 remains a strong contender.
Price And Value
When choosing between the Nikon D6 and Nikon D850, understanding the price and value of each is vital. The cost of these high-end cameras reflects their features and capabilities. This section will help you decide which camera gives you the most for your money.
Cost Comparison
The Nikon D6 is a professional-grade camera. Its price is on the higher end, reflecting its advanced features. In contrast, the Nikon D850 offers a balance between price and performance. This makes it a strong competitor in its category.
| Camera Model | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Nikon D6 | $6,500 |
| Nikon D850 | $3,000 |
The table above shows the approximate prices. The Nikon D6 is more than double the price of the Nikon D850. This price difference is significant for many buyers.
What You Get
With the Nikon D6, you get top-notch performance. It includes:
- 20.8 MP sensor
- 14 fps continuous shooting
- Advanced autofocus system
- Built-in GPS
The Nikon D850 offers a different set of strengths:
- 45.7 MP sensor
- 7 fps continuous shooting
- High resolution and detail
- 4K UHD video recording
Both cameras have their unique advantages. The D6 focuses on speed and performance. The D850 excels in resolution and video quality. Choosing the right one depends on your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Key Differences Between Nikon D6 And D850?
The Nikon D6 is a flagship DSLR designed for sports photography. The D850 is a versatile high-resolution camera suitable for various genres. The D6 has superior autofocus and speed, while the D850 excels in image quality and resolution.
Which Camera Is Better For Wildlife Photography?
The Nikon D6 is better for wildlife photography due to its fast autofocus and high-speed shooting capabilities. The D850, with its higher resolution, is also great but not as fast.
How Do The Sensors Of D6 And D850 Compare?
The Nikon D6 has a 20. 8MP sensor optimized for speed and low light. The D850 features a 45. 7MP sensor, offering superior detail and resolution.
Is The Nikon D850 Good For Video Recording?
Yes, the Nikon D850 is excellent for video recording. It supports 4K UHD video with full-frame readout, providing high-quality footage.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Nikon D6 and D850 depends on your needs. The D6 excels in speed and low light. It suits sports and wildlife photographers. The D850 offers higher resolution. It’s great for landscapes and studio work. Both cameras are excellent but serve different purposes.
Evaluate your priorities. Pick the one that matches your photography style. Whether action-packed or detail-focused, Nikon has you covered. Happy shooting!
I am a photography enthusiast turned blogger, sharing my passion and expertise on this blog, "CallofPhotography." Growing up surrounded by nature, I developed a love for capturing moments through my lens. After studying Fine Arts with a focus on photography, I launched my blog to share tutorials, gear reviews, and my own photographic work. Through engaging storytelling, I invites readers to join her visual journey, inspiring and empowering photographers of all levels worldwide.
