The D850 reflex is the third generation of the series and aims to position itself as a benchmark in its segment. To achieve this, Nikon uses a new 45.7 Mpx sensor and also changes the processor to be able to manage everything without flinching.
With the D850, Nikon engineers were able to give it their all and finally let the full extent of their talent speak. Impeccable in terms of handling, image quality, responsiveness and even modernity, it would border on perfection if there were not two or three small details at the margins. For its 100th anniversary, Nikon offers you a photographic monster whose kingdom extends from studios to the Arctic Circle, including photojournalism, weddings and portraits. Magic.
Strong points
- Excellent image quality up to ISO 12,800.
- High-level resolving power.
- Burst of 9 fps in 45 Mpx!
- Impeccable construction.
- Viewfinder 100%.
- Touchscreen and adjustable.
- Electronic shutter (in liveview).
- Dual SD and XQD slots.
- Low consumption Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Battery life of 1,800 to 2,000 views.
- Good video skills.
- Backlit keys.
Weak points
- Loss of built-in flash.
- No framing in 16:9.
- Underutilized 8K time-lapse.
NB: The reported price drop is calculated by comparing the lowest price of the day with the average of the lowest prices charged by all merchants for the product last month, with security rules to exclude the prices of stores whose the VAT policy is not clear (so-called “gray” stores, typically in the case of imports from China).
Alternatively
If it retains the strengths of the first K-1 of the name and as such remains a device offering excellent image quality – still among the best today – the developments made by Pentax to its standard bearer are quite disappointing . Certainly the results in high sensitivity have improved slightly, but the device remains not very responsive and, above all, the competition is progressing during this time. Pentax aficionados will praise the brand’s ergonomics and specific features. Its price is also a favorable argument. But the brand shows little ambition and that is regrettable.