• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.6 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400

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Differences

Sony A850 advantages over Nikon D6

  • Less expensive
    $2000 vs $6500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Lighter weight
    850g vs 1270g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    24.6 vs 20.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Nikon D6 advantages over Sony A850

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    99 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Newer
    5 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
  • More dots on screen
    2359k vs 922k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • 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
  • More AF points
    153 vs 9
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    327680 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
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • 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
  • 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
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A900

Sony A850
Sony A900
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Nikon D6
Sony A900
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • 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
Nikon D6
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Sony A99

Sony A850
Sony A99
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
Nikon D6
Sony A99
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Nikon D5

Sony A850
Nikon D5
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Lighter weight
  • $4893
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
Nikon D6
Nikon D5
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Built-in GPS
  • $4893
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark III

Sony A850
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Lighter weight
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
Nikon D6
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Longer exposure
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • On-sensor phase detect
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