The Nikon D750 was the first release in a new lineup of cameras aimed to offer similar features inherited from Nikons higher end Full-Frame cameras, namely the Nikon D810, at a low price point. This camera was originally released in fall 2014, and aimed primarily at photographers already comfortable using the Nikon platform now ready to take their photography to the next level.
Today, we discuss whether or not the Nikon D750 is still relevant in today’s world of midrange Digital SLRs.
What Kind of Camera is the Nikon D750 Classified as?
The Nikon D750 is classified as an entry-level Full-Frame (FX) Digital SLR. However, looking from a technical standpoint, the quality and features offered makes the D750 more comparable to mid ranged Digital SLRs. In fact, this camera is considered a hybrid of the Nikon D610 and D810.
Offering similar performance from the D810 at a D610 price point. The Nikon D750 offers compelling photo, ISO/noise performance, and overall dynamic range all resulting from the in-camera Expeed 4 image processor transferred from the D810. Yet, with all of this, it still comes with a price tag that doesn’t totally destroy your bank account in the process. Oh happy day.
What are some of the goods, bads, and the uglies of the Nikon D750?
Pros
Fantastic ergonomics, while remaining compact and lightweight. Has a deep grip and well placed buttons, making the camera comfortable for prolonged use.
Has a primary LCD that is variable angle and tilts, removing the need of composing through the Viewfinder alone. The LCD also supports Live View, which also removes the painstaking repetition that previously occurred when shooting at very low or high angles. While the LCD does tilt, it does not swivel. So if you’re looking to use this as a VLOGing camera, compositing will be slightly difficult in that respect.
Has a dual SD card slot, a necessity for those requiring the ability to backup images shot to a secondary card or desiring to shoot both RAW and JPEG images simultaneously.
Offers strong image quality across a wide ISO sensitivity range. The ISO performance is superb. Images are found to be consistently usable at ISO 6,400 and recoverable even at ISO 12,800. The recoverable dynamic range in post processing is also excellent, recovered shadows and highlights generate little noise or distortion, even when significant alterations are needed.
This camera has both moisture and dust resistant sealing. Thank goodness.
Has a total of 51 autofocusing points, resulting in superior autofocusing performance, accuracy and subject tracking compared to similarly priced cameras in its competitive lineup. Overall, the focusing abilities of the D750 make it similar to that of the Nikon D5, a $6,000 camera.
Bust firing mode shoots at 6.5 frames per second.
Has a Microphone input jack, a necessity for those looking to use external recorders for more comprehensive audio recording. Thankfully, the LCD also displays audio levels to assist in monitoring recordings, thus removing the troublesome need to monitor levels on the recorder itself.
Has a Headphone input jack, perfect for those looking for the ability to monitor audio recording.
Offers comparable video performance to the D810 and shoots 1080p videos at 24, 30 and 60 frames per second.
The interface and menu layout is user friendly. Interestingly enough, the menu is divided into categories specifically geared towards either photo or video modes, removing the guesswork needed to find a setting relevant to the media being generated.
Has built in WIFI and, in fact, the D750 was the first FX Nikon camera to come with this feature. Having WIFI allows the camera to be remotely controlled and operated with a paired smartphone device, remotely controlling both shutter and focus. As with previous models, the ability to transfer images is still present. Setting up this feature is also simple and the app itself is responsive.
The built in flash can be used as a Commander to control off-camera flashes, specifically Nikon CSL speed lights.
Cons
Noise performance in video recording is poor and videos are found to be noisy even at moderate ISO values (ISO 800) when compared to an equivalent photo of the same scene.
Though the actual AF performance is fantastic. The 51 available AF points are primarily centered around the middle of the frame and they do not cover the outer edges nor are spread around the entirety of the frame. This makes focus recomposing now a requirement to get the proper composition, depending on your specific shooting style.
AF performance in video recording is also poor since the D750 uses Contrast Detection Autofocusing, instead of Phase Detection. This system is infamous for focus hunting if subjects move even slightly. Overall, this will cause videos to be continually out of focus and should be avoided if possible. We strongly encourage that manual focusing be used instead while shooting videos.
Has a limited buffer speed, even when shooting with faster SD cards. The buffer limits burst fire to 12 RAW frames.
The primary LCD is not touchscreen. Thankfully, navigating the menus of this camera isn’t awful.
Remote control through a paired smartphone doesn’t support changes to exposure. So no aperture, shutter speed or ISO controls unfortunately.
Is the Nikon D750 a good starting camera?
Yes. The D750 is especially great for those in the market looking to upgrade from APS-C or looking for a camera offering strong photo performance but are not quite as concerned about video. Granted, this camera is 5 years old and, now, the end of Digital SLRs is nearing as mirrorless cameras take over. Even still, users will find the performance and overall experience available from the D750 compelling, even in 2019.
Nikon D750 Bundles
Is the Nikon D750 a good camera for you?
Yes. This camera is best suited for those of you reading who are looking for the specific advantages it offers as mentioned in the pros/cons section or are serious photographers ready to upgrade to Full-Frame. The D750 packs a serious punch and will adequately meet the needs of the professional photographer, yet remains not intimidating enough to scare off the newest photographer.
Overview
-
Price
Summary
The Nikon D750 is an excellent starting camera for those looking to upgrade their APS-C cameras to Full-Frame. The camera offers strong photo performance, ISO sensitivity, dynamic range, superior focusing and excellent ergonomics. Even though 5 years have passed since release, the performance and overall experience available from the D750 still makes this camera a contender even in 2019’s standards. The D750 still packs a serious punch and continues to meet the needs of even the most serious photographers.