Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D850 Comparison
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Nikon D850
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Brand | Canon | Nikon | |
Model | EOS 5D Mark IV | D850 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2016 | 2017 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | August 25, 2016 | August 23, 2017 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR | DSLR | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Nikon D850 earns the top spot with a score of 82/100, outperforming the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, which scores 75/100. Both cameras are DSLRs, released in 2016 and 2017, respectively. They share similar dimensions, with the Canon being slightly larger and lighter at 151 x 116 x 76mm and 890g, compared to the Nikon’s 146 x 124 x 79mm and 1005g.
The Nikon D850’s superiority comes from its lower launch price of $3300, compared to the Canon’s $3500. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has the advantage of being lighter, making it easier to carry and handle.
In the end, the Nikon D850 proves to be the better camera due to its higher score and lower price. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, while lighter, falls short in terms of overall performance and value.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D850 Overview and Optics
The Nikon D850 triumphs over the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in optics with a score of 79/100 compared to 76/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a shooting speed of 7, a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and the absence of image stabilization. They also have specific lens mounts for their respective brands: Canon EF for the 5D Mark IV and Nikon F FX for the D850.
The Nikon D850’s superior optics result from its higher megapixel count of 45.7 and its DXOMARK sensor score of 100. The increased megapixels allow the D850 to capture more detailed images, while the perfect DXOMARK score indicates excellent image quality and low-light performance. Additionally, the D850 utilizes the Expeed 5 processor, which contributes to better image processing and faster performance.
However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has its strengths. Although it has a lower megapixel count of 30.4 and a DXOMARK sensor score of 91, these specifications still provide high-quality images. The 5D Mark IV also utilizes the Digic 6+ processor, which, while not as advanced as the Expeed 5, still offers reliable processing and performance.
Considering the optics, the Nikon D850 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV due to its superior megapixel count and DXOMARK sensor score. The D850’s Expeed 5 processor further enhances its optical performance. On the other hand, the 5D Mark IV still provides quality images with its 30.4 megapixels and Digic 6+ processor, but it falls short when compared to the D850.
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Optics
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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Nikon D850
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 30.4 MP | 45.7 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6720 x 4480 px | 8256 x 5504 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 24 x 36 mm | 23.9 x 35.9 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame | Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 7 fps | 7 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Canon EF | Nikon F FX | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Digic 6+ | Expeed 5 | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 64 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 32,000 | 25,600 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 50 | 32 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 102400 | 102400 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 61 | 153 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D850 Video Performance
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV outperforms the Nikon D850 in video capabilities with a score of 91/100, a 21-point lead over the Nikon’s score of 70/100. Both cameras share some common features, such as 4K video resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV excels with its higher maximum video dimensions of 4096 x 2160, compared to the Nikon D850’s 3840 x 2160. This difference in video dimensions allows the Canon camera to capture more detail and provide a higher quality video output. Furthermore, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV boasts a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, significantly higher than the Nikon D850’s 30fps. This higher frame rate enables the Canon camera to capture fast-moving subjects with greater clarity and smoothness.
On the other hand, the Nikon D850 does not offer any significant advantages over the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras share the same 4K video resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality, but the Nikon D850 falls short in video dimensions and frame rate.
Considering the differences in video capabilities, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV proves to be a superior choice for videographers, thanks to its higher video dimensions and faster frame rate. The Nikon D850, while still a capable camera, does not match the video performance offered by the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.
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Video
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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Nikon D850
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |   | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K | 4K | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 4096 x 2160 px | 3840 x 2160 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 120 p | 30 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MOV, MP4 | MOV, MP4 |
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D850 Features and Benefits
The Nikon D850 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with a feature score of 87/100 compared to the 5D Mark IV’s 74/100. Both cameras have some common specifications, such as a 3.2-inch touchscreen, the absence of a flip screen, and WIFI connectivity. However, there are differences that make the Nikon D850 a better choice in terms of features.
The Nikon D850 has a higher screen resolution of 2,359,000 dots, providing a sharper and clearer display compared to the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV’s 1,620,000 dots. Additionally, the D850 includes Bluetooth connectivity, which the 5D Mark IV lacks. Bluetooth allows for easier and faster file transfers and remote control options, giving the D850 an advantage in this area.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has GPS functionality, which the Nikon D850 does not have. This feature enables users to geotag their images and track their shooting locations, which can be beneficial for landscape and travel photographers.
In terms of features, the Nikon D850 stands out as a better choice due to its higher screen resolution and the addition of Bluetooth connectivity. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV’s GPS functionality should not be overlooked, as it can be useful for specific photography needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on individual preferences and the importance of these features to the user.
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Features
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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Nikon D850
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | TFT LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3.2" | 3.2" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,620,000 dots | 2,359,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D850 Storage and Battery
The Nikon D850 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in storage and battery, scoring 84/100 compared to the Canon’s 71/100. Both cameras share common features, such as having two memory card slots and no USB charging. However, the Nikon D850 surpasses the Canon model in several aspects.
The D850 accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC (UHS-II compatible) memory cards, as well as XQD cards, enabling faster data transfer. In contrast, the 5D Mark IV is only UHS-I compatible. Moreover, the Nikon D850 boasts a significantly longer battery life, capable of taking 1840 shots with the EN-EL15a battery, while the Canon 5D Mark IV manages only 900 shots using its LP-E6N battery.
Despite these advantages, the Canon 5D Mark IV still has its merits, such as accepting Compact Flash cards, which might be preferable for some users. Nevertheless, the Nikon D850 clearly offers superior storage and battery performance, making it the better choice in this category.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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Nikon D850
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible), Compact Flash | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible), XQD | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E6N | EN-EL15a | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 900 shots | 1,840 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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Nikon D850
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 24.8 bits | 26.4 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 13.6 EVs | 14.8 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 2995 | 2660 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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Nikon D850
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Nikon D850 Alternatives
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User Scores
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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Nikon D850
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B&H photo video |
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