I really don't think that there was as much hype and expectation around a DSLR in 2017 than what surrounded the release and shipment of Nikon's D850.  Check out my deep dive review and find out if the expectations were fulfilled.  (HINT oh yeah!)

The D850 announcement had to be a big deal for Nikon.  Financially they have been struggling, the D5600 got a resounding "meh" in the marketplace, and while the CEO has finally stated that mirrorless is important, there has not yet been a how or by when commentary.

How nice that they aimed high, and announcement specs being accurate, have likely hit their goal.