• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 45.7 megapixels
  • ISO 64 - 25,600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D850 advantages over Panasonic GH5 II

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.35 vs 3.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1840 vs 410 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More pixels
    45.7 vs 20.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    200 vs 108 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic GH5 II advantages over Nikon D850

  • Less expensive
    $1798 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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D850
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Filmmaker's Kit
All D850 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GH5 II
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 12-35mm F2.8 Lens
  • Kit with 12-60mm Lens
All GH5 II Deals

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.

  • Read our Nikon D850 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5DS

Nikon D850
Canon 5DS
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compare Nikon D850 vs Canon 5DS

Panasonic GH5 II
Canon 5DS
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Canon 5DS

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Nikon D850
Canon 5DS R
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive

Compare Nikon D850 vs Canon 5DS R

Panasonic GH5 II
Canon 5DS R
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Canon 5DS R

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Nikon D850
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • NFC

Compare Nikon D850 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Panasonic GH5 II
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Canon 5D Mark IV

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

Compare Nikon D850 vs Sony A99 II

Panasonic GH5 II
Sony A99 II
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Sony A99 II

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

Compare Nikon D850 vs Pentax K-1 II

Panasonic GH5 II
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH5 II vs Pentax K-1 II

Compare Other Cameras?