Nikon Df vs Nikon D850

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Df and Nikon D850. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon Df were released 2013 and Nikon D850 was released 2017. That is a 4 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon Df 2013
Nikon D850 2017

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon FX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Since both cameras have a Full frame sensor there will be no crop factor.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon Df 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D850 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Nikon Df has a 16 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D850 has 46 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon Df 16 MP
16163840 pixels
4928 x 3280
Nikon D850 46 MP
45441024 pixels
8256 x 5504

Nikon D850 has a 181 % larger resolution than Nikon Df. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D850 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon Df. Nikon D850 has an ISO range that stretches from 64 to 25600 while Nikon Df has 100 to 12800.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon Df 100-12800
Nikon D850 64-25600

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Df
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D850

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon Df can shoot up to 5,5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D850 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon Df 5,5
Nikon D850 9

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon D850. Sadly, the Nikon Df does not support this.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D850 weighs 1005 gr (equal to 2.22 lb) which is 32% heavier than Nikon Df and its 760 gr (or 1.68 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon Df 760 gr
1.68 lb
Nikon D850 1005 gr
2.22 lb

Nikon Df vs Nikon D850 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon Df and Nikon D850, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Nikon Df
Nikon D850
Name Nikon Df Nikon D850
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon Df
Nikon D850
Release Year 2013 2017
Release Date 2013-11-05 2017-07-25
MSRP 2749 USD 3299 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon Df
Nikon D850
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon Df
Nikon D850
Sensor Size Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type CMOS BSI-CMOS
Resolution 4928 x 3280 pixels 8256 x 5504 pixels
Megapixels 16 MP 46 MP
Image Processor EXPEED 3 EXPEED 5
Image
Nikon Df
Nikon D850
ISO Range 100 - 12800 64 - 25600
White Balance Presets 12 14
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW + TIFF RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus
Nikon Df
Nikon D850
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Touch
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 39 151
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier FX (Full frame)
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
FX (Full frame)
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Nikon Df
Nikon D850
Articulated LCD Fixed Tilting
Screen size 3,2” 3.2”
Screen dots 921000 2359000
Touch screen No Yes
Screen type TFT LCD TFT LCD
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7× 0.75×
Viewfinder Resolution N/A 0
Photography features
Nikon Df
Nikon D850
Frames per second 5,5 fps 9 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash No No
Built-in Flash Range N/A N/A
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse No Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Highlight Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 3 (at 1/3 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon Df
Nikon D850
Video recording No Yes
Video format N/A MPEG4
Video resolution N/A 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
Built-in Microphone No Yes
Built-in Speakers No Yes
Storage
Nikon Df
Nikon D850
Memory Card SD/SDHC
SD/SDHC
XQD
Connectivity
Nikon Df
Nikon D850
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No Yes
Headphone Port No Yes
Wireless Yes
Optional via WU-1a wireless mobile adapter
Yes
Built-In ( 802.11b/g + NFC + Bluetooth 4.1 LE)
Remote Control Yes (Cable release, wireless remote) Yes (wired, wireless, smartphone)
GPS Yes
Optional with GP-1 or GP-1A
No
Body & Dimensions
Nikon Df
Nikon D850
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details EN-EL14/EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery and charger
EN-EL15a lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 1400 shots 1840 shots
Width 144 mm 146 mm
Height 110 mm 124 mm
Depth 67 mm 79 mm
Weight 760 gram 1005 gram