Upgrade Guide
Nikon D850→Nikon D6
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the D850. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the D6
-
Burst rate14fps mechanical vs 9fps (7fps with tilt screen AF)
-
Battery life~3580 shots (CIPA) vs ~1840 shots (CIPA) — outstanding
-
Generation3 years newer (2020 vs 2017)
Unchanged or similar
-
Resolution21MP (down from 46MP — optimised for low light)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | D850 | D6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -0.4 | ||
| Street | -0.8 | ||
| Travel | -0.9 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +0.1 | ||
| Filmmaking | +0.1 | ||
| Documentary | +0.2 | ||
| Sports & Action | +0.5 | ||
| Landscape | -1.2 | ||
| Wildlife | +0.3 | ||
| Casual | -0.6 | ||
| Food | -1.2 | ||
| Macro | -0.9 | ||
| Architecture | -1.3 | ||
| Astrophotography | +0.2 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D850 | D6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,399 | £6,799 | |
| Released | 2017 | 2020 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 45.7MP full-frame BSI-CMOS | 20.8MP full-frame BSI CMOS | |
| Resolution | 46MP | 21MP | ↓ |
| Video | 4K UHD/30p, 1080p/120p | 4K UHD 30fps | |
| Autofocus | 153-point AF system (99 cross-type) — Multi-CAM 20K | Multi-CAM 3500FX III — 105 AF points, all cross-type | |
| Stabilisation | None (relies on VR lenses) | — | |
| Burst Rate | 9fps (7fps with tilt screen AF) | 14fps mechanical | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~1840 shots (CIPA) — outstanding | ~3580 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 915g (body only) | 1450g (body only) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism — 0.75× magnification, 100% coverage | OVF 0.72× magnification, 100% coverage | |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.36M dots | 3.2" fixed touchscreen, 2.36M dots | |
| Mount | Nikon F mount | Nikon F mount | |
| Memory Cards | Dual slots — XQD and SD UHS-II | Dual CFexpress Type B / XQD slots |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See D850 and D6 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D6 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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