Nikon D850 body (SKU N-VBA520AE)

The Nikon D850 shows that high speed and high resolution can absolutely live in the same camera. It is a multimedia DSLR that combines outstanding still-image quality with powerful video and time-lapse features. At its heart is a newly developed 45.7MP back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor paired with the EXPEED 5 image processor. This combination delivers extremely detailed files, excellent low-light performance, and fast readout for continuous shooting and video.

The BSI sensor design improves light gathering for better detail and clarity at high ISO, and Nikon has removed the optical low-pass filter to maximize sharpness. With the EXPEED 5 processor, the D850 offers up to 7 fps continuous shooting for about 51 consecutive frames, an extended sensitivity range from ISO 32 to 102,400, and 4K UHD video recording using either the full-frame sensor area or a DX crop. It also supports 8K time-lapse production and includes special modes for digitizing film negatives and focus stacking. An advanced Multi-CAM 20K autofocus system with 153 points and 99 cross-type sensors, inherited from the D5, provides fast, accurate focusing in demanding lighting conditions. Taken together, the D850 is not only a high-resolution DSLR but also a capable tool for action, video, and low-light work.

Physically, the D850 is built to match its imaging capabilities. It features a large optical pentaprism viewfinder with 0.75x magnification and a wide field of view for a bright, natural shooting experience. A 3.2" 2.36m-dot tilting touchscreen LCD provides clear live view, comfortable high- and low-angle shooting, and intuitive menu and playback control. The magnesium alloy body is extensively sealed against dust and moisture for use in harsh conditions, and the optional MB-D18 grip can extend battery life and raise the maximum shooting rate. Built-in SnapBridge (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi) enables wireless transfer of low-resolution images and remote live view control from a compatible smart device, while the optional WT-7a Wireless Transmitter can be used when faster wireless transfer is required.

45.7MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor and EXPEED 5 Processor

A 45.7MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, Nikon’s first of its kind in a DSLR, delivers high resolution, excellent low-light image quality, and fast readout for continuous shooting, video, and time-lapse work. The back-illuminated structure provides cleaner high-ISO output with reduced noise at sensitivities up to the native ISO 25,600, while still producing smooth tonality at ISO 64. The lack of an optical low-pass filter further enhances sharpness and fine detail.

The EXPEED 5 processor supports high-speed performance throughout the camera system. It allows continuous shooting at up to 7 fps for around 51 consecutive 14-bit lossless compressed RAW files. When combined with the optional MB-D18 battery grip and EN-EL18a/b battery, the maximum continuous shooting rate increases to 9 fps. In Silent Live View mode using a DX crop, the camera can reach up to 30 fps for specialized applications.

153-Point Multi-CAM 20K Autofocus System

The Multi-CAM 20K AF module supports the D850’s speed and resolution with a dense array of phase-detection points:

• 153 total AF points

• 99 cross-type sensors for enhanced subject recognition

• 55 selectable points for compositional flexibility

Fifteen AF points (including nine selectable) maintain focusing performance at effective apertures of f/8, which is ideal for super telephoto lenses with teleconverters. All 153 points function with lenses that have maximum apertures of f/5.6 or faster.

A dedicated AF engine ensures fast response and reliable subject tracking, even at the top 7 fps burst rate. Every AF point is sensitive down to –4 EV, allowing focusing in very low-light, low-contrast scenes.

AF Area Modes

To handle different subject types and motion, the D850 offers several AF area modes:

• Single-Point AF: Uses a single focus point for precise control.

• Dynamic-Area AF (25/72/153 points): Starts with one focus point and uses neighboring points to maintain focus on moving subjects.

• Group-Area AF: Treats clusters of points as one focus area for easier tracking of faces or detailed subjects.

• 3D-Tracking: Uses color information across all AF points to follow subjects as they move through the frame.

• Auto-Area AF: Automatically chooses the main subject using all AF points and prioritizes human faces when present.

An auto AF fine-tune function helps optimize focus accuracy for individual lenses. You manually focus in live view, then let the camera calibrate its phase-detect AF system to match that precise distance, helping to reduce front- or back-focus issues.

4K UHD Video and 8K Time-Lapse

The D850’s sensor and processor also make it a powerful video and time-lapse camera:

• 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) video at 23.976p, 25p, or 29.97p using full-frame or DX crop.

• Full HD 1080p recording at up to 119.88p for slow-motion playback.

• HD 720p recording at 50p/59.94p.

• Video can be recorded internally or output as an uncompressed signal over HDMI to an external recorder.

For smoother creative control:

• A dedicated power aperture (Pv) button allows gradual, smooth exposure changes while recording.

• Auto ISO in video helps maintain consistent brightness as ambient light changes.

• Focus Peaking assists manual focusing by highlighting in-focus edges.

• Zebra Stripes indicate bright areas approaching overexposure.

• Audio can be captured via the built-in stereo mic or an external microphone connected to the 3.5mm input, with live level monitoring through the headphone jack.

The D850 can also produce 8K time-lapse sequences using Interval Timer Mode, or create 4K time-lapse movies directly in-camera. Up to 9999 frames can be recorded for either workflow. A silent interval timer mode eliminates shutter noise, reduces wear on the shutter mechanism, and conserves battery life.

Body Design and Handling

• The 3.2" tilting touchscreen LCD with 2,359,000 dots provides a bright and detailed live view image and offers flexible viewing angles. Touch functionality allows quick adjustment of settings, AF point selection, and image review.

• The optical pentaprism viewfinder offers 100% coverage with 0.75x magnification for a large, comfortable view.

• Dual card slots are provided: one UHS-II–compatible SD slot and one CFexpress Type B / XQD slot. These allow overflow recording, in-camera backup, or RAW/JPEG separation for more efficient workflows.

• A magnesium alloy chassis and comprehensive weather sealing ensure durability and resistance to dust and moisture.

• Ergonomics are refined with a deep handgrip, anti-slip materials, and a multi-selector joystick for fast AF point and menu navigation. Many rear buttons are illuminated to aid operation in low light.

• The EN-EL15a battery provides approximately 1840 shots per charge (CIPA rating). With the optional MB-D18 grip and EN-EL18a/b battery, battery life can reach about 5140 shots per charge.

Scene Recognition and Metering

The Scene Recognition System with 3D Color Matrix Metering III uses a 180,000-pixel RGB sensor to analyze:

• Brightness

• Contrast

• Subject distance

• Scene color

This data is cross-referenced against built-in reference information to deliver accurate exposure, consistent white balance, precise i-TTL flash metering, and robust subject-tracking AF performance from frame to frame.

Additional Features

• SnapBridge connectivity: Uses Bluetooth Low Energy and Wi-Fi for automatic low-resolution image transfer and remote shooting from a paired smart device, including live view and remote shutter control.

• Optional WT-7a Wireless Transmitter: Enables faster, more advanced wireless file transfer and networking options.

• Negative Digitizer mode: Designed for digitizing film negatives and slides into high-resolution digital files, especially when used with the AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED and ES-2 Slide Copying Adapter.

• Focus Shift Mode: Automates focus stacking by capturing up to 300 frames across up to 10 focus steps, shifting focus between shots to build extended depth-of-field composites. Each sequence is saved in a dedicated folder for easier post-processing.

• In-camera formats: Supports 1:1 square and 4:5 aspect ratios, with the viewfinder masking unused areas for accurate composition.

• RAW flexibility: RAW files can be recorded in three different sizes for faster processing, and the camera supports in-camera RAW batch conversion.

• Advanced Wireless Lighting support: Compatible with radio-controlled Nikon lighting using the WR-R10 Controller, WR-A10 Adapter, and SB-5000 Speedlight.

• Picture Control presets: Flat, Landscape, Monochrome, Neutral, Portrait, Standard, Vivid, and Auto, with adjustable settings for in-camera image styling.

• Extensive language support: Includes English and a wide range of European, Asian, and Middle Eastern languages such as Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and many others.

Package Includes

• Nikon D850 DSLR Camera (Body Only)

• Nikon EN-EL15b Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery

• Nikon MH-25A Battery Charger for EN-EL15 Battery

• Nikon UC-E22 USB 3.0 Cable

• HDMI/USB Cable Clip

• Nikon AN-DC18 Camera Strap

• Nikon BF-1B Body Cap

• Nikon DK-17F Fluorine-Coated Finder Eyepiece

• Limited 1-Year Warranty

Specifications

Imaging

• Lens Mount: Nikon F

• Camera Format: Full-frame (FX, 1x crop factor)

• Sensor Resolution: 46.89MP actual, 45.7MP effective (8256 × 5504)

• Aspect Ratios: 1:1, 3:2, 4:5

• Sensor Type: CMOS

• Sensor Size: 35.9 × 23.9 mm

• File Formats: JPEG, RAW, TIFF

• Bit Depth: 14-bit

• Image Stabilization: None (lens-based only)

Exposure Control

• ISO Sensitivity: Auto, ISO 64–25,600 (extended ISO 32–102,400)

• Shutter Speed: 1/8000–30 seconds; Bulb supported

• Metering Methods: 3D Color Matrix, Center-Weighted, Highlight-Weighted, Spot

• Exposure Modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual

• Exposure Compensation: –5 to +5 EV in 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV steps

• Metering Range: –3 to +20 EV

• White Balance Modes: Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Direct Sunlight, Fine, Flash, Fluorescent, Fluorescent (White), Incandescent, Neutral White, Preset Manual, Shade

• Continuous Shooting: Up to 7 fps at 45.7MP for up to 51 RAW frames

• Interval Recording: Yes

• Self-Timer: 2, 5, 10, or 20 seconds

• Mirror Lock-Up: Yes

Video

• Recording Formats: H.264 / MOV / MP4

• UHD 4K (3840 × 2160): 23.976p, 25p, 29.97p

• Full HD (1920 × 1080): 23.976p, 25p, 29.97p, 50p, 59.94p, 119.88p

• HD (1280 × 720): 50p, 59.94p

• Recording Limit: Up to 29 minutes 59 seconds in 4K at 29.97p

• Video Encoding: NTSC/PAL

• Audio Recording: Built-in stereo microphone; external mic input (3.5mm)

• Audio Formats: AAC, Linear PCM (stereo)

Autofocus

• Focus Types: Autofocus and manual focus

• Focus Modes: Auto (A), Single-Servo AF (S), Continuous-Servo AF (C), Manual (M)

• AF Points: 153 phase-detection points (99 cross-type)

• AF Sensitivity: –4 to +20 EV

Viewfinder and Monitor

• Viewfinder Type: Optical pentaprism

• Eye Point: 17 mm

• Coverage: 100%

• Magnification: Approx. 0.75x

• Diopter Adjustment: –3 to +1

• Monitor Size: 3.2"

• Monitor Resolution: 2,359,000 dots

• Monitor Type: Tilting touchscreen LCD

Flash

• Built-In Flash: None

• Flash Modes: First-Curtain Sync, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync with Red-Eye Reduction, Off

• Maximum Sync Speed: 1/250 second

• Flash Compensation: –3 to +1 EV (1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV steps)

• Dedicated Flash System: i-TTL

• External Flash Connections: Hot shoe, PC terminal

Interface and Storage

• Card Slots:

  • Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)

  • Slot 2: CFexpress Type B / XQD

• Connectivity: 3.5mm headphone, 3.5mm microphone, HDMI Type C (Mini), Nikon 10-pin terminal, PC sync socket, USB Micro-B (USB 3.0)

• Wireless: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

• GPS: Not built in

Environmental

• Operating Temperature: 32–104°F (0–40°C)

• Operating Humidity: 0–85%

Physical

• Battery: EN-EL15a rechargeable lithium-ion

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 5.7 × 4.9 × 3.1" (146 × 124 × 78.5 mm)

• Weight: 2.01 lb / 915 g (body only)

• Box Weight (package): 4.24 lb

• Box Dimensions (L × W × H): 9.7 × 6.5 × 5.8"