Mastering the art of DSLR shooting
Guide

Nikon D850 Vs Sony A7r: The Pros And Cons Of Each Camera Laid Bare

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

  • The Nikon D850 and Sony A7R are two of the most popular and highly regarded full-frame DSLRs and mirrorless cameras on the market today.
  • The D850 uses a 153-point phase-detection autofocus system that covers a wide area of the frame, while the A7R uses a 399-point phase-detection autofocus system that covers almost the entire frame.
  • The A7R is a better choice for photographers who need advanced video capabilities, a compact body, and a wider autofocus coverage.

The Nikon D850 and Sony A7R are two of the most popular and highly regarded full-frame DSLRs and mirrorless cameras on the market today. Both cameras offer exceptional image quality, advanced features, and impressive performance. However, there are also some key differences between the two cameras that make them suitable for different types of photographers. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of both cameras to help you determine which one is the best choice for your needs.

Image Quality

Both the Nikon D850 and Sony A7R offer superb image quality, but they achieve it in different ways. The D850 has a 45.7-megapixel full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, while the A7R has a 42.4-megapixel full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor. The D850’s higher resolution gives it an edge in terms of detail and sharpness, especially when cropping or printing large images. However, the A7R’s sensor has a slightly higher dynamic range, which allows it to capture more detail in both shadows and highlights.

Autofocus

The Nikon D850 and Sony A7R both feature advanced autofocus systems, but they have different approaches. The D850 uses a 153-point phase-detection autofocus system that covers a wide area of the frame, while the A7R uses a 399-point phase-detection autofocus system that covers almost the entire frame. Both systems are fast and accurate, but the A7R’s wider coverage gives it a slight advantage when tracking moving subjects or focusing in low-light conditions.

Burst Shooting

The Nikon D850 is a clear winner when it comes to burst shooting. It can shoot up to 9 frames per second (fps) with full autofocus and autoexposure, while the A7R can only shoot up to 5 fps. This makes the D850 a better choice for sports, wildlife, and other fast-paced photography.

Video

Both the Nikon D850 and Sony A7R can shoot 4K video, but the A7R offers more advanced video capabilities. It can shoot 4K video at up to 60 fps, while the D850 is limited to 30 fps. The A7R also has a full-size HDMI port, which allows it to output uncompressed 4K video to an external recorder.

Ergonomics and Handling

The Nikon D850 and Sony A7R have different designs that appeal to different tastes. The D850 is a traditional DSLR with a large, comfortable grip and a full array of physical controls. The A7R is a mirrorless camera with a smaller, more compact body. It has a touchscreen interface that makes it easy to change settings and navigate menus.

Battery Life

The Nikon D850 has a longer battery life than the Sony A7R. The D850 can shoot up to 1,840 shots on a single charge, while the A7R can only shoot up to 530 shots. This makes the D850 a better choice for long photo shoots or travel photography.

Price

The Nikon D850 and Sony A7R are both expensive cameras, but the D850 is slightly more expensive. The D850 body-only costs around $3,000, while the A7R body-only costs around $2,500.

Which Camera Is Right for You?

The Nikon D850 and Sony A7R are both excellent cameras, but they are best suited for different types of photographers. The D850 is a better choice for photographers who need high resolution, fast burst shooting, and long battery life. The A7R is a better choice for photographers who need advanced video capabilities, a compact body, and a wider autofocus coverage.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which camera has better image quality, the Nikon D850 or the Sony A7R?

A: Both cameras offer superb image quality, but the D850 has a higher resolution, while the A7R has a slightly higher dynamic range.

Q: Which camera has better autofocus, the Nikon D850 or the Sony A7R?

A: Both cameras have advanced autofocus systems, but the A7R has a wider autofocus coverage, which gives it a slight advantage in low-light conditions and when tracking moving subjects.

Q: Which camera is better for sports and wildlife photography, the Nikon D850 or the Sony A7R?

A: The Nikon D850 is a better choice for sports and wildlife photography because it has a faster burst shooting rate.

Q: Which camera is better for video, the Nikon D850 or the Sony A7R?

A: The Sony A7R is a better choice for video because it can shoot 4K video at up to 60 fps and has a full-size HDMI port for outputting uncompressed 4K video.

Q: Which camera is more expensive, the Nikon D850 or the Sony A7R?

A: The Nikon D850 is slightly more expensive than the Sony A7R.

Was this page helpful?

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.
Back to top button