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Overall camera rating:
Nikon D800
User Reviews and Specs | Submitted by Adam, Aug 26 2013 12:01 AM | Last updated Jun 26 2014 01:34 AM
The D800 full-frame DSLR replaces and Nikon D700 and features boasts an impressive 36-megapixel sensor.
Product Photos
| 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 |
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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.
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.