Nikon D800

The Nikon D800 is a full-frame DSLR released in 2012, and its 36.3-megapixel sensor is still the headline. Files that size hold detail for large prints and heavy cropping.

It suits photographers who work deliberately. Landscape, studio, portrait and architecture shoots make the most of the resolution, while fast-action subjects will strain the 4fps burst rate.

Owning one means a 1000-gram body and the Nikon F FX mount. The optical pentaprism viewfinder gives a direct, immediate view of the scene for composing high-resolution frames.

The D800's full-frame CMOS sensor delivers very high resolution. Files this large take heavy cropping and large prints, which suits landscape, studio and commercial work. The Optics score of 74 rates as good, placing the camera in the top 17% of cameras in our database for Optics.

Light sensitivity runs from ISO 100 to 6400: the low base suits bright daylight, while the ceiling limits how far settings can climb when light falls. A top shutter speed of 1/8000s helps freeze fast motion and lets wide apertures stay in use in bright light.

A 51-point autofocus system provides many selectable focus points for placing focus where the composition needs it. Burst shooting reaches 4 frames per second at best, which serves deliberate subjects well but strains fast action such as sports and wildlife.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so sharp handheld results call for adequate shutter speed, steady technique, a stabilised lens or a tripod. The optical pentaprism viewfinder gives a direct, immediate view that makes careful composition easier.

The D800 records Full HD video, and the highest frame rate on offer is 30fps. That covers standard clips for the web and for family use, though there is no 4K and no frame rate above 30fps for slow motion.

Footage records as MPEG files. The modest Video score of 57 reflects the maximum resolution, the maximum frame rate and the built-in timelapse, so recording duration, heat behaviour and combined modes sit outside the rating.

A built-in timelapse function automates interval shooting, so you can turn a sunrise or drifting clouds into motion without an external intervalometer. For photographers who mainly shoot stills and want occasional motion clips, the function covers the basics.

A 3.2-inch LCD with 921,000 dots gives live view a clear surface for framing and for checking focus on high-resolution files. The screen is fixed in place and has no touch input, so settings change through buttons and dials.

Built-in WiFi offers a wireless connection. There is no Bluetooth and no GPS, so location tagging is not built in and would need a separate solution if wanted.

The weather-sealed body helps in dusty or damp conditions. A built-in flash covers quick fill light, and support for external flash makes larger lighting setups possible. The Features score of 57 is modest, with lost points from the absence of touch input and Bluetooth.

Two card slots take SD cards, including UHS-I-compatible types, and CompactFlash. That gives flexible storage choices, lets photographers carry the card types they already own, and provides space for two cards at once.

The EN-EL15 battery carries a rating of 900 shots per charge. That figure suggests comfortable capacity for extended shooting sessions, though, as with any rating, it is a guide rather than a guarantee of real-world endurance.

There is no USB charging, so the battery cannot be topped up over a USB cable from a laptop or power bank. A second EN-EL15 can cover long days and travel. The Storage & Battery score of 71 rates as good.