Nikon D750 vs Sony A99 II: The Ultimate DSLR Showdown for Pros and Enthusiasts

When photographers ask me to compare two high-end mid-size DSLRs like Nikon’s venerable D750 and Sony’s powerhouse A99 II, the conversation inevitably dives deep into sensor technology, autofocus prowess, handling, and real-world performance across disciplines. Both cameras represent pinnacle engineering from their eras, packing distinct philosophies into robust bodies aimed at advanced amateurs and even pro users. But which one deserves a place in your bag today? Having spent weeks shooting and vetting these rigs extensively - across portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and even video - I’ll walk you through how they stack up in practical terms.

Before we start, here’s the physical size and ergonomics difference - do take a moment to note the grip design and sizes:

Handling and Design: Classic DSLR Versus Hybrid Innovation

Right off the bat, you’ll notice the D750 feels like a quintessential Nikon DSLR - a reassuringly solid grip, intuitive control layout, and a good-sized pentaprism optical viewfinder. The A99 II, though also a traditional SLR form factor, brings in a hefty electronic viewfinder offering OLED clarity and about 2.35 million dots resolution. That difference alone changes your shooting experience fundamentally.

Look at the top plate comparison for controls - Nikon sticks to what it knows: a dedicated ISO dial, a mode dial with well-marked positions, and a crisp shutter release. Sony leans into a more streamlined but less tactile approach, suitable for those used to mirrorless ergonomics.

I appreciate how Nikon’s tilting 3.2-inch LCD screen (but no touchscreen support) grants flexibility in awkward angles, including low and high shots, which is a boon for both street and macro work. Sony’s 3-inch fully articulated screen is slightly smaller but arguably more versatile, especially for video enthusiasts or vloggers seeking selfie angles. Strangely, neither has touch controls, a missed opportunity in my opinion given how helpful they can be in quick-focus and menu navigation.

Build quality is similar, with both offering rugged, weather-sealed magnesium alloys. Nikon’s D750 is dust and splash resistant which gives confidence in outdoor or harsh conditions. The A99 II lacks official dustproof verification, which might matter for prolonged use in dusty environments.

Sensor and Image Quality: Resolution and Dynamic Range Battle

Here is the crucial tech heart of the cameras - sensor performance. Both sport full-frame 35.9x24mm sensors, but the Sony pushes 42 megapixels compared to Nikon’s 24.3MP. This translates to Sony delivering approximately 7952 x 5304 resolution images, compared to Nikon’s 6016 x 4016. For shooters obsessed with large prints or extensive cropping, this is a major advantage.

However, resolution doesn’t tell the full story. Nikon’s D750 retains an anti-aliasing filter, slightly softening images but preventing moiré, whereas Sony’s A99 II skips the AA filter, nudging sharpness higher at the slight risk of artifacts - something to consider depending on your subject.

Dynamic range and color depth from DxOMark’s testing show interesting contrasts (details below with sensor size overlay):

• Nikon D750: 14.5 stops dynamic range, 24.8 bits color depth, low-light ISO up to 2956 (measured limit)
• Sony A99 II: 13.4 stops dynamic range, 25.4 bits color depth, low-light ISO up to 2317

In practice, Nikon wins for overall tonal latitude and noise performance at high ISOs - valuable in night photography or shadow detail retention in landscapes. Sony’s color depth is slightly better, benefiting portrait skin tones with smoother gradation and finer midtone nuances.

If you prefer razor-sharp images from the start and intend to print large or crop aggressively, Sony’s 42MP is compelling. For versatility and better low-light latitude, Nikon’s 24MP sensor remains a winner, plus it pushes less noise after ISO 3200. I always stress real-world testing - check my sample galleries for noise and detail balance:

Nikon D750 screen back Sony A99 II front Sony A99 II screen back

Autofocus Performance: Precision vs. Speed

Autofocus is where these two diverge in philosophy and performance.

The Nikon D750 employs a 51-point phase-detection AF system with 15 cross-type sensors, which is highly reliable and accurate in typical DSLR phase-detect AF fashion. It has full support for face detection and tracking in live view and respectable continuous AF (6.5 fps burst), adequate for moderately paced sports, weddings, and wildlife.

In contrast, the Sony A99 II turbocharges autofocus with a whopping 399 phase-detect AF points, 79 cross-type - deploying a sophisticated Translucent Mirror Technology system allowing for full-time phase detection without a separate AF sensor. It can shoot at 12 fps with continuous AF, nearly doubling Nikon’s frame rate, thereby dominating in fast-action and wildlife scenarios. However, the mirror design adds complexity and heavier viewfinder blackout than Nikon’s optical finder.

Both cameras provide eye-detection now standard for portrait shooters, but Nikon’s implementation feels slightly more responsive and less prone to losing focus in challenging light, based on my extensive shooting tests under varied conditions. Sony’s AF excels in fast continuous tracking though - crucial for sports or wildlife in motion.

In the Field: Suitability for Varied Photography Types

Let me break down how each camera performs across popular genres - because your ideal choice depends heavily on your go-to photography.

Portraits

Nikon’s slightly lower megapixel count paired with excellent color depth lends itself well to natural skin tones without needing excessive retouching. Its 51-point AF system with center-weighted metering makes nailing focus on eyes straightforward. The built-in flash with various sync modes is a handy bonus for fill-in lighting.
Sony’s 42MP output captures stunning detail but requires sharper lenses and more careful technique to avoid over-sharpened or imperfect skin textures. The A99 II does include sensor-based 5-axis stabilization - a huge plus in handheld portrait shooting for crisp shots at slower shutter speeds.

Landscapes and Nature

Dynamic range is king here. Nikon’s 14.5 stops make for phenomenal shadow recovery and highlight retention - ideal for dusk, dawn, or highly contrasty scenes. Its weather sealing offers peace of mind in rain or dust. The D750’s lens options are expansive, with over 300 Nikon F mount lenses - covering everything from ultra-wide to super-telephoto.
Sony’s sheer resolution allows immense crop flexibility on distant landscape features, useful for certain types of detail work. Its 5-axis IBIS (in-body image stabilization) helps in low-light conditions and long exposures without a tripod. However, Sony’s dustproofing is less robust.

Wildlife and Sports

Here the A99 II stands out. Its fast 12fps burst capability, expansive AF coverage, and superior tracking make it an especially lethal tool for birding and fast action. Nikon is solid, but at 6.5fps it falls behind top-tier speed lovers, and its AF grid although precise is less dense.
Sony’s longer max shutter speed up to 1/8000 sec aids in freezing motion in bright light with wider apertures - a subtle but valuable advantage.

Street and Travel

Portability and discretion favor the Nikon slightly due to less aggressive noise at higher ISO, a quieter shutter mechanism, and slightly smaller overall dimensions. Sony’s articulated screen, while excellent for video and vlogging, may attract extra attention in candid street shooting.
Battery life is a significant consideration here - Nikon offers nearly 1,230 shots per charge, a superb endurance figure, whereas the Sony’s rated 490 frames feel limiting for a day out without spare batteries.

Macro and Close-Up

Neither camera boasts native macro systems, but Nikon’s more extensive lens collection means you’ll find more true macro options with better compatibility. Sony’s IBIS does assist in handholding macro shots where minor movement ruins frames.
Lens selection again sways this balance: Nikon’s mature mount beats Sony’s smaller lineup, especially for specialized glass.

Night and Astro

For night and astro shooters, Nikon D750’s superior ISO performance and dynamic range return tremendous benefits in low light and starfield crispness. The 24MP sensor’s pixel pitch is beneficial for better low-noise, longer exposures.
Sony offers higher resolution but slightly more noise at extreme ISO, plus the lack of true 4K video limits nighttime video capture choices.

Video Capabilities: Is the DSLR Still Relevant?

Both cameras offer full HD 1080p video, but Sony’s A99 II edges past Nikon with 4K video recording - a significant selling point for hybrid shooters. The lack of 4K on the D750 feels dated, especially at its price point today. Sony also supports premium codecs like XAVC S and has headphone ports for monitoring, addressing professional audio needs better.

In terms of stabilization, Sony’s 5-axis IBIS tremendously improves handheld video smoothness, making the A99 II preferable for run-and-gun filmmakers. Nikon relies on lens-based VR, and its video autofocus, while competent, is nowhere near the sophisticated tracking found in Sony’s implementation.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery: Practical Considerations

Both cameras sport dual card slots (the A99 II supporting MS Duo format alongside SD), offering redundancy critical for pros.

Connectivity-wise, Nikon built-in Wi-Fi is solid but lacks Bluetooth and NFC, while Sony integrates both, enabling seamless remote control and image transfer via mobile devices.

Battery life is a major division: Nikon’s D750’s EN-EL15 battery yields roughly 1,230 shots per charge, making it highly dependable for long shoots. Contrast that with Sony’s roughly 490 frames on NP-FM500H batteries, which can cause inconveniences for travel or sports photographers without carrying extras.

USB 3.0 on Nikon speeds transfers compared to Sony’s older USB 2.0, worth consideration for high-volume workflows.

Summary Ratings and Genre-Specific Scores

Here’s an overview of how these two measure up overall and across key photography types, from my cumulative testing combined with DxOMark and field experience:

Recommendations: Which One Should You Choose?

If you want my straightforward take, here’s how I’d break it down:

• Choose the Nikon D750 if:
  You prize excellent all-around image quality with superb dynamic range, require long battery life and robust build for field use, and want a reliable portrait/landscape workhorse with mature lens support. It’s the better pick for wedding photographers, landscape shooters, and event pros who prioritize dependable performance in challenging lighting. Plus, shooting environments where burst rates of 6.5 fps are sufficient.

• Choose the Sony A99 II if:
  You shoot a lot of wildlife or sports requiring blazing autofocus speed and tracking, need 4K video capabilities, or are invested in sensor stabilization to handhold macro or slow shutter captures. The 42MP sensor is fantastic for those chasing ultimate resolution, assuming you’re ready to handle larger file sizes and invest in higher-tier glass. Hybrid shooters who want excellent video alongside high-res stills will appreciate the Sony’s feature set.

Final Thoughts from My Personal Experience

Having logged hundreds of shoots with both, I can confidently say each camera suits different niches. The D750 feels like a classic Nikon landscape and portrait camera - rugged, capable, and geared towards pure image quality. The A99 II feels like a technological leap into speed and versatility with its mirror translucent system, excellent for subjects in motion and multimedia creators.

For buyers on a budget, the D750 also represents better value, being commonly found at attractive prices given its age and still offering pro-level results. For investment in future-proofing and multimedia shooting, the A99 II commands a premium for justified reasons but with some trade-offs.

Ultimately, your decision should consider shooting style first above specs - a camera is only as good as your relationship with it on the job.

I hope this detailed comparison gives you a clear picture of these two DSLR titans. If you want to see these cameras in action, I’ve linked more of my in-depth video reviews and sample galleries throughout my site. Happy shooting!

Note: All performance and feature insights are based on personal hands-on testing and industry-standard measurements to ensure this guide remains a trustworthy resource in your camera selection journey.