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Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

pbossev
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p.1 #1 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

I shoot a wide range of genres, but predominantly wildlife, second to sports, and along with a bit of portraiture, concerts, and studio work.

My current DSLR lineup is a D5, D500, and D750. I'm looking to trim the kit down. I plan to keep the D5, sell the D500 and D750, and I’m considering replacing them both with a single D850. The alternative is to hold off my GAS, save for a few more months, and make the jump to mirrorless—likely a Z6III or a Z8/Z9.

I realize the D850 will outclass the D750 for my studio, portrait, and general use. With the same AF module as the D500, and when using the D850 in DX mode yielding the same 20mp, it should be a perfect replacement (minus a little bit of PDR according to photonstophotos) with the added benefit of more mp when not cropping, right? The 1fps drop (assuming I grip the D850) isn't a big deal to me, as I always shoot my D500 gripped anyway.

If the D850 handles my action needs well enough, I might postpone the mirrorless jump entirely and invest the savings into a faster telephoto prime (500/600 f4s) to pair with my 500PF.

What should I do? TIA.

Jul 05, 2026 at 04:31 AM

Luke_Miller
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p.1 #2 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

I bought a Z8 to stick my toe into mirrorless and quickly found its autofocus to be so much better than that my D850 that I re-homed the D850. If you do any action photography you will find the Z8 (and Z9) cameras are a significant upgrade. I'm getting shots I would not have attempted with my D850 or the D5 (which I still have).

Jul 05, 2026 at 07:14 AM

OffTrail
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p.1 #3 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

The D850 would be a fine replacement for a D500/D750 combo. Kind of a sideways move IMO, but consolidation and a hardware refresh isn't a bad thing.

The Z8 would be an upgrade from the D500/D750/D850 as well as the D5, though. If I were selling the D500 and D750, I'd have a hard time not putting that money towards a Z8 and evaluating it next to the D5 for a while.

I got a D850 well after having the D5 and D500 for a few years, and it felt like the wrong direction. Got out of it quickly and got a Z8 instead.

Jul 05, 2026 at 07:27 AM

jlafferty
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p.1 #4 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

Just a word of caution:

The D850 will handle concert footage better than the Z8 in come circumstances, as the Z8 is all electronic shutter and it doesn’t mix well with some LEDs.

Also, jumping into mirrorless now will be both a revelation and an initial struggle. To make the most of the Z AF you need to reevaluate your workflow, shooting habits, button assignment. Others are right to say the Z AF (any of the Expeed 7) are a huge upgrade, and will out of the box seem magical at times. But other situations require patience, and committing new routines from scratch to muscle memory through repetition.

All of that said, so much of this comes down to personal, subjective outlook and attitude - and also budget. I jumped into the Z series when it was still a little wobbly but did so because I wanted to acclimate myself to the new tools and workflow sooner rather than later - the classic skate to where the puck will be, not where it is now. In a way I upgraded before I was ready and before it was comfortable to do so, but did so knowing I was going to reap major rewards from new tools and capabilities.

I also did so knowing a relatively limited budget would get me only one essential lens that I’d have to add to incrementally as money allowed, which meant giving up my 85 1.4, my 50 1.8 and going ahead only with the 24-120 f/4. Fortunately the 24-120 is a world class all rounder and served me incredibly while I bided time to get others.

Good luck, whatever you choose.

Jul 05, 2026 at 07:52 AM

OwlsEyes
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p.1 #5 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

Unless money is a major barrier or there is something that requires you to use DSLR's, I would find it hard to recommend a lateral move from one DSLR body to another. I think it makes a lot of sense to hold onto your D5, as this can be a transitional camera from the DSLR to a mirrorless system. In addition the D5 will suit you well for all types of shooting... conventions, events, press, portraits, wildlife, and sports. However, once you use a modern Nikon Z body w/ a stacked or partially stacked sensor (Z6III, Z8, or Z9), you will find that you will use your D5 less and less. The benefits of the mirrorless UI and AF will make the D5 seem a bit primitive. This is not to dismiss the quality of that camera, it is just the reality of the situation.
A final note... everyone thinks they need 45 to 60 MP, but this is a fallacy. One can make huge prints and huge crops with 24MP cameras. The current up-res software can easily turn a 24MP file into a 50MP file. If you want to sell your two DSLRs and dip your toe in the water, the Z6III has a very good AF and very good high ISO performance.

(If it matters to you, I use a Z9, Z8, and Z6 v1)
cheers,
bruce

Edited on Jul 17, 2026 at 11:34 AM · View previous versions

Jul 05, 2026 at 08:57 AM

mawz
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p.1 #6 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

The D850 will give you a more workable 2-body kit with common battery available (with the grip). It does make sense IMHO to consolidate a D500+D750 into a D850 from that aspect and any D500 accessories carry right over to the D850. but it's only really an upgrade from the D750.

As long as you are using AF-S or manual lenses, I'd tend to concur that waiting and getting a Z8 or Z9 makes more sense than jumping on a side-grade to a D850 right now.

Be aware, there's one major thing the D850 can do that the Z8 cannot, which is operate off an EN-EL18 battery when equipped with a grip. Only the Z9 can share a battery with your D5 when in the field.

Edited on Jul 05, 2026 at 10:48 AM · View previous versions

Jul 05, 2026 at 09:33 AM

neoshazam
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p.1 #7 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

I'd like to know more about what lenses and lighting you have but so far the description sounded more Z8/Z9 friendly but there's probably really good deals on used big F-mount telephotos and buying into the storage costs (CFE "B" and external hard drives) is something that would be nicer pursued on a slower time table when there's deals.

Jul 05, 2026 at 09:40 AM

mawz
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p.1 #8 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

neoshazam wrote:
I'd like to know more about what lenses and lighting you have but so far the description sounded more Z8/Z9 friendly but there's probably really good deals on used big F-mount telephotos and buying into the storage costs (CFE "B" and external hard drives) is something that would be nicer pursued on a slower time table when there's deals.

Remember the D5 and D500 are already XQD/CFEb capable cameras, only real difference is size needs from the larger 45MP files (and that's the same need for the D850, which shares the D500 and Z8's card slot configuration).

Jul 05, 2026 at 09:43 AM

johnvanr
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p.1 #9 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

Thinking back to my Nikon D500 days and shooting birds, I often pondered getting a D850. I still think that camera was probably the best DSLR ever made, but I still never bought it, despite my very strong usual affliction with GAS. That’s because what the D850 offered in extra resolution, it lost in the sensor format. In practice, pixels per duck were the same between the two cameras.

And like others said, the current crop of mirrorless cameras are generally much better than the DSLRs were.

Jul 05, 2026 at 10:44 AM

glassartist
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p.1 #10 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

Since no one has mentioned it much, I will. Should you decide on the mirrorless option, replacing your glass should be part of your consideration (and budget). I think it is pretty safe to claim that every S level lens outperforms its g-level equivalent and even the non-s lenses are really very good. The 1.8 primes tend to be larger and heavier than their G-level equivalents, and more expensive too,

With an FTZ, your current lenses will probably work as well or better on any of the Z bodies - and I say 'probably' because I don't know what lenses you have. But Nikon Z is as much about gaining access to some of the best glass Nikon has ever made as it is access to mirrorless technology.

Jul 05, 2026 at 01:39 PM

john9ol
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p.1 #11 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

If cost isn't a significant concern and you don't have a specific need to stay with a DSLR, it's difficult to justify replacing one DSLR body with another. Your D5 is still an outstanding camera and makes an excellent bridge while transitioning to a mirrorless system. It's capable of handling virtually any type of photography, including events, press work, portraits, wildlife, sports, and shooting with teleconverters.

That said, once you spend some time with a modern Nikon Z camera featuring a stacked or partially stacked sensor—such as the Z6III, Z8, or Z9—you'll likely notice yourself reaching for the D5 less often. The improvements in autofocus, electronic viewfinder, and overall mirrorless shooting experience make the older DSLR design feel dated by comparison. That doesn't take anything away from the D5's image quality or reliability; it simply reflects how much camera technology has advanced.

One last point: many photographers assume they need 45–60 megapixels, but in most situations that's unnecessary. A well-captured 24MP image can produce large prints and still leave room for substantial cropping. Modern AI upscaling software can also enlarge a 24MP file to around 50MP with impressive results. If you're thinking about selling your DSLR gear and trying mirrorless without going all-in, the Nikon Z6III is an excellent place to start, offering strong autofocus performance and impressive high-ISO image quality.

Jul 15, 2026 at 11:23 AM

LostLensCap
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p.1 #12 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

I have the D500, D750, and D850. To get the same fps out of the D850 as the D500 you will need MB-D18 battery grip with EN-EL18a/b/c battery and charger which will give you 9 fps vs 10 on the D500. The D850 in crop mode has a pretty big buffer but I don't think it matches the D500's 200 RAW. When you shoot the D850 in crop mode the viewfinder is masked off to the aps-c size which may or may not be an issue for you. So, technically the D850 can replace the D500 but with an increased size and weight. Comparing the D850 to the D750 is a whole nother story. To my eyes the D750 with its' FSI 24MP with filer vs the D850's BSI 46MP without filter is a creamier look that I prefer for people. (jmho) So, in my opinion, the D850 can do everything the other 2 cameras can and more but you give up a lot of ease of handling over the D500 but do gain quite a lot over the D750. I would hold out for a good deal on a Z8 or Z9 which will easily replace both cameras and give you many more features.

Jul 15, 2026 at 12:05 PM

urbanwild
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p.1 #13 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

If cost isn't the issue, it's an easy decision from my perspective.....go with mirrorless. Yes you can get some good deals on used f-mount lenses, but those will still work on mirrorless quite well as well. The advantages of mirrorless are well worth it and the cost of a D850 vs a good mirrorless option (used or new) is not that much if you don't need 45mp (agree with others....it's nice to have but not necessary).

Mirrorless lenses are a great upgrade too although cost is part of that equation too.

I've had the D500 (that was hard to sell), D750, Z6ii (also hard to sell) and still have the Z7, Z8, Zf. I think for your options you should consider the Z8 or Z6iii depending on cost. Don't get a Z6, Z6ii, Z7 or Z7ii if you want fast and reliable cAF in different lighting conditions. Those cameras I'd only recommend for landscapes, portraits, and other subjects that aren't moving too much. They're great cameras otherwise. I love my Zf but for wildlife the Z6iii and Z8 are better options.

Jul 17, 2026 at 12:34 AM

JasonTheBirder
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p.1 #14 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

A lot of people talk about AF and higher continuous rates that the Z8 or Z9 have. They are better but I think what really makes a difference for me is the fully electronic shutter and better VR, especially synchro VR. I'd say AF differences are a distant second to that. It's much easier to get sharp shots at lower shutter speeds with the Z8 without any chance of shutter shock compared to DSLRs. And the totally silent, e-shutter also is a huge improvement. If it were just for the AF I'd say it's not really as compelling.

Jul 17, 2026 at 03:07 AM

ahamp
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p.1 #15 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

Background: Been shooting since the 1970s with 35mm, medium format and 4X5. Years ago when the Z6II came out I picked one up from a local camera store. The live histogram and autofocus blew me away. It took some getting used to at first. But, for two weeks I never touched my D750. I got it out one day to remind myself of the DSLR experience and couldn't stand it. I boxed it up along with about 35 pounds of F mount lenses and shipped them off to trade for Z lenses. I kept a D500 for a short time for wildlife. A couple of years ago I sold it and went with a Z8. For me, the current Z cameras provide the best shooting experience. I currently use a Z7II, Z8, and Z6III.

Jul 17, 2026 at 05:35 AM

bs kite
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p.1 #16 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

pbossev wrote:
I shoot a wide range of genres, but predominantly wildlife, second to sports, and along with a bit of portraiture, concerts, and studio work.

My current DSLR lineup is a D5, D500, and D750. I'm looking to trim the kit down. I plan to keep the D5, sell the D500 and D750, and I’m considering replacing them both with a single D850. The alternative is to hold off my GAS, save for a few more months, and make the jump to mirrorless—likely a Z6III or a Z8/Z9.

I realize the D850 will outclass the D750 for my studio, portrait, and general use....Show more →

My main genre is wildlife.

I've been shooting Nikon exclusively since 1984, starting with F3, MD4 and manual focus 300 2.8. I formerly had an FE2, FM2 and I still own a D300, D610, D500 and D850. The Z8 is my only Z body and I love it.

My thoughts on the D850 and pairing the 500 f4 or 600 F4s: I shot the D850 for years before my Z8. The D850 has a loud mirror box that I found to be annoying. But it also has a sensor that is superb in every way. I loved the D850 sensor. I shot countless Common Loons with chicks from a low angle perspective with the D850's right angle finder (RAF). But it was no fun searching through that RAF with one eye closed. Focusing with the D850's LCD was far too slow for what I needed.

I cannot comment on the 600 F4s. I am not sure what it is, even after googling it. But why choose a heavy 500 F4 to couple with your 500PF? I still have my 500PF and I also have images that show that 500PF images with my TC1.4 vs images from my bare 500PF are indiscernible in resolution or sharpness to the eye.

I would buy the best Z I could afford right now, or wait until you can..... if it is not too long a wait. Several here have suggested the Z6III. I am thinking about it now, just because I do not want to switch bodies in my watercraft.

My go-to now is the 180-600. My other lenses are f-mount (24-120, 80-400 AFS and. the PF). The FTZ works perfectly (no flexibility... tight), but it is still an inconvenience taking it on and off.

Robert

Edited on Jul 19, 2026 at 05:54 AM · View previous versions

Jul 17, 2026 at 10:36 AM

scoundrel
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p.1 #17 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

I shoot motorsports with a D5 and D850. I also own a Z6 III that I mostly use for video. I prefer an SLR OVF for action stills over an EVF, and C-AF in my DSLRs set to focus priority ensures the vast majority of frames in a burst are properly focused.

I dual wield with a harness, one of my long lenses on the D850 for extra resolution to crop if needed, and 70-200/2.8 E FL on the D5 at shorter distances since the cars are more likely filling the frame.

I tried using the Z6 III with the 70-200 but it was a no go for me. As a race car approaches me, I start with a long lens, then quickly swap to the 70-200. The D5 is ready to shoot as soon as I bring it to my eye. The Z6 III often goes to standby while I'm waiting for the next car to approach, and in the time between lowering the D850 to the harness and picking up the Z6 III, even if I press a button to wake up the Z6 III as soon as I touch it and before raising it to my eye, it's often not yet woken up in time to catch the approaching car. The only way to make it work is to wake up the Z6 III first before shooting the long lens, which is an unnecessary added step to my routine compared to just using the D5 with the 70-200.

Jul 18, 2026 at 03:05 AM

jlafferty
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p.1 #18 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

A lot of people talk about it because for many of us the AF improvements are compelling. Getting AF out of the diamond pattern, to the frame’s edges, subject detect options; combine this with the WYSIWYG nature of a fantastic EVF, plus a near infinite and fast clearing buffer given 4.0 CFE cards? It’s an embarrassment of riches.

JasonTheBirder wrote:
A lot of people talk about AF and higher continuous rates that the Z8 or Z9 have. They are better but I think what really makes a difference for me is the fully electronic shutter and better VR, especially synchro VR. I'd say AF differences are a distant second to that. It's much easier to get sharp shots at lower shutter speeds with the Z8 without any chance of shutter shock compared to DSLRs. And the totally silent, e-shutter also is a huge improvement. If it were just for the AF I'd say it's not really as compelling.

Jul 19, 2026 at 05:04 AM

story_teller
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p.1 #19 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

Rent a Z8 or Z6III with a S lens for a couple of days and try it for yourself. I would rent it with Z glass to see the total difference.

Jul 19, 2026 at 05:53 AM

m.sommers00
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p.1 #20 · Should I replace my D500 & D750 with a D850, or wait for mirrorless?

I held off going mirror less with a D810 since it first came out until August of last year. The decision came from going on a once in a lifetime trip to Africa, as I knew the autofocus challenges I had using the D810 the last time I was there.

I don't say this lightly but the autofocus completely obliterated my D810 in so many ways. It changed how I took photos because I wasn't worrying about using center points for accuracy and reframing...but simply framing the shot because the eye detection was so reliable.

When I got home, my keeper rate was so high that I just looked for the best composition, not the sharpest because 99% of the time they were all so similar sharpness. I rarely even had to crop or reframe shots in post because I got what I wanted in camera. This also allowed me to print big when I wanted to.

I went to a Z8 because I rarely use a grip, otherwise Z9 without question.

The reality is I thought the shooting experience of using an EVF instead of OFV would ruin it, and why I waited so long to switch over. It didn't ruin it and I definitely enjoy using optical instead. But every other feature of the camera is so much better that it's a very worthwhile trade off.

Jul 19, 2026 at 10:13 AM

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