Canon EOS-1D X Mark II vs Nikon D850
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The EOS-1D X Mark II is the better pick for sports, astrophotography; the D850 is better for portraits, landscapes.
Choose the EOS-1D X Mark II for
- faster bursts (14fps vs 7fps)
- better low-light performance
- a lower price (from £279)
- stronger video (4K 60p)
Choose the D850 for
- more resolution (45.7MP vs 20.2MP)
- a lighter body (1005g vs 1530g)
- more lenses in our database (25 vs 17)
- a newer design (2017)
Specs side by side
| Spec | EOS-1D X Mark II | D850 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 20.2MP | Full frame, 45.7MP |
| Mount | Canon EF / EF-S (DSLR) | Nikon F (DSLR) |
| Released | 2016 | 2017 |
| Burst | 14 fps | 7 fps |
| Readout | OVF | OVF |
| Max ISO | 51,200 | 25,600 |
| Stabilisation | Lens only | Lens only |
| Video | 4K 60p | 4K 30p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical | Optical |
| Weight | 1530 g | 1005 g |
| Battery | Canon LP-E19 | Nikon EN-EL15c |
| Card slots | CFast + CF | XQD/CFexpress B + SD |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £279–1,109 | £699–1,329 |
| Native lenses in our database | 17 (10 third-party) | 25 (14 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | D850 |
| Landscape | D850 |
| Wildlife & animals | About equal |
| Sports & action | EOS-1D X Mark II |
| Astrophotography | EOS-1D X Mark II |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The EOS-1D X Mark II uses Canon EF / EF-S (17 lenses in our database, 10 third-party) and the D850 uses Nikon F (25 lenses, 14 third-party). Batteries: Canon LP-E19 (about £169) vs Nikon EN-EL15c (about £51).
EOS-1D X Mark II compatible lenses → · D850 compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II better than the Nikon D850?
It depends on your priorities. The EOS-1D X Mark II offers faster bursts (14fps vs 7fps), better low-light performance, a lower price (from £279); the D850 offers more resolution (45.7MP vs 20.2MP), a lighter body (1005g vs 1530g), more lenses in our database (25 vs 17).
Which is better for video, the EOS-1D X Mark II or the D850?
The EOS-1D X Mark II is stronger for video: EOS-1D X Mark II records 4K 60p, D850 records 4K 30p.
Which is cheaper, the EOS-1D X Mark II or the D850?
The EOS-1D X Mark II costs No longer sold new new and from £279 used at MPB; the D850 costs No longer sold new new and from £699 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Canon EOS-1D X Mark II lenses on the D850?
Not directly. The EOS-1D X Mark II uses Canon EF / EF-S and the D850 uses Nikon F; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.