Thirty-six megapixels. That's the native resolution of Nikon's long-awaited FX-format digital SLR. The D800 was designed with all professional photographers in mind, but with 36.3-megapixel captures (yes, that also means 36.3 megapixels in RAW, or 15.4 in DX format), the Japanese camera maker's latest DSLR output is likely to far exceed the needs of many. It also limits low-light shooting capabilities -- the D800 is a full-frame camera, but even so, with a standard sensor capturing 36.3 megapixels, its high-ISO performance is unlikely to match the likes of the D4, or Canon's new 1D X. It's for this reason that Nikon limited the camera's top native sensitivity to ISO 6400, or 25,600 in Hi2 extended mode. Want to see more? Thumb through the gallery below and jump past the break for a closer look at the latest full-frame DSLR to hit the market.
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Nikon D800

As you might expect, the D800 adopts many new features from the D4, while maintaining a smaller D700-like footprint. You get the same Advanced Scene Recognition System with 91k-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering III, 1080/30p HD video with 20 adjustable audio levels and uncompressed HDMI output, in-camera two-consecutive-shot HDR and Active D-Lighting. In addition to the difference in resolution (remember, more megapixels doesn't necessarily translate to better quality images), you also lose the D4's 2.7x crop mode, which effectively multiplies your focal length by 2.7, bringing you closer to your subject without the need to a longer lens or teleconverter.

Significantly smaller than the monstrous D4, the D800 isn't the most compact full-frame DSLR that Nikon's released to date. It's noticeably taller than the D700 (by roughly half an inch), with a higher pentaprism and smooth appearance. But a new body design isn't the only element differentiating the D800 from its predecessor. The camera offers excellent contrast-detection autofocus, allowing you to sharpen your subjects much more quickly while in live view. The D800 also offers video improvements, and lets you capture 29 minutes and 59 seconds in a single clip in normal quality mode. Because of the DSLR's larger footprint, you'll need to upgrade your grip along with the camera -- the MB-D12 attachment uses the same battery as the D4, and boosts the camera's burst mode from four frames per second to six in DX mode.

And what about price? The basic D800 will run you just shy of $3,000 -- without a lens, of course. Nikon is also offering a second version, called the D800E, that is expected to retail for $3,300. This model captures slighter finer detail and "enhanced" resolution by removing the low-pass filter. Without the low-pass filter, you're likely to notice moire, though a new setting in the Nikon Capture NX2 software will enable you to compensate without losing sharpness. We took a look at side-by-side images captured by the D800 and D800E, but weren't able to differentiate between the low-resolution samples. Nikon reps explained that the differences can be incredibly subtle, and are most distinguishable when capturing fine details, such as individual hairs in an uncompressed D800E image. If the mainstream version will suffice, you can pick up the D800 when it hits stores in late March, while the specialty "E" model will ship a few weeks later in mid-April.

Sharif Sakr and James Trew contributed to this report.
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"Whatever the project, visionaries need a tool that is going to help them stay on-time and on-task. The Nikon D800 re-imagines what is possible from this level of D-SLR, to address the needs of an emerging and ever changing market; this is the camera that is going to bridge the gap for the most demanding imaging professionals, and provide never before seen levels of SLR image and video quality," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "The D800 is the right tool for today's creative image makers, affording photographers, filmmakers and videographers a versatile option for capturing the ultimate in still image quality or full HD content, with maximum control."

Extreme Image Quality

The new Nikon developed 36.3-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24mm) CMOS sensor realizes Nikon's highest resolution yet, and is ideal for demanding applications such as weddings, studio portraiture and landscape, where there is no compromise to exceptional high fidelity and dynamic range. Nikon's first priority is amazing image quality above all else, and resolution of this magnitude affords photographers the ability to portray even the smallest details, such as a strand of hair, with stunning sharpness or crop liberally with confidence. Photographers also shoot with the assurance of NIKKOR lens compatibility, because only a manufacturer with decades of optical excellence can provide the glass to resolve this kind of extreme resolution.



The D800 also features the Advanced Scene Recognition System with the 91,000-pixel 3D Color Matrix Meter III to provide unrivaled metering in even the most challenging of lighting conditions. At the system's core is a newly designed RGB sensor that meticulously analyzes each scene, recognizes factors such as color and brightness with unprecedented precision and then compares all the data using Nikon's exclusive 30,000 image database. Additionally, this new sensor now has the ability to detect human faces with startling accuracy, even when shooting through the optical viewfinder. This unique feature is coupled with detailed scene analysis for more accurate autofocus (AF), Auto exposure (AE), i-TTL flash control and even enhanced subject tracking. The Color Matrix Meter also emphasizes priority on exposure of the detected faces, allowing for correct exposure even when the subject is backlit. Even in the most difficult exposures the D800 excels, such as maintaining brightness on a bride's face while retaining the dynamic range to accentuate the intricate details of a wedding dress beside a black tuxedo.

Advanced new automatic systems make it even easier to capture amazing images. The camera features a new enhanced auto white balance system that more accurately recognizes both natural and artificial light sources, and also gives the user the option to retain the warmth of ambient lighting. Users can expand dynamic range with in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture, and enjoy the benefits of Nikon's Active D-lighting for balanced exposure. Another new feature is direct access to Nikon's Picture Control presets via a dedicated button on the back of the body to tweak photo and video parameters on the fly, such as sharpness, hue and saturation.

True Cinematic Experience



Wield Speed and Performance with Astonishing Accuracy


The D800 delivers upon a professional's need for maximum speed when it counts. The camera is ready to shoot in 0.12 seconds, and is ready to capture with super-fast AF and response speed. To photograph action in a burst, the camera shoots up to 4 frames per second (fps) in FX mode at full resolution, or up to a speedy 6 fps in DX mode using the optional MB-D12 Battery Pack and compatible battery. Further enhancing the speed of the camera and overall workflow, the D800 utilizes the new USB 3.0 standard for ultra fast transfer speeds.

Construction and Operability


D800E - Maximum Resolution Unleashed


Price and Availability
