En route— 36-megapixel Nikon D800
I have a Nikon D800 showing upon Thursday April 5, probably late in the day. I’ll be launching right into shooting and posting at least some material very quickly as I know many readers are eager to see what it can deliver.
Bookmark and check my Nikon gear page for availability status (updated every 20 minutes, usually more timely than even the B&H notify mails).
If you’re getting a D800 / D800E, then consider my very approachable (by beginners) yet in depth (for professionals) Making Sharp Images— an investment that will pay dividends many times over.
I’m also really looking forward to seeing how the Zeiss 15mm f/2.8 Distagon performs on the D800, and I’ll be posting some images in my Guide to Zeiss ZF / ZE Lenses, as well as (over time), updating all the lenses with examples from the D800. That will take some months and several trips to do to my satisfaction however. And most of that work I will defer until I have the Nikon D800E in my hands, so that the lenses can show their very best.
I’m not assuming the Nikon D800 will be without issues, and I have not recommended the Nikon D800 or D800E, nor will I do so until I have an satisfied myself that it is a move forward over the outstanding Nikon D3x. Read more on that topic and about Canon EOS in my March 28 blog post.
Every camera has issues of some kind, and it might well be that my trusty Nikon D3x will remain Nikon’s best camera as a complete camera. Though I remain optimistic on the D800.
My initial focus with the D800 will be:
- Detailing any egregious design issues.
- Assessing the maximum sharpness possible at low ISO using the very best lenses.
- Assessing the overall color and dynamic range; is it pleasing and wonderful or something else not so inspiring.
- General noise behavior, not so much how much noise, but how free of pattern and streaking noise.
- Within a few days, comparing the 85/1.4G to the new 85/1.8G.
The D800 is an exciting development. Not just megapixels, but megapixels with high color quality and dynamic range and well controlled noise. Or so it seems. Shortly, I will know and show.
- Nikon D800 Focusing Screens
- Nikon D800 — Could Have Its Own Issues
- Choosing between the Nikon D800 or Nikon D800E
- Nikon D800 / D800E — Which Nikon Lenses?
- Nikon D800 / D800E — Lens Requirements for 36 Megapixels
- 36MP Nikon D800 / D800E — Technique and Tolerances
- Diffraction, Sharpness and Nikon D800E
- Comparing 36 Megapixels: Nikon D800 vs Leica S2?
- Reader Asks: Zeiss 50mm f/2 Makro-Planar on Nikon D800?
- Reader asks: Will Moiré Be Fully Correctable on the D800E?
- My Thoughts on D800/D800E Features
- Nikon D800 / D800E — Which Nikon Lenses?
- Is Binning an Option in RAW for D800? What About Computer Speed for 36MP?
- Why Both a D800 and D800E?
- Nikon D800E — Nikon’s Sample Photos
- Nikon D800E: Moiré
- 36-Megapixel Nikon D800 and D800E
Related items
See also Making Sharp Images.
- Lens Performance: What Matters
- Which Wide-Angle Lens is Best?
- Blur Can Be Beautiful
- Lenses as an Investment; Electronic Lenses vs Manual Control.
- My Reference Lenses For Testing Sharpness.
- Shooting a New Lens — Focus.
- What Does Depth of Field Mean on a 36 Megapixel Camera?
- Reader Comments on Lens Reviews.
See also the blog reverse-chronological index.