Nikon D850 vs Nikon D4
- Full frame
- 46 megapixels
- Nikon F
-
63
Overall -
46
Imaging -
85
Features -
69
Size -
0
Price
- Full frame
- 16 megapixels
- Nikon F
-
45
Overall -
23
Imaging -
49
Features -
66
Size -
0
Price
Nikon D850 vs Nikon D4: a Complete Review and Comparison
Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this overview, we are going to take a look at two different camera models that fall into different categories: the first model we are about to review, Nikon D850 is a camera from Semi-Pro DSLR category. It features BSI-CMOS sensor with a resolution of 46.0 MP. The second model we are looking at, Nikon D4, falls into a Pro DSLR category and it is equipped with CMOS sensor that has a resolution of 16.0 MP.
Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Nikon D850 and Nikon D4.
Nikon D850 Key Features:
- 46.0 MP Full frame BSI-CMOS sensor
- ISO 64 - 25600 (Expands to 32 - 102400)
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3.2″ Tilting Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 146 x 124 x 79 mm
- Weight: 1015 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: No
- Replaced Nikon D810. Compare
Nikon D4 Key Features:
- 16.0 MP Full frame CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Expands to 50 - 204800)
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3.2″ Fixed Type Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 11.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 160 x 157 x 91 mm
- Weight: 1340 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Replaced Nikon D3S. Compare
- Replaced by Nikon D4s. Compare
Being a newer model, Nikon D850 substituted
Nikon D810.
Be sure to check out some of our other comparisons that may also interest you:
Nikon D850 vs. D810
Nikon D810 vs. Nikon D4
Why is Nikon D850 a better choice than Nikon D4
| NFC | Yes vs No | Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices |
| Bluetooth | Yes vs No | Connect your camera to other devices via Bluetooth |
| Sensor Resolution | 46.0 MP vs 16.0 MP | 65.2% more pixels |
| Number Of Focus Points | 153 vs 51 | 102 more focus points |
| Number Of Cross Focus Points | 99 vs 15 | 84 more cross focus points |
| AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes vs No | Very handy for portraits |
| Screen Resolution | 2,359k dots vs 921k dots | 61% higher resolution screen |
| Touch Screen | Yes vs No | Easy control of camera functions |
| Weight | 1015 g vs 1340 g | 325 g lighter |
| Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 | Higher Resolution Video |
| Dxo Color Depth | 26.4 vs 24.7 | Better color depth |
| Dxo Dynamic Range | 14.8 vs 13.1 | Better dynamic range |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.75 vs 0.7 | 0.05 better magnification |
What are the key reasons to pick Nikon D4 over Nikon D850
| Sensor Area | 860.4 mm2 vs 858.01 mm2 | 0.3% larger pixel area |
| Continuous Shooting | 11 fps vs 7 fps | 4 fps faster |
| Battery Life | 2600 shots vs 1840 shots | 760 more frames with a single charge |
| Dxo Low Light Iso | 2965 vs 2660 | Better High ISO performance |
Key PROs of Nikon D850 and Nikon D4
| Screen Size | 3.2″ | 3.2″ | Large display |
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) | Better framing and control |
| Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
| Microphone Port | Yes | Yes | High quality audio recording option |
| Headphone Port | Yes | Yes | Better video control |
| Timelapse Recording | Yes | Yes | Creative shooting |
| Storage Slots | 2 slots | 2 slots | Extra Storage Slots |
| Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
| Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
| Environmental Sealing | Yes | Yes | Shoot at tough conditions |
| Battery Life | 1840 shots | 2600 shots | Big number of frames with a single charge |
Key CONs of Nikon D850 and Nikon D4
| Built-In Flash | No | No | No built-in flash |
| Image Stabilization | No | No | No image stabilization |
Nikon D850 vs Nikon D4: Comparing Two Models By Physical Characteristics
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Nikon D850 and Nikon D4 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Nikon D850 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 325g less than the Nikon D4. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Comparing Nikon D850 and Nikon D4 by the type of Sensor and Resolution
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Nikon D850 and Nikon D4 any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Nikon D850 features a 46.0 MP Full frame sized BSI-CMOS sensor . Nikon D4, in its turn, comes with a 16.0 MP Full frame sized CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D850 and Nikon D4 by the size of their sensors.
Nikon D850 and Nikon D4 are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.
For Which Fields Of Photography Are Nikon D850 and Nikon D4 Suitable?
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Nikon D850 and Nikon D4 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
| Photography Type | Nikon D850 | Nikon D4 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait Photography |
|
|
| Street Photography |
|
|
| Sports Photography |
|
|
| Daily Photography |
|
|
| Landscape Photography |
|
|
Nikon D850 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (46 MP)
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
- You might not like Nikon skintone
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D4 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
Disadvantages:
- You might not like Nikon skintone
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D850 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Large Full frame(35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- Big battery life (1840 shots)
Disadvantages:
- Big size (146 x 124 x 79 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D4 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Large Full frame(36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- Big battery life (2600 shots)
Disadvantages:
- Big size (160 x 157 x 91 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D850 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Environmental Sealing
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Big Number of autofocus Points (153)
- Big Number of CrossFocus Points (99)
- Nice Low Light ISO (2660)
- Big battery life (1840 shots)
- Big size (146 x 124 x 79 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (7.0 fps)
Nikon D4 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Fast Continuous Shooting (11.0 fps)
- Environmental Sealing
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Big Number of autofocus Points (51)
- Nice Low Light ISO (2965)
- Big battery life (2600 shots)
- Big size (160 x 157 x 91 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Small Number of CrossFocus Points (15)
- Bad Max Native ISO (12800)
Nikon D850 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (1015 g)
- Big size (146 x 124 x 79 mm)
- No Built-in Flash
Nikon D4 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (1340 g)
- Big size (160 x 157 x 91 mm)
- No Built-in Flash
Nikon D850 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (46 MP)
- Good Dynamic Range (14.8)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
- Nice Low Light ISO (2660)
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesNikon D4 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- Good Dynamic Range (13.1)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
- Nice Low Light ISO (2965)
Disadvantages:
- Low resolution sensor (16 MP)
- Bad Max Native ISO (12800)
Comparison of Nikon D850 vs Nikon D4: Final Verdict
Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Nikon D850 or Nikon D4, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Nikon D850 and Nikon D4 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Nikon D850 deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon D4. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
Nikon D850 vs Nikon D4 Table Of Technical Specs
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
| Nikon D850 | Nikon D4 | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D850 | D4 |
| Announced | Aug 24, 2017 | Jan 06, 2012 |
| Body Type | Mid-size SLR | Large SLR" |
| Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI-CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full frame | Full frame |
| Sensor Dimensions | 35.9 x 23.9 mm | 36 x 23.9 mm |
| Sensor Area | 858.01 mm2 | 860.40 mm2 |
| Sensor Resolution | 46.0 MP | 16.0 MP |
| Max Image Resolution | 8256 x 5504 | 4928 x 3280 |
| Max Native ISO | 25,600 | 12,800 |
| Max Boosted ISO | 102,400 | 204,800 |
| Min Native ISO | 64 | 100 |
| RAW Support |  |
|
| Lens | ||
| Manual Focus | |
|
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Number of Lenses | 287 | 287 |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1x | 1x |
| Macro Focus Range | ||
| AutoFocus | ||
| AF Touch | |
 |
| AF Continuous | |
|
| AF Single | |
|
| AF Tracking | |
|
| AF Selective | |
|
| AF Center | |
|
| AF Multi Area | |
|
| AF Live View | |
|
| AF Face Detection | |
|
| AF Contrast Detection | |
|
| AF Phase Detection | |
|
| Number of Focus Points | 153 | 51 |
| Number of Cross Focus Points | 99 | 15 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen Type | Tilting | Fixed Type |
| Screen Size | 3.2″ | 3.2″ |
| Screen Resolution | 2,359k dots | 921k dots |
| Live View | |
|
| Touch Screen | |
|
| ViewFinder | ||
| ViewFinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
| ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| ViewFinder Magnification | 0.75 | 0.7 |
| Photography Features | ||
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s |
| Continuous Shooting | 7.0 fps | 11.0 fps |
| Shutter Priority | |
|
| Aperture Priority | |
|
| Manual Exposure Mode | |
|
| Exposure Compensation | |
|
| Custom White Balance | |
|
| Image Stabilization | |
|
| Built-in Flash | |
|
| Flash Range | 0 | 0 |
| Flash Modes | Front-curtain sync (normal), Rear-curtain sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync | Auto, Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync |
| External Flash | |
|
| AE Bracketing | |
|
| WB Bracketing | |
|
| Exposure Modes | ||
| Multi-Segment | |
|
| Average | |
|
| Spot | |
|
| Partial | |
|
| AF-Area | |
|
| Center Weighted | |
|
| DxO Sensor Scores | ||
| DxO Sensor Score | 100 | 89 |
| DxO Color Depth | 26.4 | 24.7 |
| DxO Dynamic Range | 14.8 | 13.1 |
| DxO Low Light ISO | 2660 | 2965 |
| Video Features | ||
| Video Resolutions | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM | 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps) |
| Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Video Formats | MPEG-4 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone Port | |
|
| Headphone Port | |
|
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless Connectivity | |
|
| HDMI | |
|
| USB | USB 3.0 | USB 2.0 |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental Sealing | |
|
| Water Proof | |
|
| Dust Proof | |
|
| Shock Proof | |
|
| Crush Proof | |
|
| Freeze Proof | |
|
| Weight | 1015 g | 1340 g |
| Physical Dimensions | 146 x 124 x 79 mm | 160 x 157 x 91 mm |
| Battery Life | 1840 shots | 2600 shots |
| Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery Model | EN-EL15a | EN-EL18 |
| Other Features | ||
| Self Timer | |
|
| Timelapse Recording | |
|
| GPS | Optional | |
| Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II supported) + XQD | CompactFlash, XQD |
| Storage Slots | 2 | 2 |
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