Nikon Announced D800 and D800E, 36MP FX-Format

<p>I am sure this is anticlematic as a lot of this information has been leaked for months. Today Nikon announces the D800 and D800E duo. Those are 36MP, full 35mm frame FX DSLRs.</p>

<ul>

<li>36.3MP, 7360×4912 Nikon FX sensor</li>

<li>ISO range from 100 to 6400</li>

<li>100% viewfinder</li>

<li>4 frames/second for FX, 5 fps for DX</li>

<li>AF: similar to the D4, still using Multi-CAM 3500 AF module</li>

<li>Video: once again, similar to the D4, i.e. powerful</li>

<li>Memory cards: 1 CF and 1 SD</li>

<li>Battery: EN-EL15, same as D7000 and V1</li>

<li>Vertical Grip: new MB-D12</li>

<li>Price: US$2999.95 for the D8000, $3299.95 for the D800E</li>

</ul>

<p>The D800E is the same as the D800 but has an additional filter over the sensor to cancel out the effect of the anti-aliasing filter. Potentially, you can get more resolution but is more prone to <strike>morie</strike>moire. However, the D800E still has the AA filter as the D800 does.</p>

<p>

<strike>

What is new is that the D800 is manufactured in Thailand, although components are from Japan and other countries. This is the first time an FX-format Nikon DSLR is made in Thailand.

</strike>

</p>

<P>

<I>

February 18, 2012: There are several reports from journalists who recently toured Nikon's Sendai, Japan factory that they are making about 30000 D800 bodies at Sendai every month. That completely contradicts the information photo.net received from Nikon USA that the D800 is made in Thailand (Thailand was clearly mentioned 2, 3 times during our conference call). I am still waiting for a final confirmation from Nikon USA. Since I don't really care whether the D800 is made in Japan or Thailand, I am not pushing for an answer on a daily basis. I would say there is no reason for me to believe that those journalists' reports are all wrong. I am quite sure that the D800/D800E are actually made in Japan. I apologize for the incorrect information earlier. -- Shun

</I>

</P>

<p>You can find photo.net's preview here: <a href="../equipment/nikon/D800/preview/index">http://www.photo.net/equipment/nikon/D800/preview/</a><br>

</p>

 

<p><B>If you have questions concerning the AA filters, both DPReview and Rob Galbraith have (the same) diagrams showing how the second filter cancels the first in a set of 4 filters on the D800E. On the D800, the second filter splits the light in a different direction:</B></p>

<ul>

<li>DPReview: <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikond800/page3.asp">http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikond800/page3.asp</a></li>

<li>Rob Galbraith: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.robgalbraith.com/data/1/rec_imgs/5563_d800_olpf_graphic.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.robgalbraith.com/data/1/rec_imgs/5563_d800_olpf_graphic.jpg</a></li>

</ul>

<p>You can find Galbraith's entire article here: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=7-11674-12304" target="_blank">http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=7-11674-12304</a></p>

<p>News link from nikon.com: <a href="http://www.nikon.com/news/2012/0207_dslr_01.htm">http://www.nikon.com/news/2012/0207_dslr_01.htm</a></p>

 

<p>Nikon USA Press Release: <a href="http://press.nikonusa.com/post/2012/02/06/expectations-surpassed-the-36-3-megapixel-nikon-d800-is-the-multimedia-hd-slr-that-shatters-conventional-resolution-barriers-for-maximum-fidelity/">http://press.nikonusa.com/post/2012/02/06/expectations-surpassed-the-36-3-megapixel-nikon-d800-is-the-multimedia-hd-slr-that-shatters-conventional-resolution-barriers-for-maximum-fidelity/</a></p>

<p>Thanks, Shun! Good job, Nikon! Anyone knows the DX mode MP real quick?</p>

<p>Leslie, the DX crop is 15.4MP, just a bit less than the D7000/D5100.</p>

<p>Well Shun it looks like the non-AA version was accurate information after all. </p>

<p> </p>

<blockquote>

<p>"The D800E is the same as the D800 but has an additional filter over the sensor to cancel out the effect of the anti-aliasing filter. Potentially, you can get more resolution but is more prone to morie. However, the D800E still has the AA filter as the D800 does."</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Fassscccinating approach to that particular issue.</p>

<p>This is going to seem like confirmation of the suspicions some folks have that Nikon is accidentally-on-purpose leaking info. The "optional AA filter" was a peculiarly specific rumor, particularly for a company like Nikon that's know to be very conservative and rarely indulges in options or simultaneous releases of variations of the same body, lens, flash or other gear.</p>

<p>Brian, I was under NDA last week so that I already knew that there would also be a D800E without the anti-aliasing effect. However, the rumors I read was incorrect that the D800E would be without an AA filter. When we discussed that with Nikon last week, we clarified that with them very carefully. The D800E still has the regular AA fitler, but they are adding another filter to cancel out the AA effect. That was why the question in this thread didn't make sense: D800 with and without AA filter: <a href="00Zxtv">http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00Zxtv</a> as the OP thought that the AA filter would be removed on the D800E.</p>

<p>Since I could not disclose that I was under NDA, I wrote:</p>

<blockquote>

<p>Concerning the details about their replacement models, it is best to wait until Nikon officially announces them; by then, things will become a lot clearer.</p>

 

</blockquote>

<p>There goes using less than stellar lenses on this baby...And say goodbye to the d3x;)</p>

<p>By the way, in case anyone is curious, Shun doesn't even give me any hints privately. Never has. I never even know whether he's under an NDA for a particular bit of gear. I don't pressure him privately about this stuff, but I doubt he'd give me a hint anyway. I find out this stuff the same way as everyone else who isn't under an NDA - after the official announcements.</p>

<p>I was very skeptical about the "optional AA filter" rumor and considered it the least likely Nikon rumor I'd ever heard. It really surprised me that Nikon would even offer an optional D800E with an anti-anti-aliasing filter simultaneously with the D800.</p>

<p>To me, Nikon simultaneously releasing two versions of any new gear is a bigger surprise than anything else.</p>

<p>It's gonna be tougher than ever to discount rumors now, no matter how outrageous. From now on, every day is April Fools Day. Thanks, Nikon.</p>

<p>Aw Lex, don't feel bad. Shun won't even talk to me about new gear even though we are covered by the same NDA and have the same advance info in front of us. "Loose lips sink cameras" he is always saying.</p>

<p>Yes yes, I am joking.</p>

<p>Goodbye fim</p>

<p>Leslie, if you read my preview, it should be very clear that this $3000 D800 will simply kill the $8000 D3X. However, it is not the true successor to the D700, although the model number may suggest that. You have essentially the same pixel density of the demanding D7000, but now you have a lot more edge and corner areas to cover. Very few lenses will provide corner-to-corner sharpness on 36MP FX, and not that many people have the technique and discipline to take full advantage of 36MP.</p>

<p>To me, the real successor to the D700 should be a downsized D4 just like the D700 is a downsized D3. However, since the D4 was just announced last month and hasn't even shipped yet, if there is ever an "economy model" of the D4, it'll be at least close to a year. After the London Olympics and the sale of the D4 tapers off, we may see that from Nikon, but maybe Nikon will never introduce one. Personally, I would much rather have 16 or 20MP than 36MP, but that is just me. I am sure there are plenty of people who prefer the pixel count.</p>

<p>On the other hand, any "D4X" seems unlikely.</p>

<p>"To me, the real successor to the D700 should be a downsized D4 just like the D700 is a downsized D3. However, since the D4 was just announced last month and hasn't even shipped yet, if there is ever an "economy model" of the D4, it'll be at least close to a year. After the London Olympics and the sale of the D4 tapers off, we may see that from Nikon, but maybe Nikon will never introduce one. Personally, I would much rather have 16 or 20MP than 36MP, but that is just me. I am sure there are plenty of people who prefer the pixel count."</p>

<p>Yes. I wish they had a D750, split the difference a little bit...some of the newer tech but fewer MP.</p>

<p>While I am totally drooling about this new camera, I can't afford it and can't justify it. Even if I could afford the body I can't upgrade all my lenses to accommodate it. Guess my original plan stays the same...wait for all the used D700's to flood the market as people buy the new model and saturate the used market so that the used prices will relax a little.</p>

<p>I'm too poor for this hobby. ;)</p>

<p>I'm fine with the 12MP d700, Shun. I wish the dx mode has a bit more resolution though. I'm much more enthralled by the mirrorless camera segment...</p>

<p>BHphoto already has the D800E listed for $3299.00. Not in stock of course. </p>

<p>Really a camera that I could easily love - Alas, my wallet screams NO! :(</p>

<p> I guess Nikon will not be selling me one of them. To big and heavy, to many pixels and to much money. I will pass on it. I imagine a National Geographic Photographer might like it. </p>

Is this the first FX Nikon that has a DX crop?

 

If so, you can see the social engineering at work. Intended as a direct DX to FX upgrade model. If you have a DX camera

with a few DX lenses, you can use the D800 while you upgrade lenses. Clever.

 

It's working too.

 

Ingenious.

 

Still don't need the video camera, bet everything else looks good. I would like to see AA and non-AA photos compared

side by side.

<p>Also budget in a new fast PC and better lenses for the d800;)</p>

<p>>>>Is this the first FX Nikon that has a DX crop?<<< <br>

No</p>

<p>Thats a lot of pixels, looking forward to see some results from these cameras.</p>

<p><strong>Shun</strong>: Can you tell us what size the RAW files are from the D800 at full resolution? I know that in going from D90 to D7000, the file size doubled from 10 to 20MB per file on average with about a 33% increase in pixel count.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>Will this 36 mp sensor have the same high ISO capability like D700? </p>

<p>Doesn't make sense, Don't see how this camera falls with the next gen. or where it is in line.<br>

Has to be something else coming.</p>

 

<p>.</p>

<p>Will somebody please explain why ordinary Nikon lenses are not good enough for 36 MP sensor when they are good enough for film? After all, as far as I know film has the highest resolution till date!</p>