• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.6 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony A850 advantages over Sigma fp

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/30 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    23 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Sigma fp advantages over Sony A850

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • Thinner
    45 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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
  • Lighter weight
    422g vs 850g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    2100k 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
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    18.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • 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
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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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
Sigma fp
Sony A900
  • $1480
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Top deck display

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Sony A850
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2082
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
Sigma fp
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1480
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $2082
  • 35mm
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Top deck display

Compared to Sony A99

Sony A850
Sony A99
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
Sigma fp
Sony A99
  • $1480
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony A7C

Sony A850
Sony A7C
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $1631
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Sigma fp
Sony A7C
  • $1480
  • 35mm
  • Thinner
  • More dots on screen
  • $1631
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sigma fp L

Sony A850
Sigma fp L
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Sigma fp
Sigma fp L
  • $1480
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Newer
  • More pixels
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