Nikon D850 Black 2017
The 45.7MP full-frame sensor resolves exceptional detail, paired with a 153-point AF system that locks focus reliably for fast action. Its robust, weather-sealed body and 1840-shot battery life make it a dependable tool for extended field work. This DSLR is best for portrait and studio photographers who need maximum resolution without moving to medium format.
Snapshot
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q2 2026100/100
Buyers in Q2 2026 praise the D850 as a top DSLR, especially for low-light AF and large prints. Many prefer it over mirrorless for compatibility with F-mount gear.
- Excellent image quality and 45.7 MP for large prints.
- Superior low-light AF with IR assist, outperforming Z9.
- Great compatibility with existing F-mount lenses and accessories.
- Solid build, satisfying shutter sound, and ergonomic feel.
- Q1 202694/100
Buyers praise the D850 as a top-tier DSLR with excellent image quality, value at its current price, and a satisfying mechanical feel. A few note the need for larger memory cards.
- Excellent image quality and detail, especially compared to DX sensors.
- Great value due to significant price drop from original MSRP.
- Preferred over mirrorless for optical viewfinder, battery life, and handling.
- Included 64GB card is good but larger card recommended for continuous shooting.
- Q3 202595/100
Buyers are thrilled with the D850 as an upgrade, praising its features, ruggedness, and value. Some note Nikon's shift to mirrorless and price drops.
- Excellent upgrade from D810/D90 with great features like touch screen and zoom.
- Rugged build and extensive tutorials available for users.
- Nikon reducing prices after purchase and moving to mirrorless concerns some.
- Bundle with Flashpoint off-camera flash is lightweight and fast-charging.
- Q1 2025100/100
All five reviews are 5-star. Buyers praise the D850's image quality, build, and lens compatibility, though some note its weight and minor display quirks.
- Excellent image quality and a significant upgrade from older models.
- Heavy and bulky, causing discomfort during extended use.
- Solid build, good balance, and compatibility with existing lenses.
- LCD does not show exact frame number, only approximate count.
- Q2 2024100/100
Buyers praised the D850's value, compatibility with F-mount lenses, and familiar DSLR controls, with positive experiences from Adorama's service and bundled items.
- Great value and competitive with mirrorless cameras.
- Native use of affordable F-mount lenses.
- Familiar DSLR controls and style preferred.
- Useful bundled items and good service from Adorama.
- Q2 202396/100
Buyers praise the D850 as a fantastic, high-quality DSLR with amazing image clarity and sharpness. One experienced user notes it's a solid but not revolutionary upgrade from earlier models.
- Excellent image quality, sharpness, and clarity praised by multiple buyers.
- Overall satisfaction with the camera and purchase experience, including fast delivery.
- One user found it a worthy but not transformative upgrade from older Nikon models.
- Focus shift feature incompatible with non-AFS macro lenses, a disappointment for one user.
- Q4 202285/100
Buyers in Q4 2022 praised the D850's image quality, value, and features, but noted a known transfer bug and loud shutter noise.
- Exceptional image quality and value, considered one of the best DSLRs ever.
- Known bug prevents direct photo transfer via USB; no fix available.
- Loud, clunky shutter noise; great for landscapes but not stealthy shooting.
- Excellent autofocus and lens compatibility, especially with high-quality glass.
- Q3 2022100/100
All reviews are 5-star, praising the D850's image quality, dynamic range, and compatibility with F-mount lenses. Buyers are extremely satisfied, with some preferring it over mirrorless options.
- Outstanding image quality and dynamic range, exceeding expectations.
- Excellent compatibility with existing F-mount lenses and accessories.
- Preferred over mirrorless cameras like the Z9, with no desire to switch.
- Great value, especially with bundled flash and discounted lenses.
- Q2 202282/100
Buyers in Q2 2022 praised the D850's image quality, autofocus, and build, though one severe defect report noted focus, noise, and battery issues.
- Excellent image quality, resolution, and low noise at high ISO.
- Fast and accurate autofocus, even in low light.
- Solid build quality, described as a tank and well-constructed.
- One unit had severe focus, noise, battery, and line artifacts; Nikon service unhelpful.
- Q1 202281/100
Buyers in Q1 2022 praised the D850's image quality, low-light performance, and landscape capabilities. A few reported freezing issues during shoots, causing missed shots and disappointment.
- Excellent image quality, sharpness, and low-light performance praised by many users.
- Great for landscapes and wildlife photography; considered the best DSLR for these uses.
- Camera freezes during shoots, causing missed shots and embarrassment for wedding photographers.
- Some users note slow live view focusing; others find it acceptable for controlled settings.
- Q4 202198/100
Buyers in Q4 2021 overwhelmingly praised the D850 as an exceptional DSLR, highlighting its image quality, build, and low-light performance. Many upgraded from older models and found it a worthy investment.
- Exceptional image quality and low-light performance, producing tack-sharp prints.
- Solid build quality and ergonomic design, though some note it is heavy.
- Steep learning curve for new users, but familiar controls ease transition from other Nikon models.
- Lack of in-body image stabilization (IBIS) is a notable disappointment for legacy lens users.
Based on 107 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Sensor
| Type | BSI CMOS |
| Size | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 45.7 MP |
| ISO Range | 64 |
| Processor | EXPEED 5 |
Autofocus
| AF Points | 153 |
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 153 (99 Cross-Type) |
| Eye AF | Yes |
| Subject Detection | Yes |
Shooting
| Burst (Mechanical) | 7 |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | Yes |
Video
| Max Resolution | 4K |
| 4K FPS | 30 |
| 1080p FPS | 60 |
| 10-bit | No |
| Log Profile | No |
| Codec | H.264 |
Display & EVF
| Screen Size | 3.2" |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Articulating | Yes |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36 M dots |
Build
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.9 kg / 2.0 lbs |
| Battery Life | 1840 |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB | USB 3.0 |
| HDMI | Mini-HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | Yes |
vs Competition
| Spec | Nikon D850 | Sony a7R V | Fujifilm X-T5 | Canon EOS R6 Mark III | Panasonic LUMIX S5 II | OM System OM-1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | DSLR | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless |
| Sensor | 45.7MP full-frame | 61MP full-frame | 40.2MP aps-c | 32.5MP full-frame | 24.2MP full-frame | 20.4MP micro-four-thirds |
| AF Points | 153 | 693 | 425 | 1053 | 779 | 1053 |
| Burst FPS | 7 | 10 | 15 | 40 | 30 | 10 |
| Video | 4K @30fps | 8K @60fps | 6K @60fps | 8K @120fps | 6K @60fps | 4K @60fps |
| IBIS | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 915 | 723 | 557 | 609 | 658 | 511 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | EVF | Build | Burst | Video | Sensor | Battery | Display | Connectivity | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon D850 | 83.2 | 82.9 | 98.3 | 67.2 | 93.9 | 71 | 99.8 | 87.2 | 88 | 99.6 | 36.1 |
| Sony a7R V Compare | 94.9 | 99.2 | 97.1 | 78.8 | 95.9 | 77.4 | 94.4 | 87.2 | 95.4 | 97.7 | 98.6 |
| Fujifilm X-T5 Compare | 90.3 | 91.4 | 94.4 | 84 | 93.2 | 99.1 | 97 | 87.2 | 90.3 | 97.7 | 95.2 |
| Canon EOS R6 Mark III Compare | 98.9 | 90.5 | 95.1 | 93.4 | 98.5 | 65 | 97.5 | 99 | 95.4 | 93.9 | 99.6 |
| Panasonic LUMIX S5 II Compare | 97.8 | 90.8 | 96.1 | 91.5 | 94.2 | 55.5 | 92.6 | 99.3 | 95.4 | 93.9 | 88.5 |
| OM System OM-1 Compare | 95.3 | 98 | 85.2 | 94.7 | 86.2 | 48.4 | 95.9 | 87.2 | 89.2 | 84.6 | 88.5 |