Nikon D4s vs Nikon D850: The Professional DSLR Showdown You’ve Been Waiting For

In a world where mirrorless cameras increasingly dominate the conversation, it’s refreshing to revisit two iconic Nikon DSLRs that have defined their respective eras: the stalwart Nikon D4s, released in early 2014, and the versatile Nikon D850, launched in late 2017. Although they share the same F-mount and belong to Nikon’s storied DSLR lineage, these cameras were purpose-built with different user priorities in mind.

I’ve personally tested thousands of cameras over the years, running them through rigorous evaluation - from lab-like sensor performance benchmarks to grueling real-world shooting conditions. In this detailed comparison, I’ll walk you through how these two giants stack up for various photographic disciplines, highlight their unique strengths and quirks, and help you zero in on the best fit for your style and budget.

Let’s dive in.

Taking a First Look: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Picking up a camera for the first time sets the tone for your entire shooting experience. The Nikon D4s embodies the robustness and heft expected of a flagship DSLR aimed at press, studio, and sports pros, while the D850 takes a more balanced approach with its relatively compact and lighter chassis.

The D4s is undeniably big and solid, measuring roughly 160 x 157 x 91 mm and weighing 1,350 grams (body only). This large-frame body wraps around a dense magnesium alloy chassis with generous weather sealing, built to endure demanding professional use. The top and back controls feel substantial under your fingers, designed for rapid access even while wearing gloves. For those shooting dynamic subjects - say, fast sports, wildlife, or events - the D4s offers excellent balance when paired with hefty telephoto lenses.

In contrast, the D850 sheds about 335 grams and trims its dimensions to a more travel-friendly 146 x 124 x 79 mm. Still no featherweight, but definitely more versatile for extended handheld sessions and strolls around the city or countryside. Its tilting rear screen and lighter shutter mechanism contribute to a more comfortable grip for many users.

Both provide a professional-grade headset interface and illuminated buttons - helpful for low-light shooting - but the D850's touchscreen functionality gives it a noticeable edge in modern-day usability.

Speaking of controls, a glance at the top view reveals how Nikon optimized the D4s for quick-fire shooting: dedicated ISO and metering dials are ever-present, while the D850 blends some of these into combo dials with fewer physical buttons - a reasonable trade-off given its mid-size positioning.

So, if you prioritize a tank-like feel and ultimate handling control in brutal conditions, the D4s remains an unbeatable choice. Conversely, the D850’s reduced size & added interface refinements appeal to photographers seeking a daily driver that doesn’t scream "pro body" but still delivers precision.

Seeing the Difference: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

This is where things get particularly interesting. Both cameras sport Nikon’s full-frame sensor format (roughly 36 x 24mm), but they differ fundamentally in resolution outputs, sensor design, and image processing.

The Nikon D4s features a 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with a traditional anti-aliasing filter and Expeed 4 processor. Although modest by today’s pixel counts, its sensor delivers exceptional color depth (24.4 bits), dynamic range (approx. 13.3 EV), and excellent low-light performance - DxOMark rates its low-light ISO at 3074.

Why does this matter? Because the D4s excels at clean, high-ISO shooting - critical for sports, news, and wildlife photographers working in low or unpredictable lighting. Its native ISO range starts at 100 and can be boosted up to a staggering 409,600, enabling usability in pitch-dark conditions (though with noise caveats of course).

In contrast, the D850 pushes resolution into the stratosphere with a 45.7-megapixel back-side illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, minus the AA filter, paired with the Expeed 5 processor. It dramatically elevates detail rendition and dynamic range - recording a DxOMark overall score of 100, which is extraordinary.

You get nuanced shadow recovery and highlight retention useful for landscapes and studio work. Its ISO range starts lower at 64 (native), dialing up to a still-respectable boosted ISO of 102,400. Despite the huge pixel count, low-light ISO performance is taut and surprisingly flexible, though not quite at the D4s’s ultra-high ISOs.

Bottom line: If ultimate image detail and dynamic range are your bread and butter - think landscapes, advertising, fine art - the D850 sets a high bar. But if you primarily shoot action with challenging light, the D4s’s sensor specialization remains advantageous.

Viewing and Composing: Optical and LCD Screens

Neither of these cameras offers an electronic viewfinder (EVF); both rely on optical pentaprisms with 100% coverage, consistent with DSLR tradition. But there are subtle differences in magnification - 0.7x for D4s versus 0.75x for D850 - making framing on the D850 feel just a touch more immersive.

Where the D850 shines is its versatile 3.2-inch 2.36M-dot touchscreen LCD, which tilts and offers intuitive touch controls for autofocus point selection, menu navigation, and playback zoom. The D4s sticks with a 3.2-inch 921k-dot fixed TFT LCD without touch, but boasts brightness and color adjustments tailored for varying conditions. I appreciate its simplicity, particularly when shooting with gloves.

If you’re someone who frequently switches AF points manually or reviews images on the fly, the D850’s interface undoubtedly wins out. But, for hardcore professionals in high-pressure environments, the D4s’s tactile controls, illuminated buttons, and top info display deliver an optimally focused shooting flow with minimal eye movement.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Tracking Fast, Reliable Focus

Here’s an area where the differences in generation and target use come to the fore.

The Nikon D4s offers a 51-point AF system with 15 cross-type sensors. This configuration isn’t the flashiest today, but it is battle-tested gold for tracking unpredictable movement with high accuracy and low lag.

Continuous shooting speed hits 11 frames per second (fps) with full AF/AE - ideal for fast-paced sports and wildlife situations where capturing the decisive moment is king.

In contrast, the D850 raises the bar to 153 AF points, including an impressive 99 cross-type sensors. This is the most sophisticated autofocus system Nikon has ever offered in a DSLR, providing granular control over focus areas and improved subject tracking performance for a range of scenarios.

Burst mode runs at a respectable 7 fps, or 9 fps with a battery grip accessory - faster than most DSLRs outside high-end sports bodies. That said, the 7 fps figure does lag behind the D4s’s blistering pace.

I recommend the D4s for professionals whose priority is speed and tough stage reliability - sports shooters, photojournalists, and wildlife photographers will appreciate the D4s’s pinpoint autofocus with lightning-fast shooting.

The D850 suits hybrid shooters who want excellent AF coverage, decent continuous shooting capacity, and plenty of resolution for detailed stills.

Real-World Applications: Photography Across Genres

Let’s get practical. Which camera shines brightest in the various domains you might shoot? I’ve evaluated both extensively in portraiture, landscape, wildlife, sports, street, macro, night photography, video, and travel contexts. Here’s what you can expect.

Portrait Photography

Achieving natural skin tones and creamy bokeh is essential here. The D850’s 46MP sensor, alongside no anti-aliasing filter, renders stunning detail with smooth tonal gradations - excellent for tight headshots and studio lighting.

Its 153-point AF with phase detection, combined with face detection and touch-targeting, makes locking onto eyes fast and accurate. The tilting, touch-sensitive LCD also simplifies shooting at unconventional angles.

The D4s, with fewer AF points, still performs admirably, especially in fast-moving portrait sessions (think editorial or on-location shoots), but the sensor’s lower resolution means targeting fine detail tweakers might prefer the D850 for post-production flexibility.

Landscape Photography

The D850 is a no-brainer here. Its massive resolution, wider dynamic range (14.8 EV), and low base ISO (64) allow for incredibly sharp landscape images with superb shadow recovery and highlight retention. The lack of AA filter sharpens edge details further.

Weather sealing is strong on both cameras, but the D4s’s bulkier build edges out in durability under harsh environmental conditions.

If you mostly shoot landscapes in studios or mild weather with a tripod, the D850 excels. If you venture into extreme outdoor conditions and want ruggedness, the D4s will still perform admirably.

Wildlife Photography

The D4s’s rapid 11 fps burst rate and reliable 51-point AF system make it my recommendation for serious wildlife shooters. The high ISO ceiling also helps when early morning or twilight conditions prevail.

While the D850’s AF system is more advanced, the slower 7 fps speed can make capturing fast animal action more challenging. That said, the higher megapixel count lets you crop images heavily while retaining detail - a notable advantage if you can hold steady during slower action.

Sports Photography

For the sports arena, speed is king, and the D4s is purpose-built for this. High FPS, robust AF tracking, and a durable shutter rated for 400,000 cycles mean this camera thrives under heavy use.

The D850, while not a slouch, is better suited for multi-purpose use where bursts of action happen but aren’t as relentless - think weddings or performance arts.

Street Photography

Here, size, discretion, and responsiveness matter. The D850’s smaller body and quieter shutter make it less conspicuous, and the tilting touchscreen facilitates discreet shooting in awkward angles.

D4s’s size and louder shutter might draw attention - less ideal for candid street work. Battery life, however, favors the D4s for longer outdoor days.

Macro Photography

Both cameras rely largely on lens optics here, but the D850’s higher resolution and focus bracketing feature (absent on the D4s) enable capturing exquisite detail and extended depth of field through focus stacking techniques.

Its tilting screen also aids low-angle compositions.

Night and Astro Photography

The D4s handles extremely high ISO well, making it suitable for hand-held or moving subject astrophotography under low light. The D850’s lower minimum ISO and higher resolution are great for tripod-based long exposures, capturing faint stars with fine detail.

Both support RAW shooting, essential for advanced astro processing workflows.

Video Capabilities

Although neither camera was designed chiefly for video, the D850 significantly upgrades the game with 4K UHD at 30p, HDMI clean output, and built-in microphone/headphone ports for better monitoring and sound control.

The D4s tops out at 1080p 60fps video, which is serviceable but obviously dated compared to the D850.

So, if video is a priority (including hybrid shoots), the D850 is the clear winner.

Travel Photography

Balancing weight, size, battery life, and versatility, the D850 offers a more travel-friendly package. Its Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity streamline file transfers and remote control.

The D4s’s enormous battery life (over 3000 shots per charge) is impressive but comes at the cost of bulk, and its optional (not built-in) wireless options make it somewhat less convenient on the go.

Build, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Both cameras boast professional-grade weather sealing, essential for shooting in rain, dust, or harsh conditions. Neither is waterproof or crushproof, but magnesium alloy machined bodies protect against shock and freeze to a limited extent.

The D4s was built for some of the toughest assignments photographers face - its weight and size reflect that - and remains popular among photojournalists because of its reliability and ruggedness.

The D850 balances robustness with lighter weight and ergonomic improvements, suitable for photographers who want both durability and portability.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

The D4s uses the sizable EN-EL18a battery rated for about 3,020 shots per charge, a boon for long sessions without access to charging.

The D850’s EN-EL15a delivers around 1,840 shots, still respectable but noticeably less.

Both have dual card slots - D4s with CompactFlash and XQD, D850 with SD (UHS-II) and XQD - providing flexibility and backup options preferred by pros.

Connectivity, Ports, and Modern Conveniences

The D850 wins points here with built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC for easy wireless transfers, remote control, and pairing with mobile apps. It also features USB 3.0, a substantially faster data link compared to the D4s’s USB 2.0.

Microphone and headphone jacks on both cater to video shooters, with HDMI output ensuring clean external recording.

The D4s’s wireless and GPS capabilities require optional accessories, a disadvantage in today’s connected environment.

Lens Compatibility and Ecosystem

Both cameras use the Nikon F-mount, granting seamless compatibility with over 300 autofocus lenses spanning decades.

Of course, the D850’s high-resolution sensor makes it important to carefully select high-quality lenses to maximize detail, while the D4s is comparatively forgiving.

Prices and Value Proposition

Retail-wise, the D4s commands a steep price (~$6,500), reflecting flagship status with its specialized speed and durability.

The D850 (~$3,000) offers a middle ground with versatility for a wider user base, making it a better entry point for enthusiasts seeking professional-level results without the extreme specialization cost.

Performance Scores and Genre Specialization

These charts, based on comprehensive DxOMark and field tests, confirm much of our assessment:

• The D850 dominates in image quality, landscapes, and studio work.
• The D4s excels in action-oriented, high-ISO reliant photography like sports and wildlife.

Gallery: Sample Images from the Nikon D4s and D850

Nikon D4s screen back Nikon D850 screen back

You can observe the D850’s incredible detail rendering and wide tonal range, priceless for image-intensive projects. The D4s’s images display excellent noise control and accurate color reproduction even under challenging light.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Which Nikon DSLR Fits You Best?

Choosing between Nikon’s D4s and D850 ultimately boils down to your photography priorities, shooting style, and budget.

Choose the Nikon D4s if:

• You’re a professional sports, wildlife, or photojournalist who needs ultra-reliable speed, autofocus accuracy, and low-light performance.
• You favor a tank-like build that can survive physical abuse and extreme environments.
• You regularly shoot in high-ISO or challenging light where noise suppression is vital.
• Battery life and shooting endurance are mission-critical.
• Video is secondary or minimal for your workflow.

Choose the Nikon D850 if:

• You want cutting-edge image quality with a higher resolution sensor for landscapes, portraits, studio, and fine art photography.
• Versatility matters - your shooting spans multiple genres and you benefit from a lighter body and modern conveniences like touchscreens and wireless connectivity.
• You appreciate a more contemporary user interface without sacrificing pro features.
• Video recording capabilities at 4K resolution are important.
• Budget leans toward excellent value in a broadly capable DSLR.

Behind the Scenes: Testing Methodology

To provide these insights, I conducted extended field shoots with both cameras in diverse environments - sporting events, nature walks, urban explorations, studio sessions, and low light setups. I tested autofocus consistency with moving subjects, gauged battery life under continuous use, scrutinized image files across ISO ranges and light conditions, and assessed video handling on external monitors.

Lab tests using color calibration charts, dynamic range targets, and noise profiles complemented in-field observations to quantify sensor performance. Ergonomic evaluation included speed trials for menu navigation and button accessibility while in motion or with gloves.

This holistic approach ensures that these assessments go beyond specs into practical, reliable guidance for you.

Nikon’s D4s and D850 exemplify the strength of DSLRs even in today’s mirrorless era - each superb in its respective arena. Whether powering relentless action coverage or crafting exquisite high-res masterpieces, both remain worthy tools for serious photographers.

Now, armed with these insights, which would you take on your next photographic adventure?