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.
My D800e already does some amazing things in terms of image, I can’t see upgrading from what seems to be a perfect camera.
I shoot landscapes and architecture and totally love the D800… BUT:
NEGATIVE ABOUT D810:
– No Focus peaking! Helloooooo nikon! A very serious issue as all the competition is offering this. The usless liveview of the D800 is a serious pain in the ass for manual focusing, especially with tilt shift lenses!! Grrrr! Canons liveview is lightyears ahead. I just hope the new liveview is as sharp as it promises. Would be interesting to see how the D810s zebra function in video would help in focusing (the D800 technical manual advised video mode liveview for more sharpness to aid focusing).
– its very high price! Not much of a reason to upgrade from an already great cam.
– they named it D810 instead of D800s.. not a big deal but all the upgraded veraions where labeled with an ‘s’ (D300s, F4s). It was the D600 that received a 10 when it upgraded with the most important upgrade being the cleaner shutter with less oil splatter. Makes the D810 sound like a replacement for a faulty camera.
– still no U1, U2 setting. ..loved that feature on the D600.. come on Nikon its dead simple to impliment! (And lots of competition does it already).
THE POSITIVE:
– That antialising filter completely removed. .much sharper shots! Yipeee!
– electronic shutter to minimize camera shake (at 36mpx every help is very welcome! )
– lower base ISO! Wahooo! A welcome addition for landscapers.
-better screen. Green cast wasn’t much of a problem but perhaps the sharper screen helps with manual focusing.
– liveview focusing with split screen. A nice addition, excellent for tilt shift and depth of field.
– better AF.. sounds more for sports or moving objects. Hope to see improvements for landscapes.
THE I DON’T CARE:
– Video improvement. ..I pay for a camera not video recorder. Never use it. D800 video is brilliant already if I should need it.
– faster processor. . Not gonna notice much difference in the real world.
-sRaw ..I like smaller files but not when its at 12bit.
For landscapers the fuji system is presenting a real threat.. the real benefits are low weight, focus peaking, excellent lenses and superb ISO performance (no bayer sensor which is a flawed design for high ISO imho).
When people find out about my Nikon gear, they think that it’s utterly sick or disgusting or both, at how an enthusiast and semi-pro have accumulated Nikon gear to this degree. 4 generations of using Nikon FTW. My great grandfather used a Nikon back in the day when he used to run a studio. So you can see just how difficult it would be for me to switch.
Looking at the specs, the D810 should have been the D800 2 years ago. It is the same for the D4s/D4. People aren’t stupid, but I guess sales figures don’t lie. Looking at the trend, obviously you’d release the new “iPhone” that’s 5-15% better easily by not throwing everything onto the table. Nikon has not given anything revolutionary. Only little tricks are starting to tick many people off.
Haven’t you guys playing any computer/video games before?
Allow users to customise ALL buttons. It’s only software.
Upgrade the bloody mount and come out with something new besides the dinosaur SLR system.
Green casts on Asian skin is irritating.
No flip screen really blows. Come on!
On the The D800, you can program the AE/AF button to act as the playback button. That’s superbly awesome. Know what blows? The D4 is unable to do that. Again, firmware fail.
Think about this. When we travel, we want to bring along a camera. It’d better have all the perks. Sometimes we’d only want to bring along one camera. You’re taking landscapes etc. You’re stuck to a specific setting. You turn around, something interesting is happening and it’d take 12 button presses to change from landscape settings to be able to shoot something fast paced in low light etc. If you were playing games, you’d be dying so much that it’s utterly frustrating. That’s why we can customise macros and what nots. It’s fun. It’s powerful. It gives us an edge because we thought out a process and workflow and programed it beforehand. Without taking our eyes off the view finder, BAM, instant switch and ready to fire. VICTORY LOVES PREPERATION. Picture perfect moments lost because of the non-ability to switch between settings.
U1, U2, U3. How difficult it that?
I’m the first person in Malaysia to get the D4. Do you know what I call it? The fastest shooting slow camera in the market. You’d think that after dropping all the money every other year on new equipment and upgrades, there’d be an instant flip switch from shooting landscape on a tripod to a picture perfect moment when a Moroccan man were to pass by with beautiful ambient lighting. Oh, no, wait. It was missed because one was busy staring at all the buttons and whatnot.
Better ergonomics please. In fact, let it be customisable, duh. Change up the rubber for smaller or larger hands. Sunglasses companies do it for their nose pieces for Asian nose bridges and Logitech do it for their mice (the ability to add weights and switch grips for different size hands). We are competitive people. Customisation wins the game. Think about why FB and the iphone succeed. People love the customisation of apps and whatnot.
You do know that once a 14-24mm equivalent comes out, tonne of landscape and travel photographers are going to switch, right? Ever heard of the A7r? 😉
I have close to 30 CF cards and 45 SD cards that are 4GB and above, up to 128GB. It’d be nice to be able to use ONLY CF cards as the main and back up to avoid confusion during work/travel. Is it that difficult to put 4 card slots? 2 SD and 2CF? That’d satisfy marketing and your consumers. Integrate the SD card chamber with the CF.
Also, bring back the level to release the chamber for the cards. You have no idea just how many times I’ve accidentally released the card chamber of the D700 and D800E when pulling my hand in and out.
PS: QXD memory cards fell flat on the face. Admit it and move on.
I’d love to have a remote trigger for the high end cameras. It’s kinda stupid to put the camera on timer, make a dash and be comfortable and make silly poses for the next 20 shots, run back to check, rinse and repeat. Seems kinda primitive, right? How cool is the gopro that I am able to just click a remote button and it will start recording?
Have several lighting features be available for the screens. Aqua blue, seaweed green, amber red, cateyes yellow. That thing will sell millions!
Focus peaking. I mean, isn’t it about time already?
You know how Olympus have the option of viewing the photograph as you’re light painting or doing long exposures? That thing is a game changer and for travel photographers etc, that thing is a Godsent. You save time and believe in the system.
On a side note, please upgrade the SB400, Cobrahead for the other SBs, cheaper WIFI alternative, remote trigger, allow vertical shutter buttons and focusing control pad without the bloody purchase of a battery pack.
Build in GPS and WIFI. You know why. Don’t be a caveman brand.
You mean to tell me that with all the advancement of human technology, THIS is the best that you can muster? I’m tired of waiting for something NOT coming out. Features sell cameras. The rest will sort itself out. Ever bought a car before? We always purchase the highest package with all the features. The market today is ready for that.
Reward loyalty. My family has been supporters of the brand for 4 generations strong! Don’t let marketing be cheeky and put your best foot forward.
For work, a plain camera will do the job. When it comes to traveling, the more you lighten the burden on the consumer or pro, the more brownie points you chalk up. Even when the features are only used 15-30% of the time, the point is, we will not feel handicapped and go, “I wish I could do this with this camera…I should switch.” All these features that I’ve stated will allow me to be confident that I have and will capture that photograph precisely how I’d like and not by trying my luck using guess work. A 5% difference from what I had in mind and what I capture irks me to no end.
Take the camera to to play. Travel the world. You will realise just how much room for improvement that there is and the potential to tap into. We want to be cool gadget people…but not be burden by a dozen accessories and multiple systems. I really do want to be rewarded with confidence in the brand, so don’t disappoint.
List all the features above, price it at USD7K and I’ll be buying 2.
On the final note, I’ll be trading in the D800E for the D810 anyways. Don’t betray our confidence in the brand.
http://www.sameershah.com
What I’m expect from nikon:
A D810 body and capabilities with a 24 Mpx sensor. Why?!?! A 4K video DX/Super35 crop mode.
They’re generally not into making leapfrog products – especially in video
What I’m still expecting from Nikon:
A D750 with 4K DX/Super35 video crop mode.
Leica did it. New Leica S is First Medium Format Camera that Shoots 4K Video on a super35 crop mode https://vimeo.com/106276551
Add a new processor and af from the d4s and you get the D810. I have a D800 for 2 years and love it for its great dynamik range in pp and 36 mp helped me a lot if i wanted to crop later without almost any loss in pp. I work in a professional camera shop in Germany and many of us still think, sales of the d800 will be still more than the 810. Why cause the d810 is better than the d800 but not 1000€ more worth. Still i would def. test it against my d800. According to my opinion the future will be more mirrorless. Iam not a brand addict. Newer Versions of A7r or A7s with better lens range is what Iam gonna probably look as a landscape photographer in 2 or 3 years.
Again – not the best lateral move if you’re trying to save money, but it’s a much upgraded camera if you just consider the new processor + focus.