• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 45.7 megapixels
  • ISO 64 - 25,600
  • Detailed specifications
  • Sony Alpha DSLR-A550
  • Nikon D850
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Prices:   Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:   Nikon D810
D810 vs D850
Successor:    
General
Model Number: DSLR-A550 D850
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: SLR Pro SLR
Currently Manufactured: No Yes
Retail Price: $1049.99 $3299.95
Street Price: $859.40 $2,663.62
Date Available: 2009-10-08 2017-09-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 32.2 oz (912 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
32.3 oz (915 g)
Size: 5.4 x 4.1 x 3.3 in.
(137 x 104 x 84 mm)
5.7 x 4.9 x 3.1 in.
(146 x 124 x 79 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony Sony
Effective Megapixels: 14.2 45.7
Sensor Format: APS-C 35mm
Sensor size: 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm) 858.01mm2 (35.90mm x 23.90mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 5.16 microns 4.35 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.5x 1.0x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2, 16:9 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed None
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: Yes No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 66 100
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 21.9 26.4
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 11.8 14.8
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 807 2,660
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4592 x 3056 (14.0 MP, 3:2),
4592 x 2576 (11.8 MP, 16:9),
3344 x 2224 (7.4 MP, 3:2),
3344 x 1872 (6.3 MP, Other),
2288 x 1520 (3.5 MP, Other),
2288 x 1280 (2.9 MP, Other)
8256 x 5504 (45.4 MP, 3:2),
6192 x 4128 (25.6 MP, 3:2),
4128 x 2752 (11.4 MP, 3:2),
6880 x 4584 (31.5 MP, 3:2),
5152 x 3432 (17.7 MP, 3:2),
3440 x 2288 (7.9 MP, 3:2),
6880 x 5504 (37.9 MP, 5:4),
5152 x 4120 (21.2 MP, 5:4),
3440 x 2752 (9.5 MP, 5:4),
5504 x 5504 (30.3 MP, 1:1),
4128 x 4128 (17.0 MP, 1:1),
2752 x 2750 (7.6 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG, RAW JPEG (EXIF 2.31), NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed; large, medium, and small available (medium and small images are recorded at a bit depth of 12 bits using lossless compression); TIFF
Continuous-mode frames/second: 6.7 7.1
Video Capture
Can take movies: No Yes
Movie Resolution: 3840x2160 (30p/​25p)
1920x1080 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p/​24p)
1280x720 (60p/​50p)
1920x1080 (120p/​100p)
Movie File Format:   MOV/MP4 (H.265/MPEG-4 AVC, Linear PCM/AAC audio)
Composite Video Out: No No
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: n/a n/a
Video Usable as Viewfinder: n/a n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Sony Alpha (Minolta A) Nikon F
Lens: Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT SAM n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 27 - 83mm  
Focal Length (actual): 18 - 55mm  
Zoom Ratio: 3.00x  
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - ?? (T)  
Integrated ND Filter: No
Normal Focus Range:    
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: 55.0mm n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No No
Digital Zoom: No Yes
Digital Zoom Values: n/a 1.2x, 1.5x (DX), 5:4, 1:1 crop modes
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: 9-point TTL phase detection (one cross-type sensor) with eye-start AF; Wide, Spot, Local modes Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 20K autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection and fine-tuning: 153 focus points (including 99 cross-type sensors and 15 sensors that support f/8), of which 55 (35 cross-type sensors and 9 f/8 sensors) are available for selection; Contrast-detect AF in Live View mode
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes No
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: Optical / LCD Optical / LCD
Viewfinder Type: SLR type; eye-level pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.80x mag., 19mm eyepoint, -2.5 to +1.0 diopter SLR; eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.75x magnification, 17mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopter
Focus Peaking: No Yes
EVF Resolution: n/a n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.53x 0.75x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.80x 0.75x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.2
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots 2,359,000 dots (589,750 px)
Touchscreen: No Yes
Articulating Screen: Yes Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No
Selfie Screen: No
Max Playback Zoom: 14.0x 32.0x
Top Deck Display: No Yes
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 12800 25600
Minimum ISO (native): 200 64
ISO Settings: Auto (200-1600), 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800 Auto, 64 - 25,600 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1EV steps, plus down to 32 in Lo-1, up to 102,400 in Hi-2
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom Auto (3), Incandescent, Fluorescent (7), Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, Preset Manual (6) (Spot WB available in Live View), Color Temperature (2,500K-10,000K); Fine-tuning available for all options.
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 30 sec 1/8000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 40-segment Multi Segment, Center-weighted, Spot; (1200 zone evaluative metering in Live View) 180K-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering III, Center-weighted (weight of 75% given to 12-mm circle in center of frame; diameter of circle can be changed to 8, 15 or 20 mm, or weighting can be based on average of entire frame), Spot (4mm circle or about 1.5% frame, centered on selected focus area), Highlight-weighted: Available with type G, E, and D lenses
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night Portrait/Night View None
Self Timer: 2 or 10 seconds 2/5/10/20 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):   Yes
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes No
Flash Modes: Auto, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off n/a
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. n/a
Flash Range Description: Lens dependent n/a
Max Flash Sync: 1/160 1/250
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps -3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Hot shoe ISO-type hot-shoe, PC Sync terminal
Built-In Wireless Flash Control: Full TTL exposure No
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: MS Duo / MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC XQD / SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:   UHS-II
Other Memory:   1 SD UHS-II slot, 1 XQD slot
Dual Card Slots: No Yes
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: RAW NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed; large, medium, and small available (medium and small images are recorded at a bit depth of 12 bits using lossless compression); TIFF
Movie File Format:   MOV/MP4 (H.265/MPEG-4 AVC, Linear PCM/AAC audio)
Included Memory:   No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No Yes
NFC: No
Bluetooth: No Yes
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: No Yes
Headphone Jack: No Yes
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 3.0 Super Speed,Bluetooth,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional Wireless or Wired Optional wired or wireless
Connections (extended): DC input, mini-HDMI, Wired Remote Mini HDMI (Type C), USB 3.0 Micro-B, 10-pin Expansion Terminal (GP-1 GPS compatible), Stereo Mic Mini Jack (3.5mm), Stereo Audio Out (3.5mm)
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.41 <0.3
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.41  
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): 19  
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):   <0.3
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 6.7 7.1
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 15 200
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   7.1
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):   200
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   7.1
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):   53
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.18 seconds 0.08 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):   0.73 seconds
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):   0.145 seconds
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.178 seconds 0.052 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.22 seconds  
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.074 seconds 0.046 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): Quick AF Live View shutter lag: 0.188s  
Startup Time: 0.5 seconds 0.2 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.4 seconds 0.1 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 3.5 seconds  
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):    
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 950 shots 1840 shots
Battery Life, Video:   70 minutes
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary NP-FM500H Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable EN-EL15a Lithium-ion rechargeable or MB-D18 battery grip
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NP-FM500H 1 x Proprietary EN-EL15a Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No
Software
Included Software: Software/USB Driver CD-ROM  
OS Compatibility: Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Mac OS X (v. 10.13+)  
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Exmore CMOS Sensor, Variable-angle LCD, SteadyShot In-body Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Live View, Auto HDR, D-Range Optimizer (Auto, Level 1-5), HDMI Output, 7 fps (AF/AE Locked).