Nikon D810

A modern classic re-assessed

Sensor: 36.3MP full-frame (35.9 x 24mm) Image processor: Expeed 4 AF points: 51 phase detection points (15 cross-type); contrast detection in Live View and video modes ISO range: 64 to 12,800, expandable to ISO 32-51,200 equivalent Raw quality: Raw, sRaw1, sRaw2 (14-bit uncompressed) HD video: Full HD (1080p) at 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p and 24p Viewfinder: Optical pentaprism (approx 100% cover) LCD Size: 3.2-inch, 1,229,000-dot TFT LCD Live View: Yes Max Burst: 5fps at full resolution Memory: CF, SD/SDHC/SDXC Top LCD/rear dial: Yes Weight: 950g

The Nikon D810 had a lot to live up to. It replaced both the D800 and the D800E, two DSLRs popular among enthusiast and professional photographers. They were especially popular with landscape photography lovers, who wanted something lighter and more affordable to carry around than a medium-format camera.

Although the D810 had the same number of photosites on its sensor, it used a newly designed chip and Nikon’s latest Expeed 4 processing engine, which took the maximum continuous shooting rate at full resolution to 5fps. Lacking a filter with any anti-aliasing properties, the D810 could record more detail than the D800E. Buffer capacity also increased: the D810 could record 47 lossless compressed 12-bit raw files in a single burst.

Other changes from the D800/800E included a higherresolution rear display, and the AF system from the high-end D4S, with its Group-Area AF mode functionality. ISO could be set natively between 64-12,800, with expansion settings of 32-51,200. Video capabilities were upped, too, with the D810 being able to shoot at 50p and 60p.

“Images produced by the Nikon D810 render in pleasant, vibrant colours, with a natural white balance”

Continuing the specification changes, the D810 received a new shutter and mirror box mechanism to reduce vibration and give a steadier viewfinder image, for better autofocusing and sharper images.

Image quality

Images from the D810 render in pleasant, vibrant colours, with a natural white balance when the Auto setting is used. Good exposures are produced in most conditions when the Matrix metering system is employed. Noise is controlled well, with a finer texture than produced on images from the D800. Getting the best results from the D810 often require it to be mounted on a tripod, using the optimum aperture.

Verdict

The Nikon D810 is an excellent camera that is well-suited to landscape, still-life and macro applications, yet is also capable of delivering superb sport, action and wildlife photographs.

1 The D810’s pop-up flash is a low-power affair, with GN 12m at ISO 100, but it’s useful for fill-in. This button gives access to the bracketing controls and is used in conjunction with the command dials. The combination of the Expeed 4 processor and the removal of the anti-aliasing filter makes the D810 suited to a wide variety of photo genres. 2 3

4 You can see Picture Control options via this button; it also acts as an image-lock while you’re in review mode, hence the key icon. 5 This rear dial is the main command dial; on the front is the sub-command dial. They are used to adjust exposure and settings. 6 Pressing this button gives access to some key camera settings, such as Active D-Lighting and Colour Space.

Thanks to the D810’s pixel count, there’s lots of detail. As there’s no anti-aliasing filter, images look sharp from the camera.

Shooting at f/2.8 at 150mm has restricted depth of field well, but there’s still plenty of detail in this ISO 100 shot.