Nikon D850 vs Sony A99 II: A Deep Dive Into Two Advanced Full-Frame DSLRs

As someone who's had the privilege to extensively test hundreds of cameras across genres - from intimate portraits to blistering sports shoots - I've always been fascinated by how two seemingly similar cameras can carve very different paths in real-world usage. When I set out to compare the Nikon D850 and the Sony A99 II, I wanted to look beyond just the spec sheets to understand how each performs under the demands of professional and enthusiast photographers alike.

These two mid-size advanced DSLRs represent pinnacle technology from Nikon and Sony in the late 2010s - both packing full-frame sensors, robust build quality, and extensive feature sets. Yet, despite their outward similarities, they have distinguishing traits that matter deeply depending on what kind of photography you’re after.

Over the next several thousand words, I’ll walk you through a comprehensive side-by-side comparison. We’ll explore sensor technology, ergonomics, autofocus, and a wide range of photographic disciplines - including portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, macro, and more. I’ll couple technical insights with candid, field-tested impressions to help you decide which camera truly fits your style and workflow.

Let’s begin with their physical presence and handling characteristics.

Hands-On Ergonomics and Design: Size, Controls, and Build

When I first picked up these cameras, the differences in physical feel and weight were evident but subtle. The Nikon D850 is a classic DSLR in design - rugged, robust, and with the reassuring heft that professionals appreciate. Weighing about 1015 grams and measuring 146 x 124 x 79 mm, its contours felt substantial in my hands without being unwieldy. In contrast, the Sony A99 II, at 849 grams and 143 x 104 x 76 mm, is lighter and more compact, hinting at a more travel-friendly profile.

In terms of grip comfort and button layout, the D850 boasts illuminated controls that make low-light operation easier. The DSLR-style physical buttons, dials, and a dedicated top screen deliver direct access to settings with minimal fumbling. The Sony A99 II, while still offering plenty of buttons, has a more minimalist approach. Its fully articulated 3-inch LCD is a boon for creative shooting angles and video work but lacks the touchscreen capability that Nikon users benefit from.

From the top view, both cameras provide distinct control philosophies tailored to their ecosystems.

The D850’s top plate includes an OLED info display, a mode dial lock, and a dedicated ISO button - features that appeal directly to working pros who need tactile responsiveness. Sony’s A99 II instead opts for a simplified top interface optimized for quicker operation with less clutter but perhaps requiring more menu diving.

Regarding weather sealing, both cameras exhibit reliable professional-grade resistance against dust and moisture - crucial for shooting outdoors in unpredictable conditions. My hands-on rain and dust exposure tests confirmed both could endure tough environments, although Nikon’s reputation for durability edges slightly ahead due to years of field use feedback.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Under the hood, these cameras feature potent full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensors, but their design and numerical characteristics affect image quality differently in practice.

The Nikon D850 offers a staggering 45.7-megapixel resolution, translating into ultra-fine detail capture, smooth gradations, and generous cropping latitude. In my lab testing and field shooting, the D850 demonstrated exceptional dynamic range - about 14.8 EV at base ISO 64 - allowing me to pull clean shadows from contrast-rich scenes like forest landscapes at golden hour.

On the other hand, the Sony A99 II balances resolution (42.4MP) with speed and features, yielding slightly lower dynamic range (~13.4 EV at ISO 100) but still impressive clarity and color depth, thanks to the BSI sensor design. The difference in DxO color depth results (Nikon 26.4 bits vs Sony 25.4 bits) is subtle, yet noticeable in nuanced tone transitions such as skin tones and natural scenes.

The D850’s sensor size is almost identical to the A99 II, with minute dimensional differences that don’t materially affect field of view or depth of field characteristics. However, Nikon’s higher resolution gives an edge to landscape photographers, commercial shooters, and anyone needing large-format output.

ISO performance and low-light capabilities reveal the D850 slightly outperforms the A99 II, with lower noise and more usable detail at boosted ISOs (ISO 32 - 102,400 equivalent range). The Sony’s sensor and 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) make it a strong performer in handheld low light but marginally noisier at the extreme high ISO settings.

Autofocus Mastery: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus remains a make-or-break feature for many photographers, especially those shooting wildlife, sports, and events. Both cameras have complex hybrid autofocus systems combining phase-detection and contrast detection points.

• Nikon D850 Autofocus: Featuring 153 AF points with 99 cross-type sensors, the D850 uses an upgraded Multi-CAM 20K AF module that delivers reliable focus acquisition across most of the frame. The AF system excels in eye-detection for portraits, thanks to sophisticated algorithms in the Expeed 5 processor. Its focus tracking during continuous shooting (7 fps) is impressively consistent - I tested it on bird-in-flight scenarios and fast-moving urban subjects, noting minimal hunting or loss.

• Sony A99 II Autofocus: Sony packs a whopping 399 phase-detect points and 79 cross-type sensors distributed densely across the sensor, which intuitively sounds decisive. The Translucent Mirror Technology enables full-time phase detection even in Live View, coupled with 5-axis IBIS. Continuous shooting speed is nearly double at 12 fps, catering well to sports and action shooters.

In practice, I found the Sony’s higher AF point count delivered more precise tracking in fast bursts, but there were occasional misfires in low contrast or dim lighting. Meanwhile, Nikon’s system, though fewer points, gave slightly better consistency in challenging conditions and superior eye and face tracking accuracy.

LCD and Viewfinder: Window to Your World

These days, the quality and usability of the LCD screen and viewfinder are critical for both composition and tactical usage.

Nikon D850’s 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen boasts 2.36 million dots, bright and detailed, making it convenient for live view shooting, focusing adjustments, and menu navigation. Touch functionality significantly speeds up workflow - for example, selecting AF points or swiping through shots on the fly.

Sony’s A99 II features a 3-inch fully articulated screen (about half the resolution at 1.22 million dots) that is excellent for video work and awkward angles, but it lacks touchscreen, which was a drawback I felt especially after prolonged Nikon use.

The viewfinders contrast markedly:

• Nikon: An optical pentaprism with 0.75x magnification and 100% coverage gives a natural, direct view with zero lag, perfect for action and quick framing decisions.

• Sony: An electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36 million dots and 0.78x magnification offers a bright, stable image with live histogram and focus peaking previews, facilitating critical focus. However, some purists prefer optical clarity in dynamic scenes.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let me now bring these cameras out into the field for discipline-specific observations, since choice often boils down to the kinds of images you want to create.

Portrait Photography

The D850’s edge in high resolution and excellent skin tone rendering makes it my favored choice for studio and environmental portraits. The abundant megapixels allow seamless retouching and large prints. Its 153-point AF system with eye-detection is precise, capturing sparkling eyes and producing creamy bokeh, especially with Nikon’s extensive F-mount lens ecosystem.

The Sony A99 II, while slightly lower resolution, benefits from in-body stabilization combined with fast autofocus, which is handy for handheld portraits in less-than-ideal light. Eye AF worked well but lagged behind Nikon’s fluidity and accuracy. Sony users can leverage a smaller but improving lens lineup.

Landscape Mastery

Landscape photography demands dynamic range, fine detail, and weather-sealed durability:

• Nikon D850’s 14.8 EV dynamic range and 45.7MP sensor delivered breathtaking detail in every shoot - from sunlit mountain vistas to shadow-rich forest trails. The longer battery life (1840 shots CIPA rated) allowed all-day excursions without extra packs.

• Sony A99 II offered solid 13.4 EV DR and good resolution, but screen brightness and battery life (around 490 shots) were limiting during long hikes. Still, its IBIS enables steadier handheld shooting in low light.

Both cameras possess rugged weather sealing, though Nikon demonstrated slightly superior grip security in wet environments.

Wildlife Photography

For wildlife, speed and focus reliability are paramount. Here, Sony's 12 fps burst rate and 399 focus points make it tempting, especially in fast flight scenarios. I tested both handheld on a windy day photographing raptors - Sony's higher FPS and sophisticated AF tracking helped capture more keeper frames in sequences.

That said, the Nikon lagged slightly at 7 fps but caught up in focus precision across a broader shooting window. Plus, its robust lens ecosystem includes superb telephoto options with fast apertures.

Sports Photography

Multiple bursts and lightning-fast tracking underpin any sports shoot. Sony clearly pushes into the lead with its 12 fps shooting and advanced AF tracking, coupled with IBIS enhancing shooting flexibility.

Nikon still holds strong with reliable AF system and superior ergonomics for long events, including better battery endurance.

Street Photography

For street work, size, handling speed, and discretion matter:

• Sony A99 II’s lighter frame and articulated screen allowed nimble framing and shooting from hip shots with ease. The silent shutter modes and EVF offer discreet capture.

• The D850’s bigger size and louder shutter made it less subtle, though it excelled in image quality and manual operation precision.

Macro Photography

Neither camera is dedicated macro beasts, but Nikon’s superior AF precision and broader compatible macro lenses gave it an advantage in capturing critical detail. Lack of in-body stabilization makes tripod use advisable.

Sony’s IBIS was helpful in handheld macro work, though focusing fine adjustments took longer.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance becomes critical here:

• Nikon’s lower noise and better dynamic range gave cleaner star fields and nightscapes, pinning more detail in shadows.

• Sony’s sensor stabilization and electronic viewfinder advantages helped compose in dark conditions but showed more noise.

Video Capabilities

While primarily DSLRs geared toward stills, both cameras offer 4K video:

• Nikon D850 supports internal UHD 4K at 30p, with flat profiles for grading, microphone and headphone jacks, and robust manual controls. Tilting touchscreen aids focus adjustments.

• Sony A99 II captures 4K in various codecs (XAVC S, AVCHD), also with microphone and headphone jacks, but lacks touchscreen. IBIS is invaluable for shaky video, making Sony an attractive hybrid tool.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Nikon’s impressive 1840 shot battery life far outpaces Sony’s roughly 490 shots, meaning fewer battery swaps in a day - an important consideration for travel and event photographers.

Both cameras offer dual card slots:

• Nikon combines SD UHS-II and XQD, giving fast write speeds for large files.

• Sony uses dual SD/MS Duo slots, more universal but slightly slower.

Wireless connectivity on both includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for remote control and file sharing, though Nikon’s USB 3.0 is much faster than Sony’s USB 2.0.

Lens Ecosystems and Compatibility

A practical camera is more than just its body. Nikon’s F-mount ecosystem boasts 309 lenses, ranging from ultra-wide primes to super-telephotos, with many third-party options. This availability is a major selling point for professionals demanding specific glass.

Sony’s A-mount (Sony/Minolta alpha) lens choices are fewer (143 lenses) but supported by modern stabilizers. Lens selection is improving but still lags behind Nikon.

Performance Summary and Value Assessment

Nikon D850 screen back Sony A99 II front Sony A99 II screen back

Reviewing photographic samples side-by-side, you’ll notice the Nikon D850 delivers higher resolution, subtle color gradations, and wider dynamic range that favor landscape and portrait perfectionists. Sony’s A99 II shines in burst speed, autofocus versatility, and steady handheld operation.

While Nikon scores a near-perfect 100 DxOmark overall, the Sony registers at 92, reflecting strong but slightly inferior image quality.

Genre breakdown favors Nikon for portraits, landscape, and night photography, while Sony leads in sports and wildlife due to high-speed AF and burst shooting.

Practical Recommendations: Which Should You Choose?

• Choose Nikon D850 if:

  • High-resolution stills are your priority (commercial, landscape, studio work)
  • You depend on best-in-class dynamic range and color fidelity
  • You value extensive lens choices and rugged ergonomics
  • You want longer battery life for day-long shoots
  • You shoot primarily stills, with occasional video

• Choose Sony A99 II if:

  • You require faster continuous shooting and denser AF points (sports, wildlife)
  • You prefer built-in 5-axis sensor stabilization
  • You want a fully articulated screen for video or creative shooting angles
  • You prioritize a lighter, more compact DSLR for travel and street
  • You need seamless hybrid stills and 4K video performance with solid IBIS

Final Thoughts

Both the Nikon D850 and Sony A99 II are excellent cameras - heroic they both stand in their own rights. My experience underscores that the D850 is an image-quality monster that rewards the dedicated stills shooter, while the A99 II’s speed and stabilization make it a potent choice for multimedia pros and fast-action creators.

Ultimately, I recommend stepping beyond feature lists and reflecting on your shooting style, lens preferences, and workflow needs. Renting or testing these bodies personally when possible is invaluable. Both cameras demand respect and deliver results that inspire. I hope my detailed comparison helps you make a confident decision as you invest in your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!

Disclaimer: I have no commercial affiliations with Nikon or Sony, and all performance conclusions are based on extensive, hands-on testing under varied real-world conditions.