Key Features
Proving that speed and resolution can indeed coexist, the Nikon D850 is a multimedia DSLR that brings together robust stills capabilities along with apt movie and time-lapse recording. Revolving around a newly designed 45.7MP BSI CMOS sensor and proven EXPEED 5 image processor, the D850 is clearly distinguished by its high resolution for recording detailed imagery. The back-illuminated design of the sensor is able To acquire greater detail and clarity when working in low-light conditions, and the sensor also forgoes an optical low-pass filter for improved sharpness. Working in conjunction with the sensor is the EXPEED 5 image processor, which together afford a 7 fps continuous shooting rate for up To 51 consecutive frames, an expandable sensitivity Range from ISO 64 To 102400, and 4K UHD video recording using either a DX crop or the entire area of the full-frame sensor. An 8K time-lapse recording mode is also available, as well as additional specialized recording modes for digitizing film negatives and for focus stacking applications. Benefitting the imaging capabilities is an advanced Multi-CAM 20K 153-point AF system, which debuted with the flagship D5 and offers 99 cross-type sensors for refined focusing accuracy in a variety of lighting conditions. Checking off a number of boxes for multimedia image-makers, the D850 positions itself as not only a high-resolution DSLR but also as a camera for speed, movies, and low-light shooting needs.
Balancing the versatile imaging features, the D850 is also equally refined in its physical design. A large optical pentaprism offering a wide field of view and 0.75x magnification affords photographers a bright, clear, and realistic view for critical shooting needs. Conversely, a 3.2" 2.36m-dot LCD touchscreen is also available for live view shooting, playback, and menu navigation, and features a tilting design To suit working from high and low angles. A weather-sealed design is also employed, To suit working in a variety of environmental conditions, and the optional MB-D18 grip can be added To boost overall shooting times and continuous shooting rates. Additionally, built-in SnapBridge allows for wireless sharing of low-resolution imagery and remote live view use on a linked mobile device, and an optional WT-7a Wireless Transmitter can also be used for faster wireless transferring of files.
45.7MP FX-format BSI CMOS Sensor and EXPEED 5 Processor
A first for Nikon DSLRs, a 45.7MP BSI CMOS sensor is used for high-resolution shooting, impressive low-light quality, and fast readout speeds To benefit continuous shooting, movies, and time-lapse recording. The back-illuminated design of the sensor affords noticeably cleaner high-sensitivity output for reduced noise when working at high ISO values, up To a native ISO 25600, as well as vivid and smooth quality at sensitivities as low as ISO 64. The sensor design also omits the conventional optical low-pass filter in order To achieve the greatest sharpness and resolution from the sensor.
Benefitting the sensor is the apt EXPEED 5 image processor, which affords a wealth of speed throughout the camera system, including the ability To shoot continuously at 7 fps for up To 51 consecutive 14-bit lossless compressed raw files in a single burst. When working with the optional MB-D18 grip and EN-EL18a/b battery, this shooting rate can be increased To 9 fps, and up To 30 fps shooting is possible when working in a DX crop mode during Silent Live View.
153-Point Multi-CAM 20K Autofocus System
Complementing the rendering capabilities and speed of the image sensor is the robust Multi-CAM 20K AF system, which features 153 total phase-detection points, including 99 cross-type sensors for improved subject recognition, and 55 of the points are Selectable for greater compositional freedom. Benefitting the use of super telephoto lenses and teleconverters, 15 of the points, including nine Selectable points, are compatible with an effective aperture of f8, and all 153 points support working with effective aperture of f5.6 or brighter.
Managing the abundance of focusing points is a dedicated AF engine, which offers quick response times To benefit tracking fast and randomly moving subjects, even at the top 7 fps shooting rate. The AF engine also contributes To enhanced focusing sensitivity, with all points capable of focusing -3 EV for working in very dark, low-contrast situations.
4K UHD Video Recording and 8K Time-Lapse
Utilizing the sensor and processor attributes for more than just still imagery, the D850 is also a more-than-capable multimedia camera. Video recording is possible at 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) using either the full-frame area or a DX crop area in 30p, 25, or 24p frame rates. Full HD 1080p video recording is also supported at up To 120p for slow motion playback, and video files can be saved To the in-camera memory cards or as an uncompressed file To an optional external recorder via HDMI out.
Benefitting video recording, a dedicated power aperture button (Pv) makes it possible To achieve smooth, continuous exposure transitions when switching from light To dark areas, and Auto ISO can also be used To maintain a consistent brightness when working in changing lighting situations. Audio recording can be handled using the built-in stereo microphone or an optional external mic can be added via the 3.5mm stereo jack for greater control over quality, and live monitoring is possible via the headphone jack.
The D850 also blends both still and video capabilities with the ability To produce 8K time-lapses, which can be output as 4K movie files directly from the camera. This system also makes use of a silent interval timer, which produces no shutter noise, does not contribute To wear on the shutter mechanism, and is energy efficient To maximize battery life.
Body Design
Scene Recognition System and Exposure Metering
The intelligent Scene Recognition System with 3D Color Matrix Metering III utilizes a 180,000-pixel RGB sensor To evaluate and analyze all aspects within a scene, including brightness, contrast, subject distance, and the scene colors, To quickly determine an accurate exposure and white balance setting To best render the scene at hand. The information gathered is also checked against onboard reference images To ensure consistency from image To image in regard To exposure, white balance, i-TTL flash settings, and subject-tracking AF performance.
Other Camera Features
Imaging
Lens Mount | Nikon F |
Camera format | Full-Frame (1x Crop Factor) |
Pixels | Actual: 46.89 Megapixel Effective: 45.7 Megapixel |
Maximum Resolution | 8256 x 5504 |
Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 3:2, 4:5 |
Sensor Type | CMOS |
Sensor Size | 35.9 x 23.9 mm |
Image File format | JPEG, RAW, TIFF |
Bit Depth | 14-Bit |
Image Stabilization | None |
Exposure Control
ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 64 To 25600 (Extended: 32 To 102400) |
Shutter Speed | 1/8000 To 30 Seconds Bulb Mode |
Metering Method | 3D Color Matrix, Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Spot |
Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
Exposure Compensation | -5 To +5 EV (1/3, 1/2, 1 EV Steps) |
Metering Range | -3 To 20 EV |
White Balance | Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Direct Sunlight, Fine, Flash, Fluorescent, Fluorescent (White), Incandescent, Neutral White, Preset Manual, Shade |
Continuous Shooting | Up To 7 fps at 45.7 MP for up To 51 Exposures (Raw) |
Interval Recording | Yes |
Self-Timer | 2/5/10/20-Second Delay |
Mirror Lock-Up | Yes |
Video
Recording Modes | MOV/MP4/H.264 UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/119.88p HD (1280 x 720) at 50p/59.94p |
Recording Limit | Up To 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds for UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 29.97p |
Video Encoding | NTSC/PAL |
Audio Recording | Built-In Microphone (Stereo) External Microphone Input |
Audio File format | AAC, Linear PCM (Stereo) |
Focus
Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
Focus Mode | Automatic (A), Continuous-Servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S) |
Autofocus Points | Phase Detection: 153 (99 Cross-Type) |
Autofocus Sensitivity | -4 To +20 EV |
Viewfinder and Monitor
Viewfinder Type | Optical (Pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Eye Point | 17 mm |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | Approx. 0.75x |
Diopter Adjustment | -3 To +1 |
Monitor Size | 3.2" |
Monitor Resolution | 2,359,000 Dot |
Monitor Type | Tilting Touchscreen LCD |
Flash
Built-In Flash | No |
Flash Modes | First-Curtain Sync, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction |
Maximum Sync Speed | 1/250 Second |
Flash Compensation | -3 To +1 EV (1/3, 1/2, 1 EV Steps) |
Dedicated Flash System | iTTL |
External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC Terminal |
Interface
Memory Card Slot | Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) Slot 2: XQD |
Connectivity | 3.5mm Headphone, 3.5mm Microphone, HDMI C (Mini), Nikon 10-Pin, X-Sync Socket, Micro-B (USB 3.0) |
Wireless | Wi-Fi Bluetooth |
GPS | No |
Environmental
Operating Temperature | 32 To 104ƒ‚‚°F / 0 To 40ƒ‚‚°C |
Operating Humidity | 0 To 85% |
Physical
Battery | 1 x EN-EL15a Rechargeable Lithium-Ion |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5.7 x 4.9 x 3.1" / 146 x 124 x 78.5 mm |
Weight | 2.01 lb / 915 g |