Nikon D850 MultiCAM AF sensor module
From Nikon:
“Accurate focusing is crucial to large-pixel-count images. The D850 comes equipped with the same powerful 153-point AF system as the flagship D5 — a technology widely praised by editorial sports photographers. The 153 densely packed focus points (55 selectable) provide over 130% of the D810’s frame coverage, while 99 cross sensors with powerful detection are optimally distributed. The AF system makes it possible to achieve pinpoint focus on a small area such as an athlete’s eye, but is also designed to immediately acquire fast, often random movements and track them tenaciously. The D850 also comes with the same AF lock-on adjustment menu as the D5, helping to focus more accurately on subjects moving toward the camera. Furthermore, the central point functions at -4 EV and all other focus points at -3 EV, thanks to the Multi-CAM 20K autofocus sensor module, which was developed to keep noise to an absolute minimum, allowing for accurate AF in challenging light.” (Nikon AF modules reference table can be found here)
Nikon D850 dedicated AF engine chip on board
From Nikon:
“Like the D5, the D850 employs a dedicated AF engine. Working in parallel with the sequence control microcomputer, it achieves simultaneous rangefinding at all 153 focus points, which contributes to fast, accurate focusing. As a result, when shooting an athlete portrait in auto-area AF, for example, it eliminates the need to select focus points each time you change your composition, contributing to a more efficient workflow.”
Nikon D850 autofocus performance
From the Nikon D850 review by Richard Peters:
“Just how good the Multi-CAM 20k focusing system from the flagship D5 and D500 is, has already been well documented. For a quick catch up of the essential highlights, it offers 153 autofocus points, with 99 being cross type and has sensitivity down to -3EV for all points but the centre, which is -4EV. What does that mean in practice? Aside from better acquisition when using teleconverters? I was shooting with the D850, 40 minutes after sunset, at 1/30 second, f2.8, ISO 25,600 and I was still just about able to lock focus on my subject. Whilst shooting in almost darkness doesn’t really bode well for the images themselves, not least because subject motion is impossible to avoid, it’s an impressive demonstration. The sensitivity of the system allows for acquisition in very low contrast.”
Nikon D850 vs. Canon 5D Mark IV AF coverage comparison:
Nikon D850 autofocus test in near darkness:
Nikon D850 focus peaking:
Nikon D850 focus stacking:
More Nikon D850 test videos (silent live view, electronic VR):
D850 pre-orders: B&H | Adorama | Amazon | BuyDig | BestBuy | WEX | Jessops
Facebook: Nikon D850 Page | Nikon D850 Group
Additional coverage: Nikon D850 directory
