Nikon D500 vs Sony A850

Let's look a bit more closely at the Nikon D500 vs Sony A850, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Sony. The sensor resolution of the D500 (21MP) and the A850 (25MP) is pretty similar but the D500 (APS-C) and A850 (Full frame) enjoy different sensor size.

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The D500 was revealed 5 years after the A850 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before going in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the D500 scores against the A850 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon D500 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. The full galleries are available at Nikon D500 Gallery and Sony A850 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera, you have to factor its weight and size. The Nikon D500 features exterior dimensions of 147mm x 115mm x 81mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 3.2") and a weight of 860 grams (1.90 lbs) whilst the Sony A850 has specifications of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") with a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon D500 vs Sony A850 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the D500 compared to the A850.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the D500 and A850 is 56 and 54 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing technical specs. The pic here may give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the D500 and A850.

As you have seen, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The D500 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony A850 will offer you more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The younger D500 provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.