Nikon has announced yet another new DSLR but this isn’t at the budget-end – far from it. It’s firmly placed in the top-end enthusiast and professional market.
The number D800 might suggest it’s a next step development from the well-loved D700. Generally, pixel counts from Nikon have lagged behind those from Canon. As we know, there’s a lot more to picture quality than the number of pixels. For example, the D700 and Canon EOS 5D MKII have the same size sensor, but the Nikon ‘only’ has 12 megapixels, while the 5D MkII has 21. However, comparisons show practically no difference in resolution.
It seemed that pixel count was taking more of a back seat with Canon announcing 18MP for its new flagship, the EOS-D1 X but Nikon has upped the ante, announcing a breathtaking 36MP for the new D800, following on from an already enormous 24MP for its own flagship, the D4.
This seems to be a major step forward in technology, if the D800 delivers its promise of fantastic resolution, translating into amazingly detailed photos. What’s more, Nikon has also announed a special version, the D800E, which has the anti-aliasing design in its low pass filter removed. This should improve resolution output but at the price of sensor ‘errors’ – Nikon makes the assumption that photographers who purchase the camera will be carrying out post-processing to remove any problems intoroduced by the lack of anti-aliasing. It’s a very interesting approach to what could be a significant niche market – the question is, will pros have the time to devote to additional post-propcessing and how often will it be required?
The following is courtesy of Nikon Eurpoe – thank you.
Simon Yates
Basic details
The new multi-area mode Full HD D-Movie records FX- and DX-format Full HD (1080p) movies in 30p, 25p and 24p.
36.3 megapixel FX-format (full-frame) CMOS sensor with high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range and 12-channel readout.
ISO 100–6400: extendable up to 25,600 (equivalent) and down to 50 (equivalent).
4 fps consecutive shooting in FX/5: 4 crop modes. 5 fps in 1.2x/DX crop modes.
Multi-area D-Movie records FX- and DX-format Full HD (1080p) movies in 30p, 25p and 24p. Max recording time approx. 29 minutes 59 seconds. Offers uncompressed HDMI output to external devices and high-fidelity audio control.
Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system: individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings. Sensitive down to -2 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F).
EXPEED 3 image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb tonal gradation.
8 cm (3.2-in.), 921k-dot LCD monitor with auto brightness control anti-reflective, with wide color reproduction.
3D Color Matrix Metering III: 91k pixel AE AF sensor with full-time face recognition.
100% viewfinder coverage and three Crop Modes: 5:4, 1.2x and DX-format, with viewfinder masking.
Quiet shooting mode: perfect for discreet photography, the sound of the camera’s mirror return mechanism is noticeably reduced.
Highly accurate and durable shutter unit: standard rating of 200,000 cycles, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8,000 sec and flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec.
Storage media: CF and SD card slots.
Built-in i-TTL Speedlight: GN / guide number approx. 12, 24mm lens coverage.
Durable Magnesium alloy body: moisture and dust resistant.
Wireless LAN and Ethernet support via optional Wireless Transmitter WT-4.
Full spec
| Type | Single-lens reflex digital camera |
| Lens mount | Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts) |
| Effective pixels | 36.3 million |
| Image sensor | 35.9 x 24.0 mm CMOS sensor (Nikon FX format) |
| Total pixels | 36.8 million |
| Dust-reduction System | Image sensor cleaning, Image Dust Off reference data (requires optional Capture NX 2 software) |
| Image size (pixels) | FX (36 x 24) image area: 7,360 x 4,912 (L), 5,520 x 3,680 (M), 3,680 x 2,456 (S) 1.2x (30 x 20) image area: 6,144 x 4,080 (L), 4,608 x 3,056 (M), 3,072 x 2,040 (S) DX (24 x 16) image area: 4,800 x 3,200 (L), 3,600 x 2,400 (M), 2,400 x 1,600 (S) 5 : 4 (30 x 24) image area: 6,144 x 4,912 (L), 4,608 x 3,680 (M), 3,072 x 2,456 (S) FX-format photographs taken in movie live view: 6,720 x 3,776 (L), 5,040 x 2,832 (M), 3,360 x 1,888 (S) DX-format photographs in movie live view: 4,800 x 2,704 (L), 3,600 x 2,024 (M), 2,400 x 1,352 (S) Note: Photographs taken in movie live view have an aspect ratio of 16 : 9. A DX-based format is used for photographs taken using the DX (24 x 16) 1.5x image area; an FX-based format is used for all other photographs. |
| File format | NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed TIFF (RGB) JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1 : 4), normal (approx. 1 : 8), or basic (approx. 1 : 16) compression (Size priority); Optimal quality compression available NEF (RAW)+JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats |
| Picture Control System | Can be selected from Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape; selected Picture Control can be modified; storage for custom Picture Controls |
| Media | SD (Secure Digital) and UHS-I compliant SDHC and SDXC memory cards; Type I CompactFlash memory cards (UDMA compliant) |
| Dual card slots | Either card can be used for primary or backup storage, or for separate storage of NEF (RAW) and JPEG images; pictures can be copied between cards. |
| File system | DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras) 2.3, PictBridge |
| Viewfinder | Eye-level pentaprism single-lens reflex viewfinder |
| Frame coverage | FX (36 x 24): Approx. 100% horizontal and 100% vertical 1.2x (30 x 20): Approx. 97% horizontal and 97% vertical DX (24 x 16): Approx. 97% horizontal and 97% vertical 5:4 (30 x 24): Approx. 97% horizontal and 100% vertical |
| Magnification | Approx. 0.7 x (50 mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, -1.0 m-1) |
| Eyepoint | 17 mm (-1.0 m-1; from center surface of viewfinder eyepiece lens) |
| Diopter adjustment | -3 -+1 m-1 |
| Focusing screen | Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VIII screen with AF area brackets and framing grid |
| Reflex mirror | Quick return |
| Depth-of-field preview | When depth-of-field preview button is pressed, lens aperture is stopped down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or by camera (P and S modes) |
| Lens aperture | Instant return, electronically controlled |
| Compatible lenses | Compatible with AF NIKKOR lenses, including type G and D lenses (some restrictions apply to PC Micro-NIKKOR lenses) and DX lenses (using DX 24 x 16 1.5x image area), AI-P NIKKOR lenses, and non-CPU AI lenses (exposure modes A and M only). IX NIKKOR lenses, lenses for the F3AF, and non-AI lenses can not be used. The electronic rangefinder can be used with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster. |
| Type | Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter |
| Speed | 1/8000 – 30 s in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV, bulb, X250 |
| Flash sync speed | X=1/250 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/320 s or slower (flash range drops at speeds between 1/250 and 1/320 s) |
| Release mode | Single frame, Continuous low speed, Continuous high speed, Quiet shutter-release, Self-timer, Mirror up |
| Approximate frame advance rate | With EN-EL15 batteries – Image area: FX/5 : 4; CL: 1-4 fps, CH: 4 fps – Image area: DX/1.2x; CL: 1-5 fps, CH: 5 fps Other power sources – Image area: FX/5 : 4; CL: 1-4 fps, CH: 4 fps – Image area: 1.2x; CL: 1-5 fps, CH: 5 fps – Image area: DX; CL: 1-5 fps, CH: 6 fps |
| Self-timer | 2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 20 s; 1-9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 s |
| Metering | TTL exposure metering using 91K (91,000)-pixel RGB sensor |
| Metering method | Matrix: 3D color matrix metering III (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering III (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data. Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 12 mm circle in center of frame. Diameter of circle can be changed to 8, 15, or 20 mm, or weighting can be based on average of entire frame (non-CPU lenses use 12-mm circle or average of entire frame). Spot: Meters 4 mm circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used) |
| Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20 °C/68 °F) | Matrix or center-weighted metering: 0-20 EV Spot metering: 2-20 EV |
| Exposure meter coupling | Combined CPU and AI |
| Exposure mode | Programmed auto with flexible program (P); shutter-priority auto (S); aperture-priority auto (A); manual (M) |
| Exposure compensation | -5 -+5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV |
| Exposure bracketing | 2-9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, or 1 EV |
| Flash bracketing | 2-9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, or 1 EV |
| White balance bracketing | 2-9 frames in steps of 1, 2, or 3 |
| ADL bracketing | 2 frames using selected value for one frame or 3-5 frames using preset values for all frames |
| Exposure lock | Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button |
| ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index) | ISO 100 – 6400 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV. Can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 EV (ISO 50 equivalent) below ISO 100 or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, or 2 EV (ISO 25600 equivalent) above ISO 6400; auto ISO sensitivity control available |
| Active D-Lighting | Can be selected from Auto, Extra high, High, Normal, Low, or Off |
| Autofocus | Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, fine-tuning, 51 focus points (including 15 cross-type sensors), and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5-3 m/1 ft 8 in.-9 ft 10 in.) |
| Detection range | -2 -+19 EV (ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F) |
| Lens servo | Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous-servo AF (AF-C); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status Manual focus (M): Electronic rangefinder can be used |
| Focus point | Can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points |
| AF-area mode | Single-point AF, 9-, 21-, or 51- point dynamic-area AF, 3D-tracking, auto-area AF |
| Focus lock | Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button |
| Built-in flash | Manual pop-up with button release and a Guide Number of 12/39, 12/39 with manual flash (m/ft, ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F) |
| Flash control | TTL: i-TTL flash control using 86K (86,400)-pixel RGB sensor is available with built-in flash and SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, SB-600, or SB-400; i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR is used with matrix and center-weighted metering, standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR with spot metering |
| Flash mode | Front curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync; Auto FP High-Speed Sync supported |
| Flash compensation | -3 -+1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV |
| Flash-ready indicator | Lights when built-in flash or optional flash unit is fully charged; blinks for 3 s after flash is fired at full output |
| Accessory shoe | ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock |
| Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) | Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with built-in flash, SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, or SB-700 as a master flash and SB-600 or SB-R200 as remotes, or SU-800 as commander; built-in flash can serve as master flash in commander mode; Auto FP High-Speed Sync and modeling illumination supported with all CLS-compatible flash units except SB-400; Flash Color Information Communication and FV lock supported with all CLS-compatible flash units |
| Sync terminal | ISO 519 sync terminal with locking thread |
| White balance | Auto (2 types), incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual (up to 4 values can be stored), choose color temperature (2500 K-10000 K), all with fine-tuning. |
| Modes | Live view photography (still images), movie live view (movies) |
| Lens servo | Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); full-time servo AF (AF-F) Manual focus (M) |
| AF-area mode | Face-priority AF, wide-area AF, normal-area AF, subject-tracking AF |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point automatically when face-priority AF or subject-tracking AF is selected) |
| Metering | TTL exposure metering using main image sensor |
| Frame size (pixels) and frame rate | 1,920 x 1,080; 30 p (progressive), 25 p, 24 p 1,280 x 720; 60 p, 50 p, 30 p, 25 p Actual frame rates for 60 p, 50 p, 30 p, 25 p, and 24 p are 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, and 23.976 fps respectively; options support both high and normal image quality |
| File format | MOV |
| Video compression | H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding |
| Audio recording format | Linear PCM |
| Audio recording device | Built-in monaural or external stereo microphone; sensitivity adjustable |
| Movie options | Index marking, time-lapse photography |
| Monitor | 8-cm/3.2-in., approx. 921k-dot (VGA) TFT LCD with 170 ° viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage, and automatic monitor brightness control using ambient brightness sensor |
| Playback | Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 9, or 72 images) playback with playback zoom, movie playback, photo and/or movie slide shows, highlights, histogram display, auto image rotation, and image comment (up to 36 characters) |
| USB | SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0 Micro-B connector) |
| HDMI output | Type C mini-pin HDMI connector; can be used simultaneously with camera monitor |
| Audio input | Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5mm diameter) |
| Audio output | Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5mm diameter) |
| Ten-pin remote terminal | Can be used to connect optional remote control, GP-1 GPS unit, or GPS device compliant with NMEA0183 version 2.01 or 3.01 (requires optional MC-35 GPS adapter cord and cable with D-sub 9-pin connector) |
| Supported languages | Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian |
| Battery | One rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL15 battery |
| Battery pack | Optional MB-D12 multi-power battery pack with one rechargeable Nikon EN-EL15 Li-ion battery or eight AA alkaline, Ni-MH, or lithium batteries. |
| AC adapter | EH-5b AC adapter; requires EP-5B power connector (available separately) |
| Tripod socket | 1/4 in. (ISO 1222) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | Approx. 146 x 123 x 81.5 mm (5.7 x 4.8 x 3.2 in.) |
| Weight | Approx. 1,000 g (2 lb 3.3 oz) with battery and SD memory card but without body cap; approx. 900 g/1 lb 15.7 oz (camera body only) |
| Temperature | 0-40 °C (+32-104 °F) |
| Humidity | Less than 85% (no condensation) |
| Supplied accessories | EN-EL15 rechargeable Li-ion battery with terminal cover, MH-25 battery charger (AC wall adapter supplied only in countries or regions where required), Strap (AN-DC6 for D800, AN-DC6E for D800E), UC-E14 USB cable, USB cable clip, BF-1B body cap, BS-1 accessory shoe cover, BM-12 monitor cover, ViewNX 2 installer CD |