Nikon today announced the D800 HD-SLR, engineered to
provide extreme resolution, image quality and video
features optimized for professional photographers and
videographers.
The Nikon D800 is equipped with a high resolution
36.3-megapixel (7360 x 4912 resolution) FX-format CMOS
sensor, the latest 91,000-pixel 3D Color Matrix
Metering III and the Advanced Scene Recognition
System, coupled with an improved 51-point AF system
for images with sharpness, color and clarity.
Professional videographers will appreciate practical
features that go beyond NIKKOR lens compatibility and
Full HD 1080p video, such as full manual control,
uncompressed HDMI output, and low-light video
capability. All of this is driven by Nikon's latest
EXPEED 3 image processing engine.
For shooting with minimal noise in a variety of
lighting conditions, the D800 features a wide native
ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 50 (Lo-1)-25,600
(Hi-2). Internal sensor design, an enhanced optical
low pass filter (OLPF) and 14 bit A/D conversion with
a high signal to noise ratio all contribute to a
sensor capable of low light ability despite the
extreme resolution. Images are further routed through
a 16-bit image processing pipeline. To further enhance
versatility, users are also able to shoot in
additional modes and aspect ratios such as 5:4 to
easily frame for printed portraits or a 1.2X crop for
a slight telephoto edge. For even more versatility,
photographers can also take advantage of Nikon
DX-format lenses for more lens options and enhanced
focal range (1.5X), while still retaining sharpness
and details at a high 15.4-megapixel (4800x3200)
resolution.
The D800 also features the Advanced Scene Recognition
System with the 91,000-pixel 3D Color Matrix Meter III
to provide metering in even the most challenging of
lighting conditions. At the system's core is a newly
designed RGB sensor that meticulously analyzes each
scene, recognizes factors such as color and brightness
with precision and then compares all the data using
Nikon's 30,000 image database. Additionally, this new
sensor now has the ability to detect human faces with
startling accuracy, even when shooting through the
optical viewfinder. This feature is coupled with
detailed scene analysis for more accurate autofocus
(AF), Auto exposure (AE), i-TTL flash control and even
enhanced subject tracking. The Color Matrix Meter also
emphasizes priority on exposure of the detected faces,
allowing for correct exposure even when the subject is
backlit.
The camera also features a new enhanced auto white
balance system that more accurately recognizes both
natural and artificial light sources, and also gives
the user the option to retain the warmth of ambient
lighting. Users can expand dynamic range with
in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture, and
enjoy the benefits of Nikon?s Active D-lighting for
balanced exposure. Another new feature is direct
access to Nikon's Picture Control presets via a
dedicated button on the back of the body to tweak
photo and video parameters on the fly, such as
sharpness, hue and saturation.
Filmmakers have the choice of various resolutions and
frame rates, including Full HD 1080 at 30/24p and HD
720 at 60/30p. By utilizing the B-Frame data
compression method, users can record H.264/MPEG-4 AVC
format video with integrity for up to 29:59 minutes
per clip (normal quality). Users are also able to
have full manual control of exposure, and can also
adjust the camera's power aperture setting in live
view for an accurate representation of the depth of
field in a scene. Whether shooting for depth of field
in FX-format mode, or looking for the extra 1.5X
telephoto benefits of DX mode, the high resolution
sensor of the D800 allows videographers to retain full
1080p HD resolution no matter which mode they choose
to best suit the scene. Users are also able to easily
compose and check critical HD focus through the
921,000-dot, 3.2-inch LCD monitor with reinforced
glass, automatic monitor brightness control, and wide
viewing angle.
For professional and broadcast applications that call
for outboard digital recorders or external monitors,
users can stream an uncompressed full HD signal
directly out of the camera via the HDMI port (8 bit,
4:2:2). This output signal can be ported into a
display or digital recording device or routed through
a monitor and then to the recording device,
eliminating the need for multiple connections. This
image can also be simultaneously viewed on both the
camera's LCD and an external monitor, while
eliminating on-screen camera status data for streaming
purposes. The D800 also includes features concentrated
on audio quality, such as a dedicated headphone jack
for monitoring of audio levels while recording. Audio
output levels can be adjusted with 30 steps for
precise audio adjustment and monitoring. The D800
offers high-fidelity audio recording control with
audio levels that can be set and monitored on the
camera's LCD screen. A microphone connected via the
stereo mic jack can also be adjusted with up to 20
steps of sensitivity for accurate sound reproduction.
What?s more, recording can be set to be activated
through the shutter button, opening a world of remote
applications through the 10-pin accessory terminal.
Nikon has enhanced the Multi-Cam 3500-FX AF sensor
module and algorithms to significantly improve low
light acquisition, for precise focus to an impressive
-2 exposure value (EV). The focus system utilizes 15
cross-type AF sensors for enhanced accuracy, and the
system also places an emphasis on the human face,
working in conjunction with the Advanced Scene
Recognition System to provide accurate face detection
even through the optical viewfinder. The camera also
utilizes nine cross-type sensors that are fully
functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and
teleconverters with an aperture value up to f/8, which
is an advantage to those who need extreme telephoto
focal lengths (single cross type sensor active with
TC20E III).
The camera is ready to shoot in 0.12 seconds, and is
ready to capture with super-fast AF and response
speed. To photograph action in a burst, the camera
shoots up to 4 frames per second (fps) in FX mode at
full resolution, or up to a speedy 6 fps in DX mode
using the optional MB-D12 Battery Pack and compatible
battery. Further enhancing the speed of the camera and
overall workflow, the D800 utilizes the new USB 3.0
standard for ultra fast transfer speeds.
The camera's chassis is constructed of magnesium alloy
and is sealed and gasketed for resistance to dirt and
moisture. Users are able to easily compose through the
bright optical viewfinder, which offers 100% frame
coverage. For storage, the D800 has dual card slots
for CF and SD cards, and offers users the ability to
record backup, overflow, RAW/JPEG separation, and the
additional option of shooting stills to one and video
to the other. For high speed recording and transfer,
data can be recorded to recent UDMA-7 and SDXC / UHS-1
cards. The shutter has been tested to withstand
approximately 200,000 cycles, and the camera also
employs sensor cleaning. The D800 also features a
built-in flash and is compatible with Nikon's Creative
Lighting System, including a built-in Commander mode
for controlling wireless Speedlights.
In addition to the D800, Nikon will also be releasing
a supplementary model for those professionals who
demand even higher resolution and D-SLR versatility;
the D800E. This alternative model will effectively
enhance the resolution characteristics of the
36.3-megapixel CMOS sensor by cancelling the
anti-aliasing properties of the OLPF inside the
camera. By doing this, light is delivered directly to
the photodiodes, yielding an image resulting from the
raw light gathering properties of the camera. A color
moir? correction tool will also be available within
Capture NX2 to enhance the D800E photographer?s
workflow.
The Nikon D800 will be available in late March for the
suggested retail price of $2999.95. The D800E version
will be available in mid April 2012 for a suggested
retail price of $3,299.95.