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Sony Alpha 850
55
SCORE
Sony · DSLR · 24.6 MP · Full Frame

Sony Alpha 850

General 55Optics 65Features and Benefits 28Storage and Battery 71
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KEY FACTS
BrandSony
ModelAlpha 850
Released2009
Announcement date27/08/2009
Camera typeDSLR

General 55

Brand
Sony
Model
Alpha 850
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2009
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
27/08/2009
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
156 x 117 x 82 mm
Camera weight
895 g

Optics 65

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.6 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6048 x 4032
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.
24 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.
3 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.
Sony Alpha
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz
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.
20030200
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.
32003003280000
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.
10030200
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.
64003003280000
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.
90300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
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

The Sony Alpha 850 receives a score of 55/100 for its general specifications. Announced on August 27, 2009, this DSLR camera was released at a launch price of $2000. Measuring 156 x 117 x 82mm and weighing 895g (1.97lbs), it’s a modestly sized and weighted camera for its time. However, in today’s market, these specifications may not be as competitive, considering advancements in technology and design. The Sony Alpha 850 still has its merits, but newer models have surpassed its capabilities.

Sony Alpha 850 Overview and Optics

The optics of the Sony Alpha 850 receive a score of 65/100. With 24.6 megapixels, a shooting speed of 3 frames per second, and a CMOS sensor, the camera delivers decent performance. The Bionz processor and a DXOMARK sensor score of 79 contribute to the overall quality. The full-frame sensor size, Sony Alpha lens mount, image stabilization, and 3:2 aspect ratio are additional factors to consider.

Comparing the Sony Alpha 850 to today’s market, the camera shows its age, especially in terms of shooting speed and sensor performance. Modern cameras tend to have higher megapixels, faster shooting speeds, and improved processors. However, the full-frame sensor and image stabilization features of the Alpha 850 remain relevant and desirable.

The Sony Alpha 850 offers satisfactory optics for casual photographers, but those seeking top-of-the-line performance might find it lacking compared to newer models.

Sony Alpha 850 Video Performance

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
No
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
N/A
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.
N/A
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.
N/A
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.
No
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.
N/A
Read our notes on sony alpha 850 video performance

The Sony Alpha 850 lacks video capabilities. This camera focuses on photography only.

Sony Alpha 850 Features and Benefits 28

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.
No
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.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
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.
Yes
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.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on sony alpha 850 features and benefits

The Sony Alpha 850 feature score stands at 28/100, which might seem low, but let’s examine the specifications to understand how it competes in today’s market. The camera has a 3-inch screen, with a resolution of 921,600 dots, providing clear and crisp image previews. However, the Alpha 850 lacks a touchscreen, which is a common feature in modern cameras.

The camera does have a flip screen, offering flexibility in shooting angles. Despite this, the Alpha 850 misses essential connectivity features such as GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth, which are now standard in most cameras. These missing features limit the camera’s compatibility with other devices and hinder the user’s ability to share and transfer files seamlessly.

Considering the specifications, the Sony Alpha 850 has some useful features, but it falls short in terms of connectivity and user convenience. While it may appeal to those seeking a simple camera with a flip screen, the absence of modern features makes it less competitive in today’s market.

Sony Alpha 850 Storage and Battery 71

Memory card
Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo
Dual memory card slots
Yes
Battery type
NP-FM500H
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
880 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on sony alpha 850 storage and battery

The Sony Alpha 850’s storage and battery receive a score of 71/100. This camera has two memory card slots, accepting Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, Memory Stick Duo, and Pro Duo cards. While offering multiple card options, it does not support the newer and faster SDXC cards, which could limit storage capacity and transfer speeds.

The Alpha 850 uses an NP-FM500H battery, providing 880 shots per charge. This battery life is adequate for most photography sessions, but falls short compared to the latest cameras with longer battery life. Additionally, the camera lacks USB charging, making it less convenient for on-the-go charging.

Considering these factors, the Sony Alpha 850’s storage and battery capabilities are satisfactory but not exceptional in today’s market.