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Overall camera rating: * * * * *
Nikon D800

Nikon D800


The D800 full-frame DSLR replaces and Nikon D700 and features boasts an impressive 36-megapixel sensor.
  • BonOlgirl , ghamden , Malcolm and 1 other like this

Product Photos


Attached Image: D800_front.png Attached Image: D800_back.png Attached Image: D800_left.png Attached Image: D800_right.png Attached Image: D800_top.png

Purchase Link: Buy Now at B&H Photo!
GENERAL:  
List Price (USA): $2,999
In Production: Yes
Launch Date: February 2012
Successor: Nikon D810
Predecessor: Nikon D700
IMAGE CAPTURE:  
Megapixels: 36.3
Format: FX (Full-Frame)
Sensor Type: CMOS
Max. Resolution (pixels): 7360 x 4912
Low-Pass Filter: Yes
Sensor Dimensions (mm): 35.9 x 24.0
Min. ISO: 100
Max. ISO: 6400
Expanded ISO Range: 50-25600
ISO Adjustment Steps: 1EV, 1/2EV, 1/3EV
Still File Formats: JPEG, 14-bit RAW, TIFF
Dust Removal Support: Yes
Shooting Modes: Program (P), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), Manual (M), Bulb (B)
Additional Features: Auto DX Crop, In-Camera Retouching, Custom Picture Control, Active-D Lighting
PERFORMANCE:  
Processor: EXPEED 3
Minimum Shutter Speed (s): 30
Maximum Shutter Speed (s): 1/8000
Shutter Life (actuations): 200,000
Max. Burst (FPS): 4
JPEG Buffer Size: 99
RAW Buffer Size: 17
Release Modes: Single-Frame, Continuous Lo, Continuous Hi, Quiet Shutter, Mirror Lock-Up, Self-Timer
VIEWFINDER & LCD:  
LCD Screen Size ("): 3.2
LCD Screen Resolution (dots): 921,000
Live View Mode: Yes
Viewfinder Type: Pentaprism
Viewfinder Magnification (x): 0.70
Viewfinder Frame Coverage (%): 100
METERING:  
Metering Sensor: 91K-pixel RGB sensor
Auto Metering Modes: Matrix, Center-Weighted, Spot
Meter Operating Range (EV): 0 to 20
Exposure Compensation Range (EV): -5 to 5
Exposure Compensation Steps: 1EV, 1/2EV, 1/3EV
Auto Bracking Frames: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Auto Bracketing Modes: Exposure, White Balance, Flash, Custom Image Effects
White Balance Modes: Auto, Indoor, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Daylight, Manual Color Temperature
AUTOFOCUS:  
Primary AF Type: Phase Detect Autofocus
AF Sensor: Multi-CAM 3500FX
AF Modes: Single-Servo AF, Dynamic Area AF, 3D Tracking, Auto-Area AF
AF Points: 51
AF Operating Range (EV): -2 to 19
Screwdrive AF Support: Yes
Live View Autofocus: Contrast Detect
Face Detection Support: Yes
VIDEO:  
Movie Mode: Yes
Movie File Formats: MOV, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, RAW Video Output
Built-In Microphone: Stereo
External Microphone: Yes
Video Framerates (Size/FPS): 1080p/24, 1080p/25, 1080p/30, 720p/24, 720p/25, 720p/30, 720p/60
Video Autofocus: Continuous AF
Manual Video Controls: ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, Exposure Compensation
FLASH:  
Built-In Flash: Yes
Flash Sync Speed (s): 1/250
Flash Compensation Range (EV): -1 to 3
Hotshoe: Yes
BODY:  
Mount Type: Nikon F Mount
Number of Media Slots: 2
Compatible Card Types: SD, SDHC, SDXC, CompactFlash
Width (mm): 145
Height (mm): 122
Depth (mm): 81
Weight (g): 900
Connectivity: Universal Hotshoe, USB 3, Mini-Jack Audio Input, Mini-Jack Audio Output, Peripheral Connector
Battery Grip: Yes
Battery Model: EN-EL15
Battery Life (Frames): 900
Power Adapter Support: Yes
Weather Sealing: Yes
Included Accessories: AN-DC6 Strap
EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
MH-25 Battery Charger
UC-E14 USB Cable
BM-12 LCD Monitor Cover
BF-1B Body Cap
BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cap
DK-17 Viewfinder Eyepiece
NikonView NX2 CD ROM
Available Colors: Black
Please use the area below for camera reviews only. Comments on others' reviews and off-topic posts will be deleted.


3 Reviews

The D800 delivers absolutely stunning image quality, but you have to cope with the fact that its files are huge: 20-30Mb on average.  Working with files this big means you'd better have a very fast computer with good browsing/editing software (i.e. not your OS).  Users of this camera will enjoy a huge dynamic range, low noise, and more detail than you've ever seen before in a FX body.

 

The 51-point AF is very fast and reliable when it comes to tracking.  The 4FPS burst rate isn't phenomenal, but it's good enough IMO unless you primarily shoot action.  Fortunately, the JPEG buffer is huge and the camera's processor is fast enough to offer smooth recording and playback performance.

 

To really take advantage of the D800's high resolution you'll want to get some good glass.  The 35mm F1.4 and 85mm F1.4 work wonders. 

 

At $3000 this camera isn't cheap, but it's worth every penny if you need the extra resolution (i.e. if you like cropping) and don't want to settle for the D600, which still delivers fantastic image quality but has a cheaper build quality and slightly lower specs.

    • ghamden likes this
One word superb

The D800 is probably the best camera I've ever owned, and most likely will be for a very long time. It is feels very solid and reliable. The image quality of course is amazing, and the feature set is long. The autofocusing is reliable and accurate, and the low light capabilities are top notch.

 

So where does it fall down?

The files are massive, but allow you to do some crazy crops you never could before if need be. This does mean you need a big fast memory card though. I personally like the Promaster cards for speed/value ratio. 

 

While the ergonomics are near perfect, I long for the iso button to be programmable to one of the custom buttons beside the lens or the video record button. While your probably not adjusting iso very often, having the adjustment in a more convenient location would be great.