Nikon D800E Review

Nikon D800E Review

The new camera’s 36.3 million effective pixels, which leads its class, have become one of the main discussion topics. This may prove that the pixel race is ongoing and that headline-grabbing figures are still important.

But may the D800’s high pixel count be its downfall? Just 12 million effective pixels separate the D700 from the D800 in the Nikon SLR lineup. Until recently, Nikon’s guiding principle was that as long as the photographs are clear, 12 million pixels are sufficient. In addition, Nikon is well known for its cameras’ noise reduction and low-light capability. Thirty-six million pixels might be going too far too soon.

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Nikon D800E 36.3 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) (OLD...

Last update was on: May 29, 2023 4:25 am
$499.00

Building and Handling Quality

The D800 and D700 differ only slightly in size, shape, and weight. However, the body is 10% lighter than the D700 and appears and feels more “contoured.” Like the D4, the shutter release has been moved slightly for improved ergonomics, and several controls have been adjusted.

A new switch to the right of the rear screen allows you to switch between stills and live video view, and there is a new video record button next to the shutter release.

The Stills/Video switch can take still pictures when set to video, but recording can only begin when the button is set to video. Since these controls are identical on the D4, pros with both cameras should find switching between the two bodies relatively simple.

A focus mode control switch and button are located immediately to the left of the lens mount; like the D7000 in Nikon’s DX SLR lineup, these are used with the camera’s two control dials. The front dial can swap between the different AF point selection options in each mode, while the rear dial is rotated to switch between Single AF (AF-S) and Continuous AF (AF-C).

Although it may be a surprise that a camera with a strong video focus lacks an articulating screen, the D800’s fixed 3.2-inch, the 921,000-dot LCD monitor is excellent.

It has automatic display brightness control, just like the D4, and in our testing, we discovered that it offers a clear view of photos. Reflections aren’t a big problem, but they are more evident on the D800’s screen than on the one on the Canon 5D Mark III.

The D800’s viewfinder provides a 100% view, compared to the D700’s 95% coverage, which is very helpful when there isn’t the time or a chance to edit pictures before they are published.

For outdoor photographers, a dual-axis electronic virtual horizon is a helpful feature. This is visible through the viewfinder or the LCD panel and is still visible when the shutter release is partially depressed.

Anyone experienced with Nikon SLR cameras, mainly the D700 or D3 S/X professional series, will feel at ease using the camera’s menu system and operating it. Other than the addition of video recording choices and the switch and button modification to the focus mode button in the D7000 style, there are no other significant changes.

While the AF system is sophisticated, and numerous AF-point selection modes are available when shooting continuously, choosing the one you want is straightforward because the options are highly apparent in the viewfinder and the top-plate LCD. The AF points should, however, be more evenly distributed around the frame and less concentrated in the DX crop area.

Performance

According to our tests, the medium-format Pentax 645D, which has a 40Mp sensor with dimensions of 44x33mm, is not far behind the Nikon D800 when it comes to resolving a significant amount of detail. Furthermore, despite being full-frame, the D800’s 35.9x24mm sensor is substantially smaller. Thus this is a great accomplishment.

The need for highly tiny photosites when there are so many pixels on a sensor poses a danger for increased image noise. However, Nikon has successfully balanced resolution and noise, which is terrific news.

Resolution

We shot our resolution chart as part of our image quality tests for the Nikon D800.

You can see that the D800 can resolve up to about 36 (line widths per picture height x 100) in its highest quality JPEG files at ISO 100 by viewing our cropping of the resolution chart’s center region at 100% (or Actual Pixels). It delivers some of the best full-frame SLR results we have ever seen.

Nikon D800E Specifications

MSRPUS: $3,299.95 UK: £2689.99 EU: €3171
Body typeMid-size SLR
Max resolution7360 x 4912
Other resolutions6144 x 4912, 6144 x 4080, 5520 x 3680, 4800 x 3200, 4608 x 3680, 4608 x 3056, 3680 x 2456, 3600 x 2400, 3072 x 2456, 3072 x 2040, 2400 x 1600
Image ratio w h5:4, 3:2
Effective pixels36 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors37 megapixels
Sensor sizeFull frame (35.9 x 24 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS
ProcessorExpeed 3
ISO100 – 6400 in 1, 1/2, or 1/3 EV steps (50 – 25600 with boost)
Boosted ISO (minimum)50
Boosted ISO (maximum)25600
White balance presets12
Custom white balanceYes (5)
Image stabilizationNo
Uncompressed formatRAW
JPEG quality levelsFine, Normal, Basic
AutofocusPhase DetectMulti-area selective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive View
Digital zoomNo
Manual focusYes
Number of focus points51
Lens mountNikon F
Focal length multiplier1×
Articulated LCDFixed
Screen size3.2″
Screen dots921,000
Touch screenNo
Screen typeTFT Color LCD with 170 degrees wide-viewing angle
Live viewYes
Viewfinder typeOptical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage100%
Viewfinder magnification0.7×
Minimum shutter speed30 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/8000 sec
Aperture priorityYes
Shutter priorityYes
Manual exposure modeYes
Subject/scene modesNo
Built-in flashYes (pop-up)
Flash Range12.00 m (at ISO 100)
External flashYes (Hot-shoe, Wireless plus sync connector)
Flash modesAuto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear-curtain, High-speed sync
Continuous drive4.0 fps
Self-timerYes (2 to 20 sec, 1 to 9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 sec)
Metering modesMultiCenter-weightedAverageSpot
Exposure compensation±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)
AE Bracketing(2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB BracketingYes (2 to 9 frames in steps 1, 2, or 3)
Resolutions1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps)
FormatMPEG-4, H.264
MicrophoneMono
SpeakerMono
Storage typesCompact Flash (Type I), SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I compliant
Storage includedNone
USBUSB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
HDMIYes (Mini Type C)
Remote controlYes (Optional, wired or wireless )
Environmentally sealedYes (Water and dust resistant)
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionLithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
Weight (inc. batteries)1000 g (2.20 lb / 35.27 oz)
Dimensions146 x 123 x 82 mm (5.75 x 4.84 x 3.23″)
Orientation sensorYes
Timelapse recordingYes
GPSOptional
GPS notesGP-1

Conclusion

It’s lovely to discover that the D800 is more than simply a victory of numbers and that the 35.3 MP sensor fulfills its promise of capturing a ton of detail. The unexpected bonus is that the dynamic range is outstanding and that noise is relatively well controlled.

The D800 is a wise investment for individuals upgrading to a full-frame camera. Nearly all of D4’s best features are available in a more minor, lighter form with a greater pixel count for less than half the price.

Nikon D800E Price

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Nikon D800E 36.3 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) (OLD...

Last update was on: May 29, 2023 4:25 am
$499.00

FAQs

Is Nikon D800E a good camera?

The Nikon D800E is indeed an excellent camera, particularly for taking pictures with a high resolution.

What year is Nikon D800E?

2012 saw the debut of the Nikon D800E in the market.

What is the shutter life of the Nikon D800E?

Two hundred thousand shutter rotations are the estimated shutter lifespan in the Nikon D800E.

Does Nikon D800E have WIFI?

Unfortunately, the Nikon D800E does not have a built-in WIFI module.

Is Nikon D800E suitable for low light?

Because of its high ISO performance, the Nikon D800E performs well even in dim lighting.

Is Nikon D800E weather sealed?

The Nikon D800E has been protected from the elements and can generally function in adverse weather situations.

What resolution is Nikon D800E?

The Nikon D800E has a resolution of 36.3 megapixels, making it a very high-resolution camera.

Is D800 still a good camera?

Yes, the Nikon D800E is still an excellent camera, particularly for those who want to take photos with a high resolution.

Is D800E suitable for wildlife photography?

Because of its high-resolution camera, the Nikon D800E can be used to photograph wild animals.

How do I use my Nikon D800E?

To use your Nikon D800E, you must first introduce a charged battery and a memory card into the camera.

Next, you will need to set the camera to the shooting mode you desire, and finally, you will need to change the settings, such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, to meet your requirements.

Is Nikon D800E sharp?

Indeed, the absence of a low pass filter in the Nikon D800E contributes to the camera’s reputation for exceptional resolution.

Does Nikon D800E have Bluetooth?

The Nikon D800E cannot communicate with a Bluetooth device.

Does the Nikon D800E have a low-pass filter?

The Nikon D800E does not have a low pass filter, which would improve the sharpness and clarity of the pictures captured by the camera.

Is the Nikon D800E still worth buying?

Your unique requirements and inclinations will determine whether or not the Nikon D800E is a worthwhile investment for you. Although it is still an excellent camera for high-resolution photography, newer versions may have enhanced features and technology.

What replaced the Nikon D800E?

In 2014, the Nikon D810 was released as a replacement for the Nikon D800E.

Joseph

Joseph

Joseph is a talented photographer and videographer based in the USA, with a thriving career as a freelance creative. Over the past several years, he has had the privilege of working with renowned brands, capturing captivating images and videos. His portfolio encompasses a diverse range of subjects, specializing in fashion, portrait, and lifestyle content creation. From editorial shoots to engaging social media videos, Joseph's versatile skills ensure exceptional visual storytelling in every project. Beyond his professional endeavors, he nurtures a personal passion for travel and nature photography, channeling his deep appreciation for the environment into a commitment to sustainability and environmental causes.

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