Nikon 25480 User manual

Speed and power, without compromise. That’s how I’d sum up my impression
of the new Nikon D800. Established medium-format image quality is
now inside a phenomenal, incredibly responsive Nikon machine. At 36.3
megapixels, the D800 produces unprecedented image quality and resolution
within a body that boasts revolutionary technological advances. The 3D color
matrix metering III, wide dynamic range and the improved AF performance
in low light are just a few features that are glaring improvements. The D800
allows me to concentrate on the light, the composition and my subject
without having to think about much else. In years past, wedding photography
was traditionally captured with medium-format equipment for maximum
image quality. When the 35mm format was adopted within the genre, it was
widely accepted that image quality was compromised in lieu of speed and
convenience. Now, my wedding portraiture will have a depth it’s never shown
before, and my style of shooting will be enhanced rather than compromised,
thanks to the D800.
When I’m shooting beauty and jewelry in the studio or fashion on location,
36.3 megapixels changes the industry standard: in image quality, dynamic
range, color rendering and the final print. The detail from the D800 produces
the look of a medium-format camera, but gives me the feel and response of a
D-SLR. The improvements in rendering skin tone and specular highlights, as
well as fabric and hair detail are superior to anything that has come before.
Autofocus quickly tracks models in motion. Nikon’s 91K-pixel RGB sensor
has noticeable improvements in metering accuracy, while the larger LCD is
easier to read. The camera body feels solid and ergonomically simple, while
also feeling lighter and smaller than previous high-resolution Nikons. New
cameras always inspire me to test and explore, and all the useful features
in such a compact package will open huge creative possibilities for my high-
quality prints and video.
To me, cameras are more like paintbrushes than technology. The goal is
not megapixels or technique but the image, and while camera models
are important, they are not the be-all or end-all. But after a lifetime using
countless cameras, I have found a new best friend. It was not love at first
sight. The sharpness and detail were initially intimidating, exposing my flaws
like never before. Subtle camera movements showed and differences of
acuity between aperture choices on various lenses were apparent. But now I
am enthralled with this technology. Why? Because the images almost feel as
though they were made with a 4x5 view camera! Special features like time-
lapse photography and the improved HD video quality and flexibility also add
tremendously to the camera’s personality. After spending a month with the
D800, I’ll never be the same again. Perhaps the best compliment I can express
is that now I will think differently about the images I make.
As a modern architectural photographer I am always looking for a lightweight,
compact and reliable camera system fulfilling the requirements of my personal
artistic and client expectations. The Nikon D800 will set new standards for
the high-end 35mm D-SLR market. I have never worked with a 35mm digital
camera that produces images with such exceptional quality and detail till
now. Particularly, the live view mode enables extremely precise compositions
and easy focusing in dim lighting, which simplifies my workflow. Superior
quality lenses such as the PC NIKKOR tilt & shift lineup are indispensable for
architectural photography. From my hands-on experience I found that they
perfectly match with the newly invented system and produce breathtakingly
clean, clear and sharp files. This camera gives me the photographic flexibility
to work at unusual shooting locations and capture images in an exceptional
range of light. It definitely takes my photographic versatility and image quality
to a new level. What a new companion!
The D800 On Assignment
Rob Van Petten
Fashion (U.S.A.)
Cliff Mautner
Wedding (U.S.A.)
Jim Brandenburg
Nature (U.S.A.)
Benjamin Antony Monn
Fine art/Architecture (Germany)
Printed in Holland Code No. 6CE11030 (1202/A)K

• Lens: AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm
f/2.8G ED
• Exposure: [M] mode,
1 second, f/8
• White balance: Color
temperature (5,000 K)
• Sensitivity: ISO 100
• Picture Control: Standard
©Benjamin Antony Monn
Bibliothèque nationale de France

• Lens: AF-S NIKKOR
70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
• Exposure: [M] mode,
1/200 second, f/4.5
• White balance: Auto 2
• Sensitivity: ISO 640
• Picture Control: Portrait
©Cliff Mautner

• Lens: AF-S NIKKOR
70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
• Exposure: [A] mode,
1/15 second, f/8
• White balance: Auto 1
• Sensitivity: ISO 100
• Picture Control: Landscape
©Jim Brandenburg

• Lens: AF-S NIKKOR 200mm
f/2G ED VR II
• Exposure: [M] mode,
1/200 second, f/10
• White balance: Color
temperature (5,500 K)
• Sensitivity: ISO 100
• Picture Control: Portrait
©Rob Van Petten
• Lens: AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor
105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
• Exposure: [A] mode,
1/500 second, f/8
• White balance: Auto 1
• Sensitivity: ISO 400
• Picture Control: Standard
©Jim Brandenburg

MINUSCULE DETAILS,
MONUMENTAL IMAGES,
BROADCAST QUALITY VI DEOS
What does it take to render images perfectly? Sharp resolution? Subtle textures? Color fidelity? Tones
so nuanced that the viewer wants to reach out and touch them? All of this is possible with the D800,
Nikon’s newest FX-format D-SLR. Its groundbreaking 36.3 megapixels and the powerful EXPEED 3
image-processing engine offer imaging potential that rivals some of the best studio cameras, but with
the agility and durability of a Nikon digital SLR body. Depict the slightest change in light or shadow,
on a piece of jewelry or in the glow of human skin. Still images reach a completely new height
with unprecedented depth and details, both indoors and out, and this is only the beginning. Nikon’s
exclusive 91K-pixel RGB sensor enables the Advanced Scene Recognition System to detect human
faces even when shooting through the optical viewfinder, adding even more of an edge to your AF, AE
and i-TTL flash performance. If your workflow demands broadcast quality video with high-fidelity audio
recording, D-Movie will satisfy even the most demanding clients. Moreover, the D800 shoots 1080p Full
HD in both FX- and DX-based formats, offering cinematographers a liberating versatility. All of this works
in conjunction with outstanding mechanical precision, as well as the exceptionally sharp and versatile
NIKKOR lens lineup. Turn your imagination into stunning still images and spectacular video. Create
something monumental. With the D800, you can.

High-megapixel still images are detail-rich
but data-heavy. With the D800, however,
you don’t have to sacrifice speed for this
privilege. Dedicated to understanding
speed and its role in image making, Nikon
engineers designed a powerful EXPEED 3
image-processing engine exclusively for
digital SLRs. From image processing and
card recording to image playback and
image transfer, EXPEED 3 manages massive amounts of
data at faster speeds than EXPEED 2. Even with specialized
processing features like Active D-Lighting and high ISO noise
reduction, capture speed is not affected. EXPEED 3 is so
powerful that it handles data-intensive tasks such as Full
HD video recording at 30p with ease. You’ll also notice the
difference in your still images and videos through minimized
noise and even richer colors and tones. In addition to these
fundamental advantages, the D800 reduces the kind of
color phase shift that some cameras have difficulty with in
similar situations.
High-megapixel sensors can really test the quality of your
lenses, but you can be confident that the combination of
brilliant NIKKOR lenses and Nikon’s intelligent processing
measures will significantly reduce lateral chromatic aberration
to give you incredibly natural-looking results. Unlike other
correction methods that simply eliminate chromatic
aberration, Nikon’s method compensates for these color
differences in a resolving index for each color, making it
particularly effective in producing images with stunning edge-
to-edge sharpness. Moreover, because these corrections
are made regardless of the NIKKOR lens used, this feature
contributes substantially to achieving the sharpest images
possible.
Tonal gradation is where an image transforms from simply
representing life to taking on a life of its own. The D800 does
exactly that, with cutting-edge image processing that injects
vital energy into your images. Black is rendered as pitch
black, and shadow details are subtle and rich. Even under
harsh, high-contrast light, where some cameras can fail, the
D800’s gradation remains smooth with abundant detail and
tone all the way up the scale to pure white.
Resolution, color and dy namic range: the perfect trinity
The D800 renders levels of texture, nuance and detail to your
photography that, until now, have been the exclusive domain
of the complicated medium-format system. Define every
eyelash, every line in tree bark, and every shimmer of light.
Savor the exceptional depth in your still images — with the
astounding 36.3 effective megapixels, you can. Enlarge them
as big as A1 poster-sized prints (59.4 x 84.1 cm/23.4 x 33.1 in.)
at 200 dpi, or crop aggressively to reach the composition you
desire, all without sacrificing the detail and tonal range of the
original. In order to maintain clean, high-resolution images,
14-bit A/D conversion within the sensor and a high signal-to-
noise ratio deliver phenomenal images in a diverse array of
situations. The image sensor’s incredible potential does not
stop with photography, either. For cinematographers ready to
put their exceptionally sharp NIKKOR lenses into action, the
D800’s 36.3 effective megapixel data is efficiently processed
for exquisite 1080p broadcast quality video at 30p.
Combining both high-resolution performance and a wide
ISO sensitivity range has finally become a reality. Nikon
engineers have developed intelligent new methods to
manipulate light transmission to the sensor’s photodiodes:
from the optical low-pass filter and on-chip gapless micro
lenses to the image sensor’s internal design, every measure
has been taken to maximize and improve light transmission
in order to deliver crisp, brilliant images with significantly
less noise. All this is possible under a wide variety of lighting
conditions, enabling you to get the most out of your NIKKOR
lenses.
High-resolution, studio-quality images shouldn’t be restricted
to the studio. The D800 sets a new benchmark for high-
resolution D-SLR cameras, with crisp clean images
across a wide ISO range. Flexibility like this opens up new
imaging opportunities for both still photographers and
cinematographers alike during the “magic hour”, the time
just before dawn or at dusk when available light is often
beautiful but scarce. Even at high ISO settings, the camera’s
intelligent noise reduction systems manage noise without
sacrificing fine details, giving the D800 the edge. The
difference can even be seen in low-contrast subjects such as
hair and grass textures, which are often essential elements
of cinema as well as high-resolution portraits and landscape
images. High image quality at higher ISOs also means
that you can shoot still images handheld more confidently,
knowing that fast shutter speeds will reduce blur.
Reducing false color and moiré is the main job of the optical
low-pass filter located in front of the image sensor. However,
this benefit is generally gained with a small sacrifice of
sharpness. Moiré occurs in scenes containing repetitive
details, such as strong vertical lines in architecture. Finding
the right balance between benefits and sacrifices is the key
to higher image quality, and that is what the D800’s optical
low-pass filter delivers. As a result, the astounding 36.3
megapixels unleash their potential through an optimized
balance between sharpness and effectively prevented moiré
and false color. Furthermore, the multi-layer structure of the
D800 low-pass filter utilizes layers of antireflective coating
that have been optimized for the camera, contributing to
sharper and clearer images.
12 13
HIGH RESOLUTION & WIDE ISO SENSITIVITY RANGE HIGH IMAGE QUALITY & IMAGE-PROCESSING SPEED
Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with 36.3 effective
megapixels
Standard ISO 100 to ISO 6400, range expandable to
ISO 50 to 25600 equivalent
Optical low-pass filter optimized for sharpness
A strategic approach to turn light to your advantage
EXPEED 3 image-processing engine: speed, versatility,
and high performance
14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for
rich tones and natural colors
Lateral chromatic aberration reduction: Take full
advantage of your NIKKOR lens collection
&EXPEED 3
36
Megapixels
Rich tones and natural colors thanks to the EXPEED 3 image-processing engine.
• Lens: AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED • Exposure: [A] mode, 6 second, f/8 • White balance: Auto 1
• Sensitivity: ISO 100 • Picture Control: Standard
©Jim Brandenburg
ISO 100 ISO 6400
Without
With
Lateral chromatic aberration reduction
©Benjamin Antony Monn
Fine details can be maintained throughout the wide
ISO sensitivity range.

Nikon’s revolutionary Advanced Scene
Recognition System, introduced with the
flagship D4 camera, is also employed in the
D800. At its core is a 91K-pixel RGB sensor
that meticulously analyzes each scene
with the fine resolution. The RGB sensor
can recognize your scene’s colors and
brightness with unprecedented precision,
then use that information to implement various automatic
controls and give you more natural-looking results. The real
breakthrough, however, is that the sensor can detect human
faces with startling accuracy when shooting through the
optical viewfinder. Along with face detection, detailed scene
analysis is utilized to support more accurate autofocus, auto
exposure and i-TTL flash exposure results in a diverse range
of compositional and lighting
situations. The improved subject
tracking is most noticeable
when using 3D-tracking, which
can maintain a focus on moving
subjects smaller in size than
with previous generations.
Auto-area AF and 3D-tracking are AF-area modes unique
to Nikon that use your subject’s color and brightness
information to detect focus. With the D800 and its more
precise information and subject recognition advancements,
expect big steps forward for both AF-area modes when
taking high-quality still images. In auto-area AF, the camera
can genuinely detect human faces and focuses on them
immediately — useful when faces are a priority and there’s
no time to choose focus points. When using 3D-tracking,
the sensor’s fine resolution combines with a specifically
optimized AF algorithm to realize unprecedented subject
tracking precision, recognizing detailed patterns to keep your
subject in sharp focus.
Professional photographers who shoot still images know that
Nikon’s metering system delivers supremely well-balanced
exposures. Thanks to the 91K-pixel RGB sensor, the D800
has far more detailed scene information at its disposal —
including detected face information. This data helps the
3D color matrix metering III deliver more desirable auto
exposures, especially when there are human faces present.
When the D800 recognizes a human face in a backlit
situation, the camera determines the overall exposure while
prioritizing the facial exposure, which might otherwise be
underexposed. When a face is lit from the front and appears
much brighter than the background, the camera recognizes
the situation and avoids blowing out the facial details.
Nikon’s i-TTL system has long been considered the
most accurate flash control system in photography,
but now face detection and highlight analysis by
the 91K-pixel RGB sensor pushes performance
even further. With the D800’s enhanced
i-TTL balanced fill-flash, you can more
precisely illuminate people’s faces in relation
to their surrounding brightness using either the built-in flash
or an external hot-shoed Nikon Speedlight. For weddings
and fashion shoots, or any photography that
relies on the highest-quality still images, this
new standard redefines what a flash system
should be. Face detection also makes a
difference when Active D-Lighting is used to
retain highlights and shadows in high-contrast
lighting situations. Faces will be optimally
exposed both in the sun and in the shade.
The D800’s auto white balance is incredibly accurate in a
diverse range of shooting situations, aided by unique Nikon
technology that effectively identifies your light sources, both
natural and artificial. With the 91K-pixel RGB sensor and the
image sensor working together, the camera renders white
as white with supreme accuracy. Or if you prefer, the auto
white balance can be set to reflect the warmth of ambient,
incandescent lighting.
Accurate AF detection is crucial
for extremely high-resolution still
images in every situation. The
51 sensor points in the D800’s
AF sensor module work down to
-2 EV (ISO 100, 20˚C/68˚F), the
approximate physical limit of human
visibility through an optical viewfinder. For even more
powerful detection, you can rely on the camera’s 15 cross-
type sensors in the center to detect both vertical and
horizontal lines when using any AF NIKKOR lenses of f/5.6
or faster. What’s more, AF can be
activated with eleven focus points
in the center with open aperture
of f/8*, which is a big plus when
you combine a telephoto lens
with a 2.0x teleconverter to shoot
distant subjects.
*Cross-type sensor is limited to the center
AF point only. AF may not be achieved in low-
contrast or low-light conditions.
Whether it’s a still life, a portrait, a landscape or a candid
street scene, your subject matter varies, but its importance
doesn’t. That’s why the D800 offers four AF-area modes,
each specifically tailored to adapt to various subjects. Single-
point AF is ideal when you need pinpoint focus on stationary
subjects. Dynamic-area AF has three options (9-point,
21-point and 51-point) and is ideal for shooting moving
subjects. The selected AF point and the surrounding points
keep your subject in sharp focus even if it briefly leaves the
selected points. 3D-tracking allows you to maintain focus on
subjects that are moving erratically from side to side. Auto-
area AF detects human faces
and prioritizes their sharpness for
you — an ideal choice for candid
photography.
ADVANCED SCENE RECOGNITION SYSTEM
WIDE AF COVERAGE & IMPROVED AF SENSITIVITY
Advanced Scene Recognition System with 91K-pixel
RGB sensor
More balanced results in i-TTL balanced fill-flash and
Active D-Lighting
More accurate face detection in auto-area AF and
subject tracking in 3D-tracking
Light source identification for auto white balance in still
images
Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module
for razor-sharp detection in low light Versatile AF-area modes
The Advanced Scene Recognition System
91K-PIXEL RGB
SENSOR Detailed scene analysis wi th constant face detection for more accurate auto control
&
36
Megapixels
14 15
3D color matrix metering III for more accurate exposures
Accurate auto exposure results, even in backlit situations, thanks to the Advanced
Scene Recognition System.
• Lens: AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II • Exposure: [A] mode, 1/80 second, f/5
• White balance: Auto 2 • Sensitivity: ISO 100 • Picture Control: Standard
©Cliff Mautner
Auto 1 to render white as pure white.
©Cliff Mautner
Auto 2 to render the warmth of
incandescent lighting.
©Cliff Mautner
The D800 can autofocus your subject
as low as -2 EV.
©Cliff Mautner
Image sensor91K-pixel RGB sensor
Subject
tracking
Subject
tracking
Face detection on
image plane
Light source
identification
Highlight
analysis
Face detection with
91K-pixel RGB sensor
Phase-detection AF
Auto-area AF
3D-tracking
Exposure control
3D color matrix metering III
i-TTL balanced fill-flash
Active
D-Lighting AWB
Playback
Playback zoom of
face
Live view
exposure control
Live view metering
Flicker reduction
Contrast-detect AF
Face-priority AF
Subject-tracking AF

TRUE CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE
Broadcast quality video in two D-Movie formats
&D-MOVIE
36
Megapixels
Many filmmakers, multimedia professionals and still
photographers need the highly mobile, lightweight and
compact form of a D-SLR in order to cover large events or
make documentaries, music videos or movies. For these
professionals, the D800 is ready to create true cinematic
experiences. By using the B frame data compression method,
you can record 1080p Full HD video at 30p in H.264/MPEG-4
AVC format with unmatched moving image integrity for up to
29 min. 59 s* of recording in a single clip. Thanks to Nikon’s
latest image-processing optimizations, the monumental
power of 36.3 megapixels transforms to sharp, exquisitely
rendered videos. Expect exceptionally smooth gradation
in blue skies, with minimum block noise and beautifully
natural movement rendered clearly and sharply. The D800’s
intelligent image sensor reads out movie images at faster
rates than ever, significantly reducing the rolling shutter
distortion that can occur during panning shots or when
shooting fast-moving lateral subjects like trains. Thanks to
EXPEED 3, your movies will take on a distinctive look of their
own, even with dimly lit scenes. Combine these benefits and
you’ll begin to realize exactly the new creative opportunities
possible for photographers and cinematographers alike.
*Maximum recording time varies according to frame rate, frame size and image
quality settings. Maximum recording time for time-lapse photography is 20 min.
The D800 is
designed to stimulate
cinematographers to
explore different moods
and perspectives by
enabling Full HD and HD
video recording in two
frame formats; Nikon
FX- and DX-based movie
formats in just one camera. When using wide-aperture
NIKKOR lenses, the large image area of the FX-based
format* renders exquisitely shallow depth of field with
beautiful bokeh effects. The DX-based format uses an image
area similar to 35mm movie film, allowing cinematographers
to shoot with picture angles that they are accustomed
to. Having the advantage of two D-Movie formats in one
camera and an arsenal of NIKKOR lenses makes the D800
an incredibly versatile movie-making tool.
With the D800, it is easier than ever to reduce flicker effects
during live view and video recording. Simply use auto in the
flicker reduction menu to automatically identify the flicker
frequency at the beginning of live view and switch to the one
that will work best. You can also manually switch between
50 Hz and 60 Hz.
INTEGRATED OPERATION
Frame size Frame rate
1,920 x 1, 080
30p (29.97 fps)
25p (25 fps)
24p (23.976 fps)
Frame size Frame rate
1,280 x 720
60p (59.94 fps)
50p (50 fps)
30p (29.97 fps)
25p (25 fps)
Full HD video quality and minimized rolling shutter effect:
Dynamic movie shooting in diverse lighting situations Multi-area mode Full HD D-Movie: Creative movie-making
freedom in FX- and DX-based formats
Smoother video recording under fluorescent or mercury
lamps: Auto flicker reduction
Frame size and frame rate
The D800’s live view operation has
evolved even further, optimizing camera
control to become more intuitive for
shooting video as well as still images.
Simply clicking the live view selector
switches between live view modes
designed specifically for still images or movies. Live view
photography lets you shoot still images while confirming the
exposure level on the LCD monitor*. You can even magnify
images up to approx. 23x to check the exact focus. For
movie live view on the other hand, the D800 incorporates
a dedicated exposure control for quality video shooting,
enabling smooth exposure transition when shooting moving
subjects. You can also shoot video with full manual control.
When needed, press the shutter-release button while filming
to instantly capture still images in 16:9 aspect ratio. Each
time you use live view, for either still photography or movie
shooting, your image area and camera setting information
will be clearly indicated, allowing you to confirm quickly.
During movie shooting, you can now simultaneously check
videos on an external monitor* using an HDMI connection,
in addition to the camera’s TFT monitor. And for those who
need the purest video output for professional quality editing,
you can now record uncompressed movie live view footage
directly to an external storage device via HDMI interface.
*When video is output through HDMI interface simultaneously with recording
to a CF/SD card, output image through HDMI interface will be smaller than
1,280 x 720.
The D800 is designed for crisp stereo recording with a built-in
external stereo microphone input. Attach the compact ME-1
Stereo Microphone to record clear sound while significantly
reducing mechanical noise. An external headphone jack
enables you to effectively monitor and control audio in
isolation. While the audio level indicators offer visual
confirmation of audio level, the microphone sensitivity can
be controlled precisely in 20 incremental steps.
Capture a variety of scenes and subjects at a breathtaking
pace. The D800’s time-lapse photography lets you set
intervals and frame rates in order to dramatically relay slow-
moving activity at dramatic speeds. The D800 allows you
to shoot time-lapse photography with replaying rates from
24 times to 36,000 times faster than normal. Time-lapse
photography files can be saved as a movie file.
The D800 has addressed useful feedback from
videographers with convenient custom controls for D-Movie
operation. Instead of rotating the command dial, power
aperture enables smoother aperture controls during movie
live view using a button designated via custom menu, which
can be very convenient to confirm depth of field. Index
marking helps you locate important frames for later-stage in-
camera editing and replay by attaching markers during movie
recording. Markings are indicated along with the timeline,
which is easy to confirm visually.
Audio levels can be visually confirmed — both before and during movie shooting.
Note: Movie files of time-lapse photography will be saved in 16:9 aspect ratio. It is
recommended to confirm image area in movie live view before starting time-lapse
photography.
Live view selector for optimized still images and movies
View simultaneous live view output on external monitors and
record uncompressed video via HDMI
Comprehensive high-fidelity audio recording control
Time-lapse photography
Versatile custom settings for D-Movie
16 17
Note: Options support both high and normal image quality.
*Exposure preview display and resulting image may vary, depending on the
settings used.
*The aspect ratio of movies is 16:9 whichever format is selected. Also, in the FX-
based movie format, the width of the image area is approx. 91% of that in the still
image FX format.
®
FX-based format DX-based format

VISION YOU CAN DEPEND ON
READY FOR DEMANDING TASKS
See every important element in your frame clearly and
precisely. The D800 offers approx. 100% frame coverage (in
FX format) from its slim pentaprism, giving you the visually
comfortable FX-format advantage and an unobstructed view
when shooting still images. The viewfinder image is not
only large and bright — the focusing screen is also carefully
designed to help you sense sharp focus intuitively, be it
manual or autofocus.
Card recording speed is yet
another crucial element of a
smooth and productive shooting
experience. The D800 CF memory
card slot is compatible with the
latest UDMA 7. The SD card slot
is compatible with SDXC (Secure
Digital eXtended Capacity) and UHS-I. You can also use two
cards simultaneously for a number of functions, such as
recording JPEG and RAW data on separate cards, recording the
same data simultaneously on two cards for backup and more.
For a more productive tethered and transfer workflow, the
D800 is compatible with USB 3.0. When connected to
equipment featuring USB 2.0, speed is reduced to that of
USB 2.0.
The D800’s shutter unit has been tested to well over
200,000 cycles of release to prove durability and precision.
While the shutter unit designed to run at a speed range of
1/8,000 to 30 s, its intelligent self-diagnostic shutter monitor
automatically monitors actual
shutter speeds in order to correct
possible variances that can occur
over time.
For true digital SLR
excellence, the camera’s
mechanical structure, power
and precision are vital to
ensure indispensable speed
and reliability. That’s why
Nikon utilized its engineering
expertise to refine the
powerful sequential control
mechanism that drives the
shutter, mirror, and aperture independently. As a result,
shutter release can be operated with mirror-up position
during live view. Because mirror-down movement is not
required, you can expect even quieter still live view shooting.
And as power aperture control operates via the stepping
motor, the sound of mechanical adjustment is reduced for
quieter and smoother control.
A comprehensive re-working of the D800’s circuits now
enables approx. 900 shots* of still image
shooting. All on one charge of an EN-EL15
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery.
*Based on CIPA Standards.
Attach the MB-D12 to the
camera body to extend
battery stamina. The pack
accommodates a variety of
batteries (see specifications)
and utilizes the same integral magnesium alloy construction
and weather sealing as the D800 body itself. You also get
approx. 6 fps continuous shooting speed* in DX format. The
MB-D12 has its own dedicated shutter-release button and
command dials for vertical composition shooting.
*When using batteries other than EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery.
The D800 is designed to respond immediately. Once the
strategically located switch is turned on, the camera starts
up in approx. 0.12 seconds* and your finger is in position
for shutter release. Release time lag is minimized to
approx. 0.042 seconds*, equivalent to that of the D3S, with
continuous approx. 4 fps capability in FX format, approx.
5 fps in 1.2x and DX format and approx. 6 fps capability in DX
format** with MB-D12.
*Based on CIPA Guidelines.
**When used together with batteries other than EN-EL15.
The D800’s large and sharp color LCD monitor
delivers bright, crisp image playback with
a much larger capacity for accurate color
reproduction. Using an antireflective structure,
you can count on clarity equal to that of the
D4, even under bright conditions. Moreover, if
monitor brightness is set to “Auto”, the camera
automatically adjusts LCD brightness according
to the environmental lighting conditions
measured by the ambient brightness sensor,
allowing easy use of live view in both bright and
low-lit places — very useful when shooting video
and stills. The ability to magnify playback images
up to 46x (Large-size images in FX format) is
extremely helpful for spot focus confirmation.
Many important parts of the D800 have been designed
to achieve better durability and lighter weight. The result
is a camera approx. 10% lighter than the D700, yet just
as rugged. A magnesium alloy construction
protects the sophisticated technologies
against accidental shock, and weather and
dust sealing has been extensively applied and
severely tested, making the D800 as reliable
on the road as it is in the studio.
Approx.100% optical viewfinder, 8-cm (3.2-in.) color-rich LCD, magnesium alloy
body, dual card slots
&
RELIABILITY
36
Megapixels
Glass prism optical viewfinder with approximately 100% frame coverage
Precision 8-cm (3.2-in.), approx. 921k-dot, wide-viewing-angle LCD monitor with automatic monitor brightness control
Lightweight yet durable construction
High-speed CF and SD dual card slots
Efficient power management
MB-D12 Multi-Power Battery Pack (optional)
High-speed data transfer with USB 3.0
High-precision, high-durability shutter
Fast response time High-precision sequential control mechanism
18 19
LCD monitor with an integrated structure of glass
and panel realizes a clearer image
Conventional models
Air space between glass and panel causes reflections at
the surfaces of each part, resulting in some light loss.
Ambient brightness sensor
©Jim Brandenburg
D800
Surface reflection is reduced and light loss greatly
decreased by the integrated structure of glass and panel.
Glass
Glass
Air space
Resin
Panel
Panel