Nikon’s Full-Frame D-SLR: D750

The new lightweight camera is put to the test during a trip to Puerto Rico

14 October 2014

by Tariq Dixon

With professional-grade capabilities in a compact, lightweight body, Nikon’s D750 is the brand’s latest (and in many ways, its most versatile) full-frame D-SLR. We took the camera to Puerto Rico to test its range of unique features, including its tilting LCD screen and built-in wireless capabilities—firsts for any Nikon FX-format D-SLR. The brand has paired these new additions with a 24.3MP CMOS sensor, 91K pixel RGB meter, HD 1080 video capabilities, and the same 51-point autofocus technology as their professional D4S and D810 models.

Old San Juan’s amber-tinted evening streets offered the perfect setting to test the camera’s low light capabilities. With an ISO range of 100 to 12,800 (expandable up to 51,200), it was possible to wander the city streets without a tripod, offering convenience and discretion, without much sacrifice to exposure and image clarity. The camera’s highlight-weighted metering proved especially useful for capturing the beauty of Puerto Rico’s outdoor attractions, even amidst extreme light. As we toured the historic El Morro Fort, walked the bourgeoning Calle Cerra street art district, and strolled along the northern coastline, the D750’s exposure metering helped to counterbalance harsh afternoon light, but without the burden of constant manual adjustments.

The camera’s autofocus capabilities were put to the test as a pair of horse riders galloped along the beach, and during an evening salsa performance in Old San Juan. Able to shoot 6.5 fps at full resolution, the 51-point AF system does a solid job of capturing unpredictable motion with great clarity—even spinning, twirling salsa dancers in a dimly lit ballroom.

While hiking seaside cliffs and descending into Arecibo’s Cueva del Indio, the D750’s small size and light weight became an even more noticeable benefit. Weighing just 26.45 ounces, the camera leaves the user with plenty of strength to carry additional lenses and accessories—we carried extra lenses and a speedlight while trekking uphill in 85 degree weather and maneuvering through underground caves.

The camera’s most novel feature—its tilting LCD screen—is especially useful. The 3.2″ 1,229k-dot resolution monitor allows viewing angles up to 170 degrees in every direction, offering the ability to capture some unique perspectives, with far less crouching and contorting often required for on-location shooting. The camera’s other notable feature, the built-in wireless capability, makes uploading and sharing a breeze—especially useful in the age of Instagram.