Deciding between the D810 or D750

<p>I have been using the D300 since it was released a number of years ago. I like the size, build, controls and feel of this camera--and of course the quality of the images. I am looking to move to FX and considering my options and I am wrestling between the D750 and D810 -- especially now that both have a significant (albeit temporary) price drop.<br>

I am more or less a generalist with more emphasis on people and events. I like working in a studio environment when shooting people, but I also enjoy outdoor work at night (low ISO, longer exposures). I use a tripod quite a bit and a cable release that connects to my 10 pin connector on the D300. My D300 has a Nikon grip and also an L-bracket (two items I am likely to get for the new camera, but not necessarily immediately). High ISO isn't something I do much of.<br>

The D300 uses CF cards--and I have a number of those in 16 and 32 GB which would work with the D810, but not with the D750. I intend to keep the D300 and use it with my only real 'DX lens' my Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8, whereas my other lenses would work with either of the other two cameras.<br>

It looks like the D750 does not have a ten pin connector, so I would something else to use for my cable release. Video is NOT important to me as my energies are all spent on still images.<br>

If cost was not a real (or only) factor here, which of these two bodies would folks recommend? Anyone here use both of them that could report on the advantages/disadvantages of each?<br>

Thanks for the feedback.</p>

 

<p>Since video isn't important to you, a used D800E is a no-brainer. Spend the money you save on a Sigma ART 35mm f1.4. D800E has the 10-pin. Really no sense in buying a new camera, considering how fast they drop in value and the D800E image quality is as good or even better than either. If cost wasn't a factor, I'd buy a Leica. ;-)</p>

<p>Kent in SD</p>

<p>Like you, I've been using a D300 and recently purchased a used D810. Even though I liked the way the D750 felt in my hand - based on my dislike of the control layout of my D7100, the D750 didn't really factor into my decision - not even considering the current $300 rebate. </p>

<p>While I understand Kent's argument regarding value drop - a used D800E wasn't a no-brainer for me - the D810 has quite a few changes that gave me pause and since I am planning on using the D810 for some time decided that they additional money was well spent. In fact, at the local dealer I had the choice between a D800E and D810 - didn't even give the D800E a second look (the money saving wasn't all that great either - don't know how Kent managed to get a D800E for $1500 - they cost substantially more around here).</p>

<p> </p>

I am shooting with both. For the reason Dieter listed about control layout, and if cost is not a factor , I'd go with the D810.

it is my favorite camera body that Nikon has made, but I do like the grip and the tilting preview screen on the D750.

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<p>I wrote an article for photo.net in late 2014 exactly on the choice between the two: http://www.photo.net/equipment/nikon/D810-vs-D750/<br>

<br />Both are fine cameras, and I'll be happy to use either one. The D810 is classified as a "pro" Nikon DSLR and it has the round 10-pin connector. Its controls are fairly similar to those on the D300. The D750 is more a "prosumer" model that has the D7000-D7100-D7200/D600-D610 type controls. I can work with either style but I prefer the pro-style controls. The D750's grip is extremely comfortable and is a smaller body.</p>

<p>Personally, I think 36MP is an overkill for most people. 24MP on the D750 is more than sufficient. Since I wrote the article, I have used the D810 and D750 some more. I have the feeling that the D810 is better built, and it turns out that my own D750 has a GPS jack that is not working. Soon I'll send it back to Nikon for warranty repair.</p>

<p>Concerning memory cards, unless your 16G and 32G CF cards are fairly recent from the last 2, 3 years, if you have CF cards from those years when the D300 was new, around 2007, 2008, they will likely appear to be very slow on the D810. Those 36MP image files from the D810 are huge and will take a long time to write onto slow CF cards. The chance is that you'll end up buying some new memory cards either way. Fortunately, they are fairly cheap in these days.</p>

<p>I would say do yourself a favor and find a store to hold both cameras in your hands to see which one feels better. If you like both, I would say save yourself $1000 (to get a D750), which can get you 1 or 2 nice lenses.</p>

<p>P.S. I think the current $3000 (D810) and $2000 (D750) prices are permanent, until they are further discounted. The value of these DSLRs will only go further down.</p>

<p>Agree with Shun that the best test is your own hands.<br>

Personally, when I went to FX, the D600 was just released; the D800 still at its original price, which was outside of my budget. Having used a D7000 a few times, and not enjoying the handling as much as I did with my D300, I got a D700 (while AF isn't terribly important for me, it was a second argument against the D600) - like a pair of old shoes, right back home with that camera. But I admit to being picky about handling.<br>

Would I be in the market now, the D810 is the only camera I am really interested in (D800E isn't available cheap this side of the ocean) - its only downside for me are those 36 megapixels files (excess for my uses), I'd happily live with less. But, since my D700 is still going strong, I'll probably end up skipping this generation.<br>

Long story even longer, go try for yourself, not unlikely a D810 will feel like coming home.</p>

<p>I was recently in a similar situation chosing either D750 or D810 but upgrading from a D700. However, my primary photo requirements are firstly for landscape (a hobby) and secondly for studio based online product images (part time job).</p>

<p>After handling both models in store, I instantly prefered the spacious grip zones and layout of the D810, very close to the D700 in feel and balance, the D750 did not fit my fat fingers and large hands so well. I too use my remote shutter release cable often enough to make the lack of a 10 pin port a consideration too.</p>

<p>I was offered the D810 with genuine Australian Warranty at a significant $AU discount (a tad cheaper than the USA price at the time) that made the price gap to the D750 pale away significantly..... so I purchased the D810.</p>

<p>36MP <em>is</em> a lot of pixels to work with. Those extra pixels suit me nicely for the occasions I make up larger prints (just recieved my first 36x24 matte print!) and post shoot cropping power is a real option with all those pixels, however, I do find myself increasingly using the tripod esp. in sub optimal lighting conditions where I don't want to push the ISO too far as my hand held technique has been found lacking compared to the lower res. D700. That is not to say I have any regrets in that regard - just an observation as I was used to using a tripod for well over half my image making previously.</p>

<p>It's going to be hard to find too many who have used both D810 and D750 to any degree so Shun's article is priceless in this regard, I got quite a lot of straight up info from it which made my in store comparison and ultimate decision easier to narrow down and make.</p>

<p>The D810 is my favorite camera. It is quieter than other DSLRs that I've used, which makes it great for documentary photography at close distance to the subjects, e.g. indoors at some events where people talk to each other, at concerts etc. I find its AF more consistent and trustworthy with fast (f/1.4) AF-S Nikkor primes than that of the D800, the viewfinder is a bit more crispy and clear, and for tripod based landscapes and macro the EFCS is a great feature. Also when using the LV to get overhead shots, the D800 had long delays in LV shooting while it was writing to card, whereas the D810 lets you shoot quickly also in LV with much less delay between shots. I am thinking about purchasing a second D810; it's the first DSLR that is mature enough for me to consider a second identical body. Highly recommended.</p>

<p>I wouldn't let the lack of a 10 pin socket be a deal-breaker David. The D750 can use the ML-L3 IR remote, or you can get 3rd party "universal" IR remotes for peanuts. These work well even in full sunlight as long as you're pretty close to the camera. Also I'm pretty sure that 3rd party radio remotes will be along soon.(Nikon; your accessories are just too darned expensive!)</p>

<p>I have not tried the d8XX but went with the d750 as the smaller body and price were both serious considerations for me (and can't really justify the need for more pixels). Unless picky about handling (which I can understand), I think either would make most photographers happy.<br>

I second the note that the tilt-screen is a very nice and useful feature (and I hadn't expected to use it). As Rodeo notes, the 3rd party IR remotes are easily obtained and cheap. And while I wouldn't want to use it often, the wifi feature does allow an iphone or android gadget to be used as a shutter release - it does have the advantage that you're probably more likely to have your phone with you/less likely to misplace.</p>

<p>I am chiming in to recommend the D810. I went from a D800 to the D810. The D810 is just a more complete & versatile camera, worth the difference to me. Shooting night sports, my in focus keeper rate is higher, and the auto white balance JPGs are notably more consistent so I don't have as much PP work. I have not tried the D750, but the D810 has replaced D800, D600, D3s, D700, and D300 cameras I used previously.</p>

<p>The D810 files do look nice, and I prefer the D810 style chassis to the D750 style.</p>

<p>With the D810, it makes sense to keep your D300 as a backup since the controls arrangement is similar to the D810, but not the D750. I sold my D800 to fund much of the D810, but kept a D300s as a backup.</p>

<p>Having said all of this, a D750 with a now relativity inexpensive D600 2nd/backup camera would not be a bad option, either. Good to have these choices.</p>

<p>It's really easy. You just pick the one that has the features you need most. Only you can decide what matters most to you.</p>

<p>They are different so regardless of price the D750 is better at some things and the D810 at others.</p>

<p>The D300 might be more like the D810 in regards of layout and control but that will change the instant you upgrade the D300 to current DX technology. The D7200 handles exactly the same as the D750.</p>

<p>Regarding options like memory cards and accessory cables I think you can disregard that completely as it is a small cost in the long run. And as has been said newer cameras usually needs newer cards and accessories to the D750/610/600/7200/7100/7000 are cheaper. I think an Nikon original remote release cable for these camera are $20 and third party $5-$6.</p>

<p>But consider the price difference between these two alternatives:<br /> <strong>Alternative 1.</strong></p>

<ul>

<li>Buy <strong>D810</strong> - $3000.</li>

<li>Keep <strong>D300</strong> - $0</li>

<li>Total: $3000.</li>

</ul>

<p><strong>Alternative 2.</strong></p>

<ul>

<li>Buy <strong>D7200</strong> - $1200</li>

<li>Buy <strong>D750</strong> - $2000</li>

<li>Sell D300 - $-200 (maybe more)</li>

<li>Total: $3000</li>

</ul>

<p>Alternative 2 will give you kick-ass capability in both FX and DX. A tremendous upgrade from your D300 and you can keep using the 17-55 f2.8 lens and have extended DX reach when needed to compliment the D750 FX sensor.<br /> <br /> Since you talk about events and people photography I think the D750 is the better choice since it is lighter and faster. I know I would pick that over the D810, but I don't shoot professionally anymore. I don't know if you do professional work but if you do you really need two cameras and both should be able to get the job done.</p>

<p>I've a similar decision problem at moment and didn't make my mind.<br>

D810 makes me think because the files weight and I don't know how far the 36 Mpx have an impact on the way I use to shoot handheld, and these are aspect in favor of the D750. Apart the price, obviously.<br>

I've a D700 (and a D200 before) and as yourself I do like the controls much more than the ones of the D750.<br>

I use AF-On to focus and sometimes AE-L AF-L to lock the exposure. For the front buttons, I normally use Fn to control horizon and the upper one for DoF.<br>

With the D750 you don't have the possibility to use the first two with just on finger and if you want to allocate one of the facilities to one of the front buttons you've to give up either DoF or the function you attribute to the other.<br>

On the top of this, I found the lower front button (Fn) to be in a worse position to be reached.<br>

As you do a lot of low light long exposures (I assume of night scenes) the D750 doesn't have the viewfinder shutter that you get with the circular ocular of the D810. Ok, you've the small plastic thing that does the same but is prone to be lost or to be left at home sometimes...<br>

On the D750 you've the PASM and scenes together with C1 and C2. These ones are quite interesting but I don't know if you value it more that the kind of controls you're used to with the D300.<br>

These are some of the details that can (or not) make a difference depending of how you value them as the D750 seems to be also a nice camera, but at least for me have been the reason for not taking a decision so far.</p>

<p><em>I don't know how far the 36 Mpx have an impact on the way I use to shoot handheld,</em><br>

The high resolution sensor can only make the photo a bit sharper. I can't see how this could be used as an argument against the D810.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>The high resolution sensor can only make the photo a bit sharper. I can't see how this could be used as an argument against the D810.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Price versus performance is how it can be an argument against the D810.</p>

<p>When you shoot handheld with "slower" shutter speeds you are blurring the subject by moving the camera during the capture. As this blurred image doesn't have any fine detail anymore it doesn't matter how many megapixels is used to capture it. There will not be any more detail anyway. This is of course only true if the blurring is larger than the pixels of the sensor.</p>

<p>One way of thinking about it is to take it to the extreme. Think about a really long exposure where you are moving the camera so much that the subject you are trying to capture will just be solid gray. A 1 pixel camera will capture all detail in that image and so will a 24 megapixel or 36 megapixel camera. You will not gain anything by using a higher resolution camera but you will not loose anything either (except perhaps post processing time, backup space and such).</p>

<p>A really interesting test is to do resolution testing and shoot it handheld. It is surprising how much image resolution you will loose even if you shoot at 2 x 1/f shutter speed (for instance 1/100s for a 50mm lens). Using slanted targets and imatest makes a test like that easy to perform.</p>

<p>36 megapixels sounds a lot more than 24 but in theory the best case scenario is that the D810 is able to capture<strong> 22% more detail</strong> than the D750. Still if you want to eek out the maximum of what your lenses can provide the D810 will always win unless you consider the price premium you pay.<br>

<br /> </p>

 

<p>Three years ago, when Nikon first introduced the 36MP D800/D800E twin in 2012, there was one member here complaining that 36MP was an overkill, and it would cost him a lot of money to upgrade his computer, storage, software ... in order to process 36MP image files. However, I predicted that he would buy a D800 within 2012. Of course he promptly did so a few months later as I had expected. The rest is, as they say, history. :-)<br>

http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00ZzWf</p>

<p>The good news is that computer hardware, memory, disk space, memory card space ... are all cheap in these days, especially now three years later after that 2012 discussion. However, since I routinely duplicate my image files on multiple hard drives, I delete bad images that I no longer need pretty quickly to save disk space.</p>

<p>It is kind of like buying a Ferrari. The extra speed and power is not going to hurt you, but if you drive a car just to shop at a supermarket, a Ferrari is probably an overkill. Not only the car itself, you will be paying extra for gasoline, maintenance, insurance, etc. etc.</p>

<p>I still own a D800E, but I added a D750 so that I have something smaller with fewer pixels. Another issue is that I am never totally happy with the Multi-CAM 3500 AF module. It was great back in 2007 when Nikon introduced it along with the D3 and D300, but its 15 cross-type AF points are all concentrated in the center of the frame. Now 8 years later, even the $1700 Canon 7D Mark II has 65 cross-type across the frame. I expect Nikon to improve the D4S and D810's AF system within a year or so, and the D810 will become an old model going for around $1500 in the used market.</p>

<p>Of course, all high-tech electronics will continue to depreciate rapidly, including the D800, D810, D750 and whatever future successor to the D810. How to best spend your money is up to each individual to decide.</p>

<p>Pete got it right, the reason for my concerns is just the speed to get it right when shooting handheld. Besides you can increase the necessary speed and play with the ISO if necessary it doesn't solve the problem when you want slower speeds and shoot with no stabilized lenses.<br>

I also prefer the Ferrari, even if Shun got a nice solution complementing it with a BMW. :-)<br>

As a matter of fact it's about time for Nikon to improve their AF modules and meet the competition progresses.</p>

<p><em>Three years ago, when Nikon first introduced the 36MP D800/D800E twin in 2012, there was one member here complaining that 36MP was an overkill, and it would cost him a lot of money to upgrade his computer, storage, software ... in order to process 36MP image files.</em></p>

<p>That still matches my experience today; the storage did cost a lot of money and I've had skip events and other opportunities to make photographs because I'm behind on my editing, partly due to the extra time that my workflow takes. 36MP <em>is</em> a bit overkill for my needs. The pixel count is not the reason why I bought the D800; at that point I simply made a compromise to save money. By contrast, the D810 is a camera that I genuinely like and its purchase was not at all a compromise.</p>

<p>My response to Antonio's post was not to argue the benefits or drawbacks of high resolution but simply to say that the high resolution sensor doesn't make images that you hand hold any less detailed than they would be using the same technique with a lower resolution camera. Usually they will be a bit more detailed. A lot of people seem to think that they have to use a tripod to make use of the 36MP. This is not the case. Use a fast shutter speed (e.g. 1/500s to 1/2000s is the typical range for my hand held shooting) or flash and you get high resolution images hand held as well (I'm leaving out the special cases of macro and supertelephoto lenses here). Use of fast shutter speeds also improves sharpness with lower resolution sensors so it's not something new that was "invented" recently.</p>

<p><em>I expect Nikon to improve the D4S and D810's AF system within a year or so, and the D810 will become an old model going for around $1500 in the used market.</em></p>

<p>The D4s successor is likely to stay in the $6000+ price category and the less expensive D810 successor will very likely have a minimum of 50MP. The D810 is not likely to lose its value as quickly as the D800(E) (or the D600) did as the D810 doesn't have the D800(E)'s AF problems (or its shutter slap issues, or oil on the sensor etc.) and because of its relatively problem free reputation is likely to hold its value better. DSLR development is approaching a situation where the manufacturers simply cannot easily make significant improvements any more.</p>

<p><em>As a matter of fact it's about time for Nikon to improve their AF modules and meet the competition progresses.</em></p>

<p>Nikon <em>is</em> frequently improving its AF system. I think Shun would prefer more cross type points but in a recent interview (by dpreview) the Nikon representative answering the question explained that there are compromises (costs) with having many cross type sensors and one of them is the low light sensitivity.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>The D810 is not likely to lose its value as quickly as the D800(E) (or the D600) did.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I completely disagree with that. Let's review some milestones:</p>

<ol>

<li>Nikon introduced the D810 on June 26 last year (2014). The initial price was US$3300: http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00cfUw</li>

<li>After merely 3 months, you could buy a refurbished D810 for $2700: http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00crEB</li>

<li>By December 2014, Nikon USA dropped the new price to $3000.</li>

<li>I know someone who just bought a used D810, with 2200 actuations, from a camera store three weeks ago for $2500.</li>

</ol>

<p>Needless to say, I am sure that camera store made some nice profit, at least a few hundred dollars. So if you sell a used D810 to a camera store now, it'll probably be below $2000 and any private deal will be somewhere between $2000 to $2500.</p>

<p>My predictions:</p>

<ol>

<li>By the time Nikon introduces the successor to the D810, perhaps roughly a year from now, used value for the D810 will be around $1500 to $1800.</li>

<li>Ilkka will promptly buy that successor and then post to this forum how much better it is compared to the D810. :-)</li>

</ol>

<p>All joking aside, I do feel that the Multi-CAM 3500 is getting long on the tooth. The D7200 is likely to be the last Nikon DSLR that uses that old AF module, unless Nikon decides to push it down to the D5000 and D600 series. Anything new from $3000 and up will have a significantly improved AF module in the next generation.</p>

<p>But there are reasons that Nikon makes a D810 for now $3000 and a D750 for $2000. The D810 has some advantages but you need to decide whether it is worth an extra $1000. And if you are so concerned about losing value, maybe it is a good idea to start with a used D810 to limit your down side risk.</p>

<p><em>Ilkka will promptly buy that successor and then post to this forum how much better it is compared to the D810. :-)</em></p>

<p>It is very unlikely.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>So if you sell a used D810 to a camera store now, it'll probably be below $2,000 and any private deal will be somewhere between $2,000 to $2,500.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Trade-in prices for used D800 bodies are likely around the $900-$1000 mark, a D800E will fetch around $200 more and a D810 should get you $1,600-$1,700 - that's based on keh quotes for LN condition and with battery and charger. At my local store, I have not seen prices that low though. Adorama sold refurbished D810 bodies for $2500 just three weeks ago.<br /> Of 525 D800 bodies sold on ebay, more than 250 sold for under $1,500. Most used D800E bodies still sell for more than $1500. And the lower-priced used D810 hover around the $2,000 mark.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>The D810 is not likely to lose its value as quickly as the D800(E) (or the D600) did.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Sadly (for some) or fortunately (for others), it does.<br /> <br /> By comparison, a Sony A7 lost value even more rapidly - some 1 1/2 years after introduction, the trade-in value for what was a $1600 body is now $400; and used prices hover around the $900 mark. Certainly didn't help that a (much better) successor appeared on the scene about a year after the A7 introduction. The A7R fares even worse - most sell for half their new prices now.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>Trade-in prices for used D800 bodies are likely around the $900-$1000 mark, a D800E will fetch around $200 more and a D810 should get you $1,600-$1,700 - that's based on keh quotes for LN condition and with battery and charger.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>That is like losing 50% if the D810's original $3300 value, after merely 9 to 10 months since its introduction last year. Of course, that is the quick way to sell it to a used-camera dealer, and they need to flip it and make some nice profit. You'll do better to go through the trouble selling it privately, and it is wonderful for those who are buying used.</p>

<p>I expect the next, D5 generation of Nikon cameras to have major upgrades, including better AF, 4K video .... IMO it is a matter of time that mirrorless will become mainstream for sports and action photography. Once you remove the mirror, you can achieve 20 fps, 30 fps easily with faster electronics and memory cards.</p>

<p>Something with lots of pixels such as the D800/D810 will probably remain as a DSLR in the next generation or two. The optical viewfinder still has its advantages.</p>

<p>Back to the OP, if he is not too concerned about the latest AF and video, either a D750 or D810 can still last for a few years before you want to update again.</p>

<p>Well, Shun, if you sell a D810 on ebay for $2,000 and accept paypal for payment, you are out 9% for the ebay fees - that's $180 (there's a cap at $250). At least 2.9% for paypal: $116. Add to that the shipping charges and the insurance - which you may have to "eat" as well - that's another $50 or thereabouts. All of a sudden, the "quick way to sell it to a used-camera dealer" doesn't look all that bad anymore.<br /> <br /> At least you know you've sold it - and it doesn't get returned to you a month or so later "not as described" because the person used it on a vacation trip and decided afterward to return it - with 10,000 clicks more on it and a few scratches to boot! Nowadays, with ebay's and paypal's buyer protection, it is no longer "buyer beware", it definitely is now "seller beware". I have sold and purchased a lot on ebay in the past, I don't plan on using it to sell stuff anymore. Nowadays, I rather trade it in - and taking a monetary hit that is often not more than the cost of having rented the item for one or two weeks.</p>

<p>D700 prices did not drop nearly as quickly as D800/D800E/D810 prices did (they mostly now sell for around $700-$900 but where still about twice that two years ago) - because there was no competition? And the market wasn't as weak then as it is now? And it was a camera that didn't suffer from the QC/QA problems almost every camera released since?</p>

<p>I understand that substantial value loss happens when a new, better camera replaces an older one that cost substantially more initially: $4,500 D2X vs $1,800 D300 as an example. I am a bit at a loss to understand the rapid depreciation of current DSLR bodies.</p>

<p>Dieter, there are some other factors, such as currency. Vs. the US$, the Japanese yen has dropped a lot in the last year or two. As a result, there are a lot of gray-market D810 and D750, etc. in the US market at much lower costs. While there is no Nikon USA warranty, the price differential is huge, and that is affecting used value and apparently is forcing Nikon USA to drop their prices as well.</p>

<p>The Euros has also dropped a lot vs. the US$, so that the effect maybe not as obvious in Europe. The Canadian dollar has also dropped quite a bit, so it can be attractive for people in the US to buy from Canada for the time being.</p>

<p>When I sell old cameras, sometimes I use photo.net classifieds and sometimes Craig's List. I live in the San Francisco area so that it is not too difficult to find local buyers without any middle-person who takes a big cut.</p>

<p>Here's a non-exhaustive model comparison :<br /> <br /> - D750: fastest and most accurate auto-focus, quietest shutter/mirror action, prosumer layout, tiltable monitor.<br /> - D810: highest resolution, quiet shutter/mirror action, professional layout, fixed monitor.<br /> - D800E: highest resolution, crisper images (possible aliasing effect), loud shutter/mirror action, professional layout, fixed monitor.<br /> All have outstanding dynamics.</p>

<p>Moreover, I don't know if the D750 has the same sensor as the D600/D610, but just in case: I find the image feel more natural with the D800 series than with the D600. (The most natural feel I get is from the D700 but obviously that's outside your consideration, since it is now one generation behind in terms of both dynamics and resolution... But now that I think of it, since you don't care for high ISO, why not a used 24Mpix D3x ? The D3/D700 series had the most uncompromising sensors in terms of image quality.)</p>