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Nikon D850 — full-frame DSLR · 2017
Nikon

Nikon D850

full-frame DSLR · 2017

88
/ 100
From $3,299
VS
Sony FX3 wins by 2
Sony FX3 — full-frame · 2021
Sony

Sony FX3

full-frame · 2021

90
/ 100
From $3,898
Specdex verdict

Sony FX3 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon D850 lands at 88 and Sony FX3 at 90. That puts Sony FX3 ahead by 2 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 FX3 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

Sony FX3

Compared on the photo sub-score

Sony FX3 leads on photo (90 vs 88).

Autofocus

Sony FX3

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Sony FX3 leads on autofocus (88 vs 84).

Ergonomics

Tie

Compared on the ergonomics sub-score

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

Value for money

Nikon D850

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Nikon D850 more score per dollar ($3,299 vs $3,898).

Nikon D850 88
vs
90 Sony FX3

Score breakdown

Nikon D850
88
photo 88
video 80
autofocus 84
ergonomics 86
Sony FX3
90
photo 90
video 86
autofocus 88
ergonomics 86

Specs side-by-side

Nikon D850 versus Sony FX3 — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon D850 Sony FX3
Format
full-frame DSLR
full-frame
Release year
2017
2021

Nikon D850

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 FX3

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 vs Sony FX3

Which is better, Nikon D850 or Sony FX3? +

Sony FX3 scores 90 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. 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 FX3 worth the price? +

At $3,898, Sony FX3 delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in photo.

Does Nikon D850 or Sony FX3 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 FX3? +

Sony FX3 — leads on photo (90 vs 88). Compared on the photo sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Nikon D850 or Sony FX3? +

Sony FX3 — leads on autofocus (88 vs 84). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.