Nikon D850 vs Sony Alpha A99 II
Nikon D850 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The D850 is the better pick for portraits; the Alpha A99 II is better for vlogging.
Choose the D850 for
- more resolution (45.7MP vs 42.4MP)
- a lower price (from £699)
- more lenses in our database (25 vs 1)
- a newer design (2017)
Choose the Alpha A99 II for
- faster bursts (12fps vs 7fps)
- a lighter body (849g vs 1005g)
- in-body image stabilisation
Specs side by side
| Spec | D850 | Alpha A99 II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 45.7MP | Full frame, 42.4MP |
| Mount | Nikon F (DSLR) | Sony A (SLT/DSLR) |
| Released | 2017 | 2016 |
| Burst | 7 fps | 12 fps |
| Readout | OVF | OVF |
| Max ISO | 25,600 | 102,400 |
| Stabilisation | Lens only | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p | 4K 30p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical | Optical |
| Weight | 1005 g | 849 g |
| Battery | Nikon EN-EL15c | Sony NP-FM500H |
| Card slots | XQD/CFexpress B + SD | 2× SD |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £699–1,329 | £994 |
| Native lenses in our database | 25 (14 third-party) | 1 (0 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | D850 |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | About equal |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | Alpha A99 II |
| 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 D850 uses Nikon F (25 lenses in our database, 14 third-party) and the Alpha A99 II uses Sony A (1 lenses, 0 third-party). Batteries: Nikon EN-EL15c (about £51) vs Sony NP-FM500H (about £60).
D850 compatible lenses → · Alpha A99 II compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon D850 better than the Sony Alpha A99 II?
It depends on your priorities. The D850 offers more resolution (45.7MP vs 42.4MP), a lower price (from £699), more lenses in our database (25 vs 1); the Alpha A99 II offers faster bursts (12fps vs 7fps), a lighter body (849g vs 1005g), in-body image stabilisation.
Which is better for video, the D850 or the Alpha A99 II?
They are closely matched for video (4K 30p vs 4K 30p); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the D850 or the Alpha A99 II?
The D850 costs No longer sold new new and from £699 used at MPB; the Alpha A99 II costs No longer sold new new and from £994 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Nikon D850 lenses on the Alpha A99 II?
Not directly. The D850 uses Nikon F and the Alpha A99 II uses Sony A; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.