Need a back-up camera for my D750 but what one to get?

Before I explain my situation you should know that most of my photography is landscape oriented but I also do Macro, Infra-red, Flowers, panoramas, Photo stacking, etc. No portraits, No weddings, and No sports. I have been a photogrpaher for about 20 years and have owned D100, D200, D300, D3s, D4s, D700, D750, D800, D810.

While the D800 and D810 are terrific cameras, the file sizes caused me to get rid of them. While the Nikon flagship cameras I also liked, the physical size and weight were a concern as I do take a camera on long distance hikes. (Note: tried a number of Cool Pic cameras but never liked the results). anyway, along with my situation:

I just sent my D750 To Nikon based upon the recent recall. Usually I have a back up camera but am presently with just the D750. I take a lot of trips (Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Eastern Sierras, Oregon, etc) and if anything happens to my camera on a trip like that I am out a lot of money with no pictures to show for it. For example, years ago on a trip to the Grand Tetons I managed to destroy my shutter while cleaning my sensor. Luckily I had a back up camera with me so I was able to keep on with my trip. I have been waiting for the replacement for the Nikon D750 for awhile now and do not think I will be interested in the D850 because of the huge files it will create. I Just read that it will be on display at the Photo + Expo show in October so it doesn't look like it will be available for awhile anyway. I was thinking of getting a D500 and then I read Ken Rockwell's review and at the end he mentions that unless I am going to be doing sports or birds I would be better off getting another D750 for about the same cost as the D500. Well, I do birds but usually only the bigger ones that move slowly like those in the Everglades and most other areas in Florida.

The reason the D500 is of interest is because I would really like to have the Auto focus capability of the D5 which the D500 does have. I also like the resolution of my D750 which the D500 doesn't seem to have (The D750 has 24mp and D500 has 21mp and the difference in resolution seems to be noticeable according to Ken Rockwell). The ISO performance is also toted as being better and of course the FPS is definitely fastest available and certainly out shoots the D750.

All my lenses are FX and with the D500 they would work well. I originally started out (when digital cameras came out) with a DX camera (D100) and when I went to FX I was amazed at the increase in brightness at the image in the view finder over my DX camera!!! I do not know if that is still the case with the D500 but perhaps I should go to a camera store and check that out.

Finally I have no plans to take a long trip for a few months so there is no rush. I have taken two trips this year already (7 days in south Florida and 9 days in Oregon).

I guess my choices boil down to;

a. wait to see if Nikon introduces a replacement for the D750,

b. buy a D500 or

c. buy another D750.

d. Buy the D5 (I have read that the D5x is coming out soon as well). I have owned the top end Nikon cameras in the past but since I do not do sports I have found that they are really too heavy in my opinion and weight is one of the reasons I like the D750. I have also read the speculation that maybe in the future a "baby D5 " might be released that is smaller than the D5 - Now that would be of interest to me but no one knows when or if that will ever happen...

Anyone want to share their opinions?

What about the D3X00 cameras if it really is just as backup?

D7200 ?

Virtually identical in handling, smaller, no recalls.

Me personally, I would wait to see what Nikon is planning. If you can't wait, the D500 will not disappoint. If you really need lightweight gear consider the Fuji X-T2 with the 18-55 kit. Just got one and it is fantastic. Good luck with your decision.

Gordon Ripley said:

Before I explain my situation you should know that most of my photography is landscape oriented but I also do Macro, Infra-red, Flowers, panoramas, Photo stacking, etc. No portraits, No weddings, and No sports. I have been a photogrpaher for about 20 years and have owned D100, D200, D300, D3s, D4s, D700, D750, D800, D810.

While the D800 and D810 are terrific cameras, the file sizes caused me to get rid of them. While the Nikon flagship cameras I also liked, the physical size and weight were a concern as I do take a camera on long distance hikes. (Note: tried a number of Cool Pic cameras but never liked the results). anyway, along with my situation:

I just sent my D750 To Nikon based upon the recent recall. Usually I have a back up camera but am presently with just the D750. I take a lot of trips (Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Eastern Sierras, Oregon, etc) and if anything happens to my camera on a trip like that I am out a lot of money with no pictures to show for it. For example, years ago on a trip to the Grand Tetons I managed to destroy my shutter while cleaning my sensor. Luckily I had a back up camera with me so I was able to keep on with my trip. I have been waiting for the replacement for the Nikon D750 for awhile now and do not think I will be interested in the D850 because of the huge files it will create. I Just read that it will be on display at the Photo + Expo show in October so it doesn't look like it will be available for awhile anyway. I was thinking of getting a D500 and then I read Ken Rockwell's review and at the end he mentions that unless I am going to be doing sports or birds I would be better off getting another D750 for about the same cost as the D500. Well, I do birds but usually only the bigger ones that move slowly like those in the Everglades and most other areas in Florida.

The reason the D500 is of interest is because I would really like to have the Auto focus capability of the D5 which the D500 does have. I also like the resolution of my D750 which the D500 doesn't seem to have (The D750 has 24mp and D500 has 21mp and the difference in resolution seems to be noticeable according to Ken Rockwell). The ISO performance is also toted as being better and of course the FPS is definitely fastest available and certainly out shoots the D750.

All my lenses are FX and with the D500 they would work well. I originally started out (when digital cameras came out) with a DX camera (D100) and when I went to FX I was amazed at the increase in brightness at the image in the view finder over my DX camera!!! I do not know if that is still the case with the D500 but perhaps I should go to a camera store and check that out.

Finally I have no plans to take a long trip for a few months so there is no rush. I have taken two trips this year already (7 days in south Florida and 9 days in Oregon).

I guess my choices boil down to;

a. wait to see if Nikon introduces a replacement for the D750,

b. buy a D500 or

c. buy another D750.

d. Buy the D5 (I have read that the D5x is coming out soon as well). I have owned the top end Nikon cameras in the past but since I do not do sports I have found that they are really too heavy in my opinion and weight is one of the reasons I like the D750. I have also read the speculation that maybe in the future a "baby D5 " might be released that is smaller than the D5 - Now that would be of interest to me but no one knows when or if that will ever happen...

Anyone want to share their opinions?

Click to expand...

If you want a second camera with more reach and speed than your D750, look at the new D7500. It is cheaper than the D500, faster at 8FPS than the D750 with 6.5FPS, and controls are similar.

Just so you know, the IQ of the D500/D7500 are not going to be the same as out of your D750. I have the D500 and D750, and often shoot them side by side. The D500 has about 1 stop worse high ISO performance, which (if you're a pixel peeper like me) you'll notice as low as ISO400. It took me a couple of months to learn to process the D500 files to my liking.

Also, some FX lenses that work great with your D750, may not look so great with the D500. The D500/D7500 have greater pixel density and are more picky about the quality of lenses. For example my Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G is great on my D750, but can't quite resolve as much detail with my D500. You're fairly safe with primes, but FX zooms may suffer attached to a DX camera.

If I were you, I'd either get a second D750, or a D7500.

If I get another D750 I will have to worry about the recent recalls and could end up having to send it to Nikon as soon as I got it! I suppose I could get a used D750 and ask them for the serial number beforehand and check it on NIKONUSA to see if it needs to be sent in. I'll hold off a little longer... Thanks for all the rplies.

Gordon

I see that the D5 and the D500 have same megapixels. One sensor is AP-c and the other Full. I am not knowledgable enough to know how these to cameras would compare resolution wise? same size sensor but different configuration. Can anyone offer thoughts of a comparison of resolution on these two cameras? It has been written that the resoution on the D750 is noticeable better than the D500 due to the D750 having more megapixels. Thank you.

Gordon

I started off in DX with the D90 so I have several DX lenses (17-55 2.8 and 11-162.8 and 35 1.8). Then I got a D750 and wanted something little newer as a backup, so I grabbed a refurb D7200 for $899.

I shoot weddings and landscape, and for all practical purposes for me (posting on FB and IG and not printing), I can tell no difference between a D750 and A D7200. I've made stunning images with both in a variety of conditions and lighting situations.

Gordon Ripley said:

I see that the D5 and the D500 have same megapixels. One sensor is AP-c and the other Full. I am not knowledgeable enough to know how these to cameras would compare resolution wise? same size sensor but different configuration. Can anyone offer thoughts of a comparison of resolution on these two cameras?

Click to expand...

With good lenses, taking into account equivalence factors, they would be the same.

Gordon Ripley said:

It has been written that the resolution on the D750 is noticeable better than the D500 due to the D750 having more megapixels. Thank you.

Click to expand...

Lots of things get written, but that doesn't make them true, and this is certainly not true. Differences in resolution will be marginal, and beyond that anything noticeable will come down to the lenses used.

Just grab a refurb D610 if it is indeed a back up. I love mine and I shoot weddings haha. They are a bargain, I plan to keep collecting more especially during a future fire sale

If your need is for a camera that will be used in the event your D750 for whatever reason stops working while your out in the "field" (original meaning of the term back up body) then I recommend you buy another D750. Your muscle memory is already tuned into the 750 and you will not have to stop and fiddle with settings on a different body when your loosing the light. You know what I'm talking about.

Michael J. Rogers
www.imagesbymichaelrogers

Not the D5. Waste of money.

regards

johnny_mnemonic said:

Just grab a refurb D610 if it is indeed a back up. I love mine and I shoot weddings haha. They are a bargain, I plan to keep collecting more especially during a future fire sale

Click to expand...

I do not consider a D610 to be a good back-up to my D800. I want two cameras that are identical, that way I can use them interchangeably without thinking about what is different between them.

Based on what you currently shooting and preference, I think I would recommend to get a D750 if you need a backup immediately, can always sell it later when replacement is out.

But how you plan to use your backup may also differ the choice, such as:

-whether keeping it in bag strictly as a backup or using two camera side by side

-choosing similar model to use the same memory cards and battery.

-Complimentary application, such as FX/DX, high ISO DR/Good DR at base ISO, etc.

For reference, I own D750, D810 and D5. And I usually bring two of them on any trip, depending on what kind of photo I would take and do shoot them simultaneously.

D810 resolution and DR is good, and it is generally my first go to camera.

D750 is awesome in size/weight/performance, DR I felt is half a stop better than my D810. My backup for landscape trip, especially if hiking is needed.

D5 is good for sports and bird, but I love it for cold weather usage, time lapse and night photography. The low noise in high ISO is awesome for night photography.

Tony Beach said:

Tony Beach said:

It has been written that the resolution on the D750 is noticeable better than the D500 due to the D750 having more megapixels. Thank you.

Click to expand...

Lots of things get written, but that doesn't make them true, and this is certainly not true. Differences in resolution will be marginal, and beyond that anything noticeable will come down to the lenses used.

Click to expand...

As a former owner of the D750, and an owner of the D7200 and D500 (plus D810) I agree dpreview when just posting the test of the D7500 agree resolution differences are marginal.

Ignoring improved sensor resolution relative to the number of pixels with each new generation of camera, 24 MP has less than 10% more linear pixels than 20.9 MP.

Nikon quote 5,569 and 6,000 pixels.

As as a starting point guide a sensor contributes around 50% to image resolution (the lens contributing the other approximately half), with no improvement is sensor efficiency the reasonable difference in sensor resolution is less than 2.5%.

I first encountered the benefit of improved sensor resolution trading up from the 10 MP D200 to the 12 MP D300, and got with more image resolution than expected from the 2 MP increase in MP.

Nikon would not have to do much to increase sensor resolution by 2.5% in the interval between the D750 launch and the D500 launch.

Back to the OP some of the subjects he/she mentions IME seem better suited to a DX than an FX body.

I purchased another Nikon D750! Thanks for all the advice. I "chatted" with amazon and they assured me that the one I ordered would not require being sent in to Nikon due to the recall.

An interesting thing is that Amazon had listed the D750 I bought as "only one in stock" and a day after I ordered there is still only one in stock? Could this be a psychological ploy to make people think that they should order right away because stock is limited???

Gordon

Backup camera?

Well, based on your description of the kind of photography you do, I would say that another D750 body would be a good choice. Of course, if it were me, I would opt to get a D810 body as a backup.

I know you got rid of your D800 because of the file size, however, you can always put the 800 series Nikons into one of its two crop modes when you don't need 36 MP files. But when you do need them, as in landscape, you will have them.

Expect the D810 will drop somewhat in price once more info is known about the D850 and a delivery date for it is announced.

What about a mirrorless camera like Sony or Fuji

There are mirrorless full frame options as well as crop sensor like the D500

Unless you don't want to bother with new lenses etc then it makes sense to stick to Nikon you have lenses for .

D7200, 7500, D500 or used D4s,

I do think for serious landscape a DSLR would be better thinking filters would be used alot and the smaller mirrorless cameras may not be as easy to work with, (just a preconceived idea)

Of course the answer might just be as simple as get another D750

* As a side note and i do own Two D750's for what I do, I am not thrilled about this recall. I was not affected by the first two rounds and I don't understand after 100 years why Nikon should have these issues.

If you have 100 years to get it right and you still can't why, and what is going on with them and I also think to myself why do I even stay with Nikon and why would I even want to bother with the D850.

Gordon Ripley said:

I purchased another Nikon D750! Thanks for all the advice. I "chatted" with amazon and they assured me that the one I ordered would not require being sent in to Nikon due to the recall.

An interesting thing is that Amazon had listed the D750 I bought as "only one in stock" and a day after I ordered there is still only one in stock? Could this be a psychological ploy to make people think that they should order right away because stock is limited???

Gordon

Click to expand...

Probably

Good luck with the new d750, and hope the repair will come back soon!