After examining the RAW files from the Nikon D850 in Capture One and comparing them to the camera-generated JPGs I’ve come to a a surprising conclusion:  this may be the first camera I choose to shoot exclusively in JPG mode.

The out of camera JPGs are that good.

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My JPG settings for the D850 are:

• Picture Control: Neutral
• Active D-Lighting: Auto
• White Balance:  Auto-0
• Vignette Control: Normal
• Auto Distortion Control: On
• High ISO noise reduction: Off

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With these settings, I can get to within 95% of where I want the files to be, right out of the camera.  This is an incredible time-saver.

[Update October 26, 2017:  I downloaded the latest version of Lightroom and have to admit that the RAW files, as handled by Lightroom, are very pleasing and superior to the out-of-camera JPGs.]

—Peter.