The verdict

Costly, but it delivers fantastic shots

Nikon may not have given the D810 Wi-Fi connectivity or 4K video capability, but it has changed just about everything else that’s important to photographers. The new sensor and processing engine allow a non-expansion sensitivity setting of ISO64, enabling you to open up the aperture a little more in bright conditions, or extend the exposure time that bit further without needing an ND filter. The updated AF system is fast and accurate, the main screen has a higher dot-count and performs better in bright light and the maximum continuous full-resolution shooting rate has gone up by 25 percent.

The D810 is more comfortable to hold, more discreet to use and capable of producing superb images with more natural-looking detail than the D800. Its high pixel count and tremendous detail resolution mean that it is well suited for use by landscape, still life and macro photographers, but its AF system and noise control mean that it is also a capable sport, action and wildlife camera.