EXPECTATIONS SURPASSED: THE
36.3-MEGAPIXEL NIKON D800 IS THE MULTIMEDIA HD-SLR THAT SHATTERS
CONVENTIONAL RESOLUTION BARRIERS FOR MAXIMUM FIDELITY
The New Nikon D800 Offers Unrivaled Resolution and Features
Designed for a Variety of Demanding Professional Photographic and
Multimedia Disciplines, Videographers and Filmmakers
MELVILLE, N.Y. (Feb 6, 2012) – Today, imaging leader Nikon
Inc. announced the highly anticipated D800 HD-SLR, engineered to
provide extreme resolution, astounding image quality and valuable
video features optimized for professional still and multimedia
photographers and videographers. A camera with an unmatched balance
of accuracy, functionality and image quality, the Nikon D800 realizes
innovations such as a high resolution 36.3-megapixel FX-format CMOS
sensor, a 91,000-pixel RGB Matrix Metering System, Advanced Scene
Recognition System and many other intuitive features designed to
create the preeminent device for the most demanding photo and video
applications.
Whether shooting high fashion, weddings or multimedia content,
Nikon’s highest resolution sensor to date, a groundbreaking new
36.3-megapixel (7360 x 4912 resolution) FX-format CMOS sensor, affords
flexibility and astonishing image quality to satisfy a myriad of
client requests. The Nikon D800 incorporates the latest 91,000-pixel
3D Color Matrix Metering III and the Advanced Scene Recognition
System, coupled with an improved 51-point AF system for images with
amazing sharpness, color and clarity. With its compact, lightweight
D-SLR form factor and extensive video feature set, the D800 allows
photographers to transition to multimedia to create an immersive
story. Professional videographers will appreciate practical features
that go beyond NIKKOR lens compatibility and Full HD 1080p video, such
as full manual control, uncompressed HDMI output, and incredible
low-light video capability. With this innovative combination of
features, the D800 celebrates resourcefulness and a dedication to the
flawless execution of an epic creative vision. All of this is driven
by Nikon’s latest EXPEED 3™ image processing engine, providing the
necessary processing power to fuel amazing images with faithful color,
a wide dynamic range and extreme resolution.
“Whatever the project, visionaries need a tool that is going
to help them stay on-time and on-task. The Nikon D800 re-imagines what
is possible from this level of D-SLR, to address the needs of an
emerging and ever changing market; this is the camera that is going to
bridge the gap for the most demanding imaging professionals, and
provide never before seen levels of SLR image and video quality,” said
Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. “The D800 is the right
tool for today’s creative image makers, affording photographers,
filmmakers and videographers a versatile option for capturing the
ultimate in still image quality or full HD content, with maximum
control.”
Extreme Image Quality
The new Nikon developed 36.3-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24mm)
CMOS sensor realizes Nikon’s highest resolution yet, and is ideal for
demanding applications such as weddings, studio portraiture and
landscape, where there is no compromise to exceptional high fidelity and
dynamic range. Nikon’s first priority is amazing image quality above
all else, and resolution of this magnitude affords photographers the
ability to portray even the smallest details, such as a strand of hair,
with stunning sharpness or crop liberally with confidence.
Photographers also shoot with the assurance of NIKKOR lens
compatibility, because only a manufacturer with decades of optical
excellence can provide the glass to resolve this kind of extreme
resolution.
For shooting with minimal noise in a variety of lighting
conditions, the D800 features a wide native ISO range of 100-6400,
expandable to 50 (Lo-1)-25,600 (Hi-2). Nikon engineers have created
innovative ways to manipulate light transmission to the sensor’s
photodiodes, giving users the ability to shoot with confidence in
challenging lighting conditions. Internal sensor design, an enhanced
optical low pass filter (OLPF) and 14 bit A/D conversion with a high
signal to noise ratio all contribute to a sensor capable of excellent
low light ability despite the extreme resolution. Every aspect of
this new FX-format sensor is engineered to deliver amazing low noise
images through the ISO range and help create astounding tonal
gradation and true colors, whether shooting JPEG or RAW. Images are
further routed through a 16-bit image processing pipeline, for maximum
performance. To further enhance versatility, users are also able to
shoot in additional modes and aspect ratios such as 5:4 to easily
frame for printed portraits or a 1.2X crop for a slight telephoto
edge. For even more versatility, photographers can also take advantage
of Nikon DX-format lenses for more lens options and enhanced focal
range (1.5X), while still retaining sharpness and details at a high
15.4-megapixel (4800x3200) resolution.
Contributing to the camera’s rapid performance and amazing
image quality is Nikon’s new EXPEED 3 image processing engine that
helps professionals create images and HD video with amazing
resolution, color and dynamic range. From image processing to
transfer, the new engine is capable of processing massive amounts of
data, exacting optimal color, rich tonality and minimized noise
throughout the frame. Despite the immense data, the new EXPEED 3 also
contributes to energy efficiency, affording the ability to shoot
longer.
The D800 also features the Advanced Scene Recognition System
with the 91,000-pixel 3D Color Matrix Meter III to provide unrivaled
metering in even the most challenging of lighting conditions. At the
system’s core is a newly designed RGB sensor that meticulously
analyzes each scene, recognizes factors such as color and brightness
with unprecedented precision and then compares all the data using
Nikon’s exclusive 30,000 image database. Additionally, this new sensor
now has the ability to detect human faces with startling accuracy,
even when shooting through the optical viewfinder. This unique feature
is coupled with detailed scene analysis for more accurate autofocus
(AF), Auto exposure (AE), i-TTL flash control and even enhanced
subject tracking. The Color Matrix Meter also emphasizes priority on
exposure of the detected faces, allowing for correct exposure even
when the subject is backlit. Even in the most difficult exposures the
D800 excels, such as maintaining brightness on a bride’s face while
retaining the dynamic range to accentuate the intricate details of a
wedding dress beside a black tuxedo.
Advanced new automatic systems make it even easier to capture
amazing images. The camera features a new enhanced auto white balance
system that more accurately recognizes both natural and artificial
light sources, and also gives the user the option to retain the warmth
of ambient lighting. Users can expand dynamic range with in-camera
High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture, and enjoy the benefits of
Nikon’s Active D-lighting for balanced exposure. Another new feature
is direct access to Nikon’s Picture Control presets via a dedicated
button on the back of the body to tweak photo and video parameters on
the fly, such as sharpness, hue and saturation.
True Cinematic Experience
The Nikon D800 has a compact and lightweight form factor
that’s preferable for a production environment, yet is packed with
practical and functional features. The D800 is ideal whether the user
is a filmmaker on location or in the studio or a documentarian in the
field who requires portability and the NIKKOR lens versatility and
depth of field that only a HD-SLR can offer. Filmmakers have the
choice of various resolutions and frame rates, including Full HD 1080
at 30/24p and HD 720 at 60/30p. By utilizing the B-Frame data
compression method, users can record H.264/MPEG-4 AVC format video
with unmatched integrity for up to 29:59 minutes per clip (normal
quality). This format produces higher quality video data without
increasing file size for a more efficient workflow. The optimized CMOS
sensor reads image data at astoundingly fast rates, which results in
less instances of rolling shutter distortion. The sensor also enables
incredible low-light video capability with minimal noise, letting
filmmakers capture footage where previously impossible or expensive
and complex lighting would otherwise be necessary. Users are also able
to have full manual control of exposure, and can also adjust the
camera’s power aperture setting in live view for an accurate
representation of the depth of field in a scene. Whether shooting for
depth of field in FX-format mode, or looking for the extra 1.5X
telephoto benefits of DX mode, the high resolution sensor of the D800
allows videographers to retain full 1080p HD resolution no matter
which mode they choose to best suit the scene. Users are also able to
easily compose and check critical HD focus through the 921,000-dot,
3.2-inch LCD monitor with reinforced glass, automatic monitor
brightness control, and wide viewing angle.
For professional and broadcast applications that call for
outboard digital recorders or external monitors, users can stream an
uncompressed full HD signal directly out of the camera via the HDMI
port (8 bit, 4:2:2). This output signal can be ported into a display
or digital recording device or routed through a monitor and then to
the recording device, eliminating the need for multiple connections.
This image can also be simultaneously viewed on both the camera’s LCD
and an external monitor, while eliminating on-screen camera status
data for streaming purposes. The D800 also includes features
concentrated on audio quality, such as a dedicated headphone jack for
accurate monitoring of audio levels while recording. Audio output
levels can be adjusted with 30 steps for precise audio adjustment and
monitoring. The D800 offers high-fidelity audio recording control with
audio levels that can be set and monitored on the camera’s LCD
screen. A microphone connected via the stereo mic jack can also be
adjusted with up to 20 steps of sensitivity for accurate sound
reproduction. What’s more, recording can be set to be activated
through the shutter button, opening a world of remote applications
through the 10-pin accessory terminal.
Wield Speed and Performance with Astonishing Accuracy
Whether shooting the runway or fast moving wildlife, the
enhanced 51-point AF system of the D800 delivers blazing fast AF with
tack-sharp results. Nikon has enhanced the Multi-Cam 3500-FX AF sensor
module and algorithms to significantly improve low light acquisition,
for precise focus to an impressive -2 exposure value (EV). The focus
system utilizes 15 cross-type AF sensors for enhanced accuracy, and
the system also places an emphasis on the human face, working in
conjunction with the Advanced Scene Recognition System to provide
accurate face detection even through the optical viewfinder. The
camera also utilizes nine cross-type sensors that are fully functional
when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and teleconverters with an
aperture value up to f/8, which is a great advantage to those who need
extreme telephoto focal lengths (single cross type sensor active with
TC20E III). For maximum versatility in all shooting situations,
whether photographing portraits or static subjects, users are also
able to select multiple AF modes, including normal, wide area, face
tracking and subject tracking to best suit the scene.
The D800 delivers upon a professional’s need for maximum speed
when it counts. The camera is ready to shoot in 0.12 seconds, and is
ready to capture with super-fast AF and response speed. To photograph
action in a burst, the camera shoots up to 4 frames per second (fps)
in FX mode at full resolution, or up to a speedy 6 fps in DX mode
using the optional MB-D12 Battery Pack and compatible battery. Further
enhancing the speed of the camera and overall workflow, the D800
utilizes the new USB 3.0 standard for ultra fast transfer speeds.
Construction and Operability
The body of the D800 is designed to offer a compact form
factor and a lightweight body for the utmost versatility. The chassis
is constructed of magnesium alloy for maximum durability, and is
sealed and gasketed for resistance to dirt and moisture. Users are
able to easily compose through the bright optical viewfinder, which
offers 100% frame coverage. For storage, the D800 has dual card slots
for CF and SD cards, and offers users the ability to record backup,
overflow, RAW/JPEG separation, and the additional option of shooting
stills to one and video to the other. For high speed recording and
transfer, data can be recorded to recent UDMA-7 and SDXC / UHS-1
cards. The shutter has been tested to withstand approximately 200,000
cycles, and the camera also employs sensor cleaning. The D800 also
features a built-in flash and is compatible with Nikon’s acclaimed
Creative Lighting System, including a built-in Commander mode for
controlling wireless Speedlights.
D800E - Maximum Resolution Unleashed
In addition to the D800, Nikon will also be releasing a
supplementary model for those professionals who demand even higher
resolution and D-SLR versatility; the D800E. This model treads in
medium format territory for studio work or landscape photography when
there is no exception to only the highest fidelity and sharpness. This
unique alternative model will effectively enhance the resolution
characteristics of the 36.3-megapixel CMOS sensor by cancelling the
anti-aliasing properties of the OLPF inside the camera. By doing this,
light is delivered directly to the photodiodes, yielding an image
resulting from the raw light gathering properties of the camera. A color
moiré correction tool will also be available within Capture NX2 to
enhance the D800E photographer’s workflow.
Price and Availability
The Nikon D800 will be available in late March for the
suggested retail price of $2999.95 The D800E version will be available
in mid April 2012 for a suggested retail price of $3,299.95. For more
information about these models, NIKKOR lenses and other D-SLR cameras
please visit www.nikonusa.com.
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Nikon D800E, a camera with no low-pass filter for maximum sharpness |
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world
leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging
technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in
product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and
professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer
and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and
system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film
SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational
optics as well as the new Nikon 1 advanced camera with
interchangeable lens system. In 2011, production of NIKKOR lenses
surpassed 65 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of
superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit
https://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to
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