Nikon D850
Manufacturer: Nikon Type: camera — full-frame DSLR (FX) Year introduced: 2017 Sensor: 45.7MP BSI CMOS Key specs: 4K UHD video, 7fps (9fps with MB-D18 grip), ISO 64–25,600 Price at launch: $3,299
Overview
The Nikon D850 is a 45.7-megapixel full-frame DSLR announced in August 2017, widely regarded as Nikon’s landmark camera for the company’s 100th anniversary. Its back-side-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor delivered the highest resolution of any Nikon DSLR to that point while maintaining competitive high-ISO performance — a combination that made it highly desirable for underwater photographers who wanted both maximum detail for wide-angle reef scenery and usable images in low light.
The camera was announced on August 23, 2017 ([1]). Housing manufacturers moved swiftly, with Nauticam announcing the NA-D850 on August 30, less than a week after the camera announcement ([2]).
Alex Mustard referenced the D850 in his WACP review (September 2017), noting the 46MP body as he framed the discussion of whether dome ports could deliver adequate quality at such resolutions — a key argument for the Nauticam WACP ([3]).
Housing race
A notably rapid housing ecosystem formed around the D850:
- Nauticam NA-D850 — Announced August 30, 2017, shipping October 2017, $3,800 ([4]).
- Ikelite 200DL — Shipped October 25, 2017, $1,695 ([5]).
- Subal ND850 — Announced October 25, 2017, €3,490 ([6]).
- Sea & Sea MDX-D850 — Shipped November 13, 2017 ([7]).
- Aquatica AD850 — Shipped December 22, 2017, $2,895 ([8]).
- Nauticam announcement — Also noted in the DEMA 2017 show report ([9]).
Reviews & Discussion
- [10] — Announcement coverage. Article (editorial source).
- [11] — Housing announcement within a week of camera reveal. Article (editorial source).
- [12] — Alex Mustard’s WACP review cites the D850’s resolution as motivating the case for water-contact optics over dome ports. Article (editorial source).
- [13] — Housing ecosystem covered at trade show. Article (editorial source).
Community Discussion
- D500 vs D850? (61 replies) — Community debate comparing the D500 and D850 for underwater use, weighing DX crop-factor reach against FX resolution and low-light performance. (forum thread, topic 60626)
- Best wide angle lens for Nikon D850 in Nauticam housing (32 replies) — Practical discussion of wide-angle lens options including the Sigma fisheye, Nikon 14-24mm, and Tokina 10-17mm with the D850’s 45.7MP sensor. (forum thread, topic 61325)
- Nikon D850 - discuss! (19 replies) — Immediate community reaction to the D850 specs, particularly the 45.7MP BSI sensor, ISO 64 base, and 7fps burst rate. (forum thread, topic 60524)
- Camera choice: Nikon D850 vs Z7 (15 replies) — Late-era DSLR vs mirrorless debate, with users weighing the D850’s maturity against the Z7’s mirrorless advantages. (forum thread, topic 63598)
References
Sources
- Wetpixel article, Aug 23, 2017: Nikon Announces The D850 Full Frame Slr Camera ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 6, 2017: Nauticam Announces Housing For Nikon D850 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 28, 2017: Review Nauticam Wide Angle Corrector Port ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 6, 2017: Nauticam Announces Housing For Nikon D850 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 25, 2017: Ikelite Ships Housing For Nikon D850 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 25, 2017: Subal Announces Housing For Nikon D850 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 13, 2017: Seasea Ships Housing For Nikon D850 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 22, 2017: Aquatica Ships Ad850 Housing For Nikon D850 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 2, 2017: Show Report Dema 2017 ↩
- Nikon announces the D850 full-frame SLR camera (article) ↩
- Nauticam NA-D850 announced (article) ↩
- Review: Nauticam Wide Angle Corrector Port (article) ↩
- Show report: DEMA 2017 (article) ↩
- Nikon announces the D850 full-frame SLR camera (article) ↩
- Nauticam NA-D850 announced (article) ↩
- Review: Nauticam Wide Angle Corrector Port (article) ↩
- Ikelite ships housing for Nikon D850 (article) ↩
- Subal announces housing for Nikon D850 (article) ↩
- Show report: DEMA 2017 (article) ↩
- Sea & Sea ships housing for Nikon D850 (article) ↩
- Aquatica ships AD850 housing for Nikon D850 (article) ↩