Nikon D800

Nikon's latest D800 midrange, full-frame shooter packs what is likely the first of its kind in a dSLR: A whopping high-resolution 36-megapixel image sensor rivaling those in medium format digital cameras. Targeted at serious enthusiasts, the D800 features a new Expeed 3 image processing engine, 91k-pixel RGB metering sensor and a large 3.2-inch LCD screen. The new dSLR's magnesium alloy chassis is also weather-sealed to protect the cameras in demanding professional use.

Already available in Asia, the D800 will retail at S$4,488 in Singapore stores.

Design and Features

Sporting a magnesium alloy chassis, the D800 features texturized, rubber padding at contact points coupled with a smooth, crinkle finish all-around--similar to what's found on Nikon's higher-end G-series lenses--giving it a more professional feel. On the whole, the D800 felt quite robust, meeting our expectations for a camera targeted at serious photographers.

Although both D800 and its D700 predecessor look similar on the outside, there have been some notable design tweaks.

In terms of ergonomics, the D800 comes with a deeper handgrip than the D700; giving users more space for a firmer grip. We liked how Nikon provided a slightly indented pocket with a nook at the end. This helps shutterbugs keep all fingers in place, including the pinky, ensuring a more comfortable hold of the camera--especially when shooting for long periods.


The D800's front and rear button layout remains largely similar to its predecessor, but we were not surprised given that the previous configuration also had the same uncluttered arrangement that we liked, making the camera more intuitive to use. Nikon users should have no problems familiarizing themselves with the controls. While the D800 still has the same 921,000-dot pixel resolution for its LCD screen as its predecessor, the new dSLR has been fitted with a larger 3.2-inch display.

The shooting mode selector (single-shot, continuous-shot, continuous-low, continuous-high, etc.) has been redesigned and is easier to operate now. Located above the shooting mode selector are four dedicated buttons which makes frequently used settings such as image quality, bracketing, ISO and white balance settings highly accessible. D700 users will probably realize that the bracketing button is new and that the keys have a more tactile feel.


Videographers no longer have to dig through tiers of menus to activate video capture, which could result in missed moments. A new dedicated video button located conveniently near the shutter release allows the user to shoot 1080p full-HD videos on the fly. However, we did find the video button a tad small and tended to press the exposure compensation button next to it by mistake occasionally. The dSLR even comes with a Picture Style button that lets you choose your shooting profile, as well as High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Multiple Exposure functions--features also found on the Canon EOS 5D Mark III.

Advanced shutterbugs who prefer a greater degree of customization have the option of storing pre-defined shooting preferences in four shooting banks (accessible in the shooting menu) to suit different scenarios. Also, two function buttons found near the lens mount can also be programmed to one's liking.

Compared with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, we felt that the D800's user interface was marginally better, with its top and rear button placement being more intuitive for photographers to change settings quickly in the field.

A Comparison

	Canon EOS 5D Mark III	Canon EOS 5D Mark II	Nikon D800/D800E
Key specifications
Dimensions (W x H x D)	152 x 116 x 76 mm	152 x 114 x 75 mm	144 x 121.92 x 81.28 mm
Weight (body only)	860g	810g	900g
Sensor resolution (effective pixels)	22.3-megapixel	21.1-megapixel	36.3-megapixel
Sensor type	36 x 24 mm CMOS sensor	36 x 24 mm CMOS sensor	35.9 x 24 mm CMOS sensor
Crop factor	1.0	1.0	1.0
Shutter speed	30 to 1/8000 sec, Bulb	30 to 1/8000 sec, Bulb	30 to 1/8000 sec, Bulb
Sensitivity range	Auto ISO, ISO 100 to 25,600 (expandable ISO 50 to 102,400)	Auto ISO, ISO 100 to 6,400 (expandable ISO 50 to 25,600)	Auto ISO, ISO 100 to 6,400 (expandable ISO 50 to 25,600)
Continuous shooting	6fps	3.9fps	4fps
LCD display	3.2-inch, 1,040k dots resolution, TFT screen	3-inch, 920k dots resolution, TFT screen	3.2-inch, 921k dots resolution, TFT screen
Flash	N.A.	N.A.	Pop-up flash
Audio	Mono microphone	Mono microphone	Mono microphone
Video	Full-HD, 1,920 x 1,080, 24,25,30fps	Full-HD, 1,920 x 1,080, 30fps	Full-HD, 1,920 x 1,080, 24,25,30fps

Performance

The D800 started up instantly with a flick of the switch and there wasn't any noticeable shutter lag to speak of. The company claims that the D800 uses a similar autofocus system as the D4, being able to perform in less-than-ideal light conditions (as low as -2EV) and we concur. Even in low-light conditions, autofocus performance was only very slightly slower than shooting in daylight--which is a marked improvement compared with the D700. Note that we used the Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm F2.8G ED and Nikkor AF-S 35mm F1.4G in our tests, which are the company's high-end lenses. We also tried the Nikkor AF-S 50mm F1.4G--an affordable prime--and noticed that the difference wasn't as dramatic between the two cameras.

One area which the D800 did noticeably better than the Canon 5D Mark III was in Live View performance. In Live View mode, the D800's acquires focus faster and there is less lag when shooting compared with the Canon 5D Mark III which tends to hunt for a bit and can also be a hit-or-a-miss at times when it comes to getting a focus lock. The Live View mode helps when you're trying to capture that shot at hard-to-reach places or want a creative angle.

The D800 manages a 4 frames-per-second (fps) in FX mode compared with its predecessor which did 8fps. We think the reduction in burst-mode shooting speed was probably one of the tradeoffs Nikon had to contend with when it decided to go with a 36-megapixel image sensor.

Image Quality

We shot most of our samples on the standard color profile in JPEG Fine and found that the images produced to have saturated and punchy colors. Compared with the Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm F2.8G ED, we found that the Nikkor AF-S 35mm F1.4G rendered sharp details even at its widest aperture. If you stopped the lens down to F4, and you can still increase the sharpness of your subject while still obtaining a defocused background.



In terms of noise performance, the D800 provides the best image quality between ISO 100 to 3,200. From ISO 6,400 onward you'll see a scattering of grain that starts to creep in, but image detail still remained. However, noise was only really visible when images were viewed at 100 percent.

You'll notice a stark drop in contrast when you hit the ISO 12,800 region, with more grain and artifacts appearing together with a softening of image detail. By the time you hit IS0 25,600; images look fuzzy and blotchy but should still be usable as a last resort. Downsizing the 36-megapixel images to 6 or 10 megapixels should do well to make those high-ISO images more usable, too.

In our high-ISO comparison test between the D800 and D700, the D800 definitely outperformed its predecessor. The D800's sample images displayed richer contrast, less noise and provided crisper image detail. The D700 sample, on the other hand, had more artifacts, looked blotchy in some areas of the image and had detail that looks a bit softer.

Video Quality

The D800 did well and produced videos with sharp details and saturated color. We did observe that the D800's colors appeared more neutral in our video clips compared with the 5D Mark III's more vibrant colors. With the ability to capture 1080p full-HD videos at 30 fps, we managed to record smooth videos without encountering any judder (even when panning).

We pushed the D800's video performance to the limits when we recorded a night scene at ISO 6,400. Compared with the 5D Mark III, the D800's sample appeared grainier--especially in the shadow regions. We attribute that to the increased pixel-density of the sensor which may have introduced more artifacts.


We noticed that the monophonic microphone was quite sensitive, too--it had no problems picking up surrounding chatter as well as ambient noise. However, if you need optimal audio quality, it's still advisable to get an external stereo microphone.

Image Samples

Exposure: 1/25, F4, ISO 800

Exposure: 1/125, F1.4, ISO 400

Exposure: 1/200, F1.4, ISO 1,600

Exposure: 1/60, F2.8, ISO 6,400

Conclusion

The Nikon D800. (Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)

Conclusion

At this point, we're sure many would be asking the same question: "Between the Nikon D800 and the Canon 5D Mark III, which camera should I buy?" However, we don't that both dSLR are really competing with one another.

The Nikon D800 provides excellent image and video quality which is quite close to what you get with the 5D Mark III. The D800's low-light capabilities also impressed us despite having a higher-resolution sensor. Its whopping 36-megapixel sensor trumps all current full-frame shooters, allowing shutterbugs much leeway when making really large prints or for heavy cropping. Aside from the already top-notch image and video performance, the Nikon D800 would make an excellent choice for those who think they would benefit from the added resolution and improved ergonomics.