Nikon D800 via B&H
Here’s some highlighted specs:
_36.3 megapixel, full-frame sensor (FX)
_up to 5fps still image shooting
_1080pHD video 24 or 30fps
_ISO Range 100-6400 (extendable from 25,600)
_Live View + External Monitor viewing for professional video applications
_Built in external microphone with audio monitoring capabilities via external headphones
_Twin card slots – one Compact Flash and one SD
_weight = 2 pounds 3 oz
The curve balls for me? The megapixels. There’s a lot of em. Also, this is geared a lot more toward video than I would have anticipated. But beyond that… Please note I HAVE NOT touched one of these cameras, and like the D4, NO I didn’t shoot the campaign. I haven’t yet spent time with the camera to tell you any gory details, although I’m assuming I’ll be able to chat more soon.
Aesthetics? Click thru a range of images of the camera via the above tabs.
So.. I (we) knew this was coming, but rather than me spouting off about having played with the system (I can’t – although some of you journalist types have I’m sure), or telling you what your feelings about this system should be (I won’t), I’m turning the tables on you.
What’s your take? Love, hate, indifferent? Insights?
[Reminder that Nikon plays close attention to this blog, so your comments on this post – glowing or otherwise – might help inform Nikon about what your thinking.]Link to all the Nikon D800 details and/or purchase here via B&H.
It missed the mark for me. Too many pixels for full frame. I like my pixels fat and juicy.
My D800 wet dream would have been 18mp, native 50 ISO, 16 stops of dynamic range and a 105mm f/1.8 leaf shutter kit lens that syncs at 1/1000, for $3k.
Wait …. give me a minute before you wake me.
Wow, just wow. I was just sweating reading these comments…
Megapixels: To all of you that are whining about too many megapixels. You’re obviously don’t know much about camera technology. Nikon will offer 2-3 sizes of RAW files. Not every damn shot you take has to be at 36MP. All of this ranting and complaining about it is totally moot and ridiculous. Having 36MP as an option is awesome. Will you you it on every shot? I will, tons of real professionals (non-wedding/PJs) will and YOU probably won’t–so dial it down and stop complaining.
Also, people need to understand something else…. You need to TRIPLE megapixels to DOUBLE resolution. A 36MP camera only has ‘twice’ as much resolution as a 12MP camera. So this new camera with what seems like crazy high MP is simply doubling the actual resolution of the D700 image. That is NOT a massive overkill. It’s called progress. And again, you don’t have to shoot at that resolution every time.
Noise: Stop assuming noise will be bad on this camera. Wait until real samples are out. Also, if you’re clamoring for 128,000iso capabilities, then you shouldn’t be spending $3,000 on a camera. You obviously don’t know how to shoot images in low light. And/or you’re trying to photograph your kids basketball game on a $300 f/5.6 lens. Upgrade those, then buy a new body.
This camera is amazing, a little jewel, but… though heartbroken… I’ll have to leave my Nikon D7000 and go with Canon next time.
I’ll switch to Canon once they launch the upgrade for the Canon 5D (either the Mark III or the X, whatever the rumor is)… Yes, I love Nikon but the 5D is industry standard now. I’m a director and 90% of the DPs I could call use the 7D or 5D.
I wish there were more Nikon for film out there….
Wow, looking back through the posts, there are many people assuming that the high ISO performance will be worse than the D700. From the samples I have seen, the high ISO performance is the same as the D700 and D3 (they use the same sensor). Technology moves forward and all of the old rules don’t always apply!
As a motion guy who has switched to stills, I’m ecstatic to see the uncompressed HDMI out. This is the big one for HDSLR as it will allow the use of a recorder like a Pix 240 to shoot straight to ProRes or DNxHD. And I’m hoping the 36mp will keep me from having to switch to medium format for a little longer for my fine art studio work. If this camera was targeted to anyone, it’s me. I’ve resisted the 5D as I think the images are a bit rough. Hopefully the quality will stand up (with the recorder or not) and I’ll split time between my Epic and the D800. And I’m curious to do a side by side with my D3x to see how the extra MP stand up.