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 | |
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Nikon D850 vs Canon 5D Mark IV Specs
It’s the age-old question in the photography world – Nikon vs Canon? It’s been a few years since the Nikon D850 and Canon 5D Mark IV were released, but the debate over which is better still rages on. With the release of the new mirrorless models in 2023, let’s see which DSLR models are still worth considering.
With each camera boasting impressive features, the scores run extremely close. The Canon model takes our winning spot by a hair’s breadth. Before making a decision, it’s important to look at the specs of each camera and compare them side-by-side. Read through all the specs below to get a better understanding of how the Nikon D850 vs Canon 5D Mark IV stack up against each other.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV was released in 2016 and is the fourth in the series of Canon’s 5D cameras. The previous models in the series are the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the Canon EOS 5D. The 5D Mark IV has an improved sensor, autofocus system, and video capabilities compared to the previous models. It also offers a wide range of features such as improved image quality and enhanced 4K video recording.
The Nikon D850 is still considered a relatively new camera, released in August 2017. It is the latest in the line of Nikon’s full-frame DSLR cameras and follows the Nikon D810 and D750. It offers a range of features that make it stand out from its predecessors. This includes a 45.7MP full-frame sensor, an EXPEED 5 image processor, and a 153-point autofocus system. It is also capable of shooting up to 9 frames per second and recording 4K UHD video. The D850 was the camera of choice of our resident wildlife photographer Nick before he switched to mirrorless. You can check his detailed Nikon D850 review for the full picture.
Both cameras are top-of-the-line DSLR choices for still and video performance. The large full-frame sensors produce sharp and detailed images, allowing you to capture intricate details and textures. Both have a robust build quality and weather-sealing, making them suitable for use in harsh conditions.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a 30.4MP full-frame DSLR sensor, which is significantly lower than the 45.7MP full-frame DSLR sensor found in the Nikon D850. However, megapixels are not everything.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV offers a more compact body, making it easier to transport and use. Secondly, it has a wider ISO range, great for low-light photography.
When it comes to battery life, the Nikon model is way ahead. This may not be a reason enough to choose one model over another, but it certainly makes a difference in the field!
So, is the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or Nikon D850 the one for you? Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that serves your needs best. Read on for the full specs comparison:
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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) |
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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 |
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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. |  | | |
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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 |  | |
Nikon D850 vs Canon 5D Mark IV Alternatives
Still not sure which camera is right for you? These related camera comparisons may inspire you:
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DXO Mark 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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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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