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Nikon D800 36.3 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) (OLD MODEL)
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Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Nikon |
Model Name | Nikon D800 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 36.3 MP |
Photo Sensor Size | Full Frame (35mm) |
Image Stabilization | Dynamic, Optical, Digital |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Average, Spot |
Exposure Control Type | Aperture priority (A), Shutter-priority (S), Manual, Automatic |
Form Factor | Mid-size SLR |
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This Item Nikon D800 36.3 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) (OLD MODEL) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $517.00$517.00 | $1,799.00$1,799.00 | $959.95$959.95 | $579.95$579.95 | $998.99$998.99 | $999.00$999.00 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 29 | Get it as soon as Tomorrow, Mar 28 | — | Get it as soon as Tomorrow, Mar 28 | Get it Apr 12 - 22 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Picture quality | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.3 |
Auto focus | 4.6 | — | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.3 |
Battery life | 2.6 | 4.2 | 4.7 | — | 4.9 | — |
For beginners | — | — | 4.0 | 4.1 | 3.5 | 3.2 |
For landscape photography | 4.8 | 4.6 | — | — | 4.8 | — |
Sold By | M&K Camera | Wholesale Photo | Electronics Basket | Fast Ship Direct | Electronics Basket | BuyDirect & Save!!! |
display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD display |
display size | 3.2 inches | 3.2 inches | 3.2 inches | 3.2 inches | 3.2 inches | 3 inches |
lens type | — | not included | Interchangeable | Wide Angle | Fisheye | interchangeable |
zoom type | — | Optical Zoom | — | — | Optical Zoom | Optical |
shooting modes | High dynamic rang | Landscape, High dynamic rang, Portrait | Photography Live View mode, Movie Live View mode | Autumn colors, beach/snow, blossom, candlelight, child, close-up, dusk/dawn, food, landscape, night landscape and more | Auto, auto (flash off), A (aperture priority), M (manual), P (programmed auto with flexible program), S (shutter priority) and more | LiveView shooting: Handheld mode, Tripod mode |
connectivity tech | HDMI, USB | HDMI, USB | HDMI, USB | HDMI | USB | HDMI, USB |
Videos
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Nikon D800 36.3 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera
DPReview
What's in the box
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Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Phase Detection, Selective single-point, Face Detection, Tracking, Multi-area, Single, Continuous, Live View |
---|---|
Aspect Ratio | 1.30:1 |
Display Resolution Maximum | 921,000 |
Photo Sensor Size | Full Frame (35mm) |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Effective Still Resolution | 36.3 MP |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 36.3 MP |
White balance settings | Auto |
Self Timer Duration | 10 seconds |
JPEG quality level | Basic, Fine, Normal |
Camera Flash | Hot Shoe, PC Terminal |
Image Stabilization | Dynamic, Optical, Digital |
Flash Modes Description | First-Curtain Sync, Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Second-Curtain Sync, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction |
Flash Sync Speed | 1/250_sec |
Supported Image Format | NEF (RAW), TIFF (RGB), JPEG, NEF (RAW)+JPEG |
Video Capture Format | mpeg-4;h.264 |
Video Capture Resolution | FHD 1080p |
Video Standard | MPEG 4 |
Color Depth | 14 Bits |
Batteries Required? | Yes |
---|---|
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Rechargeable Battery Included | No |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | EN-EL15 |
Battery Weight | 3 Ounces |
Removable Memory | CompactFlash, Secure Digital Card |
Software Included | ViewNX 2 CD-ROM |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Audio Input | Microphone |
Connectivity Technology | USB, HDMI |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 6 |
Flash Memory Type | Compact Flash (Type I), SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I compliant |
Memory Slots Available | 1 CompactFlash© (CF) card and 1 Secure Digital (SD) card |
Memory Storage Capacity | 4 GB |
Special Feature | 921,000-dot TFT-LCD with 170° wide-angle viewing |
Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
Skill Level | Professional |
Specific Uses For Product | Photography |
Supported Audio Format | NEF (RAW), TIFF (RGB), JPEG, NEF (RAW)+JPEG |
Form Factor | Mid-size SLR |
Hardware Interface | USB |
Audio Recording | No |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
GPS | Optional |
Optical Zoom | 1 x |
---|---|
Maximum Aperture | 3.5 Millimeters |
Autofocus Points | 51 |
Camera Lens Description | Lens not included; Nikon F-mount accommodates a wide range of AF lenses |
Compatible Mountings | Nikon F (FX) |
Focus Type | Automatic with Manual |
Maximum Focal Length | 300 Millimeters |
Minimum Focal Length | 55 Millimeters |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 6400 |
---|---|
Expanded ISO Minimum | 100 |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Exposure Control Type | Aperture priority (A), Shutter-priority (S), Manual, Automatic |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Average, Spot |
Shooting Modes | High dynamic rang |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.70x |
---|---|
Viewfinder Type | Optical |
Screen Size | 3.2 Inches |
Display Type | LCD |
Display Fixture Type | Fixed |
Model Name | Nikon D800 |
---|---|
Brand | Nikon |
Model Number | 25480 |
Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #146,931 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #236 in DSLR Cameras |
ASIN | B0076AYNXM |
Color | Black |
Included Components | Battery, Body Cap, USB Cable, Instruction Manual |
Assembly Required | No |
Age Range (Description) | Adult |
Processor Description | Expeed 3 |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.75 x 3.23 x 4.84 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 2.2 Pounds |
Warranty & Support
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Product Description
Product Description
Hold in your hands an HD-DSLR able to capture images rivaled only by that produced by a medium-format camera: extremely low noise, incredible dynamic range, the most faithful colors, the broadest tonal range. Meet the Nikon D800, a 36.3 megapixel FX-format D-SLR for professional photographers who require end results of the highest quality; who demand superior performance, speed, handling and a fully integrated imaging system. For multimedia professionals, 36.3MP means true 1080p HD cinematic quality video. The essential tool for today’s still and video professional, every photo will astound, every video will dazzle.What's in the box: Nikon D800 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only), EN-EL15 Lithium-Ion Battery (1900mAh) , MH-25 Quick Charger for EN-EL15 Battery 1 Year Warranty, DK-17 Finder Eyepiece (Replacement),UC-E14 USB Cable, USB Cable Clip, Camera Strap, BM-12 LCD Monitor Cover, BF-1B Body Cap, BS-1 Hot-Shoe Cover, ViewNX 2 CD-ROM and 1-Year Limited Warranty.
From the Manufacturer
The Nikon D800E
The Ultimate Attention to Detail
The D800E is a specialized camera that differs from the D800 in just one way yet requires some extra care to get optimal results. Use the information below to determine if the D800 or D800E is right for you.
D800 and D800E
Which is right for you?
Every Nikon DSLR camera uses an optical low pass filter (OLPF) in front of its sensor to slightly blur the image at a pixel level in order to reduce the occurrence of false colors and moiré that can appear when shooting repetitive and/or fine patterns. For the vast majority of photographers, the D800 provides an ideal balance between sharpness and effectively prevented moiré and false color, ideal for shooting using all file formats. D800E is a specialized camera that removes the "effect" of the OLPF, which results in a slight gain in sharpness and resolution and is recommended for studio and still life professionals but carries an increased possibility that moiré and false color will appear.
D800 D800E Strikes an ideal balance between sharpness and preventing the occurrence of false color and moiré for consistent performance Slight increase in sharpness and resolution with increased occurrence of false color and moiré Ideal for:
- All shooting situations
- Photographers shooting RAW (NEF), JPG or TIFF images
- Photographers who do not want to adjust their workflow (via software) to mitigate the occurrence of moiré and false color
- Studio, commercial and still life photographers who can control their shooting conditions, lens selection and aperture choice, as well as use of software (Capture NX2) to reduce the occurrence of false color and moiré
- Medium format photographers whose current digital system does not utilize an optical low pass filter
- Shooting RAW (NEF)
What else is different?
Other than the very slight image quality differences described above, the D800 and D800E perform exactly the same. Focus speed, exposure metering, shooting speed, movie recording, accessory compatibility, control location and function, and all other aspects are identical.
Reveal every nuance, every detail
The 36.3 megapixel FX-format advantage
Wedding, commercial or landscape, the D800E is the ultimate 36.3 MP FX-format camera for creative genius. Witness tonal range and precision rendered to supreme clarity, depth and texture. Make poster sized prints without sacrificing detail. Explore creative opportunities with ISO 100 to 6,400 (expanded up to 25,600)—shoot from dawn to dusk. Experience Nikon's new Advanced Scene Recognition System featuring a 91,000-pixel RGB light meter capable of rendering unprecedented levels of accuracy to AF, AE, i-TTL flash control, face recognition and auto white balance. Nikon's new EXPEED 3 image processing reduces color phase shifts seen with lesser systems, producing more faithful colors and tones while managing massive amounts of data at breakthrough speed. With the D800E in your hands, achieve what was once unreachable.
Broadcast quality video
A full cinematic experience
Filmmakers, multimedia professionals and event photographers—record Full HD 1080p at 30/25/24p or 720p at 60/50p in AVC-HD format. Produce to your exacting vision when working in manual mode, controlling aperture, ISO, AF and shutter speed. Record uncompressed files via HDMI to an external recording device via HDMI. Widen production perspective using either Nikon FX or DX lens formats at Full HD 1080p and 16:9 aspect ratio. Attach headphones and check audio levels or monitor input via peak audio meters as displayed on the camera's LCD monitor. Microphone sensitivity can be adjusted in up to 20 steps. Remotely start and stop video. Simultaneously Live View footage on the camera's LCD monitor and external monitor during recording are possible.
Render every megapixel with precision
Fast, precise 51-point wide area coverage
Precise AF detection is critical to sharply render every pixel of the D800E's massive resolution count. An improved 51- point AF system with 15 Cross Type AF sensors, versatile AF area modes and superb AF detection in even the dimmest lighting deliver immediate, pinpoint focus. Fast shot-to-shot time, full resolution frame rate up to 4 fps, 6 fps in DX crop mode using MB-D12 Multi-Power Battery Pack and ultra fast CF and SD card write times. For more productive workflow, high-speed data transfer using USB 3.0 is realized. For demanding professionals, the D800E responds immediately and precisely.
Versatile shooting, fluid operation
Streamlined ergonomic design puts critical tasks a touch away
Intuitive design makes D800E operation a thing of beauty. A streamlined ergonomic body allows critical photography and video tasks, including Movie Record, Live View, White Balance and Picture Control to be performed at the touch of a button. Confirm image capture and view menu options, histograms, video settings and more using the D800E's super sharp 3.2-inch 921,000-dot LCD screen with 100% coverage. Anti-glare coating and auto brightness control ease of viewing, no matter the environment. Enlarge images up to 46x for on-the-spot focus confirmation. Magnesium alloy construction and environmental sealing make the D800E as comfortable in the field as in the studio.
EXPEED 3 image processing
Nikon's EXPEED 3 technology extends and assures breathtakingly rich image fidelity and reduces noise, even at high ISO's. EXPEED 3 is so powerful that it handles data-intensive tasks such as Full-HD video recording at 30p with ease.
Rich image previewing
The D800E's 3.2-inch super-sharp 921,000-dot LCD monitor automatically adjusts LCD brightness and visibility according to your environment for bright, crisp image playback, menu adjustment and Live View shooting. Enlarge images up to 46x to make on the spot focus confirmation—crucial for high resolution shooting.
Expand dynamic range with built-in HDR
Create a single image revealing an extremely wide dynamic range, but with less noise and rich color gradation than ever before. Combine two exposures at up to 3EV.
Dedicated picture control button
The convenient Picture control button provides six preset options: Vivid, Monochrome, Neutral, Standard, Landscape and Portrait for stills and video while 9 customizable settings provide advanced, personalized color control.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, and image quality of the camera. For example, they say it's amazing, and does a fantastic job at digital photography. They also say the pictures are good, and the videos are good. Customers are also happy with the value. That said, some disagree on performance, focus, color, frame rate, and ease of use.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the camera. They say it is amazing, does a fantastic job at digital photography, and is the best landscape or studio DSLR in the market. It is also a great camera for video enthusiasts or pros, taking fantastic images and making fantastic footage. That said, some complain about the grip.
"...switch away from multizone metering as it is just very good at figuring out the scene and I dont have to use a lot of exposure compensation..." Read more
"...working photographer's perspective though, the D800 is a fantastic classic legendary camera, and may go down as Nikon's best full frame camera for..." Read more
"...(aside from obvious things like resolution, improved DR etc.) is the Auto ISO feature...." Read more
"...For me, this is the ultimate camera. Useful for landscapes, weddings and macro but also good enough for my kids' soccer matches using a DX lens...." Read more
Customers like the image quality of the camera. They mention that the picture quality is good, and the images are incredible. The camera has very high resolution, and good high-ISO performance. The shots are absurdly sharp, and it has very good video quality. The balance between resolution, dynamic range, and light is amazing, and allows for a lot of image processing right in the camera, making the video smooth.
"...Maybe I'm exaggerating a little...but not by much.4. Sharper image with the same lens...." Read more
"...I would say everything about the d800s image quality is a step better than the d300 and the main thing it has been doing for me is allowing me to..." Read more
"...It's image quality is some of the best that has ever been...." Read more
"...For pros and serious amateurs it would seem the image quality is the best you can purchase in this form factor today...." Read more
Customers like the value of the digital camera. They say it's well worth the money, an excellent camera at an amazing price, and worth the wait. Customers also say it is pleasant to use and durable.
"...The D800 is a reliable tank of a camera that is pleasurable to use, consistent, durable enough for generations of ownership, and priced in the used..." Read more
"...Image quality: Simply, utterly amazing (when you use the center focus point). Dynamic range is remarkable...." Read more
"...But aside from that --- if you want world class equipment at a great price, this is the one. Just buy it...." Read more
"...Best bang for your hard earned money.I do not have any focus issues as I tested with 50 (1.8) already...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the camera. Some mention that the dynamic range and low light performance is amazing, fantastic even in low light conditions, and helps in bright conditions. However, other customers say that the flash intermittently fails in Commander mode to trigger their wireless flash, it does not work if you shoot RAW, and has problems with continuous AF. Some customers also mention that corner softness issues, software programs keep crashing, and the LCD screen still isn't bright enough.
"...Tada, natural light at high noon without flash! Very nice, Nikon!I have no green cast...." Read more
"...I still use my 17-55 DX lens with the d800 and right now am very happy with the results...." Read more
"...It also does not work if you shoot RAW - only JPG and only 2 images hence the joke. Your probably not buying the camera for this anyway.-..." Read more
"...All performed beautifully. As an aside, I did not like the fact that the 105, despite being a pro lens, is now made in China...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the focus of the camera. Some mention that it focuses easily in very low light, and the 50mm 1.4 feels like focus much better. However, others say that the camera has focusing issues and the left autofocus points were worse. They also say that it's hard to pull a focus without looking through the viewfinder.
"...If I could think of a complaint I would say the Live View focusing could be better, and the battery life is not quite as good as my old d300 which..." Read more
"...Very nice, Nikon!I have no green cast. I have no out of focus focus points (that I know of). My beep on focus function is broken...." Read more
"...body serial number 305xxx has the same left focus defect and cannot focus correctly using the left focus sensors. It is also going back...." Read more
"...Nice lens, looks very sharp and focuses very quickly...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the color of the camera. Some mention that it has a nicer color in general, while others say that it does have that slight greenish tint. The LCD is yellow-greenish, and the picture colors are ugly fade.
"...Except his models are better looking. Is this due to the better sensor or the better imaging processor?6. Better dynamic range...." Read more
"...The solid debris appear black against background. The oil or liquid spot will appear bright against background with dark hallow around it...." Read more
"...ISO 400 and be completely satisfied with noise, dynamic range, and color quality...." Read more
"...Specifically I like the fact that it does not have any shiny stuff on it. The rubber (or whatever it is) has a great feel to it...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the frame rate of the camera. Some mention it's plenty fast enough if you can get your shot in 1 or 2 shots, has a top shutter speed of 1/8000, flash sync up to 1/250, and an exceptional AF. However, others say that it has AF speed issues and focus hunting with certain lenses. The battery life is also a concern, with some customers reporting that the camera may not respond for minutes after taking a picture.
"...Auto focus:About the same as the d300. Fast and dependable as long as you can find a point with good contrast to lock onto...." Read more
"...otherwise easily avoidable problem (in any camera) is inadequate processor performance...." Read more
"...It has been said before but the fact that this thing has similar high ISO performance compared to the D700 with 3x the resolution deserves a slow..." Read more
"...On one hand, the handling, image quality, and low ISO performance, cropping flexibility are everything that I hoped for and more, there has been a..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of use of the digital camera. Some mention that it's versatile and easy to use with all parameters, the menu is intuitive, and setting up the menus is not difficult. However, others say that it takes a little effort to use, because it is so sensitive. They also say that the menu was a bit cumbersome, but once set up it works well.
"...the d300 especially the one touch live view button, and simple toggle between AF and MF.Using DX lenses:..." Read more
"...of being a good sports or action camera therefore the specification itself is a bit useless...." Read more
"...that my D7000 didn't do but the D800 does is allow easy access to change the Auto ISO settings...." Read more
"...But setting up the menus is not difficult...." Read more
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The beauty of a high megapixel camera is that it makes your pictures better at the same megapixel size as your last camera! Let me explain this, for most lens, sharpness differences can be viewed at 100% zoom. Unless you print at gigantic 36MP, which only a very small percentage of pros will be using, it's moot. Now, when you downsize a picture, the pixels are interpolated. Lens that were previously unacceptable at 12MP all of a sudden look pretty decent at 12MP downsized from 36MP! For example, a picture that was taken with slight motion blur at 100% pixel peep will disappear when I re-size it to 12MP. That's the thing, most will not print a 36MP picture at 36MP! You will have to resize it to make prints! It's pretty insane to upload 36MP JPEGS to make 4x6 prints anyway. Although someday, I will hang a 36MP picture on my wall.
So what's the purpose of getting a 36MP? First, high ISO noise will be interpolated out of existence when downsized. Second, blurriness will be sharpened out of existence when downsized. Third, your not so sharp lens at 100% will look pretty darn good downsized. You need to compare the pictures produced at the printed size and not at 100% zoom! If you take a picture of your face and zoom in at 100%, it'll be pretty unflattering with all the pores and stuff. Same concept here. So if you buy this camera just to view pictures at 100% zoom, you will all be disappointed because that simply is not the point.
Coming from a D90, these are the things that are better.
1. Full frame. Your 50mm prime now has a real 50mm FOV rather than a fake 75mm FOV.
2. Bokeh. You get to see more of that 50mm FOV which means the bokeliciousness that were lost on the D90 is now there. The further you go away from the focus point, the softer the bokeh is. When the DX picture is truncated, you lose that bokeh. This is why full frame appears to have better bokeh.
3. ISO. When downsized, my ISO 6400 looks like ISO 100 on a 12MP. Maybe I'm exaggerating a little...but not by much.
4. Sharper image with the same lens. Yes, at 100% zoom, all the short-comings are there to see. At 12MP downsized, it will look very great.
5. Cliff Mautner looking pictures. Yes, I went there. I've always looked at those nice midday pictures where Cliff take pictures of his models in front of a green background (trees) and the model's faces has that cool looking rim lights... yeah, I can replicate that! Except his models are better looking. Is this due to the better sensor or the better imaging processor?
6. Better dynamic range. When the sun's beating down on you at high noon, dial the exposure compensation down -2EV, shoot without flash, and then fix the under exposed parts without blowing out highlights. Tada, natural light at high noon without flash! Very nice, Nikon!
I have no green cast. I have no out of focus focus points (that I know of). My beep on focus function is broken. I turn it on, but it doesn't beep. I don't know why. At 100% zoom, my prime doesn't look that sharp at F1.8 as it does at F4. But I don't care. If you want a camera to test out lens sharpness, this camera is it! But don't blame me if you proceed to throw them all in the trash to buy sharper lens.
Is this a better camera than the D700? It depends. Is it worth the $1300 premium for the added functionality? Is a $3000 Channel purse worth $1300 more than a $1800 LV purse? A purse doesn't even take pictures and you sure as heck can't downsize it on command! And yet my wife buys a new one each year. For me, yes it's worth it! I'm referring to the camera, not the purse. Then again, if you were reading carefully, I previously own a D90 not a D700.
As a final note, I'm going to read more books on photography because this camera tells me what I'm terrible at it. I look at the pictures on Flickr that people took using this camera, then I compare it with my pictures, all I want to do is to punch myself in the face. If I become a better photographer as a result of owning this camera, then I guess the $3000 is worth it.
This is the Internet. Feel free to tell me I'm idiot and that I'm wrong in the comments.
Update 6/23/12: (1) The beep issue was resolved by deleting bank A and then use bank B. Unfortunately, my camera has the left focus issue. Most of my lens are fine, however I borrowed a friend's 24-70mm and the left most focus definitely has a problem on this one. In liveview, it works fine. I'm going to wait a few months to see what Nikon says about this before sending it in for repair.
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2012
The beauty of a high megapixel camera is that it makes your pictures better at the same megapixel size as your last camera! Let me explain this, for most lens, sharpness differences can be viewed at 100% zoom. Unless you print at gigantic 36MP, which only a very small percentage of pros will be using, it's moot. Now, when you downsize a picture, the pixels are interpolated. Lens that were previously unacceptable at 12MP all of a sudden look pretty decent at 12MP downsized from 36MP! For example, a picture that was taken with slight motion blur at 100% pixel peep will disappear when I re-size it to 12MP. That's the thing, most will not print a 36MP picture at 36MP! You will have to resize it to make prints! It's pretty insane to upload 36MP JPEGS to make 4x6 prints anyway. Although someday, I will hang a 36MP picture on my wall.
So what's the purpose of getting a 36MP? First, high ISO noise will be interpolated out of existence when downsized. Second, blurriness will be sharpened out of existence when downsized. Third, your not so sharp lens at 100% will look pretty darn good downsized. You need to compare the pictures produced at the printed size and not at 100% zoom! If you take a picture of your face and zoom in at 100%, it'll be pretty unflattering with all the pores and stuff. Same concept here. So if you buy this camera just to view pictures at 100% zoom, you will all be disappointed because that simply is not the point.
Coming from a D90, these are the things that are better.
1. Full frame. Your 50mm prime now has a real 50mm FOV rather than a fake 75mm FOV.
2. Bokeh. You get to see more of that 50mm FOV which means the bokeliciousness that were lost on the D90 is now there. The further you go away from the focus point, the softer the bokeh is. When the DX picture is truncated, you lose that bokeh. This is why full frame appears to have better bokeh.
3. ISO. When downsized, my ISO 6400 looks like ISO 100 on a 12MP. Maybe I'm exaggerating a little...but not by much.
4. Sharper image with the same lens. Yes, at 100% zoom, all the short-comings are there to see. At 12MP downsized, it will look very great.
5. Cliff Mautner looking pictures. Yes, I went there. I've always looked at those nice midday pictures where Cliff take pictures of his models in front of a green background (trees) and the model's faces has that cool looking rim lights... yeah, I can replicate that! Except his models are better looking. Is this due to the better sensor or the better imaging processor?
6. Better dynamic range. When the sun's beating down on you at high noon, dial the exposure compensation down -2EV, shoot without flash, and then fix the under exposed parts without blowing out highlights. Tada, natural light at high noon without flash! Very nice, Nikon!
I have no green cast. I have no out of focus focus points (that I know of). My beep on focus function is broken. I turn it on, but it doesn't beep. I don't know why. At 100% zoom, my prime doesn't look that sharp at F1.8 as it does at F4. But I don't care. If you want a camera to test out lens sharpness, this camera is it! But don't blame me if you proceed to throw them all in the trash to buy sharper lens.
Is this a better camera than the D700? It depends. Is it worth the $1300 premium for the added functionality? Is a $3000 Channel purse worth $1300 more than a $1800 LV purse? A purse doesn't even take pictures and you sure as heck can't downsize it on command! And yet my wife buys a new one each year. For me, yes it's worth it! I'm referring to the camera, not the purse. Then again, if you were reading carefully, I previously own a D90 not a D700.
As a final note, I'm going to read more books on photography because this camera tells me what I'm terrible at it. I look at the pictures on Flickr that people took using this camera, then I compare it with my pictures, all I want to do is to punch myself in the face. If I become a better photographer as a result of owning this camera, then I guess the $3000 is worth it.
This is the Internet. Feel free to tell me I'm idiot and that I'm wrong in the comments.
Update 6/23/12: (1) The beep issue was resolved by deleting bank A and then use bank B. Unfortunately, my camera has the left focus issue. Most of my lens are fine, however I borrowed a friend's 24-70mm and the left most focus definitely has a problem on this one. In liveview, it works fine. I'm going to wait a few months to see what Nikon says about this before sending it in for repair.
Controls:
I upgraded from my d300 because I dropped it and the flash was no longer working. The transition has been relatively smooth although I do find that I have had to relearn and remap a few of the controls. The switching of the + and - zoom controls still gets me, and I do miss the old auto focus mode selector that used to be on the back of my d300. I like having the bracketing button in easy access have it set to easily shoot in camera HDRs. Overall I find the control layout an improvement from the d300 especially the one touch live view button, and simple toggle between AF and MF.
Using DX lenses:
I still use my 17-55 DX lens with the d800 and right now am very happy with the results. I have my custom button set to switch between FX, 1.2x, and DX crop modes which is a lifesaver when using my old 17-55. Past its widest settings I like to use this lens in the 1.2x crop mode to get nice detailed 25mp images without too much vignetting. I have a 27" imac an on this size screen I cannot tell the difference between a 15mp dx cropped image and a 36mp full frame image but for large prints it may make a difference. One thing I do love about shooting the full 36mp resolution however is penalty free cropping. I had to be careful on my 12mp d300 about not cropping to much and loosing image quality but now I will crop out half of a 36mp file still be floored by the amout of detail. Overall I see no problem with using my DX lenses with the new camera and actually enjoy the added flexibility and creative potential they provide. I sometimes enjoy the circular image the 17-55 creates at its widest setting at the FX crop.
ISO:
Based solely on my observations I would say the d800 gains about 2 2/3 stops in ISO quality. Before, I would shoot my d300 up to ISO 400 and be completely satisfied with noise, dynamic range, and color quality. With the d800 I can now bump up to ISO 2500 and be completely satisfied with image quality. In low light situations I find bumping the d800 to ISO 5000 is about as high as I am willing to go before the image quality starts to degrade significantly. Auto ISO works much better and is easier to setup.
RAW vs JPEG:
I like to shoot RAW + JPEG and find that most of the time I am happy with the JPEG. Reading reviews I thought that RAW would provide a HUGE headroom in the shadows and while I find there is a good amount of data in the shadows I would say no more than a stop. Files are very detail but you can definitely see the effects of the anti aliasing filter and sometimes I wish I had sprung for the d800E. By default RAW images are not especially sharp and I almost always need to bump up the sharpness in software. On a positive note in the thousands of pictures I have shot I have yet to see moire.
Metering:
I find that the metering is much better on the d800 than d300. I rarely switch away from multizone metering as it is just very good at figuring out the scene and I dont have to use a lot of exposure compensation either.
Live view:
Live view is a VAST improvement from the d300 which was almost unusable. Having a button to quickly pull up live veiw is great! Although live view focusing still leaves quite a bit to be desired it will eventually find focus in most lighting situations.
Auto focus:
About the same as the d300. Fast and dependable as long as you can find a point with good contrast to lock onto.
Overall:
I am very happy with my d800 purchase. I recently purchased the 50mm 1.8 and have been using this for shallow depth of field and low light shots and think the color quality and sharpness of this combination is just outstanding. If I could think of a complaint I would say the Live View focusing could be better, and the battery life is not quite as good as my old d300 which was just insane. The build quality is also just a tiny notch below the d300 but overall feels very professional. The rear screen on the d800 is great and I have not had any color tint problems. The left focus problems that have plagued so many other users has not been an issue for me. I would say everything about the d800s image quality is a step better than the d300 and the main thing it has been doing for me is allowing me to shoot more freely. I shoot looser crops because I know I can always crop in without losing quality, and I rarely worry about how high I have take my ISO which used to be a constant worry with the d300. I debated for a long time which camera would suit be best as an upgrade for my d300. I went between waiting for a d300 successor, getting a used d700, slimming down with an OMD-E5, buying a d600 or going for the d800. A direct d300 successor would have been nice but the added depth of field with full frame was a big decider for me as I shoot a lot of portraits. The OMD would be great but I am already pretty heavily invested in Nikon glass and was not ready to compromise on low light image quality. For me the d600 was just to plasticy and I was not happy with the control setup.
In the end I am very happy with my decision although every once and a while when I am shooting landscapes I wish I had gone for the d800e.