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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

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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.

Summary of Contents for 25480

Page 1: ...as 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 ...

Page 2: ...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 ...

Page 3: ... 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 ...

Page 4: ... 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 ...

Page 5: ...d 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 ...

Page 6: ... 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 re...

Page 7: ...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 t...

Page 8: ...e 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 ...

Page 9: ... 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 contr...

Page 10: ...2 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 0...

Page 11: ...llows you to access Picture Control instantly and directly from a dedicated button rather than entering the menu When live view shooting you can visually confirm how customized Picture Control settings will look and easily adjust the parameters With the D800 you can always check the LCD monitor or the viewfinder for both the camera s position in relation to the horizontal plane and its pitch forwa...

Page 12: ...ivers Its advantages are best experienced via Advanced Wireless Lighting Using high precision i TTL flash control with strategic intuitive operations you can make lighting as powerful and comprehensive as your imagination can take it Whether you shoot in the studio or in far flung locations there is a Nikon Speedlight solution to inspire your creativity Nikon s SB 910 offers versatile i TTL for on...

Page 13: ...AF assist illuminator Self timer lamp Red eye reduction lamp 5Lens mount 6Built in flash 7Mirror 8Flash pop up button 9Built in microphone Release mode dial lock release Flash sync terminal cover Flash mode button Flash compensation button Mounting index Ten pin remote terminal cover Meter coupling lever Lens release button AF mode button Focus mode selector Fn button Depth of field preview button...

Page 14: ...teps of 1 3 1 2 2 3 or 1 EV Exposure lock Luminosity locked at detected value with AE L AF L button ISO sensitivity ISO 100 to 6400 in steps of 1 3 1 2 or 1 EV can also be set to approx 0 3 0 5 0 7 or 1 EV ISO 50 equivalent below ISO 100 or to approx 0 3 0 5 0 7 1 or 2 EV ISO 25600 equivalent above ISO 6400 auto ISO sensitivity control available Active D Lighting Can be selected from auto extra hi...

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