After building anticipation all summer, Nikon today announced the Nikon D850, the company’s new full-frame pro DSLR, for body only, as well as a new MB-D18 multi-power battery pack for $396.95, available from Adorama in September. Featuring a 45.7MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor that Nikon claims rivals image quality available from medium-format digital cameras, the D850 camera is said to deliver exceptionally sharp image detail with a high dynamic range.
The Nikon D850 can record 4K video without highlight clipping, as well as time-lapse in 4K and 8K, as well as a top burst rate of 9fps. Other highlights include multiple RAW image sizes, Silent Photography mode, and in-camera focus stacking, which automatically captures multiple photos at different focus planes to be combined into the same photo—a world’s first for DSLRs.
Nikon D850 Key Features
- 45.7MP full-frame back-side illuminated CMOS sensor
- No low-pass filter
- 7fps; 9fps when using optional MB-D18 mini power pack
- ISO range 64-25,600, extendable to 32-102,400 for still and video
- Flip-up 3.2-inch touchscreen with 2.359k dot resolution
- 153-point AF system, sensitive to -4EV
- 8k, 4K video with no clipping factor
- Slow-motion up to 120fps at 1080p
- Silent photography mode
What’s new?
The 45.7MP CMOS sensor makes the D850 the highest-resolution Nikon to date. The D850 does not have an optical low-pass filter, allowing for sharper images with improved tonality, color and clarity. The first Nikon DSLR to use a BSI CMOS sensor, the D850 is said to offer a wider dynamic range and better low-noise performance. The camera’s low ISO 64 is the lowest native base ISO of any Nikon to date.
The Nikon D850 is built for speed. The camera borrows its focus system from its flagship sibling, the D5, offering the same 153-point, multi-cam 20K AF system with 99 cross-type sensors. 15 of those sensors are sensitive to f/8, making it well-suited for low light and sports photography. The D850 also offers high-speed image capture, able to shoot up to 7fps at full resolution. Add the optional MB-D18 Battery Grip and you get a zippy 9fps. The buffer provides 51 frames of 14-bit lossless RAW or 170 frames in 12-bit lossless.
Focus Shift Mode lets you “step focus”, shooting multiple images at different focus points for up to 300 automated shots, which can be stored in a dedicated folder for easy identification when using focus-stacking software. It’s a great tool for achieving deep focus in macro photography. Touch focus is available when shooting in Live View mode, and manual focus can be confirmed using Focus Peaking, which highlights in-focus areas with red, yellow, blue or white highlights.
Also available in Live View mode is Silent Photography, which captures images without sound or mechanical vibration. That’s great for weddings, golf outings, or other situations where candid photography is required. If you prefer viewing the image optically, the D850’s pentaprism viewfinder offers 0.75x magnification, the highest magnification ever in a Nikon DSLR.
Medium Format Image Quality
With such high resolution approaching medium format, Nikon is appealing to 120 film photographers—especially professional wedding and portrait photographers—with its Square image shooting mode. Chose 1:1 aspect ratio and shading in the viewfinder will allow you to easily compose 30MP square images. 1:2 and 5:4 aspect ratios are also possible. Nikon claims as many as 1840 still images per battery charge.
The camera body is constructed of rugged magnesium alloy and carbon fiber material, and features dust- and splash-resistant construction. It accommodates XQD and SD memory cards. Illuminated buttons let you more easily operate the camera in low light. Built-in Bluetooth and WiFi are available connectivity to mobile devices via the Nikon SnapBridge app.
An intriguing new feature is Negative/Positive scanning, via an optional ES-2 Film Digitizing Adaptor Set, which was also introduced today and is designed to be used in conjunction with a Micro-Nikkor lens. This lets the camera digitize 35mm slides or negatives into high-resolution images; it may be a faster and more efficient way to scan and digitally archive your film photos.
Extensive remote flash features are possible via Nikon’s Wireless Remote Transceiver and Adapter.
4K Video
The Nikon D850 makes a strong play for videographers with 16:9 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160), claiming clean output at high ISO and zero crop factor with any full-frame Nikkor lens. Auto ISO allows smooth lighting transitions and takes full advantage of the D850’s wide ISO range of 64-25,600. 4K time-lapse in camera is unique to Nikon DSLRs, and Silent Live View mode lets you avoid mechanical shutter and mirror movement, which has the added benefit of extending battery life and saving thousands of shutter cycles. Time-lapse is also possible in 8K using the D850’s interval timer.
Zebra Stripes are available in Live View to let you quickly spot overblown highlights, and focus peaking is also available for video. The camera offers HDMI output so users can record uncompressed broadcast-quality 4:2:2 8-bit 4K UHD footage direct to an external digital recorder, while simultaneously recording to a memory card. The D850 has both a built-in stereo microphone as well as headphone and external mic jacks. A new audio attenuator is available for adjusting sound levels.
Nikon D850 vs. D810
For those considering stepping up from the Nikon D810, which is currently available for approximately $500 less than the D850, the D810 has a 36.3MP sensor instead of the D850’s 45.7MP sensor, and tops out at 5fps at full frame and 7fps in cropped DX format, instead of 7-9fps. Users can shoot 51 consecutive 14-bit RAW images, nearly twice as many as with the D810. Video is so last year at 1080p, and the ISO range is one stop less, 64-12,800 instead of 64-25,600. The older model has 51 AF points instead of the 153-point system that the D850 inherited from the D5.
Availability and Pricing
The Nikon D850 is now available from Adorama for , body only.
