Real World Comparison of D850 vs D6 in Use - Anyone?

[PerfectPoms]

I was going to say that there has to, has to, has to be more D6's than that - but then I happened to check out the 'search' feature on my photo hosting website: pbase - and you can search for images taken by a particular camera - and about 98% of the images on pbase taken with the D6 camera are MINE:

Nikon D6 Digital Camera Sample Photos and Specifications

For comparison sake, about 60% of images taken by D5's on pbase are mine:

Nikon D5 Digital Camera Sample Photos and Specifications

 

[Fullframer]

I paid $4250 for my newest D6, which was an open-box in like new condition with only 700 some odd shots on it. That’s a huge difference in used values and the D6 is NOT worth $2000+ more than a D5 is, but timing is weird. As is the low price of the Z9. Typically a D4s cost about $500-$800 more than a D4 was, a D5 was worth $3500 when I sold my D4s for $2600 in 2019. So the fact that the D6 is still over $4k used is a bit of an outlier.

Lots of places still selling used D6's at quite lofty prices even with significant shutter counts. I suggest anyone looking to shop around and compare.
D6's can now be found for less than $4k used, and some stores are even willing to negotiate cost. The unit I got had only 20 shots on it -- it was otherwise literally brand new.

I sold both my D850 and D500 to help pay for the Z9. I do like it - but - the EVF causes eye strain for me with extended usage.

That's an issue I've experienced, sometimes I shoot for a very long time and all the blu light exposure through EVF on your eye isn't the greater for you. OVF way better for that.

No such problems with OVF's. Thus, along with better low light performance, my D6 purchase.

 

[chambeshi]

Nikon SAYS the AF system in the D850/D500 is the 'same' as the D5/D6 - and this leads many people here in this forum to argue that the D850 focuses as well as the D5. It does NOT.

The D6 has an entirely different AF system. It improved in April 2021 with v1.20 firmware. The core of the AF engine is the new Multi-CAM 37K sensor, with radically improved software. The uncanny abilities of the AI based pattern recognition (in the AF Engine) have to be experienced over some time to be believed. I've grown to now often use 3D-tracking as my primary BBAF mode with Face-Detection turned on (a8).

Nikon has been typically shy about stating how well this AI pattern-recognition performs. However, it's been stated officially how 3D Tracking works well on hunting cheetahs:

https://brochures.nikon-asia.com/Brochures/DSLR/Brochure_D6.pdf

I've equally grown to appreciate the Custom Group Area AF mode(s) - CA1 and CA2. Launched in the D6, this is one of Nikon's best innovations ever; and obviously the Z9 gives this AF mode (CA1, CA2) an extra big leap forward with Subject/Eye Recognition.

Ironically, the functional details of the AI in the D6 AF engine are very much a closed book. Nikon has not elaborated much, if all, about the specs of Group-Area AF face-detection (a9), neither Auto-area AF face-detection (a11) nor that in 3D-tracking! What has become clear is this "secret-sauce" works surprisingly well on many other organisms besides humans. d

In summary, too many poorly informed commentators underestimate the D6 AF performance and reliability - It's significantly superior to the D850 and also D5. In some aspects the D6 outperforms the Z9.

The D5 and D6 have an extra computer chip that the D850 and D500 don't have. This chip is for AF calculations.

Almost everybody who has used D5 vs D850 (in difficult AF situations) - will tell you the D5 is better.

Agree fully.... based on many thousands of images taken of African birds and mammals etc taken with my D5 in thick scrub...

However, the D6 is even better

 

[chambeshi]

I doubt most experienced Pro's take much notice of these talking heads in utube. For a start the immature theatrics and massive Noise/Signal ratio makes them unwatchable - highlighted entities particularly. To diagnose these attention seekers as out of their depth is a generous understatement.

It's unfortunate the D6 shipped with the pandemic. There have been far too few real reviews of this excellent camera (only Brad Hill as a I recall, and Moose Peterson commented on his findings with the autofocus);

hell, even ThomH has yet to publish his, but from comments he uses and respects the D6 greatly, and alongside his pair of Z9's.

I enjoy the D6 immensely alongside the Z9, both are wonderful instruments and complementary. This is after trading in a very capable D5 for the discounted D6 some months back. Oh, and the 4 yr old D850 is not going anywhere. It's images are as superb as ever

However, it's a huge mistake to underestimate the D6. As summarized some months ago....

there remain many situations when the D6 outguns any MILC - clutter and sheer resistance to Back-Grabs of the AF. This applies particularly to success with subjects in grass and thickets, for example.

For various reasons the D6 has had a bad rap, especially criticisms from experts who will never own a D6, and never even tested the camera. All I can add to the relatively few reviews, is the D6 Rocks. To try and summarize - the Whole of the D6 is Greater than the sum of its Parts

more -

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66462652

{snip..}

but in reality Nikon was dismayed at poorly the D6 was received. Nearly every major YouTube channel either roasted the D6 or work with or for Nikon, or even promised full reviews, but never did! Everyone on YouTube either dismissed it… from Jared Polin, Kai, Mark Smith, Angry Photographer, Steve Matthias, etc., etc.! Although I don’t trust or watch most YouTuber’s, the D6 flopped and even though many wrote it off, I’m sure they would’ve liked it…if they just tried it or gave it a real chance. Jared Polin raved about the D5, D500 and D850 but hates the D6? How can you love and use a D5 for years and yet completely write off the D6 after unboxing it, and sniffing it? Yeah? Now you know why I hate watching YouTube stars review gear. I decided to give the D6 a chance and I was an NPS priority for its release. Since I was working for a newspaper I got my D6 really early on. I decided at the time, after a week or so of testing, that the D6 was better, by a fair bit. However it wasn’t worth $3500 extra over what a clean low mileage D5 was going for. So I returned it and I got a D850 with grip kit and a second D5. Only a few months ago is when I decided to upgrade. I sold my D5’s and D850 and now I’m using the D6’s! Love them! So please don’t confuse anything I’ve said. All I was trying to convey…was the Z9 is much more mass produced and I’ve seen USA serial numbers above 35,000…while there are only maybe 2500 total D6 bodies in the USA. It’s not even close, because I believe USA Z9 serial numbers are going to crest 50k any-day now! I see Z9’s everything I go, and most of my colleagues and friends who shoot Nikon have at least one Z9, if not two or three.

 

[chambeshi]

Moose has published the only feedback IME on the updated firmware v1.20 for the D6 (April 2021) of the D6 AF system with its uncanny tracking prowess - my experience confirms this on wildlife with the D6.... from 20:00

 

[twamers]

• chambeshi wrote:

I doubt most experienced Pro's take much notice of these talking heads in utube. For a start the immature theatrics and massive Noise/Signal ratio makes them unwatchable - highlighted entities particularly. To diagnose these attention seekers as out of their depth is a generous understatement.

It's unfortunate the D6 shipped with the pandemic. There have been far too few real reviews of this excellent camera (only Brad Hill as a I recall, and Moose Peterson commented on his findings with the autofocus);

hell, even ThomH has yet to publish his, but from comments he uses and respects the D6 greatly, and alongside his pair of Z9's.

I enjoy the D6 immensely alongside the Z9, both are wonderful instruments and complementary. This is after trading in a very capable D5 for the discounted D6 some months back. Oh, and the 4 yr old D850 is not going anywhere. It's images are as superb as ever

However, it's a huge mistake to underestimate the D6. As summarized some months ago....

there remain many situations when the D6 outguns any MILC - clutter and sheer resistance to Back-Grabs of the AF. This applies particularly to success with subjects in grass and thickets, for example.

For various reasons the D6 has had a bad rap, especially criticisms from experts who will never own a D6, and never even tested the camera. All I can add to the relatively few reviews, is the D6 Rocks. To try and summarize - the Whole of the D6 is Greater than the sum of its Parts

more - https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66462652
{snip..}

but in reality Nikon was dismayed at poorly the D6 was received. Nearly every major YouTube channel either roasted the D6 or work with or for Nikon, or even promised full reviews, but never did! Everyone on YouTube either dismissed it… from Jared Polin, Kai, Mark Smith, Angry Photographer, Steve Matthias, etc., etc.! Although I don’t trust or watch most YouTuber’s, the D6 flopped and even though many wrote it off, I’m sure they would’ve liked it…if they just tried it or gave it a real chance. Jared Polin raved about the D5, D500 and D850 but hates the D6? How can you love and use a D5 for years and yet completely write off the D6 after unboxing it, and sniffing it? Yeah? Now you know why I hate watching YouTube stars review gear. I decided to give the D6 a chance and I was an NPS priority for its release. Since I was working for a newspaper I got my D6 really early on. I decided at the time, after a week or so of testing, that the D6 was better, by a fair bit. However it wasn’t worth $3500 extra over what a clean low mileage D5 was going for. So I returned it and I got a D850 with grip kit and a second D5. Only a few months ago is when I decided to upgrade. I sold my D5’s and D850 and now I’m using the D6’s! Love them! So please don’t confuse anything I’ve said. All I was trying to convey…was the Z9 is much more mass produced and I’ve seen USA serial numbers above 35,000…while there are only maybe 2500 total D6 bodies in the USA. It’s not even close, because I believe USA Z9 serial numbers are going to crest 50k any-day now! I see Z9’s everything I go, and most of my colleagues and friends who shoot Nikon have at least one Z9, if not two or three.

Very good comments re D6. I never owned a D3/4/5 but do have a D850/D500. Then I bought a D6. Well I agree with your other post that the af of the D6 is different/and better compared to the D850 etc. I still adore my D850 and will always keep it but the af on the D6 is staggeringly good. I am just so pleased that l bought one - and l also find the files it produces are just so good too and beautiful.

 

[Guy Dagar]

Very good comments re D6. I never owned a D3/4/5 but do have a D850/D500. Then I bought a D6. Well I agree with your other post that the af of the D6 is different/and better compared to the D850 etc. I still adore my D850 and will always keep it but the af on the D6 is staggeringly good. I am just so pleased that l bought one - and l also find the files it produces are just so good too and beautiful.

I agree. The D6, much like the D5, is almost magical. Everyone talks about more megapixels and no low-pass filter and so on, lacking on the D6 and yet my D6 images are every bit as good as my D850/Z7 pics, or better. It's hard to understand how it can be, but even at ISO 25800 and heavily cropped, the D6 images shine. Yes, and I still adore the D850 and hope not to part with it, at least not for a long, long time.

 

[chambeshi]

• chambeshi wrote:

Very good comments re D6. I never owned a D3/4/5 but do have a D850/D500. Then I bought a D6. Well I agree with your other post that the af of the D6 is different/and better compared to the D850 etc. I still adore my D850 and will always keep it but the af on the D6 is staggeringly good. I am just so pleased that l bought one - and l also find the files it produces are just so good too and beautiful.

I also owned a D500 before D850. It is also a superb camera, and still the king of the DX stable IMHO

I went back & edited aspects of the AF post, above, to correct syntax on the D6 AI-based modes. After several months of using a D6 (after D5 but alongside Z9), it strongly suspect the AF algorithms of the D6 and Z9 share distinct commonalities, despite their fundamentally distinct bauplan.

This is besides the MILC style touch menus and i-Menu of the D6, which also works much better in practise than older DSLRs.

 

[Fullframer]

• chambeshi wrote:

I doubt most experienced Pro's take much notice of these talking heads in utube. For a start the immature theatrics and massive Noise/Signal ratio makes them unwatchable - highlighted entities particularly. To diagnose these attention seekers as out of their depth is a generous understatement.

It's unfortunate the D6 shipped with the pandemic. There have been far too few real reviews of this excellent camera (only Brad Hill as a I recall, and Moose Peterson commented on his findings with the autofocus);

hell, even ThomH has yet to publish his, but from comments he uses and respects the D6 greatly, and alongside his pair of Z9's.

I enjoy the D6 immensely alongside the Z9, both are wonderful instruments and complementary. This is after trading in a very capable D5 for the discounted D6 some months back. Oh, and the 4 yr old D850 is not going anywhere. It's images are as superb as ever

However, it's a huge mistake to underestimate the D6. As summarized some months ago....

there remain many situations when the D6 outguns any MILC - clutter and sheer resistance to Back-Grabs of the AF. This applies particularly to success with subjects in grass and thickets, for example.

For various reasons the D6 has had a bad rap, especially criticisms from experts who will never own a D6, and never even tested the camera. All I can add to the relatively few reviews, is the D6 Rocks. To try and summarize - the Whole of the D6 is Greater than the sum of its Parts

more - https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66462652
{snip..}

but in reality Nikon was dismayed at poorly the D6 was received. Nearly every major YouTube channel either roasted the D6 or work with or for Nikon, or even promised full reviews, but never did! Everyone on YouTube either dismissed it… from Jared Polin, Kai, Mark Smith, Angry Photographer, Steve Matthias, etc., etc.! Although I don’t trust or watch most YouTuber’s, the D6 flopped and even though many wrote it off, I’m sure they would’ve liked it…if they just tried it or gave it a real chance. Jared Polin raved about the D5, D500 and D850 but hates the D6? How can you love and use a D5 for years and yet completely write off the D6 after unboxing it, and sniffing it? Yeah? Now you know why I hate watching YouTube stars review gear. I decided to give the D6 a chance and I was an NPS priority for its release. Since I was working for a newspaper I got my D6 really early on. I decided at the time, after a week or so of testing, that the D6 was better, by a fair bit. However it wasn’t worth $3500 extra over what a clean low mileage D5 was going for. So I returned it and I got a D850 with grip kit and a second D5. Only a few months ago is when I decided to upgrade. I sold my D5’s and D850 and now I’m using the D6’s! Love them! So please don’t confuse anything I’ve said. All I was trying to convey…was the Z9 is much more mass produced and I’ve seen USA serial numbers above 35,000…while there are only maybe 2500 total D6 bodies in the USA. It’s not even close, because I believe USA Z9 serial numbers are going to crest 50k any-day now! I see Z9’s everything I go, and most of my colleagues and friends who shoot Nikon have at least one Z9, if not two or three.

Very good comments re D6. I never owned a D3/4/5 but do have a D850/D500. Then I bought a D6. Well I agree with your other post that the af of the D6 is different/and better compared to the D850 etc.

Define better, depends on the usage. I shoot a lot at ISO64, large landscapes. D850 is superior to the D6 for that kind of image quality hands down. If you shoot at higher ISO's , sports, need best focus then yes, D6!

I still adore my D850 and will always keep it but the af on the D6 is staggeringly good. I am just so pleased that l bought one - and l also find the files it produces are just so good too and beautiful.

I have no issues with D850 autofocus, can even shoot nighttime high school football games and its autofocus is ok enough. I had a D4 prior. Yes, a D6 would be better. I don't do a lot of night time sports. once a in a while.

 

[twamers]

• chambeshi wrote:

I doubt most experienced Pro's take much notice of these talking heads in utube. For a start the immature theatrics and massive Noise/Signal ratio makes them unwatchable - highlighted entities particularly. To diagnose these attention seekers as out of their depth is a generous understatement.

It's unfortunate the D6 shipped with the pandemic. There have been far too few real reviews of this excellent camera (only Brad Hill as a I recall, and Moose Peterson commented on his findings with the autofocus);

hell, even ThomH has yet to publish his, but from comments he uses and respects the D6 greatly, and alongside his pair of Z9's.

I enjoy the D6 immensely alongside the Z9, both are wonderful instruments and complementary. This is after trading in a very capable D5 for the discounted D6 some months back. Oh, and the 4 yr old D850 is not going anywhere. It's images are as superb as ever

However, it's a huge mistake to underestimate the D6. As summarized some months ago....

there remain many situations when the D6 outguns any MILC - clutter and sheer resistance to Back-Grabs of the AF. This applies particularly to success with subjects in grass and thickets, for example.

For various reasons the D6 has had a bad rap, especially criticisms from experts who will never own a D6, and never even tested the camera. All I can add to the relatively few reviews, is the D6 Rocks. To try and summarize - the Whole of the D6 is Greater than the sum of its Parts

more - https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66462652
{snip..}

but in reality Nikon was dismayed at poorly the D6 was received. Nearly every major YouTube channel either roasted the D6 or work with or for Nikon, or even promised full reviews, but never did! Everyone on YouTube either dismissed it… from Jared Polin, Kai, Mark Smith, Angry Photographer, Steve Matthias, etc., etc.! Although I don’t trust or watch most YouTuber’s, the D6 flopped and even though many wrote it off, I’m sure they would’ve liked it…if they just tried it or gave it a real chance. Jared Polin raved about the D5, D500 and D850 but hates the D6? How can you love and use a D5 for years and yet completely write off the D6 after unboxing it, and sniffing it? Yeah? Now you know why I hate watching YouTube stars review gear. I decided to give the D6 a chance and I was an NPS priority for its release. Since I was working for a newspaper I got my D6 really early on. I decided at the time, after a week or so of testing, that the D6 was better, by a fair bit. However it wasn’t worth $3500 extra over what a clean low mileage D5 was going for. So I returned it and I got a D850 with grip kit and a second D5. Only a few months ago is when I decided to upgrade. I sold my D5’s and D850 and now I’m using the D6’s! Love them! So please don’t confuse anything I’ve said. All I was trying to convey…was the Z9 is much more mass produced and I’ve seen USA serial numbers above 35,000…while there are only maybe 2500 total D6 bodies in the USA. It’s not even close, because I believe USA Z9 serial numbers are going to crest 50k any-day now! I see Z9’s everything I go, and most of my colleagues and friends who shoot Nikon have at least one Z9, if not two or three.

Very good comments re D6. I never owned a D3/4/5 but do have a D850/D500. Then I bought a D6. Well I agree with your other post that the af of the D6 is different/and better compared to the D850 etc.

Define better, depends on the usage. I shoot a lot at ISO64, large landscapes. D850 is superior to the D6 for that kind of image quality hands down. If you shoot at higher ISO's , sports, need best focus then yes, D6!

I still adore my D850 and will always keep it but the af on the D6 is staggeringly good. I am just so pleased that l bought one - and l also find the files it produces are just so good too and beautiful.

I have no issues with D850 autofocus, can even shoot nighttime high school football games and its autofocus is ok enough. I had a D4 prior. Yes, a D6 would be better. I don't do a lot of night time sports. once a in a while.

I mainly do sport so the D6 has fantastic auto focus. I use the D850 as my alternate camera for sport with grip for 9 fps if l need. The D850 has great auto focus but the D6 is just more sure footed. Presumably as the D6 also has a different auto focus that Nikon talked about in it's advertising and descriptions l guess Nikon feels it's the best ever they've achieved in DSLRs. I've no doubt it is better than the D850 but in fairness with objects not moving my D7200 or D750 are splendid too.

So I'm lucky l have two of Nikon's best ever full frame Nikon's with great auto focus - but for my needs the D6 is better. I rarely do landscapes and yes l like the D850 ISO 64. These are two keeper cameras for me together also with my D500.

The D6 images do print absolutely great notwithstanding the resolution factor in favour of the D850.

 

[Guy Dagar]

I doubt most experienced Pro's take much notice of these talking heads in utube. For a start the immature theatrics and massive Noise/Signal ratio makes them unwatchable - highlighted entities particularly. To diagnose these attention seekers as out of their depth is a generous understatement.

It's unfortunate the D6 shipped with the pandemic. There have been far too few real reviews of this excellent camera (only Brad Hill as a I recall, and Moose Peterson commented on his findings with the autofocus);

hell, even ThomH has yet to publish his, but from comments he uses and respects the D6 greatly, and alongside his pair of Z9's.

I enjoy the D6 immensely alongside the Z9, both are wonderful instruments and complementary. This is after trading in a very capable D5 for the discounted D6 some months back. Oh, and the 4 yr old D850 is not going anywhere. It's images are as superb as ever

However, it's a huge mistake to underestimate the D6. As summarized some months ago....

there remain many situations when the D6 outguns any MILC - clutter and sheer resistance to Back-Grabs of the AF. This applies particularly to success with subjects in grass and thickets, for example.

For various reasons the D6 has had a bad rap, especially criticisms from experts who will never own a D6, and never even tested the camera. All I can add to the relatively few reviews, is the D6 Rocks. To try and summarize - the Whole of the D6 is Greater than the sum of its Parts

more - https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66462652

Somebody mentioned the Z9? I just recently received mine. I'm still trying to find the subject matter and lighting to shoot that I can accurately compare the Z9 to my D6. So far, distant shots at high ISO the D6 renders a sharper image. I'm talking ISO 10000 or higher at 15 meters or so. I'm finding it kind of strange, but not altogether surprising from what I've experienced with the D6.

On the other hand, I'm finding the Z9 to be an amazing camera as well. A bunch of different birds all converged on one of my bird feeders at the same time, along with a couple squirrels. They were only there about ten minutes and then they were gone. In that ten minutes, I shot 700 photos with the Z9. Shooting in wide C1 (5x5) with face recognition on, it stayed on the eyes of most of the birds most of the time. That was at 10 fps, thank god, not 20. I don't like silent mode, but with the shutter sound on low, it wasn't unlike shooting a DSLR. The one thing I do dislike about the D6 is the loud shutter slap.

The Z9 won't replace the D6—I don't think any camera can; it will replace the Z7. Not sure the D6 will replace the D850—it could, but I really like the D850 too. Guess I'm stuck with all three of them.





--
If you don’t aim for perfection, you cannot make a great photo. And yet, true perfection is impossible. So, at the end you must reconcile yourself to failure. No photo is perfect, you have to make your peace with that. How? You pick up your camera and you start again. —Carasco

 

[Guy Dagar]

Moose has published the only feedback IME on the updated firmware v1.20 for the D6 (April 2021) of the D6 AF system with its uncanny tracking prowess - my experience confirms this on wildlife with the D6.... from 20:00

Thanks!

 

[Fullframer]

• chambeshi wrote:

I doubt most experienced Pro's take much notice of these talking heads in utube. For a start the immature theatrics and massive Noise/Signal ratio makes them unwatchable - highlighted entities particularly. To diagnose these attention seekers as out of their depth is a generous understatement.

It's unfortunate the D6 shipped with the pandemic. There have been far too few real reviews of this excellent camera (only Brad Hill as a I recall, and Moose Peterson commented on his findings with the autofocus);

hell, even ThomH has yet to publish his, but from comments he uses and respects the D6 greatly, and alongside his pair of Z9's.

I enjoy the D6 immensely alongside the Z9, both are wonderful instruments and complementary. This is after trading in a very capable D5 for the discounted D6 some months back. Oh, and the 4 yr old D850 is not going anywhere. It's images are as superb as ever

However, it's a huge mistake to underestimate the D6. As summarized some months ago....

there remain many situations when the D6 outguns any MILC - clutter and sheer resistance to Back-Grabs of the AF. This applies particularly to success with subjects in grass and thickets, for example.

For various reasons the D6 has had a bad rap, especially criticisms from experts who will never own a D6, and never even tested the camera. All I can add to the relatively few reviews, is the D6 Rocks. To try and summarize - the Whole of the D6 is Greater than the sum of its Parts

more - https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66462652
{snip..}

but in reality Nikon was dismayed at poorly the D6 was received. Nearly every major YouTube channel either roasted the D6 or work with or for Nikon, or even promised full reviews, but never did! Everyone on YouTube either dismissed it… from Jared Polin, Kai, Mark Smith, Angry Photographer, Steve Matthias, etc., etc.! Although I don’t trust or watch most YouTuber’s, the D6 flopped and even though many wrote it off, I’m sure they would’ve liked it…if they just tried it or gave it a real chance. Jared Polin raved about the D5, D500 and D850 but hates the D6? How can you love and use a D5 for years and yet completely write off the D6 after unboxing it, and sniffing it? Yeah? Now you know why I hate watching YouTube stars review gear. I decided to give the D6 a chance and I was an NPS priority for its release. Since I was working for a newspaper I got my D6 really early on. I decided at the time, after a week or so of testing, that the D6 was better, by a fair bit. However it wasn’t worth $3500 extra over what a clean low mileage D5 was going for. So I returned it and I got a D850 with grip kit and a second D5. Only a few months ago is when I decided to upgrade. I sold my D5’s and D850 and now I’m using the D6’s! Love them! So please don’t confuse anything I’ve said. All I was trying to convey…was the Z9 is much more mass produced and I’ve seen USA serial numbers above 35,000…while there are only maybe 2500 total D6 bodies in the USA. It’s not even close, because I believe USA Z9 serial numbers are going to crest 50k any-day now! I see Z9’s everything I go, and most of my colleagues and friends who shoot Nikon have at least one Z9, if not two or three.

Very good comments re D6. I never owned a D3/4/5 but do have a D850/D500. Then I bought a D6. Well I agree with your other post that the af of the D6 is different/and better compared to the D850 etc.

Define better, depends on the usage. I shoot a lot at ISO64, large landscapes. D850 is superior to the D6 for that kind of image quality hands down. If you shoot at higher ISO's , sports, need best focus then yes, D6!

I still adore my D850 and will always keep it but the af on the D6 is staggeringly good. I am just so pleased that l bought one - and l also find the files it produces are just so good too and beautiful.

I have no issues with D850 autofocus, can even shoot nighttime high school football games and its autofocus is ok enough. I had a D4 prior. Yes, a D6 would be better. I don't do a lot of night time sports. once a in a while.

I mainly do sport so the D6 has fantastic auto focus. I use the D850 as my alternate camera for sport with grip for 9 fps if l need.

Yes, the more rare times I do sports I have the grip 9 fps on the D850.

The D850 has great auto focus but the D6 is just more sure footed. Presumably as the D6 also has a different auto focus that Nikon talked about in it's advertising and descriptions l guess Nikon feels it's the best ever they've achieved in DSLRs. I've no doubt it is better than the D850 but in fairness with objects not moving my D7200 or D750 are splendid too.

So I'm lucky l have two of Nikon's best ever full frame Nikon's with great auto focus - but for my needs the D6 is better. I rarely do landscapes and yes l like the D850 ISO 64. These are two keeper cameras for me together also with my D500.

Very true. If I did more paid sports like years ago, I would also get a D6.

The D6 images do print absolutely great notwithstanding the resolution factor in favour of the D850.

 

[ARClark]

No problem. Thanks for the note.

 

[6 X 17 Feind]

What are the largest prints any of you have made from either an 850 or a D6?

If one is going really big like 20x24 or even 30 inches wide, would the 850 do better than the D6?

--
6 X 17 Feind

 

[John Cote]

What are the largest prints any of you have made from either an 850 or a D6?

If one is going really big like 20x24 or even 30 inches wide, would the 850 do better than the D6?

There is no debating that in exactly the same situation; in a studio or on two tripods right next to each other set the same and looking at the same landscape, the D850 will produce a more detailed file. It has more resolution. You can do all of the AI extrapolation you want but there is no substitute for resolution. With bigger photosites the D6 will have a better signal to noise ratio so as ISO increases there will be a point of diminishing returns on the increased resolution of the D850 but you don't reach that point until the ISO is cranked way up.

I don't shoot much wildlife or nature but I keep my D850 for the studio. That's where it excels. If what you do is make big art prints and you don't need the faster focus, the faster frame rate or the more robust body, the D850 is your tool.

That said, I have a Z9. I don't like using it in the studio with strobe lighting quite as much as the D-850 but the file it makes is every bit as good and it has the speed and robustness of the D6 only more in some respects.

 

[WildlifePhotog]

I doubt most experienced Pro's take much notice of these talking heads in utube. For a start the immature theatrics and massive Noise/Signal ratio makes them unwatchable - highlighted entities particularly. To diagnose these attention seekers as out of their depth is a generous understatement.

It's unfortunate the D6 shipped with the pandemic. There have been far too few real reviews of this excellent camera (only Brad Hill as a I recall, and Moose Peterson commented on his findings with the autofocus);

hell, even ThomH has yet to publish his, but from comments he uses and respects the D6 greatly, and alongside his pair of Z9's.

I enjoy the D6 immensely alongside the Z9, both are wonderful instruments and complementary. This is after trading in a very capable D5 for the discounted D6 some months back. Oh, and the 4 yr old D850 is not going anywhere. It's images are as superb as ever

However, it's a huge mistake to underestimate the D6. As summarized some months ago....

there remain many situations when the D6 outguns any MILC - clutter and sheer resistance to Back-Grabs of the AF. This applies particularly to success with subjects in grass and thickets, for example.

For various reasons the D6 has had a bad rap, especially criticisms from experts who will never own a D6, and never even tested the camera. All I can add to the relatively few reviews, is the D6 Rocks. To try and summarize - the Whole of the D6 is Greater than the sum of its Parts

more - https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66462652

Somebody mentioned the Z9? I just recently received mine. I'm still trying to find the subject matter and lighting to shoot that I can accurately compare the Z9 to my D6. So far, distant shots at high ISO the D6 renders a sharper image. I'm talking ISO 10000 or higher at 15 meters or so. I'm finding it kind of strange, but not altogether surprising from what I've experienced with the D6.

On the other hand, I'm finding the Z9 to be an amazing camera as well. A bunch of different birds all converged on one of my bird feeders at the same time, along with a couple squirrels. They were only there about ten minutes and then they were gone. In that ten minutes, I shot 700 photos with the Z9. Shooting in wide C1 (5x5) with face recognition on, it stayed on the eyes of most of the birds most of the time. That was at 10 fps, thank god, not 20. I don't like silent mode, but with the shutter sound on low, it wasn't unlike shooting a DSLR. The one thing I do dislike about the D6 is the loud shutter slap.

The Z9 won't replace the D6—I don't think any camera can; it will replace the Z7. Not sure the D6 will replace the D850—it could, but I really like the D850 too. Guess I'm stuck with all three of them.

I found exactly the same results and call me crazy, but does the Z9 produce slightly more noisy images than the D850 or am I splitting hairs? I know it can’t be much, maybe it’s because I’ve only used an NPS loaner in the very beginning? I do remember sine talk about the issue at the time, but I dunno. I just didn’t like the images the Z9 produced compared to my D6, which eventually made me sell my D850. For what I do, and due to my light sensitivity from TBI/CTE mirrorless just isn’t for me, “yet!” Though the Canon R3 almost made me switch brands when I first did the math on what I could sell my DSLR gear for. I almost hit send it on a Canon 1Dx Mark III and 200-400mm f/4L IS with the plan to eventually get the rumored R1. What changed my mind and love for Nikon?



I tried the D6 a second time around after hearing my old friend Moose Peterson rave about the 1.20 Firmware and how much it improved AF. I doubted this a bit at first, because I had an early NPS priority D6 and had returned it after thinking it wasn’t worth $3500 more over clean low-mileage used D5. Still don’t, but I got my D6’s for a great deal at the time, seems values are holding for now. If anything I maybe could make a little if I sold my newest D6, since I got a great deal. Anyways, long story short…the Z9 is absolutely a beast, and some specs are a game changer for many. I get why it’s so popular and well received…after all it’s the D850/Z7 meets flagship DSLR! There is a lot to like or brag about for Nikon.

I just fall into the niche of photographers who value low light abilities and the D6 is absolutely mind blowing. It’s AF is shockingly good to me at times, it’s so fast and accurate it’s incredible! It switched from an Osprey to a Crow, who’d swept in and dive bombed the sitting/resting Osprey. I was at 700mm and f/5.6 with my 500FL and TC-14E III, the light was getting lower, and my D6 instantly switched from the Osprey to the Crow, before my head could spin, I checked focus…amazing! The shot before and after we’re all within split bds at 14fps! Yet it was able to change focusing distances and subjects all before I could yell “holy cow!” Now I’m convinced the firmware upgrade rumors were absolutely true or I initially misunderstood how much better the D6 was or is, over the D5.

However more and more the D6 has solidified my faith in Nikon and their lovely 23 years of flagship DSLR’s and now mirrorless! I’ve been a professional photojournalist for much of time, but yet never needed a single repair, never a failure with any Nikon lens or camera, on over 25 years! I started with an N90s and I’ve had D1-D6 and literally everything in between. I’ve had D700, D800, D810, D850, D3x, D1x, D2Xs, you name it!

 

[Guy Dagar]

Quite right, Patrick! I can't see getting rid of the D6. Even though my experience with the Z9 is limited, and I am liking shooting with it, I really think the D6 is more capable, and like you say, maybe I'm splitting hairs, better than the Z9 in low light, purely from an IQ standpoint. The Z9 does seem to track really well and the eye-recognition feature in wide AF really works. But even my experience with the D6 is limited, so I can't really judge well enough to say for sure which one suits my needs better, since I shoot all sorts of subjects from landscape to BIF to portraits to products and so on. I'm just going to have to muddle on with both for now. The Z7 is going away if someone will buy it. I'll hold on to the D850 and Z6 II for the time being, but I suspect in the end it may come down to just the Z9 and the D6.

 

[WildlifePhotog]

Quite right, Patrick! I can't see getting rid of the D6. Even though my experience with the Z9 is limited, and I am liking shooting with it, I really think the D6 is more capable, and like you say, maybe I'm splitting hairs, better than the Z9 in low light, purely from an IQ standpoint. The Z9 does seem to track really well and the eye-recognition feature in wide AF really works. But even my experience with the D6 is limited, so I can't really judge well enough to say for sure which one suits my needs better, since I shoot all sorts of subjects from landscape to BIF to portraits to products and so on. I'm just going to have to muddle on with both for now. The Z7 is going away if someone will buy it. I'll hold on to the D850 and Z6 II for the time being, but I suspect in the end it may come down to just the Z9 and the D6.

Thanks buddy! Yeah I agree, with pretty much everything you say lately, which is refreshing honestly. Some people on these threads, including longtime veteran members have started fights with me and make me sound like I’m completely wrong or crazy. Yet I look into these people and their work is non-existent or they are just gear heads. They don’t actually shoot for a living or shoot at all. I’ve met and have been tricked and felt so upset from these types calling me out…that I feel like rage quitting and being kicked off of the forums, I could careless at this point. Z-users are worse than Sony users…if you dare question or disagree with their so-thought-of “expert opinion!” Funny when you look at these types, they don’t actually practice photography, they practice arguing about things they don’t even understand.

You and those like you, who I value on here…are the only reason I’m even still here. You probably know by now I have been around, I am well respected in my field, and I’m an award winning photojournalist. Having said that, I am so sick of the toxicity on here! I know it’s a part of the photography community, always has been honestly. The first time people attacked me, I was only 14 years old and very impressionable. It was toxic adults picking on kid who just loved his hobby, who wanted to be a pro one day… It hardened me early on when I realized there was this toxic nature.

As much as you try to avoid it. It gets to you eventually and the sad thing is these trolls are not even good or they don’t even shoot. At all, just buy Z9’s for YouTube views. I live in SoCal now and you’d be shocked to hear my personal stories of late in here, on the forums and elsewhere. I stopped putting up with these types. So I probably will be asked or forced to leave, if I don’t just delete my account.

The worst part is I’ve reached out to a few, privately and asked them nicely to either leave me alone or I mute/blocked them with Admin help! Yet the one admin, who I won’t name… never sees how I’m always the one whose called out as a liar or wrong, first. They’ve deleted my comments, which sometimes took me an almost an hour to write, simply for standing up to the bullies. So sure I’m probably one of the last working full-time professional photojournalists…who even wastes their free time trying to give back here. Which is why it’s so sad. The cream of the crop don’t give back anymore, they’ve all been burned, bullied and disillusioned like I have. I admit I’m not the be all and end all, but I do have lots of experience. I am not afraid to show my face, my work…you know I put myself out there some, but I try to remain humble.

Long story short, I have a family, I’m sick (health wise) and most likely dying slowly from CTE/TBI’s and have had PTSD from my combat experience. So long story short, I’m most likely done here! It’s been real. I really appreciate everyone who was kind to me, those who have personally thanked me for my time and help, I love you guys/gals! Just seems Z-users are still visiting both DSLR/Mirrorless threads or forums…simply to attack anyone who says anything remotely critical of their Z-mount purchases/gear. They take it personally like you’re a Sony user who just hates Nikon holdouts, lol. You know? Like I’m being attacked all of the time for saying anything about the Z-system. Yet nobody can show me any proof mirrorless cameras produce better image quality or whatever, it is they are tripping on. Confirmation bias, probably mostly from the amateurs and tech nerds who rewatch reviews on the cameras they already own…just to hear confirmation. It’s so sad, lol. Maybe living in Southern California makes it worse, but you wouldn’t believe what people have been saying lately. So if you don’t see me again…thanks to everyone who helped me, or whom appreciated my help. Take care!

 

[Don89]

My D850 has a habit of capturing pretty ladies… so my vote is for the ladies…























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