
The digital photography landscape is a constantly evolving arena, with mirrorless cameras surging in popularity and technological advancement pushing boundaries at an unprecedented pace. Yet, amidst this whirlwind of innovation, the Nikon D850 remains a stalwart, a testament to the enduring power and refinement of the digital single-lens reflex camera. While newer models have emerged, the D850’s unique blend of resolution, speed, dynamic range, and robust build quality cements its position as arguably the best DSLR ever made, a camera that continues to inspire and empower photographers across a wide spectrum of disciplines.
The D850’s claim to greatness begins with its sensor. The 45.7MP BSI CMOS sensor delivers an astonishing level of detail, rivaling medium format cameras in resolution. This allows photographers to capture breathtaking landscapes, intricate architectural details, and portraits with incredible clarity. The sheer resolving power of the D850 isn’t just about pixel count; it’s about the fidelity of the image. The back-side illuminated (BSI) architecture of the sensor enhances light gathering efficiency, resulting in improved low-light performance and a wider dynamic range. This translates to cleaner images at higher ISOs, preserving detail in shadows and highlights that would be lost on cameras with less capable sensors. The D850’s sensor isn’t just high-resolution; it’s high-quality.
As a landscape camera, the D850 is still as good as it gets.

Beyond resolution, the D850 boasts impressive speed. Its capable EXPEED 5 image processor allows for continuous shooting at up to 7 frames per second, a remarkable feat for a camera with such a high-resolution sensor. This speed is more than adequate for capturing fleeting moments in sports, wildlife, and even fast-paced street photography. The D850’s autofocus system, inherited from the flagship D5, further enhances its ability to capture sharp images in challenging situations. With 153 focus points, including 99 cross-type sensors, the D850 locks onto subjects quickly and accurately, even in low light or with erratic movement. This combination of speed and autofocus prowess makes the D850 a versatile tool for a wide range of photographic pursuits.
The dynamic range offered by the D850 is another key factor contributing to its legendary status. Dynamic range refers to the camera’s ability to capture detail in both the brightest highlights and the deepest shadows of a scene. The D850 excels in this area, allowing photographers to capture scenes with high contrast without losing crucial information. This is particularly beneficial for landscape photographers who often encounter situations with bright skies and dark foregrounds. The D850’s ability to retain detail in these challenging lighting conditions reduces the need for extensive post-processing, allowing photographers to capture more natural-looking images.
Durability and ergonomics are also hallmarks of the D850. Built with a robust magnesium alloy chassis, the camera is weather-sealed to withstand the rigors of professional use. Whether shooting in extreme heat, cold, or inclement weather, the D850 is designed to perform reliably. The camera’s ergonomics are also well-considered. The intuitive button layout and comfortable grip make it easy to operate, even for extended periods. The optical viewfinder is large and bright, providing a clear view of the scene. The touch-sensitive LCD screen allows for easy menu navigation and image review. The D850 is a tool designed for serious photographers, and its build quality and ergonomics reflect that.
While mirrorless cameras offer compelling advantages in terms of size and autofocus performance, the D850 retains several key strengths that appeal to professional photographers. The optical viewfinder, for example, provides a real-time view of the scene without any electronic lag, which is preferred by many photographers, especially those shooting action or in low light. The D850 also benefits from the vast ecosystem of F-mount lenses, a legacy of Nikon’s decades of lens development. This gives D850 users access to a wide range of high-quality lenses for every conceivable photographic need.
In my opinion, the versatility of the D850’s is unmatched. It excels at landscapes, portraits, wildlife, sports, weddings, and even astrophotography. Its high resolution and dynamic range make it ideal for capturing the subtle nuances of a landscape, while its speed and autofocus system allow it to freeze the action of a sporting event. Its robust build quality and weather sealing make it a reliable companion in any environment. The D850 is a true all-rounder, a camera that can handle any photographic challenge you throw at it.
For Macro photography, the D850 is simply outstanding. I have a number of vintage Macro lenses that use the screw drive autofocus and the D850 accommodates those lenses perfectly. You won’t find that capability in the Nikon mirrorless cameras. Here’s a photograph from my bee garden, using the D850 with a Sigma 70mm EX DG macro lens.

One of my more recent projects has been to photograph ghost towns and abandoned places here in Colorado. For that project, the Nikon D850 is my go to camera. The high resolution and outstanding dynamic range with virtually no image noise makes it a perfect tool to capture the historical locations around Colorado.
Here’s a recent photograph from Cripple Creek, Colorado converted to Black & White.

One might argue that newer cameras have surpassed the D850 in certain areas, such as autofocus speed or video capabilities. While this may be true, the D850’s overall package remains incredibly compelling. It offers a unique combination of resolution, speed, dynamic range, build quality, and versatility that is hard to match. It’s a camera that doesn’t compromise, a tool that empowers photographers to realize their creative vision.
To me, the Nikon D850 stands as a testament to the enduring power of the DSLR. Its exceptional image quality, impressive speed, wide dynamic range, robust build quality, outstanding battery life and versatile nature make it arguably the best DSLR ever made. While technology continues to advance, the D850 remains a benchmark, a camera that continues to inspire and empower photographers around the world. It’s a classic, a legend, and a camera that deserves its reputation as the best DSLR ever made.
I didn’t buy my Nikon D850 when it was first released. I waited a few years until 2019 and I bought it to replace my Nikon D810, which was and still is a very good camera. These days, I keep both of those bodies in my travel kit. Yes, I have a Sony mirrorless camera too, but to me, the Nikon D850 is still king of the hill.
If you are getting into photography and want to save some money, you can pick up a used copy of the Nikon D850 (at the time of this writing) for around $1,400 on eBay. I can’t think of a better $1,400 camera out there. Buying new is still possible, as Nikon still lists the camera on their website. A new camera will run you $1,999.95 from Nikon but some retailers have it selling for less than that.