CameraReview
CompareCamerasLensesAction CamerasGuides
Nikon D850
82
SCORE
Nikon · DSLR · 45.7 MP · Full Frame · 4K video

Nikon D850

General 82Optics 79Video Performance 70Features and Benefits 87Storage and Battery 84
From $1,929.99 — 9 offers
KEY FACTS
BrandNikon
ModelD850
Released2017
Announcement date23/08/2017
Camera typeDSLR
What We Like
+Fantastic overall image quality
+Excellent 3D continuous AF tracking
+Long, 1,840-shot battery life
+Durable, weather-sealed construction
+Sharp 4K/30p Ultra HD video
Worth Knowing
−No customizable shooting presets
−Slow autofocus in Live View
−Needs an expensive XQD card
−Rolling shutter noticeable in 4K video
−Slow 7 fps or 9 fps with an expensive battery grip

General 82

Brand
Nikon
Model
D850
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2017
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
23/08/2017
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
146 x 124 x 79 mm
Camera weight
1005 g

Optics 79

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
45.7 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
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
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
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
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
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
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
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
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
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.
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.
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.
1024003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
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
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
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
No
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)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

Scoring an impressive 82/100, the Nikon D850 is a DSLR camera that was announced on 08/23/2017 and released later that year. With a launch price of $3300, this camera measures 146 x 124 x 79mm and weighs 1005g, or 2.22lbs. Its specifications remain competitive in today’s market, offering users a high-quality camera option. The Nikon D850 is a reliable choice for photographers seeking a top-performing camera.

Nikon D850 Overview and Optics

The Nikon D850 scores 79/100 in the optics category, which is a solid result in today’s market. The camera has 45.7 megapixels, providing high-resolution images that capture fine details. Its shooting speed reaches 7 frames per second, which is efficient for various photography styles. With a full-frame CMOS sensor and an Expeed 5 processor, the D850 achieves a DXOMARK score of 100, showcasing its excellent image quality.

The Nikon F FX lens mount allows for compatibility with a wide range of lenses, giving photographers flexibility in their choice of optics. However, the D850 lacks image stabilization, which might be a downside for some users. The 3:2 aspect ratio is standard and suitable for most photography needs.

The Nikon D850’s optics performance is impressive, with high-resolution capabilities and a strong sensor performance. Despite the absence of image stabilization, the camera remains competitive in the current market due to its other advanced features and flexibility in lens options.

Nikon D850 Video Performance 70

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
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
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
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.
Yes
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
Read our notes on nikon d850 video performance

The Nikon D850 receives a video score of 70 out of 100. This camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160 pixels. The maximum video frame rate stands at 30 frames per second. Additionally, the D850 includes a built-in time-lapse functionality.

When comparing the D850’s video capabilities to other cameras in today’s market, the 4K resolution is a common feature among high-end models. However, the 30fps frame rate falls short of the 60fps offered by some competitors. Despite this, the time-lapse functionality adds value to the camera’s overall video performance.

The Nikon D850 presents solid video capabilities, although not groundbreaking when compared to other cameras in its class. The time-lapse feature enhances its appeal, but the 30fps frame rate is an area where improvement is possible.

Nikon D850 Features and Benefits 87

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
No
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.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Yes
Screen size
3.2"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
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.
No
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
No
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Yes
Read our notes on nikon d850 features and benefits

The Nikon D850 boasts a feature score of 87/100, showcasing its impressive capabilities. Its 3.2-inch screen with a resolution of 2,359,000 dots delivers crisp and clear visuals, while the touchscreen functionality enhances user experience. However, the absence of a flip screen might limit its versatility for some users.

The camera is equipped with WIFI and Bluetooth, allowing for seamless connectivity and effortless sharing of images. On the other hand, it lacks GPS, which could be a drawback for those who require location-based data for their photography.

Considering the specifications, the Nikon D850 holds its ground in the competitive market with its remarkable feature set. The combination of high-resolution screen, touchscreen, and wireless connectivity options make it a strong contender for photographers seeking quality and performance.

Nikon D850 Storage and Battery 84

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible), XQD
Dual memory card slots
Yes
Battery type
EN-EL15a
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
1840 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on nikon d850 storage and battery

The Nikon D850 receives a storage and battery score of 84 out of 100. This camera is equipped with two memory card slots, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with UHS-II compatibility, as well as XQD cards. In the market today, this versatility in memory card options is a valuable feature for photographers.

Regarding battery life, the D850 can take 1840 shots with its EN-EL15a battery type. While this battery life is not the highest among modern cameras, it still provides ample shooting time for various photography needs. However, the D850 does not have USB charging capabilities, which may be a drawback for some users.

The Nikon D850’s storage and battery performance make it a reliable choice for photographers seeking versatility and reasonable battery life in their camera.