Nikon D800 released - Page 2

Adelastro1 (Wayne England) · #21 08-02-2012, 04:38 PM

Well I just placed my order for a D800E at a camera shop here in Adelaide. Can't wait until mid April now! They are ordering 25x D800s and (now) 3 800Es. The other 800E (besides a display model) is going to a wildlife photographer they said.

I went for the 800E because I will be shooting a lot of landscapes as well as wildlife, so I'll either be blowing images up large for printing or cropping heavily around a subject in the distance so any extra sharpness and contrast will be useful. I want tack sharp images (yes I'll be upgrading my glass too!).

I'm also wondering if the lack of an anti-aliasing filter will make images look sharper at very high ISOs (ie. currently the graininess around hard edges makes them look a bit fuzzy). Time will tell. Maybe I could test drive one for Nikon!

Steffen · #22 08-02-2012, 04:55 PM

From the samples at the Nikon site it would seem that getting the D800E for general photography is quite risky. The difference in resolution is hardly noticeable yet the aliasing and moiré effects can be image-destroying if not controlled somehow. Remember, the AA filter is gone, it cannot be turned back on.

Cheers
Steffen.

Adelastro1 (Wayne England) · #23 08-02-2012, 05:23 PM

I'm not sure how well it will work yet but Nikon states that the new version of the Capture NX has a moire reduction tool so if it is a problem hopefully that will mitigate it.

The landscape image they have as an exemple looks fine whereas the fabric image has moire. I don't do portraits anyway!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steffen

From the samples at the Nikon site it would seem that getting the D800E for general photography is quite risky. The difference in resolution is hardly noticeable yet the aliasing and moiré effects can be image-destroying if not controlled somehow. Remember, the AA filter is gone, it cannot be turned back on.

Cheers
Steffen.

gregbradley · #24 08-02-2012, 09:19 PM

This camera is sooo awesome.

Here is the link to the Nikon website:

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr...tures01.htm#a1

I think I'll go the 800 instead of 800E. It would depend on what you mainly intend to shoot.

High ISO seems quite good. That Empire State building shot at ISO6400 does not have an intrusive noise. Impressive.

Greg.

DavidTrap (David) · #25 08-02-2012, 10:20 PM

Greg - I was very impressed by the noise at ISO6400.

Steffen - I'm with you. There is an example on the web of some snow covered trees shot with both versions. I can see a technical benefit to the E, but not a relevant benefit. I need a camera that I can shoot my kids with, as well as landscapes. If moire appeared on fabric, it just means more post-processing (and nagging from the wife). I've blown up shots to 30x20 from a D7000 (16MP - similar pixel density) and they are pin-sharp. I don't have enough wall space to go bigger. The advertising releases and video from Nikon suggest the D800E is aimed at a specific market and I don't believe that includes me!

DT

skysurfer · #26 09-02-2012, 12:01 AM

Looks a nice camera. But why the hell 36MP ?? No lens is able to display such a resolution of about 4800x7200 at full quality. I thought the megapixel race was over in the professional segment. This is at a cost of high ISO and low noise.
The plus is however that it supports DX (crop sensor supporting) lenses which is not possible with Canon FF bodies.
And the video: looks OK but why no option for low framerate filming (i.e. 15, 12, 10, 6, 4 or even 2 fps) which allows low light filming. No video or video enabled photo camera does support this.
I am curious what Canon will release as successor of the 5dmk2.

Octane (Humayun) · #27 09-02-2012, 12:13 AM

skysurfer,

Why 36 megapixels? One reason: big prints. I'm getting 66.7 megapixels out of my medium format system, at the moment.

With the insanity of the 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM release in the last few days, I have a feeling that Canon is going to release something almighty in the guise of the 5D Mark II's successor, in the coming few weeks.

It's undeniable, even as a Canon shooter, that the D800 is a phenomenal, feature-packed camera. Particularly given its price point. I can never see myself making the switch, though, for reasons I've elaborated on in the past.

Nikon users in the prosumer price segment are now feeling the joy we, as Canon shooters, felt in October, 2008, with the announcement of the 5D Mark II. It changed the game.

H

gregbradley · #28 09-02-2012, 08:14 AM

Also 36mp was the realm of medium format digital cameras. Now you can get that for the price of a prosumer camera. The chip is slightly larger than 35mm.

My Proline 16803 is twice the size nearly yet 16.8mp. I must admit that is a hell of a lot of pixels jammed in there. It'd be like an STL11 that is 36mp.

More megapixels = potentially sharper images given good lenses??

The next step up for these cameras will be medium format size chips.

5D Mark iii will be very interesting. Canon has the lead on video so I would expect upgrades to the video to keep that lead.

Some sort of high quality autofocus would be good. I know pros don't necessarily want that with the narrow depth of field but hey, my little Sony camcorder has autofocus.

Greg.

gregbradley · #29 09-02-2012, 08:46 AM

A sample of incamera time lapse with a D800.

http://www.kuaddro.com/videos/nikon-...sed-in-camera/

Greg.

Marke (Mark) · #30 09-02-2012, 08:56 AM

Me personally if I wanted to shoot video I would buy a video camera
Just give me a camera that takes pictures . I am waiting to see what the
higher iso looks like as I tend to shoot at iso800-1000 a lot which the
D700 does beutifully but I would love more resolution.

gregbradley · #31 10-02-2012, 12:13 PM

There are some sample images of the Empire State Building from ISO 100 up to ISO6400. Admittedly small images but no evidence of noise in these twilight shots.

This article says it all about much of a game changer this camera is:

http://www.channelnews.com.au/Digita...ustry/U3W6G4U9

But then again is this Canon's comeback?:

http://www.canonrumors.com/category/...n-5d-mark-iii/

A 5DX if that turned out to be true would be wonderful thing.

Greg.

Octane (Humayun) · #32 10-02-2012, 12:59 PM

Once again, please do not put any any stock or faith in CR. Canon does a remarkable job of keeping things under wrap.

Everytime you view that site and link it, a baby kitten dies. Please, think of the kittens.

H

DavidTrap (David) · #33 19-03-2012, 08:23 PM

Interesting comments in this link about the D800E.

Will only be sold by certain dealers and then only by salespeople who have had appropriate training about managing moire. Appears Nikon really see it as a niche camera - reinforces my decision to buy the non-E model.

Amazon UK have listed 26th March as shipping date - fingers crossed!!!

DT

gregbradley · #34 20-03-2012, 09:14 PM

This camera is without doubt the most exciting camera on the market bar none. I have seen comparison photos of its real competition which is the Pentax 645 $12,000 medium format camera. The D800 is very close to it. The Pentax is a tad better hardly noticeable and the D800E probably is much closer.

High ISO performance in RAW is much the same as the 5D mark iii. Jpeg performance high ISO performance goes to Canon by a stop or so thanks to aggressive noise reduction in the Canon which also reduces red clarity and increase smear and loss of detail although still very good. The real competition to this camera is not really the 5D mark iii but the medium format cameras.

Its a bit early to tell if the video capabilities will match the 5D mark iii though which no doubt will be excellent.

So overall its a medium format camera with top notch autofocus and top of the line metering for $3000 in a market of Medium Format that was just a few years ago selling cameras for $25,000 to $50,000.

Seeing as a high number of medium format camera makers fail in the market I would not buy shares in Phase One etc.

Greg.

gregbradley · #35 20-03-2012, 09:57 PM

The Nikon D4 looks awesome as well.

Check out this incredible aurora image-

1 sec exposure!

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...ssage=40962422

Is it just me or is that way way better than the official Canon aurora sample image 5D mark iii? And taken by an amateur. Love it.

D4 would be an excellent night time lapse camera.

Greg.

DavidTrap (David) · #36 20-03-2012, 10:42 PM

I don't really think the Aurora Borealis is the best subject matter for comparing cameras Greg. Not really a "standard candle".

DT

RickS (Rick) · #37 20-03-2012, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidTrap

I don't really think the Aurora Borealis is the best subject matter for comparing cameras Greg. Not really a "standard candle".

The brightness of the Aurora Borealis varies a lot... based on my whole 4 nights experience

I wasn't that interested in trading up from my D700 but I have to admit that I'm starting to feel tempted.

Octane (Humayun) · #38 21-03-2012, 12:59 AM

It's also been well established that Canon posts sub-par SOOC JPGs in their marketing.

Give me the 5D Mark III and I'll show you what's capable.

I'm also starting to question the validity in comparing the D800 to the 5D Mark III. They are nothing alike; both fill a niche that the other doesn't.

The 1D X to the D4 is a fair comparison, however.

H

Adelastro1 (Wayne England) · #39 21-03-2012, 01:00 AM

Well I've been reading more and more about the D800 and 5D iii and i seriously cannot wait to get my D800E now! It SEEMS the 800, although perhaps better in some areas and not as good in others when compared to the 5D iii, is better overall for what I want to use it for. And I stress what "I" want to use it for there... There are a lot of people arguing about both and how much better each will be but it really comes down to each individual's use of the camera they buy. Both are great cameras (only from what's on the net some of which I take with a grain of salt) but until I have the camera in my hand for a month or two I won't know how good. I'll be doing astro, landscapes and wildlife with some sport (probably in low light too). My camera has to fit a range of situations I'll be shooting in and I believe the D800 will do the best job, for the price!!

On paper I do like the features and supposed performance of the 800 much better, and the higher res "E". I think having those extra megapixels and resolution will be great for cropping photos down of wildlife where they would normally be out of the range of the zoom that I use and cropping a 16 Mp image makes it too pixelated to be of any use. A 36Mp image can be cropped by an amazing amount and still be great for blowing up. Can't wait to try that out....
People are going on about frame rates being low for the D800 but seriously besides pros who needs to shoot frames at faster than 1/4 sec between each? The sports photography I've done I've never had to worry too much about speed - it's more about timing and skill I find - if you know something is about to happen on a field start aiming with finger on the button ready to fire and predict when the event will occur. As for noise, if it's about the same as the D3 then that'll do me! Is the 5D iii noise reduction with the NR turned on where it doubles the exposure time by subtracting a sort of a dark frame or the instant processing when images are taken? If it's the former then it's no good for me when doing long exposures as it takes far too long. Maybe I'm wrong...

As for astro work time will tell, but the low noise should be fantastic regardless of anything else. I'm also upgrading my lenses so I think the improvement in my images will be phenomenal. I'm off to Alice and Uluru the week after I get the camera so that'll be perfect to test it out in all situations. I can't wait!

gregbradley · #40 21-03-2012, 11:09 PM

Both will be great cameras no doubt.

D800 really is what Canon users expected from 5D mark iii - the highest resolution DSLR which is what 5D mark ii was until D3X came along.

Both have great low light.

I think it comes down to use. H doesn't like Nikon skin tones out of the camera for weddings. It would be silly to get the 800 then.

I want more resoution and the sharpest possible image short of getting moire issues. I also want a fully functional video capability without moire. The D800 is what I chose.

You want the extra bit of resolution for landscapes. Thats the 800E.

Comparing brands is contentious as there is amazing brand loyalty out there and perhaps a lot of irrational identification - I am a Canon person or I am a Nikon person. But it is true most who use this type of camera already have a considerable amount invested in lenses that makes switching difficult and perhaps not very smart long term.

The advantage one maker has over the other may be very temporary.

Greg.