Hello everyone. It seems that today Nikon has finally put an end to all the rumors started over one year ago. This morning Nikon has unleashed this upon the world:
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| Nikon D800 |
World, meet the Nikon D800. Nikon D800, meet the world.
The much awaited full-frame DSLR Nikon D800 is now officially launched. As anticipated, the marvel of engineering is built with a CMOS sensor of 36 megapixels. Yes, you read it right - 36 (on a full-frame camera).
36 MP? Really?
Actually, yes. The CMOS sensor is a 24 x 36mm (FX) and is capable of 36MP. All of this goodness is actually backed up by the EXPEED 3 image processor. ISO goes from 100 to 6400 and can be extended between 50 and 24600.
The 36 megapixels produce images of monstrous dimensions 7360 x 4912 pixels (a staggering amount of 36.152.230 pixels). This means that the JPEG files will exceed 15MB of data. An NEF/RAW image will reach 40MB in size on disk. The D800 registers the information from the sensor on 12 channels (14 bits), and the processing is made by the EXPEED 3 unit on 16 bits. And so: the new D800 is the full-frame DSLR camera that offers the biggest resolution on the market.
The new D800 is capable of fast-shooting with 4fps (full resolution) and 6fps (@24 MP resolution). The optical visor has 100% coverage and the LCD screen is a 3.2 inch 920 000 pixel masterpiece. The D800 is 100g lighter than the D700, having a magnesium case and protective elements against water and the elements. The shutter assembly is guaranteed at 200 000 clicks.
The D800 and D4 have some common elements. The D800 has 51 focus points and can focus even in (almost) complete darkness, at -2 EV. But wait, there's more: it has 11 focus points right in the center than assure automatic focus even with "dark" long lenses, with the maximum aperture of f/8 (like people using 500mm f/4 lenses using also a teleconverter).
The start-up time and shutter delay are similar to the D4, and also the movie function.
Movie functionality
Videographers will be delighted: the movie function is very similar to the one on the D4. It offers FULL HD 1024p resolution at 30, 25 and 24 fps in H.264/MPEG-4 AVC format. Using the HDMI connector, uncompressed recording can be done, although it is not specified if this means shooting in RAW video. Nikon seems to be, now, more than ever, targeting the video market, attacking the position that Canon takes in DSLR movies.
Just like the D4, the D800 has a dedicated button to start recording. The button is right next to the shutter button, on top of the camera.
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| D800 top view |
Connectivity and autonomy
As for connectivity, the D800 has an HDMI port and an USB 3.0 port. There is a microphone connector, an external GPS connector and a headphone jack.
It offers an SD and CF slots. Compatibility with all SD/SDHC/SDXC is assured, even with Wi-Fi. Saving of files can be completely set up for both card slots.
The D800 will be powered by an EN-EL15 battery pack, the same as in the D7000, and it will be capable of 800 shots. The grip has been re-engineered, the new model is now MB-D12.
Versions
Nikon has launched the new DSLR in 2 versions: D800 and D800E (without anti-alias on the sensor). The D800E is the first digital camera without an anti-alias filter on the sensor.
It seems that Nikon is also targeting videographers and professional photographers, offering a high performance camera of mid-size, but at an accessible price.
The D800 will be available starting this spring and it will cost around 2500 euros in Europe. The version without the AA filter will be 400 euros more. Until then, the D700 can still be bought.
Nikon, we salute you!
More details can be found on the Nikon official site: Nikon D800 official site
There is also a micro-site dedicated here: Nikon D800 micro-site
Update: the people @ DPreview got a hands-on experience and they are sharing it D800 Preview
Update: the people @ DPreview got a hands-on experience and they are sharing it D800 Preview
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