Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 74
SCORE
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✓ WINNER
 82
SCORE
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|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D5 | 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. |
06/01/2016 | 23/08/2017 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 160 x 159 x 92 mm | 146 x 124 x 79 mm |
| Camera weight | 1415 g | 1005 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
20.8 MP050 | 45.7 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
5588 x 3712 | 8256 x 5504 |
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. |
23.9 x 35.9 | 23.9 x 35.9 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
12 fps045 | 7 fps045 |
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. |
Nikon F FX | 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. |
Expeed 5 | 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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 6430200 |
Max ISO ⓘ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. |
1024003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Min 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. |
5030200 | 3230200 |
Max 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. |
32800003003280000 | 1024003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max 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. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
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. |
1530300 | 1530300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘ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) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
4K | 4K |
Max video format ⓘ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. |
3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
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. |
30 fps | 30 fps |
Timelapse 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 | MOV, MP4 |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✗ |
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 | 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 dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
23590001150001500000 | 23590001150001500000 |
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 ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✓ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✓ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | Compact Flash, XQD | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible), XQD |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery type | EN-EL18a | EN-EL15a |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
3780 shots1505000 | 1840 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D850 emerges as the winner with a score of 82/100, compared to the Nikon D5‘s score of 74/100. Both cameras are DSLRs released in 2016 and 2017, respectively. They share similarities in their camera type and launch prices, with the D850 being more affordable at $3300 while the D5 is priced at $6500.
The Nikon D850 outperforms the D5 due to its lighter weight of 1005g and smaller size of 146 x 124 x 79mm, making it more portable and easier to handle. On the other hand, the Nikon D5 has its advantages with a larger build of 160 x 159 x 92mm and heavier weight at 1415g, which may provide more stability for certain users.
Taking both cameras’ specifications into account, the Nikon D850 proves to be a better choice for those seeking a more portable and affordable option, while the Nikon D5 may cater to users who prefer a sturdier, heavier camera.
The Nikon D850 outperforms the Nikon D5 in optics with a score of 79/100 compared to the D5’s 72/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as the CMOS sensor type, Expeed 5 processor, full-frame sensor size, Nikon F FX lens mount, and the lack of image stabilisation.
The D850’s superiority in optics is evident in its higher megapixel count of 45.7, compared to the D5’s 20.8. This difference allows the D850 to capture more detail and produce higher resolution images. Furthermore, the D850 boasts a perfect DXOMARK score of 100 for its sensor, indicating exceptional image quality and dynamic range.
However, the Nikon D5 has its advantages in terms of shooting speed. At 12 frames per second (fps), the D5 surpasses the D850’s 7 fps, making it a better choice for capturing fast-moving subjects or action photography. This faster shooting speed can be crucial for sports or wildlife photographers who require quick and accurate capture of fleeting moments.
To summarise, the Nikon D850 excels in optics and image quality, making it an ideal choice for photographers seeking high-resolution and detailed images. On the other hand, the Nikon D5’s faster shooting speed gives it an edge in action photography situations where rapid capture is essential. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the specific needs and priorities of the photographer.
The Nikon D5 and Nikon D850 both have a video score of 70/100, indicating that their video capabilities are evenly matched. These cameras share several video specifications, including a maximum video resolution of 4K, dimensions of 3840 x 2160, and a frame rate of 30fps. Additionally, both cameras have built-in time-lapse functionality.
Since the video scores are equal, there isn’t a clear winner in terms of overall video capability. However, there may be specific features or performance aspects that make one camera preferable over the other for certain users or situations.
The Nikon D5, for instance, could excel in areas such as autofocus performance, low-light video quality, or durability, which are not directly reflected in the video score. These factors may be important for specific types of videography, like sports or wildlife, where fast and accurate autofocus is crucial.
On the other hand, the Nikon D850 might have advantages in color reproduction, dynamic range, or video codec options, which could be important for filmmakers or those who require more flexibility in post-production. These aspects may not be captured in the video score but could make a significant difference to the final output.
Given their identical video scores and shared specifications, both the Nikon D5 and Nikon D850 are strong contenders for those seeking a camera with solid video capabilities. Users should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing between these two cameras, as each may have unique strengths that suit different types of videography.
The Nikon D850 is the winner in the features category, scoring 87/100, while the Nikon D5 scores 74/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 3.2-inch screen size, 2359000 dots screen resolution, touchscreen capability, no flip screen, no GPS, and WIFI connectivity.
The Nikon D850 outshines the D5 in one key aspect: it has Bluetooth connectivity. This feature allows users to easily transfer images and remotely control the camera using a compatible smartphone or tablet. This added convenience makes the D850 more appealing for those who value seamless connectivity and ease of use.
On the other hand, the Nikon D5 does not have any specific features that make it better than the D850. It is worth noting that the lower score does not mean the D5 is a poor camera; it simply lacks the additional Bluetooth feature found in the D850.
Taking these points into account, the Nikon D850 is the superior choice when comparing the features of these two cameras. The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity sets it apart from the Nikon D5, offering users a more convenient and connected experience. While both cameras share many specifications, the D850’s higher score reflects its advantage in this particular category.
The Nikon D5 wins the storage and battery category with a score of 87/100, while the Nikon D850 scores 84/100. Both cameras share common specifications: two memory card slots and no USB charging capability. The D5 accepts Compact Flash and XQD cards, whereas the D850 accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible) and XQD cards.
The D5 outperforms the D850 in battery life, offering 3780 shots compared to the D850’s 1840 shots. The D5 uses an EN-EL18a battery, while the D850 uses an EN-EL15a battery. This difference in battery life makes the D5 more reliable for extended shooting sessions.
The D850, however, supports a wider range of memory cards, including SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible), providing more flexibility in storage options. Despite this advantage, the D5’s superior battery life ultimately secures its victory in the storage and battery category.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D5 or the Nikon D850:
