Consistently across the Internet the Nikon D800 receives rave reviews. In fact many indicate the D800 provides images quality that has until recently been reserved to the medium format cameras.
With a huge 36.3 megapixel sensor the D800 set the resolution bar very high. Reviewers classify the D800 images as stunning in terms of dynamic range, color and details. Medium format shooters now have a smaller and more compact choice to bulky medium format camera bodies and because of the massive sensor, the photo quality is on par with the medium format rigs.
Nikon offers the D800 in two styles – the D800 and the D800E. Because it deletes the low-pass filter the D800E delivers photos with increased sharpness and better resolution. Photographers who shoot in controlled situations may appreciate the higher quality results from the D800E however, for most shooting situations Nikon suggests the standard D800.
See the D800 at Amazon | B & H Photo
Curated D800 Reviews
Architectural and product photographers should be cautious about investing in a D800 because it’s not immune to moiré when you shoot subjects with fine detail in repeating patterns.- PhotoReview
- photo credit – PhotoReview
Commentary:
Looks as though the Nikon D800 has a chink in its otherwise steller reputation according to PhotoReview. The moiré issue can be a pain for product and architectural shooters however the D800E does help the situation but as the review points out it does not get rid if the issue entirely.
Read the full review at PhotoReview.
In actual use, the Nikon D800 is a fantastic tool that seldom disappoints and delivers images with a truly stunning amount of detail.- PhotographyBlog
- photo credit – PhotographyBlog
Commentary:
The Nikon D800 delivers image quality on the level of medium format cameras. Because of the huge amount of detail this camera can capture PhotographyBlog states that it responds really well to noise reduction and provides image sharpness that is superb.
Read the full review at PhotographyBlog.
It’s clear that the D800 is an excellent and very capable camera. The metering, white balance and autofocus systems all deliver the goods and the image quality is superb at the lower sensitivity settings.- Techradar
- photo credit – Techradar
Commentary:
As one would expect the large image files of the D800 slow the continuous shooting speed so action and sports photographers will be less enthused. However, given the large files Techradar commented that the camera handled noise well and the dynamic range was outstanding.
Read the full review at Techradar.
Build quality is very good, and the camera gives excellent handling with a solid metal body and weather sealing. Value for money is a strong point, with cameras with a similar resolution costing significantly more (at least 3 times more).- ePhotozine
- photo credit – ePhotozine
Commentary:
ePhotozine liked the D800 a lot, enough in fact to award it their editors choice. Comments like “stunning images” and “winning camera” clearly show where the reviewers at ePhotozine stand about the D800. It’s hard to find a camera that checks all the right boxes and in this case the D800 nailed it.
Read the full review at ePhotozine.
The new Grid overlay system is GREAT. It has really helped me to line up photos better. – The timer is the best way to kick off the 3+ brackets. Set the timer to 2 seconds and then it is faster than using the old interval-timer-shooting thing.- Stuckincustoms
- photo credit – Stuckincustoms
Commentary:
Trey Ratcliff is a guy who lives and breaths photography and there’s one thing for sure, he understands cameras and more importantly he understands what it takes to make a great camera. In this case he gives his full endorsement to the Nikon D800 for outstanding performance and unequaled image quality.
Read the full review at Stuckincustoms.
Fortunately, the D800 also excels in areas that require no extra effort on your part; notably its impressive high ISO performance, fast and accurate AF system and the wide dynamic range of its image files.- DPReview
- photo credit – DPReview
Commentary:
No question about it DPReview knows their cameras. In the case of the D800 they were super impressed with its 36 megapixels and said that in its studio tests it performed better than any camera to date, period. I’m impressed!
Read the full review at DPReview.
Above all, the image quality of the D800 sensor is simply phenomenal, with no other full-frame DSLR on the market that can match its performance. The Nikon D800 performs better than both the Canon 5D Mark II and the new Canon 5D Mark III in high ISO when the image is down-sampled.- Mansurovs
- photo credit – Mansurovs
Commentary:
As the review points out the D800 is slower than the D700 but what is lacks in speed in more than makes up for in image quality. Its 36.3 megapixels literally sets the standard for DSLR photo quality. Caution though – the resulting files are HUGE and to process these ginormous files the camera is going to need more time. Coupled with the right lens the D800 is the camera of choice for these guys.
Read the full review at Mansurovs.
The Nikon D800 is a new iconic camera that will be very popular for years to come, much like the D700 has been. The D800 has some solid similarities to the new Nikon D4, and features its own uniqueness with its amazing 36MP sensor.- Btobey
- photo credit – Btobey
Commentary:
Photography is going through some huge changes when it comers to technology. The D800 represents the tip of the technological capability where huge sensors are being placed into smaller and smaller bodies.
Read the full review at Btobey.
So far, it is an amazing camera that will require me to buy a lot more hard drives for storage! I can’t wait to shoot lit portraits with this beast.- ThePhotoBrigade
Commentary:
Professional photographer Preston Mack takes the Nikon D800 out for its maiden voyage on special assignment. Preston has been using a Nikon D700 for two years so this is the perfect test to see if he would chose to upgrade to the D800 or not.
Read more about Prestons time with the Nikon D800 here.
Nikon D800 at Amazon Nikon D800 at B & H Photo
AUTHOR
Brian Yang