I'm one of those folks who hasn't yet embraced Nikon's move to mirrorless. I'm not a luddite - I was on board with micro 4/3s very early - I just really like the Nikon FX platform.
I just picked up a second D750. Crazy bargain in my mind, for $600 with a 6-month warranty and low miles. Of course I'm always thinking about something better. That's the reason for this post. The D780 or 850 will set me back $1000 more than the D750, give or take. I understand that they both are unquestionably better cameras, but what would I get for that money?
I'm a generalist. Street-type PJ stuff is my priority, I guess. Some sports, some portraits, no wildlife or landscape or video. Generally using 24-70/2.8 for most needs. I don't really have an equipment upgrade plan, but I guess if I did it would be to ride the 750s into the ground then jump to whatever Z option makes sense at the time. Any reason I should reconsider? I guess if the used market really falls out on the 780 or 850 I'd buy one just to check it out for myself, but I'm assuming the delta vs the 750 will remain somewhat similar for a while.
If you're happy with what you have and it's working for you, I don't see any reason why you should reconsider. Spend that money on vacations or lenses instead, or save it for an eventual Z system migration. Especially at this point in time, unless you went with a Z9, you wouldn't be gaining a whole lot by going mirrorless - mostly "nice to haves" rather than game changing advances. Once Nikon refreshes the Z6/Z7II that will very likely change.
As for getting a D780 or D850, again I probably wouldn't bother if you're happy with your D750s and if you see yourself going mirrorless in the not too distant future - I would suggest just putting your money towards that instead. A D850 is going to give you better AF, double the resolution, and Nikon's best build/layout body without getting into the D5/D6 series, but if none of that is a problem for you now, then there's no reason to chase it. If you were more into sports or wildlife photography then you could make an easier case for the upgrade, but street/PJ work usually isn't particularly demanding on a camera body and a D750 is still very capable. D750's are still really popular in the wedding photography realm as well. You could always rent/borrow a D850 if you are worried you're missing out, then you will see the differences first-hand as they apply to your specific shooting style and know for sure.
I’d consider a D850 next to your D750. You already have the low light but the D850 brings resolution and superior AF. There is no IQ advantage with mirrorless. The main advantage to mirrorless comes in with video features including video AF. At the beginning DSLRs were superior in AF but I think mirrorless is the leader now. You have plenty of great glass to choose from. I moved to mirrorless for video and that’s all. The D780 won’t gain you anything in IQ really besides a tad better low light thanks to the newer 24.5 BSI sensor vs 24.2 FSI in the D750. D780 was the camera created for those D750 owners who absolutely loved their camera but wished it could shoot video. That’s the perfect dslr for them. In fact when I had a D750, I said the same thing.. I wish it shot 4K with good video focus.
I wonder anyone ever considered the degradation cause by using a TC was not actually due to the TC but rather the magnification of the thermal effects or shimmers. This is especially true if one is shooting in day time as I highlighted in my recent article.
CanadaMark wrote:
... A D850 is going to give you better AF, double the resolution ...
To double the resolution of a given sensor (e.g. 24x36 mm or FX) we have to multiply by 4 the pixel count. 24x4 = 96 Mpix.
A D850/Z7/Z9 has 38% more resolution than a 24 Mpix camera.
I believe that Nikon is going to announce pretty soon the Z6III that should be a real upgrade to the D750/D780 in the mirrorless space designed to attract people like you in the mirrorless world. The Z8 will play the same role towards existing D850 users.
Until these ship, I would stay in the DSLR space for now.
concentrate on your work with what you use now. see what your real needs are. i use a few different cameras per "need". from a P/S to a big boy. you are there to get the shot, and that is mostly you and your knowledge of the capabilities of your tools. the D750 is a more than capable camera under most situations.
D750 >> D780 any day. The D780 doesnt have one relevant advantage (OK, except maybe sensor performance) and many drawbacks. Fairly priced it would be a cheaper, not more expensive camera.
D850 is probably the best DSLR Nikon has ever made.
About mitigation to mirrorless, you absolutely dont have to stay with the same system. I know that if I get forced into mirrorless, I will rather switch to Fujifilm GFX than any of the still rather disappointing full frame mirrorless systems on the market.
Of course the GFX plattform is medium format and has some limitations one should be aware of, compared to the goldilocks format size of generalist cameras that we call full frame.
note all the work shown to demonstrate the differences that are made. no one is forced to go where they feel they don't need to. i still feel my D500 is one of the most usable. whether it be mirrored or mirrorless makes no real difference. as the type of shooter you are it know your gear and be where you need to be.
my "street" is everywhere.
if i were to get another Dslr it would be the D780
NIKON D317.0-35.0 mm f/2.8 lens26mmf/10.01/320s200 ISO0.0 EV
NIKON D50016.0-80.0 mm f/2.8-4.0 lens16mmf/5.61/125s100 ISO0.0 EV
NIKON Z 6NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens48mmf/5.61/125s14400 ISO0.0 EV
NIKON Z 6NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens28mmf/8.01/640s100 ISO0.0 EV
DSC-RX100M59mmf/5.61/320s125 ISO0.0 EV
NIKON D424.0-120.0 mm f/4.0 lens50mmf/5.61/250s8000 ISO0.0 EV
mpix345 wrote:
I'm one of those folks who hasn't yet embraced Nikon's move to mirrorless. I'm not a luddite - I was on board with micro 4/3s very early - I just really like the Nikon FX platform.
I just picked up a second D750. Crazy bargain in my mind, for $600 with a 6-month warranty and low miles. Of course I'm always thinking about something better. That's the reason for this post. The D780 or 850 will set me back $1000 more than the D750, give or take. I understand that they both are unquestionably better cameras, but what would I get for that money?
I'm a generalist. Street-type PJ stuff is my priority, I guess. Some sports, some portraits, no wildlife or landscape or video. Generally using 24-70/2.8 for most needs. I don't really have an equipment upgrade plan, but I guess if I did it would be to ride the 750s into the ground then jump to whatever Z option makes sense at the time. Any reason I should reconsider? I guess if the used market really falls out on the 780 or 850 I'd buy one just to check it out for myself, but I'm assuming the delta vs the 750 will remain somewhat similar for a while....Show more →
I own a D850 - excellent, very solid DSLR. So nothing much to add really
I tried both D750 back in 2017 for some months and then a D780 in 2020. Both these cameras deserve their positive reviews. In particular be critical of commentaries by those with little or no experience with the D780. In this respect the PL view falls short of understanding what's under the D780 hood, but the camera was clearly tested properly in the Hogan review.
The D780 is the most hybrid DSLR yet released. It integrates useful Mirrorless features with useful D5 features, on the excellent Z6 sensor. So it helps using focus-peaking on the LCD screen, for example, for closeups. The LiveView AF with the PD AF is much improved compared to any other DSLR. So it's also the only DSLR that brings some MILC experience to owners who still enjoy their older AFD lenses - with the screwdriver Autofocus mechanism.
So it is much improved over the D750. This is not obvious from reading the specifications without going further, and more importantly trying out the D780
I'd echo what others said: concentrate on your work with what you use now. The D750 is a great all arounder. That said, I can speak to the D850. It's a wonderful camera, though in my view, not totally for all of the reasons people tend to say. I have relatively large hands, and it's really comfortable to hold--way more comfy than cameras like the D800 or 700. The grip is more curved like the 5D3 I had for a few years--still one of my favorite DSLRs. The joystick controller is also a really nice addition. It's in a much better place than the multi-directional controller pad was in the past, and makes moving the AF point a breeze. These sorts of things make this camera more of a long-term addition to me. I could do with or without the 45MP sensor. In a lot of ways I wish this had a sensor more like the D5/D6 with a little more high ISO capability.
I have a D780 but I never used the D750.
By your genre description the D780 seems to be a better fit for you than the D850 (storage space would be main deterrent for me).
The D780 has usable live view which might help with street PJ by switching up the normal photography stance for those that might be hostile. Somebody was selling two D780 for ~$1200 on the buy/sell board recently but I think they are sold.
Main thing I don't like about the D780 is it doesn't have vertical grip functionality.
That along with its price point limited its success (I bought mine used Dec 2020 for a bit under $1800).
I'm curious about the rumored Z6III or Z8. If I bought either of those the D780 would probably still have a place focusing my 105 F2 DC , 180 2.8 AF , and 300 2.8 AF (because a Z AF-D adapter doesn't seem to be coming).
For people photography the D750 is more than enough camera. Better to put you extra money toward new lenses. For DSLR cameras my favorite people lens is the Nikon 105mm f/2.0 DC lens.
Stay with what you have for what you say is the intended use.
The 850 will give you ISO64, bigger file sizes and a newer body.
It will also give you fits if you are hand holding at lower shutter speeds. It punishes poor technique and magnifies shortcomings in lower quality lenses.
I have both, do not have a D780 nor have I handled one.
I prefer the D850, just personal preference. But, it does let me know if my tecnique in shooting is not up to snuff. The D750 is much more forgiving.
Look carefully at your final image use. Do you really need the larger files? Will your computer and storage handle them well? What you have works well and extra bodies are not expensive on the used market. Easy to replace if needed. Do you like an internal flash or vertical grip? The D780 doesn't have them.
Check out bythom.com for information on what you are considering. He is realistic in reviewing the cameras. Then carefully consider what actually does the job for you - and compare it to what you dream about doing the job. If possible, shoot with the others and see how they feel.
I have the D750 and the D780 (in addition to Z system). The D780 has better sensor (especially color reproduction with high ISO), better autofocus, better display, better video capabilities.
It's the perfect camera for the 105mm f/1.4 E.
I doesn't take a grip, and has less pixels than the D850.
I think you would enjoy the D780, unless you regret not being able to spend the money on other stuff.
I've used the D750 and D850 extensively and rented a D780.
D750 is great, light, deep grip. Good allrounder and balanced (AF, FPS, resolution, size, weight) and a very economical used.
D780. Not a big fan. I, personally, think it is a very ugly body. And about the only meaningful upgrade to me over the D750 is live view AF. IF you use Live View a lot for your street-work, then maybe an interesting upgrade.
D850. (my current camera, for years). AF joystick, better viewfinder, better AF, better built. I enjoy the D850 sensor the most out of the 3 because of the dynamic range, color, and ISO 64. no stupid (*&^%^&* eyecup that comes off if you look at it wrong. It is a noticeably heavier camera than the D750, live view AF is no better.
I think the D850 can drive autofocus a little faster, though I don't think as much so as some people claim.
FWIW I for one am boycotting the D780 to "vote with my wallet" that arbitrarily taking away the grip option was a dumb move (though I wouldn't have been the target audience for it anyway).
The D850 still remains my favorite Nikon DSLR of all time.
I have owned every single Nikon DSLR except for the D810A (which is really very specific), and the Nikon D6.
The files of the D850 are simply beautiful, and with a good lens remains an extremely relevant camera to this day. The 45 MP files are gorgeous and comparable to the files from my Z9, the ergonomics are awesome, and it can take a CFExpress Type B card.
I did enjoy the D750 (which was my main camera for a good amount of time), but the D850 just took everything to the next level. Even small things like a touch menu, and an eyepiece that actually functioned correctly (and didn't fall off constantly like the D750) were things that made the overall user experience better.
Is there a single D750 user here who hasn't lost at least one eyepiece yet?
But yes, for what they sell for, the D750 is definitely a bargain too, financials certainly must be considered.
