SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
The new Nikon D800 is a tremendous announcement from Nikon. The camera is somewhat a hybrid, combining some powerful features of the more expensive Nikon D4 with the familiar D700 body style, but with a new high resolution 36.3MP sensor. Expected to be available in March / April, the D800 sets a new precedence in digital photography.
There are lots of improvements to discuss, many of which are similar to the Nikon D4. The most obvious advancement is the new 36MP sensor with improved dynamic range and decent ISO performance. Further enhancements include: improved ergonomics, 100% viewfinder coverage, improved autofocus and metering, improved shutter durability. 1080p HD-Video, etc. It is smaller and lighter than its predecessor the Nikon D700.
The D800 also may present some serious competition to medium format cameras at a much more affordable price. Some argue that medium format cameras have a different feel, with their shallower depth of field. I think those that have been on the fence about going medium format may look now at the D800. I also believe Canon will follow Nikon’s footsteps and present a high resolution 5D MKIII or similar in the coming months.
There are lots of improvements to discuss, many of which are similar to the Nikon D4. The most obvious advancement is the new 36MP sensor with improved dynamic range and decent ISO performance. Further enhancements include: improved ergonomics, 100% viewfinder coverage, improved autofocus and metering, improved shutter durability. 1080p HD-Video, etc. It is smaller and lighter than its predecessor the Nikon D700.
The D800 also may present some serious competition to medium format cameras at a much more affordable price. Some argue that medium format cameras have a different feel, with their shallower depth of field. I think those that have been on the fence about going medium format may look now at the D800. I also believe Canon will follow Nikon’s footsteps and present a high resolution 5D MKIII or similar in the coming months.
PREORDER D800 | D800E - UPDATE: 2100 EST
Unfortunately Amazon has stopped accepting preorders. They sold out aprox 1900 EST. You can now sign up to be notified of when it becomes available. Nikon D800 and Nikon D800E. You can try Adorama.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE D800 AND D800E
Nikon has outdone themselves, allowing photographers to choose the right model for their needs. The Nikon D800E is identical to the D800 but without an anti-aliasing low-pass filter. The anti-aliasing filter prevents color moiré patterns from appearing in repetitive patterns. Color moiré patterns occur because of the bayer patterned RGB sensor. However, the anti-aliasing filter does reduce some sharpness. So those looking for ultimate sharpness and detail can take the risk of the Nikon D800E without an anti-aliasing filter.
Keep in mind that if you are aware of how these color moiré patterns are created, you can do your best to avoid photographing things that cause them. But more importantly, remember that sharpness can be performed in post processing, where filtering out moiré patterns cannot. The anti-aliasing filter exists in the spatial domain and cannot be easily done once color moiré is captured.
The differences between the models are subtle and only anal pixel peepers will care to tell the difference. I chose to pre-order the D800E (model without the AA filter), as I anticipate to use it more casually for travel photography, and perhaps landscapes. However, if your purpose is more serious and demmanding, choosing between the models may be difficult. The base D800 is less risky and may be more versatile.
I have provided some additional information about the affects of aliasing and the D800E at the Nikon D800E Overview.
Keep in mind that if you are aware of how these color moiré patterns are created, you can do your best to avoid photographing things that cause them. But more importantly, remember that sharpness can be performed in post processing, where filtering out moiré patterns cannot. The anti-aliasing filter exists in the spatial domain and cannot be easily done once color moiré is captured.
The differences between the models are subtle and only anal pixel peepers will care to tell the difference. I chose to pre-order the D800E (model without the AA filter), as I anticipate to use it more casually for travel photography, and perhaps landscapes. However, if your purpose is more serious and demmanding, choosing between the models may be difficult. The base D800 is less risky and may be more versatile.
I have provided some additional information about the affects of aliasing and the D800E at the Nikon D800E Overview.
NEW CONTROLS
The D800 has a similar look and feel of the prior D700, with some minor adjustments for the new prism and improved ergonimic shape. Added at the top is a much desired bracketing button which was lacking on the D700, in addition to a new video record button. The record button is customizable when in still image mode. However, it is closely positioned next to the MODE button, and is in the same place of the old MODE button of the D700. I expect to accidently press this often.
Nikon has also adjusted the slope of the shutter release button to 35 degrees, much like the D4.
Nikon has also adjusted the slope of the shutter release button to 35 degrees, much like the D4.
REAR CONTROLS
Not much has changed on the back side. Just like the Nikon D4 the lock button is now overriden with the picture controls while in shooting mode. Also the autofocus area mode is now implemented in the front of the camera similar to the Nikon D7000. In its place, they have added a still image and movie selector mode. I suspect Nikon made this selector to prevent accidents of hitting the wrong buttons in the wrong mode.
THE IMAGE SENSOR - PIXEL SIZE
The Nikon D800 / D800E feature a newly designed 36.3 MP sensor (SONY) producing images at resolutions up to 7,360 x 4,912. It is full frame FX CMOS sensor measuring 35.9mm x 24.0mm. This tranlates to a new ~4.9 micron pixel size, similar to the D7000. In fact in DX crop mode the Nikon D800 will produce 15MP images, nearly equivalent resolution as the D7000. This means we should expect similar or better pixel integrity (ISO, Noise, etc) than the D7000. Further, the sensor is so versatile, using DX lenses will not be an issue and produce near equivalent results of the D7000.
The camera features a new dust reduction auto cleaning system. Should you choose, Capture NX 2 can be used for post dust analysis to help gather dust data for more precise removal.
The camera features a new dust reduction auto cleaning system. Should you choose, Capture NX 2 can be used for post dust analysis to help gather dust data for more precise removal.
ISO LOW-LIGHT PERFORMANCE
The D800 has a similar ISO performance as the D700 (except on the lower range). The D800's base ISO ranges from 100 to 6400, expandable to 50 and 25600. The expanded low ISO range should suggest better shadow noise, along with some improved dynamic range. Overall I suspect the D800 to be similar than the D700's ISO performance, but with reduced color noise at higher ISOs. Remeber that the D700's sensor is nearly 5 years older.
AUTO ISO IMPROVED
Just like the Nikon D4, the auto ISO has been updated to use a shutter speed threshold based on the inverse of the lens. Photographers have been complaining about this for some time and is the major reason why Auto ISO is not commonly used among pros.
DYNAMIC RANGE
I have no insight into the dynamic range performance, however I supsect it will be superb. One should be cautioned that with this level of pixel density, highlights are clipped a bit more. This can be seen with a D7000 or D5100 when compared to a Nikon D3s or D700. I suspect the D800's sensor is similar to the dynamic range characteristics of the D7000 and less like the D700.
91K RGB METERING
The D800 utilizes the same metering and scene recognition system of the recently announced Nikon D4. This advanced metering system can detect differences between artificial and natural light, compensating quickly in difficult lighting conditions. Further, this will also improve flash exposure using i-TTL and i-TTL-BL flash metering.
The new metering system allow the D800 to use face detection both with phase detect and contrast autofocus. This allows it to be used while looking through the viewfinder. Nikon claims it to be highly accurate.
The new metering system allow the D800 to use face detection both with phase detect and contrast autofocus. This allows it to be used while looking through the viewfinder. Nikon claims it to be highly accurate.
AUTOFOCUS SYSTEM
The D800 features the same autofocus system as the Nikon D4, allowing you to focus with an open aperture of f/8 in the center focus point. The autofocus system is the advanced multi-cam 3500FX. It features the three dynamic AF area options, 9 point, 21 point and 51 point. It also features a 3D tracking mode.
The ability to change the autofocus area has been repositioned from the rear to the front of the camera. It is now a button located on the autofocus drive control (M / AF). Press the button and adjust the command dial to iterate through autofocus area modes. This is the same implementation as the Nikon D7000 and Nikon D4.
The ability to change the autofocus area has been repositioned from the rear to the front of the camera. It is now a button located on the autofocus drive control (M / AF). Press the button and adjust the command dial to iterate through autofocus area modes. This is the same implementation as the Nikon D7000 and Nikon D4.
NIKON D800 IMAGE SAMPLES
Rob Van Petten provides an in depth preview of the amazing capabily this camera has. He provides sample images on his website. Be sure to see his video below using the D800 hands on in the fashion photography world.
Also additional samples can be found on Cliff Mautner's site here, and of course on Nikon's website.
Also additional samples can be found on Cliff Mautner's site here, and of course on Nikon's website.
VIEWFINDER | NEW PENTAPRISM
A significant improvement over the prior D700 is the new 100% viewfinder coverage. Further improvements include added clarity for manual focus adjustments. Also Nikon has added a virtual horizon with roll and pitch indication.
CROP MODES
The D800 now comes with a 5:4 crop option. This didn’t exist on the D700. It also has a 1.2X crop feature for a telephoto edge, along with DX and full frame FX. Cropped modes are time savers. Why crop in post when you can get it right or close the first time. Crop modes can also save on image file sizes, also saving additional time on data transfers and image processing.
HDR FUNCTIONALITY
The D800 has a built in 2 frame HDR option within one shutter release, processing 16-bit. The two exposures can be at two different exposures at up to 3EV apart. The in camera HDR tone mapping provides nicely blended saturated results.
NEW 3.2" LCD REAR DISPLAY
The Nikon D800 features the same 3.2 inch LCD as the new Nikon D4, with auto-brightness. The new LCD features 921K dot TFT with near sRGB color spectrum, along with a wide viewing angle. For use in live view it will work great for macro and landscape use to ensure precise focusing, 23X zoom (loupe) capability.
CONNECTIVITY
- USB 3.0 (Nikon D4 only has USB 2.0?)
- HDMI Type C mini (uncompressed | simultaneous)
- Audio In - 3.5mm pin jack
- Headphone Out - 3.5mm pin jack
- 10-Pin acessory terminal
DUAL STORAGE CAPABILITY
The D800 has dual memory card slots, one for an SD / SDHC card and one for a CF card (Compact Flash UDMA Type I). The D700 lacked this redundancy. Nikon did not see the need for its new XQD slots as it did with the high speed Nikon D4. The compact flash card should provide sufficient speed for the high resolution imagery at 4 fps.
4 fps is a tremendous bandwidth requirement at 36MP RAW data transfers (100MB/s peak). The buffer is rates for 16-25 shots on RAW NEF, depending on the compression.
4 fps is a tremendous bandwidth requirement at 36MP RAW data transfers (100MB/s peak). The buffer is rates for 16-25 shots on RAW NEF, depending on the compression.
SHUTTER DURABILITY
The Nikon D800 has a rated shutter life of 200,000 shutter clicks. This is just a reliability statistic, probably 2 sigma point, and I suspect most D800s to last well beyond this expectation.
The shutter is capable of speeds up to 1/8000s. Further, the camera is intelligent enough to detect actual shutter speeds and can calibrate itself to adjust for variations such as temperature or wear.
The shutter is capable of speeds up to 1/8000s. Further, the camera is intelligent enough to detect actual shutter speeds and can calibrate itself to adjust for variations such as temperature or wear.
D800 PRODUCT TOUR
VIDEO HD-SLR RECORD (SIMILAR TO D4)
- 1920x1080 30p, 25p, 24p
- 1280x720 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p
- H.264 / MPEG-4 (.MOV)
- Movie Index Marking
- Timelapse Movie
- 10-Pin Remote Trigger
- Live view + HDMI (uncompressed) simultaneously
- Smooth Aperture Changes while Recording
- Live Frame Grab upto 1080p resolution
SAMPLE VIDEO
Below is the promotional video shot exclusively using the Nikon D800. You can see the low light performance is quite good. It is titled "Joy Ride" and was shot by Mark Miller and his team in Chicago.
BATTERY LIFE
Plagued by the same battery regulations of the Nikon D4, the D800 no longer uses the EN-EL 3 and instead the EN-EL15 battery, same as the D7000 and Nikon V1. The endurance is expected to be a bit worse than the D700, but instantaneous current delivery should improve.
VERTICAL BATTERY GRIP | MB-D12
Yes you will require a new battery grip for the D800. The MB-D12 can use AA batteries, the EN-EL15 battery, or the Nikon D4’s battery the EN-EL18. Obviously the new grip provides controls for vertical positioned shooting and allows faster continuous shooting in DX mode of up to 6fps. It too is environmentally sealed.
KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NIKON D800 | NIKON D4
 Nikon D4 |  Nikon D800 | |
| Resolution | 16MP | 36MP |
| Frames / Sec | 11 fps | 4 fps |
| ISO Native | 100-12800 | 100-6400 |
| ISO Expandable | 50-204800 | 50-25600 |
| Crop Video Modes | 2.7x 16:9 (Telephoto Power) | DX / FX 16:9 |
| Storage Media | Dual XQD/CF | One CF, One SD |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, WT-5 / WT-4 Wireless, USB 2.0 | USB 3.0, WT-4 Wireless |
| Shutter Rating | 400,000 cycles | 200,000 cycles |
| Price | $5,999 | $2,999 |
SIZE AND WEIGHT CHARACTERISTICS
The D800 is both smaller and lighter than the old D700. Its overall dimensions are 5.7" x 4.8" x 3.2" and weighs 900g (15.7 oz) without battery. This is a subtle but important improvement over the existing Nikon D700.
INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
- Eyepiece (DK-17)
- Body Cap (BF-1B)
- EN-EL15 Battery (Lithium-Ion 2000mAh)
- Battery Charger (MH-25)
- LCD Cover (BM-12)
- Camera Strap
- Shoe Mount Cover
- USB Cable
- USB Cable Clip Attachment
BUILD QUALITY
The overall structure is built up of a magnesium alloy body, obviously environmentally and electromagnetically sealed similarly to the Nikon D4.
FULL HANDS ON REVIEW
I will pre-ordered the Nikon D800 and look forward to receiving it. I will add more to this review and compare it to the D4 and previous D700. Check back frequently, or follow me on google+ or twitter.
COMPARISON
Ultimately this review will include comparisons from the Nikon D800E, Nikon D700, and Nikon D4. Obviously at different resolutions, it will be difficult to compare apples to apples. However, hope to isolate each test and keep the review focused on specific needs for photographers.
RECENT NIKON D700 PRICING DATA:
Current eBay Auctions
Nikon D700 12.1 MP Digital SLR Camera - Black (Body Only)
CURRENT PRICE: $1601
BID COUNT: 14
END DATE: Sunday the 12th
END TIME: 10:06 ZULU
BID COUNT: 14
END DATE: Sunday the 12th
END TIME: 10:06 ZULU
Nikon D700 Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
CURRENT PRICE: $1525
BID COUNT: 13
END DATE: Thursday the 9th
END TIME: 22:11 ZULU
BID COUNT: 13
END DATE: Thursday the 9th
END TIME: 22:11 ZULU
Nikon D700 12.1 MP Digital SLR Camera - Black (Body Only). WILL SHIP. RESERVE
CURRENT PRICE: $1125
BID COUNT: 11
END DATE: Sunday the 12th
END TIME: 21:22 ZULU
BID COUNT: 11
END DATE: Sunday the 12th
END TIME: 21:22 ZULU
FOR THOSE WHO WANT A NIKON D700
The Nikon D800 came out at a surprising price point, offering many similar features of the Nikon D4 all at half the cost. Clearly it is a significant step up from the prior D700. What will this do to the D700’s pricing? I suspect the D700 to come down to $1700 price range for a moderately used D700 with a 40K shutter count.
I have provided a table to the right that shows the latest D700 used offers on eBay. I would not pay more than $2100 for one these days. Look for one that has low shutter count. You can find out a cameras shutter count easily by going to nikonshuttercount.com
I have provided a table to the right that shows the latest D700 used offers on eBay. I would not pay more than $2100 for one these days. Look for one that has low shutter count. You can find out a cameras shutter count easily by going to nikonshuttercount.com
CONCLUSION
The Nikon D800 is a new iconic camera that will be very popular for years to come, much like the D700 has been. This is a very exciting time for digital photography. The D800 has some solid similarities to the new Nikon D4 along with the comforting familiarity of the D700, and features its own uniqueness with its amazing 36MP sensor. Nikon has provided the photographer to choose between two similar models, one with an anti-aliasing filter and one without. Thank you Nikon! I look forward to receiving this new powerhouse!
Would I still be satisfied with my old D700, sure... But what the heck, this is America, and it is time to buy something for the sake of coolness.
I have pre-ordered Nikon D800E and hope to expand on this review soon.
Would I still be satisfied with my old D700, sure... But what the heck, this is America, and it is time to buy something for the sake of coolness.
I have pre-ordered Nikon D800E and hope to expand on this review soon.
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