Nikon D850 launches in India, a 8K time-lapse movie machine

Nikon India  announced the launch of Nikon D850. Priced at INR 254,950 for D850 Body only and INR 299,950 for D850 with AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens. The D850 is the new benchmark in D-SLR image quality with an unprecedented combination of resolution, dynamic range, ISO and speed.

The camera is geared towards the growing segment of hybrid photographers in wedding photography and of those in the genres of nature, events and fashion. With a remarkable turnover of Rs. 1,100 crores in FY16, Nikon India aims to further raise the bar next year aiming a 5-10% increase.

This camera is the latest addition to Nikon’s FX-format (full-frame)D-SLR range and is engineered with advanced features that deliver versatility and uncompromising performance across stills and video shooting.This is also Nikon’s first DSLR to incorporate a BSI CMOS sensor, which captures light more efficiently, resulting in a wider dynamic range and low-noise image capture. Beyond the immense resolution, the Nikon D850 offers photographers superior performance.It is equipped with a powerful 45.7-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor that guarantees an unmatched balance of high-speed and exceptional resolution when combined with up to 9-fps continuous shooting mode backed by its EXPEED 5 image-processing engine.

At the launch, Kazuo Ninomiya, Managing Director, Nikon India said, “The launch of the revolutionary Nikon D850 exemplifies our commitment towards bringing aboutcutting-edge technological innovation in the evolving photography space. We aim to offer sheer brilliance in photography to our customers.”He further added, “As a company, we have set a high benchmark for D-SLRs and the launch of D850is a testament to our innovative range of products. To cater to this growing market, the full-frame digital camera will be fitting companionfor professionals and photo-enthusiasts to achieve high precision in their work. The D850 is a combination of remarkable advancements and we are confident that this camera will transform the photography experience in India and across the globe.”

“The Nikon D850 is the hero camera,”saidTakamiTsuchida - Sector Manager, Marketing Sector, Imaging Business Unit, Nikon Corporation“It is the result of our meticulous research and development to offer phenomenal quality to our customers. It is the only D-SLR camera that offers true view through the lens, making the camera an extension of your vision.”He further added, “We feel that the product will indeed be a game changer in the industry as it has been built to capture timeless images with enhanced flexibility”.

Built for hybrid photographers and multimedia creators, the D850 packs superior full-frame 4K UHD video capabilities, 4x and 5x slow-motion videos² in Full HD, and 8K time-lapse movie production³ using interval timer photography. A dedicated movie menu allows hassle free switching between movie and still functions to enhance efficiency, so photographers and creators will be able to easily select the best visual format to express their creativity. Movies can be recorded in both FX-based and DX-based movie formats, and the option to further make use of wide-angle and fisheye lenses to inspire greater creative expression.

D850 Primary Features

1. Enhanced resolution, exceptional quality

• 7-megapixelFX-format (full-frame)BSI CMOS sensor with silent photography feature⁴ and no mechanical blur to capture the finest resolution in any scenario: Picturesque perfection is created through the powerful combination of the EXPEED 5-image processing engine and the backside illumination FX-format (full-frame)CMOS sensor. With a dynamic range of native ISO sensitivities, from ISO 64 to 25600, expandable from Lo 1 (ISO 32) to Hi 2 (ISO 102400), continuous shooting in varying levels of lighting across is possible.

Additionally, a Natural Light Auto option allows more desirable colours to be captured under natural light automatically for a more accurate and enhanced white balance.

Synergised with Nikon’s very own Advanced Scene Recognition System with 180K-pixel RGB sensor, and a class-leading optical viewfinder with approximate 0.75x magnification, photographers will be compelled to effortlessly enjoy their shooting experience.

2. Enabling a new generation of storytellers

• Full-frame brilliance with 4K UHD (3840x2160)/30p support: Perfect for multimedia shooting, the D850 supports 4K videography and 8K time-lapse movie production³ with silent interval timer photography as slow as 0.5 seconds, or Full HD format (100- or 120-fps readout is recorded at 24, 25p, or 30p) slow-motion movies in DX-format. The camera also allows RAW batch processing, exposure metering range expansion, and a peaking function⁵ that enables accurate manual focusing. Videographers are empowered to easily fine-tune colour, exposure and brightness that is reflected in white blown-out areas with Nikon’s ‘Flat’ Picture Control, all without a complicated process that is usually associated with LOG LUT videos.

3. Keeping up with dynamic action and focusing on fine details

• 9fps or 7fps continuous shooting makes easy and adaptable tracking of moving subjects: Photographers will find capturing high-speed moments, such as during a commercial sports photography shoot, a breeze as this D-SLR is not only fitted with high speed continuous shooting competence, but also a dedicated autofocus (AF) engine that engages the 153-point AF system and 99 cross sensors to achieve high subject acquisition performance with broad area coverage. Together with the ability to bring down the AF detection range down to -4 EV, photography in low-contrast situations is similarly made promising.

4. Taking flexibility and efficiency to a new level

• Enhanced specifications that optimise operability and process workflow: A high-resolution tilting 3.2-inch touch-screen with 2359k-dot LCD monitor, and button illumination that is helpful when shooting in dark situations, allow shots to be taken from varying angles and in different situations. Additionally, photographers have the option of selecting large, medium or small RAW sizes according to their usage needs.

Also, with improved and flexible multiple exposure options, all individual images can be replaced and also simultaneously be saved before the in-camera image combination, and a selected image stored in a memory card can be designated as the first image of the combination

Highly effective for jewellery, specimen and landscape photography, the new focus shift function enables easy acquiring of images for focus stacking¹¹. This function allows the camera to automatically take up to 300 shots while moving focus position from the starting point to infinity. A selection of up to 10 levels of focus distance changes can be made, while interval between shots can be set between 0 and 30 seconds. Completing the practicality of the function is also the enablement of continuous shooting of up to 5ps, exposure smoothing and silent photography.

• Making connections a breeze: The availability of WT-7/A/B/C Wireless Transmitter support, available separately, also serves for convenient transfer of image and movie files to a computer or FTP server. When paired with the optional Camera Control Pro 2, remotely controlling the D850 from a PC is easily deployed.

Besides stress-free file transfers, connections with Speedlight are made just as easy with the support for radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting to allow the flexibility in multi-flash photography.

• Negative digitizer brings film back to life: When paired with afilm holder and micro lens, the D850’s negative digitizer simplifies the process of using a film scanner to convert negative film (in both colour and monochrome) to 45-megapixel digital images for added enjoyment. The ability to adjust for brightness (up to +/- 5) immediately, and the HDMI connection to TV monitor, allows the viewing of old photos for those moments of impromptu family recollections. Using the same accessories and lenses, reversal film digitization is also possible.

When the following settings are applied: AF-C autofocus mode, S (shutter-priority auto) or M (manual) exposure mode, shutter speed of 1/250 s or faster, and all other settings at default value. When using MB-D18 Multi-Power Battery Pack with the EN-EL 18a/EN-EL18b Rechargeable Li-ion Battery (available separately). Optional BL-5 Battery Chamber Cover required for use of the EN-EL18a/EN-EL18b

The silent photography feature is in which the image sensor performs operations normally performed by the mechanical shutter's front and rear curtains with live view photography. Applicable in M (manual) or A (aperture-priority auto) exposure mode. In P (programmed-auto) or S (shutter-priority auto) exposure mode, the sound of aperture operation can be heard.

 Available for Full HD/HD

When the following settings are applied: AF-C autofocus mode, S (shutter-priority auto) or M (manual) exposure mode, shutter speed of 1/250 s or faster, and all other settings at default value

Central point, other points are compatible with -3 EV (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F, using matrix or center-weighted metering)

When a Sony QD-G64E XQD memory card and EN-EL15a are used with shooting at ISO 100

Recorded in 12-bit, lossless compressed format

Applicable for RAW, Large image only

Focus stacking requires third-party editing software

The ES-2 Film Digitizing Adapter is optional