Tokyo - Nikon Corporation launched a powerhouse FX-format digital SLR camera today, the Nikon D800, set to offer users of all levels powerful digital imaging solutions through advanced technology and design. The camera possesses the world's highest1 effective pixel count of 36.3-million pixels, the new EXPEED 3 image-processing engine and a 91K-pixel (approximately 91,000 pixels) RGB sensor.
D800 Highlights
The D800, a new FX-formatm odel, offers offers a noteworthy 36.3-million pixels aswell as avariety of valuing-adding functions, available in a compact and lightweight body. At its core issuperior image quality equal to that of medium-format digital cameras.
In addition to a new Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor and the new EXPEED 3 image-processing engine – specifically optimisedfor Nikon digital SLR cameras – the D800 is equipped with a new 91K-pixel (approximately 91,000 pixels) RGB sensor that supports the Advanced Scene Recognition System; which offers noteworthy advances in scene recognition performance. The camera is also equipped with a number of new functions, including Multi-area mode Full HD D-Movie that lets users record movies using either the FX-based movie format or the DX-based movie format.
For those demanding even more definition, Nikon has also released the D800E, a model that offers increased resolution for images with more dimensions.
D800 Development Background
The D800 is Nikon's response to demands by advanced amateur photographers and professionals for a higher pixel count, better image quality, smaller, and lighter digital SLR camera that captures still images with superior resolution, and records movies with true high-definition picture quality.
Nikon is responding to users and their needs, who demand more from photographs and movies. The company recently announced the D4, a flagship model that combines excellent definition and image quality with superior high-speed performance; and has now released the D800, a model that offers the ultimate in resolution for nature and studio photography.
Primary Features – D800
1. New Nikon FX-Format CMOS Image Sensor
The D800 is equipped with a new Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor and the new EXPEED 3 image-processing engine for Nikon digital SLR cameras, which is faster and offers greater performance. The camera also possesses the world's highest2 effective pixel count of 36.3-million pixels; combined with the sharp rendering of NIKKOR lenses, the resulting images are on par in resolution to medium-format digital cameras.
The model also responds to the demands of professional photographers by offering a standard sensitivity range of ISO 100 – 6400, and additional support for equivalents of ISO 50 (Lo 1) and up to ISO 25600 (Hi 2). The result is superior image quality when shooting still images and recording movies in dimly lit situations, such as just before sunrise and just after sunset.
2. New 91K-Pixel RGB Sensor – Greatly Enhanced Advanced Scene Recognition System
Equipped with a new 91K-pixel (approximately 91,000 pixels) RGB sensor, when a human face is detected in the frame, 3D Colour Matrix Metering III bases exposure control on the brightness of that face so that the face is optimally lit even with backlighting. In addition, the metering sensor's superior resolution – which makes full use of an incredible 91K-pixels – allows for extremely precise analysis of the scene for more accurate control over autofocusing, auto exposure, i-TTL flash control, and auto white balance.
*There is no display in the viewfinder that indicates when a face or faces have been recognised.
3. Dual Image-Area Full HD D-Movie – Recording Movies Using One Of Two Formats
The D800 records movies with superior resolution through optimal information processing acquired from the 36.3-million pixel image sensor. Users can record 1920 x 1080p/30-fps full-HD movies using either the FX-based movie format or the DX-based movie format according to shooting conditions. The FX-based movie format offers a shallow depth-of-field with an emphasis on blur characteristics, while the DX-based movie format brings subjects closer when lenses with short focal lengths are used.
The camera is also equipped with a headphone jack and supports precise adjustment of microphone sensitivity. In addition, users can play back movies or view the live recording of movies simultaneously via the camera's monitor and on an external monitor. The D800 also responds to the needs of professionals who require uncompressed movie files; professional users can link the movie live view mode to an external HDMI monitor, as well as record movies simultaneously onto an external device via the HDMI link.
Nikon's newest digital SLR camera also features a time-lapse photography function that captures images at a selected interval and then combines the images to create a time-lapse movie. A time-lapse movie shows the changes in a particular scene that occur over time.
4. Approx. 100%3 Viewfinder Frame Coverage And A Lightweight, Durable Water- And Dust-Resistant Body
The D800's viewfinder supports a frame coverage of approximately 100%3 and magnification of approximately 0.7x4. The magnesium alloy body gives the camera the same level of durability as the D700 with an approximate 10% decrease in weight.
5. High-Speed Continuous Shooting – Numerous Battery Types With The Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D12 (Optional)
The MB-D12 supports the Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries EN-EL15 and EN-EL18, common AA batteries and the AC Adapter EH-5a/b (with Power Connector EP-5B). When the MB-D12 is mounted on the D800, it is possible to shoot at high-speeds continuously at approximately 6 fps5 using the DX-format image area. The MB-D12 also offers the added convenience of controls, including a shutter-release button, an AF-ON button and multi-selector for vertical shooting. What's more, the MB-D12 uses the same seals as the D800's magnesium body, resulting in superior resistance to dust and water.
6. Other D800 Functions and Features
A 51-point AF system for improved subject acquisition and focus under dim lighting. An addition 11 focus points (five at the centre with an additional three to each side) are fully functional when lenses with a maximum aperture of f/8 are used
A 3.2-inch, approximately 921k-dot LCD monitor with reinforced glass, automatic monitor brightness control and wide viewing angle
A virtual horizon that shows the degree to which the camera is tilted sideways (roll), or forward, or backward (pitch), which is displayed on the monitor and in the viewfinder
A new shutter unit tested for approximately 200,000 cycles and supports a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000s and flash sync speed of 1/250s
Continuous shooting at approximately 4 (FX-format/5 : 4 image area) or 5 (DX-format/1.2x image area) fps6
CompactFlash and SD dual memory card slots
Support for SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0)
The D800E Offers Even Greater Resolution – Effective 36.3-Million Pixel Count
In-camera disabling of the aliasing and moiré pattern reduction operation performed by the optical low-pass filter built into the D800E allows light passing through a NIKKOR lens to strike photodiodes directly for even greater resolution. This model is optimal for landscape and artistic photography, which demand higher resolution and clear definition. With the exception of the above modification, the D800E possesses the same characteristics as the D800.
Aliasing and moiré patterns may be more noticeable in images captured with the D800E with some subjects, scenes or shooting conditions.
Optical low-pass filter IR coating and anti-reflection coating performance are the same in both the D800 and the D800E.
*1 Among interchangeable lens digital SLR cameras equipped with image sensors conforming to the 35 mm film size as of February 7, 2012
*2 Among interchangeable lens digital SLR cameras equipped with image sensors conforming to the 35 mm film size as of February 7, 2012
*3 With FX-format image area
*4 With 50-mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, -1.0 m-1
*5 When powered by the AC adapter or AA batteries or Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL18 with the MB-D12. Measured according to CIPA guidelines.
*6 When powered by Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL15
The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.
