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.
No mention of dynamic range? I’m disappointed that these companies value marketing megapixels over image quality. I want a DSLR with 14-18 stops of dynamic range, like most of the new generation of video cameras offer. Most of my images go to the web as stills or video. Anything over 10 megapixels is overkill IMHO. Dynamic range and low noise get my dollars, everything else can be fixed in post.
It looks like an amazing camera. Would love to have one just for studio & portraits. But, as many have said, this is not a replacement for the D700, it is a whole new beast. I currently have a D300 and am really at a point that I need to upgrade to a full frame camera. I don’t want to buy a several year old camera in the D700, and the D800 won’t meet all of my needs, (sports). So, it looks like I will need to bite the bullet and go for the D4. Wish I had preordered it earlier, but was waiting for this announcement. I could see where a pro with the budget for it would love to have both the D4 and the D800 in their arsenal!
I am really stuck. I was waiting for this camera for a while. I am a wedding and portrait photographer who would love to start experimenting with video. Experiment at this point. I love my D700 but honestly I want a few more megapixels…much like the D7000 has. I was excited at the prospect of getting more MP with the D800, but 36 just seems like way too much. I do shoot in low light, so I need that performance as well.
I hate to say it, and I never thought I would, but 5D Mk2 might best suit me. I just can’t part with my beautiful, beautiful arsenal of Nikon glass.
Hmmph
Don’t worry, you can get some adapters to make all your Nikon glass work on the 5Dmk2.
Although I love the D800 (from the photos, videos, and specs I’ve seen), Nikon has thrown me for a loop with the megapixel count. I knew the rumors would be pretty accurate, but it still came as a bit of a shock to me when it was made official. They (Nikon) have seemed to change their marketing strategy. With the current lineup of the D700, D3s/D4, and the D3X, it makes sense. The D700 is a streamlined, “baby” D3, while the D3X is catered to individuals needing the MP count. Now, we have the D800, which is a beast of a camera on its own, but, to me, it looks more like the successor to the D3X, while at a D700 price range…I’m noticing this trend. The D7000 was similar, in that it replaced the D90, but the features it packs is closer to the D300s line. And you (Chase) are right; Nikon is really pushing the idea of video with the D800, as well as the D4. There is definitely a shift in marketing in Nikon’s roadmap that I can’t figure out just yet.
As confused as I am, the excitement I have far exceeds it. I know when it comes down to it, the best camera is the one that’s with you (as you say), and you are only limited by your own imagination and creativity. However, it’s always fun to see new cameras hit the market!
I am personally disappointed with the release. 36MP is definitely overkill for most of us and am sure will be a deal breaker for most. I am personally not going for it just because of 36MP. I would have prefered 16 to 18 MP, the new AF module from D4, better ISO compared to D700 and at least similar frame rate as D700. I least care about Video. Both new releases i.e. D4 and D800 seem to be focused on video , although D4 did not dissapoint photographers. I do not really get why all DSLRs need to have video capabilities.. I do not like to pay for feature i do not use. They can release a full frame camera with D4 specs and no video and bring down price o 4k. That will probably make many happy.