• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 45.7 megapixels
  • ISO 64 - 25,600
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D850 advantages over Canon SL3

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.35 vs 3.72 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.20 vs 0.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1840 vs 1070 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More cross-type AF points
    99 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 346k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.75x vs 0.54x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    45.7 vs 24.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • More AF points
    153 vs 9
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.1 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    7.1 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    200 vs 15 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 51200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon SL3 advantages over Nikon D850

  • Less expensive
    $699 vs $2197*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 200 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SL3

Review Excerpt

  • Class-leading resolution; Excellent dynamic range; Very good high ISO performance; Very fast AF and burst shooting; Durable weather-sealed body; Improved ergonomics; Touchscreen; Dual card slots; 4K video.

  • Live view/video mode still uses sluggish contrast-detect AF; Viewfinder only tests at ~98% coverage; No 4K at 60p; 30-minute video clip limit; Focus peaking not supported with 4K.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Nikon D850
Canon 5DS R
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1849
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
Canon SL3
Canon 5DS R
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1849
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Top deck display

Compared to Sony A99 II

Nikon D850
Sony A99 II
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Canon SL3
Sony A99 II
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Canon SL2

Nikon D850
Canon SL2
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Canon SL3
Canon SL2
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Nikon D850
Pentax K-1 II
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite
Canon SL3
Pentax K-1 II
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon D3500

Nikon D850
Nikon D3500
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
Canon SL3
Nikon D3500
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $709
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
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