Nikon D850 Vs 5D Mark IV: Which Camera Reigns Supreme?

Hey friends! I’ve been getting tons of questions about the Nikon D850 vs 5D Mark IV debate, so let’s dive into this as if we’re chilling at our favorite hangout. As a seasoned photographer who’s spent countless hours shooting with both, I’m here to share my experiences and help you figure out which camera might be your perfect match. Both are full-frame DSLR powerhouses, but they shine in different ways depending on your style—whether it’s landscapes, portraits, or video. Let’s break it down and see what makes each one tick.

Introduction

The Nikon D850 and Canon 5D Mark IV are legendary in the photography world, released in 2017 and 2016, respectively. They’re built for pros, offering incredible image quality and versatility. Your choice likely hinges on your shooting preferences, existing gear, and whether video is a big part of your work. I’ll walk you through their strengths, quirks, and real-world performance to help you decide.

Nikon D850 Vs 5D Mark IV Comparison

Sensor and Image Quality

The heart of any camera is its sensor, and these two deliver big time. The Nikon D850 rocks a 45.7-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, perfect for capturing insane detail in landscapes or macro shots. I’ve shot sprawling vistas where every rock and blade of grass popped, even after heavy cropping. Without a low-pass filter, the D850’s images are razor-sharp, though you might see moiré in patterned subjects like fabrics.

The Canon 5D Mark IV, with its 30.4-megapixel CMOS sensor, is no slouch either. Its low-pass filter smooths out moiré, making it a go-to for portrait or fashion work where skin tones and textures need to look flawless. Both cameras excel in dynamic range, but the D850’s BSI sensor at ISO 64 pulls ahead in high-contrast scenes. I once shot a sunset with the D850, and the shadow details were unreal compared to the 5D Mark IV’s still-impressive performance.

ISO Range and Low-Light Performance

Low-light shooting is where these cameras show their grit. The Nikon D850 offers a native ISO range of 64-25,600, expandable to 32-102,400. That low base ISO is a dream for bright conditions, delivering clean images with minimal noise. The Canon 5D Mark IV runs from ISO 100-32,000, expandable to 50-102,400, and holds its own in dim settings.

I’ve shot concerts with both, and the D850’s BSI sensor gives it a slight edge in noise control at high ISOs. The 5D Mark IV still produces great results, but the D850’s images often look just a bit cleaner in the darkest shadows. Both are solid for night photography, but the D850’s low ISO versatility makes it a favorite for varied lighting.

Autofocus

Autofocus is a game-changer for fast-moving subjects. The Nikon D850 boasts 153 autofocus points, 99 of them cross-type, covering a wide frame. I tracked birds in flight during a wildlife shoot, and the D850 nailed focus every time. Its AF detection range (-4 to +20 EV) is stellar in low light too.

The Canon 5D Mark IV has 61 points, with 41 cross-type, which is solid but less extensive. Where it shines is in live view and video, thanks to Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which delivers smooth, cinematic focus transitions. I’ve used it for video shoots, and it’s like having a focus assistant. For stills, though, the D850’s broader coverage gives it the edge.

Continuous Shooting

When it comes to action, burst speed matters. The Nikon D850 shoots at 7 fps, or 9 fps with the optional MB-D18 grip, which I’ve found invaluable for sports like soccer, where those extra frames catch the perfect kick. The Canon 5D Mark IV sticks to 7 fps, which is plenty for most scenarios but lacks that extra boost. Both handle bursts well, but the D850’s buffer (51 RAW frames vs. 21) lets you shoot longer without slowing down.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras offer 4K video, but they approach it differently. The Nikon D850 records 4K UHD (3840×2160) at up to 30 fps with no crop, using the full sensor width. This means your lenses keep their native field of view—great for wide-angle shots. I shot a scenic video with a 24mm lens, and the D850 captured every detail without losing perspective.

The Canon 5D Mark IV records 4K (4096×2160) at 30 fps but with a 1.74x crop, turning a 24mm lens into about a 42mm equivalent. This can be limiting for wide shots, but its Dual Pixel AF is a lifesaver for tracking subjects smoothly. I’ve filmed interviews with the 5D Mark IV, and the autofocus kept faces sharp effortlessly. The D850’s video AF is decent but lags behind for dynamic scenes.

The crop factor also affects lens choices. With the 5D Mark IV, you might need a wider lens to achieve the same framing, which can be a hassle. The D850’s full-frame 4K is more flexible, but its autofocus isn’t as refined for video. Both cameras support external recorders for better quality, but the 5D Mark IV’s AF makes it a favorite for hybrid shooters.

Design and Build

These cameras are built to withstand tough conditions. The Nikon D850, at 146 x 124 x 78.5mm and 915g, feels like a tank but is reassuringly solid. The Canon 5D Mark IV, at 150.7 x 116.4 x 75.9mm and 800g, is more compact, perfect for travel or smaller hands. Both are weather-sealed—I’ve shot in rain with no issues.

The D850’s 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen has 2,359,000 dots, outshining the 5D Mark IV’s 1,620,000-dot screen for reviewing images. The D850’s viewfinder, with 100% coverage and 0.75x magnification, is brighter than the 5D Mark IV’s 0.71x, making composition easier. Both have intuitive button layouts, but your preference might depend on brand familiarity.

Ergonomics and Handling

How a camera feels in your hands can make or break a shoot. The Nikon D850’s larger grip is great for stability, especially with heavy lenses like telephotos. Its viewfinder is a joy for precise focusing, and the customizable buttons let me tweak settings on the fly. The tilting touchscreen is handy for low-angle shots, like when I’m photographing flowers.

The Canon 5D Mark IV’s lighter, more compact body is easier to carry all day. Its viewfinder is slightly less bright, but the ergonomic layout puts controls right where my fingers expect them. The touchscreen, while fixed, is responsive for menu navigation. If you have smaller hands or travel often, the 5D Mark IV feels less bulky.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Modern workflows demand connectivity. The Nikon D850 offers Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth, making image transfers and remote shooting seamless. Bluetooth’s low power keeps it connected without draining the battery. The Canon 5D Mark IV has Wi-Fi and NFC but skips Bluetooth, so Wi-Fi transfers can be power-hungry.

The D850’s focus stacking is a gem for macro photography, letting me combine images for incredible depth of field. The 5D Mark IV’s built-in GPS is a lifesaver for geotagging travel shots—I used it on a recent trip to map my locations. Its Dual Pixel RAW feature also allows post-capture focus tweaks, which saved a few portrait shots for me.

Battery Life

Battery life is crucial for long shoots. The Nikon D850 delivers 1840 shots per charge (CIPA standard), nearly double the Canon 5D Mark IV’s 900 shots. I’ve shot weddings with the D850 without needing a battery swap, which is a huge relief. The 5D Mark IV often requires a spare for all-day shoots, though both support battery grips for extra juice.

Storage

Storage impacts your workflow. The Nikon D850 uses one XQD and one SD (UHS-II) card, with XQD’s speed handling high-res bursts like a champ. The Canon 5D Mark IV uses one CF and one SD (UHS-I) card, which are more common but slower. I love the D850’s XQD for RAW shooting, but the 5D Mark IV’s CF compatibility suits those with existing cards.

Lens Compatibility

Your lens collection can sway your decision. Canon’s EF mount offers a vast range, especially strong in telephoto and wide-angle lenses. Nikon’s F mount has a stellar lineup too, with primes I’ve loved for portraits. If you’re invested in one brand’s lenses, switching systems means new glass, which can add up. Both ecosystems are robust, so you’re covered either way.

Real-World Performance

In the field, these cameras shine differently. For landscapes, the D850’s 45.7 MP and dynamic range capture every detail, even in tricky lighting. I shot a mountain range at dawn, and the D850’s files were a dream to edit. Wildlife and sports benefit from its 153 AF points and 9 fps burst (with grip), making it easy to track fast subjects.

The 5D Mark IV excels in portraits, where its 30.4 MP sensor delivers smooth skin tones without overwhelming file sizes. For video, its Dual Pixel AF is a standout, keeping subjects sharp in dynamic scenes. I’ve used it for event coverage, and the focus tracking was flawless. In low light, both handle noise well, but the D850’s BSI sensor pulls slightly ahead.

User Experiences

I’ve talked to photographers who swear by the Nikon D850 for its resolution and autofocus, especially for landscape and wildlife work. Canon users, meanwhile, love the 5D Mark IV’s video capabilities and reliable ecosystem. Some mention Canon’s superior repair service as a reason to stick with it. Your choice often depends on your gear and shooting style.

Comparison Table

Here’s a side-by-side look at key specs:

Feature	Nikon D850	Canon 5D Mark IV
Sensor Resolution	45.7 MP	30.4 MP
Sensor Type	BSI CMOS	CMOS
Native ISO Range	64-25,600	100-32,000
AF Points	153 (99 cross-type)	61 (41 cross-type)
Continuous Shooting	7 fps (9 fps with grip)	7 fps
Video Resolution	4K UHD (3840×2160)	4K (4096×2160)
LCD Resolution	2,359,000 dots	1,620,000 dots
Battery Life (CIPA)	1840 shots	900 shots
Weight (body only)	915g	800g
Storage	XQD + SD (UHS-II)	CF + SD (UHS-I)

Decision-Making: Which Should You Choose?

In this Nikon D850 vs 5D Mark IV showdown, both cameras are phenomenal, but they cater to different needs. If you’re into high-resolution stills for landscapes, macro, or fine art, the Nikon D850 is tough to beat with its 45.7 MP sensor and stellar dynamic range. Its battery life and autofocus make it a workhorse for demanding shoots. If video is your focus or you’re deep in Canon’s lens ecosystem, the 5D Mark IV’s Dual Pixel AF and GPS are hard to ignore. Consider your existing lenses—switching systems means new glass, which can be costly. Both are top-tier, so your workflow and goals will guide you.

Conclusion

Wrapping up this Nikon D850 vs Canon 5D Mark IV comparison, both cameras are incredible tools. The D850 is a stills powerhouse, perfect for detailed images, while the 5D Mark IV excels in video and versatility. Your choice depends on your style, gear, and goals. Either way, you’re getting a pro-grade DSLR that won’t let you down.

FAQ

Which camera has better image quality?
The D850’s higher resolution and dynamic range give it an edge for stills, especially in high-contrast scenes. The 5D Mark IV excels for portraits and patterned subjects.

Is the autofocus better on one over the other?
The D850’s 153 AF points shine for stills, while the 5D Mark IV’s Dual Pixel AF is superior for video.

Which is better for video?
The 5D Mark IV’s Dual Pixel AF is ideal for video, despite its crop factor. The D850’s full-frame 4K is great for wide shots but has weaker autofocus.

Are there significant differences in build quality?
Both are weather-sealed and durable. The D850 is heavier; the 5D Mark IV is more compact.

Can I use my existing lenses with these cameras?
Nikon F lenses work with the D850, Canon EF lenses with the 5D Mark IV. Adapters may affect performance.

Which is better for beginners?
Both are pro-grade, so beginners might find them complex. They’re great for serious learners, depending on needs.

How do these compare to newer mirrorless models?
Mirrorless cameras offer size and video advantages, but these DSLRs remain relevant for lens compatibility and reliability.