• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 45.7 megapixels
  • ISO 64 - 25,600
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Nikon D850 advantages over Sony A9 II

  • Less expensive
    $2197 vs $4498
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1840 vs 690 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 360k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    45.7 vs 24.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Sony A9 II advantages over Nikon D850

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 4.35 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Longer video battery life
    110 vs 70 minutes
    Capture more video
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    5 years vs 7 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    678g vs 915g
    Lighter weight
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    20.0 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    361 vs 200 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    20.0 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 102400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

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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

Sony A9 II
Canon 5DS
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection

Compare Sony A9 II vs Canon 5DS

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

Sony A9 II
Sony A99 II
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Sony A9 II vs Sony A99 II

Compared to Sony A9

Nikon D850
Sony A9
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D850 vs Sony A9

Sony A9 II
Sony A9
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Newer
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony A9 II vs Sony A9

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

Sony A9 II
Pentax K-1 II
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony A9 II vs Pentax K-1 II

Compared to Canon R6

Nikon D850
Canon R6
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More pixels
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D850 vs Canon R6

Sony A9 II
Canon R6
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • More pixels
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Sony A9 II vs Canon R6

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