Canon 5D Mark II vs Nikon D850: A Hands-On Journey Through Two DSLR Titans

When two giants of the DSLR world share the same ring - each sporting their own legacy and technological prowess - it's a treat for photographers hungry to understand what makes each tick. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the Nikon D850 might be separated by nearly a decade in release dates, but both have earned their place in the pantheon of advanced DSLRs. Having shot with both extensively, I’m here to share an honest, experience-backed comparison that goes beyond specs and marketing fluff.

Pull up a chair, and let’s break down every major aspect - from sensor tech to ergonomics, portrait finesse to wildlife agility - and figure out which camera deserves your hard-earned bucks (and your lens collection).

Getting Acquainted: Size, Feel, and Handling

Although the Canon 5D Mark II debuted in early 2009 and the D850 arrived eight years later, both cameras fit squarely in the mid-size SLR category. But trust me, the devil’s in the details when you hold them side by side.

The 5D Mark II measures roughly 152 x 114 x 75 mm and weighs about 850 grams; the D850 is a touch larger and more robust at 146 x 124 x 79 mm, tipping the scales at 1015 grams. In practice, that means the D850 feels denser, more solid in your grip - a reassuring quality if you shoot outdoors constantly. The 5D Mark II’s body is comfortable and well-balanced but noticeably lighter. It's the sort of camera that doesn’t weary your wrists after hours on the street or during event shoots.

Ergonomically, Nikon improved on the design significantly with the D850, incorporating sculpted grips and intuitive button placement. Canon’s 5D Mark II is straightforward but lacks the refinement of newer models - something you’ll notice especially if you prefer shooting in manual modes or rapid-fire scenarios.

The top plate reveals the D850’s advantage: a larger, higher-contrast LCD info panel compared to Canon’s more modest display. Nikon also adds illuminated buttons - a simple yet underrated feature when working in dim environments. Canon’s controls are solid but feel a little dated; the 5D Mark II lacks touchscreen input on the 3-inch fixed LCD, whereas Nikon boasts a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen with over double the resolution. More on that screen experience shortly.

If portability and comfort in your hands are critical, the 5D Mark II is the lighter option. But if you want sturdiness and enhanced control feedback, the D850 takes it. For me, shooting a fast-paced wildlife or sports event, the balance often tilts toward the D850's superior grip and hardened buttons.

Sensor Showdown: Pixels, Image Quality, and Dynamic Range

Let’s talk pixels - and quality, not just quantity.

The Canon 5D Mark II features a 21-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with a classic Bayer color filter array and an anti-aliasing (low-pass) filter. It clocks a maximum ISO native range of 100–6400, expandable up to 25,600, with a DxO Mark overall score of 79 - respectable for its era.

The Nikon D850 ups the ante with a 45.7-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, a first for Nikon’s full-frame line, and notably lacking the anti-aliasing filter, which improves sharpness but can risk moiré under certain circumstances. It ranges natively from ISO 64 to 25,600, expandable to 102,400, with a DxO Mark score of a perfect 100 - a jaw-dropping leap in image quality.

In real-world terms, this means the D850 captures almost twice as many pixels with greater dynamic range and color depth. The Canon’s 21MP sensor produces images that are still crisp - great for portraits, weddings, and studio work - but resolution-hungry landscape or commercial photographers might find themselves hitting the ceiling sooner.

Dynamic range is another key point, especially for landscape and HDR shooters. The D850’s 14.8 stops easily blow past the 5D Mark II’s 11.9 stops, allowing for cleaner shadows and highlight details without resorting to aggressive post-processing. Canon owners will recognize this limitation when pulling recoveries from raw files - there’s less headroom.

High ISO performance is where the D850’s BSI sensor truly shines. That 2660 figure in DxO low-light ISO sensitivity compared to 1815 for the Canon translates to noticeably cleaner files from ISO 3200 upwards. In dimly lit interiors, evening weddings, or astrophotography, the Nikon’s sensor flexes its muscles with less noise and finer detail retention.

But - and here’s where seasoned photographers might pause - sensor resolution isn’t everything. The 5D Mark II’s 21MP is already a lot for good-quality prints up to 24x36 inches and smaller, and fewer pixels mean larger photosites, which tend to capture light better individually, aiding low-light performance and color nuance. It’s a trade-off that depends on your workflow and final output needs.

Live View and LCD Interface: Eyes on the Back

Speaking of interface, the way you interact with your camera - the LCD screen, live view accuracy, touchscreen support - is a make-or-break feature these days.

Canon’s 5D Mark II offers a fixed 3.0-inch TFT LCD with 920k-dot resolution, non-touch, and decent but somewhat narrow viewing angles. It’s serviceable for checking exposure and reviewing shots, but compared with modern standards, it feels like a relic. Live view autofocus is contrast-detection only, slower and less responsive than phase-detection systems.

The Nikon D850 improves upon this significantly with a tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD boasting 2.36 million dots - a leap in clarity for previewing focus and detail, particularly useful for macro or odd-angle shots. Touchscreen control extends not just to menus but autofocus point selection and image playback. The tilting mechanism itself is a joy when working from low or high perspectives, giving more creative freedom.

Live view AF on the D850 is a hybrid system, combining phase and contrast detection for rapid, accurate focusing - especially vital for video and stills in manual focus challenging scenarios. Canon’s live view was state-of-the-art in 2009 but can’t match the nimbleness of the D850’s system.

Autofocus Performance: From Portraits to Fast Action

Autofocus can make or break an image, especially when your subject moves faster than you expect.

The Canon 5D Mark II sports a 9-point AF system (all cross-type points unspecified), with face detection available in live view. It’s reliable for static subjects and controlled portraiture but shows its age in dynamic environments. Continuous autofocus tracking works but with modest accuracy when pitted against swift wildlife or sports moments.

The Nikon D850 takes autofocus to a different level: a whopping 153 AF points with 99 cross-type sensors. The system works seamlessly in live view with face and eye detection, tracking subjects with uncanny precision. In action genres - sports, birds in flight - the D850’s autofocus is considerably faster and more dependable.

While both cameras support manual focus, the D850’s focus peaking and magnification during live view assist manual adjustments, making critical focusing on macro or astrophotography smoother.

I know from experience trying to nail bird-in-flight shots on the 5D Mark II; the autofocus sometimes hunts or lingers a split second longer than ideal. The D850 rarely misses a beat - even in lower light or complex backgrounds.

Burst Speed and Buffer: Catching the Moment

When it comes to sports and wildlife, how fast and how long you can shoot is crucial.

The Canon 5D Mark II offers 4 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting, which for a 2009-era DSLR is reasonable but limiting for sports fans or wildlife shooters needing rapid bursts.

The Nikon D850, by contrast, doubles that at 7 fps with the battery grip attached and a respectable 7 fps otherwise. It has a deep buffer that can hold around 51 uncompressed RAW frames before slowing - impressively robust for a camera with nearly twice the resolution.

The buffer’s ability to keep pace without choking is where the Nikon truly shines - allowing photographers to capture those decisive moments in a way the 5D Mark II simply can’t match. For wedding photographers shooting unpredictable kids or sports photographers chasing the goal line, the D850’s burst rate is a game-changer.

Video Capabilities: Then vs Now

Canon broke new ground when it launched the 5D Mark II as one of the earliest full-frame DSLRs offering full HD video - remember that cinematic “holy grail”?

Here’s the quick lowdown:

• 5D Mark II: 1920x1080 at 30fps, H.264 format, microphone port but no headphone jack, no 4K, no in-body stabilization.
• D850: 4K UHD 3840x2160 at 30fps, video in MPEG-4 format with linear PCM audio, microphone AND headphone ports, touchscreen controls for autofocus during video, also no in-body stabilization.

The 5D Mark II’s video was revolutionary in its day but now feels limited. No 4K, lower bitrate codecs, and a lack of headphone monitoring restrict its suitability for serious videographers. The Nikon D850 brings pro-level 4K within reach, plus modern codec support, and a more usable interface for video shooters. Its tilting touchscreen is a boon for handheld or creative angles.

Neither camera has in-body image stabilization, so stabilization depends heavily on lenses or gimbals.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Both cameras bear mid-size SLR bodies built to withstand professional use - not weekend warriors.

The 5D Mark II’s magnesium alloy body was technically weather-sealed, but not extensively. Nikon’s D850 ups the ante with stronger sealing against dust and moisture, making it more reliable for rigorous outdoor use. Neither is waterproof or freezeproof, so extreme environments demand care, but the D850’s build inspires more confidence when shooting in the rain or dusty conditions.

Given the D850’s newer design and extra heft, it also better absorbs shocks and vibrations, a subtle but welcome edge after years in the field.

Battery Life and Storage: Longevity Matters

Battery life reflects practical usability more than specs on a sheet ever can.

The 5D Mark II uses the LP-E6 battery, offering around 850 shots per charge - a decent number but one that can quickly drain with extended live view or video.

The Nikon D850 runs on the EN-EL15a battery, rated at 1840 shots - more than double. In my field use, that translates to shooting an entire wedding or several wildlife outings with fewer battery swaps, a real boon when power outlets are scarce.

On storage, Canon’s 5D Mark II relies on a single CompactFlash (CF) card slot - fine a decade ago but now less common. The D850 offers dual card slots - SD/UHS-II and XQD/CFexpress - giving both flexibility and security (backup or overflow), a must-have for professionals.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: The Glass Factor

Canon’s EF mount boasts 250 lenses listed at launch, with a deep library spanning affordable primes, high-end tilt-shift, and fast telephotos. The 5D Mark II is fully compatible with these - and remember, Canon’s EF mount hasn't changed radically, so new glass fits old bodies and vice versa.

Nikon’s F mount nets 309 lenses, including some of the finest optics in the industry - from Nikkor primes sharp enough to make your jaw drop to wild telephoto beasts. The D850’s compatibility with both AF-S and AF-P lenses, plus support for newer VR stabilization in glass, further enhances its appeal.

While neither camera has in-body stabilization, Nikon’s lens VR systems tend to perform slightly better than Canon’s IS of that generation, especially in telephoto ranges - a boon for handheld long lenses.

Connectivity: Old School vs Modern

The 5D Mark II, from 2009, has no built-in wireless options and uses USB 2.0. Fast transfers mean lugging around card readers or cables.

The D850, being more recent, offers built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and a faster USB 3.0 connection. Wireless transfer and remote shooting via Nikon’s app are convenient for studio workflows or fast image sharing. That’s a comfortable modern convenience the Canon can't match.

Price and Value: From Classic to Contemporary

The Canon 5D Mark II hovers around $1200 (new old stock or used in excellent condition), making it an attractive entry point for full-frame shooters on a budget who want solid image quality and DSLR experience.

The Nikon D850 trades hands closer to $3000, reflecting its flagship status with cutting-edge tech.

Is the $1800 price gap worth it? For many serious photographers - especially those prioritizing resolution, dynamic range, autofocus, and video - the D850 justifies the premium. But if you’re on a budget or mainly shooting portraits, weddings, or occasional landscapes, the 5D Mark II remains very capable.

Breaking It Down by Photography Genre

To really get practical, let’s zoom into how these cameras perform across the photo vortexes you’re likely to dive into.

Portrait Photography

The 5D Mark II delivers classic Canon-rendered skin tones - warm, smooth, and flattering. The 21MP sensor combined with natural bokeh from fast EF lenses yields dreamy backgrounds. That 9-point AF system handles eye detection in live view but can lag behind Nikon’s advancements.

The D850’s higher resolution makes for incredibly detailed portraits, perfect for commercial, editorial, or artistic work needing pixel-level sharpness. Its 153 AF points and eye detection offer precision catching fleeting expressions. Color reproduction is neutral, allowing versatile skin tone retouching.

Winner: D850, but 5D Mark II remains a classic portrait workhorse.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range tells here: the D850’s 14.8 stops preserve shadows and highlights in tricky light, and the extra pixels reward large prints with astonishing detail.

Canon’s 11.9 stops aren’t shabby - still excellent for landscapes - but you might want HDR blending more often.

Weather sealing on both helps outdoors, but Nikon’s tougher construction edges ahead.

Winner: D850 for sheer technical superiority and ruggedness.

Wildlife Photography

Autofocus and frame rate are critical. The 5D Mark II’s 4 fps and 9-point AF can miss critical frames during bird bursts or fast mammal movements.

The D850 offers 7 fps, 153 focus points, and accurate tracking - the difference between a record shot and a missed moment.

Winner: Hands down - D850.

Sports Photography

Much like wildlife, the D850's faster frame rate and multitarget AF coverage win out. The 5D Mark II struggles to keep pace with fast-moving athletes.

Winner: D850 for action shooters.

Street Photography

Weight and portability matter. The 5D Mark II’s smaller size, plus quieter shutter and simpler design, appeal here.

D850 is heavier and louder but offers a more advanced metering and autofocus system.

Winner: Lean toward 5D Mark II for discreet street work.

Macro Photography

Manual focus aids are vital. D850’s touchscreen, focus peaking, and magnification ease critical focusing.

5D Mark II lacks those niceties but works with traditional manual.

Winner: D850 for tech-enhanced control.

Night/Astro Photography

D850’s higher ISO ceiling and dynamic range clean up noisy skies and faint stars. The 5D Mark II manages respectable noise but cannot reach the same clarity.

Winner: D850 for low-light.

Video

Canon’s early video is historical but stuck in HD.

Nikon delivers 4K video, headphone jack, and pro features.

Winner: Contemporary video shooters choose D850.

Travel Photography

5D Mark II’s lighter weight is easier on long haul treks.

D850 is heavier but offers dual card slots and longer battery life.

Winner: Tie - but depend on your packing tolerance.

Professional Work

File formats, reliability, and workflow integration favor the D850’s newer tech, especially with dual card slots and wireless connectivity.

Winner: D850.

Overall Performance Ratings and Scores

Canon 5D Mark II ranks strongly for its generation but is eclipsed in modern standards by the Nikon D850’s comprehensive upgrades in sensor, autofocus, speed, and versatility.

Genre-Specific Strengths Summarized

You can see how the D850 dominates in multiple categories while the 5D Mark II still shines in portrait warmth and handling.

Final Thoughts and Who Should Buy What

The Canon 5D Mark II is a classic beast with a gentle learning curve, superb skin tones, and solid performance in controlled scenarios. It is perfect if:

• Your budget is tight but you want full-frame image quality
• You primarily shoot portraits, weddings, or controlled studio work
• You value weight savings and simplicity over latest tech bells and whistles
• You prefer Canon glass and system compatibility built over a decade

The Nikon D850 is a powerhouse - high-res, agile focusing, professional-quality video, and rugged construction. It calls to:

• Photographers demanding exceptional image quality, especially landscapes or commercial work
• Wildlife or sports shooters needing fast burst rates and superior tracking
• Videographers wanting 4K and modern audio options
• Professionals prioritizing reliability, connectivity, and workflow efficiency

The Takeaway? Match Your Needs and Budget

No camera fits all, but I hope this deep dive helps you pick your champion. Whether it’s the vintage magic of the 5D Mark II or the technological juggernaut D850, both will serve you well - just in very different ways.

Questions about lenses, workflow tips, or want me to share real-world sample JPEGs and RAW files? Reach out - I’ve spent years living with these cameras and love geeking out over gear.

Here’s to sharper images and joyous shutter clicks - whichever DSLR you choose. Happy shooting!

The End (But Your Next Frame Is Just A Click Away)