Nikon D750 Review: Nikon You Created a Monster

Right before the big Photokina show in Germany, Nikon introduced another full frame DSLR in 2014, the Nikon D750. Packing the newest and the most advanced 51-point Multi-CAM 3500 FX II autofocus system, a 24 MP sensor, 6.5 frames per second continuous shooting speed, built-in WiFi and a very lightweight and weather-sealed construction, the Nikon D750 sits between the entry-level D610 and the high-megapixel D810 lines. And with its price point of $2,299 MSRP, the D750 is an attractive choice not only for hobbyists and enthusiasts who want to move up from a DX or an older FX camera, but also for working professionals, who have been leaning away from higher resolution or more expensive cameras like D810 or D4S. Although the Nikon D750 did not replace the older D700 in terms of body build, ergonomics and features, it has a lot more resolution, much faster processor, significantly faster and superior autofocus system, a tilting LCD screen and impressive video capabilities. Thanks to these changes and improvements, the D750 hits the sweet spot in a number of areas and has the potential of becoming the most popular full-frame camera in Nikon’s current DSLR line-up.

In this review, I will be focusing on the capabilities of the D750 and comparing it to the Nikon D610, D700 and D810 cameras. The material gathered for this review has been taken from three production samples of the D750, one of which is from the very first batch of cameras that were shipped to the USA. The review is also a combined effort between Photography Life team members and will be updated with more information and image samples in the near future.

1) Overview

The Nikon D750 might sound pretty confusing to many, since its first number indicates that it belongs to the D700 line and thus the camera could be a successor. At the same time, Nikon skipped everything in between the D700 and the D750, so others might think that perhaps the camera represents something between the D700 and the D810. In fact, the camera shares a lot more with the D600/D610 cameras in terms of ergonomics / build and sensor technology, rather than with the pro-level D700 and yet it certainly does have the robust autofocus and video recording features from the D810. Judging by the looks, its price point, lack of a dedicated AF-ON button and other limitations (such as 1/200 sec flash sync speed, 1/4000 max shutter speed and a relatively small buffer), I would say it would have been more appropriate to call this camera the Nikon D650 instead. Nikon probably did not feel like associating a higher-end camera with the D600 line though, thanks to the D600 fiasco. Perhaps if it were not for the D600 problems, the D750 would have been what the D610 was supposed to be originally. That would not have been the first time Nikon drastically changed camera line features – if you remember, the D7000 sported an inferior 39-point AF system originally, while the D7100 got a significant boost in AF performance with the high-end 51-point AF system, which was previously used only on professional cameras. We had seen a similar jump from the D5100 to the D5200, where the 11-point AF system was replaced with the more advanced 39-point AF system. Nikon did end up adding new features to the D750 with built-in WiFi capabilities and a tilting LCD screen, but those are fairly cheap to incorporate and cannot be considered “significant”, since the much cheaper entry-level D5300 also comes with built-in WiFi, along with a tilting screen (in addition to also having built-in GPS).

So think of the D750 as a hybrid between the D610 and the D810. Lower-end ergonomics / build, coupled with a high-end autofocus system, great video features, built-in WiFi and a tilting LCD screen.

2) Nikon D750 Specifications

Main Features and Specifications:

1. Sensor: 24.3 MP FX, 5.9µ pixel size
2. Sensor Size: 35.9 x 24mm
3. Resolution: 6016 x 4016
4. DX Resolution: 3936 x 2624
5. Native ISO Sensitivity: 100-12,800
6. Boost Low ISO Sensitivity: 50
7. Boost High ISO Sensitivity: 25,600-51,200
8. Processor: EXPEED 4
9. Metering System: 3D Color Matrix Meter III with highlight weighted metering
10. Dust Reduction: Yes
11. Weather Sealing/Protection: Yes
12. Body Build: Rear and Top Magnesium Alloy Covers
13. White Balance: New White Balance System with up to 6 presets
14. Shutter: Up to 1/4000 and 30 sec exposure
15. Shutter Durability: 150,000 cycles, self-diagnostic shutter
16. Storage: 2x SD slots
17. Viewfinder Coverage: 100%
18. Speed: 6.5 FPS
19. Exposure Meter: 91,000 pixel RGB sensor
20. Built-in Flash: Yes, with Commander Mode, full CLS compatibility
21. Autofocus System: Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX II with Group Area AF
22. AF Detection: Up to f/8 with 9 focus points (5 in the center, 2 on the left and right)
23. LCD Screen: tilting 3.2 inch LCD with 1,229K dots
24. Movie Modes: Full 1080p HD @ 60 fps max
25. Movie Exposure Control: Full
26. In-Camera HDR Capability: Yes
27. Battery Type: EN-EL15
28. Battery Life: 1230 shots
29. USB Standard: 3.0
30. Weight: 750g
31. Dimensions: 141 x 113 x 78 mm (5.55 x 4.45 x 3.07″)
32. Price: $2,299.95 MSRP

source: http://photographylife.com/