Nikon Announces the Nikon D810

Another famous late-night announcement brings us news of the long-awaited successor to the camera that brought medium-format resolutions to the masses. With its all-glorious 36 megapixels, improved low-light performance, and a new processing engine, the Nikon D810 is finally here... Update: Pre-orders are open at B&H.

A new processing engine (combined with a few other possible internal changes) increases ISO performance by one stop. The low-sensitivity end of the D810's ISO also gained some latitude as it drops to ISO 64 natively (ISO 32, expanded). That, along with the now-permanent removal of an anti-aliasing filter (aka AA or optical low-pass filter) should bring unprecedented quality to the full-frame DSLR segment yet again. Meanwhile, the price will probably follow suit with the silly CF/SD card slot combination as it should stay around the same price (with a possible slight bump) as the D800E when it was introduced at $3300. Update: Price is confirmed at $3299.95. Update 2: Pre-orders are live! Pre-order the D800 now for $3296.95 at B&H.

In addition to the body-only kit, Nikon has put the D810 together with three lenses, the Ninja 2 external video recorder, 2 extra batteries, an ME-1 microphone, a Nikon HDMI cable, and some Tiffen variable neutral density filters for $4996.95, which will save over $800 on the individual purchase price of everything in the kit.

nikon d810 1

Nikon D810 Specifications:
- Price: $3299.95
- ALL-NEW 36.3 megapixel, full-frame sensor (not just the same one, but tweaked)
- No optical low-pass filter (no AA filter like the D800E)
- 64-12800 ISO (expandable to 32-51,600)
- 5fps full-frame, 7fps in DX mode (using an APS-C crop of the sensor)
- Expeed 4 image processing engine
- Improved AF including Group Area AF mode from D4s
- 1080p video, up to 60p (too bad, no 4k -- really)
- New kevlar/carbon fiber composite shutter that reduces lag and shutter noise (more in line with the D4 shutter)
- 3.2" LCD display 1,992K dots with new split-screen mode with color-balancing settings
- "Approximately" 100% viewfinder coverage (OLED elements in the in-viewfinder display)
- Improved grip and "optimal layout of operations controls"
- Metering button moved to main control dial
- Standard 1/8000-30s shutter speed
- Electronic front curtain shutter to reduce vibrations pertinent for sensors with so many pixels
- Added "Flat" Picture Control setting for capturing as much highlight information as possible with the intention of editing for greater dynamic range and color depth in post (more flat than "Neutral")
- Raw "Small" shooting

Nikon also has the D810 "microsite" page for the D810 ready here. NikonUSA link here.

Full press release after the videos, or head over to the original link here.

Nikon D810 Announcement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Wj_vHf1CDg

June 26, 2014

An effective pixel count of 36.3-million pixels for the sharpest, best image quality in Nikon history

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the D810, a Nikon FX-format digital SLR camera.

The D810 is a digital SLR camera that boasts incredibly superior definition and image quality made possible with a new Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter, adoption of the latest EXPEED 4 image-processing engine, an effective pixel count of 36.3-million pixels, and a standard range of sensitivities from ISO 64 to ISO 12800. Not only does it offer extremely accurate AF, but vibrations generated inside the camera have been reduced to maximize the resolution of its 36.3-million pixels for sharp and clear images. The camera also supports recording of smooth, extremely sharp 60p full-HD (1920 x 1080) movies. What's more, high-speed continuous shooting at up to 5 fps with the FX-format image area and up to 7 fps* with the DX-format image area is possible for excellent response to a wide variety of scenes.

*When powered by the AC Adapter EH-5b or the Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D12 with batteries other than the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL15.

D810 Development Background

The D800 and D800E, added to Nikon's lineup of Nikon FX-format cameras in March 2012, drew great attention from professional and advanced amateur photographers as digital SLR cameras offering superior image quality nearly equal to that of medium-format cameras. The performance of these two cameras was well received around the world, earning them a number of prestigious awards, including a respected Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) Award 2012 and a European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) Photo Award presented to the D800. Developed with this background, the D810 offers the best image quality in the history of Nikon, as well as functions that increase the certainty and reliability of this superior image quality, to respond to the expectations of photographers who demand superior clarity, sharpness, and image quality from their photos.

D810 Primary Features

The first digital SLR camera in Nikon's history to offer a minimum standard sensitivity of ISO 64 at which superior clarity and image quality with rich tones is achieved

A minimum standard sensitivity of ISO 64, at which the same broad dynamic range available with ISO 100 is possible, was achieved through the adoption of a new FX-format CMOS sensor and by increasing the volume of light information that can be accumulated. This enables suppression of loss of detail in highlights (blown highlights) and beautiful rendering of subjects with rich tones, even when a fast lens is used in bright surroundings. In addition, collaboration with the same EXPEED 4 image-processing engine adopted for the D4S achieves a broad range of standard sensitivities up to ISO 12800 (Lo 1, Hi 1, and Hi 2 settings are also available).

Further increases in imaging flexibility: The Picture Control system, Nikon's exclusive advanced system for image processing

A new "Flat" Picture Control option has been added with the D810. Less in-camera processing is applied to images captured at a Picture Control setting of "Flat" than to those captured at a setting of "Neutral", enabling maximization of the amount of subject information acquired. The "Flat" setting prevents loss of detail in highlights and shadows, as well as over-saturation of colors, enabling adjustment of image quality and post-processing for richer tone characteristics, including contrast and colors. In addition, a "Clarity"*1 option has been added to adjustment settings for each Picture Control, allowing users to make images sharper or softer without over-emphasizing outlines and edges in images, and each setting can be adjusted in increments of 0.25 step*2, enabling more precise adjustment that makes it easier to achieve imaging that better reflects user intent.

*1Can be applied only to still images.
*2Does not apply to Quick Adjust.

Extremely precise AF and superior vibration suppression that maximize the resolution of the 36.3-million-pixel effective pixel count

In order to make the most of the incredibly high pixel count of 36.3-million effective pixels, the precision of the 51-point AF system has been increased with adoption of the Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module and improvements to the focusing algorithm, ensuring exact autofocus acquisition on the intended portion of a still subject. In addition, mechanical operation of components such as the mirror and shutter has been improved for significant reduction in the amount of internal vibration generated. The end result is a system capable of maximizing the superior rendering performance of NIKKOR lenses and the superior definition of the D810's CMOS sensor.

High-speed continuous shooting at approximately 5 fps in FX format and approximately 7 fps* in DX format makes capture of a broader range of subjects possible

Adoption of a new CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 4 image-processing engine makes high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 5 fps in FX format and approximately 7 fps* in DX format possible with the D810. This makes capture of a broader range of subjects/scenes possible with excellent response with not only still subjects, but also moving subjects such as wildlife and sports scenes.

*When powered by the AC Adapter EH-5b or the Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D12 with batteries other than the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL15.

Full-HD movie recording with which picture quality and operation has been significantly improved

The full-HD movie recording function, capable of recording extremely sharp and clear movies exhibiting significantly fewer moiré patterns and jaggies, and less color aliasing, supports 60p recording for smoother expression of subject movement. In addition, operation has been improved with Auto ISO Sensitivity Control in M exposure mode, enabling exposure control with aperture value and shutter speed locked and automatic adjustment of only ISO sensitivity, as well as a highlight display that shows the brightest areas of the frame in which detail may be lost with display of slanted lines. Beautiful time-lapse movies with which variations in exposure between frames are controlled can also be generated in-camera.

D810 Additional Features

- An electronic front-curtain shutter that prevents blur in images with minimization of vibration resulting from the operation of mechanisms with shooting
- Highlight-weighted metering, with which exposure values that reduce loss of detail in highlights (blown highlights) are determined, convenient for capturing theater scenes and the like
- The first Nikon FX-format camera with an OLED viewfinder display; an optical viewfinder with frame coverage of approximately 100% that offers better light transmissivity and colors, and makes it easier to achieve the optimal focus when fast lenses are used
- A 1229k-dot LCD monitor with bright RGBW array equipped with the "Monitor color balance" function that allows users to adjust monitor colors
- A "Split-screen display zoom" function that displays enlarged views of two separate areas of the frame side-by-side for checking level if the building is aligned with the horizon with live view photography
- Advanced Scene Recognition System, which utilizes a 91K-pixel RGB sensor, for highly precise automatic control over auto exposure (AE), autofocus (AF), and auto white balance (AWB)
- RAW recording at an image size of "Small"
- Multi-area mode full-HD D-movie that allows users to choose between two movie formats (image areas), FX-based and DX-based
- Improved movie sound quality with "Wind noise reduction" and "Frequency response" ("Wide range"/"Vocal range") settings
- Optimal layout of operational controls, and a grip sized and shaped for a firm, steady hold even when large lenses are used
- Effective sealing for superior resistance to dust and water

*Except where noted, all specifications provided apply to use at an ambient temperature of 23° C (± 3° C) with a fully charged battery, in accordance with Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) standards.

For more information

The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.

Adam Ottke's picture

Adam works mostly across California on all things photography and art. He can be found at the best local coffee shops, at home scanning film in for hours, or out and about shooting his next assignment. Want to talk about gear? Want to work on a project together? Have an idea for Fstoppers? Get in touch! And, check out FilmObjektiv.org film rentals!

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68 Comments
Previous comments

I had just ordered a copy through NPS. The sRAW, quicker FPS and improvement in ISO are well worth the upgrade. My D800 is currently a second/back-up body, and will go up on eBay as soon as this one arrives!

Seem like still the best portrait camera around. Probably not needed if you already have a D800.

so people want to see nosehair in prints?
no... any of todays DSLR is just perfect for portraits.. resolution wise.
color rendition is way more important than resolution for portraits.. and there the D800 and i bet D810 lack.

I want to see nosehairs...

You are right on the money there Scott, of course in the DSLR world, you want a better camera for the studio, you will have to get a MF sensor, . . . kick up another $7000 or WAY more, . . . . D8(1)0(e) is unrivaled in the DSLR arena for portrait work.

Limited optics choices and lousy autofocus in MF as well.

The filmmakers kit is a bit interesting.

It comes with the 35mm 1.8G, 50mm 1.8G, and 85mm 1.8G, some kind of Atmos Ninja 2 (which appears to be a $700 external recording device), and an ME-1 microphone ($120). You save about $430 for buying them all together in this basket, which is pretty much $100 off each of the lenses and the recorder, and $30 off the microphone, if you want to think about it in simple terms. It also comes with a couple lens Filters.

Assuming you were going to buy at least 2 of the bigger ticket items in that basket anyway, it means you get the others at a pretty nice discount.

D810 http://amzn.to/1lrKeKi

D810 Filmmakers Kit http://amzn.to/1nKSUrP

Kindly explain to me how the CF/SD combination is silly.

yawn.. so boring....

Now that we have a replacement/update of the 800/800E, I now want to buy a brand new D800, now my question will be what is a good price to pay for a:
1-)Brand new D800
2-)Used D800E
Please help with your advice.

Now that the replacement/upgrade of the D800/D800E is in the market, I want to buy a D800, can you guys help me out on how much they will cost:
1-)Brand new D800??
2-)Used D800E??

I would do the same thing & save the cash. KEH.com is selling Like New D800E's for $2800. Less for non-E's &/or lower grade condition.

Are you a pro? If not get a DX cam or a Mirrorless. If you are an Amateur and still using FX for whatever reason… get the D800E it's more than you will EVER need

Interestingly, while this new model touts the higher/extended ISO... I'm still intrigued by my favorite feature of the ORIGINAL D800... near-endless dynamic range. I still mess with the Lightroom sliders every now and then just for fun to see how much detail I can recover in shadows and highlights.

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not a major uppdate... okay with me.. so i can afford the 800/800E soon. :)

I like the addition of sRAW but what about mRAW?!

The video sharpness is incredible.
Happy to see they fixed that problem!

I was just issued two D810 bodies to supplement two very well-used Nikon D4 bodies. No learning curve at all. Features of the D810 that I absolutely love.
-The compact and lightness. Two bodies WITHOUT grips mounted with 24-70 and 70-200 are definitely lighter and more comfortable. D4 bodies are amazing cameras but heavy for day to day non-sports assignments.

-The feel and balance are great. I am use to the grip of D4 but without the grip, the D810 balance with long and short glass is great. I wanted smaller and lighter and easy to handle and this works great. Shooting in low light, I have no problem with autofocus or making sharp images.

-Autofocus even in lowlight works great. No complaints with speed/same or better than D4. All the bells and whistles of the D4 autofocus and more.

-Files are huge and color is great. Buffer doesn't keep up like a D4 but the camera is set to max file size now. I really don't always need to be shooting 36 megapixels and can easily knock down if needed.

-QUIET!!! This camera is quiet. I mean quiet. Finally......quieter than the D4 even in the quiet mode. Did I say this camera is quiet? Wedding shooters will love this. Nikon documentary shooters will love this! Finally.

-Pop-up flash. I have never had a camera with a pop-up flash but can totally see when this will come in handy and it will even trigger other strobes.

-Big fan of the CF and SD card combo more than the Nikon D4 CF and stupid Sony XQD card. Now I will need to only carry one USB Card reader for CF cards and utilize the built-in computer SD reader for the SD card. Can ditch the cray Sony XQD card reader.

-Wanted the cameras for the full HD 60 frame video. Looks great. Will be great for two or three camera video shoots. Light to work with and easy to monitor and change audio levels on the fly. Very nice.

-Smaller and lighter battery than the D4 batteries. No idea about battery life yet and the battery door is a bit touchy to get open but not a big deal. The charger is more compact and smarter than the D4 charger but only one battery charges at a time with the D810 charger. Still need the D4 charger as well as the D810 charger.

-Like the cool feature with the split frame and ease of going between FX and DX format on the fly. Handy for extra throw when needed especially when video shooting interviews with 24-70.

The "I" button on back in "live view" video mode is a great feature. Lots of features in smart, convenient location. Lots of helpful stuff there.

The downside for me on the D810 body.

-No ethernet. We shoot a lot of events tethered but will just have to shoot D4 when needed. Not a huge issue.

-No built in WIFI. Not huge issue for me either.

-No voice memos. This is a BIG issue for me. I nearly pulled the plug on my idea of ditching one of the D4 bodies issued to me with the idea to switch to daily shooting with two D810 bodies. Still thinking this over after realizing that the voice memo is not built into the D810. I just assumed something so smart and simple would always be built into a camera already loaded up. I have come to rely on the D3 and D4 voice memo function for accurately and easily recording caption information in the field. Much more convenient than notepad and pen and more accurate and lasting while attached to the individual files.

This camera is pretty amazing. Smaller and lighter, It isn't as rugged and as solid metal as a D4 but definitely feels like it will hold up fine.

Here is the crazy thing. Everything about the camera says it will do what I need on a daily basis better than carrying around two D4 bodies BUT the lack of voice memo function is the only thing that is giving me pause and debate. Looks like I may need to stock back up on note pads.