Nikon D800 36MP CameraI have been shooting the past two years with a Nikon D700 however after weeks of research I finally placed my name on the list for the new Nikon D800 release.  In the coming weeks I’ll be able to provide you with my hands on Nikon D800 review of this 36 MP marvel but for now I will summarize on paper at least how the Nikon D800 stacks up to my Nikon D700.

 

  • 36.3MP CMOS sensor (compared to 12.1MP)
  • 15.3MP DX-format capture mode (compared to 5MP)
  • 25MP 1.2x Crop mode
  • 51-point AF system with 15 cross-type sensors, rated to -2EV* (compared to -1EV)
  • ISO 100-6400 extendable to ISO 25,600 equiv (same as D700)
  • 1080p video at 30, 25 or 24 frames per second, up to 24Mbps, with uncompressed HDMI output and audio monitoring options*
  • 3.2″, 921,000 dot LCD with anti-fog layer* (compared to 3in, 921k-dot)
  • Maximum 4fps continuous shooting in FX mode, 6fps in DX mode** (compared to 8fps in FX mode)
  • Advanced Scene Recognition System with 91,000 pixel metering sensor* (compared to 1005-pixel)
  • ‘Expeed 3’ Image Processing*
  • Dual-axis Virtual Horizon (on LCD screen/viewfinder)* (compared to single-axis)

So what does all this mean?  In short the Nikon D800 release brings a whopping 36MP to the table.  The Nikon D800  is also supposedly even better in low light conditions than the Nikon D700 which I always felt was pretty good as I regularly shot at ISO 1250 and would push to 2500 if the situation called for it. On the downside it has a much slower frame rate, literally half what my Nikon D700 was with the MBD10 grip with ENEL4 battery attached.  So will I be using the Nikon D800 for my fast action wildlife shooting?  No I will leave that chore with my D3S at 9 fps.  But you can bet I will be using the Nikon D800 for landscapes and static wildlife images where quality over frame rate comes in to play and that’s the main reason why I have ordered one. I also plan to experiment with the 1080p video capabilities of the Nikon D800 while out on wildlife shoots but it was not a variable that influenced my decision process.  If that changes I will be sure to let you know.

I have also ordered the MBD12 grip with ENEL18 battery as I really like the feel of a larger body especially when working with larger lenses like the Nikon 200-400mm and the Nikon 600mm and the vertical capability is a real plus.  I will also be able to push out 6fps in DX mode with the grip however that was not my main reason for the purchase as I plan to be in FX mode 95% of the time.

We are are already seeing a lot of Nikon photographers lining up for the Nikon D800 release.  Heck there just may be a few Canon guys in the line as well.:))  Units began shipping March 22nd here in Canada and from what I hear from my contact at Henry’s the line up is 100x what it is at Tim Horton’s on a Monday morning so it is going to take a while before these make it out to all who desire them. Is this camera better than the D700?  Yes in some regards but not in others so it really does depend on what you intend to shoot.  My recommendation is to put aside all the hype and the reviews, take a look at the specs and make the decision that’s right for you based on how and what you shoot.

US customers buy the Nikon D800 36MP Camera here

US customers buy the Nikon D700 12.1MP Camera here

I refer all of my Canadian customers to Peter Waiser at Henry’s on Bank Street in Ottawa. He has provided me with excellent customer service for years and he is a professional shooter so he really knows his stuff.  Peter can be contacted at peterwaiser@me.com.  Below is a picture of Peter with his first shipment of Nikon D800 release camera’s. Oh ya there a few new Canon cameras on his right but who pays attention to those anymore.:))

Peter With His D800's