Nikon D850 DSLR Camera Body {45.7MP}

Nikon D850: 45.7MP full-frame DSLR built for resolution and speed

The D850 centers on a 45.7MP back-illuminated full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter, paired with the EXPEED 5 processor. That combination produces 14-bit RAW files with a native ISO floor of 64, which translates to dynamic range that rewards aggressive post-processing. The sensor's BSI design pulls in more light per photosite than a conventional front-illuminated layout, and the absence of an OLPF means every line of detail in the scene reaches the imaging plane without diffusion.

At 7 fps continuous shooting with up to 51 consecutive RAW frames, the D850 handles subjects in motion without forcing a trade-off against file quality. The Multi-CAM 20K AF system delivers 153 focus points with 99 cross-type sensors, 15 of which function at f/8 for teleconverter use. That AF system, borrowed from the D5, tracks erratically moving subjects through a burst in a way that older high-resolution bodies simply could not. The extended ISO range reaches 102400, and the EN-EL15a battery is rated at 1840 shots per charge.

For video, the D850 records UHD 4K internally and outputs 4:2:2 8-bit via HDMI for external recording. The interval recording mode supports in-camera 4K time-lapse, and the focus shift feature automates focus stacking sequences for up to 300 frames. Dual card slots pair SD UHS-II with CFexpress Type B/XQD, so high-resolution burst files clear the buffer into fast storage without bottlenecking the shoot.

Who It's For

Landscape and architectural photographers who need large print output will find the 45.7MP sensor at ISO 64 delivers fine tonal gradations across shadow-to-highlight transitions that smaller-resolution sensors cannot match at the same output size. Wedding photographers benefit from the silent electronic shutter in Live View, the 153-point AF system's tracking accuracy during ceremony movement, and the 1:1 square crop mode for social media delivery straight from camera. Wildlife shooters working with long telephoto glass will use the 15 f/8-compatible AF points alongside the 7 fps burst rate to cover fast, unpredictable subjects. Studio and macro photographers can automate focus stacking sequences directly in-camera using Focus Shift Mode, removing the need for external intervalometer control.

Key Features

• 45.7MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter
• EXPEED 5 processor for 14-bit RAW and native ISO 64
• 7 fps continuous shooting with up to 51 RAW frames
• Multi-CAM 20K: 153 AF points, 99 cross-type sensors, 15 f/8 compatible
• UHD 4K internal recording with external 4:2:2 8-bit HDMI output
• Dual card slots: SD UHS-II and CFexpress Type B or XQD
• Tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD with pentaprism viewfinder
• In-camera 4K time-lapse and focus-shift stacking to 300 frames

FAQ

What makes the D850's sensor special compared to older high-resolution Nikons?

The 45.7MP back-illuminated BSI design pulls in more light per photosite than front-illuminated sensors, paired with no optical low-pass filter so every line of detail reaches the imaging plane without diffusion. Native ISO 64 gives you dynamic range that rewards aggressive post-processing.

Can the D850 really shoot 7 fps at full 45.7MP resolution?

Yes. At 7 fps you get up to 51 consecutive RAW frames before the buffer clears. With the optional MB-D18 battery pack, you can push to 9 fps at full resolution.

How does the AF system handle fast-moving subjects in burst shooting?

The Multi-CAM 20K AF system uses 153 focus points with 99 cross-type sensors and parallel processing that tracks erratically moving subjects through a burst. It's the same AF system Nikon uses in the D5.

What video specs should I know about for serious work?

Records UHD 4K internally at 25/29.97/23.98 fps, or outputs 4:2:2 8-bit via HDMI for external recorders. The interval recording mode supports in-camera 4K time-lapse, and focus shift automates focus stacking for up to 300 frames.

Why does the dual card setup matter for the D850?

Slot 1 takes SD UHS-II, Slot 2 takes CFexpress Type B or XQD. High-resolution burst files clear the buffer into fast storage without bottlenecking the shoot. You can also use them for redundant backup or overflow.

What's the native ISO range and how low does it go?

Native ISO runs 64-25600, expandable to 32-102400. ISO 64 is the lowest base ISO of any DSLR at the time of release, giving you maximum dynamic range in bright conditions.

How long does the battery last on a full charge?

The EN-EL15a is rated at 1840 shots per charge under standard test conditions.