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Nikon D850 · Body only — full-frame DSLR · 2017
Nikon

Nikon D850 · Body only

full-frame DSLR · 2017

88
/ 100
From $3,299
VS
Sony A7 III — full-frame · 2018
Sony

Sony A7 III

full-frame · 2018

88
/ 100
From $1,998
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon D850 · Body only lands at 88 and Sony A7 III at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Nikon D850 · Body only if…

  • ✓Mature system, great used market
  • ✓Proven lens lineup
  • ✓Often on sale

Pick Sony A7 III if…

  • ✓Current-gen AF system
  • ✓Proven lens ecosystem
  • ✓Strong video + stills balance
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Photo

Tie

Compared on the photo sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Ergonomics

Tie

Compared on the ergonomics sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Autofocus

Sony A7 III

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Sony A7 III leads on autofocus (86 vs 84).

Value for money

Sony A7 III

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sony A7 III more score per dollar ($1,998 vs $3,299).

Nikon D850 · Body only 88
vs
88 Sony A7 III

Score breakdown

Nikon D850 · Body only
88
photo 88
video 80
autofocus 84
ergonomics 86
Sony A7 III
88
photo 88
video 84
autofocus 86
ergonomics 86

Specs side-by-side

Nikon D850 · Body only versus Sony A7 III — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon D850 · Body only Sony A7 III
Format
full-frame DSLR
full-frame
Release year
2017
2018

Nikon D850 · Body only

Pros
  • +Mature system, great used market
  • +Proven lens lineup
  • +Often on sale
Cons
  • −Older AF system
  • −Heavier than modern mirrorless
  • −Firmware updates trailed off

Sony A7 III

Pros
  • +Current-gen AF system
  • +Proven lens ecosystem
  • +Strong video + stills balance
Cons
  • −Body price excludes lens
  • −Heavy for travel (flagship)
  • −Learning curve on menus

FAQ: Nikon D850 · Body only vs Sony A7 III

Which is better, Nikon D850 · Body only or Sony A7 III? +

Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Nikon D850 · Body only worth the price? +

At $3,299, Nikon D850 · Body only delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in photo.

Is Sony A7 III worth the price? +

At $1,998, Sony A7 III delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in photo.

Does Nikon D850 · Body only or Sony A7 III last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for autofocus, Nikon D850 · Body only or Sony A7 III? +

Sony A7 III — leads on autofocus (86 vs 84). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.

Which is the better value, Nikon D850 · Body only or Sony A7 III? +

Sony A7 III — more score per dollar ($1,998 vs $3,299). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.