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Published on: 14 July 2020
Witness the next stage in evolution for high-resolution photography.
The D850 doesn’t simply surpass the incredible image quality of the D810, with 45.7 effective megapixels and ISO sensitivity from 64-25600. It pairs these with a new level of versatile and uncompromising performance, including continuous shooting speeds of 7 fps (up to 9 fps with the optional MB-D18 Multi-Power Battery Pack*) and the 153-point AF system used in the flagship D5. It’s the first Nikon FX-format D-SLR camera to offer full-frame 4K UHD video, while time-lapse shooters can create high-resolution sequences even under extremely low light. From landscape to commercial sports, wedding and fashion photography, as well as multimedia shooting, the D850 lets you create astounding images that meet the strictest professional requirements.
* When using EN-EL18b/EN-EL18a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery.
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Product Details
Magnificent images with stunning detail — Nikon FX-format, backside illumination CMOS sensor delivering 45.7 megapixels with ISO 64-25600. The D850 allows photographers to capture a diverse range of scenes in sumptuously rich detail. It is the first Nikon D-SLR to use a backside illumination sensor, which allows incoming light to reach photodiodes more efficiently. Together with the camera’s low-noise performance, this enables it to achieve ISO 25600 despite its high pixel count. What’s more, it strikes an optimal balance between sensor sensitivity and the volume of light information accumulated in photodiodes, yielding images with a wide dynamic range even at ISO 64 (expandable to ISO 32 equivalent) — the lowest native ISO setting offered by any camera manufacturer. Copper wiring is used to cut electrical resistance, while the backside illumination structure allows a flexible wiring layout, reducing stray capacity. These measures enable 45-megapixel FX-format images to be captured at continuous shooting speeds of 9 fps*1. And because the sensor is designed without an optical low-pass filter, it can harness the sharpness of 45 megapixels when combined with the high resolving power of NIKKOR lenses. The D850 yields pictures that can be enlarged as massive prints at up to A2 size*2 or used for 8K digital signage displays.
*1 When using the optional MB-D18 Multi-Power Battery Pack with the EN-EL18b/EN-EL18a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery.
*2 When printed at 300 dpi.
Beauty is where you find it. The D850 captures it all — thanks to its EXPEED 5 image-processing engine, also incorporated in the flagship D5. EXPEED 5 renders delicate tonality in highly vivid colors, and its superb noise reduction suppresses noise effectively while maintaining detail. Its powerful calculation ability also permits high-speed continuous shooting at approx. 9 fps* with 45 megapixels, as well as full-frame, 4K UHD movie recording.
Nikon’s Picture Control system helps you craft images that match your creative intentions and purposes. The D850 incorporates the new Auto Picture Control, in addition to the seven existing presets. Each preset allows you to tune settings such as sharpening and clarity, opening up a wider range of options for achieving your ideal image. You can adjust settings and store them as your own custom Picture Controls.
Auto Picture Control produces more desirable images by automatically fine-tuning the tone curve, color, sharpening and clarity of the Standard option, according to each scene’s characteristics. As a result, blue skies and verdant greens are rendered more vibrantly for landscape shots. The Advanced Scene Recognition System is now even better at identifying light sources, meaning red colors can be emphasized in sunsets and sunrises.
* When using the MB-D18 Multi-Power Battery Pack with the EN-EL18b/EN-EL18a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery. The D850 shoots at 7 fps with the EN-EL15a/EN-EL15.
With their exceptionally high resolving power, which makes full use of 45 megapixels, NIKKOR lenses are a perfect partner for the D850, allowing photographers in every field to better capture the essence of their vision, and render every delicate tone or nuance. Thanks to Nikon’s superb optical technology, they provide sharp resolution even at the periphery of an image, combined with elaborately designed, beautiful image-blur characteristics. Many lenses feature the anti-reflective Nano Crystal Coat, which effectively reduces ghost and flare. They are also designed to reproduce point light sources as point images as much as possible. NIKKOR lenses are powerful tools for professionals looking to ensure brilliantly sharp images regardless of the subject, environment or lighting conditions.
When capturing a night sky blanketed with stars, you probably want to avoid even the tiniest image blur to maximize the advantage of 45 megapixels. The D850’s silent photography function*1 in live view mode utilizes an electronic shutter instead of triggering any mirror or shutter movement, meaning it doesn’t cause any mechanical vibration. Photographers can capture every last detail in 45 megapixels — and in complete silence. This mode can be used in approx. 6-fps continuous shooting, but can also shoot approx. 8.6-megapixel pictures in DX image area at approx. 30 fps*2.
The D850 employs a new “natural light auto” white balance mode, taking advantage of the Advanced Scene Recognition System’s improved light source identification function. This option delivers optimal white balance results under natural light — a valuable asset for landscape shooters. It makes it possible to respond quickly to changes in the weather conditions without switching to the direct sunlight or cloudy options. When shooting scenes such as an autumnal landscape awash with red leaves or spectacular orange sunset, it also enhances the warm colors, helping create even more impressive pictures.
*1 In M and A modes. Aperture drive sound occurs in P and S modes.
*2 Continuous shooting is available for up to approx. 3 s.
Note: Rolling shutter distortion may occur during silent photography. AF/AE fixed with the first frame in continuous shooting.
Even when shooting high-contrast scenes in backlit situations, Active D-Lighting preserves details in highlight areas as well as shadowy areas, reproducing brightness as you see it. Active D-Lighting is suitable for use with moving subjects, as it does not involve combining two images like the High Dynamic Range (HDR) function does.
The High Dynamic Range (HDR) function takes two images of different exposures with one shutter release and automatically combines them to produce a single image with a wider dynamic range. This achieves images with rich tonal gradation in shadows and highlights, even for highcontrast shooting scenes. HDR is ideal for stationary subjects such as high-contrast landscapes and still lifes.
Note: Tripod use recommended.
The D850 employs a 180K-pixel RGB sensor with superb low-light sensitivity, the same as the flagship D5, offering metering down to -3 EV*2. This helps enormously when shooting low-light scenes. It is also invaluable when capturing long-exposure shots with ND filters (such as seascapes or running water), as it allows you to rely fully on the camera’s AE and AF without needing to detach the filter. Furthermore, the Advanced Scene Recognition System uses the RGB sensor’s increased pixel count to enhance the accuracy of various auto controls such as auto white balance, i-TTL balanced fill-flash, auto-area AF, 3D-tracking and Active D-Lighting, making it easier for photographers to achieve their desired results.
*1 Except high-density ND filters.
*2 ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20ÅãC/68ÅãF, using matrix or center-weighted metering.
The D850 provides a wide field of view for easier subject confirmation with a 0.75Å~ magnification* for its optical viewfinder — the highest ever offered by a Nikon FXformat D-SLR. The viewfinder has been redesigned to employ an aspherical lens and a new condenser lens with refined refraction, allowing for a slimmer body while keeping a sufficiently long eye point. Its high-contrast viewfinder information display uses organic EL display elements, making it easier to read even under bright sunlight.
The D850’s powerful 153-point AF system — the same acclaimed technology used in the flagship D5 — delivers over 130% of the D810’s frame coverage, with 99 cross sensors offering powerful detection. Thanks to a Multi-CAM 20K autofocus sensor module, developed to keep noise to an absolute minimum, the central point functions at -4 EV* and other focus points at -3 EV*. Accurate AF is possible in challenging low-light or low-contrast situations — a great asset for landscape photographers shooting in the hours when light is scarce, such as at sunrise, and especially useful for capturing nighttime scenes.
Accurate AF is crucial to take full advantage of the D850’s high pixel count. To ensure focusing accuracy, the D850’s auto AF fine-tune makes subtle adjustments for each type of lens you use. The simplified process involves achieving focus in live view and letting the camera automatically acquire, then store, the AF tuning value.
* 50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, -1.0 m-1.
* At ISO 100 and 20ÅãC/68ÅãF.
Greater convenience in the field — Touchoperable, tilting 8-cm/3.2-in. 2359k-dot monitor
Whether lowering the camera down for a macro shot or pointing upwards at a starry night sky, the D850’s tilting LCD monitor makes it easier to shoot from difficult angles. The monitor opens smoothly even when the camera is mounted on a tripod and has the most extensive touch functionality found in any Nikon D-SLR camera to date. From changing menu settings to shooting to reviewing images, it brings a new level of convenience. And thanks to the monitor’s 2359k-dot high-resolution display, you can easily check images and confirm focus in precise detail — which is crucial when working with 45 megapixels — by pinching out to enlarge.
Achieve precise focus on a very small area — Pinpoint AF
The D850’s new pinpoint AF mode is a valuable asset for macro shooting in live view photography. It uses a focus area that’s a quarter the size of conventional normal-area AF, enabling you to achieve precise focus on small details — particularly useful when focusing on subjects such as the pistil or stamen of a flower.
Accurate manual focus confirmation — Focus peaking display
Many landscape photographers prefer to use manual focus for macro shots, such as when shooting at wide apertures like f/1.4 or f/2.8 with a shallow depth of field. The D850’s focus peaking display makes it easier to confirm manual focus during live view, including when zooming. The camera detects the scene’s highest-contrast edges — meaning they are in focus — and highlights them in a designated color. You can choose to display highlights in red, white, yellow or blue, according to your subject’s own coloration, and adjust between three levels of detection sensitivity.
More accuracy in manual focus — Electronic rangefinder with improved precision
In addition to offering superb autofocus performance, the D850 also makes manual focusing more precise. Its electronic rangefinder identifies whether a subject is in focus more accurately than ever before, allowing you to capture sharp images when focusing in manual mode, or using a manual focus lens.
Bring everything in focus for focus stacking — Focus shift photography
When shooting a landscape containing various subjects at different focus distances or creating specimen pictures of insects and flowers, photographers may want to bring everything into sharp focus. The D850 introduces a focus shift photography function, which enables it to shoot sequences of up to 300 frames, while gradually and automatically shifting focus position from the start point to infinity. The shutter release interval can be set from 0-30 s, while the focus step width can be selected from 10 levels. Continuous shooting at approx. 5 fps is also available. Combining the pictures using focus stacking in post-production* gives you an image where every detail is in brilliantly sharp focus.
* Requires third-party editing software.
Huge time savings in post-production — In-camera RAW batch processing
Shooting in RAW gives greater leeway in post-production, letting photographers draw the most from the images they capture. Until now, however, processing RAW has always been extremely timeconsuming. The D850 resolves this issue by offering an incredibly convenient, in-camera RAW batch-processing feature, which enables you to quickly apply the same adjustments to selected images. You can save the original RAW files and processed JPEG files on one large-capacity XQD card, or else save the original on XQD and the JPEG on an SD card in the second slot, for easier data management.
Show your creativity in a social media-friendly format — New 1:1 image area option
The D850 introduces a new image area option with a 1:1 aspect ratio. While reminiscent of 6 Å~ 6 medium format, it’s also ideal for social media, where square images have become increasingly popular. It is also possible to add shading in the viewfinder around the image area you choose, helping you compose more accurately. You can create pictures to impress your followers, as well as experiment with the creative potential of this unique image area.
Keep shooting under harsh conditions — Superior weather-/dust-resistant performance and a robust body
Working in environments such as tropical forests or desert, landscape photographers often expose their camera bodies to harsh conditions. Nikon has applied its stringently high standards for weather resistance and durability, renowned in the fields of photography and science alike, to the D850. It has comprehensive weather- and dust-sealing applied to its joints and seams, and its top, rear and bottom covers, as well as the inside body structure, are made of robust magnesium alloy. It’s a camera that allows you to work with confidence in a wide range of tough environments. Also, its redesigned grip is deeper and longer, making it easier to hold even over extended periods of time.
Tested for 200,000 cycles — Durable, high-precision shutter
To ensure durability, the D850’s shutter has been tested for 200,000 cycles while actually loaded in the camera. It’s also designed to minimize the mechanical vibration that causes image blur. The D850 is the first Nikon D-SLR to adopt a shutter counter-balancer in its shutter drive, which travels upward during each shutter release to counteract the vibration caused by the front curtain’s downward motion. What’s more, the camera’s shutter monitor function calculates the duration between front- and rear-curtain movements every time the shutter is released, and automatically corrects any variance.
Ergonomic operation and confidence even in the dark — Button illumination and layout
The superb performance of the D850, such as its low noise at high ISO settings and wide detection range for AF/AE, encourages landscape photographers to venture out in the dark and create amazing images from challenging situations. The camera offers illuminated buttons on the rear left side and release mode dial, making it easier to change settings when shooting in the dark. Moreover, the buttons and dials are arranged in a convenient ergonomic layout to fit photographers’ hands. The rear side now features a sub selector added in the same position as for the D5, to allow easier right-handed operation by photographers who use both models.
Shoot for extended periods without worry — Long battery life
The D850 allows you to concentrate on shooting without having to worry about battery life. The camera can shoot up to approx. 1840 still images*1 from a single charge of an EN-EL15a/EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, thanks to its energy-efficient power circuit and EXPEED 5 imageprocessing engine. An optional weather- and dust-resistant MB-D18 Multi-Power Battery Pack can also be used as a power source, enabling shooting of up to 5140 images*2.
*1 Based on CIPA Standards.
*2 Based on CIPA Standards. With the EN-EL15a/EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery in the body and the EN-EL18b/EN-EL18a in the
MB-D18. Optional BL-5 Battery Chamber Cover required for use of the EN-EL18b/EN-EL18a.
Dual memory card slots for fast and secure data storage — Compatible with XQD and UHS-II SD cards
Reliable storage media is crucial to all creative work. The D850 features dual slots for XQD and UHS-II SD cards, enabling rapid reading and writing of the vast data generated from its high-pixelcount image sensor. It also offers a variety of storage options, including the ability to store the same data onto two cards for instant backup and recording RAW and JPEG simultaneously onto separate cards.
RAW image-processing software with auto retouch brush — Capture NX-D (free download)
Nikon’s Capture NX-D software offers the best way of processing original RAW (NEF/NRW) files without losing any of their extremely rich data. It incorporates an auto retouch brush that lets you remove dust spots on pictures. You can also adjust options such as exposure compensation, white balance, Picture Controls and unsharp mask. JPEG and TIFF files are also compatible.
Optimal management of still images and movies — ViewNX-i (free download)
ViewNX-i is Nikon’s free software for browsing and editing JPEG, RAW and movie files, as well as RAW files edited with Capture NX-D. It incorporates ViewNX Movie Editor, which can be used to edit movies, including 4K UHD footage. Access to various web services is also available.
Flexible remote shooting control — WR-1, WR-R10/WR-T10 Wireless Remote Controllers (optional)
Wireless remote controllers bring a new array of options to your photography. The WR-1 and WR-T10 Wireless Remote Controllers can both be configured as a transmitter, and release the shutter of a camera with another WR-1 or WR-R10*1 attached. When using the WR-1 as a transmitter, it’s also possible to perform interval timer photography, and use its screen to confirm and change settings*2 of the remote camera. WR-1 units communicate via 2.4 GHz radio frequencies, offering a communication range of up to 120 m/394 ft*3 with 15 channels. The WR-R10/WR-T10 can communicate within a range of up to 20 m/66 ft*3.
*1 Attaching a WR-R10 to the D850 requires the optional WR-A10 Wireless Remote Adapter.
*2 Limited functions only.
*3 At approx. height of 1.2 m/3.9 ft; may vary depending on weather, presence of obstacles and radio communication conditions.
Dynamic wide-angle movies, in high resolution — Nikon’s first full-frame, 4K UHD video
The D850 lets you film magnificent 4K UHD/30p videos in full frame. You can capture more dramatic scenes by combining this with wide-angle NIKKOR lenses, which demonstrate high resolving power even around the periphery of the frame. It is also possible to simultaneously record uncompressed, broadcast quality 4:2:2 8-bit 4K UHD files on an external HDMI device. 4K UHD videos are also available in the DX-based movie format — equivalent to super 35mm size — while recording in MP4 format is possible in addition to the conventional MOV option.
Note: The aspect ratio is 16:9.
Easily turn moments into drama — x4 and x5 slow-motion movie in Full HD
The D850 helps create dramatic Full HD movies with its new in-camera slow-motion video*. It can generate both Å~4 slow-motion videos (films at 120/100p and records at 30/25p) and Å~5 slow-motion videos (films at 120p and records at 24p) entirely in-camera — great for creating drama out of moments.
* Image quality is fixed at normal and image area is fixed at DX regardless of settings. AF-area modes are limited to normal-area and wide-area AF. No audio recording.
Take beautifully clean 4K UHD videos even in dark situations — Superior low-noise performance at high ISO settings
Even in dark scenes, you can rely on the D850 for consistently sharp video with low noise. Despite the great leap in effective pixel count from the D810, the camera achieves a wider standard sensitivity range of ISO 64-25600 for both stills and movies. This is thanks to the greater light-gathering efficiency of the new backside illumination CMOS structure, and the EXPEED 5 image-processing engine’s ability to effectively reduce noise while maintaining details. You can also widen the possibilities for your shooting by extending sensitivity up to Hi 2 (ISO 102400 equivalent). The D850 encourages videographers to explore their creativity in a variety of scenes.
Automatic adjustment to brightness changes — Auto ISO control for fixed aperture/shutter speed in M mode
Imagine filming a scene where the brightness changes significantly, such as following a subject from a dark corridor into the noonday sun, within one take. The Auto ISO function in M mode ensures the camera automatically adjusts its ISO settings to changes in brightness, while maintaining a specific depth of field and shutter speed. This helps achieve appropriate exposure throughout the scene.
Rich image information for easy post-production editing — Flat Picture Control
If you plan a video creation workflow that includes image enhancement in post-production, shooting in Flat Picture Control gives you the room you need to manipulate the original footage and achieve your preferred look. This option features a near-straight tone curve, which allows you to acquire as much information as possible — including subject colors, brightness and texture. It enables effective color grading using simple adjustments of the tone curve, without requiring technical knowledge of video log. Even if you are new to video, Flat Picture Control will amaze you with its creative potential and ease of use.
Minimize highlight clipping for grading — Highlight-weighted metering
While brightness control can be applied in post-production, it cannot compensate for blown-out highlights. The D850’s highlight-weighted metering is an invaluable tool for video shooting, helping to minimize overexposure. This setting delivers a richer tonality in images by giving priority to the brightest portions of a scene and avoiding white clipping. Used together with Flat Picture Control, you can acquire footage with even richer tones and less over-exposed highlights.
The defining strength of your 4K UHD video creation — Incredibly sharp NIKKOR lenses
Only high-performance lenses with high resolving power can draw out the full potential of 4K UHD video. The diverse NIKKOR lens lineup, from wide angle to telephoto, features superior optical performance and reliability, highly praised by cinematographers around the world. The optical system delivers high resolution even in the peripheral areas of the frame, elaborately designed bokeh characteristics that depict subject impressively with natural depth, and high reproduction capability for point light sources even at the maximum aperture. These features empower you to create the movie productions of your dreams.
Quickly switch between still-photo and movie shooting — Independent movie-shooting menu
The D850 is designed for multimedia shooters who consider stills and movies equally important. With that in mind, this camera sees Nikon introduce a dedicated movie-shooting menu in addition tothe one for still photography. You can register different settings for video without changing those for stills, which makes it easier to switch between the two shooting modes. For example, shooting stills in Auto Picture Control is possible even immediately after filming in Flat. What’s more, pressing the P button during movie recording gives you direct access to the movie-shooting settings, providing both convenience and efficiency during your shoot.
Greater convenience in the field — Touch-operable, tilting 8-cm/3.2-in. 2359k-dot monitor
When you encounter a subject that just cries out to be shot from a creative angle, but don’t have access to an HDMI monitor, the D850’s smooth, tilting LCD monitor gives you the flexibility you need. It has the most extensive touch functionality, including menu and P button menu operation, found in any Nikon D-SLR camera to date, bringing a new level of convenience and causing less unwanted operational noise than button operation.
Customizable highlight confirmation with even greater ease — Improved highlight display
Highlight display using zebra patterns helps you confirm overblown highlights, and the D850 has improved this function to assist you further. It now lets you adjust the level of brightness, to be indicated between 180-255 depending on your needs. What’s more, the zebra patterns come in two varieties, selectable according to the patterns and textures of your subjects.
Accurate manual focus confirmation — Focus peaking display
Many professional videographers use manual focus for accurate focusing. The D850’s focus peaking display* makes it easier to confirm manual focus. The camera detects the scene’s highestcontrast edges — meaning they are in focus — and highlights them in a designated color. You can choose to display highlights in red, white, yellow or blue, according to your subject’s own coloration, and adjust between three levels of detection sensitivity. For users’ convenience, this peaking information will not be recorded on the external device when connected via HDMI.
* Available with Full HD and HD.
More reliable sound control — Attenuator menu
When filming out of the studio, audio levels can escalate unexpectedly, causing distortion. The D850 incorporates an attenuator menu to avoid such accidental occurrences. When activated, it automatically reduces the microphone sensitivity to the appropriate level — allowing smooth recording with clear sound.
Confident hand-held video shooting — Electronic vibration reduction
When shooting movies hand-held in Full HD or HD, the D850’s electronic vibration reduction function* reduces the effects of camera shake in the horizontal, vertical and rotational directions (centering on the lens). This is invaluable when limitations of time and location make it difficult to set up a tripod. Used in combination with NIKKOR’s optical VR technology, the benefits are even more apparent.
* Image area will be slightly smaller in Full HD.
Preserve details in highlights and shadows —Active D-Lighting
The EXPEED 5 image-processing engine makes it possible to apply Active D-Lighting to Full HD and HD movies. This popular function in still-photo shooting preserves details in highlights and shadows when recording high-contrast scenes, giving your footage richer tonal gradation and a more natural brightness. This comes in handy when you need to use footage straight out of the camera without post-production editing.
Continue filming without worry — Long battery life
Filming for hours on end means that battery life is always a source of concern. The D850 allows you to concentrate on shooting without worry. The camera can shoot up to approx. 70 minutes of video*1 from a single charge of an EN-EL15a/EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, thanks to its energy-efficient power circuit and EXPEED 5 image-processing engine. An optional weather- and dust-resistant MB-D18 Multi-Power Battery Pack can also be used as a power source, allowing filming up to approx. 215 minutes*2.
*1 Based on CIPA Standards.
*2 Based on CIPA Standards. With the EN-EL15a/EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery in the body and the EN-EL18b/EN-EL18a in the MB-D18. Optional BL-5 Battery Chamber Cover required for use of the EN-EL18b/EN-EL18a.
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Price of Goods: £2,499.00
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