Pro DSLRs : Nikon Unveils 36.3 Megapixel D800 DSLR for Pro Photographers and Videographers

D800E Supplementary Model for Higher Resolution Applications Also Announced

February 7, 2012

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Melville, NY—Nikon announced its highly anticipated D800 DSLR, engineered to provide “extreme resolution, astounding image quality and valuable video features optimized for professional still and multimedia photographers and videographers.” The D800 boasts a high-resolution 36.3 megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, a 91,000-pixel RGB matrix metering system, an advanced scene recognition system and other intuitive features.

Nikon’s highest resolution sensor to date, the 7,360x4,912-resolution FX-format CMOS sensor is complemented by the latest 91,000-pixel 3D color matrix metering III and advanced scene recognition systems, as well as an improved 51-point AF system. Compact and lightweight, the highlight of the new DSLR is its extensive video feature set that enables photographers to transition to multimedia to create an immersive story. Pro videographers will appreciate practical features that go beyond Nikkor lens compatibility and Full HD 1080p video recording, 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, which provides the necessary processing power to fuel images with true-to-life color, a wide dynamic range and extreme resolution.

“Whatever the project, visionaries need a tool that is going to help them stay on time and on task. The Nikon D800 reimagines what is possible from this level of DSLR, to address the needs of an emerging and ever-changing market; this is the camera that is going to bridge the gap for the most demanding imaging professionals, and provide never before seen levels of SLR image and video quality,” said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. “The D800 is the right tool for today’s creative image makers, affording photographers, filmmakers and videographers a versatile option for capturing the ultimate in still image quality or Full HD content, with maximum control.”

Nikon developed the 36.3MP FX-format (35.9x24mm) CMOS sensor to address the demanding applications of wedding, studio portraiture and landscape photography, where there is no compromise to high fidelity and dynamic range. Nikon says its first priority was image quality, and the 36.3 megapixels allow photographers the ability to portray even the smallest details, such as a strand of hair, or crop liberally.

For shooting with minimal noise in various lighting, the D800 offers a native ISO range of 100-6400, which is expandable from 50 (Lo-1) to 25,600 (Hi-2). And, an internal sensor design, an enhanced optical low pass filter and 14-bit A/D conversion with a high signal-to-noise ratio all contribute to the camera’s low-light ability despite its extreme resolution. Images are routed through a 16-bit image-processing pipeline, and to further enhance versatility, users can shoot in additional modes and aspect ratios—such as 5:4 to frame for printed portraits or a 1.2x crop for a slight telephoto edge. Photographers can also take advantage of Nikon DX-format lenses for more lens options and an enhanced focal range (1.5x), while shooting at 15.4MP resolution.

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