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Nikon D800
69
SCORE
Nikon · DSLR · 36.3 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video

Nikon D800

General 69Optics 74Video Performance 57Features and Benefits 57Storage and Battery 71
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KEY FACTS
BrandNikon
ModelD800
Released2012
Announcement date07/02/2012
Camera typeDSLR

General 69

Brand
Nikon
Model
D800
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2012
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
07/02/2012
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
146 x 123 x 82 mm
Camera weight
1000 g

Optics 74

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
36.3 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
7360 x 4912
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
24 x 35.9
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full Frame
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
4 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Nikon F FX
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Expeed 3
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
10030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
64003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
5030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
256003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
3044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
510300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
No
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

With a score of 69 out of 100, the Nikon D800 is a DSLR camera that was announced on February 7, 2012, and released the same year. Priced at $2,999, this camera measures 146 x 123 x 82mm and weighs 1000g or 2.20lbs.

Considering the specifications, the Nikon D800 offers decent features for a camera released in 2012. However, it may not be the top choice for today’s market, as newer models have since been introduced with advanced technology and improved performance. Despite this, the D800 still holds its own as a reliable camera for various photography needs.

Nikon D800 Overview and Optics

The Nikon D800 achieves a solid optics score of 74 out of 100. This camera possesses a 36.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and a full-frame format, which contributes to its high-resolution image capturing capabilities. The Expeed 3 processor enables a shooting speed of 4 frames per second, a respectable rate for a camera of its class.

In today’s market, the Nikon D800 competes well with its Nikon F FX lens mount, which allows photographers to use a wide range of quality lenses. However, the camera lacks image stabilization, a feature that many modern cameras offer. The aspect ratio of 3:2 is standard and provides photographers with the familiar dimensions for their images.

The DXOMARK score of 95 for the sensor is an impressive rating, showcasing the camera’s ability to perform well in various shooting conditions. While the Nikon D800 may not be the latest model, its optics capabilities still hold up to the demands of many photographers. This camera remains a reliable choice for those seeking high-resolution images and a versatile lens selection.

Nikon D800 Video Performance 57

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1920 x 1080
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
30 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Yes
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MPEG
Read our notes on nikon d800 video performance

The Nikon D800 has a video score of 57 out of 100. The camera offers Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The maximum video frame rate is 30 frames per second, providing smooth motion capture. Additionally, the D800 has a built-in time-lapse functionality, allowing users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for external accessories.

Comparing the D800’s video capabilities to current market offerings, it falls short in some areas. Many modern cameras offer 4K video resolution and higher frame rates, which provide greater detail and smoother motion. However, the D800’s Full HD video quality and time-lapse feature still make it a viable option for those who prioritize photography over videography.

The Nikon D800’s video capabilities are satisfactory for casual users but may not meet the demands of professional videographers. Despite its limitations, the camera remains a reliable choice for photographers looking for a versatile tool with time-lapse functionality.

Nikon D800 Features and Benefits 57

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3.2"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
9210001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
No
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on nikon d800 features and benefits

The Nikon D800 scores 57/100 in the features department. With a screen size of 3.2 inches and a resolution of 921000 dots, it offers a decent display. However, it lacks a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, and Bluetooth capabilities, limiting its convenience and functionality for users.

In today’s market, the Nikon D800’s features may not be as competitive as newer models. Many cameras now boast touchscreens and flip screens, allowing for easier menu navigation and versatile shooting angles. GPS and Bluetooth have become common additions, providing location data and seamless connectivity with smartphones and other devices.

Despite these limitations, the Nikon D800 does include WiFi, enabling wireless transfer of images and remote shooting. While this camera may not have the most up-to-date features, it remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable DSLR with good image quality.

Nikon D800 Storage and Battery 71

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible), Compact Flash
Dual memory card slots
Yes
Battery type
EN-EL15
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
900 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on nikon d800 storage and battery

The Nikon D800 receives a storage and battery score of 71 out of 100. This camera offers two memory card slots, accommodating SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) and Compact Flash cards. The dual card slots allow for more storage and flexibility when capturing images or videos.

The D800 is powered by an EN-EL15 battery, providing up to 900 shots per charge. This battery life is decent, though not exceptional in today’s market. The camera does not support USB charging, which could be an inconvenience for some users.

Taking into account the storage options and battery life, the Nikon D800 performs well but has room for improvement in these areas.