Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
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✓ WINNER
 82
SCORE
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 81
SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Sony |
| Model | D850 | a7 III |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2017 | 2018 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
23/08/2017 | 27/02/2018 |
| Camera type | DSLR | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 146 x 124 x 79 mm | 127 x 96 x 74 mm |
| Camera weight | 1005 g | 650 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
45.7 MP050 | 24.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
8256 x 5504 | 6000 x 4000 |
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 | 23.8 x 35.6 |
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. |
7 fps045 | 10 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 | Sony FE |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 5 | Bionz X |
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. |
6430200 | 10030200 |
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. |
256003003280000 | 512003003280000 |
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. |
3230200 | 5030200 |
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. |
1024003003280000 | 2048003003280000 |
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 | 6930300 |
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) | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | 235929609900000 |
| 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, MP4 | XAVC S, AVCHD |
| 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" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
23590001150001500000 | 9216001150001500000 |
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 | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible), XQD | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery type | EN-EL15a | NP-FZ100 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
1840 shots1505000 | 750 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✓ |
The Nikon D850 outperforms the Sony a7 III by a slight margin, scoring 82/100 compared to the latter’s 80/100. Both cameras share similarities, such as being released in 2017 and 2018, respectively, and having a high launch price of $3300 for the D850 and $2000 for the a7 III.
The Nikon D850 boasts a larger size, measuring 146 x 124 x 79mm, and a heavier weight of 1005g (2.22lbs). This DSLR camera offers better stability and a more robust build. On the other hand, the Sony a7 III, a mirrorless camera, is more compact and lighter, with dimensions of 127 x 96 x 74mm and a weight of 650g (1.43lbs). This makes it easier to handle during long shooting sessions.
Considering these factors, the Nikon D850 takes the lead in terms of performance and build quality, while the Sony a7 III offers a more convenient and portable option for photographers on the go.
The Sony a7 III surpasses the Nikon D850 in optics with a score of 81/100 compared to the Nikon D850’s 79/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and compatibility with their respective lens mounts – the Nikon F FX for the D850 and the Sony FE for the a7 III.
The Sony a7 III excels with its higher shooting speed of 10 frames per second (fps) and built-in image stabilization. These features provide faster capture of high-quality images and steadier shots, particularly in challenging conditions or when using longer focal lengths. The a7 III’s Bionz X processor also contributes to its superior performance in low-light situations and faster autofocus.
On the other hand, the Nikon D850 boasts a higher megapixel count of 45.7, resulting in more detailed images compared to the Sony a7 III’s 24.2 megapixels. Additionally, the D850’s Expeed 5 processor and impressive DXOMARK sensor score of 100 ensure exceptional image quality and dynamic range, making it an excellent choice for landscape and portrait photography.
While the Sony a7 III takes the lead in shooting speed and image stabilization, the Nikon D850’s higher megapixel count and superior sensor performance offer a competitive edge in image quality. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer. The Sony a7 III is ideal for fast-paced photography and improved stability, while the Nikon D850 excels in capturing finer details and stunning image quality.
The Nikon D850 outperforms the Sony a7 III in video capabilities, scoring 70/100 compared to the Sony a7 III’s 56/100. Both cameras share common specifications, including a maximum video resolution of 4K and dimensions of 3840 x 2160. Additionally, both offer a maximum video frame rate of 30fps.
The Nikon D850 excels with its built-in time-lapse functionality, offering users more creative options for capturing and presenting video content. This feature sets the D850 apart from the Sony a7 III, which lacks built-in time-lapse capabilities.
While the Sony a7 III may have a lower video score, it still offers high-quality video output with its 4K resolution and 30fps frame rate. However, the absence of time-lapse functionality puts the Sony a7 III at a disadvantage compared to the Nikon D850.
Given these factors, the Nikon D850 emerges as the superior choice for videographers, providing greater versatility and creative options with its built-in time-lapse feature. The Sony a7 III, while still offering quality video output, falls short in comparison due to its lack of this feature.
The Nikon D850 outperforms the Sony a7 III in features with a score of 87/100, compared to the Sony’s 81/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as touchscreen functionality, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity. Neither camera has GPS capabilities.
The Nikon D850 excels in screen size and resolution, boasting a 3.2-inch screen with a resolution of 2,359,000 dots. This high-resolution screen provides a clearer and more detailed view of images, making it easier to review and edit photos in-camera. The Sony a7 III, on the other hand, has a smaller 3-inch screen with a lower resolution of 921,600 dots.
Despite the Nikon D850’s larger screen and higher resolution, the Sony a7 III has an advantage with its flip screen feature. This allows for more flexible shooting angles and better self-portrait capabilities. The Nikon D850 lacks this feature, limiting its versatility in certain shooting situations.
In conclusion, the Nikon D850’s superior screen size and resolution make it a better choice for photographers who prioritize image review and editing on their camera. However, the Sony a7 III’s flip screen provides added flexibility for those who value diverse shooting angles and self-portrait options.
The Nikon D850 outperforms the Sony a7 III in storage and battery, scoring 84/100 compared to the Sony’s 68/100. Both cameras share similarities, such as having two memory card slots and no USB charging. However, the Nikon D850 has a superior battery life and compatibility.
The D850’s battery life lasts for 1840 shots, significantly more than the a7 III’s 750 shots. Additionally, the Nikon accepts both SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible) and XQD memory cards, offering more flexibility compared to the Sony, which accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo memory cards.
The Sony a7 III has no clear advantage in storage and battery over the Nikon D850. Its battery life is shorter, and the memory card compatibility is less versatile. Therefore, the Nikon D850 proves to be the superior choice in terms of storage and battery capabilities.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D850 or the Sony a7 III:
