• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.6 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1440.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Sony A850 advantages over Nikon B700

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Thinner
    81 mm vs 106 mm
    Thinner
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.6 vs 20.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon B700 advantages over Sony A850

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Newer
    9 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    565g vs 850g
    Lighter weight
  • 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
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony A850

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon B700
Nikon B700 (Black)
All B700 Deals

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A900

Sony A850
Sony A900
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Sony A850 vs Sony A900

Nikon B700
Sony A900
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon B700 vs Sony A900

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

Compare Sony A850 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon B700
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon B700 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Compared to Sony A99

Sony A850
Sony A99
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Sony A850 vs Sony A99

Nikon B700
Sony A99
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon B700 vs Sony A99

Compared to Nikon P600

Sony A850
Nikon P600
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony A850 vs Nikon P600

Nikon B700
Nikon P600
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • RAW file ability
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon B700 vs Nikon P600

Compared to Nikon P610

Sony A850
Nikon P610
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $599
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Sony A850 vs Nikon P610

Nikon B700
Nikon P610
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • RAW file ability
  • $599
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon B700 vs Nikon P610

Compare Other Cameras?