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Dslr Vs Mirrorless: Nikon D850 Vs Gfx 50r – The Decisive Comparison

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.

What To Know

  • In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences and similarities between the Nikon D850 and the GFX 50R, empowering you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
  • The D850 has a native ISO range of 64-25600, expandable to 102400, while the GFX 50R’s native ISO range is 100-12800, expandable to 51200.
  • Both cameras perform well in low light, but the GFX 50R has a slight advantage due to its larger sensor and better noise control at higher ISOs.

The Nikon D850 and Fujifilm GFX 50R are two highly acclaimed cameras that have captivated the hearts of professional photographers worldwide. Both cameras offer exceptional image quality, advanced features, and impressive performance. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences and similarities between the Nikon D850 and the GFX 50R, empowering you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

Sensor and Image Quality

The Nikon D850 boasts a 45.7-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, while the GFX 50R features a 51.4-megapixel medium format CMOS sensor. The larger sensor size of the GFX 50R provides several advantages, including higher resolution, improved dynamic range, and reduced noise at higher ISO sensitivities. However, the D850’s full-frame sensor offers better compatibility with a wider range of lenses.

Resolution and Detail

As mentioned earlier, the GFX 50R’s higher resolution sensor provides greater detail and sharpness in images. This is particularly beneficial for large-scale printing, where every pixel counts. The D850’s 45.7-megapixel resolution is still impressive for most applications, but the GFX 50R’s 51.4-megapixel sensor gives photographers an edge in demanding situations that require the finest detail.

Dynamic Range and Color Depth

The GFX 50R’s medium format sensor also allows for a wider dynamic range, capturing a greater range of tones from highlights to shadows. This results in images with more detail and depth, especially in high-contrast scenes. The D850’s dynamic range is also impressive, but the GFX 50R’s advantage is noticeable in challenging lighting conditions.

ISO Performance and Noise

Both the D850 and GFX 50R offer excellent ISO performance, with minimal noise even at higher sensitivities. The D850 has a native ISO range of 64-25600, expandable to 102400, while the GFX 50R’s native ISO range is 100-12800, expandable to 51200. In practical terms, both cameras produce clean and detailed images up to ISO 6400. Beyond that, the GFX 50R’s larger sensor provides a slight advantage in noise reduction at higher ISOs.

Lens Compatibility and System Versatility

The Nikon D850 is compatible with Nikon’s extensive F-mount lens system, which offers a wide range of options, from wide-angle to telephoto lenses. The GFX 50R, on the other hand, uses Fujifilm’s G-mount system, which is still relatively young and has a more limited selection of lenses. However, Fujifilm has been expanding the G-mount system rapidly, and third-party manufacturers are also producing lenses for the GFX system.

Autofocus and Performance

The D850’s autofocus system is renowned for its speed and accuracy, featuring 153 autofocus points and a sophisticated tracking algorithm. The GFX 50R’s autofocus system is also capable, but it has fewer autofocus points (117) and may struggle in low-light conditions. In terms of performance, the D850 has a faster burst rate of 9 frames per second (fps), compared to the GFX 50R’s 3 fps.

Ergonomics and Handling

The D850 and GFX 50R offer different ergonomic experiences. The D850 is a traditional DSLR, with a comfortable grip and a well-placed control layout. The GFX 50R, on the other hand, is a mirrorless camera with a rangefinder-style design. It has a more compact body, but some photographers may prefer the tactile feel of a DSLR.

In a nutshell: Determining the Best Choice

The Nikon D850 and Fujifilm GFX 50R are both exceptional cameras, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. The D850 offers a versatile full-frame system with excellent speed, autofocus performance, and lens compatibility. The GFX 50R, on the other hand, delivers unparalleled image quality thanks to its medium format sensor, providing superior resolution, dynamic range, and noise control. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities as a photographer.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Which camera has better image quality, the Nikon D850 or the Fujifilm GFX 50R?
A: The GFX 50R has better image quality due to its larger medium format sensor, providing higher resolution, wider dynamic range, and reduced noise.

Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography, the D850 or the GFX 50R?
A: Both cameras perform well in low light, but the GFX 50R has a slight advantage due to its larger sensor and better noise control at higher ISOs.

Q: Which camera has faster autofocus, the D850 or the GFX 50R?
A: The D850 has faster autofocus with more autofocus points and a more advanced tracking algorithm.

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Drew D.

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.
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