Last Updated on January 13, 2019
In this Nikon D800 Review we look at the extensive features and fuctions. When it was first announced, what got the attention of everyone was its massive pixel count – a CMOS sensor with 36.3 megapixels. For a full-frame DSLR that’s moderately sized and is capable of going toe-to-toe with other medium format cameras, it’s hard not to take notice of the D800. This isn’t even mentioning that it comes at a fraction of the price of most other cameras in its product range.
However, the updates on the D800 extend beyond simple resolution, especially when contrasted with its long-running predecessor (at 3+ years), the D700. This Nikon D800 review will go into the details of such changes.
For one, the D800 has a feature set that’s significantly more advanced than what its younger brother has. This is most apparent on its capabilities for video, which on paper is at least a tempting and viable option for any professional camera user.
Then there’s that pixel count, which along with a brand-new sensor that’s been developed by Nikon, boasts of a total 36.8 million pixels. This results to an output with maximum effectivity of 36.3 mp. This should pique the interests of many other Nikon enthusiasts who have remained stagnant with the 12 mp feature for several years now (from the D300s, D700, and D300 models).
What’s more, based on other Nikon D800 reviews, this particular camera’s 36.3mp CMOS sensor has one of the greatest pixel counts of any DSLR that’s available on the market. In addition, the ISO span is wider by a slight margin compared to its predecessor, the D700.
It has an ISO span of 100-6400 natively, which can be expanded to an equivalent range of 50 (‘Lo1’) – 25,600 (‘Hi2’). This makes the D800 incredibly attractive to landscape and studio professionals.
Despite its awesome features, the D800 is still in a very competitive field, with nothing short of tough rivals. Canon, for instance, has already provided updates to one of its best-selling model, the EOS 5D Mark III at 22.3 mp. By itself, the D800 has proven to be a compelling upgrade of other pre-existing Nikon shooters. However, the D800 specs are an indication that Nikon has been paying some attention to the EOS 5D’s success, particularly when it comes to video performance.
The D800’s Broad Appeal
In terms of design, the D800 has been developed with the goal to appeal to a much wider user base. For instance, studio, event, and wedding photographers are more likely to be concerned with the resolution of shots when ISO sensitivities are low rather than get worked up on shooting at ISO 204,000 at 11 fps – that latter of which is what most standards cameras have. This makes the D800 an exciting prospect as it has a useful feature set at a more reasonable price.
Videography-wise, the D800 is one of the most advanced DSLRs in terms of video capabilities. And because it is small and light, it would be really great as a either a primary or ‘B-roll’ video shooting for low-budget productions.
Simply put, the D800 would be a worthy investment for any aspiring or professional photographer. In fact, based on this Nikon D800 review alone, we could say that it is a camera that has the potential for great things when its superb feature set is in the hands of a capable photography enthusiast.
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