Nikon D810 via Adorama
Photo geeks, gear heads, and camera nerds listen up! This post is just for you. Nikon today (or yesterday by the time I post this…) just announced the new D810, a consolidation of the D800 and the D800E. I’m a photographer and not a gear review guy, but I get a lot of requests from readers to weigh in…. should you get one? Should you pass? While that is much more of a personal question, my hope is to add a little value to the core camera geek’s potential purchaser’s day by sharing my initial thoughts. Keep in mind, I’m referring mostly to the ‘concept’ of the camera (is it a good camera in the line of pro / am lineup), do the specs make sense, and do I think it’s a good value.
So then, here’s a quick 2 cents… The D800 was a super solid camera when I posted about it two years ago, but the D810 adds a handful of meaningful upgrades to the system. Some of its improvements below:
_36.3 megapixel full-frame sensor (same as D800) but paired with Expeed 4 processing for sharper images, 30% faster
_up to 5fps still image shooting (7 if you’re in DX with a battery grip)
_1080p HD video at 60, 30, and 24 fps.
_noise-free images from ISO range of 64-12,800 (expands to ISO 32-51,200).
_Live View with spot white balance
_Built in stereo microphone for audio recording
_weight = 31.7 oz (roughly the same as the D800)
_Expeed 4 engine
_51-point AF (straight outta the D4s)
_Zebra stripes for exposure checking in video mode
_Uncompressed HDMI output with simultaneous recording to memory card (bonus)
This might look and feel like the same camera as the D800, but that upgrade to the Expeed 4 processing is going to make a LOT of the difference here (same processing system from the D4s I think!) It’ll allow for crisper shots at high ISOs and jettisons the low pass filter from earlier iterations of the D800. Not only that, but thanks to the updated processor, the D810 shoots slightly faster as well. Note: I have had ZERO face time with the camera, so I can’t go too in-depth on all the changes, but if they send me one, I’ll have more to say/share (BTW, I’m not counting on it. They got scared of me when I started using iPhones and Canon’s to shoot video… Golden boy to Anarchist 🙂
If you haven’t seen the pictures of it, she’s very, very similar to the D800, but check out images of the camera below in case you want to get an idea of what you’re in for.
The question I’m asked every time a new camera comes out… Chase, are you getting this camera? My answer in this case is no. But not that I wouldn’t want it… It just can’t replace my D4. It would be great wildlife or portrait shooter, but I do too much high speed action and need that 10 or 11 Fps. I also don’t need to chop up my sensor to get 36 megapixels… But I see why some people would love it. So that’s all for me on this quick hit. You asked, so I posted 😉 LMK what y’all think/ first impressions/feelings and I’ll try to respond?
[Reminder that Nikon plays close attention to this blog, so your comments on this post — glowing or otherwise — might help inform Nikon about what you’re thinking.]Get all the juicy Nikon D810 updates and/or pre-order over at Adorama.
I love my D800E – the file size and quality is perfect for my landscape photography. Canon doesn’t have anything close, which is why I switched from Canon to Nikon when the 800 was released. The 810 looks like a great camera, though I’m not sure it’s enough to get me to run out and purchase one right away. It will probably be my next camera – in a year. The improved timelapse capabilities looks exciting. Small raw – it’s about time!
A clever update, more than removing the LP filter. Among many other features having the auto-focus of the D4s is quite clever and a nifty enhancement from the D800.
But I bought my D800 a year ago and I don’t think it’s worth the upgrade.
With you – not sure its worth the upgrade, but for first time buyers a great upgrade / camera
Last week I went to buy a nikon d800e and hesitated, just had a funny feeling. Glad I did because yesterday I pre-ordered a d810, nikon should give more advanced notice on there up and comming, it would help us working guys plan better so our money is going to the right places for our business, fuji provides a timeline for future things, nikon should adapt this consept as well, it would increase there customer loyalty base. I love nikon but at this point im hoping this is the last nikon I ever have to buy…. I migjt just switch and go mirrorless from someone else in a few years.
If you’d kept an eye on the Nikon rumors website you would have known ages ago it was coming lol
Agree with poster above — WiFi and built-in GPS are tablesteaks today. Hate carrying the GP-1 everywhere and its wires break.
Thanks for your opinion, Chase.
I was waiting for your opinion and Joe McNally’s opinion. But, it comes down to two things. I’m not switching to Fuji because the form factor is too small for my hands and I’m not waiting to upgrade from my D700 until there is a D900 so this will be my new camera. Just in time for our first baby to arrive.
I really would like Wi-Fi, but there are SD cards that can provide the Wi-Fi functionality I am looking for. I know it’s not as complete as a lot of people want but I’m thinking of myself, in this case. GPS doesn’t matter to me, but I do think it’s time Nikon incorporated it. I am grateful for the low ISO which will make it easier to shoot with a larger aperture since I don’t have high-speed sync capabilities with my cobbled together lighting kit, and cannot justify a good ND filter for the few times per year I’d use it.
Again, thank you for your opinion and let us know if you get your hands on one.