Archive 2012 · D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
p.1 #1D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
Sorry folks no shots of any Windex bottles in this thread,,,,nor any speculation off samples you I saw off the web...
Had a chance to get out with the D800 for the first time this am (also I may be the first person to shoot a Weimaraner with a D800...well in NJ at least) - with my limited experience so far with it I can sit here and truthfully tell you this is the best camera Nikon has produced to date. Its as groundbreaking as the D3 was upon release...IMO more so.
This mini review doesn't apply to pro sports shooters or those of you who feel the need to say the D800 can't shoot at 8fps or it can't shoot at 200k ISO - yea we know but 1% of DSLR owners need those two expanded features...for the image takers and those who enjoy the sport and hobby of photography this is the camera you want to own.
I went out with the 24-70 and 70-200 VRII this am - all shot handheld mostly in Aperture priority with Auto-Iso set to change as the focal length changes (awesome new feature)
One think you need to take into account is that viewing images on the lcd screen you may miss the slight motion blur that you will see on your monitor. I had a few shots that I thought I nailed on the LCD but when I got home they had motion blur and these were at 1/100th or above of a second. Nikon wasn't kidding when they said err on the faster ss side of things...
ISO - this is a hot topic...I have see many people "claim" that its only marginally better than the D700 or the D3....folks at ISO6400 is better than my D3s (to my eyes)
Lets start with a simple snapshot at ISO 6400 of my dog after I gave her a bath...
1. ZERO noise reduction ISO 6400
2. One more at ISO 5600
Ok now on to the real shots...
I have also cropped to 100% or in some cases even more than 100% to show some detail...
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OK, you get the idea...resolution is unmatched. Now some post processed samples -
Shot through posts in a metal fence
10. Bdubs
11. you've seen this before...in color above
12. single exposure - two clicks in LR4 - Shadows and Saturation...
So there you have it some real world samples - hardly professional but as with any new piece of gear you need to learn it and what better way then getting out there and shooting - folks please don't take my dissertation as FACT - when you get yours make your own conclusions but please DO NOT listen those who haven't even got their hands on one yet and are trying to downplay the seriousness of this machine. DXO doesn't lie....I am will be posting many more samples over the weekend....until then its almost happy hour....
Edited on Mar 23, 2012 at 02:10 PM · View previous versions
Had a chance to get out with the D800 for the first time this am (also I may be the first person to shoot a Weimaraner with a D800...well in NJ at least) - with my limited experience so far with it I can sit here and truthfully tell you this is the best camera Nikon has produced to date. Its as groundbreaking as the D3 was upon release...IMO more so.
This mini review doesn't apply to pro sports shooters or those of you who feel the need to say the D800 can't shoot at 8fps or it can't shoot at 200k ISO - yea we know but 1% of DSLR owners need those two expanded features...for the image takers and those who enjoy the sport and hobby of photography this is the camera you want to own.
I went out with the 24-70 and 70-200 VRII this am - all shot handheld mostly in Aperture priority with Auto-Iso set to change as the focal length changes (awesome new feature)
One think you need to take into account is that viewing images on the lcd screen you may miss the slight motion blur that you will see on your monitor. I had a few shots that I thought I nailed on the LCD but when I got home they had motion blur and these were at 1/100th or above of a second. Nikon wasn't kidding when they said err on the faster ss side of things...
ISO - this is a hot topic...I have see many people "claim" that its only marginally better than the D700 or the D3....folks at ISO6400 is better than my D3s (to my eyes)
Lets start with a simple snapshot at ISO 6400 of my dog after I gave her a bath...
1. ZERO noise reduction ISO 6400
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s3/v38/p246676208-5.jpg | ||
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2. One more at ISO 5600
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s3/v40/p90917951-5.jpg | ||
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Ok now on to the real shots...
I have also cropped to 100% or in some cases even more than 100% to show some detail...
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s10/v16/p1033500103-5.jpg | ||
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s3/v43/p924478999-5.jpg | ||
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s3/v40/p821706441-5.jpg | ||
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s3/v42/p590349945-5.jpg | ||
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s3/v41/p1063526650-5.jpg | ||
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s3/v44/p867587485-5.jpg | ||
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s8/v9/p39344541-5.jpg | ||
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s3/v42/p500362997-5.jpg | ||
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s3/v38/p482689279-5.jpg | ||
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s3/v45/p370754457-5.jpg | ||
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s3/v39/p718089103-5.jpg | ||
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s3/v39/p720218322-5.jpg | ||
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s10/v16/p185798064-5.jpg | ||
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s3/v39/p127194865-5.jpg | ||
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OK, you get the idea...resolution is unmatched. Now some post processed samples -
Shot through posts in a metal fence
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s8/v9/p516516553-5.jpg | ||
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10. Bdubs
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s3/v44/p2332534-5.jpg | ||
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11. you've seen this before...in color above
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s3/v44/p37366458-5.jpg | ||
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12. single exposure - two clicks in LR4 - Shadows and Saturation...
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| http://www.ddpphotography.com/img/s3/v43/p371314492-5.jpg | ||
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So there you have it some real world samples - hardly professional but as with any new piece of gear you need to learn it and what better way then getting out there and shooting - folks please don't take my dissertation as FACT - when you get yours make your own conclusions but please DO NOT listen those who haven't even got their hands on one yet and are trying to downplay the seriousness of this machine. DXO doesn't lie....I am will be posting many more samples over the weekend....until then its almost happy hour....
Edited on Mar 23, 2012 at 02:10 PM · View previous versions
Mar 23, 2012 at 02:05 PM
p.1 #2D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
All I can say is WOW!!!! The image quality is insane t say the least. When you got motion blur at 1/100 which lens were you using?
Mar 23, 2012 at 02:10 PM
p.1 #3D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
LivLif wrote:
All I can say is WOW!!!! The image quality is insane t say the least. When you got motion blur at 1/100 which lens were you using?
I had it happen with both the 2470 and 70200 - the point I was trying to make was you have to be weary of it
All I can say is WOW!!!! The image quality is insane t say the least. When you got motion blur at 1/100 which lens were you using?
I had it happen with both the 2470 and 70200 - the point I was trying to make was you have to be weary of it
Mar 23, 2012 at 02:11 PM
p.1 #4D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
Awesome examples...the crops look amazing to say the least. Thanks for the photos!
Mar 23, 2012 at 02:22 PM
p.1 #6D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
Nice Weimaranar. I love the nose shot where some dust is flying off the log. What I want to know is had you just given the guy a bath as well? 
Seriously, thanks for posting. It really is impressive resolution and the B/W's look very good. I may just end up full frame after all . . .
Seriously, thanks for posting. It really is impressive resolution and the B/W's look very good. I may just end up full frame after all . . .
Mar 23, 2012 at 02:31 PM
p.1 #7D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
How do the corners look for landscape shooting at 24mm f/8?
Would love to see 100% crop to make sure wide angles are sharp all the way to the edge.
Would love to see 100% crop to make sure wide angles are sharp all the way to the edge.
Mar 23, 2012 at 02:33 PM
brian_sp
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p.1 #8D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
excellent, hope mine gets here soon!
Mar 23, 2012 at 02:34 PM
p.1 #10D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
Yes the first image is right after the bath! She was muddy!
I didn't bring a tripod Mr Joe - I really didn't lock down the camera and try to tack any technical shots - I think the corners probably have more to do with the lens in use rather than the camera....but again I don't have anything to prove this yet...if I can get out again with it tomorrow I will try and get that tested for you.
I didn't bring a tripod Mr Joe - I really didn't lock down the camera and try to tack any technical shots - I think the corners probably have more to do with the lens in use rather than the camera....but again I don't have anything to prove this yet...if I can get out again with it tomorrow I will try and get that tested for you.
Mar 23, 2012 at 02:36 PM
p.1 #11D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
Since I posted something similar over in Canon land, I might as well post here...
Apart from the eleventy billion ISO shots, I wouldn't be able to tell if the photos were shot with a Rebel XSi, D3, 50D, d700, 1d...
Sorry OP, this is not meant to insult you. It's just the whole insane-ness of it all with the hoopla around the 5d3, 1dx, d800 and d4. So far all the images posted are no more special than by other cameras. I saw pretty pictures shot with the old 5d and D7000 threads too.
Plainly put with the web sized images, I just can't tell whether these cameras are producing better images than its predecessors.
Apart from the eleventy billion ISO shots, I wouldn't be able to tell if the photos were shot with a Rebel XSi, D3, 50D, d700, 1d...
Sorry OP, this is not meant to insult you. It's just the whole insane-ness of it all with the hoopla around the 5d3, 1dx, d800 and d4. So far all the images posted are no more special than by other cameras. I saw pretty pictures shot with the old 5d and D7000 threads too.
Plainly put with the web sized images, I just can't tell whether these cameras are producing better images than its predecessors.
Mar 23, 2012 at 02:37 PM
p.1 #12D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
I hear ya Lucca, if you want I can email ya a RAW file to see for yourself....the web not to mention your monitor and all the other variables leave to be desired - but what other medium do we have to share the pics? Really this is it....
Mar 23, 2012 at 02:41 PM
p.1 #13D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
M Lucca wrote:
Since I posted something similar over in Canon land, I might as well post here...
Apart from the eleventy billion ISO shots, I wouldn't be able to tell if the photos were shot with a Rebel XSi, D3, 50D, d700, 1d...
Sorry OP, this is not meant to insult you. It's just the whole insane-ness of it all with the hoopla around the 5d3, 1dx, d800 and d4. So far all the images posted are no more special than by other cameras. I saw pretty pictures shot with the old 5d and D7000 threads too.
Plainly put with the web sized...Show more →
New cameras never equal better photos. They give you more tools in the form of speed, resolution, DR, etc, but better photos come from a few inches behind the viewfinder.
To the OP - Not knocking you're shots, they're terrific, just making a general statement. Also, love that first one with the dog in the blanket!
Since I posted something similar over in Canon land, I might as well post here...
Apart from the eleventy billion ISO shots, I wouldn't be able to tell if the photos were shot with a Rebel XSi, D3, 50D, d700, 1d...
Sorry OP, this is not meant to insult you. It's just the whole insane-ness of it all with the hoopla around the 5d3, 1dx, d800 and d4. So far all the images posted are no more special than by other cameras. I saw pretty pictures shot with the old 5d and D7000 threads too.
Plainly put with the web sized...Show more →
New cameras never equal better photos. They give you more tools in the form of speed, resolution, DR, etc, but better photos come from a few inches behind the viewfinder.
To the OP - Not knocking you're shots, they're terrific, just making a general statement. Also, love that first one with the dog in the blanket!
Mar 23, 2012 at 02:48 PM
p.1 #14D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
Lovely pictures! Some of the nicest examples from the D800 I've seen so far (but I'm partial since dogs are my favorite subject to shoot). Now if I can just contain my impatience as I wait for my pre-order to be filled.
Mar 23, 2012 at 02:51 PM
p.1 #15D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
Christ, the more I see the sharpness out of these standard D800 shots the more I wish I would have just gone down that path instead of the D800E. I hope those get in some peoples hands soon so I can see some real world comparisons. I'm so amped to get either of these cameras right now.
Mar 23, 2012 at 03:05 PM
p.1 #16D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
First photo is a winner.
I am still testing my lens with the D800.
All that has been said about lens not being good enough was just a lot of hot air. So was the repeated, you won’t be able to hand hold it, sure you will want a little faster shutter speed so what. I always used my D3 at a shutter speeds of double the focal length, I am getting old and not as stable as I used to be. I might go to 2 1/2 the focal length with the D800. Right now every thing I do is hand held until I get the L bracket.
I don’t have the option of posting photos here, I will change that.
After two days with the D800, I do think it is going to make better photos for people, the detail is just so lovely. And I do agree what is behind the camera is the biggest item in photography. But the D800 is just such a leap above any thing I have ever used.
Nikon made a mistake here as I will never have to up grade again. But I will still continue to purchase a few lens.
Dennis
I am still testing my lens with the D800.
All that has been said about lens not being good enough was just a lot of hot air. So was the repeated, you won’t be able to hand hold it, sure you will want a little faster shutter speed so what. I always used my D3 at a shutter speeds of double the focal length, I am getting old and not as stable as I used to be. I might go to 2 1/2 the focal length with the D800. Right now every thing I do is hand held until I get the L bracket.
I don’t have the option of posting photos here, I will change that.
After two days with the D800, I do think it is going to make better photos for people, the detail is just so lovely. And I do agree what is behind the camera is the biggest item in photography. But the D800 is just such a leap above any thing I have ever used.
Nikon made a mistake here as I will never have to up grade again. But I will still continue to purchase a few lens.
Dennis
Mar 23, 2012 at 03:44 PM
p.1 #17D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
I received mine too. Nikon has a winner, the camera is amazing...
Mar 23, 2012 at 04:35 PM
p.1 #18D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
Wow, excellent post.
I love the 100% crop of #6.
I think reading this post was the worst thing that has happened to me in a while cause it looks like I'm going to be out of $3k pretty soon!
I love the 100% crop of #6.
I think reading this post was the worst thing that has happened to me in a while cause it looks like I'm going to be out of $3k pretty soon!
Mar 23, 2012 at 04:44 PM
p.1 #19D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
I knew the resolution was just sick, but this is a bit ridiculous. Taking the obligatory dog test shot (having a jet black dog is great for looking at shadows).
http://www.pbase.com/rcicala/image/142253541.jpg
Just an out of camera jpg, but zooming in to 100% on the left eye is pretty impressive. Not my best self portrait, but perhaps one of the more interesting.
http://www.pbase.com/rcicala/image/142253547.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/rcicala/image/142253541.jpg
Just an out of camera jpg, but zooming in to 100% on the left eye is pretty impressive. Not my best self portrait, but perhaps one of the more interesting.
http://www.pbase.com/rcicala/image/142253547.jpg
Mar 23, 2012 at 04:51 PM
p.1 #20D800 REAL WORLD review and samples
PLEASE PLEASE stop! Just got a d700 (@$2,700) and a d7000 back in Jan this year.... =p
Mar 23, 2012 at 04:59 PM