Nikon D810 Preview

I used to hate reading camera reviews from people who have obviously not yet had a chance to even use the camera…  I still do.  I have used the D800 and D800e extensively and thought I would give my two cents as to whether or not your should consider the D810 as your next camera.

The first part is obligatory regurgitation of press release details.  I didn’t include the entire press release, just the bits that were important.  After that I will summarize the cool new features and then finally, I’ll give you my humble opinion as to whether it’s worth ordering.

The information below is taken from the Press Release

First, A Description

Harness the power of extreme resolution, jaw-dropping image quality and huge dynamic range in both stills and Full HD 1080p video applications. A newly designed 36.3 megapixel FX-format full-frame image sensor with no optical low-pass filter is paired with the thrilling performance of EXPEED 4 for staggering detail retention, noise-free images from ISO 64 to ISO 12,800, fast frame rates, cinematic video capabilities, in-camera editing features and outstanding energy efficiency. For still and multimedia photographers, The D810 will ignite your creativity and help you capture images that astound. For cinematographers and camera operators, the D810 will become one of the most versatile tools in your arsenal. The D810 will expand your vision and make you rethink what’s possible.

For You Video People

The D810 is the full-frame D-SLR that cinematographers, camera operators and multimedia photographers have been waiting for. Bring the camera’s remarkable image quality and dynamic range to 1080p videos recorded at 60/50/30/25/24p uncompressed to an external device, compressed to an internal CF/SD card or both simultaneously. Move between dark and light scenes without any iris or frame-rate adjustments thanks to ISO Auto Adjust. Smoothly change a shot’s depth of field with power iris control. Shoot in a flat picture style that enhances dynamic range and streamlines post-production work. Even enjoy broadcast-caliber audio control right in the camera. Let the D810 and the vast collection of NIKKOR lenses take your production to the next level.

The Little Things (Like FPS)

The D810 performs with astounding speed and precision. Capture 5 fps at full resolution and in 5:4 crop mode, 6 fps in 1:2 crop mode and 7 fps in DX-crop mode*. Enjoy tack-sharp focus—crucial in high-resolution images—thanks to an Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX AF sensor that uses 51 focus points, including 15 cross-type sensors, 11 of which work all the way to f/8, plus a new Group Area AF. Internal vibration has been nearly eliminated with a newly designed sequencer mechanism and Electronic Front Curtain Shutter system. You can even quickly spot-check your focus by zooming in 46x on the large 3.2-inch 1,229k-dot display with RGBW alignment and monitor highlights during video capture with zebra striping right in the display. The D810 is as nimble as it is precise.

*When using optional MB-D12 battery pack and EN-EL18a battery (for up to 100 jpeg shots).

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Interesting Tidbits (Ya, Tidbits is a real word)

Something that caught my attention in the press release was this sentence; “Create smooth, even time-lapse sequences thanks to new Exposure Smoothing”.  If you have shot time-lapse video before you’ll most likely have dealt with flickering after you’ve combined your billion shots into a 20 second video.

Instead of two different models, like the D800 and D800e, the D810 will come standard without the optical low-pass filter.  The shutter has been upgraded as well, making it quieter without sacrificing the 200,000 shutter cycles life expectancy.

Some of the key improvements brought about by the new processor include, better noise reduction, higher number of continuous shots, support of 1080/60p movies, higher definition, improved depth and clarity, and higher accuracy of auto white balance.

 

If you’d like to pre-order you can hit one of the Amazon links, the camera should ship July 17th, 2014.

The only source of revenue for this free website comes from readers clicking through the links and purchasing/preordering from Amazon.  It doesn’t cost any more to do so.  Thank you!

Should You Order One?

If you are shooting with a D800 now and have been for a while now then I’d say there are enough improvements to justify making the leap.  If you’re coming from another camera and thinking the D810 would work I’d tell you to visit a camera store and handle one first, they are big and obtrusive cameras and overkill unless you are making a living (this means actual money) with your photography.

If you are looking for one of the most capable cameras available then I’d say you’ve found it.

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