Introduction
Probably one of the most highly anticipated DSLRs, and most widely rumoured cameras, of the past few months, the Nikon D800 is finally official.
With its substantial 36.3-megapixel full-frame FX sensor, Nikon is aiming the D800 at the higher end of the market, namely professionals and top-end enthusiasts. The £2399.99 price tag reflects that.
The company is keen to point out that it is not a replacement for the Nikon D700, but will sit alongside it (for the moment, at least).
This is of course Nikon's second DSLR announcement of 2012, with the flagship Nikon D4 arriving just a couple of weeks ago. The D800 utilises many of the new features of the D4 in a smaller body and at a cheaper price point.
These include the same EXPEED 3 processor, the same Multi-Cam 3500 FX autofocus system which offers 51 autofocus points and the same 91k pixel metering system. It's also capable of focusing right down to -2 EV (moonlight, essentially), which coupled with its ability to shoot at up to ISO 25,600 (at the Hi 2 setting), should make this a promising camera for its low-light shooting.
The D700 doesn't feature a video mode, but the D800 brings Full HD functionality. It can record 1080p video at 30, 25 and 24fps frame rates, along with 60 and 50fps rates at 720p for shooting slow-motion movies. Both FX and DX crops are available in video mode, although the D800 lacks the D4's useful new 1920 x 1080 crop mode.
In another upgrade over the D700, the D800 features dual memory card slots. Unlike the D4, the D800 makes use of existing memory card formats, namely Compact Flash and SD. The decision to include two formats might prove mildly frustrating for some pros, who will now have to carry two different sets of cards.
Altogether, Nikon claims to have included 36 new features or improvements to this full frame DSLR camera, when compared to the D700, and is also introducing a new battery grip which is compatible with multiple types of Nikon batteries.
The D800 will be available in two versions: a 'standard' body, plus a special edition, called the D800E. This will have the anti-aliasing filter removed, but comes with an extra £400 premium as a result.
Removing the filter allows for a potentially greater amount of detail to be resolved, and is a feature most commonly found on medium-format cameras, which Nikon is clearly aiming to target with this latest release. But this comes at the price of increasing the chances of false colour or moiré patterning.
This type of noise is relatively straightforward to remove in photo-editing software packages, such as Lightroom 4. Nikon's own Capture NX2 can also be used to reduce or remove the effect, and will come bundled with the D800E.
Build quality and handling
In terms of size, shape and weight, the differences between the D800 and D700 are subtle. It's 10% lighter than the D700 and the body has a more 'contoured' look and feel. Like the D4, the shutter release has been slightly repositioned for better ergonomics, while a number of the controls have been tweaked
New buttons include a direct video record button just behind the shutter release, which reflects the D800's increased focus on high-end video. There's also a new switch to the right of the rear screen that enables you to toggle between live view in stills mode and video mode.
These controls are mirrored on the D4, which should make switching between the two bodies a relatively straightforward process for pros packing both cameras.
Just to the left of the lens mount is a direct AF mode control button, which is used in conjunction with the camera's two control dials. Rotating the rear dial enables switching between AF-S and AF-C, while the front dial can be used to toggle between the various options available in each mode.
Although it may be surprising to hear that such a video-focused camera doesn't come with an articulating screen, the D800's fixed 921k dot 3.2 inch LCD panel is promising. As with the D4, it features automatic monitor brightness control. During our brief time with the camera, we found reflections to be minimal with a good viewing experience to be had from a variety of different angles.
The viewfinder now offers 100% frame coverage, as opposed to the D700's 95%, which is likely to be welcomed by photographers specialising in landscapes, and other disciplines that demand criticial framing.
A dual-axis electronic virtual horizon is also a useful addition for outdoor photographers, and can be viewed either on the LCD monitor or through the viewfinder, which is also extremely handy.
Anyone familiar with Nikon DSLRs, especially the D700, or D3 S/X professional series, will be at ease with the menu and operation of the camera.
Performance
Obviously it's difficult to fully evaluate the performance of a camera without being able to shoot real-world images with it, but initial impressions are extremely promising.
Stills shot by John Wright, a fashion photographer using the D800, were on display at the camera's launch and gave a good indication of the capabilities the new 36 million pixel sensor can offer. Video output looks like it will be similar to that seen in the D4.
As with the D4, the central 11 AF points are capable of functioning at f/8. This effectively means that teleconverters can be used to extend the reach of shorter length lenses, rather than having to worry about packing multiple long and heavy telephotos. For instance, a 200-400mm f/4 fitted with a 2x teleconverter effectively becomes a 400-800mm f/8 that still works with autofocus.
Like many of its competitors, Nikon has really ramped up its video efforts and the D800 is no exception, with several new features directly aimed at videographers. One such example of this is, as on the D4, uncompressed HDMI output, which is likely to be welcomed by those looking to produce broadcast quality video.
Although the Nikon D800 features 36.3 million pixels, which is more than three times that found on the D700, the company claims that noise performance is roughly equal. This is one of the key areas that we will be keen to test further in our full review once samples become available.
The shutter has been tested to around 200,000 cycles, while the battery life has been reduced from the D700 to around 850 shots at CIPA standard. While the D700 was capable of around 1000, the new battery has been made to comply with a new Japanese electronics law, hence the reduction in shot output. However, since those 850 also includes the flash being fired, it's likely that the battery has the potential to last even longer, depending on the situation.
Verdict
It's clear that Nikon is really striving to make 2012 its year. In the past 23 working days, the company has launched 20 products (which includes DSLRs, compacts and accessories).
With the Olympics coming up, Nikon is obviously trying to tap into the huge number of professionals who are demanding ever increasing amounts from their cameras, whether that is with higher resolution images or professional quality HD video.
For the price, the D800 represents a good investment. You get pretty much all of the best features of the D4 in a more compact and lighter body, for just shy of half of the price.
It's perhaps a little bit strange to see older bodies in Nikon's range continuing, namely the D700 and the D3X, which now offers a 24 million pixel sensor at greater expense than the D800's 36MP one.
Nikon is also keen to tap into other areas of the market where it previously hasn't quite had the reach. With the introduction of the D800E, this means medium-format users who are looking for large sensors with tons of details, especially for those working in fashion and studio environments.
It seems like a smart move to introduce this camera at around the same time as the D4 as we can see lots of pros deciding to invest in both, using the D800 as a good second body. High-end enthusiasts and videographers should find lots that they like about this camera, too.
With Canon also keeping its customer base waiting for a 5D Mark II upgrade, Nikon also has the potential to tempt a few of its rival's core audience over to the other side.
Look out for a full Nikon D800 review in due course.
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