Nikon launches D800 full-frame dSLR with massive 36MP sensor
Nikon's latest full-frame dSLR. (Credit: Nikon)
Nikon's new D800 dSLR, launched today, features a massive 36.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, which is triple that of its predecessor, the D700, and more than double the resolution of the recently released D4 dSLR.
This means that the D800 combines the strongest selling points of its D700 and D3X full-frame dSLRs. The former was company's smallest full-frame camera, while the latter previously took the crown for the most number of megapixels (24.5) offered by a Nikon dSLR body. The Nikon D800 will likely trump the popular 5D MKII full-frame camera and should provide good competition for Canon's much-anticipated replacement for it. Like the Canon 5D MKII, Nikon's new D800 will probably do well with professionals that do a lot of studio work as well as landscape and event photographers.
The rear button layout and 3.2-inch LCD. (Credit: Nikon)
A shot of yours truly during our brief hands-on time with the D800. (Credit: Reuben Lee/CNET Asia)
Also in its stable of features is an Expeed 3 processor and full-HD video recording capability--the D700 couldn't shoot video and the APS-C D300s only reached 720p. The new camera will record video in 720p at 60/50/30/25fps and 1080p at 30/25/24fps. This gives it quite an edge over the aging 5D MKII.
Here's a summary of the new camera's key features:
- 36.3-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor (7,360 x 4,912 pixels)
- ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 50 and 25,600)
- 720p and 1080p video recording
- 3.2-inch LCD display (921k-dot resolution)
- Multi-Cam 3500 51-point AF system
- 15 cross-type sensors
- 91K-pixel RGB metering sensor
- 100 percent viewfinder coverage
- Shutter rated for 200,000 cycles
- Dual SD and CF card slots
- Built-in flash
- Weighs 1kg with battery (900g without)
- 146mm x 123mm x 81.5mm
A 100 percent crop of a sample shot from the D800 shows the detail the camera's capable of resolving.
(Credit: Benjamin Antony Monn)
The D800 is also smaller than its predecessor and doesn't have the XQD card slot that's found on the D4, which means fast CF or SD cards are still a must with this new camera, especially when shooting full-HD video or 36-megapixel images in the RAW format.
Surprisingly, Nikon also launched a D800E model, which has a different low-pass filter than the D800, that's supposed to resolve even more detail in images. This model should be good for those who shoot sprawling landscapes or architecture. The company does provide a disclaimer for this model, pointing out the increased possibility of moire being visible in repetitive patterns. All other features are otherwise similar.
The D800 is estimated to retail for about S$4,500 (US$3,600) in Singapore while the D800E will sell for about S$400 more. The cameras are expected to be available in late-March and April respectively.
About the author
Timothy Fernandez is the subeditor at CNET Asia, as well as resident movie and music buff. With a background in mass communication and photography, he decided on a career in tech writing. He's also--secretly--an aspiring pop vocalist.
Latest comments
I wonder what full frame sensor dslr Sony will release now ? I remember in 2009 there was much talk of Sony's next professional Alpha that would one up the 5Dd Mk ll in specs and undercut it in price. This camera was much written rumored and speculated about, even with cryptic pseudo press releases from Sony. The camera was never released. The high end Alphas are good cameras but lack video and are too close in price to the 5d Mk ll which is legendary for video. I ask because Sony makes the sensors for Nikon. Is this the Sony camera that never was in 2009 ? or is Nikon using another supplier for their sensors ?
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