Nikon D850
full-frame DSLR · 2017
Sony Alpha 7 IV
33 MP full-frame · 4K60 · Hybrid
Sony Alpha 7 IV takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon D850 lands at 88 and Sony Alpha 7 IV at 92. That puts Sony Alpha 7 IV ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Nikon D850 if…
- ✓Mature system, great used market
- ✓Proven lens lineup
- ✓Often on sale
Pick Sony Alpha 7 IV if…
- ✓Great hybrid stills + video
- ✓Excellent AF with Real-time Tracking
- ✓Dual card slots
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPhoto
Sony Alpha 7 IVCompared on the photo sub-score
Sony Alpha 7 IV leads on photo (94 vs 88).
Autofocus
Sony Alpha 7 IVCompared on the autofocus sub-score
Sony Alpha 7 IV leads on autofocus (96 vs 84).
Ergonomics
Sony Alpha 7 IVCompared on the ergonomics sub-score
Sony Alpha 7 IV leads on ergonomics (88 vs 86).
Value for money
Sony Alpha 7 IVSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Sony Alpha 7 IV more score per dollar ($2,498 vs $3,299).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Nikon D850 | Sony Alpha 7 IV |
|---|---|---|
| Format | full-frame DSLR | — |
| Release year | 2017 | — |
| Sensor | — | 33 MP Exmor R CMOS |
| Mount | — | Sony E |
| Video | — | 4K60 (Super35), 4K30 full-frame |
| Stabilization | — | 5-axis IBIS |
Nikon D850
- +Mature system, great used market
- +Proven lens lineup
- +Often on sale
- −Older AF system
- −Heavier than modern mirrorless
- −Firmware updates trailed off
Sony Alpha 7 IV
- +Great hybrid stills + video
- +Excellent AF with Real-time Tracking
- +Dual card slots
- −4K60 is Super 35 crop
- −Menus still dense
- −Heats with long 4K recording
FAQ: Nikon D850 vs Sony Alpha 7 IV
Which is better, Nikon D850 or Sony Alpha 7 IV? +
Sony Alpha 7 IV scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Nikon D850 worth the price? +
At $3,299, Nikon D850 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in photo.
Is Sony Alpha 7 IV worth the price? +
At $2,498, Sony Alpha 7 IV delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in autofocus.
Does Nikon D850 or Sony Alpha 7 IV 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 photo, Nikon D850 or Sony Alpha 7 IV? +
Sony Alpha 7 IV — leads on photo (94 vs 88). Compared on the photo sub-score.
Which is better for autofocus, Nikon D850 or Sony Alpha 7 IV? +
Sony Alpha 7 IV — leads on autofocus (96 vs 84). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.