Sony A7 vs Sony A850: A Hands-On Deep Dive into Two Full-Frame Giants

When it comes to full-frame cameras, Sony has long made waves by pushing new technologies to photographers eager to balance image quality, performance, and portability. Today we put under the microscope two Sony full-frame contenders: the Sony Alpha A7, premiered in early 2014 as a pioneering mirrorless model, and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A850, a robust DSLR from 2010 built around legacy Minolta Alpha tech but equipped with a serious 25MP sensor.

In this comprehensive comparison, built on thousands of hours of hands-on camera testing experience, we’ll explore how these cameras stack up across all key photography disciplines and use cases. Whether you shoot portraits, wildlife, landscapes, or video, we break down technical specs, real-world performance, and value - so you can make an informed decision no matter your creative path.

Let’s jump in.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Size, Build, and Handling

Sony took very different approaches in the design of these two models:

Feature	Sony A7	Sony A850
Body Type	Compact, SLR-Style Mirrorless	Classically robust Mid-Size DSLR
Dimensions	127 x 94 x 48 mm	156 x 117 x 82 mm
Weight	474g (body only)	895g (body only)
Build Quality	Magnesium alloy, weather resistant seals	Magnesium alloy, weather resistant seals
Storage Slots	1 x SD / Memory Stick	2 x CF + Memory Stick

Examining the Sony A7’s svelte frame, it’s clear the mirrorless architecture allows Sony to pack full-frame imaging power into a far more compact, lightweight chassis. This makes the A7 an appealing travel companion or quick-footed street shooter’s dream.

The A850 conversely feels more substantial in hand. It offers a deeper grip and more dedicated physical controls which will satisfy DSLR users who prefer a traditional hold and button layout.

While the DSLR size doesn’t fit every pocket, it might give you a steadier platform for long telephoto or macro lenses, especially if you tend to shoot handheld in challenging conditions.

Control Layout: A Closer Look at the User Interface

Getting hands-on with the cameras’ interfaces reveals Sony’s evolution in ergonomics from DSLR to mirrorless:

The A7’s design centers around a minimalist button scheme, supplemented by a customizable control wheel and a tilting rear LCD (more on that shortly). There is no dedicated top LCD panel, but the camera balances this with a clear electronic viewfinder that reports ISO, exposure, and settings live.

The A850 embraces a classic DSLR command layout with a small top info screen, dedicated dials for shooting modes, and more physical buttons - ideal for photographers preferring quick access to key parameters without menu diving.

If tactile control and traditional DSLR ergonomics appeal to you, the A850 edges ahead here - but if you want to explore mirrorless convenience and minimalism without losing essential access, the A7 shines.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras boast full-frame sensors measuring close to 35.9x24mm, but their imaging engines and sensor tech tell different stories:

Sensor Feature	Sony A7	Sony A850
Sensor Type	24.3MP Back-Illuminated CMOS	24.6MP CMOS
Sensor Area	855.62 mm²	861.60 mm²
Anti-alias Filter	Yes	Yes
Max Native ISO	25600	3200
Min Native ISO	50	200
Dynamic Range (DxO)	14.2 EV	12.2 EV
Color Depth (DxO)	24.8-bit	23.8-bit
Low Light ISO (DxO)	2248	1415

The A7's sensor benefits from Sony’s back-illuminated CMOS design - a significant advancement boosting low-light performance and dynamic range across the ISO spectrum. This translates to cleaner images with better shadow retention and more latitude in post-processing.

In contrast, though the *A850 offers higher megapixels technically (25MP vs 24.3MP), its older sensor technology limits its ISO ceiling and dynamic range. The A850’s base ISO of 200 and max 3200 ISO show its design leans towards controlled lighting environments to avoid noisy images.

For landscapes, portraits, and any genre requiring vibrant color and fine detail, the A7's more modern sensor gives you expanded creative possibilities, especially under challenging lighting.

Seeing and Composing: Viewfinders and LCD Screens

How you see your world through the lens matters for usability and confidence:

Feature	Sony A7	Sony A850
Viewfinder Type	Electronic (OLED)	Optical pentaprism
Viewfinder Resolution	2.35 million dots	Optical (no digital resolution)
Coverage	100%	98%
Magnification	0.71x	0.74x
Rear Screen	3" Tilting, 1.23 million dots	3" Fixed, 922k dots
Touchscreen	No	No

The A7’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) lets you preview exposure, white balance, and focus peaking in real-time - a game-changer for mirrorless shooters. Its 100% coverage also ensures you won’t be surprised by fringe elements at the frame edges.

Conversely, the A850’s optical viewfinder delivers a natural view without lag, appealing to photographers who prefer the immediacy and “realness” of glass. However, slightly reduced coverage and lack of live exposure feedback can mean more reliance on post-shot review.

The A7's tilting rear LCD adds compositional flexibility for tricky angles, perfect for street photography or macro work. While not touch-enabled, its higher resolution panel helps critically assess focus and image detail.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus is critical for almost every photography genre, from wildlife chasing to event shooting:

Feature	Sony A7	Sony A850
Number of AF Points	117 Hybrid (phase + contrast)	9 Phase-Detection
Cross-Type Points	25	Unknown crowding
Face Detection	Yes	No
AF Modes	Single, Continuous, Tracking	Single, Continuous
Eye AF / Animal AF	No Eye AF (early model)	No Eye/Animal Detection
Live View AF	Yes	No

Sony’s A7 sports a vast multi-point hybrid AF system combining phase and contrast detection. It powers fast, accurate focus acquisition and decent tracking performance for moving subjects - attributes that open doors to sports and wildlife photography.

By comparison, the A850’s 9-point phase-detection AF is simpler and slower to lock, with fewer cross-type sensors reducing autofocus precision especially in low light or with fast subjects.

The inclusion of face detection on the A7 means better portrait focusing, ensuring critical eyes are sharp - a feature the A850 lacks.

If autofocus speed and accuracy matter in your workflow, the A7 is the clear winner here.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Performance

High frame rates help capture fleeting moments, especially in fast action:

Metric	Sony A7	Sony A850
Continuous Shooting FPS	5.0	3.0
Max Burst Length	Varies, decent buffer	Smaller buffer

The A7’s 5 FPS burst speed is better suited for capturing decisive moments like sports plays or wildlife behavior. The A850’s slower 3 FPS, combined with a smaller buffer, limits its effectiveness for fast shooting.

Image Stabilization: In-Body vs Lens-Based

Feature	Sony A7	Sony A850
Image Stabilization Type	No in-body stabilization	Sensor-shift In-body IS
Stabilization Effectiveness	Dependent on lens IS	Effective with all lenses

Interestingly, the A850 includes sensor-based image stabilization, which reduces shake regardless of lens used - a significant advantage for handheld telephoto or macro shooting when lenses lack IS.

The A7’s first generation does not offer built-in stabilization, relying on optical stabilization within lenses. This might affect some shooting scenarios, especially video or low shutter speed handheld photography.

Video Capabilities: Moving Beyond Stills

For hybrid shooters, video is an indispensable feature:

Feature	Sony A7	Sony A850
Video Recording	Full HD 1080p up to 60p	None
Video Formats	AVCHD, MPEG-4	None
Microphone Input	Yes	No
Headphone Jack	Yes	No
In-Body Video Stabilization	No	No

If video content creation is in your sights, the A7 offers comprehensive 1080p recording with flexible frame rates, external audio inputs, and clean HDMI output. Conversely, the A850 has no video recording abilities, reflecting its 2010 DSLR era focus purely on stills.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens options are vital for expanding creative horizons:

• Sony A7: Sony E-mount system with over 120 native lenses today, including compact primes and full-frame zooms from Sony and third-party makers like Sigma and Tamron. Adapters also allow using legacy glass flawlessly.
• Sony A850: Sony/Minolta Alpha mount with 143 lenses originally designed for DSLRs and film cameras, including a vast library of legendary Minolta glass.

Your choice hinges on whether you value the smaller, modern E-mount lens lineup or prefer accessing vast DSLR optics.

Battery Life and Storage

• Sony A7:

  • Battery: NP-FW50, rated ~340 shots per charge
  • Storage: Single slot SD or Memory Stick

• Sony A850:

  • Battery: NP-FM500H, rated ~880 shots
  • Storage: Dual CF slots + Memory Stick

The A850’s DSLR design favors extended shooting endurance and backup dual slots ideal for pros needing reliability on long shoots. The A7’s mirrorless configuration conserves space but trades off battery life and backup storage.

Connectivity, Wireless Features, and Workflow Integration

• Sony A7:

  • WiFi + NFC for remote control and image transfer
  • USB 2.0 compatible for tethering
  • HDMI clean output for external monitors

• Sony A850:

  • No wireless connectivity
  • USB 2.0
  • HDMI output available

Modern shooters will appreciate the A7’s wireless and remote capabilities, enhancing live shooting, sharing, and backup workflows.

Real-World Versatility: Photography Genres and Use Cases

Now, let’s break down how these cameras perform for specific photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Portraiture demands accurate skin tones, flattering bokeh, and reliable autofocus on eyes.

• Sony A7: Excellent skin tone rendering with its updated sensor and color science. Hybrid AF excels at face detection and maintaining eye focus. The smaller body and lens combo favor shooting in social settings.
• Sony A850: Sharp 25MP output creates detailed portraits, but slower AF and lack of face detection require more manual skill. Its heavier grip aids handheld stability with longer lenses.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution matter here.

• Sony A7: Superior dynamic range (14.2 EV) enables stunning shadow and highlight detail. Tilting LCD facilitates composition at odd angles.
• Sony A850: Slightly higher resolution but limited DR. Dual card slots allow shooting large RAW files with peace of mind.

Wildlife Photography

Fast, accurate autofocus and burst speed make or break wildlife shots.

• Sony A7: 117-point AF and 5 FPS burst improve capture chances of quick animals.
• Sony A850: Fewer AF points and slower 3 FPS burst limit this style’s success.

Sports Photography

Tracking and continuous shooting define performance.

• Sony A7: Hybrid AF and 5 FPS make it decent for casual sports.
• Sony A850: Modest AF and 3 FPS require patience and experience.

Street Photography

Discretion and portability are key.

• Sony A7: Compact mirrorless design wins, with silent electronic shutter options “on paper” (although not available on this first gen model).
• Sony A850: Bulky and heavier, less discreet.

Macro Photography

Stable, precise focusing critical.

• Sony A7: Tilting screen aids composition; lack of in-body stabilization challenges handheld shooting.
• Sony A850: Sensor-based stabilization is beneficial when paired with macro lenses.

Night/Astro Photography

High ISO and long exposures tested here.

• Sony A7: Extended ISO and excellent noise handling.
• Sony A850: Limited ISO range means more reliance on tripod and noise reduction.

Video Capabilities

• Sony A7: Full HD, 60p video, microphone and headphone jacks.
• Sony A850: None.

Travel Photography

Versatility and battery life matter.

• Sony A7: Lightweight and compact but limited battery life.
• Sony A850: Heavy, but long battery life and rugged body.

Professional Applications

Reliability and workflow integration.

• Sony A7: Advanced sensor, wireless connectivity, and modern RAW workflows.
• Sony A850: Dual card slots and battery life suit studio or fieldwork requiring backup.

Sample Image Gallery: Real-World Image Quality Showdown

Our side-by-side galleries highlight the A7’s ability to pull clean detail in low light, nuanced colors, and smooth gradation. The A850 yields excellent resolution but shows earlier generation sensor noise patterns at high ISO.

The Final Scorecard: Objective Performance Ratings

Metrics from extensive testing show the A7 leads across most key categories: image quality, autofocus, video, and portability, while the A850 excels in battery life and tactile control.

Genre-Specific Strengths: Which Camera Excels Where?

• Landscape: A7 slightly in front (dynamic range)
• Portrait: A7 favored for AF and skin tone; A850 reliable sharpness
• Wildlife: A7 considerably better AF & burst
• Sports: A7 recommended for speed
• Street: A7 definitive choice for portability
• Macro: A850 benefits from in-body stabilization
• Night/Astro: A7 shines in high ISO
• Video: A7 only choice
• Travel: A7 best for weight; A850 for battery endurance
• Professional Work: Mixed; A7 modern connectivity vs A850 dual cards

Who Should Buy the Sony A7?

Buy the Sony A7 if you:

• Prioritize compact, lightweight design without sacrificing full-frame quality.
• Want cutting-edge sensor tech for low light and dynamic range.
• Need fast, accurate autofocus for portraits, wildlife, or sports.
• Value video recording capabilities.
• Seek wireless connectivity and streamlined workflows.
• Desire a modern lens ecosystem that keeps expanding.

Who Should Opt for the Sony A850?

Choose the Sony A850 if you:

• Prefer a classic DSLR feel with heft and traditional controls.
• Require extended battery life and dual card slots for professional shoot security.
• Want in-body stabilization to support handheld macro or telephoto shooting.
• Don’t need video or wireless features.
• Are cost-conscious and find this model at a bargain price in used markets.
• Like using Minolta AF lenses and prioritize legacy glass.

Conclusion: Balancing Innovation and Tradition

The Sony A7 clearly represents a leap forward in full-frame camera design, marrying superb image quality with mirrorless system versatility and video capability. It’s an excellent choice for enthusiasts and professionals embracing new workflows and portability.

The Sony A850 remains a formidable DSLR, especially suited to those valuing solid ergonomics, long battery life, and classic operational style. It still delivers excellent image quality in controlled conditions and remains relevant for specific photography needs.

Ultimately, both cameras have unique strengths, and your choice depends on your priorities in handling, autofocus demands, video needs, and ecosystem preferences.

We encourage you to if possible, handle both in person and assess which aligns best with your shooting style and creative goals. Pair your camera choice with the right lenses and accessories, and you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning photos and videos for years.

Happy shooting! Explore, experiment, and find the gear that empowers your creative journey.