Nikon D850 DSLR Vs Nikon D810 DSLR

The Nikon D850 is Nikon's latest full-frame DSLR to be introduced to its camera line-up. It actually updates the Nikon D810 but instead of removing the D810 from stores, Nikon says the older DSLR will remain on the market alongside the D850. Why? Well, Nikon believes the upgrade is so significant, that the cameras can easily sit next to each other on a store shelf. 

Of course, there will be Nikon users who are interested in upgrading their kit, as well as other brand followers who may be considering a switch, so we thought we'd compare the two DSLRs to see what exactly is different, what's stayed the same and how exactly the spec tables looks when placed side-by-side. 

1. Image Sensor & Image-Processing Engine 

The Nikon D850 features a backside illumination CMOS sensor, a first for Nikon DSLRs and it has 45.7 million effective megapixels while the CMOS sensor in the Nikon D810 has just 36.3 million effective megapixels. The D850 also features the EXPEED 5 image-processing engine, 1 number higher than the D810, and with it comes reduced noise levels and the ability to capture full-frame, 4K UHD/30p movies.

2. ISO Range 

The new sensor found in the Nikon D850 means that the ISO range of the camera is much wider when compared with the Nikon D810, reaching ISO25600 (the D810 has an ISO range that reaches just 12800). 

3. Silent Photography Function

This didn't exist on the D810 but on the D850, it allows the capture of 45-megapixel images with no mechanical vibration or shutter release sound.

4. Metering & Focus

The RGB sensor on the D850 has 89k more pixels than the sensor found on the D810 and the metering range now goes down to -3EV to improve shots captured when it's dark or when using an ND filter. 

As for the auto focus system, the total number of focus points has more than doubled from 51 on the D810 to 153 on the D850 and the -4EV compared to the -2EV of the D810 means the D850's AF should perform better in low light. AF adjustment is also easier on the D850 as the process is now automatic. 

Nikon D850 Top

Nikon D810 Top

5. Continuous Shooting

7 or 9fps is the continuous shooting speed found on the D850 and even though the D810 did offer 7fps continuous shooting, it was in DX format, not FX. The maximum number of frames that can be captured in a single burst has also been increased from 28 to 51. 

6. Video

4K video recording is supported on the D850 and there's also a slow-motion movie mode. If you don't need 4K video, the D810 supports Full HD and HD formats. Flicker reduction is something you'll find on both cameras but on the newer DSLR, it can be used for both stills and video. There are also more advanced video functions available on the D850 including focus peaking display, electronic VR and active D-lighting. 

7. Viewfinder & Screen

The optical viewfinder on the D850 still offers the same frame coverage as that found on the D810 but the magnification ratio has been increased so less stress is put on the eye and the screen on the D850 is now tilts as well as been touch operated. The resolution is also higher but the size hasn't changed. 

8. Battery Life 

When compared with the D810, 640 more shots can be captured on the D850 before the battery dies and you have 30 extra minutes to capture video footage. 

9. Other Differences 

As well as the above, the D850 also features: 

• Auto Picture Control
• An extra white balance mode as well as a natural light auto white balance option 
• Pinpoint AF
• An improved time-lapse function
• illuminating buttons 
• A multiple exposure menu
• Square aspect ratio 

Nikon D850 Hands-On Photos of Equipment

Nikon D810 Hands-On Photos of Equipment

You can compare the specs of both cameras in more detail with the help of the table below. We also have a full hands-on with the new D850 DSLR and our review of the Nikon D810 from back in 2014 is still online for viewing, too. 

The Nikon D850 has an RRP of £3499 body only, and sales start on 7 September 2017. The Nikon D810 is available over on Amazon UK for £1899.