Review: Nikon D750 Full-frame DSLR

In 2014, Nikon released the 24.3-megapixel full-frame Nikon D750. This DSLR combines a top shooting speed of 6.5 frames per second with an all-new FX sensor, creating a fast-shooting camera capable of creating high-quality imagery. The Nikon D750 also includes an upgraded autofocus system and a flippable LCD screen on its rear, offering a range of options for photographers and videographers alike.

At the heart of the Nikon D750 is a full-frame CMOS sensor, which features an anti-aliasing filter. This filter is designed to help eliminate the aliasing—artifacts and moiré—that can occur when you attempt to capture the real world with a grid of pixels. There is a slight pay-off in terms of absolute sharpness in images, but this is often not visible to the naked eye. 

The camera’s improved 51-point autofocus offers 15 cross-type points at its center, nine of which will operate at f/8. These cross-type autofocus points are able to analyze both vertical and horizontal lines, offering more accurate performance than autofocus points that only analyze vertical lines. The D750’s autofocus setup is configurable in 9-point, 21-point or 51-point coverage settings, and is sensitive down to -3EV, making it capable of precise focusing even in very low-light conditions. The autofocus system is able to swiftly lock onto moving subjects, making it an excellent system for shooting nature in motion or sports photography, especially as you can shoot at up to 6.5fps.

You’ll also find a 91,000-pixel RGB metering sensor with 3D Colour Matrix Metering and metering options of center weighted, spot and i-TTL for flash. The metering system includes face detection and spot-metering linked to the autofocus point. It’s worth noting that this metering system is ‘trickle down’ technology, inherited from other Nikon DSLR cameras — like the Nikon D800, Nikon D810, Nikon D4 and Nikon D4s — so you're getting a great-quality metering system for your money.

Read our interview with artist and photographer Claudia Fugetti, who uses the Nikon D750.

The standard ISO range of the D750 is 100-12,800, but this is expandable to offer ISO 50 and ISO 51,200 options. At ISO 50, you’re getting incredibly sharp, zero grain images, while at ISO 51,200 you can shoot in low light situations but still retain great image quality in your photographs with little discernible noise. The D750 also has a highly sophisticated Auto ISO system. When the minimum shutter speed is set to Auto, the camera takes the focal length of the lens into account. Also, exposure compensation can be used with Auto ISO when shooting in Manual mode.

Read our interview with Nikon D750 photographer Nicole Benewaah.

The tiltable rear monitor is a 3.2-inch [8cm], 1229K-dot LCD screen that swings open and tilts up to 90 degrees and down to 75 degrees. This is great for shooting at tricky angles to add creative punch to your pictures and movies. The D750 also includes a built-in WiFi system, which means you can remotely control the camera, download photos and pair the camera with a smartphone or tablet. It also offers Full HD 10870p video shooting, a stereo microphone input, a High Dynamic Range (HDR) facility that combines two shots in a single shutter release and in-camera adjustments of images with Picture Control 2.0, which helps to reduce time in the on-screen post-production phase.

Read our interview with music and lifestyle photographer Lindsey Byrnes, who took this photo of Hayley Williams (from the band Paramore) with the Nikon D750.

With the D750, you’re getting high-quality images in a relatively small full-frame body. It has superb autofocus, great metering and plenty of creative possibilities for both stills and movies. Add to that the fact that it is retro-compatible with Nikon lenses back to 1977—thanks to a built-in autofocus motor and aperture feeler for manual focus lenses—and you have additional optical flexibility. The D750 is an excellent choice for all types of photography in almost any condition.

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