Nikon 36.3 Megapixels D800 Fullframe DSLR Review by dpreview With Rating 82/100

The D800 supports a standard sensitivity range of ISO 100-6400, plus ISO 50 (Lo 1) and up to ISO 25600 (Hi 2). The viewfinder supports a frame coverage of approximately 100% and magnification of approximately 0.7x. Other features include s 51-point AF system for improved subject acquisition and focus performance under dim lighting, a 3.2-inch 921k-dot LCD monitor with reinforced glass, a new shutter unit with 200,000 cycles, a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 s and flash sync speed of 1/250 s, continuous shooting at 4 (FX-format/5 : 4 image area) or 5 (DX-format/1.2x image area) fps, CompactFlash and SD dual memory card slots, and SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0).

In addition to the D800, there is also a supplementary D800E model with enhanced resolution characteristics of the 36.3 Megapixels CMOS sensor by cancelling the anti-aliasing properties of the OLPF inside the camera. Light is delivered directly to the photodiodes, yielding an image resulting from the raw light gathering properties of the camera. A color moire correction tool will also be available within Capture NX2 to enhance the D800E photographer's workflow. The Nikon D800 is available for $2999.95, while the D800E version is available for $3,299.95. Here's the summary of review by dpreview, giving the camera a rating of 82 out of 100:

"The specification commanding the most attention with the D800 is undoubtedly its 36.3MP resolution sensor and you can read the resolution page of this review to see just just what this means in our testing environment. Yet, in the real world there is more to image quality than pixel count. After spending a lot of time shooting with, and evaluating images from the D800, it is in characteristics like noise reduction, dynamic range and metering that we find ourselves most impressed. The camera's metering and auto white balance algorithms produce generally pleasing images in a variety of both natural and artificial lighting scenarios. Color reproduction is fairly accurate overall, with the D800 sensibly erring a bit on the conservative side, yielding a more subtle 'unprocessed' rendering that can be adjusted post-capture rather than 'over the top' colors and contrast that are difficult to later undo. At ISO sensitivity settings up to 6400, chroma noise is kept at stunningly low levels even at the camera's default JPEG settings. It's clear to us that Nikon has not sacrificed low light performance for a high pixel numbers. In our noise comparisons with the 22MP Canon EOS 5D Mark III, the D800 arguably produces slightly better results in terms of shadow detail. Back to resolution though. Can the D800 make good on its pixel count and provide a level of fine detail that trumps its DSLR rivals? It can. We emphasize the word can, because if you're truly after 36MP performance, be prepared to do some work. Flawless technique, fast shutter speeds and top-shelf equipment (particularly lenses and a tripod) along with a low ISO are requirements not options. We've spent an inordinate amount of time in the preparation of this review getting things just so in order to reap what we feel the D800 is capable of producing. The chances are that relatively few D800 buyers will go through similar procedures in the course of normal shooting, but this is fine. The D800 consistently delivers excellent images that don't have to be viewed at pixel level detail to be appreciated. But if you're prepared to put in the effort, your reward is a degree of resolution and detail that is very, very impressive and visibly superior to anything else on the market in this form factor.

As you can see by the pros and cons list at the top of the page, we're very impressed by the D800. Nikon has built upon what made the D700 such a pleasing camera to use and added features that do more than simply fill out a spec sheet. Despite its massive pixel count, the D800 is in many important respects an evolutionary camera. This isn't a bad thing. Nikon users coming from the D700 will feel largely at home with the D800, but where changes have been made they (usually) have the effect of improving the shooting experience compared to the older model. Of course, the game changer is that you now have 36MP at your disposal, a resolution that was, until the D800 announcement, the sole province of very expensive medium format cameras/backs. The D800 does indeed offer a level of fine detail that ranks it among the best performers we've subjected to our studio testing. Yet, I'd caution anyone who considers buying the D800 solely, or even primarily because of its ultra-high resolution. Pushing this camera to its maximum level of detail requires an investment of both time (methodical preparation) and money (the very best lenses Nikon makes). Fortunately, the D800 also excels in areas that require no extra effort on your part; notably its impressive high ISO performance, fast and accurate AF system and the wide dynamic range of its image files. These are attributes that most of us are likely to call on far more often than the need to view 20x30 prints at a very close distance. The D800 is a camera that consistently delivers high quality results, under a wide range of shooting conditions with a minimum of fuss. There's not much more you can ask for in a photographic tool than that. Our admittedly minor complaints of the camera and its relatively slow frame rate don't detract from how impressive a performer it is for all but pro sports/action photography. As such we've awarded it our highest honor, the Gold Award."