The Heavy Hitters

Two new digital SLRs from Sony and Nikon, each the product of a different school of thought, are set to change the way we take photos on our next adventure.

The wars between the camera brands have never been more fierce as brands implement cutting-edge technology to make their flagship digital camera systems more and more competitive. If you’re looking for holiday snaps, there are plenty of great cameras on the market today, but if you take your photography seriously and want to ensure you’re getting the best shots possible on that next safari or polar expeditions, you’ll want to invest in the very best.

Fortunately, two of the camera world’s biggest names have recently released new professional-level DSLRs, each packed with features that we are sure you’ll love!

Two new digital SLRs from Sony and Nikon, each the product of a different school of thought, are set to change the way we take photos on our next adventure.

The new Nikon D850 is a photography powerhouse boasting a staggering 45.7-megapixel sensor and an ISO range of 64-25,600, meaning great performance in all sorts of shooting situations.

Capable of continuous shooting at seven frames per second (which is boosted to nine with the optional MB-D18 Multi-Power Battery Pack, pictured), the D850 features the 153-point AF system of the D5, as well as the latest EXPEED 5 image-processing engine, and Nikon’s FX-format backside-illuminated CMOS sensor. In addition to still images that feature game-changing dynamic range, the D850 also shoots full-frame video in high definition and can even create 8K time lapses.

Who is it Suited to?

The Nikon D850 is a hefty camera body, especially when married with the battery grip (which, when paired with the right battery increases the burst rate from 7 to 9fps), making it suitable for serious photographers who don’t mind weight when it’s balanced with performance. The dynamic range and massive megapixel count make it great for landscapes and wildlife, especially with the built-in DX shooting mode.

Two new digital SLRs from Sony and Nikon, each the product of a different school of thought, are set to change the way we take photos on our next adventure.

For serious shooters looking for a camera system that can keep up with the action, the Sony a9 is the company’s latest mirrorless SLR. Designed for speed, the new Sony a9 features the world’s first 24MP full-frame stacked CMOS sensor and the ability to capture a whopping 20 frames a second, ensuring you never miss the most important moments of your next adventure abroad.

Silent and vibration-free at speeds of up to 1/32,000, the a9 boasts a 693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system that tracks complex, erratic motion with higher accuracy than ever before, while the electronic viewfinder functions with absolutely no blackout, giving the user a seamless live view of their subject at all times. Dual SD card slots, an extended battery life, and ethernet port connectivity for fast image transfer make this an essential system for true photography enthusiasts.

Who is it Suited to?

Perfect for travelers who want to save weight and prefer a smaller but still robust body, the a9’s highspeed shooting and precision tracking capacity make it essential for fast-moving wildlife, from breaching whales to birds in flight.

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About Author

Staff Writer

Ultimate Encounters staff writers and contributors are made up of seasoned travel journalists and expedition leaders who have travelled the globe seeking thrilling new experiences for our readers.

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