Nikon D850 vs Sony a7 III Statistics – Which is Better? (2025)

Introduction

Nikon D850 vs Sony a7 III Statistics: Can’t decide between the Nikon D850 and the Sony a7 III? You’re not the only one. Whether you take photos as a profession or as a hobby, selecting the right camera can significantly impact the quality of your pictures and the ease of use.

Both are full-frame cameras and are very popular, but they offer different strengths, like picture quality, speed, and special features. In this short guide, “Nikon D850 vs Sony a7 III Statistics – Which is Better?”, we’ll compare their main specs, price, strengths, and weaknesses and help you figure out which one is better for you in 2024 and 2025.

Editor’s Choice

• The brand-new Nikon D850 (body only) usually cost around USD 1,796.95 on popular sites like Adorama and Amazon.
• The brand-new Sony a7 III (body only) typically retails for around $1,798 at retailers like Amazon and Adorama.
• The Nikon D850 features a 2100mAh battery capacity, whereas the Sony Alpha A7 III has a 2280mAh battery.
• Nikon’s DSLR setup is heavier, but it offers a more traditional shooting experience with a wide selection of pro-level lenses.
• Nikon D850 gets a video rating of about 70/100, which is decent for a DSLR
• The Sony D850 works with lenses from Zeiss, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, and others. It’s a strong choice for those who already have older Nikon lenses.

Nikon D850 vs Sony a7 III Specification

Nikon D850 vs Sony a7 III Price Statistics

#1. Nikon D850

• The brand-new Nikon D850 (body only) usually cost around USD1,796.95 on popular sites like Adorama and Amazon.
• If you are looking to save money, refurbished or used models sell for around USD 1,219 TO USD 1,599, depending on their condition and the seller.
• In March 2025, a significant sale reduced the price from USD 2,996.95 to USD 1,996.95, representing a 33% discount —the lowest ever offered for this camera.
• Current price modifications:

1. Walmart (via third-party seller)- USD 1,859
2. Best Buy – USD1,999.95
3. Amazon/Adorama – USD1,796.95

• Price Comparison Chart

#2. Sony A7 III

• The brand-new Sony a7 III (body only) typically retails for around $1,798 at retailers like Amazon and Adorama.
• A refurbished version of the same camera is priced at approximately $1,329.99, which is roughly 26% less expensive than a new one.
• Used models from sites like eBay or MPB cost between $1,030 and $1,380, depending on condition.
• Open-box kits, which include the camera body and a 28–70mm lens, are available for approximately $1,819.99 at Best Buy.
• Some discounted deals in mid-2024 dropped the price to below $1,300, as highlighted by tech reviewers like Wired.

Reasons to Choose the Nikon D850 and Sony A7 III Statistics

#1. Why Choose the Nikon D850

• The Nikon D850 features a 45.4MP sensor, compared to the 24MP sensor in the Sony a7 III, which provides approximately 38% more sharpness. This means images come out extra sharp, as the sensor can utilize its full power.
• Nikon D850 scored 4 points higher than Sony in the DXO image quality tests.
• Nikon D850 produces more vibrant pictures with 1.4 bits more colour depth.
• Nikon D850 lets you see your shot clearly and instantly, with no delay.
• The Nikon D850 makes it easy to check your camera settings without needing to look at the back.
• The Nikon D850 features a 3.2″ LCD, which is slightly larger than Sony’s 3.0″ display.
• The Nikon D850’s rear LCD has 2359k dots for better image review, compared to Sony’s 922k dots.
• The Nikon D850 can take approximately 1,840 photos on a single charge, which is nearly three times more than Sony’s 610 shots.
• Nikon D850 has a PC Sync port for connecting professional studio flash gear.
• The Nikon D850 was released in July 2017, so it often receives larger discounts.

#2. Why Choose the Sony A7 III

• The Sony A7 III features an anti-alias filter that helps prevent unwanted lines or textures in photos.
• The Sony A7 III performs better in darker settings, with approximately 0.5 stops of ISO advantage.
• The Sony A7 III features on-sensor phase detection, which enables faster and more accurate focusing.
• The electronic viewfinder (EVF) shows extra shooting info on the screen.
• EVF has 0.78x magnification vs. Nikon’s 0.75x, making it easier to frame shots.
• The Sony A7 III can shoot silently using the electronic shutter—great for quiet places.
• The Sony A7 III’s smaller size (127x96mm) fits more easily into bags than the Nikon (146x124mm).
• Sony A7 III weighs 355g less, which is about 35% lighter—great for carrying all day.
• The Sony A7 III can be charged through a USB cable, making it perfect for travel.
• Sony A7 III helps prevent blur from shaky hands, so photos come out sharper.
• Sony A7 II can use many non-Sony lenses with the use of adapters.
• When the Sony A7 III launched, it cost about 39% less than the Nikon D850.
• The Sony A7 III was released 7 months later, so it features slightly newer technology.

Nikon D850 vs Sony a7 III Design Statistics

#1. Camera Body Type:

• Nikon D850 is a DSLR made from strong magnesium alloy. It’s built to withstand tough weather and outdoor shooting conditions.
• Sony a7 III is a mirrorless camera, also made from magnesium alloy, and it’s sealed to resist dust and moisture.

#2. Size (W × H × D):

• D850 measures about 5.75 × 4.88 × 3.11 inches.
• The Sony A7 III is smaller, measuring 5 × 3.78 × 2.91 inches. That’s around 20% more compact, making it easier to carry.

#3. Weight (with battery):

• Nikon D850 weighs about 2.24 lbs.
• Sony a7 III weighs just 1.43 lbs, which is around 35% lighter—great for travel or long shoots.

#4. LCD Screen:

• The D850 features a 3.2-inch tilting screen with 2.36 million dots—providing a clearer and sharper image review.
• The A7 III features a 3.0-inch screen with 921,600 dots—not as detailed, but still suitable for general use.

#5. Viewfinder:

• D850 uses an optical viewfinder (no delay, true-to-life view), covering 100% of the scene with 0.75× magnification.
• The a7 III has an electronic viewfinder that displays settings and exposure live, with a higher 0.78× magnification.

#6. Build Quality:

• Both cameras are built with tough magnesium alloy.
• Both are weather-sealed, meaning they can handle dust, splashes, and outdoor use.

Nikon D850 vs Sony a7 III Battery Life Statistics

• The battery life of the Niko D850 is 1,840 shots (CIPA).
• The battery life of the Sony Alpha A1 III is 610 shots CIPA.

(Source: versus.com)

• Nikon D850 and Sony Alpha A7 III both have a removable battery.
• The Nikon D850 and Sony Alpha A7 III both feature rechargeable batteries.
• Nikon D850 and Sony Alpha A7 III both have battery level indicators.
• The Nikon D850 features a 2100mAh battery capacity, whereas the Sony Alpha A7 III has a 2280mAh battery.

Nikon D850 vs Sony a7 III Videography Statistics

#1. Nikon D850

• Nikon D850 records in 4K (3840 x 2160) at up to 30 fps and in Full HD (1080p) at 60 fps.
• The Nikon D850 features a built-in time-lapse mode for creating creative videos.
• Nikon D850 uses basic 8-bit recording with MOV/MP4 file formats (H.264/MPEG-4).
• Nikon D850 doesn’t include in-body image stabilization (IBIS), so you’ll need a stabilized lens or tripod.
• Nikon D850 video recording is limited to around 30 minutes per clip.
• The Nikon D850 receives a video rating of approximately 70/100, which is decent for a DSLR.
• The Nikon D850’s autofocus in video mode is slower; however, manual focus is more reliable for this camera.

#2. Sony a7 III

• The Sony a7 III also shoots in 4K at 24 or 30 fps, using the full sensor width (oversampled from 5K to 6K), which yields sharper results.
• The Sony a7 III can record slow-motion videos in 1080p at 120 frames per second (fps).
• Sony a7 III supports high-quality XAVC S video format at up to 100 Mbps, with pro colour tools like S-Log2/3 and HLG.
• The Sony a7 III records in 8-bit 4:2:0 internally also capped at 30 minutes, but it doesn’t have overheating issues.
• The Sony a7 III’s video autofocus is fast and accurate, with excellent eye and face tracking.
• The Sony a7 III features built-in 5-axis stabilization, making it ideal for handheld shots.
• The Sony a7 III features additional capabilities, including microphone and headphone ports, zebra stripes, focus peaking, and dual SD card slots.

Nikon D850 vs Sony a7 III Optics Statistics

• The Nikon D850 utilizes the F-mount, which has been in use for decades. It works with over 400 different lenses, including options from Nikon and many third-party brands.
• The Sony a7 III utilizes the E-mount, which is designed specifically for full-frame mirrorless cameras. It supports Sony FE lenses, and you can also attach other brands and older lenses using adapters.

(Source: dxomark.com)

Sony has great native lenses, too, plus more affordable third-party options like:

• Tamron 28–75mm f/2.8 for about $700.
• Sigma 24–70mm f/2.8 for roughly $1,000.
• High-end Sony G Master lenses usually cost more.

Nikon offers a wide range of professional lenses, such as:

• 14–24mm f/2.8 for about $1,897.
• 24–70mm f/2.8 for around $2,397.
• 70–200mm f/2.8 for nearly $2,796.
• The Sony D850 works with lenses from Zeiss, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, and others. It’s a strong choice for those who already have older Nikon lenses.
• The a7 III also supports many third-party lenses, and its mirrorless design makes it easier to use vintage or manual lenses with the aid of adapters.
• The D850 is well known for its sharp macro lenses, such as the 105mm f/2.8, priced around $999.
• The Sony A7 III doesn’t have as many native macro lenses, but it works well with third-party options or adapted lenses.
• Sony’s mirrorless system is lighter and more compact, making it easier for travel and casual shooting.
• Nikon’s DSLR setup is heavier, but it offers a more traditional shooting experience with a wide selection of pro-level lenses.

Conclusion

Both the Nikon D850 and Sony a7 III are great cameras, but they serve different needs. The Nikon D850 is perfect if you want high detail, a longer battery life, and a traditional DSLR setup. It’s a solid choice for pros shooting landscapes, portraits, or studio work where every pixel matters.

The Sony a7 III, on the other hand, is a lighter, more compact camera with improved low-light performance, built-in image stabilization, and modern features such as silent shooting. It’s also about 39% cheaper than the D850 when first released, making it a great value for travel, video, and everyday photography.