Nikon D850
Announced August 24, 2017
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
The Nikon D850 is a highly versatile, high-resolution DSLR that excels in image quality and dynamic range for a variety of photographic disciplines. While it remains a top-tier choice for stills photographers, its live-view autofocus and video features feel dated compared to modern mirrorless alternatives.
Weighted from 50 reviewer scores
Pros
- Impressive battery life for long shooting sessions
- Versatile performance with fast burst shooting and useful features like focus stacking
- Exceptional image quality with high resolution and wide dynamic range
- Robust, weather-sealed build quality that feels durable in the hand
- Highly reliable and fast autofocus system inherited from flagship models
Cons
- Slow and unreliable autofocus performance during live view and video recording
- Clunky and inconsistent wireless connectivity via SnapBridge
- Heavy and bulky form factor
- Limited video features such as lack of 4K peaking and 60fps recording
- Lack of in-body image stabilization
- Launch price $3,299.95 (USD)
- Sensor 45.7MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS
- Video 4K 29.97p
- Stabilization None
- Burst 7 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 50 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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[T]he D850 is a fantastic camera and is Nikon’s most versatile camera to date.
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The D850 is Nikon’s highest resolution DSLR to date, boasting a new 45.7 Megapixel full-frame sensor, coupled with the flagship D5’s 153-point AF system, and fast burst shooting at 7fps, boost-able to 9fps with the optional battery grip.
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Nikon’s high-resolution camera body shook up the industry once again, this time with a strong punch, making the Nikon D850 the most versatile DSLR on the market.
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On paper, the Nikon D850 has a jaw-dropping spec that’s tailored for almost any subject and situation.
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There's not a lot to say: this is Nikon's best, most well-rounded DSLR ever. Indeed, the best, most well-rounded DSLR from anyone.
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[T]he Nikon D850 has incredible image quality, lots of dynamic range, and that makes it very easy to use.
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[T]hey kind of pop out of the camera looking great and I couldn't be happier. In fact, these files are one of the main reasons I will grab this over one of my other Nikon's.
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The Nikon D850 does everything you could ask of a new Digital SLR, whether you want high resolution images, or high speed shooting, it will do both, without complaining.
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Offering a compelling balance of size and speed, the Nikon D850 is the best all-round DSLR camera that we've ever had the pleasure of reviewing.
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Nikon users had a long three-year wait for a replacement to the mighty D810. Even during this time, it was hard to see what Nikon could actually do to improve on a camera that had become something of a modern classic.
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The Nikon D850 delivers all the image quality, handling and features we love in the D810 and then some. Its ability to capture the finest detail is exceptional and its continuous shooting speed is remarkable for a camera with this resolution.
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The Nikon D850 offers the best of all worlds: extreme resolution, fantastic image quality, fast shooting, and an exceptional build.
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Recent mirrorless flagships may trump it for power and video performance, but the Nikon D850 remains one of the best DSLRs that photographers can buy.
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[T]he D850 is our favorite DSLR of all time.
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It really is the best DSLR on the market right now with that image quality, with the speed, the autofocus system, so much features, and the build quality is amazing.
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Despite the somewhat slow autofocus for video, the Nikon D850 is really an incredible piece of technology.
- Digital Trends 9/10
The Nikon D850 mixes big resolution and snappy speed inside a familiar and durable magnesium alloy body.
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The Nikon D850 remains the best DSLR ever made, and in 2026, that’s both its appeal and its limitation.
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It's a photographers' camera. And a clear contender for camera of the year.
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Let’s get the negatives out of the way first. If you’re a hybrid shooter that’s looking to shoot both stills and video, then the D850 isn’t for you.
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If you’re need pro-friendly features and can stomach the price tag, the Nikon D850 is the best DSLR you can buy today.
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The Nikon D850 is one of the most capable cameras we've seen in a while.
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Not everyone needs a two-pound tank that can take a coffee bath and emerge unscathed.
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Yeah, the strength of the Nikon D850 is it's just generally a good all-rounder camera. I've used it for landscape, I've used it for studio, bird, portrait, and wedding.
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I think that this is truly the best camera for hybrid coverage because of the buffer, so the the buffer is basically, I guess it comes down to the fact that this uses XQD cards, which is what the D5 used as well.
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There really is nothing better, and perhaps the only thing that comes close or is almost equal is Sony A7R III.
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So there's very little that I can fault the D850 for here, and it's obvious why it's had all that buzz around it.
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The flexibility you get with 46 megapixels along with the amazing ISO performance really makes this camera perfect for all types of photography.
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If you need both speed and resolution in a DSLR, the D850 is an absolute monster. Its 45.7MP stills are rich and detailed, giving you phenomenal image quality.
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Nikon always made great cameras, but I think this one it's one of their best, maybe the best.
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This could well be the last full-frame DSLR as Nikon has stated its intention to build a full-frame mirrorless camera. In that case, the Nikon D850 will be a legacy model, a treasured memento, the epitome of what could be accomplished with this technology.
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The D850 is still a fantastic camera.
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The Nikon D850 is the best and most versatile DSLR currently on the market.
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I already think this could be one of the best cameras Nikon has ever produced, and for wildlife photography, especially for creative wildlife photographers, it's fantastic.
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It's a great stills camera that also has nice video features, so if your primary use for this camera is going to be stills photography but you want to have the option of shooting nice crisp 4K video or even some slow-motion and 1080p, then this is the camera for you.
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The Nikon D850 is the best camera I’ve ever used, surpassing the Nikon D750 & D180 and the Sony A7R II. It’s also the most well-rounded camera I’ve ever used.
- Sam Hurd Photography 8.1/10
What this means is that you can tell the camera “make this image cooler where you’d normally balance it warm.” or any other adjustment to temp or tint.
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About 4 years after its release, the Nikon D850 is still one of the top high resolution DSLRs money can buy.
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If there is another body that will do it for you, I can tell you that the D850 is a fantastic choice for a wide range of photography purposes, but cameras cost a lot, the D850 being no exception. But of course, all that being said, sometimes we just want something new.
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I think if you shoot stills first and foremost and you work with flash regularly and you want the most capable camera your money can buy without paying mirrorless prices, this is it.
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Nikon is marking its 100th year in 2017, and the D850 is a worthy flagship for the company.
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I can't say enough good things about the image quality.
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[W]e recommend hybrid photographers and multimedia creators to opt for the best DSLR experience so far in Nikon D850.
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If you’re not bothered by the price tag and size, and are looking to produce some absolutely stunning images, this camera is hands down one of the best money can buy right now. Is it overkill for most who want to document their rides?
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It's a camera built to last, built to deliver, and built to inspire.
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The camera is incredible; I love it.
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As you can see, there's way more positives than there are negatives, and overall I do not regret buying this camera for one nanosecond. It's been one of the best purchases I have ever made.
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In all, a big studio production is the Nikon D850’s sweet spot.
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All numbers aside, essentially this camera is the end of making trade-offs to have a high-megapixel count camera. You can now have it all, which is a really neat thing.
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[F]antastic camera, not a lot of bad things to say about it, which is a good thing for me after spending 3 and a half grand on this, so I'm really pleased with my purchase.
