Archive notice: This article was originally published on February 7, 2012. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Following the professional Nikon D4 camera, the D800 has now arrived with similar equipment and a full-frame sensor in Nikon FX format (35mm format). The D800 is also available as the "Nikon D800E", which is then said to be superior in detail reproduciton. The camera optically filters the anti-aliasing properties for the greatest possible detail reproduction.
Format and Image
The D800 is expected to be available from March 22 and then score as a professional digital SLR camera with 36.3-megapixel resolution and an FX-format image sensor. Because this approaches the resolution of medium-format cameras, naturally only tests will be able to decide whether the sensor size, pixel size and pixel spacing, in combination with the processor, can also venture into this league – if so, averaging the data from the sensor for filming naturally promises phenomenal quality.
According to Nikon, the 12-channel data output with 14-bit AD conversion is intended to provide good noise reduction with high dynamic range; the ISO range is between ISO100 and ISO6400, expanded between 50 and 25,600. The image processor works at 16 bit and manages continuous shooting in FX format at 4fps; in DX-format mode with the optional MB-D12 multifunction battery pack, approximately 6 frames per second are achieved.
Video
The Nikon D800 offers films in Full HD quality at different frame rates: Full HD films (1080p) can be recorded at 30, 25 or 24p, while at 720p, 60, 50 and 25p are also possible, each with a length of up to 29:59 minutes. Alongside an input for an external stereo microphone, the camera offers an audio output for external headphones, allowing isolated fine adjustment of the sound – both before and during film recording. A signal-input setting for recording devices with linear PCM is also available.
Those who wish can transfer directly from the D800 via HDMI to recording devices and monitors; the motorised aperture control allows direct aperture control through buttons specifically provided on the front of the camera. Index marking allows important image sections to be marked on the timeline. Users can add markings during film recording so that the relevant frames can be identified easily during editing.
The camera uses the Multi-CAM 3500FX AF autofocus system with individually selectable or configurable settings (11 or 51 focus points). The autofocus sensor module and algorithms have also been revised, so that sensitivity in poor light conditions reaches as low as -2 EV (ISO 100, 20 °C/68°F).
The detailedspecifications are available on the product pages for the Nikon D800 and Nikon D800E.
Joyride
Here is the promotional video for the Nikon D800, for which several streets in Chicago were allegedly closed…
Joy Ride from Sandro on Vimeo.
Behind the Scenes
Joy Ride – Behind the Scenes from Sandro on Vimeo.
