The D850 reflex is the third generation of the series and wishes to place itself as a reference in its segment. To achieve this, Nikon uses a new 45.7 Mpx sensor and also changes the processor to be able to manage the whole thing without flinching.
With the D850, Nikon’s engineers were able to have a field day and let the full extent of their talent shine through. Irreproachable in terms of handling, image quality, responsiveness and even modernity, it would be perfect if there weren’t two or three small details in the margin. For its 100th anniversary, Nikon offers you a photographic monster whose kingdom extends from the studios to the Arctic Circle, via photojournalism, weddings and portraiture. Magic.
Strong points
- Excellent image quality up to ISO 12800.
- High-flying resolving power.
- Burst of 9 fps in 45 Mpx!
- Impeccable construction.
- Viewfinder 100%.
- Touch screen and adjustable.
- Electronic shutter (in liveview).
- Double SD and XQD slot.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth low consumption.
- Autonomy of 1,800 to 2,000 views.
- Good video skills.
- Backlit keys.
Weak points
- Loss of built-in flash.
- No frame 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 prices from shops whose the VAT policy is not clear (known as “grey” shops, typically in the case of imports from China).
Alternatively
On the photo side, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a beautiful and expensive evolution with increased definition, Dual Pixel AF technology, an LCD touch screen, modern connections, top autofocus and quality manufacturing.
On the video side, 4K is welcome, but we remain unsatisfied with the lack of features such as exposure and focus assistants.
From a strictly photographic point of view, the 5D Mark IV easily receives a recommended.
However, four years have passed since the arrival of the 5D Mark III and the competition has not rested on its laurels, quite the contrary. Surprisingly, it’s not on the SLR side that you have to look for the most dangerous rivals, but on the hybrid side. Indeed, if the technologies are still in the making, it must be admitted that Sony or Fujifilm are renewing their ranges very quickly. Thus, at Sony, the A7 range has seen the birth of no less than 6 boxes in 3 years. And these boxes integrate new and interesting features (completely silent triggering, panoramic mode, 11 fps burst…) in smaller and lighter boxes. Before embarking on the purchase of an SLR and if the electronic viewfinder does not make you nauseous, the hybrid offer is today a more than credible alternative.