Nikon D800 combines medium format quality, HD filmmaking in one DSLR
Nikon D800 combines medium format quality, HD filmmaking in one DSLR

                      
                      
          Nikon on Monday announced the D800 digital SLR camera, the newest addition to its professional DSLR line up. Boasting a 36.3 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, high ISO shooting capabilities, and a variety of high definition video modes, the D800 leapfrogs well beyond its predecessor, the D700, as well as anything else in the 35mm format, to offer resolution approaching that of $10,000+ medium format cameras.
Like the flagship D4 announced in January, the D800 uses a 51-point autofocus system that is sensitive down to -2EV. It also has the new 91,000 pixel 3D color matrix metering and Advanced Scene Recognition System that compares the image in the viewfinder with a database of previously captured images and their exposure settings. The D800 retains the standard DSLR size of the D700, wrapped in magnesium alloy, but its corners and curves have been rounded in line with the design of the D4.

    
          
                  
          
    
    
      The D800 is sort of a combination of styling between its predecessor, the D700, and it's big brother, the D4.

              
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          Nikon

                      
                  
          
  
        
            

Where the D800 primarily differs from the D4, at least as far as performance is concerned, is in its 36.3MP, 7360 x 4912 pixel, full-frame CMOS sensor. Nikon has chosen to emphasize raw resolution instead of extremely high ISO capabilities. Like the D700, the D800 can go up to 6400 ISO sensitivity, or can be ratcheted up to 25,600 in an extended "Hi 2" mode. The D4, on the other hand, captures 16.2MP, but can shoot at a mind-boggling 204,800 ISO when pushed to its limits.
The D700 was just 12MP, so we're not entirely sure that the jump to 36MP was necessary for the D800. However, the resolution will be perfect for studio photographers. Such resolution is usually only available from medium format digital cameras, which start at a budget-busting $10,000 and go up quickly from there. At $3,000 for a D800 body, it's one of the best values per megapixel available to working pros.

          
                      
                  