Nikon D850 Digital SLR

Last updated: August 5, 2023

Nikon D850 Digital SLR
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We looked at the top Nikon DSLR Cameras and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Nikon DSLR Camera you should buy.

Overall Take

This top pick DSLR is a robust full-frame camera. It is popular among professional wedding, landscape, portrait and wildlife photographers. This camera also shoots up to 45.7 megapixels resolution. It has anĀ upgraded 153-point autofocus system, as well as advanced 181,000-pixel RGB metering system and 7 frames per second continuous shooting speed.

In our analysis of 47 expert reviews, the Nikon D850 Digital SLR placed 1st when we looked at the top 5 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Extreme resolution meets extreme speed. When Nikon introduced the D800 and D800E, it set a new benchmark for DSLR image quality and super high resolution photography that approached medium format. Now, five years later, Nikon proudly introduces the next evolution in high resolution DSLRs, a camera that allows photographers to capture fast action in 45.7 megapixels of brilliant resolution. With remarkable advancements across the boardā€”sensor design, autofocus, dynamic range, sensitivity, Speedlight control, battery life, shutter and mirror drive mechanisms, Silent Photography in Live-View mode, focus shift capability and more. This is quite possibly the most impressive, well-rounded DSLR yet. GPS: GP-1 GPS Unit, GP-1A GPS unit.

Expert Reviews


What experts liked

Thanks to the light-collecting elements being closer to the surface of the sensor, the BSI design should deliver better low-light performance than previous sensors.
Thanks to its 45.7 MP sensor with a native ISO sensitivity range of 64-25,600, upgraded 153-point autofocus system, advanced 181,000-pixel RGB metering system, 7 fps continuous shooting speed that can be bumped up to 9 fps with a battery grip, a fully weather sealed construction and a bunch of other hardware and software upgrades
This is the highest ISO speed to which the camera will set itself in Auto ISO. This is easy; if you need Nikon's highest image-quality camera ever, it's the D850. Ever since DSLRs hit 24MP you haven't heard anything from me about 35mm film which I now consider completely obsolete except as a special effect. For most of what most people shoot, the D850 is Nikon's top camera.
Impressively, the D850 can shoot at nine frames per second if you add the optional MB-D18 battery grip and buy an EN-EL18b battery, as used in the D5. As well as increasing the camera's burst rate, this combination also ups the battery life to a staggering 5140 shots per charge.
The crystal-clear rear display, with its responsive touch control and accurate colour rendition, is excellent for monitoring results. I regularly used the double-tap function combined with the rear dial to quickly zoom into 100% and check focus between shots. Even if youā€™re not overly keen on the idea of using a touchscreen on a DSLR, the D850ā€™s is so good youā€™re likely to use it more than you think, especially to navigate the menu.
Built with a magnesium-alloy frame with weather sealing for moisture and dust, the D850 feels sturdy in the hand. We took the camera to a dust-filled motocross track and it wasnā€™t fazed one bit.
The video quality is quite nice, especially its 4K/30 footage, and the in-camera time-lapse features are impressive.
It's sophisticated and proven AF system. Full-frame 45,7MP image sensor. 7 fps burst mode; 9 fps with battery grip. Sturdy, weather-sealed design. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. 4K video.
The D850 is Nikonā€™s highest resolution DSLR to date, boasting a new 45.7 Megapixel full-frame sensor, coupled with the flagship D5ā€™s 153-point AF system, and fast burst shooting at 7fps, boost-able to 9fps with the optional battery grip.

What experts didn't like

The D850 gets Nikon's SnapBridge connectivity for wireless transfer of images, which establishes a low-energy Bluetooth connection between the camera and your smart device.
While the D850 shoots like nothing else under available light, you still need flash for artistic reasons for daylight and other fill-flash to lighten faces and put catchlights in people's eyes.
Lens calibration becomes absolutely critical at this resolution, and can be a pain point. Not so good for Those shooting incredibly fast action that requires higher burst speeds and those who require a more refined video feature set.
aving the option to select the shots youā€™d like to import at 2MB or full resolution is great in this part of the app, but overall I was left with the impression that SnapBridge could be made more intuitive to use.The fact it doesnā€™t offer the option to change exposure settings live in Remote Shooting mode also puts it way behind other apps from rival manufacturers.
The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection isnā€™t always reliable. Live-view autofocus is slower. Pricey.
However, the fact that the camera still uses sluggish contrast-detect AF for live view and video really puts the D850 at a disadvantage for video compared to other 4K-capable ILCs on the market these days.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection isn't always reliable. Live View focus uses contrast detection only. SnapBridge still clunky. Omits built-in flash. Expensive.

Our Expert Consultant

Jay Soriano   
Portrait photographer

Jay Soriano a headshot and portrait photographer in Las Vegas.

View our Nikon DSLR Camera buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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