Nikon D850 or Nikon D500 - Which One Should You Buy?

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NIKON D500 QUICK START GUIDE FOR BIRD AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY:
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[@MarkSmithphotography]

Help support me and what I do: ko-fi.com/marksmithphotography

[@kellenantonio6134]

Not sure if you guys gives a damn but if you're stoned like me atm you can stream pretty much all the latest series on instaflixxer. I've been binge watching with my girlfriend for the last couple of months =)

[@dantewyatt3590]

@Kellen Antonio yea, been using InstaFlixxer for years myself :D

[@sndman60]

This gear is simply spectacular. Got the D500, 16-80 f2.8 and 200-500. Upgraded from the D7100, wow, what a leap in performance and quality.

[@lilyrose0116]

Watched this video when you first uploaded. Got a D500. 4 years later, still shooting with the D500 with close to 100,000 images off it. The camera is a beast and built to last.

[@davkatobr64]

Nice recap of some of our conversations from our workshop! Thanks again for a great day and a tour of some of your favorite hotspots!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

My pleasure!

[@isaacmazique1530]

Thanks to you and Ken Wheeler I have Purchased the D500, D850, and 200-500 F 5.6 .

[@Beckfrombama]

Such a great video of real life experience. Mark, I love the way you break down your videos with detail explanations. Its mid 2020 and as I am faced with this same exact question right now D500 vs D850 this video is still relevant today. Thank you!

[@thomaschumley3904]

As usual, Great content without all the normal KZbin fluff! I went with the D500 with the 200-500mm based on some of your earlier video reviews and have Zero regrets.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

That is great to hear!

[@8888Riley]

Excellent!! Extremely informative and detailed comparison and rundown of these two cameras...you have covered the things that matter the most :)

[@dougedwards7570]

very informative and helpful - I will be picking up the D500 and the 200-500 this week- and can't wait to try all the stuff you have talked about - love your bird photography especially

[@CB-kn1ox]

I went with the D500 and I'm 98% satisfied. I am a bird/wildlife photographer and the 'silent' mode really isn't silent... not good for my subjects. oops! But the images it captures really are outstanding and I'm thrilled. I wish I could come to Florida and do a workshop with you.

[@robbie8166]

I’m thinking of d500 wat do you think now and wat lense do you use. Thanks. I know it’s year late so you might not see 😂

[@rgman2858]

I​@@robbie8166 if you haven't gotten a d500 yet absolutely do it. I have both cameras and either one is a good choice

[@aaronbpinto]

OMG thanks for making this video Mark. I have been waiting for this comparison from you for ages.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@ZOB4]

I'm going to be upgrading from a D7500 (that I learned on) to the D850. The reason I'm getting the D850 is because I want something that is going to give me a ton of room to grow. I don't want to keep having to buy new bodies and lenses every few years as my skills develop. I'd rather spend the extra money once and raise my abilities to meet the capabilities of the camera than keep trading things in and buying new bodies.

[@LewisWells-1]

Ace video Mark! Great video! I was one of the many asking this question as you know haha. Very helpful thou and thanks for taking the time to respond and make this video.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching.

[@mink1097]

Best wildlife photography channel on youtube!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@SK-gb2yq]

Yes

[@kennethmills5470]

absolutely the best story teller!

[@guddakaka]

I second that as well

[@dimitristsakiris820]

By faaaaaaaaar!

[@richita3177]

Hi Mark, great video, I originally bought the D500 then sold it after a year to help fund the D850 purchase with Grip. Have used it for 8 months now and LOVE it especially landscapes. I did miss the D500 though and like you wanted both so purchased it again a week ago. Wow, what a camera, I certainly noticed the quicker auto focus, more buffer, and all the other things you mentioned including the quieter shutter button. Now I am very content, I have both, one for both landscapes and wildlife and one for wildlife with a 1.5x crop sensor used with the Sigma 150-600 S lens and 1.4x converter, lots of zoom power. Cheers Rick from Aus

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Sounds like you have the best of both worlds!

[@ajh5124]

Stepped up from d7100 to d500 with Tamron 70-200 g2 and 150-600 g2 lens. Been extremely happy with my experience to date.

[@biomadera]

Great!!!! Thank you very much. Very nice video. I have Nikon D500 since 1 year with Tamron 150-600 G2 mm and I'am very happy with results. Thanks Mark from Spain

[@jeffhaddock9010]

That was a great comparison of the two cameras. Thank you very much!

[@davidbuurma9309]

Mark I am like you...I have both. For me, landscape: d850. Wildlife d500... Spot on comparison....thanks

[@ale.r26]

I decided to stick to DX until I will get really good money on photography, since my budget. I shoot landscape and Street or portrait with D500 printing up to 90cm in Photo rag or Baryta paper and there isn't any sort of problem. I tried a FF and honestly, I cannot see a huge difference in the end for my type of photography that's why the choice. Yes better ISO and Super shallow DOF but I shoot astrophoto that to me looks good already in APS-C and my portraits are never shot at1.8. so I do not feel the necessity for that. I saved lots of money and get the top level APS-C! What could be better than that! I put aside of the D500 a D7200 for star trail and recently also landscape for the slight higher Dynamic range and with this combo I am the happiest man on the World now. The most difference I notice on FF is the view inside the viewfinder but again... that not affect my shot. When I will get money then Let's think to FF. For now it does not make sense.

[@tracyd.3752]

Your video was super helpful. Thank you!!!

[@ShaneHintze]

I switched from Canon to Nikon about 8 months ago....I got the D500 and I'm a seasoned photographer with no budget contrains. I wanted the extra reach of a crop sensor and all I can say is what a major upgrade from the 7D II. If I had prime super telephoto lenses, then the D850 would be on my list as well! Good video Mark!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. Sounds like you are happy. I highly suggest a prime telephoto with the D850. Match made in heaven for wildlife.

[@JohnPaul-ts8dq]

Thanks Mark, your information was very helpful. Love your videos. 👍👍

[@TXLorenzo]

A D500 with a 18mm - 200mm DX lens and you have the best combo for general photography and a killer setup for street photography.

[@allencarroll6304]

Yes. The 18-200 dx is incredibly sharp throughout the range. The 24-85 fx is another very, very sharp lens on the D500.

[@ungavaproductions]

Super job as always !

[@bck4rnd26]

Awesome information Mark, thank you for this!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

thanks!

[@dondenis1500]

I use the D7200 and nice glass. It has a good buffer and an excellent auto focus.

[@TheFykle]

Don denis Unlike the D7100. 😏

[@ungavaproductions]

Again...excellent job Mark !

[@jlsc4125]

I would do the 850. I have a crop sensor, and I love it. I just don't need the high speed of the d500. I would like the high ISO, high megapixel for low light imaging, so it's the d850

[@MyWildBackyard]

Congrats on 20k!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

thanks!

[@myroadtours6147]

This was a very hard question for me! I was literally right there asking myself this very same question! I told myself if Nikon released a 40+ MP D800 replacement, I was all over it. As time marched on, I developed a new addiction, wildlife photography. I started monitoring Raptors for the city and been using a B700 and spotting scope. But I wanted more and the D500 is a beast in that field. So what to do, I couldn't afford bought. I decided to make do with my D800, its still a great camera and went with a D500 and 200-500mm! I have zero regrets!! The added bonus is the D500 4k video! The video is really quite well compared to my old D800 and slightly smaller.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Great choice!

[@Audimann]

Started with the D500 but recently got the D850. Both killer machines😎

[@martharetallick204]

Roger on the demands of the D850. Dang thing magnifies every mistake I make. OTOH, it's also motivating me to step up my photographic game.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

You got it!

[@bassangler73]

I agree about the D500 and the Nikkor 200-500mm being the best wildlife combo out there, one thing I always tell people also is that while older and slower the D7200 and the 200-500mm is an honorable mention wildlife combo for super cheap.. $2400 for both brand new, but the buffer is small so you have to plan your shots

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for the info.

[@williamfriggle]

Some are saying the D7500 is the cheaper way to go. Has a larger buffer. Same autofocus as the D500. Same sensor. Just not as fast for FPS. And buffer is slightly smaller than the D500 but bigger than the 7200.

[@bassangler73]

@@williamfriggle true, I wouldn't have no problem using one, it got a bad review because of the one card slot..that wouldn't stop me from buying it, I have never had a card fail and I shoot in extreme conditions

[@roninr8199]

Bill Friggle true d7500 is better choice when compared to D7200.. People who cannot afford d500 can stretch a bit from D7200. There are lots of pros of d7500 when compared to D7200. I am just waiting for price drop but unfortunately in my country the price has gone up due to dollar fluctuation..

[@MegaMatojo]

The D7200 has a (not by much)better IQ than the D500.

[@keithmacdonald4805]

Another great video Mark, thanks very much. The d500 is my next camera.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Enjoy. It is a great camera.

[@QueenPcontrolstheuniverse]

I've been saving up to buy the d500, nice upgrade from my d7100! I will be using a tamron 150-600 which I love for my whale watching pictures!

[@19Photographer76]

I have both and I also have older lenses. I don't need to worry if the lens has Nano coating with the D500 since Nikon recommends 24.5 px sensor as the limit for no Nano coating. (light dispersion). Which camera do I grap first, the D500.

[@BxFletcher]

I’ve given considerable consideration to upgrading to the (very) desirable D850. But, I’m simply very happy with the results using my D500 and 200-500 combo. P.S. I love the Osprey video.

[@garystarnes5178]

Thank you for this very informative video Mark!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching.

[@jmwlaw2000]

Thanks Mrk. Another informative video. I have a D500 with the grip. I shoot primarily sports and wildlife. I thought about buying the D850 but I want the extra reach from the crop sensor. I feel that I will have to crop my images in the D850 and the effective resolution wouldn’t be any better. I have the 200-500 zoom and the 70-200 FL zoom. I don’t have the inclination to use a teleconverter as it degrades the image and affects the aperture. I also don’t want to spend 12k to buy a 600mm lens. I do notice the crop sensor affecting my family portraits as the 1.5 crop is not needed, or even wanted, for this type of photography. Since I don’t need to shoot ultra wide angle, it’s more of an annoyance to have the extra reach of the crop sensor. I just use the 16-80 wide angle for portraits, as well as the 35mm and 50mm. They all work well. I would prefer the D850 if I know I can get close to the wildlife (I just can’t count on this) or for shooting portraits and other stills. So, the D500 is still the camera I would buy, even today. Just love it.

[@JeffSelf]

I have both now! Got the D850 yesterday and of course its pouring today when I have the day off.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

You have the best of both worlds now.

[@tomdullage1531]

Thanks Mark. I have the D500 and 200-500 and it is a killer combination for wildlife, but I do get some very noisy images if shooting in low light situations. There is always some sort of compromise, whatever kit you opt for!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching and you are correct!

[@danruizmd]

Superb review, Thank You!

[@ScriptureToday]

Agreed on the D500's tendency to overexpose whites. Besides dialing down exposure compensation, using the highlight weighted metering mode can be a very effective remedy. I've found it to be especially helpful when the subject is in direct sunlight and the background is shaded. On overcast days, matrix metering and -0.3 to -0.7 EV works pretty good. Still, the D810 and D850 retain more detail in the whites thanks to their superior dynamic range.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Agreed. I've used highlight weighted metering but always had mixed results. I prefer to use exposure compensation.

[@brucegraner5901]

A really nice summation of strengths and weaknesses between the two cameras. 👽👍👍👍

[@ladakh_wanderlust5754]

Thanks Mark for the great video

[@dominiqueleblanc2193]

I had a d7100 ith a 200-500. Changed it for a d500. I mostly do wildlife. Best move ever made. I really like that combo nd that's what works best for me. Great video. Can't wait to see the next one.

[@jcphenix1]

Dominique LeBlanc I will follow your path. I'm better now than my D7100 AF : it's time to upgrade ;) ... but the D850 with grip is tempting. expensive choice. later I suppose.

[@dominiqueleblanc2193]

@@jcphenix1 the d500 is a absolute beast. Can't wait to try it when the snowy owls come back. Happy shooting!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@SlavaUkraini85]

once again excellent video! I love my D500 for plane spotting but I’m also eyeing with the D850

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks! Both cameras are excellent.

[@Gee-Wizz]

Nice honest video Mark, good to see a comparison based on actual hands on experience. Well done and thank you for your efforts.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@darthgzuz]

best channel on youtube for photographers huge fan of yours ... i remember asking same thing a year from now when u shared ur D850 n D500 shots early on and u recommended same things ... so following ur advice n savings in last 1 year ... sold my D810 n upgraded to D850 and im in love ... my 200-500 is a different beast all of a sudden and DX mode on D850 is really really good ... super sharp i think D850 with 3rd party battery grip and D5 battery n all is best swiss0army knife DSLR n bestest value for money especially when we compare its DX mode with D500 ... ur AF sensors just cover wider area i suppose in DX mode as compared to D500 ... Mark would put us wise in a much better way

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. Glad to hear you are enjoying your D850.

[@millertime6]

I have both! Partly because I’ve watched you shoot them. I shot the D850 this morning in crappy light. But I prefer the D500 during normal light. Nice video as always.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@kaushikbarot103]

Thanks for guiding

[@johnmontana18]

Good video. I like the high res on my D850 (Nikorr 200-500) for wildlife photography. Subjects are often far away and I have enough pixels to crop a lot and still have enough for a sizeable print. Thinking about adding the grip for the extra fps mostly for eagles catching fish.

[@michelebenini8125]

Really nice video Mark 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@kellysparks2084]

Discuss advantages of D850 Backside Illuminated Sensor. I’ve heard it allows in more light, and supposedly is just a bit faster. Combined with a full frame sensor which brings in more light than a crop body, it seems like the D850 in a given shot, side by side comparison with the D500 might be able to give the shooter a bit faster shutter speed and/or lower ISO.

[@lockygolfer]

Thanks Mark- I'm upgrading from my Dinosaur D80 and Ive tested the D500. It was quite nice and I liked the speed and focusing. I haven't had a chance to test the D850 yet. This helped with decision making!

[@harryc560]

Great video Mark!!! Thank you Harry

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@davidlewis7382]

I bought both of them and love them. D500 I use for wildlife shots requiring a long shot. The D850 I used for everything else! The D500 I do use the Nikon 200 to 500mm and agree great they work great together

[@thinktank8389]

Well, I ended up with the d500 new, and used d7200 for learning. Thanks, I'll do full frame once I've learned. Thank you very much for filling the blanks, and saving me 2k plus. And the used 7200 wad Well taken care of with lots of lenses and extras, some things, like the extra 3 batteries work in d500 as well. So you've helped me very much. Now I'll buy a nice lens with savings. Cheers mate.

[@deanaustin1806]

KZbin will one day sponsor the KZbin Awards at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, and you Mark will win a huge trophy. Maybe it will be a golden condor. Speaking of condors when can we expect some shots?

[@MarkSmithphotography]

That would be awesome and thanks for saying that. I've never even seen a Condor. I guess I need to go find some.

[@rgman2858]

I'm really happy you touched on how much louder the d850 is compared to the d500 because i thought something was wrong with my 850 when i got it because the shutter is much louder and slower than my d500 is.

[@raghuramboddeda4945]

It's a fantastic recap. I prefer D850 for my architecture and wide life.

[@DB-sd3cw]

Wtf is wide life

[@50mmnikonainikkor55]

Thanks for this video.I intend to get the D700 because its a great affordable camera now plus it shares accessories with my beautiful D200 , so now i can save up to buy the D500 as I will never afford D850 this decade.

[@12Lionheart]

5 years later - thanks for doing this video 🎉

[@leftykelly3944]

I have to up my budget and get the D500 and 200-500 for my upcoming Alaska trip. Thanks for the great videos you make. They are very helpful.

[@kenpeterson3414]

👍 Mark..you answered many questions that I personally had about the two.. Thank you..Ken

[@MarkSmithphotography]

awesome

[@interccessorful]

I have been using the D500 with a tamron 150 to 600. great for wild life. Iv'e used it for a wedding. It did a good job. Once I get a 2.8 zoom it will be a perfect blend.

[@MegaMatojo]

Thanks Mark, very helpful and timely for me as I settle at last on the D850 and after much though is now in the way home from NJ. :=) I have using my 500 4.0 G VR ll with a D7200 for birds and the 200 2.0 G VR ll with a D750 for street portraits.Again thank you for your time.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching.

[@pjazzz353]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@jamiebaker1448]

Great comparison, thank you.

[@paulbivins6483]

Thanks Mark. Much appreciated

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@rvjunke3073]

Thanks Mark, great video. I’m coming from D300 and after a ton of reading and watching videos I convinced myself the D850 was best step for upgrade. I use all FX glass, so it felt right. However I rented the D850 this weekend and man what a beautiful camera, but after shooting with this and my D300 with all my f2.8 glass, I think I should have rented the D500 as well. Image quality is obviously deep, but in all earnest I’m not blown away to justify file size (6x) cost and less throw on my lens that I’m used to with DX crop. Waste IMHO to buy D850 to crop, and all the bigger prime telephoto are way too much for “fun” shooting, so I’m now not sure what to do. I like having 2 of the same bodies on me at all time so a D850 and a D500 makes sense but for me it doesn’t. I’ll rent the D500 and see how that compares. All your points about the D850 are spot on and it’s a fantastic camera! I think what you said early in video is most accurate, each are meant for different things...coming from DX to FX is not an easy step from what I’m seeing after this weekend. Ok just rented the D500 (lensrental.com) and I think it’s a snappier camera and seems faster shutter speed, but the 850 detail is insane compared to the 500 which is awesome! The 850 is just more. Also for those with bigger hands the D500 is smaller and is not as comfortable as the 850, which is much closer to the D300. I was hoping I’d love the 500, but the 850 is the winner.

[@deckluck372]

👍👍 Thank you for a REAL due diligence and field experience comparison of the D850 vs D500. It is amazing the difference between a REAL field tested camera review verses the youtube standard talking heads rambling without doing any due diligence just to get a video and their affiliate links posted before any other channel.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@tw9535]

Great video.... as always I just (two minutes ago) bought one of your "Unisex Walk Softly and Carry A BIG Lens Long Sleeve XL: Black" shirts to throw a little support your way. I have learned a lot from your videos. Thank you!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@karlgustafson7213]

Love the video, very informational and straight forward. I would love to see more gear reviews of like tripods other important accessories, I know you sometimes sprinkle that information into your normal story videos.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

I'm planning a what's in my bag video soon.

[@easydiver666]

My son wants the 500, and I’m about to purchase the 850, I have owned my D4 for 6years, incredible camera, which is why I haven’t bought the 500. Great review mark, keep up the good work

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@midnightmover2329]

Mark Smith What about the D800?

[@cristianandreica5665]

I think that Nikon D850 is better for macro photography because it has focus bracketing and focus stacking. Sorry for my english (i don't live in an english speaking country)!

[@WhittyPics]

I would always vote for the D850 if I can afford it. With the vertical grip it is almost as fast. I have a pair of D800s along with a D500. I do appreciate the lighter weight of the D500. The D500 doesn't handle highlights quite as well. It is great for speed but when I want image quality I use one of my D800s. I shoot the same RAW images to both cards and that really slows it down and reduces my buffer. I printed a 20X24 out of my D500 and it looks great. I over sharpened it a bit but that is my fault.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Great point. I didn't even consider the weight.

[@christopherreily1895]

Great video! Just picked up a D500 to compliment my D810. Maybe in a year or so I'll upgrade the 810 to the 850. While money certainly is a consideration for me, the combination as you've said is the ultimate rig! Thanks.

[@MalcolmPowder]

Such a good video. It's amazing to find the opinion of someone who has actually used both cameras in anger. Thanks for your efforts.

[@rncondie]

Mark, you should be a spokesperson for Nikon. I learn so much from you. My wife and just returned from the Great Salt Lake and we took some beautiful pictures if bison using the D500 with the 200 to 500 lens. We also enjoy using our Nikon 18 to 300 lens on our D500. The picture quality on this lens is excellent and our go to lens if we don’t want to pack a bunch of lenses.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. Glad to hear you got some great images using the D500.

[@GFraley100]

Thanks I really like the Ospreys that you Shot !! I live on the South Oregon Coast and Shoot Ospreys my Favorite Bird I don't get them Diving much they are out on the Ocean and I can't stay with them they move around to Much but I get nice shots in the Nest on Rocks on the Beach !!

[@keithdickson8364]

Upgrading from my D2H next year and I think I’m going with the D500. Great presentation on both cameras.

[@jfphotography69]

You will not be disappointed, Nikon is having a sale on the D500 and the grip combo as I type this.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

You will love the D500. Massive improvement!

[@ishu87]

As always, superb opinion. I have nikon D850 with tamron 70-200 g2 f/2.8. Insane quality

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@phooesnax]

Great video. Love my D500 with grip and 200-500 Nikkor!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

thanks

[@tomhughes5123]

yeah cheers Mark great chilled out video , kind of manic hippy type way ( its a good way ) 👍👍👍👍

[@isarcat1]

Thank you so much for the good information. I'm really into macro photography, so I was looking into buying the D850 for the stacking and the image quality, but I also love birding so the D500 looked to be a better choice, especially because I have small hands and not a whole lot of physical strength. I do want the stacking though, so rather than being paralyzed by choice, I'm making do with a 7200 until they upgrade either the D750 and/or the D500. I know, it may be a couple of years. It will be a long wait. Thanks again, I loove, love your pictures and the way you present your material. Kudos.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching and for the compliments!

[@whiplash1938]

Excellent real world comparison Mark. Thanks for a really good video.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@toninoaldajani]

Mark you are the best one in youtube .. i get tired looking for that answer .. you the best photographer explain easy and simple .. thank u so much and subscribe and millions like ❤😘

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@chrisvig123]

How does adding a grip improve the auto focus ?

[@Meagain921]

Thanks a lot Mark. Very helpful as usual. I always have an eye open for an upgrade and read a few reviews but really think that yours are way the best......you are a hands on , practical and excellent photographer. Many reviews are too much in laboratory mode and don’t give a real idea of the performance of the camera in the field. I have a D500, D800 and P7700 (which lives permanently in the car so I always have a camera). Surprising the P7700 os capable of producing some reasonable quality shots, certainly better than nothing. The D500 and 200-500 is absolute magic and thanks to you. So upgrade of the D800 ? .....still a great camera but the clunky focus can be a drag. Have been thinking Z7 or D850, but the D850 seems to be a good acquisition, particularly for landscape and I love the sound of it’s low light ability. Great in those dark rainforests. Mostly busy birding with the D500 at the moment. Thanks again.

[@omarsaletovicprins9632]

My prayers have been answered! Nice haircut by the way.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

lo, thanks!

[@theeclecticphotographerajr5372]

Hi Mark. Thinking of upgrading from my 7100, not sure to go to the d500 or xt3 for my general type photography.

[@Stefan1968ful]

I like the D500 for its speed, af performance (which I perceive as slightly better than on d850), the buffer (incredible!!!) and the pricing.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

agreed

[@blackmamba3427]

Awesome video and commentary 👌

[@patricksmith2553]

The D850 is not just faster to autofocus with the Nikon grip and D4/D5 battery, because of the frame rate increase. It is actually also slightly due to the larger battery that provides much more power to the camera and therefor the autofocus motor/system. This nothing new, but most people have never noticed or said anything if they have. I have a D810 with the grip and I own two D4s' bodies. I noticed when I put the larger D4s battery into the grip on the D810 you can actually hear the autofocus system become faster and it's audible.

[@Yewbzee]

Great video Mark. I currently own the D500 and have been considering changing it for the D850. You've given me some things to consider there that I hadn't initially thought about. Thanks.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. Glad to help!

[@Yewbzee]

Mark Smith I have one question on the image quality. You mentioned that the D850 has better image quality but it’s important to have the grip for this. How does the grip improve the image quality?

[@MarkSmithphotography]

@@Yewbzee The grip reduces mirror blackout which increases AF accuracy. There was a video out there which demonstrated this. There was quite a noticeable improvement when I added the grip.

[@Yewbzee]

Cheers Mark, I’ll look that up.

[@randybocksnick3750]

Mark- I bought a D850 for sports and it has turned out to be a terrible mistake on my part! I just send the camera today back to B&H. I realize now I should have bought the D500! Really enjoy your videos. Thanks Mark! Randy B.

[@SKgeostrat]

Thanks for a nice video. I'll take contact before coming to Florida.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching.

[@job2k6]

I've never heard about the AF speed being improved from the grip. Nothing I've read so far seems to confirm this. I get the fps goes up but is the AF truly faster?