Will the Nikon D850 be my Next Camera?

In this video I discuss my time spent with the Nikon D850 and how it compares to my Canon 5DMKIV for Landscape Photography. I show and compare test images give my opinion on pixel peeping and DXO marks. This was in no way a serious lab test comparison, but in the real world I did see some differences.
D850 in the field video: • Beautifuly Miserable L...
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#LandscapePhotography #D850 #5DMKIV

[@tayywongg]

Dissappointed, thought you are going to talk about your new hat.

[@fedvoxavoxa]

There are many serious and technical comment, and yours is the most liked?!?!? I agree thanks for the laugh!!!

[@philipwatson2443]

I think a talk abot his new hat would have been less controversial....personally I would have preferred one about his hat....maybe he's waiting for offers of a new one ;)

[@MegaNardman]

Seriously, how did the new hat do on DXO mark?

[@sonholee5769]

Yeah! How was the real world experience of the hat! Warm yet let your head breath?

[@rickeycarter]

Lol. Well played.

[@AlynWallace]

There isn't a hobby as expensive as photography? Let me tell you about astronomy...

[@MiaogisTeas]

…Or classic car/hotrod rebuilds. 😂

[@mwatkinsphotos]

Or running the Porsche 911 Thomas mentions in this video....

[@roar40s]

Space is fake...

[@PipsClips]

@@roar40s stars are dead pixels (someone put that on a tshirt!)

[@lowdowndan]

Or flying!

[@kghareeb]

The dynamic range of the D850 is legendary, you must have missed on the focus .

[@edlondon3717]

Obviously

[@ryanmutch7921]

Hahahahahaha, I love how Thomas just montaged all the camera reviewers together. That was hilarious Sir!

[@rockapejv]

Wow, I'm speechless.....I've never had a file so muddy from my own D850. Definitely something not right there (poor lens quality, or maybe slight camera shake?). had a few blurred looking shots recently, using a tripod, but that was near a busy road (vibration?), but most of the time the images are truly spectacular (particularly on my Tamron 15-30 and my Sigma 135mm Art lens). My D850 would have to be prised from my cold dead hands.

[@KaiHinLkh]

The problem is he is using a 11-year old 24-70mm non-VR lens that was designed when cameras only had 12 MP in them. I had that lens before with my D800E, and it failed to keep up to the high MP count of the newer cameras. Any modern lens would have yielded a much better result.

[@maxfactor4209]

well He is pro photographer so I cant tell that you dont know how to use your camera but sometimes we forgot some simple things. I think he forgot to turn image stabilisation off on tripod. My experience shows IS has negative effect on tripod.

[@rockapejv]

Well, this had me questioning myself today (my recollections), so I just went through a load of files in Capture One that were exposed for the highlights; birds in shadow in the trees, stained glass church windows from inside, sunsets etc; most with almost blacked out shadows, and I can confirm 100% that at least my own D850 kit is performing spectacularly in its shadow recovery...whew!!! Highlight recovery is still very good but does not match the amazing shadow recovery (in my opinion, after 12 months experience with this camera). I would definitely have another go with that D850, but pick a really good bit of glass (The lenses I use that give me amazing results, are the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8, Sigma 135mm f1.8 Art, Nikon 85mm f1.8g, Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro. Nikon 200-500mm f5.6). My landscapes are set up with: Tripod mounted (or course), VR/VC off, remote shutter release, self timer at 5 seconds and shutter delay of 3 seconds, live view for accurate focussing (if slow). back button focussing (don't even breath on the camera....lol!) You can also use the silent electronic shutter mode, but be careful in artificial light at high ISO settings. I have found that truly amazing landscape images can be acheived with the D850, but you have to really watch out for any potential movement or vibration over longer exposures, same as with any camera, but much more so. Sorry for the long waffling post. A happy man again!...... :-)

[@johannac.dominguez1917]

I agree

[@IsabelRedondoCa]

@@KaiHinLkh Have no idea why you would think that. Don't really buy into the "it's good for 16 mpixels but..." I've had both and the Nikkor 24-70 is better in the first version. Don't like the VR one, got rid of it.

[@speterlewis]

Love your positive attitude ("It's about photography, and not the gear.) And yet....(here we go, right?)...I've been happily [and profitably] shooting Pentax since the 80s, and I hope you decide to try the K-1.

[@Nate88it]

This is great. I love that you are doing a review for the best camera for you, not the entire world. Many of the complaints made by other YT reviewers do not apply to landscape photographers while other features are glossed over but make a huge impact on quality and ease of use for landscapers.

[@richardazar22]

Thomas, as a Nikon shooter for over 50 years I can assure you that they are second to none compared to other 35mm or full frame camera's. Now with some camera's they aren't that much better, like the Canon or Fuji, but still better. Your photo of the brick church and grounds actually shows more detail in the foreground grass than the Canon so I would think that something happened with your woods detail shot. The detail in the grass and twigs should be eye shearing sharp. I would try another test shot if you can.

[@cosmogang]

Ken makes his first appearance on Thomas's channel - golden

[@jeffluo9591]

I believe Tom will eventually follow Ken's advice and buy a Fuji medium format camera, the one that Ken has.

[@cosmogang]

@@jeffluo9591 Ken has both of them!

[@AkosSzalay1988]

The second Nikon file looks like it had minor camera shake. I have the same problem with my A7RIII, with the high megapixels I have to always shoot more images as shake is a lot more noticeable. But when it nails it is very sharp.

[@RichardLaurence]

Akos Szalay I agree - my 5DS is completely unforgiving of poor stability and mirror slap

[@dieketarre]

Hmmm looks more like completely missed focus to me...

[@mikehart5723]

This lens should be mounted on the tripod using the tripod foot , simple basic technique to minimise shake.

[@pratikray6500]

Yes. I have a 5DS R and minor shakes are quit unforgiving.

[@AkosSzalay1988]

my strategy is just to take multiple images on burst when handholding and a 5s timer on the tripod instead of 2s, also taking multiple shots (but not on burst as that causes shake too) - or just use the electronic shutter

[@iangrogan5261]

"Photography is the most expensive hobby" Videographers: "hold my beer..."

[@toddysurcharge771]

I don't really see a ton of people doing videography as a "hobby". I go to Disney World for example and see a ton of "photographers" snapping away. I don't see any videographers and no crappy vloggers with their M50's don't count.

[@dalestokes2789]

@@toddysurcharge771 Just because they are crappy doesn't mean it isn't a hobby. Unfortunately Photography is more expensive then video as a hobby. You can still get a consumer video camera for less than a starter camera with kit lens. Now as a CAREER yes Professional video for films, news agencies, corporations, etc is much more expensive if you have to use cinema cameras with interchangeable lenses.

[@iangrogan5261]

Toddy Surcharge I guess my idea of a hobby is different than most. For me videography is a hobby, it’s not my job (it was for a brief while) since I don’t get paid, but I still like to buy and use quality gear for lighting and audio. Walking around with a handy cam at Disney world wasn’t my idea of videography as a hobby.

[@arunashamal]

Audiophiles: Hold my cable...

[@NORTRONGAMES]

Videography is not a hobby. Never.

[@AndreiDimaReviews]

Did you turn of the VR on the nikon lens? That afects the image when shooting on a tripod.

[@briant4078]

I would have thought that you would take more than one shot to test, five or six then pick the best. High mega pixel cameras need more care, 5DSR owners found that out. Look forward to seeing how the med. format stacks up.

[@guyrab]

Hi @thomasHeaton I love your channel (and your style), It is surprising indeed. Two things come to mind, 1/ did you know the native iso of the d850 is 64 and not 100? So you will get better sensor performance at 64 2/ which Nikon lense did you use? Usually Nikon lenses are on the same level as canon’s (and sometimes better) but there are a few exceptions. You are3 absolutely right - the lenses probably made the biggest difference.

[@lencinasm]

Would you consider one of the new Nikon z6, z7 or Sony Alpha for you? Or do you think that changing to mirrorless cameras is not in question for landscape photographer ?

[@RockeroNato]

Will you try the pentax k1? It os said they're made for landscapes

[@Ericbjohnston5150]

Bronica SQ-A film camera 6x6 but an awesome bit of gear.

[@alveus_]

You should definitely check the Pentax K-1 Mark II out while you're at it.

[@KoenigF50]

I'd also be really curious to see that. And the price point is considerably better too.

[@alveus_]

@KoenigF50 Indeed. It's kinda sad, that Pentax doesn't get any recognition these days. They produce great cameras as well as some of the best glass on the entire market.

[@KoenigF50]

@@alveus_ well, to be honest, their PR/Marketing is (and has historically been) so bad, it's not helping their situation at all. Slower than most AF and 2010 spec video isn't either. I should have probably premised this by saying I still use the K-5 and the K-01 and so maybe AF has improved with newer bodies but I know video hasn't. Still, for landscape work the K-1 II seems to be more than up to the task. Hope Thomas get his hand on one : )

[@grahamhobbs3501]

I'd like to see what he thought, but it's not a practical solution for him due to lack of f/4 lenses - the 70-200/2.8 is superb, but it weighs a ton - and yes, I knnow there is a 70-200/4 coming next year, but no 24-70/4 on the roadmap, and the only wider modern lens, the 15-30, also weighs a ton.

[@jakewerth9614]

The k1 seem to still have the best dynamic range of any full frame camera.

[@FRC1967NOV]

Thanks for sharing. I like your work. Simplicity, sincerity and honesty. Greetings from Brazil.

[@jankirchner6908]

Good one! I‘m going to test some cameras next year myself. Thinking of switching is much harder than I thought. Looking forward to the next videos of you and all that cameras and testing.

[@marcoliver5390]

I own both Canon and Nikon gear (5Dm4, 1Dx m1, D850). Both brands are superb and both will produce excellent results in the hands of a skilled photographer once you’ve learned their individual idiosyncrasies. I can easily see the difference between the 5D4 and the D850, but it’s not the night-and-day difference that the specs alone would have you believe. I’m using the Canons mainly for wildlife work as I find their teleconverters to be miles ahead of Nikon; the telephoto lenses are equally good from both brands, but the moment you add teleconverters the Nikons are beat. For landscapes, it’s the other way around, although your lens selection will have to be done carefully to make the most of the Nikon. I considered selling off my Nikon gear and getting a GFX50S for landscapes, but ultimately decided against it because of the cost and way less versatile lens selection. I feel that medium format is a situation where the last 10% in performance make up 90% of the price. My advice to you: save your money and work with what you have. I doubt that your clients will ever see the difference in the prints. I may reconsider my situation once the 100 mp GFX100 comes out, but most likely, I’ll invest in better outdoor clothes/gear and bank the rest. Cheers from Nova Scotia, Canada.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

The D850 is one heck of a great all round camera - The dynamic range test looks odd because in use over the last years I've found it superb in practical real world use - but as you say the best camera is the one you know how to get the best out of! You love the shots out of your 5D4 so is switching really worth it? If you've worked with Canon for so many years you likely know the system better right now... (wink wink)! Great videos as always Thomas! Cheers, Tom

[@al3xduda48]

Hi Tom Mason love your wildlife photography keep it up

[@shamiksanyaldop]

missing your field videos tom..

[@gustavorobalo5485]

Hi Tom, honestly, this "test" is not serious. He took just a single shot, and he's not sure if it was in focus or if there was camera shake. But easily conclude 5D4 is much better. It seems a joke. Pretty suspicious.

[@BryanHansel]

I agree. I've seen a lot of Nikon D8xxs and Canon 5Dmxs on the workshops I teach. In my experience, the Canons can't pull as much details out of the shadows without having the image start to fall apart as the Nikon's can. If he was getting the results that he showed there is something else going on here -- it could have been camera shake from poor technique, not using the mirror lockup, focus miss, a lens issue or any number of other problems with technique. It's hard to say what happened, but it likely wasn't the camera.

[@lightonthelandscape]

Question - changing ISO 64 to ISO 100. If it makes such a huge difference, how does the D850 handle ISO 400 +++?

[@danmckee4988]

How did you set up the exposure, spot or matrix metering? Did you use the histogram in Live View to saturate the sensor (without blowing out the highlights) and expose to the right? Spot metering and ISO 64 may have helped.

[@DAVISION-YT]

Seems like a focusing and lens choice Issue to me. This CAs are massive! What Lens did you use?

[@stevewells9444]

Have you considered a Pentax K-1? Fantastic camera.

[@bruceduncan6095]

You should try iso 64, on the Nikon, I find myself using it quite a lot!

[@alexdart2083]

Thanks for your video... Why don’t you try gfx 50S instead gfx 50R?what are the reasons?

[@remykemner]

Tnxs for the vid Thomas! Great as always!

[@LynneLuxonJonesphotography]

Try motorcycle racing Thomas ,or even track days....as hobbies they blow photography out of the water when you're talking about costs 😵

[@marcd7332]

Lynne Luxon-Jones Watch collecting. Track days are spare change compared to watches

[@fsmelo87]

@@KZbinTookMyNickname.WhyNot lmao

[@ACD54]

Or sailing. Or horse racing. Or flying (esp. rotary wing)... But I guess photography costs more than skinny dipping or pigeon fancying.

[@butter2099]

@MP Right. Don't think he meant it as an insult towards other hobbies and their associated costs so much as a hyperbole to establish that it is costly, especially if it isn't how you pay your rent so the investment has little return outside of personal enjoyment.

[@giacomozanatta1178]

why do not you consider pentax k1 as a landscape photographer? It has some great features for landscape like pixelshift, built in astro tracker and a lot more unic stuff. I'm asking it because I'm choosing my first ff body, and I cannot understand why nobody speaks abuot the pentax k1, a 2016 camera with an incredible performance and some unic features. I will be happy if u answer my question, thanks, Giacomo.

[@jean-charles9931]

The problem on Pentax K1 is not the body itself, but lens choice.

[@charlesgough3528]

Thanks Thomas. Glad you're having a blast :)

[@Rich..]

Great Video! Really enjoyed it. Loved the fact you printed the image too!

[@alft69]

Lens diffraction kicks in above f/11. Keep the D850 set to ISO64 for best results.

[@ManyDoors777]

I really hope you can try out the Fujifilm GFX 50r.

[@gasmith841]

Professional landscape photographer...don't put any money on the table until you have tried the Fujifilm

[@Topsyrm]

Or the 50S.

[@DeputatKaktus]

Seconded. I would even go as far as saying try the GFX50s. Even though I only got to play with one for half an hour, I was really quite taken. If it wasn’t for the price tag, I would have bought it then and there. And I say that being a Nikon shooter.

[@Topsyrm]

@@DeputatKaktus The GFX50S (IMO) is a more versatile camera than the 50R it has a tilt swivel EVF adapter for those awkward angle shots plus the screen tilts on 2 planes. It had the same sensor as the 50R and processor. You can change the battery with an Arca Plate attached and it has shutter and ISO dials on the top plate. It is slightly heavier (body only) than the R but the bulk of the weight is in the lenses anyway. All this from a GFX50S user over a year.

[@DeputatKaktus]

Topsyrm The viewfinder was the first thing that struck me as absolutely brilliant. I felt immediately at home with the GFX50S and its interface. At this point, though, the price tag keeps me from getting into digital medium format. As for the weight....well, that is to be expected. But then as a bit of a Mamiya fan boy (shooting loads of analog MF) I am sort of used to cameras that weigh an absolute ton.

[@mikeysteam]

I just cant make up my mind either. Should the lamp be on or not, or dimmer?

[@DNBaccount]

Hi Thomas, I was wondering how many clicks you have on your 5D IV? Any idea?

[@usefshikim]

The second shot of the D850 "Dynamic Range Test" looks out of focus to me!

[@JamesBrewphoto]

Why didn't you use ISO 64? It's like having an extra gear that you chose not to go into. I shoot 80% of all my images at ISO 64 and find the results absolutely superb!

[@giuseppebaja]

If you do an accurate performance test, you shoot at an ISO that's the best for said camera. Iso 64 has less image quality than iso 100

[@pratikray6500]

The 5DIV doesnt have an ISO of 64 (although I think it has a ISO 50 option). Looks like he wanted all the settings to be the same for the comparison.

[@giuseppebaja]

@@pratikray6500 technically speaking, going into the "extreme" high and low iso ranges deteriorates the image (just a tad bit, not something massive

[@woodnymph7393]

@@giuseppebaja The ISO 64 is a native ISO on D850/D810 so the image will be cleaner not 'less quality'.. The ISO 50 on 5dIV is not native.

[@riotslug85]

@@giuseppebaja 64 iso is a native setting on the D850, it's not pushing or using a hi setting. The high pushing settings on the d850 put the iso down to 32.

[@stevematadobra6117]

Thank you for the honest and very entertaining video. Also thank you for the reminder that its not the gear - but the experience. Appreciate the video.

[@borzamircea2855]

Hi Thomas! I regularly print A2 and A3+ on an epson P800. I am considering buying a 5D mk. IV. Does it hold up well at 240 dpi on a A2?What dpi are you using for A2. I am reffering to the aharpness of the prints. Do you find the 5dsR more suited for such prints? Given the current situation I can’t rent one and I can’t find any raw files which I would like printed. Thanks.

[@creativeip]

Nice video. Any camera will do good in your hand :)

[@lenhister]

Renting a camera here in Vancouver is like $200/day (body-only). That's expensive price to pay to decide if you want to purchase it or not. I still think the best and most affordable way is still to do all the research, read and watch all the reviews and evaluate which camera to purchase.

[@mneoud]

Exactly my thoughts. Renting is far too expensive to get the hang of a camera.

[@broosinabox]

On a d850, that's 5% of the purchase price to rent for a day. If you're considering a major purchase/system investment then even spending 15% on a lens and camera body for a weekend can be a smart choice. Now if you're purchasing a $800 camera, spending 25%+ on a day rental does not make much sense. :)

[@fc15min]

I’ve bought Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 G2 based on youtube reviewers and this was my biggest mistake, i’d rather rent and try... Tamron is shit, not focusing where needed, you have to calibrate by your self your new lens, you have to buy extra lens calibrator equipment from tamron and other equipmen and mostly spend your precious time!!! Later when you think this lens is calibrated, you hapy with results, sudenly it changes and it is not in focus when you review your phoshoot images... don’t trust youtube reviews and i think even dxomark, rent it, test it, and you will get proven test result... now i have to sell this new lens, because tamron and shop which sold it to me don’t accept it back as they say “with lens is everything ok...” Just waisted 1000usd.... thank you youtube reviewers...

[@sulev111]

get into a photography group and befriend fellow photographers, they'll surely lend you their gear for a day or two for way less than 200$.

[@S3l3ct1ve]

Come to Lithuania, you can rent a camera here for ~35e-50e/day.. Crazy compared to your prices...

[@D_R_Martin]

I think the most important point here is that photography should be about having fun and meeting good people. I am always more satisfied with a photo shoot when I have been able to interact with others and talk about the scenery we are experiencing together. The images are somewhat secondary (although, it is still fun to pixel peep). Thanks so much for the perspective you bring to the discussion.

[@TheMaxitup]

Another great vlog, nice watch.

[@danhicks1912]

I have a D850 and it is phenomenal.

[@makalu69]

I came to Nikon from a Canon 5D MkII - never looked back. Love my D850 and D810 in equal measure!

[@nikonman3971]

Me as well, ... !

[@bgo4719]

Same! Broke my old 5D mkii to my new beast of d850!! Can't even describe how mindblow I got 😍

[@makalu69]

@ The image quality is pretty much the same between cameras but the 850 is a more versatile camera than the D810 - mostly because of the useful additional shooting features and slightly better ISO performance.

@@makalu69 Hmmm... But should an amateur pay $3000usd to upgrade though... I mean, I was going to say that of course 850 going to be better, but even then you just said that the image quality is pretty much the same, so I'm not quite sure which features would be worth spending $3k for someone who's not rich and for whom 3k is far from being chump change... Is ISO performance this significant to warrant purchasing a brand new camera!? Movies don't really matter, 99% photos, and it's single shot 99.9% of the time, the person ridiculed the 7D's 7fps or whatever rapid shooting mode at the time of my purchase (lol), so shooting speed really doesn't matter. Most use would be city/landscape shots, plus family photos. What would be the greatest features to be worth a $3000usd cost in 2020, ~3 years after the 850 is released? I'll confess, I think it's probably not worth it for an amateur for the upgrade you're getting... I'm more "it's the photograph and not the camera" mentality, and as TH said in another video, besides upgradetitis and getting new toy... not very smart use of money to upgrade 810 to 850, as it's not like going from 12 to 36 MP and crop to FF... Very little IQ difference... But I've been wrong before lol

[@makalu69]

@ You need to make you're own decision - it's your cash! I'm just telling you that, whilst the 850 is a superior camera in several areas, the end product is not that different. If you want the new features - buy it - if you are happy with your D810's performance, don't bother. I wanted more versatility, the pop out live view screen, WiFi and faster shutter speed - for me, those features were enough to make me part with the cash. Your mileage may vary...

[@rskura]

Great video Thomas! I can't wait to hear your comments on the Pentax 645Z! ;)

[@chrislongstay]

The kind of test we need more of. Thanx Thomas. Excellent as usual.

[@Rumpsee]

Why is the Canon 5dsr not in the conversation?

[@dangernba]

He seems more interested in the newer models.

[@nielsdam90]

Because the dynamic range of the 5DSR sucks

[@dx3200]

Have you actually shot with 5DSR or you listen to Angry Photographer and Tony channels? Shoot with it before making stupid comments.

[@Loopsrainforest]

He's already tried the 5dsr. I asked him about it & he found the use of the tilting screen & other improvements more important than the extra resolution.

[@mrvdh]

I never shoot my Nikon D800 at f-stops higher than f 9 to f 11. Diffraction kicks in pretty fast. So maybe Canon glass can handle f-stops in the range of f 14 or higher better than Nikon glass?

[@S3l3ct1ve]

d800 has more mpx so diffraction is more prominent, that is why you can push 5d mIV more..

[@dangernba]

The higher the resolution of the sensor, the sooner the light diffraction is noticed. I agree that F/14 is too small for such a high-res sensor, F/8 would be better. On the other hand, Thomas is experienced enough not to take his decision only based on that image. Greetings from Brazil.

[@BubuSnow93]

Nope, absolutely not that. A higer megapixel will ALWAYS have more detail with the same lens and settings. Diffraction doens't depends on pixel size, with a high mpx count you are simply sampling the already diffracted image at a higer resolution, so it will always be a bit sharper. Steve Perry made a fantastic video about it where he compares a 4D to a D810, the D810 is ALWAYS sharper no matter the f stop /watch?v=N0FXoWdHXTk

[@AlejandroRVfoto]

what do you think about the 5DSR you used two years ago in the mountains? to keep all your Canon glass I thought it could be a choice...

[@CoreyMathery]

Can't wait to see your thoughts on the Fuji!

[@chilly243]

The D850 shot of the DR woodland scene kind of looks out of focus to me. Or maybe it was a bad copy of the lens :-D So far I haven´t heard of loosing so much sharpness by uitlizing the DR of either the D850 or the A7RII/III without even touching the overall brightness of the image and it would be in stark contrast to my own experience with the A7RII.

[@scriptosaurusrex]

I think out of focus is a chance, but the 24-70 (which I think he used for these shots) the canon is simply much better than either the old or new Nikon. I hate to say it, as a 15 year nikon user, but there is just no contest on that particular lens - so it could just as well be that.

[@derekmidgley]

@@scriptosaurusrex Great reading your comment since i've been sticking with my perfectly usable Nikon 24-120mm F4 and can't bring myself to spend extra $ on Nikon's 24-70mm offerings. (Mostly landscapes at about F8 )

[@AlgoFodder]

Well, a camera body surely isn't going to give you CA! The muddiness in the foreground looked like bad lens performance to me too. What the heck lens was he using that looked that bad at f11? If it's really a typical Nikon 24-70mm at 24 thank goodness I've never given in to temptation on that one - pretty sure I get better performance with my old AIS 24mm! (admittedly on D810 rather than D850)

[@F-Pfiff]

Year you discovered the diffraction blur at F14 :-) It depends on sensor resolution. With higher resolution of the D850 the blur starts with wider aperture.

[@chilly243]

Possible, but I frequently shoot at f11 and sometimes higher on the A7R II and have not come close to seeing such an unsharp image at these apertures if my focus was correct and there was no camera shake. I could also imagine that it was some kind of mirror or shutter vibration due to lack of experience with the D850. I had this in the beginning with the 80D in live view. Turned out, for pinsharp images you had to activate EFCS, which was off by default. It reduced the sharpness so much due to the frequency of the first curtain and the focal length that it was less sharp than without mirror lockup through the viewfinder... Or Thomas just misfocused. I know, blasphemy, but who knows? ;-)

[@williamdavies6958]

@@chilly243 having owned a d810 for some years, I can confirm that on 24-70mm f2.8 diffraction does shows above f11.

[@chilly243]

​@@williamdavies6958 Yes, it certainly does, even from f8 to f11 you can see a difference when pixelpeeping, not only with a 24-70 on a Nikon. And the higher the MP-count on the same sensor size the sooner it kicks in. Nonetheless, the few pictures I took above f11 so far are much sharper than the image Thomas compared to the 5DIV image. As the D850 only has around 3MP more than the A7R II I certainly wouldn´t expect such a difference between the two regarding diffraction.

[@JasperFromBredaa]

Thank you for this video, looking forward to the next

[@gandalf253]

Just saw your footage... Are you still using the 5Dmrk iv ? Have you ever considered the sony A7r vi ? How about the eos R ?

[@HamitColak]

I think, it is not exactly a dynamic range test. It should be tested from the lowest aperture to the highest. Some values (especially higher than f / 11) canon give better results. But, when all the values are compared, Nikon will give better results. In the same way, the aperture values for the lenses will give different results. My personal opinion, it is so small difference to to change the system you've experienced for years

[@johnsholian4318]

I’ve been using Nikon since the ‘70’s and can’t see moving away from it but there is no incentive to do so. Obviously it’s a personal choice but if the differences are minor and you already own what you consider to be some of the best glass, why would you switch to a system that would require you to replace it all unless there is some incentive?

[@Yamanotefy]

Fair enough and certainly granted that Nikon is a superb brand. However Thomas never said, what the problem is with him and Canon? Or is it only G.A.S.? The 5D Mark IV has been out now for roughly 2,5 years so, the only disappointment he mentioned is with the EOS R. Certainly Canon will push something extraordinary with a new Mark V or Rs in 2019... I cannot understand what the hassle is all about. He has fine lenses, a camera that may lack about 0.75/1 stop of DR compared to the 850 but never failed him ... I would rather understand it, when he said, he needs something fresh but honestly, that seldomly become manifest in the later pictures. I am confused ...

[@RickyHarline]

I think it's because he doesn't trust Canon to be a market leader anymore.

[@Yamanotefy]

@@RickyHarline Well Nikon's Z6 and Z7 aren't something special either. These are just copy of existing Nikon's cameras without a mirror forcing you to update lenses sooner or later. And even if you switch to Sony's 3rd generation, there's hardly anything you miss as a landscape photographer now. If you would have double the DR, lower noise, etc. that would be something really standing out, now all I hear is: GAS, GAS, GAS for no obvious reason. ;-)

[@johnsholian4318]

Yamanotefy I understand the need or desire to upgrade to the latest and greatest. But I also understand that new technology rarely gets it right on the first iteration so I suspect that the major manufacturers are already racing to improve their mirrorless systems. I’m not a professional and I’m quite content with the D810 so the grass does not necessarily look any greener on the other side of the fence anymore. I would rather spend time improving as a photographer than spend money hoping to improve my photography.

[@Yamanotefy]

@@johnsholian4318 Wise words, wise words ... ;-)

[@pbsalfen]

Absolutely stunn'n how massive the difference was with the wide angle shots.

[@I666U]

thank you, cool video. is the Canon 5DS R any good?

[@kunaltewari8059]

I think one image shouldn’t decide the fate of D850 in real world. As u said quite a few things could have gone wrong. But as a recent switch from Nikon to Fuji, I am looking forward to ur review for GFx 😊😊😉

[@Leptospirosi]

I doubt he rented a d850 just to shoot one image: he most probably shot a few and chose the ones that brought out the differences he intended to point out in this video

[@NielsdeKemp]

GFX is a beast!

[@Dal1970again]

Once he misses focus it will lose to the Canon. plus as he said before, he can't afford it...

[@RS-Amsterdam]

_People ask me: What camera do you use ?_ _I answer: You don't ask a writer what typewriter he uses._ *Man Ray*

[@whitebeardactual]

If you shot the high dynamic range shots "seconds apart", why are the date stamps on the two images 2 hours apart?

[@zapfkopf]

Hi Thomas, how do u think the d850 compares to the 5dsr?

[@christianpetersen1782]

Hey Thomas! Very interesting. Thanks for posting. If the dynamic range test was inconclusive because of possible 20 sec difference or photographer error etc., wouldn’t it be a good idea to repeat the whole DR test by taking the first shot with the Nikon and comparing the results with the first test? Indeed it might be more conclusive if both the clarity and DR tests were done three times each then you’d have a majority one way or the other. Maybe for future tests? Is dynamic range so important that it beats clarity for you to decide that you’ll probably stick with the Canon? I’m looking forward to your test with the Fuji GFX and hopefully one day you’ll get to the Sony A7R3. All the best.

[@pelafotofotografia]

Assista a este vídeo e compare em duas vertentes: 1) O foco estava completamente errado; 2) Ou, uma segunda intenção escondida atrás. Eu sigo o canal há muito tempo e sou apaixonado pelo trabalho e pelas fotos de Thomas Heaton. Eu não posso imaginar uma comparação mais ridícula do que isso.

[@pelafotofotografia]

Christian Peterse: Accurate, could make the files available so we can analyze, okay the clear and democratic ... A good deal of confidence with your followers.

[@YARD8]

Why not the 5DS R?

[@MrRastler]

This camera not for landscape, it’s for studio.

[@YARD8]

Roman Averin The 5DS R can be used for landscape. It has been used for landscape.

[@maxlohrberg5317]

The 5DSR is also not just for studio, due to its great weather sealing etc it's also great for landscape

[@neosarcastic4385]

The 5 DS R is almost more than perfect for landscape photography. Thomas used it in Switzerland, but chose his old faithful cos it's a more all round camera. I shoot mostly landscapes with my 5DS R and I'm more than smiling.

[@MatthewSaville]

The 5DsR is great for anyone who shoots landscapes in limited dynamic range situations, or doesn't mind bracketing almost everything. For single exposures where extreme dynamic range is at play, the Nikons and Sony's mop the floor with the 5DsR, because it was one of the last cameras where Canon didn't use on-chip ADC, right before the 5D4 and EOS R.

[@peersdebruinpeersdebruin502]

You know the foot of the 70-200 goes on the tripod plate right?

[@qandc]

Hi, great videos you put out there. Any reason to use the older 24-70G lens ( known to be soft in the corners) rather than the current 24-70E VR lens? Plus f/14 is well into diffraction territory for a D850. Also, mirror up and exposure delay of 3sec or EFCS makes a big difference to the crispness.

[@ianspicer1529]

Interesting video Thomas, thank you; I'm wondering if, the Nikon being so much sharper than the Canon (per your print test), is simply therefore much less forgiving.....with the greatest of respect to you as a fine photographer....it will surely find any fault in your technique - including perhaps a minor shake?

[@branislavpetkovic]

There is a couple of things missed because you are not so familiar with D850: 1. Canon 5Dm4 and Nikon D850 does not gives you the same exposure for the same settings which is obvious from all your photos. D850 is almost 2/3 of a stop brighter and that is not because of different sensor. That is just Nikon's tweaking and it is the case if you compare Nikon FF cameras to cameras with similar Sony sensors like Pentax or Sony. 2. That is also the reason why Canon looks better in highlights with that high dynamic range forest scene, Nikon should be 2/3 of a stop underexposed to get similar exposure and quality of details in highlights. Don't worry about the shadows on Nikon, Sony sensors are much better in lifting up those shadows in compare to Canon sensors. 3. You probably used 5Dm4 minimum ISO which is optimal for Canon but not optimal for Nikon which has much lower minimal ISO. For a fair dynamic range test you should use minimal ISO on both cameras 4. Not sure about of blurriness of that D850 forest shot. Maybe you missed focus a little bit or introduced very little camera shake It is also very important in tests like this to have lens with very similar quality. It looks to me that your Nikon lens is sharper but also have much more optical aberrations than Canon lens.

[@mwatkinsphotos]

branislavpetkovic The D850 doesn't use a Sony sensor. It's made by a company that has links to Leica

[@extraesfera]

@@mwatkinsphotos Sorry but the D850 has a Sony sensor. I don't know where you got that info but it's wrong. Pretty much all major sources have already confirmed that the sensor is made by Sony.

[@DanniEfraim]

Actually, a BSI sensor will take in substantially more light, which is probably why the exposure is higher. Also, the D850 has a sensor that's designed by Nikon, but is manufactured by Sony.

[@2klember]

@@mwatkinsphotos Yes that's true.

[@2klember]

@@extraesfera No..D850 don't have a Sony sensor. Check this out and you will see that D850 have sensor design by Nikon and produced by other company{ called TowerJazz} than Sony. Sony was a company who made Nikon sensor in the past but they was design by Nikon. Sony only produced them.. D850 have a completly new sensor.

[@vacationviking]

Great job Tom, really interesting to watch!

[@Ceko]

Interesting, but I’m glad you plan to throw these tech related videos out of the door in the new year :-) Your passion for hiking and nature is much more infectious.

[@tolga1cool]

Expensive hobby you say? Have you tried motorsport yet? 😁 Or aviation?

[@VladAkimov]

aviation yea hahaha

[@tombuck]

Canon’s lenses keep me firmly on their team (fortunately I do love their bodies as well).

[@unusedacct8833]

Nikon made Canon's lenses for them up until the 50's. Nikon's lenses are unsurpassed, especially the superlative 200/2.

[@stephentunstill5833]

That's how they keep you hooked. Been there - got the t-shirt. Now sold all my Canon gear!

[@theloudtenor]

I cannot wait for your Fuji tests!

[@travelwithravi6402]

Hey Thomas. What lens did you use on each camera?

[@bellacavachon7510]

Woah Thomas... you've gotta mount that big lens via the tripod foot and not directly on the camera! LOL

[@JulioCesarEirasMelanda]

Yeah, I felt the same when I saw that scene

[@peteryates308]

The weight of the f/2.8 lens hanging off the front isn't going to do stability any favours. It might even explain the lack of sharpness. I pointed that out in the last video too, the lens has a tripod mount built in so there's no excuse!

[@telemaq76]

it s not a big lens, the d850 or 5d4 can handle a 70-200 2.8 without any problem. for sure dont do that on a d3300. or with a 300 2.8

[@PhotoBob]

That’s a 70-200. It definitely does NOT require being mounted via tripod foot. Big glass does I agree but not the 70-200. Totally fine like it is

[@philipblair7307]

The 70-200 doesn't come with a arca swiss compatible foot which is probably why he has mounted it this way.

[@lostish]

Hi Thomas! What about a Canon 5DsR ?

[@yassinethegrey3945]

Is it really good at dynamic range tho ?

[@ThyWorshipMetal]

He has already tried the 5DS in France years ago, the Dynamic range was terrible if memory serves

[@linusfotograf]

@Jojo He doesn't use his main camera for video anyway.

[@ghostgrownmedicine7498]

I've had the A7Riii for a year now and I absolutely love it. I mainly do landscape, long exposures, and fine art. I do lots of large prints, like you, and I really couldn't be happier with the results.

[@derekwillson2538]

Excellent review Thomas, the practical field test is the only realistic way to get definitive answers to the practical questions around a piece of very technical kit. I'm looking forward to the next few tests, thanks Del

[@akis285]

You didn't really use the best settings for the nikon... ISO 64 is a masive improvement for landscape. Also check the sharpness of the lenses you want to use on dxomark cause some lenses from nikon are absolutely not worth it as with canon. You must try some sigma/tamron lenses if you are looking for sharpnes.

[@ChrisEgonSearle]

picimisakis yeah maybe put an Art Lens on the Nikon. I’d love to see that

[@jeffrodriguez2163]

But the 14-24mm is one of the best landscape lenses out there. I would say it’s at the level of a 16-35 Canon.

[@woodnymph7393]

@@ChrisEgonSearle Art lens for both to be fair...

[@ifindmetal]

I agree^

[@herreraid2010]

Nick Arora, it seems you’re the emotional Nikon guy here! 😂 I agree with everything Thomas said. In order for him to go invest another few thousand dollars or pounds on a new camera, it better blow his out of the park and we’ll, that’s not gonna happen, specially with canon glass!

[@TheOnceAndFutureDoug]

"Most expensive hobby!" *Side-eyes his audiphile purchases...*

[@NielsdeKemp]

Awesome video Thomas! Have you ever tried the Pentax K-1?

[@stukelful]

Enlightening indeed. Thanks.. Great and honest vid.. Looking forward to your Fuji opinions.

[@stinkopants]

hahahaha I laughed too hard at the review montage. "cause the camera sucks!!"

[@xpt37YTV]

expensive hobby? try motorcycling.... I went back to landscape photography to save money

[@xpt37YTV]

I don't read mcn nor buy the lates and greatest. I only know that my cameras don't burn expensive fuel, don't have liability insurance, don't need expensive maintenance like oils, filters, tires, etc. So even if I don't race I still spend the equivalent of a new camera system every season on items like that. @@GeraintDafis

[@africanhistory]

Depends, I ride Supers and once you buy the bike and the gear it should end there---but does it.?

[@monkeyking67]

Hello Thomas do you plan on trying the Sony Alpha a7R III,I'm curious to see what your thoughts are on it.I too shoot with a canon 5D mark IV and was thinking about either the Sony or the Nikon D850..Thank you!

[@jeremysipes6308]

Hi Tom, Im Jeremy. Yours is the first photography youtube page that I started watching and is still my favorite. Thanks for all of your hard work. I am certain that it has made me a better photographer.

[@terrywbreedlove]

The Nikon dynamic range is amazing at its base iso of 64. You shot in 100 iso why ?

[@pelafotofotografia]

Yes, ??????

[@JanStrojil]

5DIV does not have native ISO 64, so maybe Thomas was trying, as he says in the video, keep the settings exactly the same? You could argue that "the same" could also have been "the lowest each camera offers" but I can see why he went with the choice he has.

[@terrywbreedlove]

Jan Strojil 64 iso is where the Nikon is best at dynamic range. In fact Nikon added 64 iso just to get the Dynamic range. So as a landscape shooter looking for the best Dynamic range he really did himself a disservice here. And what is worse he biased the shot against Nikons strength leading his viewers astray. The Dynamic range test is bogus.

[@pelafotofotografia]

@@terrywbreedlove Exatamente, a questão é: foi um erro involuntário ou uma atitude de má fé? Certamente esse erro infantil não foi ...

[@terrywbreedlove]

Fran Camargo Paixão pela Fotografia talvez ele não tenha entendido como a câmera deve funcionar melhor. Minha pergunta foi honesta sem desrespeito pretendido. mas gostaria que ele respondesse a minha pergunta por simples curiosidade.

[@sulev111]

get a better lens for Nikon. *I think this whole video is weird. You should know better beforehand. Reminds me of you taking a M50 with kit lenses up into the Alps and then coming back a bit surprised that it had camera shake and the images weren't as sharp as with your 2,8 lenses. I mean, come on. Do your research. Don't just concentrate on the photography especially when you are using a new system. And as others have pointed out: you can't really compare those images 1:1 as the D850 will have more noise(compare them at the same resolution and the d850 will win), but it also has ISO64, which for some reason you didn't use, why??? Another thing, yes, this image IS out of focus. You can confirm this by simply looking at the sun, there is no starburst effect on the sun. And massive chromatic aberration indicates there is something wrong with your copy of the lens or it's just a bad lens. You never told us what you were using to begin with. And did you disable VR? Check your mistakes and try again. You don't need to be on the field to test IQ. You room is dark and the window is bright, there's your dynamic range test. Rent a decent lens. Who knows, maybe the lens needed some microadjustment too. Don't just make your mind up with first experience. Anyways, hope this helps. I hope you give Pentax a try too.

[@scriptosaurusrex]

The nikon 24-70, which is the most likely candidate, is simply worse than the canon (this applies to both the vr and the non vr). It could well be true that it was also out of focus making the issue appear even worse.

[@galaxydreaming]

Ail'enduril wow 😯

[@emadnejati7620]

Bravo

[@TheGeneralWaldo]

Hey Tom! I was wondering if you had an opinion on the Canon 6D Mark II? I have been shooting on a Rebel T6I and I have taken some perfectly fine photos with it but I was looking to upgrade sometime next year to a full frame camera and for the price it seems like a solid deal. I also take shots of landscapes and I would love to know what you think about someone switching from a cropped sensor to a full frame sensor. :) Thanks!

[@arghideutis]

Why not the X-T2/3? Did you consider the "portability" aspect? It this the gap in DR more important than the save in weight?

[@an1_uk]

Angry Photographer 😂😂😂

[@TheHouseOfEstest]

"The camera sucks!" hahahaha

[@Sushi0923]

Hilarious AF hahah

[@timelord2222]

Angry "Photographer"

[@sulev111]

what a lying douchebag he is, lol. Wonder if Jason Lanier took him to court.

[@an1_uk]

@@sulev111 I wonder if the public spat was the cause of Jason losing his "Sony Artisan of Imagery" title.

[@andreywagner5046]

It looks more like missed focus or camera shake, those high megapixels bodies are not forgiving, even my D810 is not that forgiving, the Nikon does deals better with shadows vs Canon, that handles the highlights more pleasing to my eyes. I would not jump to quick conclusions...

[@AlgoFodder]

The CA though..?!

[@andreywagner5046]

@@AlgoFodder CA is an optical issue of the lens, I don't have enough technical knowledge to tell you how CA occurs on the optical level, and if missed focus has any impact on that, but practically speaking, no one really cares about CA, it's easy fixed in post anyway, when applying the lens profile in the raw processor... Still no justification for Thomas's bald statement... 😀

[@AlgoFodder]

Oh I agree it's a hasty conclusion - I'm just a bit surprised by the CA.. My old 24mm AIS I think does better than that at F/11! (D810 here also)

[@andreywagner5046]

@@AlgoFodder Its impossible to know how and why, If he used Nikon 24-70 its on par with Canon's, CA usually present in these kinda scenarios (dark edges against bright skies) ...

[@johnt714]

Have you tried a same 3rd party lens but with the two different mounts?

[@pratikray6500]

Will it be a Fuji GFX 50 vs 5DIV, or will you look at the 5DSR as well? GFX 50 and 5DS R will have almost similar res. Might be a better comparison.

[@braden6973]

Every lens has a sweet spot, canon lenses are sharper with a higher F-Stop. Nikon lenses are sharper at medium-high F-Stops.

[@PhotoBob]

“The camera sucks”~ Ken Wheeler 😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@BubuSnow93]

He's the photography equivalent of a flat earther :D

[@jameshumphries6579]

@@BubuSnow93 The exact opposite actually.A real polymath.

[@TheG7thcapo]

Why dont you guys post your own videos then?

[@BubuSnow93]

TheG7thcapo aah, the good old "then why don't you do it", the dumbest argument against any criticism when one doesn't know how to reply to facts.

[@borderlands6606]

Ken's a D850 fan, so I assume the quote is taken out of context, or concerns a small detail.

[@777millertime777]

Alan Brock brought me here! Super refreshing to see an honest, real-world video without all the brand loyalty and test chart BS. One of the reasons I left the digital rat race was the incessant pressure to upgrade my whole kit every 6 months. Much respect for taking a pragmatic approach to gear. This coming from a self-proclaimed Nikon fanboy albeit I'm obsessed with the vintage bodies and glass. With that being said, I very much look forward to your results with medium format! Keep up the great work, I've learned a lot about landscape photography from your channel and appreciate your approachable, down-to-earth style. I'm also crazy envious of your adventure van! Cheers.

[@ThePhotographyHobbyist]

11:08 Was the focus point the same? Looks more like the Nikon image had a different focus point maybe? Otherwise I'm not sure why it 'appears' to be out of focus in that particular area (down on the ground).