Nikon Canada Inc. has announced the eagerly awaited successor to its D700 full-frame (FX format) DSLR. Before the D800 was even announced, word had leaked out that it would have astonishingly high resolution of 36.3 megapixels. Note too that there will be a second model, the D800E. Virtually identical to its sibling, it differs in a single aspect: the sensor was modified to eliminate the blurring effect of the low-pass (anti-aliasing or moiré) filter, for even better resolution of fine detail. Intended for studio and landscape photographers, the extra crispness provided by the D800E will be ideal but there will be a trade-off: moiré patterns will appear in certain fabrics and in subjects with finely repeating patterns.

Announced a full 3.5 years after the 12.1MP D700 was first shown, the D800 is similar in styling and controls; but at 36.3 megapixels, it will deliver three times the resolution and other benefits. Until the D800 and D800E become available, only medium-format cameras can provide resolution exceeding 25MP, making the new Nikons the cameras to beat in the 35mm size format. In the Nikon line for example, the D3x employs a 24.5MP sensor while the new, substantially faster D4 will provide 16.2MP resolution. Aside from the sensor, there is a lot of synergy between the D800/D800E and the D4, since both employ much of the same technology.

In most aspects, the new camera will be very familiar to owners of any recent Nikon DSLR. Below its handsome exterior, there's a rugged magnesium alloy chassis. The body (as well as the new battery grip accessory), which is well sealed against dust and moisture. The shutter is rated to 200,000 cycles, indicating pro-calibre longevity.

Technology and Features

The full specs list is extremely long, and available here. Instead of providing the full data, I'll cover the most significant aspects with some commentary where appropriate.

• D800 sensor: 24x35.9mm CMOS chip with 36.3MP resolution (7,360 x 4,912 pixels) in full-frame FX mode; and 15.3MP (4,800 x 3,200) resolution in DX mode when using smaller DX lenses, which cannot project an image circle to fill the oversized sensor.
• D800E sensor: Same but with the effect of the anti-aliasing (Optical Low Pass) filter cancelled. While maximum per-pixel detail can be useful, expect an increase in certain artefacts, including moiré. Photographers who shoot in RAW capture will be able to minimize this problem since Nikon's Capture NX2 software will include a moiré reduction tool.
• Processor: New EXPEED 3 with expanded dynamic range and improved colour reproduction.
• File formats: JPEG, RAW, RAW+JPEG and TIF
• Advanced scene recognition: The 91,000-pixel Color 3D Matrix III metering sensor that can consider the location of human faces in the image whether using Live View or the optical viewfinder.
• LCD screen: Fixed 3.2-inch scratch-resistant 921,000-dot LCD with anti-fog layer and 170-degree wide viewing angle.
• Optical viewfinder: Provides 100% scene coverage in uncropped FX 3:2 aspect ratio. That reduces to 97% when in the DX (cropped) mode. Magnification is 0.7x at 50mm and a diopter adjustment control is available.
• Flash: Built-in flash (doubles as an activator for wireless off-camera flash units), plus hot shoe for optional Speedlights.
• Autofocus: New 51-point Multi-CAM 3500FX system with 15 cross-type sensors, with 20% greater light sensitivity (vs. the D700) for improved AF in dark locations. Many AF options are available, including 3D Tracking. Phase-detection AF is provided in conventional shooting while contrast-detection with face-detect AF is used in live view.
• Continuous drive: Maximum 4fps in FX mode and 5fps in DX mode. With the optional MB-D12 grip and AA batteries, speed in DX mode will increase to 6fps.
• Video capture: Full HD 1080p at 30fps or 25fps or 24fps (like the D4) in either FX or DX mode. Uses H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC format compression, which is compatible with many video-editing programs. Real-time noise reduction during video capture; many manual controls and full-time contrast-detection AF, including face detection will be available. Nikon promises finer detail rendering, fewer jaggies and reduced rolling shutter (Jello effect) in comparison with earlier DSLR models.
• Audio recording: Linear PCM with levels control for the built-in monaural microphone in a 30-step range. With an external stereo mic, the adjustment range is 20 steps. Levels monitoring on the LCD will be available for both.
• Additional features: ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 50-25600; shutter speed range of 30 - 1/8000 sec; dual-axis virtual horizon (on LCD screen and viewfinder); 2-shot in camera HDR; 7 picture style modes with overrides; Active D-Lighting and Noise Reduction levels control; numerous in-camera image-editing options in Playback mode; Quiet Shutter Release and Mirror Up drive modes; PC flash sync terminal; automatic sensor cleaner
• Power: EN-EL15 lithium-ion battery; 900 shots per charge (CIPA standards). Optional MB-D12 grip also accepts this battery, or AAs or AC power.
• Storage: Two card slots; Compact Flash (Type I) and SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I compliant; official support for Eye-Fi wireless cards
• Size/Weight: 146 x 123 x 81.5mm (w/h/d); 900g (body only)
• Important accessories: Compatible with Wireless Transmitter WT-4, GP-1 GPS receiver and new Multi Power Battery Pack MB-D12
• Price and availability: The D800 with should be available in Canada on March 22 for $3,150 MSRP. The D800E should begin shipping on April 12 for $3,450 MSRP. The MSRP for the MB-D12 grip is $430.

D800/D800E Analysis

One of the concerns raised by industry observers relates to the size of the pixels and high-0ISO quality. They wonder whether cramming 36.3 million light-sensitive points on a 24x36mm surface is prudent. That is a logical concern because small pixels are not as efficient in light gathering and that can result in problems with digital noise as well as narrow dynamic range (highlight and shadow detail in an image). However, it's important to note that the pixel pitch (size) is 4.88µm, the same as the highly-rated 16.2MP Nikon D7000, which employs a smaller 23.6 x 15.6mm sensor.

In my tests, the D7000 produced excellent image quality at ISO 1600, very good at ISO 3200 and decent quality even at ISO 6400. As well, dynamic range was quite wide. In comparison to that camera, the D800 and D800E benefit from an improved sensor and processor, so they should provide superior results in both aspects.

Some published previews have also commented about the relatively slow speed of continuous advance in full-frame FX mode. (By comparison the 12.1MP D700 was able to shoot at 5fps and at 8fps with the optional battery grip.) While greater speed would be ideal for some shooters, it's important to remember that a 36.3MP camera generates massive image files. Aside from the time required for processing and buffer clearing, limitations are also produced by the write speeds of even the fastest memory cards.

Few photo enthusiasts need 36.3MP resolution, but the D800 will certainly attract serious shooters from this group. This model, or the D800E, would also be a suitable second camera for some pros, including wedding photographers who often make huge prints and want to shoot gorgeous videos with a DSLR.

But the more specialized D3 series and the new D4 do offer advantages, including greater drive speed, some extra features that some pros demand, and even better image quality at high ISO. Still, the D800 will be a very popular DSLR considering its more affordable price, so Nikon may not be able to meet the full demand, initially at least.

Article Tags:  Nikon, Canada, DSLR, full-frame, DX, FX, EXPEED, video, D800, D800E, D700, D7000, HD, video, MPEG-2, H.264, MB-D12, moiré, optical low pass, filter, anti-alias, pro