Professional DSLR Camera Comparison 2022: Nikon D5 vs D850

What makes a camera a professional camera? Examining the Nikon D5 vs D850, we’ll see several factors that can earn the label “professional” for a top-quality camera.

We’ll also see how Nikon is a master of blurring the lines between consumer use and full-fledged pros as we talk about the features of the Nikon D5 and the Nikon D850.

Along the way, we’ll also show you why a used Nikon DSLR of this type is an excellent option, particularly if you make your purchase from a well-respected online platform like MPB.

What Is a Professional Photographer?

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What is a professional photographer anyways?

For most outlooks, someone who receives half or more of their income from photography is a professional photographer. However, for a lot of photographers I know, that would eliminate them. Instead of saying half or more, I think anyone getting a significant amount of income, even as a part-time gig worker, could reasonably think of themselves as a pro.

What most pro photographers have in common is that we put our equipment through the wringer at times. We also rely on our gear doing what we want, when we want it. Durability is a must for our cameras.

Some special features help us as well. This includes extended bracketing, high and low ISOs, and more AF points.

Common Features of Professional Cameras

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One of the biggest features of professional cameras is the high level of ruggedness that make some reviewers call a durable camera a hockey puck. This means that pro gear should be able to handle occasional extreme use and that the camera functions must work in a wide variety of scenarios.

Some other things we desire in a pro-level camera are useful features for certain types of photography. This might include rapid frame advancement, large image buffers, and quick read and write rates. Add to the list a plethora of AF points and all sorts of manual control or semi-auto control with lots of user input.

Comparison of Nikon D5 vs D850 Specs

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As we consider whether a used camera such as the Nikon D5 or Nikon D850 fulfills your wants and needs, here are some of the specs of each camera:

Nikon D5

In the video above, photographer Jared Polin offers a detailed look at the Nikon D5. Below are some of its essential features:

Introduced in 2016
Full Frame 20.8MP sensor
ISO 50-102,400
ISO expands to 3,276,800 with High +5 mode
14 bit RAW
30 secs to 1/8000 shutter
1/250 flash sync
12 fps continuous (14 fps with mirror lock-up)
183 frame image buffer
4K video
153 AP points
Full AF in low light (EVL -4)
3,780 exposure battery life
Dual high-capacity card slots (XQD or CF)
Touch Screen controls
Wireless flash control
160 x 159 x 92mm size
1405 g weight

Nikon D850

The Nikon D850 real-world review above by Andrew Marr offers a detailed look at the Nikon D850 after six months of use. Below are some of this camera’s primary specs and features:

Introduced in 2017
Full Frame 45.7MP sensor
ISO 32-102,400
14 bit RAW
30 secs to 1/8000 shutter
1/250 flash sync
7 fps continuous (9 fps with mirror lock-up)
51 frame image buffer
4K video
151 AF points
Full AF in low light (EVL -4)
1,840 exposure battery life
Dual card slots (SD plus XQD)
Touch Screen controls
Articulated screen
Wireless flash control
146 x 124 x 79mm size
1005 g weight

Learn More:

Ultimate Workhorse vs Ultimate Resolution

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A quick glance through the Nikon D5 vs D850 specs shows that one of the cameras is optimized for extremely high resolution while the other is built for speed. More or less anyways, the Nikon D5 sensor is very high resolution, and the Nikon D850 is faster than anything that was on the market just a few short years ago.

You’ll notice that the Nikon D5 frame rate and image buffer are about double that of the Nikon D50. That’s understandable since the D850 has over twice the megapixel count of the D5. The battery life of the D5 is amazing, also almost double what the D850 has, which is already outstanding.

The sensor megapixel count of the Nikon D850 is double what the Nikon D5 has. The low ISO of 32 for the D850 is also an indication that Nikon was going for ultimate resolution performance with this camera. A 20.8MP sensor is huge; 45.7 is amazing. Remember, it was sensors with megapixels of 8, 10, and 12 that surpassed Kodachrome, so either of these sensors will produce amazingly high-quality image files.

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A lower megapixel count means that the individual size is larger than a higher megapixel count sensor of the same size. In the real world, that means better low-light imaging performance. The difference between the Nikon D5 vs D850 is shown in extreme low-light conditions, though the D850 performs superbly in low light, the D5 just has a slight edge.

The size and weight of these cameras are on the large side, which is typical of a Full Frame format DSLR meant for professional use. At 1400 grams, the Nikon D5 is equivalent to four cans of soup. At 1000 grams, the Nikon D850 is about three cans. That should help compare the sizes of the Nikon D5 vs D850. Side by side, a D5 looks significantly taller than a D850 and slightly wider and deeper.

Nikon D5 vs D850 - Who Uses Each?

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Now we come to the big question, who needs a Nikon D5 and who needs a Nikon D850?

Photographers desiring the toughest camera they can hold will gravitate toward a Nikon D5. Photographers wanting the highest resolution will likely opt for the Nikon D850.

Professionals making more than half of their income from photography will probably want both - one for speed and ultimate durability, the other for extreme detail in the image files. That’s why I like to recommend the online platform MPB when shopping for photographic equipment, so you can spread your budget out and buy more gear!

Why Choose a Used Nikon DSLR

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Opting for used cameras and lenses is a smart move for many photographers - professional, part-time pro, or any level of involvement and experience in photography. Obviously, a huge positive for pre-owned gear is the lower prices.

The Nikon D5 originally had a list price of $6499. An excellent condition Nikon D5 at MPB can be found for under $3000. The Nikon D850 originally sold for $3299, but a used Nikon D850 in excellent condition is regularly under $2000 at MPB.

MPB takes all the worry away from buying used cameras and lenses because of how they operate. They are committed to only selling great gear, so they thoroughly inspect each and every item they take in. The condition ratings are accurate, and details are given for any less than totally perfect cosmetic condition.

MPB provides a generous return or exchange time period of seven days for almost everything they sell. Additionally, most MPB equipment carries a six-month warranty. Put that all together and you can buy a pre-owned camera, lens, flash, tripod, or other photo gear items with no worries and with a huge savings.

Any way you look at it in our Nikon D5 vs D850 comparison, you will get a fantastic camera. Shopping for these cameras at MPB will save you some serious cash. You might also think about trading in your current gear to MPB to see what allowance you can get for them to further defray your costs.