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Nikon D850 — full-frame DSLR · 2017
Nikon

Nikon D850

full-frame DSLR · 2017

88
/ 100
From $3,299
VS
Sony A7S III wins by 3
Sony A7S III — full-frame · 2020
Sony

Sony A7S III

full-frame · 2020

91
/ 100
From $3,498
Specdex verdict

Sony A7S III takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon D850 lands at 88 and Sony A7S III at 91. That puts Sony A7S III ahead by 3 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 A7S 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

Sony A7S III

Compared on the photo sub-score

Sony A7S III leads on photo (91 vs 88).

Autofocus

Sony A7S III

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Sony A7S III leads on autofocus (89 vs 84).

Ergonomics

Tie

Compared on the ergonomics sub-score

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

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Nikon D850 88
vs
91 Sony A7S III

Score breakdown

Nikon D850
88
photo 88
video 80
autofocus 84
ergonomics 86
Sony A7S III
91
photo 91
video 87
autofocus 89
ergonomics 86

Specs side-by-side

Nikon D850 versus Sony A7S III — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon D850 Sony A7S III
Format
full-frame DSLR
full-frame
Release year
2017
2020

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 A7S 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 vs Sony A7S III

Which is better, Nikon D850 or Sony A7S III? +

Sony A7S III scores 91 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. 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 A7S III worth the price? +

At $3,498, Sony A7S III delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in photo.

Does Nikon D850 or Sony A7S 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 photo, Nikon D850 or Sony A7S III? +

Sony A7S III — leads on photo (91 vs 88). Compared on the photo sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Nikon D850 or Sony A7S III? +

Sony A7S III — leads on autofocus (89 vs 84). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.