If you’ve been following my blog for any length of time, you know by now that I am a devoted Nikon user. Often asked WHY am I so devoted to Nikon over Canon, it’s really a matter of the way the camera has always felt in my hands when I’m shooting. It’s felt more solid, I guess. Even when I’ve played around with Canon’s in the past, Canon has just felt more lightweight, a little flimsier. They’re equally great cameras, I can’t say that one is better than the other. It’s just a feeling thing, baby. Nothing else. Last February when Nikon announced their newest Pro DSLR, the Nikon D800, I was excited to get my hands on it. I pre-ordered the camera from B + H and then waited. And waited. shoots came and went and I even traveled to Europe to shoot and still, no D800. Finally I wrote B + H and told them that I had waited over 6 months for my camera. 2 days later, my new camera arrived!
The D800 features a brand new 36 Megapixel full-frame FX-format sensor, which makes it the highest resolution camera outside of the medium format world. Offering 36 megapixels, critics argue that too many pixels on a small sensor can introduce grain when shooting in low light or at higher ISO speeds. Wait, is that a problem? My main disappointment with the digital format has always been the loss of grain and grittiness that I used to love about film. So that was not a negative aspect of getting the Nikon D800. Depending on the quality of lenses, this “grain” can be quite lovely, actually. At least to someone like myself that likes to shoot in low light situations. And the D800 has a full frame sensor so that means it’s a match for a 35mm film camera. With shortcut buttons on top of the camera, I can get to my ISO controls and WB modes instantly without having to go into the menu. There’s even a LV button which pops the camera’s mirror back to preview what I’m shooting when I’m shooting video. Fantastic!
Even though it’s lighter than other NIkon’s I’ve owned, it’s still retains the same durable, workhorse build that I’ve relied on with Nikon for over 25 years of shooting professionally. The last Nikon I shot with had over 1/2 million actualizations before I burned the shutter motor out. My Nikons take a beating, I’ve shot in freezing cold climates and in the rain and I’ve never had one fail on me. It’s usually me just shooting the hell out of them before they finally say, okay that’s enough. Time for a new one!
Must Have Nikkor Lenses:
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G – Good normal lens for capturing straight shots
Nikon Telephoto AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus – Best Lens in the World
If you’re using DX lenses, it does cut your pixels down to 15.4, which to me, is still high in pixels. This whole craze with photographers thinking that “more pixels, better camera” is kind of lost on me. I shot many a shoot on lower pixels and unless I had a job where I was going to shoot for a billboard, the pixels did just fine. Most of my work is editorial and print advertising. I don’t need 64 pixels for this type of work. But if you have the money and think that adding pixels to your images will make them better images, go right ahead and buy that expensive gear. For me, I would rather see you invest in better quality glass for your DSLR’s. I can’t tell you how many times I hear about someone scrimping on the glass but buying a very expensive camera. Just my two cents, feel free to argue away!
One of the biggest pluses on my new camera is the video feature. The Nikon D800 offers 1920 X 1080 pixels full HD video with an eloquent 30fps. I just came off a 2 day video shoot and I used my Nikon for the whole shoot while my collaborator, video director Dimitrios Papagiannis shot with a Lumix. After looking at my footage, Dimitrios was impressed with the quality of the footage I shot. I was too, although I’m not a pro yet at video. I was just impressed I could capture motion because I have been thinking in “still” mode my whole life. If I could be so humble to say that I think my strong suit as a photographer is my ability to capture a moment, or at least, that is what I strive for, in video you need to capture the MOMENTS! It’s a whole way of seeing/visualizing. Thank God I’ve had a camera plastered to my face for over 33 years. That kinda’ helps with the whole “seeing” part. : )
Still Outtake from the D800 Video
If you got the cash, I highly recommend this camera. Will it make you a better photographer. Quite plainly, no. You shooting all. the. time. will make you a better photographer. But the Nikon D800 will capture a beautiful image as you trudge the road to shooting all. the time.
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Evelina Vazgyte
February 12, 2013Thank You Melissa for this post.It’s really informative and helpful!I’m nikon user myself so it’s even more helpful for me:)I would really love to try Nikon D800 myself one day:)
Rajat
February 12, 2013I jumped from the Pentax K5 to the Nikon D800. I actually am not loving the grain and hating the fact that the camera is so susceptible to blur even in broad daylight. If its stable and takes a shot it blows everything out of the water and in fact, feels better than the human eye. Any tips to stabilize shots when hand-holding the camera for a location shoot? Don’t say use tripod/strobe or increase ISO
Brian McGloin
February 17, 2013Have you tried holding still? A little practice shooting goes a long way.
One camera isn’t more susceptible to motion blur than another, but one may have more stabilization.
rudy mullen
February 12, 2013your photos are amazing. I rented a d800 this weekend and I felt like I was test driving a new car, minus the sweet leather smell. The grass IS greener!
i have booked it for the next 3 weeks while my d300s is repaired @ Nikon.
James Eagles
February 12, 2013I really liked my D800 also. I got lucky and landed one off craigslist for $1900 brand new in the box about 5 weeks ago. While the files sizes in RAW are huge 70 megs+, the image quality is amazing. Many British magazines have called it the “medium format camera killer”. I have the same lenses as Melissa except I use my 70-200, 24-70 and 105mm Macro a lot also.
Glenn Jones/Ikona Photography
February 12, 2013I got my D800 in August and am so in love with it. I moved up from an Oly E3 and am just blown away with what this camera can do both in studio and out in the real world. I shoot it with the Nikkor 50 & 85 1.8G’s, Tamron’s 24-70/f2.8 and Sigma’s 70-200/f2.8, all of which have given me stellar results. I hope to use it for years and years to come.
Feda
February 12, 2013Melissa I LOVE your work but I follow your blog because of how down to earth you are! I’ve always felt photography was about the vision not the equipment. I almost didn’t pursue photography because of how stuffy it felt. Thank you for being such an inspiration through your work and giving us such practical advice as a professional. I’m dying to take your course one day!
Don
February 12, 2013Thanks for the post Melissa – I started using the D800 in the middle of last year. I upgraded from the D700. And I have to agree with you – Its awesome
Although my wife likes the D700 more than the D800 for some reason. But it would have been great to have the D800 for when I shot some of my photos
Would have been great to get that extra bit of detail.
Btw. I have to get in touch with you soon for a little interview in my fashion magazine. Would you be up for answering a couple questions?
Clint Buhler
February 12, 2013It makes me feel awesome knowing that I’ve got the same camera as the famous Melissa Rodwell! (I waitted about 6 months as well from B&H too for mine) I’m curious though, I know you really liked your 24mm f/2.8 ai-s lens on the DX format (which I bought because you had it btw, lol), have you replaced it with something to cover the wide end, or do you just shoot wider now? Or just go 50mm? A always liked the look of your slightly wide shots, they’ve got s bit more depth to the images. Keep up the great work!
admin
February 12, 2013Hey Clint!
Wow, what a nice comment. To think you bought the same wide lens as I use!! Yeah, I just shoot wider. I don’t know, but I love really wide shots. It’s tricky to find your angles, but I have been using it for so long and shooting that way that I sort of enjoy that process too, of finding the angle that works best. Wide/Depth is brilliant in my opinion and really speaks to the stifled or not yet, realized filmmaker deep down inside me!! : )
Maria
February 12, 2013Thank You Melissa for this post.It’s really informative and helpful!
Robert/RZamora Photography
February 12, 2013I love my D800, I used it during the recent Blizzard on Cape Cod. Crazy variances from dark & cloudy to blinding white glare from snow covered hiking trails & hills. Never missed a shot! And you’re right, having the ISO & other buttons on top are a HUGE advantage over navigating a menu.
I went from my D90 to the D800 and at first I was in menu shock. Where’s this or where’s that became a frequent thought, (I’m not big on reading manuals, I need to dive in and explore, click, view, do it again and again in order to learn things.)
After a long day sledding on a gorgeous hill over looking Cape Cod bay with blinding white hills and cobalt blue skies we then visited a friends 88yo mother for hot coco & conversation. Video is not my medium but I casually went in to video mode with a few stealthy clicks holding the camera on my knee. I was able to capture a great conversation between my friend and her mother about her water color paintings & how the cape inspires her art. The lighting & video was spectacular. At the end of the day I played the video for me friend and she said “Thank you for capturing that, my mother never would have been so candid had she known a camera was running.” Totally made my day.
Love your work & blog, it inspires me to keep reaching further in my own abilities. ~R
alex
February 12, 2013Great post Melissa,
with so much hype about Canon v Nikon its good to see Nikon professionals speak up once in a while!
Hugh
February 12, 2013Hi Melissa, always a fan of your blog and your methods
But your pic above it the top view of a 700
I’m currently shooting a D700 and F4 and am either going to move across to the 600 or 800 in due course for video since I’m also a videographer. Most of my stuff is in the beauty genre and touching a bit of fashion photography – I guess I’m in a very small market (Ireland) and have a name fro the beauty stuff.
Anyway, always a pleasure to read and digest your views. One day when I win the lottery I’ll head over for one of your workshops and teach you a few things ha ha
Hx
Victor
February 12, 2013AWESOME REVIEW~!!
Qadeer
March 1, 2013i want d800 camera what is price
from snap vision
Gerry Daniel
February 12, 2013Nice post on the D800. It’s a totally different animal from the D700 which is a good camera (still have my D700 camera body). For me the full-frame file size is a big help to me on the D800. Many of my images were being purchased in large sizes and the D700 wasn’t scaling very well. Many of my prints are being purchased for buildings. A recent sale was for 25 prints, 24 of them were for 30″x40″ and one was for 20″x60″. I was able to deliver but that was the point where I decided that buying the D800 was a must for my work moving forward.
Thanks for the post Melissa!
Danuka
February 12, 2013heyy!! hello i am from sri lanka… even i sent u a message from fb…. hope u can remember.
i am a big fan of u. i have this DVD ‘fashion photography exposed’ its simply amazing just like the nikon D800.i have nikon D600 which is the latest full frame from nikon.hope to see a small post about that also!
please keep posting like this!! i am really interested!
Alberto
February 13, 2013Great post! Just curious….any reason why you picked this one instead of the D800E? Is it because the missing low pass filter will give it more of a “digital look”? I really need to upgrade but I am torn between the two!
Aaron
February 13, 2013I am glad that you mentioned at the end how this camera will not make you a better photographer and having interned in NYC under a fashion photographer who uses a medium format digital, you demonstrate clearly that the camera is simply a tool with its own character.
I bought my D800 with the idea that it would improve my photography; however, I realized just the opposite – it’s about the photographer and your DVD clearly illustrates this point.
Compared to the D700, the D800′s video capabilities are a great plus and I am too entering the world of video slowly.
Lastly, if anything, it’s the way you shoot that is your signature style not necessarily the equipment. Collecting the master’s tools does not make one a master, but I enjoy the fact that your blog encourages us to develop our own styles with our equipment and I admire how you through the metaphorical megapixel bone to be fought over by others.
Thanks Melissa!
WCLawson
February 14, 2013Enjoyed your review.
I started shooting with Nikon cameras and lenses since Vietnam. Never tempted to change to Canon or any other camera. I went digital several years ago and still use Nikkor lenses from the days of IC lenses which I modified to use on the Digital Nikon I have now. They look like heck but I wouldn’t trade them for any other lenses. Durability is Nikon. Still have my F and F2 cameras. Canon makes great cameras but…
Enjoy your work.
Thank you,
Wesley C. Lawson
Haiko
February 25, 2013Thanks for this review! I guess this camera is a must-have..
You might also check out my blog, called BUCLE.
Best,
Haiko
Lee Love
February 26, 2013Melissa, I am so glad you have made the move to the D800. I received one of the first ones available and was totally blown away by the gorgeous files. Any photographer who has fallen in love with a quality of a medium format camera but hated the low ISO performance will appreciate the 800.
I will say the D800 is not for everyone and others such as Rajat’s post describe similar issues. BUT, this is not the camera, it is all about technique. Rent a Hasselblad H5D-60 or a Phase One IQ180 and I guarantee these tools require a skilled photographer who knows their craft in order to get consistent keepers.
One point many overlook about the D800 is its dynamic range. Yes we expect high res images out a 36mp camera but what I didn’t expect was the 14 stops of dynamic range. This is the holy grail that we have been asking for, the ability to record extreme highlights and d-max blacks that we had from film. Well the D800 certainly has answered that need and the ability to recover detail in the highlights is nothing short of amazing.
As someone who does a lot of retouching and compositing it is shocking when I zoom in 200 or 300 percent and the image just gets LARGER. No pixelation, no grunge, just nice smooth image to work on. What a pleasure.
One last comment about file sizes. Get over it !!!
Diskspace is the cheapest thing we buy. We spend thousands on lenses, cameras, accessories, lights, computers and then to complain about file sizes and storage. PLEASE
Mellisa, I am so glad to see another working pro finally step up and saw what so many others have discovered.
Nic Skerten
March 5, 2013Like you, I’m a confirmed Nikon user. I’ve been sitting on the fence about the D800 but I think it’s time to give it a try.
Fotograaf Enschede
March 12, 2013Hi Melissa
The Nikon D800 is a wonderful tool
I use it for stills mainly, but I’ve collected some info on video with the D800. Please find the info at http://photo.vanderkolk.info/photo-article-nikon-d800-video-tricks.php
The downside of my D800 specimen is the oil splatter on the sensor. Had it cleaned three times already.
Mehmet Okutan
March 12, 2013Hi Melissa,
I am from Istanbul, Turkey and just met your blog.
Me and my wife we are also “Nikonist” since D200 time.. Now we have D3s and D800E and we are in love to our gears.
Before I buy our D800E we compared with D800 and I remember that we both decided at the moment D800E. Its hard to explain why but when you compare you see the difference D800E pictures are more like medium format sharp and clear.
The dynamic range is even better than any medium format that I tested before.
I totally agree Lee Love about file sizes and pleasure to work on the files by zooming 200 or 300 percent without any loss of quality. Like they says “pixel porn”.
Finally I am glad to know you and your blog and you have new friends from Turkey.
Photographically yours
Mehmet Okutan
Girl
April 12, 2013i like nikon.
Hermeneanu Valter
April 18, 2013Best camera and best price.
carl
April 21, 2013All this stuff about how the D800 requires better technique – You must realize that all your previous work had bad technique right? So why is it suddenly apparent in the d800 pictures? Because you now can see more closely how bad you are! – You should have used a tripod, faster shutter, etc. you also get to see how bad VR stabilization really is.. But all that doesn’t matter – when your output image is the same as your output image with your lesser body was – the degree to which your bad technique destroys your work is THE SAME as before, just now you can see it at 400x. And along with that, now maybe you can fix it.
Cynthia McIntyre
April 21, 2013I agree with your assessment of the D800. I have 2 D3′s and find the images of equal quality (if not even better). It is missing some of the bells and whistles of the D3 but I don’t really miss them!