Nikon D810 in 2020: Extraordinary Full-Frame DSLR (Review)

Nikon D810 is a new full-frame DSLR camera which replaces two models of D800 and D800E. Nikon claims that this camera provides the highest image quality in Nikon history. It also keep the impressive performance of the two models before. D810 has equipped a 36.3MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor with No Optical Low Pass Filter and uses EXPEED 4 Image Processor for high image quality result with high performance. Moreover, the camera has 3.2″ 1,229k-Dot LCD Monitor, Full HD 1080p Video at 60/30/24 fps, Continuous Shooting to 5 fps in FX Mode, Expandable Sensitivity to ISO 51200. Nikon D810 sold with a price of $3,296.95 for the body only.

• Our Review
 
• Specifications
 
• Video Reviews
 
• Sample Photos
 
• User Manual
 
• Rivals

Features & Design

Nikon D810 is the successor to the D800 and D800E that comes with a similar design to the two cameras just having a bit of modification that is not much different than before. The new camera has a hand-grip with a deeper shape and ergonomic so it is quite comfortable in the palm of the hand. While the body shape looks a little change and remains efficient as the previous model but with a slightly lighter weight. The layout of control button looks similar to the Nikon D800, but with a few changes by moving the position of some buttons such as the Fn and PV buttons are located on the front right of the lens holder with a smaller shape and rounded. Not only that but on the front also added a microphone hole right at the top of the second button, while the right of the front added bracketing button.

On the back, there is little addition of a new button “i” which is located just below the navigation buttons, while on the top left of the camera there is a metering button that is in the circle of the release mode button. When compared with previous cameras that use a cover on the left side of the camera, this new camera uses three-door cover that serves to cover the microphone port, HDMI, and USB. Besides the little changes on the buttons, there are no other changes that enough visible on the control button layout. Nikon D810 using a 3.2-inch LCD monitor that has a 1.229k-dot resolution to view photo and playback video. The screen has been updated with the sub-pixels white (W) as the Nikon D4S which allows the display screen sharper and brighter. You can even adjust the display according to the colour in the camera, monitor, and printing the results.

On the right side of the screen, there is are control buttons such as navigation buttons, I, Live view which has a switch button for live view video and photos, including info button. While on the left of the screen there are the same control buttons as previous models such as the Menu button, lock, zoom in/out, and the Ok button. At the top of the screen, there is an optical viewfinder between the playback and delete buttons on the left side, while on the right side there is an AF button with a rotate button. The D810 also comes with internal flash and hot-shoe for adding an external flash that supports i-TTL.

Meanwhile, for the images storage, Nikon D810 uses two memory card slots consisting of CF and SD cards, allowing users to have a large storage space to store two different files such as image files on the first memory and video files on the other memory or separate the RAW and JPEG files. As for the connectivity itself, the camera is equipped with Wi-Fi feature that allows users to transfer files to the computer directly.

Performance & Image Quality

Nikon D810 using the same image processor as Nikon D4S ie ​​EXPEED 4 Image Processor which offers sensor resolution up to 36.3MP to provide a high performance without an Optical Low Pass Filter for particularly sharp and detailed still imaging. Comes with huge resolution makes this new camera is slower when compared with D4S but faster than the D800, the D810 can take pictures with the speed of 5fps in full resolution on FX mode. The reason of this camera does not use a low-pass filter is to produce a far sharper image than ever on high resolution though has the risk of the appearance of moire but easy enough to handle such problems in post-editing using Photoshop or other software.

Autofocus speed is very good as expected except when you use Live View mode will slightly decrease due to restrict autofocus camera only uses contrast detection system. The fast autofocus performance can not be separated from good autofocus system because it is supported by the sensor Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus as used in the Nikon D4S. With a 51-point autofocus system makes the camera is able to focus faster than before even in low light situations. In addition, the metering system performance is also very good and fast even if you use this camera in a dark situation will not be a problem.

Example photos: ƒ/2.8, 85.0 mm, 1/640, ISO 100 (credit: lindalacoche)

Nikon D810 is capable of producing high-quality images with excellent exposure, beautiful colour, and contrast. The Low light performance also increased by upgrading the ISO sensitivity range of ISO 64-12800, it lets you shoot images with outstanding results even you can expand the ISO sensitivity up to 32-51200. Generally, the noise can be controlled so well that lets you shoot up too high ISO settings without having to worry about the quality of the image will be disturbed by the noise that appears. If you shoot in JPEG format, the images seen free of noise on the adjustment of the ISO 3200 and the noise will slightly start to appear at ISO 6400, but the picture still looks very good even up to the highest ISO settings image quality can still be used for printing in a small size. In fact, the automatic white balance system is able to deliver excellent results in natural lighting situations such as bright sunlight. Overall image quality is very good with the dynamic range and contrast satisfy even the images detail also amazing.

We feel little disappointed that the Nikon D810 comes without the ability to record 4K video which was introduced by Panasonic camera and be a favourite of the videographer. Although it does not have these capabilities, this camera still can record Full HD 1080p video at 60/30/24 fps in FX or DX-format. With two memory card slots, you can make great video footage even ISO Auto settings available in video recording process when using manual mode to get soft exposure.

Should I buy the camera?

The Nikon D810 is a professional digital SLR camera to produce excellent quality images in high resolution on a wide range of shooting conditions. With Autofocus is very good, fast and accurate enable this camera able to take pictures on a dark situation even on a moving object though. The picture quality is very good with very good noise control, impressive colour and exceptional detail. With the price of $3,296.95 for the body only, Nikon D810 deserves to be considered by a photographer who wants an upgrade to a pro camera with excellent quality.

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