Apple released Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 3.13 that adds RAW image compatibility for the Nikon D3200 and D800E to Aperture 3 and iPhoto '11. You can download the update from Apple's support page.

Posted by NikonRumors.com
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Related posts:

1. Apple released Digital Camera RAW Compatibility update 3.10 with Nikon D4 support
2. Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 3.7 now supports Nikon D5100
3. Apple did not include Nikon D90 in their Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update

BestBuy has listed the Nikon D800E on their website and you can now order it. I checked several different zip codes and the availability was 5-7 days (shipped to your local Best Buy store). The D800E was previously not listed on BestBuy.com. The D800 and D4 are still listed as "sold out online".

Here for example are the store pickup results for Best Buy locations near New York City:

Currently in the US, there is a third large shipment of Nikon D800 being shipped to existing pre-orders.

Related posts:

1. Nikon D800 available for pre-order at BestBuy
2. More Nikon D800/D800E specs
3. Nikon D800/D800E cost to dealers in the US

This is how the soon to be released Sea&Sea MDX-D800 underwater housing for Nikon D800 will look like. It should be announced this summer with a price tag slightly over $3,000. I have no other details at that point.

Check also those D800 underwater housings from Ikelite, Hugyfot, Nauticam and Ikelite.

Posted by NikonRumors.com
This RSS feed is copyrighted and cannot be republished in any way without permission.
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Related posts:

1. Ikelite announced underwater housing for the Nikon D800/D800E
2. Underwater housings for Nikon D800 and D4 cameras in the making
3. Nauticam releases NA-D800 underwater housing for Nikon D800

Update: Amazon UK started to contact customers with canceled D800 pre-orders to notify them that this was an error and all orders will be reinstated.

Today Amazon UK started canceling D800 pre-orders because Nikon has informed them that "D800 is in restricted supply" and "no longer available". You can read the full text of the sent emails at the [NR] forum. This is even more annoying for people who pre-ordered their D800 before the UK price increase. Amazon may also have a legal reason to cancel unfulfilled pre-orders after 90 days - I read somewhere that if a seller cannot deliver the purchased goods in 90 days, the contract is void (maybe someone with a legal background can clarify that).

Other retailers have also sent emails about D800 shortages, but have not canceled any pre-orders yet:

"As you maybe aware that this particular model has been extremely well received. Nikon, therefore are currently experiencing supply shortages due to the high demand of this product and at present are unable to provide an accurate estimate of availability dates.

Whilst we are not in a position to satisfy all current orders due to this stock shortage, Nikon have provided assurances that Jessops will remain as the first retailer to receive stock allocation in the UK. We would like to thank you for your continued patience on this matter and will endeavour to keep you updated regarding stock availability."

From Jessops UK

"Because the backlog in fulfilling these orders is unprecedented in our history we want to let you know we’re aware of your frustration. Many of you have asked for detailed order information and detailed information about when you can expect to receive your camera. Unfortunately we cannot answer these questions with the degree of specific information many requests include.

In a popular forum dedicated to digital photography a former Nikon USA sales rep wrote:
When I was a Nikon sales rep, Nikon USA absolutely did not tell dealers ahead of time how many units of any backordered product they would be allocated... So when dealers tell you that Nikon does not tell them what's coming and when, they're almost certainly telling the complete truth.

We cannot tell you when we expect our next delivery and we cannot tell you how many that delivery will include.
We do not know. Nikon USA does not tell us. Because of this dearth of specific information we cannot predict when any individual customer’s order will be fulfilled. We share your frustration about this uncertainty and apologize for the distress it has caused some of you.

We are in contact with Nikon USA daily and continue to press them to deliver as many cameras as possible to us and to do so as quickly as possible. We renew our promise to you that we will fulfill your orders in the chronological order we received them."

From B&H

Related posts:

1. Amazon now shipping Nikon D800 pre-orders
2. Nikon canceling back orders in the US
3. Nikon D4 and D800 pre-orders are back on Amazon with a March 20th release date

Can you spot the problem?

In a statement to PDN Online, Nikon USA acknowledged the D4/D800 lockup issue that I reported a month ago (several readers and other websites have reported similar issues). Nikon is currently working on a permanent solution, in the mean time you can turn off both the 'Highlights' and 'RGB Histogram' display options in order to avoid this problem:

"Nikon has received reports of a small number of D4/D800 users who are experiencing 'locking up' issues, where the camera becomes unresponsive until the battery is removed and reinserted. Nikon is investigating a permanent solution to this issue and will update users accordingly. To immediately resolve this issue, users can turn off both the 'Highlights' and 'RGB Histogram' display options in the 'Playback Display Options' sub-menu found in the 'Playback' menu. Nikon apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused users."

Today Fstoppers reported another D800 focus/viewfinder issue that was also confirmed by Nikon:

"I didn’t believe my buddy when he told me that his brand new Nikon D800 viewfinder was always out of focus. I assumed that he had the diopter out of whack. It wasn’t until I used the camera myself that I realized there was a serious problem. The camera was sent back to Nikon for repair and he received the camera back last week with the same issue. After sending it back a second time, Nikon has admitted that “a run” of D800s have an issue with viewfinder alignment."

Here is an example sent in by a reader:

In addition to this blog post, there is an entire thread on the [NR] forum for all D4/D800 related issues.

Related posts:

1. Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII thread issue: “that is normal”
2. Nikon claims that the greenish D4/D800 LCD screen is more accurate than the D3s/D700
3. Nikon D800 locks up?

After Hugyfot and Nauticam, Ikelite also announced their underwater housing for Nikon D800/D800E DSLR cameras. The MSRP is $1600 which makes it the cheapest solution compared to other manufacturers. The depth rating is 200ft (60m).

Main features:

• Access to all important camera functions
• Capable of electrical TTL strobe exposure
• Comfortable rubber grips
• Glass optical viewfinder enhanced for underwater
• Visible o-ring seals
• Corrosion-proof solid body
• Ports available for most popular lenses
• Lens zoom gears included with housing
• 200ft (60m) depth rating

Specifications:

Related posts:

1. Ikelite underwater housing for Nikon D5100?
2. Nauticam releases NA-D800 underwater housing for Nikon D800
3. Sea&Sea MDX-D800: another underwater housing for Nikon D800 coming soon

After Nikon UK raised the prices of the D4 and D800, they are now offering a new cashback program (up to £180) when you purchase a D4/D800/D800E together with a new FX lens. The claim form can be found here. The eligible lenses are:

• AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G: £100 cashback
• AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G: £80 cashback
• AF-S 16-35mm f/4G: £75 cashback
• AF-S 24-120mm f/4G: £75 cashback
• AF-S 28-300mm: £60 cashback
• AF-S 105mm Micro f/2.8G: £50 cashback
• AF-S 50mm f/1.4: £35 cashback

Related posts:

1. More Nikon D800/D800E specs
2. Nikon D60 cashback offer in the UK
3. Nikon D800/D800E cost to dealers in the US

BestBuy now lists the Nikon D800 as available for order, but not available for shipping (it was listed as "sold out online" yesterday). You can check the "Shipping & Availability" link for the stores in your area where you can pick up the camera after purchasing it online. All stores in my area did not have any in stock, but you may get lucky. I believe the second shipment of D800 cameras is now hitting US stores - several non-NPS readers have already reported receiving their camera in the past few days. BestBuy doesn't keep a pre-order list, so there is a good chance that you may find one.

The Nikon D4 is still listed as "sold out online" but some readers were able to purchase it from BestBuy's website few days ago.

Related posts:

1. Nikon D800 available for pre-order at BestBuy
2. Nikon D800E available for order on BestBuy.com, will ship in 5-7 days
3. Some BestBuy stores got the Nikon D7000 already, but you cannot see/buy it yet

Nauticam officially announced the NA-D800 underwater housing for Nikon D800. With a depth rating of 100m and retail price of $3600, the NA-D800 will start shipping on May 11, 2012.

Press release:

Innovation Underwater

As the international leader in innovative underwater housing technology, Nauticam is pleased to announce the latest release in its acclaimed line of precision crafted camera housings. The NA-D800 breaks new ground in ergonomic functions, extensive control options and ease of operation while upholding the robust quality standards that have become a hallmark of the Nauticam brand. There are numerous significant advancements on this housing creating what should prove to be one of the most powerful systems to ever go beneath the surface. Equally remarkable is the design, engineering and manufacturing team at Nauticam who have managed to enter production of this exceptional housing less than six weeks from the delivery of the first camera bodies. Only with the immense technical and intellectual resources at the Nauticam facilities could such an achievement be possible and everyone at Nauticam takes great pride in this significant accomplishment.

Nikon D800

Few cameras have been as broadly anticipated as Nikon’s new D800 entry into the full frame (FX) DSLR camera line up. The 36.3 megapixel CMOS sensor is currently the highest resolution available in any 35mm format and the rest of the camera specs are accordingly impressive. 30/24 FPS 1080p video, 51-point auto focus, 91,000 pixel metering system and a more refined tool suite are welcome improvements. DxOMark recently awarded the D800 the highest scores of any sensor that they have tested, even besting more expensive medium format offerings. This new Nikon should prove to be an excellent choice for professionals and serious enthusiasts who can take advantage of the camera’s exceptional resolving power.

Nauticam NA-D800

The NA-D800 is an evolutionary marvel of everything Nauticam users have come to appreciate from the brand with several revolutionary new features added. The industry leading innovations of recent Nauticam housings are obvious with the easy and secure latching system, unrivalled port locking lever system and the superb interchangeable viewfinders. The award winning ergonomics of previous housings have been retained with subtle refinements wherever appropriate. The NA-D800 supports both the Nikon D800 and D800E cameras.

Creative Potential at Your Fingertips

Designed by photographers for photographers, the NA-D800 puts the controls that matter where they can readily be used. Gripping the familiar rubberized handles is now more akin to a Formula One race car wheel with a panoply of tools a finger or thumb tip away. While never releasing grip, the right forefinger activates Nauticam’s patented two stage shutter release and a newly designed control for the sub-command dial with more precise refinement. The right thumb can quickly activate a new double paddle lever assembly engaging the record function on top and the AF-ON feature on the bottom lever. A similar two paddle arrangement is placed for the left thumb to instantly activate the playback button and most importantly the ISO control. This critical development substantially enhances video capability as ISO variation is essential to video exposure control. The easily reached live view button and live view selector have made switching from shooting stills to video and back again easier than ever, while most settings in each mode are preserved. Finally there is a housing that empowers video capability as much as still photography.

Unlocking the D800’s Power

In an impressive engineering breakthrough, Nauticam has patents pending on a new Multi Controller Pad located within easy reach of the right thumb. The device virtually recreates the Nikon multi selector on the back of the NA-D800 housing allowing full multidirectional use of this powerful tool. Amazingly, all 51 focus points can now be reached by a direct approach – even on a diagonal. All of the other scroll and select functions are equally enhanced without ever having to move from one button to another in the traditional fashion.
Nauticam housings have always been renowned for excellent camera controls, which have continued to evolve for the new NA-D800. The size and function of the main command dial wheel has been improved to more naturally and accurately make adjustments with the right thumb. Exposure Compensation is easily accessible to the right hand, as is the metering selector control. Shooting modes are the province of the left hand through the release mode dial, as is the focus mode selector and AF button. A flash mode selector button and a flash off lever allow users to instantly switch from firing strobes to ambient light photography (and back) when utilizing fiber optic synch cords. Of course, all the requisite function buttons are appropriately positioned around the easily viewed LCD window and will work as well at a 100 meters as they do at the surface.

The Best Standard Features in the Business

Nauticam pioneered numerous engineering breakthroughs in previous housings that now come standard on the NA-D800. The patented housing Locking Latch System has received acclaim worldwide for its ease and functionality. These recessed latches are equipped with safety locks, reduce bulk and require minimal physical effort to engage and release.

Port changes have never been simpler than utilizing the Patented Nauticam Locking Port Release. No wrestling, no twisting, no misalignment - just seat and lock. Lens changes are also easily accomplish without removing the camera from the housing with the lens release button logically accessed on the housing front.
The lightweight, rugged Nauticam handles are generously contoured with a durable over-mold process of comfortable non-slip rubber. Virtually any hand size can be accommodated with spacers available for cold water glove use.

All Nauticam housings are machined from a solid block of seawater resistant aluminum alloy and then hard anodized making them impervious to corrosion. Hardware is marine grade stainless steel. Clear acrylic windows are protected with a scratch resistant coating.

Precision Takes Vision

A super high resolution camera like the Nikon D800 demands perfect focus for optimal results. Fortunately, Nauticam has developed the most user-friendly interchangeable precision viewfinders in the world. The standard optical glass viewfinder is very good and travel friendly, but many photographers prefer the ease of a magnified viewfinder with adjustable diopter. Nauticam produces a “straight” 180* enlarging viewfinder and a 45* angled enlarging viewfinder to enhance the ease of close quarters work often associated with macro shooting. Both viewfinders have high quality optics allow viewing of the entire image. A patented external dioptric adjustment allows personal adjustment to a sharp-as-a-tack standard underwater and viewfinder changes can be executed in less than 30 seconds without using tools. Exceptional composition and focus accuracy have never been more accessible.

Nauticam Enlightenment

Lighting control is key to any successful underwater photography system. All Nauticam housings are fiber optic ready with two secure threaded FO synch connectors. The Nauticam system fiber optic cables are compatible with Inon S-TTL and Sea & Sea DS-TTL and provide excellent results with a number of these manufacturer’s strobes with no electrical connections to flood. For those desiring an electrical Nikonos, S-6 or Ikelite style synch port, a Nauticam bulkhead is available that can easily be installed or removed in the field.

Accessories to Achieve Imaging Excellence

Nauticam has the most extensive line of high quality optical ports available anywhere and any existing Nauticam DSLR ports will fit the NA-D800. This port line-up includes the award winning Nauticam White Balance Dome Port with a patented built-in white balance iris that makes in-water white balancing a breeze. Nauticam also provides the industry’s only locking extension rings in every size potentially required, thus preventing port slippage of any kind when using extension rings. Nauticam additionally offers a full range of port adapters allowing existing housing owners to use their current ports, reducing the cost of switching to a Nauticam housing. Port Adapters are available for Aquatica, Ikelite, Inon, Nexus M5 & M6, Sea & Sea NX, Seacam, Subal Version 3 & 4, and Zillion lens ports.

The Ultimate Video Package

If the substantial video capabilities of the D800 are of primary importance, Nauticam’s NA-DP4 housing for the Small HD Monitor can take video performance to another level. The monitor housing easily mounts to the top of the NA-D800 and utilizes the optional HDMI Bulkhead for true HDMI connectivity. Utilizing DP4 features like Focus Peaking, Focus Assist, False Color, 1:1 Mapping and more, this larger monitor vastly improves composition, focus capability and exposure.

Specifications
* Depth Rating: 100m
* Dimensions (with handles mounted): 194mm x 351mm x 134mm
* Weight: 2.81kg (6.1 lbs.)

Standard Features
* Patented Locking Port Release Lever
* Sensitive Two Stage Shutter Release Lever
* Optical Strobe Connectors
* Rubberized Ergonomic Grips
* Customizable Accessory Port (allowing use of optional Nikonos, S6, or Ikelite Strobe Connectors, Hydrophone, HDMI Video Out, or Remote Control Connectors)
* Embossed Control Function Labels
* Quick Release Camera Mounting Shoe
* Lens Release Button
* Four Strobe & Accessory Base Mounting Locations
* Complete Access to All Key Camera Controls
* .66x Optical Pickup Finder (Enhanced 180º Viewfinder or 45º Viewfinder optional)

Model Number: 17209
USA Retail Price: $3600
Estimated Shipping Date: May 11, 2012

Related posts:

1. Sea&Sea MDX-D800: another underwater housing for Nikon D800 coming soon
2. Nauticam NA-D7000V – updated underwater housing for Nikon D7000
3. Nauticam announces NA-V1 underwater housing for Nikon V1 camera

Today Nikon recalled some of the EN-EL15 rechargeable Li-ion batteries ($64.95) that are used with the Nikon D7000, D800, D800E and Nikon 1 V1 cameras. The described reason for the recall is overheating. There were no overheating cases reported from users, the problem has been discovered during the manufacturing process.

How to check your battery - check the 9th digit of the lot number as indicated below:

If the 9th digit of the lot number is E or F, you must replace your battery. The support article is currently available only on Nikon Europe and will probably be published on Nikon USA site tomorrow.

Update: here is the Nikon USA service advisory page.

Related posts:

1. Another Nikon D5000 recall or just a scam?
2. Official statement from Nikon on second D5000 recall
3. Battery for Nikon D900, this time in print

Nikon's response on the green cast present in the D4/D800 LCD screen is that this is not a defect. According to emails from tech support, the D800/D4 LCD displays are more accurate and set to have a better colors reproduction. The display color temperatures in the older D3s/D700 models were slightly higher which made the images to appear somewhat bluish. In other words, the problem is not with the D4/D800 but rather with the D3s/D700 - the new Nikon cameras have a more precise reproduction of white and colors (as defined by the sRGB color space) visible to the naked eye when compared to earlier models.

There is a separate thread on the NR Forum for D4/D800 issues reported by readers.

Images credit: Benjamin Brolet

Related posts:

1. Nikon D800 vs. D700 size comparison
2. Nikon D800 vs. Nikon D700 high ISO comparison
3. Nikon D800 vs. D700 body and grip comparison plus a poll

DxOMark just published their Canon EOS 5D Mark III test results and the Nikon D800 scored better in every category, including low light ISO capabilities. The D800 got the highest score ever given by DxOMark by even topping medium format cameras costing 10 times more.

With a DxOMark Score of 81 points, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III edges out the Canon 1Ds Mark III (80 points) by one point and gains two points on its predecessor, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II (79 points), putting it in 10th place overall (for all cameras) in the DxOMark rankings.

“Canon achieves its best Score with its new 22-megapixel sensor, although the difference is very slight with respect to the former number one sensor, the Canon 1Ds Mark III,” observed Frédéric Guichard, DxO Labs’ Scientific Director. “Even though Canon achieves the same performance as Nikon in terms of sensitivity, Canon is still behind its competitor in terms of dynamic range, Nikon apparently having taken advantage of the latest sensor enhancements that improve the handling of dark noise.”

Here are some more detailed comparisons between the D800 and the 5D MarkIII:

BTW, with the 5D Mark II Canon got thei highest DxOMark score ever:

Related posts:

1. Nikon D800 tested at DxOMark, gets the #1 spot
2. Nikon D4 tested at DxOMark, gets second best overall score
3. Nikon D800 vs. Canon EOS 5D Mark III specs comparison

The first Nikon D800E cameras were already received in the US - here is the first unboxing video which makes it all official The US version will NOT include a free copy of the Capture NX2 software.

Related posts:

1. First Nikon D800E gets unboxed in Europe, includes Capture NX2
2. Nikon D700 full-frame DSLR gets unboxed on video
3. More Nikon D800/D800E specs

The first Nikon D800E cameras are already shipping in Europe and as you can see from the images, they include a license key for Capture NX2 - a $135 value, which is almost half of the premium over a regular D800 model.

More D800E unboxing images taken at Foto Hans Keuzekamp after the break:

Related posts:

1. First Nikon D800E cameras already received in the US, gets promptly unboxed on video
2. Nikon SB-910 Speedlight flash now shipping in Europe
3. Nikon D800E priced at $3,300? (unconfirmed)

Hugyfot underwater housing prototype for Nikon D800

Hugyfot underwater housing prototype for Nikon D800

The first underwater housing prototypes for Nikon D800 and D4 cameras are already out and they look slick. I was told that the Hugyfot housing for D800 will cost "only" €2,850 including VAT (around $3,700). Hugyfot showed also those 3D rendering for the D4 housing at the London Dive Show:

Hugyfot underwater housing prototype for Nikon D4

Hugyfot underwater housing prototype for Nikon D4

Nauticam already has a working prototype of an underwater housing for Nikon D4:

Nauticam underwater housing prototype for Nikon D4

Via Wetpixel

Related posts:

1. Sea&Sea MDX-D800: another underwater housing for Nikon D800 coming soon
2. Ikelite announced underwater housing for the Nikon D800/D800E
3. Nikon’s solution to prevent condensation in underwater camera housings

Nikon Japan issued a statement that the D800E pre-orders/reservations have greatly exceeded the amount of produced cameras and they apologize for the inconvenience/delay. Nikon issued a similar statement for the D800 a month ago. I expect the first D800E shipments in the US to start early next week and will probably again be distributed to NPS members, unless you pre-ordered from Amazon who it seems does not skip their waiting list in order to ship NPS priority.

I also believe that with the D800E there will be a new shipment of D800/D4 cameras to be distributed to authorized dealers next week. Keep in mind that there are still not-fulfilled NPS orders for those cameras.

Related posts:

1. Nikon D800/D800E cost to dealers in the US
2. More Nikon D800/D800E specs
3. Nikon D800/D800E user’s manual now available for download

Nikon D800 vs. D3s and D7000 by Cary Jordan (Web | Flickr | Personal FB page |The Jordan Collective’s FB Page | Twitter)

There is no question the Nikon D800/E is a spectacular camera. But just how well does the D800 stack-up against the venerable Nikon D3s? What about in DX crop mode; how well does it fare against the D7000? We now know the new Nikon D800 has a bad case of multiple personality disorder. The D800 is several different cameras, rolled-up into one very sleek and attractive body.

Let's examine just how well the D800 performs when down-sampled to 12.1 megapixels to match the un-defeated high-ISO king, the Nikon D3s. In addition to this comparison, we're also going to put the Nikon D800 against the current APS-C DX crop champion, the Nikon D7000.

Nikon D800 vs. Nikon D3s

The D800/E is capable of achieving amazing amounts of detail at its native resolution of 36.3 million pixels. This is great for studio and landscape work or anything that warrants this kind of resolution. However, the final output doesn't always need to be the native resolution of 36.3 MP. What we've found is the D800 has excellent Dynamic Range combined with excellent high-ISO noise characteristics, giving us the ability to down-sample when need-be, while retaining all of the high-frequency detail captured by the high-resolution sensor. We know that down-sampling an image helps to reduce noise (especially luminance noise), so we reap the benefits of lower noise and better detail, while retaining the D800's excellent Dynamic Range (DR) when down-sampling. A down-sampled image that has more high-frequency detail is a better candidate for noise-reduction via software (Lightroom 4, Topaz DeNoise...etc) and can handle more aggressive noise reduction, while still retaining high-frequency detail that's usually lost during aggressive noise-reduction.

For this comparison, we shot both cameras at the same respective exposure, ISO, aperture and white balance and set both cameras to the "STANDARD" Picture Control with no additional capture sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation or hue. Both cameras were shot in RAW(NEF) format and developed into a high-quality 8 bit JPEG format using Capture NX2 with zero High-ISO Noise Reduction.  The D800 shots were then opened in Photoshop and down-sampled using Photoshop's "Bicubic Sharper" algorithm to 4256 x 2840 px to match the D3s' native resolution. No other sharpening was performed (click on any image to enlarge it).

D3s vs D800 12mp ISO1600 Crop 1

D3s vs D800 12mp ISO3200 Crop 1

D3s vs D800 12mp ISO6400 Crop 1

D3s vs D800 12mp ISO12800 Crop 1

D3s vs D800 12mp ISO25600 Crop 1

As you can clearly discern, the D800 image retains much more high-frequency detail throughout the ISO range. The D3s does beat the D800 in luminance noise by about a third-stop, with chrominance noise being significantly worse in the D800's files above ISO-12800. As stated above, the D800's file can handle much more aggressive noise reduction, while retaining much of its detail, which will result in a better overall file than the D3s until about ISO-25,600. At this point, the D800's files are riddled with amp noise which is destroying most of the high-frequency detail advantage it had over the D3s, making the D3s a better option from ISO-25,600 and up (The only way the D800 can go above ISO-25600 is by "pushing" in post).

While the D800's DR is supremely impressive at base ISO (ISO-100) to about ISO-800 (about 14.3EV @ ISO-100), it falls off at higher ISOs. This is where the D3s shines; the D3s has less DR fall-off at upper ISOs, but several stops less DR at base ISO as compared to the D800.

While the D800 doesn't quite beat the D3s in high-ISO noise handling when down-sampled to 12.1 MP (without noise reduction), the D800 will clearly out-perform the D3/D700 sensor in noise, sharpness, detail and DR, at every ISO, when down-sampled to the same resolution of 12.1 MP.

Let's look at a different set of D800 vs. D3s crops, this time focusing on the high-frequency detail in the books on the bottom shelf.

D3s vs D800 12mp ISO1600 Crop 2

D3s vs D800 12mp ISO3200 Crop 2

D3s vs D800 12mp ISO6400 Crop 2

D3s vs D800 12mp ISO12800 Crop 2

D3s vs D800 12mp ISO25600 Crop 2

Once again, you can clearly see the high-frequency detail advantage the D800 has over the D3s, when down-sampled to 12.1 million pixels. Look at the dark brown book on the left side of each crop; the D800 clearly renders the detailed fabric cross-hatching @ ISO-12800 and can just barely be seen @ ISO-25600. The D800 files are sharper and retain more high-frequency details at every ISO.

Nikon D800 vs. Nikon D7000

While the D800/E is 36.3 MP in FX mode, the D800/E has a DX (1.5x crop) mode, which is 15.4 MP. The Nikon D7000 is a 16.2 MP APS-C DX format camera that currently sits atop the APS-C camera heap, having the best performing APS-C sensor in the world, based on the Sony Exmor 16.2 MP sensor (this 16.2 Sony Exmor sensor is used in several other cameras on the market). Since the D800 has a DX crop mode that's roughly the same resolution as the D7000's sensor, we wanted to see how the D800 performed in comparison to the D7000. Please keep in-mind, the D7000 does have a slightly higher resolution, although not by much.

The D800 has a pixel pitch of 4.88µm, while the D7000 has a pixel pitch of 4.78µm, the .10µm is almost insignificant, which means the pixel pitch is roughly the same in both cameras, with the D800 having a slightly larger pixel pitch. This also helps us come to the conclusion that the D800/E sensor is based on a Sony Exmor design, although this is still yet to be confirmed, but is widely rumored to be true.

As with the D800 vs. D3s comparison, we shot both cameras at the same respective exposure, ISO, aperture and white balance and set both cameras to the "STANDARD" Picture Control with no additional capture sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation or hue. Both cameras were shot in RAW(NEF) format and developed into a high-quality 8 bit JPEG format using Capture NX2 with zero High-ISO Noise Reduction. No other sharpening or post-production was performed.

Let's examine the D800 vs. D7000 image comparisons (click on any image to enlarge it):

D800 vs D7K ISO1600 Crop

D800 vs D7K ISO3200 Crop

D800 vs D7K ISO6400 Crop

D800 vs D7K ISO12800 Crop

D800 vs D7K ISO25600 Crop

As you can see, the D800 does out-perform the D7000 at every ISO, although in luminance noise, they are closer at lower ISOs. Where the D800 shines is sharpness, micro-contrast and chrominance noise. Even with the D7000 having slightly better resolution, the D800 has much better effective resolution, which shows as a sharper image and better high-frequency detail. Not only does the D800 out-perform the D7000 in detail, micro-contrast and luminance noise, the D800 has significantly less chrominance noise. This is exaggerated as the ISO rises. An example of this can be seen below.

The D800's sharper image and more high-frequency detail might point to a weaker OLPF (Optical Low-Pass Filter a.k.a. AA-Filter) on the D800. The D800E would reveal even more sharpness, micro-contrast and high-frequency detail as compared to the D7000, due to its Anti-Aliasing characteristics being canceled-out in the D800E's OLPF filter stack.

Example of D800 vs. D7000 chrominance noise at ISO-25600:

Nikon D800 vs. D7000 ISO-25600

I've made the full-resolution images available at the bottom of this article, I highly suggest the images to be downloaded and compared full-size, for full-effect. Looking especially at the more finely detailed writing on the book ends.

Conclusion

The D800 is an extremely versatile camera that can provide amazing 36.3 MP files in full-frame FX mode, whilst containing the ability to moon-light as the best APS-C DX format camera on the market. The D800/E has several other crop modes as well as the DX crop mode discussed here, which helps to make the D800/E one of the most versatile cameras on the market today.

A full review of the D800/D800E and D4 is coming soon as well as comparisons between the D800, D800E, D4 and D3s.

The D800 used in this particular test was sourced from Robert's Camera.

Full size Nikon D800 vs. D3s images:

Full size Nikon D800 vs. D7000 images:

Related posts:

1. Nikon D800 vs. Nikon D700 high ISO comparison
2. Another Nikon D700 vs. Nikon D800 high ISO comparison
3. Nikon D800 vs. D700 body and grip comparison plus a poll

Nikon D800 sensor unit

In today's guest post, Jinn Leong is explaining why  Motion blur, diffraction and noise are not impacted by high megapixel count (in our case the Nikon D800):

Diffraction
Diffraction depends on the lens, not the sensor. A higher megapixel count won’t increase diffraction. There’s a common misconception that a higher megapixel count increases diffraction because most of the time, images are examined at 100%. If you normalized the images from two cameras with the same lens to the same pixel count/print size, you’ll realize that both of the images have the same amount of diffraction.

Motion blur
Motion blur depends on the field of view. So, a higher megapixel count won’t increase motion blur. Of course, at 100% magnification, motion blur is more visible. If both are displayed at the same size, there will not be more motion blur.

Noise
Ever realized why there are two types of charts in DxOMark – Screen and Print? That’s because screen displays the chart information for images tested at 100% resolution. Instead, print is tested at 8 megapixels. DxOMark does this because they know if they examined/compared pictures from different cameras, the camera with a lower pixel count will definitely have an advantage at 100%. That’s why those test charts on the net aren’t an accurate way to compare sensors. The best way to compare sensors is to compare their pictures at the same display size. If displayed at a lower resolution, the SNR performance will increase. The effect is similar to pixel binning.

Many are misleaded by many review sites who compare 100% crops, and so are effectively comparing the amount of noise per pixel, even when those pixels represent different percentage of the total image. Moreover, the microlens design have already reduced the loss of light from gaps between photosites, so the advantage of a lower pixel count sensor is reduced.

File size & Frame per second (FPS)
This can be solved with pixel binning, but there’s no pixel binning feature in Nikon D800 for stills. For JPEG users, just shoot at a lower resolution.

Conclusion
Therefore, motion blur, diffraction and noise is not a problem. File size and FPS is still an issue though. Computer are getting cheaper nowadays, a $1000 computer could easily handle the files. 4 FPS is actually not bad too, and professionals sports photographers used to shoot at 4.5 FPS. The higher resolution will serve you well when you need it, and you don't actually need to compromise your daily shooting just to utilize all of the resolution unless you need them.

Related posts:

1. Hacking the Digital: Stills in Motion (guest post by Andrew Kornylak)
2. Nikon in space: new NightPod intelligent tripod compensates for motion when taking images from space
3. Nikon’s financial results may be impacted by the flooding in Thailand

I reported this rumor over a year ago - similar to previous Nikon professional cameras, the latest full frame DSLR models were also designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. You can see the D4 and D800 pages on italdesign.it.

Here is an old interview with Giorgetto Giugiaro on the Nikon D3 design:

Related posts:

1. Nikon D4 designed by Giugiaro?
2. Nikon UK increased the price of the D4 and D800 cameras?
3. Nikon Sendai to produce 30,000 D800 and 5,000 D4 cameras per month

Can you spot the problem?

I have noticed that the Nikon D800 locks up and the only way to reset it is to take the battery out. This happened to me several times while shooting with different lenses. Has anyone experienced this issue? I have not seen this problem being mentioned anywhere online.

On the above picture you see that the camera is turned off, while the LCD screen is still on.

Related posts:

1. Nikon acknowledges the D4/D800 lockup issue, offers temporary fix
2. Nikon D800 issues
3. Nikon claims that the greenish D4/D800 LCD screen is more accurate than the D3s/D700