Product Comparison: Sony Alpha a99 II vs Nikon D850

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Sony Alpha a99 II Digital SLR Camera, Body

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Nikon D850 FX-format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

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General Specifications

Brand

Sony

Nikon

Model

α99 II (ILCA-99M2)

D850

Origin

Thailand

About the Product

The α99 II delivers the next level in significantly swift high-precision AF, faster continuous shooting, and stunning resolution — the best performance in A-mount.

When Nikon introduced the D800 and D800E, it set a new benchmark for DSLR image quality and super high resolution photography that approached medium format. Now, five years later, Nikon proudly introduces the next evolution in high resolution DSLRs, a camera that allows photographers to capture fast action in 45.7 megapixels of brilliant resolution.

Key Specs

Sensor Resolution

42.4 MP

45.7 MP

Viewfinder

Electronic

Optical (pentaprism)

Sensor Type

Exmor R® CMOS

CMOS

Lens

Body

Sensor Resolution

Sony Alpha a99 II

Nikon D850

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Sony Alpha a99 II Digital SLR Camera, Body

This is my first full frame Sony camera. I have used the A77 and A77ii both great cameras, but the A99ii is a fantastic upgrade.
With 4K movie technology, this camera lets you bring the moments home in crystal clarity.
FF sensor that is Sony’s (and industry’s) best. Combines high resolution and high speed FPS, 4k, and variable frame rate video (allowing either time lapse or slow motion effects). Very good high ISO and excellent detail. Amazing functional ability and versatility in a single package.
Ability to use the full range of A-mount glass, with full IS benefits. This gives many options: modern (and expensive) Zeiss and Sony G glass but also high-value legacy Minolta glass options, depending on budget and priorities.

Nikon D850 FX-format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Sensor definitely improved, ISO performance for the same shot from D810 same lighting conditions show much more micro contrast in images with great noise control. Note not a big change in base ISO 64 to 800 from D810. D810 still great
The new sensor and increased resolution gives me a very compelling reason to use this camera. When combined with my Otus 55mm lens I have something that closely resembles medium format. I can crop, crop, and crop and still get excellent resolution and edge contrast. It is amazing.
So far, I am impressed. The auto-focus is really impressive with some modern lenses and my favorite 55mm 2.8 AI-s lens works. Focus peaking in live view is fun and useful.
This camera is just amazing in every sense of the word. The large megapixel sensor allows me to crop waaaay down and still have fantastic detail; the low light and high ISO capability truly expand shooting possibilities.
Most of my lens are manual focus but tried few times with AF Nikon/Sigma Art lens on the new focus stacking feature. Makes things easier by adding steps. Does not work on MF lenses. Not a con thats the way it is.

Size & Weight

Height

4.1 in.

4.9 in.

Width

5.6 in.

5.8 in.

Depth

3.0 in.

3.1 in.

Weight

13.9 oz.

32.3 oz.

Sony Alpha a99 II

Nikon D850

Sony Alpha a99 II

Nikon D850

Sony Alpha a99 II

Nikon D850

Sony Alpha a99 II

Nikon D850

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

Sony Alpha a99 II Digital SLR Camera, Body

I just love how this camera feels: solid, good ergonomics, great resolution and...full frame sensor.
Compact form factor body, very slightly smaller than A77ii (but feeling like the same camera) and with excellent ergonomics and customizable controls – making this the most compact FF body out there, outside of the A7x series (but without the ergonomic limitations of the A7x group).
The A99ii is slightly taller than the A77ii but otherwise very similar in feel. It would be easy to mistake the one for the other. Compared to the full-frame Nikon and Canon offerings, it is quite compact.
I was looking for excellent low light capability and this product does an amazing job. Love the ergonomic design and build quality.

Nikon D850 FX-format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Weight is comfortable. Menu controls are easier to navigate too.
It's important to know this is a big and heavy camera but the features make it a worthwhile companion (for what I want to do).
My only criticism of the camera is that it is big and heavy.

Imaging

ISO Settings

100-6400, 100-25600

64 - 25600

Digital Zoom

4 x

Burst Mode

Yes

Low Light/High Sensitivity

Yes

Face Detection

Yes

Image File Format(s)

JPEG, RAW, MP4

JPEG, RAW, TIFF

Face Detection

What customers say about "Imaging"

Sony Alpha a99 II Digital SLR Camera, Body

The focus points are so amazing that there is a bit of a learning curve!
The focusing speed is fantastic and the low light capabilities are exactly what I was looking for.
A reasonably deep buffer, with ability to review images immediately, enhancing usability in sports and action photography – 9 seconds roughly of 8 FPS with my card if shooting full sized JPEGs or RAW.
Best JPEG engine in the DP world, shared with the Sony A7Rii. If you have any questions about this, see the DPR comparometer, and pull up these two cameras, and the Canon 5D IV and Nikon 810.
Speaking of ISO, according to initial DxO testing, ISO scale is almost one full stop optimistic (indicated 200 is ~ 110) – and a slightly less than one stop ‘boost’ to indicated ISO continues on up the ISO scale.

Nikon D850 FX-format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Incredible image quality, particularly sharpness.
Focus system is improved, though far from perfect. Face/object-tracking is nice but hit-or-miss. Re-selecting a face/target is confusing.
Image quality is amazing. You can see the difference in detail compared to the D810. Its not a huge jump but noticeable. I also think ISO 64 is cleaner on the D850. When raising shadows the colors are truer and the detail is not lost.
No focus peaking with 4K video (there is focus peaking with 1080P video).
Some low ISOs actually seem *noisier* at 1:1 than the d800, including ISO 400. Weird... Obviously with the added resolution you can resize to 36mp and get some pretty nice clean results, but I was still surprised by this.
Would have been nice to have focus peaking for 4K, maybe firmware upgrade Nikon?

Display

Display Type

TFT

LCD

Touch Screen

Yes

Screen Size

2.95 in.

3.2 in.

Screen Resolution

1228800 dots

2359000 dots

Viewfinder Coverage

100%

Vari-angle Display

Yes

Sony Alpha a99 II

Nikon D850

Sony Alpha a99 II

Nikon D850

What customers say about "Display"

Sony Alpha a99 II Digital SLR Camera, Body

And to boot, with the new LSI chip and high speed data processing, you can immediately view any image right after shooting. In low light conditions, EVF is clearly superior, given the gain supplied by the display system (which allows you to see clearly in quite low light).
Handy articulating LCD screen
The articulating LCD is very useful for low shots or overhead shots. The EVF is everything I need.

Nikon D850 FX-format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Rear touchscreen is iphone-like -- very responsive and intuitive to use. No lag.
Screen is much brighter than previous Nikons and the refresh rate seems to be totally "real-time" which is a real improvement.
Flip screen is definitely useful, especially for video.
Touch screen is nice (with some caveats).
Tilt screen is awesome addition for low shootings, only complain here is I wish it flips in portrait mode like GFX 50S

Features

Water Resistant

Shock Resistant

Panorama Mode

Yes

Shooting Modes

Auto, Programmed AE, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual, Memory recall (MR1/2/3), Sweep Panorama, Movie/slow-motion and quick-motion

Auto, Flat, Landscape, Monochrome, Neutral, Portrait, Night Portrait

White Balance Modes

Auto, Daylight, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent (Warm White), Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Flash, Custom1/2/3, Underwater

Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Direct Sunlight, Fine-tuning, Fluorescent (7 types), Natural Light Auto, Preset Manual, Incandescent, Choose color temperature (2500K–10000K), Shade

Shutter Speeds

1/8000 - 30"

30 - 1/8000

Panorama Mode
Water Resistant

What customers say about "Features"

Sony Alpha a99 II Digital SLR Camera, Body

Much better organized operating system and menu structure, with major degree of potential customization of control architecture to suit end-user preference and style. Additionally, the ‘Fx’ button gives instant access to 12 selectable camera functions of the user’s choice to streamline menu access.
The menu system is larger to match the additional settings and features. There is a learning curve. Sony has a good on-line resource for camera documentation, I recommend it as you are learning how to use the camera.
The burst speed is nice, it seems that the buffer empties faster than the a77ii did.
Perfect a99 replacement, and great option for a7rii fans that want some decent ergonomics, dual card slots, and longer lenses

Nikon D850 FX-format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Autofocus is extremely fast -- noticeably better than my D800 or Df.
ISO button has been moved and is much easier to find/use.
Automated focus bracketing (and later stacking) opens up some fun opportunities.
Better viewfinder with specs it might seem small but very noticeable and bright.
Nikon does not offer inbody image stabilization nor prime lenses with VR. Unfortunate for serious videographers.
Nikon wireless iOS app is astonishingly, embarrassingly bad and has been for years.

Connectivity

PictBridge Enabled

Yes

NFC Enabled

Yes

Integrated GPS

Output(s)

HDMI D (Micro), 1/8" Headphone, 1/8" Microphone, USB 2.0, Multi Interface Terminal, Wired Remote Port

Stereo mini-pin jack 3.5 mm, HDMI C (Mini), Mini-USB, USB 3.0

Number Of Memory Card Slots

Sony Alpha a99 II

Nikon D850

What customers say about "Connectivity"

Sony Alpha a99 II Digital SLR Camera, Body

Dramatically improved Wi-Fi remote control app over the A77II – which was appallingly bad. This version of smart phone remote control appears as capable the apps for RX10/100 models, and for E-mount.
High bitrate codec in XAVC S, with S-log2/3, and 4:2:2 HDMI out.
Ability for Wi-Fi and NFC to send images to your smartphone.

Nikon D850 FX-format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

It has sd card slot and you can do a lot of pics with a good high speed SD card.
No GPS. I could probably buy shoes now that have GPS so not having this in 2017 seems silly.
Nikon will tell you that SnapBridge will help you connect to your iPhone, it will only do that in a very temporary and fragile period, then it will disconnect and you will not get back that connection without going through a huge setup process over and over again.

Power

AC Adapter Compatible

Yes

Battery Life

490 shots

1840 shots

Battery Model

Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM500H

EN-EL15a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery

Battery Life
AC Adapter Compatible

Sony Alpha a99 II

Nikon D850

What customers say about "Power"

Sony Alpha a99 II Digital SLR Camera, Body

Battery life seems about normal for this style of camera, 400-500 shots. I am using 128Mbyte Sandisk SD memory.
Battery life on the a99 II can range from being average to being good. If you are mostly shooting through the EVF, then you can expect to get an endurance of around 390 shots per charge.

Nikon D850 FX-format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Battery life is awesome.
It works better with the battery grip with the DN-EL18 or the 8 AA batteries.
Snapbridge drained my battery in one day (while the camera was off) without actually transferring anything useful.
The SnapBridge seems to work fine, but drains the battery life a lot faster.

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

1 year(s)

Certifications

Other Information

Manufacturer

Link

Manual

Download

MSRP

3199.99 $