• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.6 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400

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Differences

Sony A850 advantages over Fujifilm X-T1

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 4.82 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 1.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 880 vs 350 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More pixels
    24.6 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility

Fujifilm X-T1 advantages over Sony A850

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    46 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    11 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.3 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality; Solid, weather-sealed body; Retro design that actually makes sense in a digital camera; Very low viewfinder lag for single-servo shooting; Fast burst shooting with great buffer depths; In-camera Wi-Fi connectivity

  • Exposure compensation dial is easily bumped; Four-way controller buttons are hard to press; Significant viewfinder lag for burst shooting; No raw files above ISO 6,400; Default settings strongly limit JPEG dynamic range

The Competition

Compared to Sony A900

Sony A850
Sony A900
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Fujifilm X-T1
Sony A900
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Sony A850
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
Fujifilm X-T1
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony A99

Sony A850
Sony A99
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
Fujifilm X-T1
Sony A99
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Samsung NX30

Sony A850
Samsung NX30
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
Fujifilm X-T1
Samsung NX30
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Fujifilm X-T10

Sony A850
Fujifilm X-T10
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
Fujifilm X-T1
Fujifilm X-T10
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
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