Nikon D810 Review

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Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Nikon D810
Resolution:	36.30 Megapixels
Sensor size:	35mm (35.9mm x 24.0mm)
Kit Lens:	n/a
Viewfinder:	Optical / LCD
Native ISO:	64 - 12,800
Extended ISO:	32 - 51,200
Shutter:	1/8000 - 30 sec
Dimensions:	5.7 x 4.8 x 3.2 in. (146 x 123 x 82 mm)
Weight:	34.9 oz (988 g) includes batteries
Availability:	07/2014
Manufacturer:	Nikon
Full specs:	Nikon D810 specifications

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Body Only

Body Only
Kit with 24-120mm lens

D810 Deals

36.30 Megapixels	Nikon F	35mm size sensor

D810 Summary

The 36-megapixel Nikon D810 has some pretty big shoes to fill, replacing the much-loved D800 and D800E with a single model. Taking the best of both, this detail-devouring beauty has even greater per-pixel resolution, a wider sensitivity range, greater performance, more capable video capture, and more -- but it also now has competition from rivals Canon and Sony. How does it fare in this new reality? Read our in-depth Nikon D810 review, and find out!

Pros

Handles even better than its predecessors; Absolutely spectacular images from the 36-megapixel image sensor; Unusually wide sensitivity range for its resolution; Improved performance and buffer depths; Improved video feature set; Impressive low-light autofocus

Cons

Prone to moire and false color with some subjects; No longer available with a low-pass filter; Demands excellent lenses for the best detail; White balance tends warm under tungsten lighting

Price and availability

The Nikon D810 had a list price at introduction of around US$3,300 body-only, and started shipping in late July 2014, however that price has since dropped to about US$2,800. It can also be purchased bundled with the Nikkor AF-S 24-120mm f/4G VR lens for about US$3300.

Imaging Resource rating

4.5 out of 5.0

Nikon D810 Review

by Mike Tomkins and William Brawley
Review posted: 04/07/15
Last updated: 01/27/2017

In early 2012, Nikon started a trend with the launch of the D800E, a full-frame digital SLR which did without a resolution-robbing optical low-pass filter in the quest for maximum resolution. That's a change which has since swept the industry, with OLPF-free cameras available at all levels -- professional, enthusiast, and even the entry-level.

Now, Nikon follows up with the D810, a camera which shares much with its predecessor -- but there are some very important differences. Perhaps the most important of the bunch is one of strategy. The Nikon D800E's move away from a low-pass filter was a bold one at the time, and the company hedged its bets with the Nikon D800, a simultaneously-launched model that was near-identical, save for the inclusion of a low-pass filter.

This time around, there is no such equivalent for the Nikon D810. With a refinement of the same 36.3-megapixel image sensor from the D800 and D800E, along with a next-generation EXPEED 4 image processor -- not to mention a market populated by photographers who now have a better handle on the moiré and false-color implications of foregoing that OLPF -- Nikon is clearly confident in the D810's ability to stand alone.

So what's new in the Nikon D810? We've already mentioned that both image sensor and processor are new, but specifically, the Nikon D810's FX-format CMOS image sensor has improved microlenses for better light-gathering capabilities, yet is also said to have a lower base sensitivity of ISO 64 equivalent. Coupled with the new EXPEED 4 image processor, which is said to offer 30% greater performance and superior noise-reduction processing, the Nikon D810 bests its predecessors for sensitivity not only at the bottom end of the range, but also at the top. The standard range is now ISO 64 to 12,800 equivalents, expandable to encompass everything from ISO 32 to 51,200 equivalents.

Nikon also promises even greater resolution from the newly-designed sensor than it managed with that in the D800E, perhaps because of the fact that it no longer needed to take into consideration an OLPF-equipped variant of the camera. And the new EXPEED 4 processor also allows a one frame per second improvement in burst performance across the board, to a maximum of five frames per second at full resolution, or 7 fps with a DX-format crop and the optional MB-D12 Multi Power Battery Pack attached.

And there are other important differences in the Nikon D810's components. There's a new mirror sequencer / balancer unit, for example, that's designed to better-control vibration, and the rear-panel LCD monitor now has four dots per pixel, adding an extra white dot to the existing red, green and blue. That allows either a brighter, better-visible display when shooting outdoors, or power savings when shooting in lower ambient light. And the TTL pentaprism optical viewfinder has also been revisited, gaining a new prism coating for better clarity, along with an Organic LED status display panel that's brighter and easier to read.

The body itself has also been redesigned, featuring a deeper, more comfortable grip and some minor tweaks to controls. And smaller improvements like these abound throughout: there's a new electronic first-curtain shutter function when shooting in live view or mirror lockup modes, for example. Nikon has also added a new highlight-weighted exposure metering option, as well as a new Picture Control called "Flat", aimed at those who want to color-grade and match output from multiple different cameras. There's even a space-saving, reduced-resolution raw format.

Videographers get plenty of love, too, with lots of new features that will make the Nikon D810 an even more interesting proposition for video capture. (And Nikon is clearly banking on significant sales in this area, offering two specific product bundles aimed specifically at video shooters.) Changes include the ability to record video to the camera's own memory cards at the same time as outputting uncompressed HDMI for capture with an external device, and to use the Power Aperture function while recording to internal cards.

There's also a new stereo built-in mic, a wind cut filter function, zebra stripes, and more. And those new highlight-weighted metering and flat Picture Control functions we mentioned previously? They apply to video, too.

Order the Nikon D810 from one of Imaging Resource's trusted affiliates:

Nikon D810 Body-only, US$2,800 ADORAMA | AMAZON | B&H
Nikon D810 24-120mm Kit, US$3,300 ADORAMA | AMAZON | B&H

Let's take a closer look at the Nikon D810!

Nikon D810 Walkaround

by William Brawley

At first glance, the new Nikon D810 is not altogether that dissimilar from the Nikon D800 or D800E models that preceded it. In fact, without the D810 emblem on the front, you'd be hard-pressed to tell them apart. As they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it -- and the ergonomics and design of the D800 / D800E were already quite pleasant and well regarded, so not much needed changing with this new model.

However, there are a few more subtle tweaks and adjustments, as well as a couple new features added to the D810, the first of which is a slightly slimmer and deeper contoured handgrip. While the original model was certainly comfortable, the handgrip was quite substantial, and perhaps those photographers with smaller hands wished for a camera that was easier to hold.

With the D810, Nikon has carved out a bit more space between the lens mount and inner side of the handgrip, making it easier to wrap your hand around the camera. Not a striking change, but it's definitely noticeable when comparing the old and new cameras side-by-side.

Looking along the front face of the camera, nothing has really changed from the older model. The forward-angled On/Off switch and shutter release button sit atop the newly-contoured handgrip, with the familiar front control dial sitting comfortably at your fingertip. Nikon has kept the two customizable function buttons next to the lens mount for easy access, though the top-most is now labeled as a depth-of-field preview button.

Looking closely along the upper section from the face of the camera, to the right of the AF assist lamp you can see a row of microphone holes. Nikon has added built-in stereo mics to the D810, where the D800 and D800E had monaural mics. The left-channel mic port is in its normal spot under the "D810" logo on the left-hand side of the lens mount.

Also on the right-hand side of the front is the standard flash sync terminal cover and 10-pin remote terminal cover. Then we have the obvious lens-release button, and Nikon's familiar AF-mode switch/button at the left-facing base of the lens mount area.

Moving to the top plate of the camera, things are nearly identical to the previous model. The major changes are that the Metering Mode button gets a promotion to the main four-button cluster atop the Drive Mode dial on the left. It takes the spot of the Bracketing Mode button, which has a new location on the left side of the camera, above the Flash Mode button. The locking Drive Mode dial's release button sits in its usual spot right in front of the dial.

Everything else about the top plate of the camera will be familiar territory to D800 and D800E owners. There's the large Info LCD screen on the right side, with Exposure Mode button, Movie Record button and Exposure Compensation button out in front, along with Shutter release and On/Off switch. Then, of course, there's the built-in pop-up flash and standard hot-shoe for Speedlights, remote triggers and external mics.

The rear face of the Nikon D810 has a few minor tweaks, the most prominent of which is the inclusion of Nikon's "i" button. As seen on other recent DSLRs like the D5300 and D7100, the "i" button allows for quick visual access to a whole host of settings and exposure adjustments, both when shooting with the optical viewfinder or in live view mode.

In live view, pressing the "i" button activates a side panel along the right side of the screen for quick access to things like crop mode, picture profile, and image bitrate, among other things. If you're shooting video, you can make changes in real-time during recording for various settings using the "i" menu.

The other change seen at the rear of the camera is the addition of the Quiet Continuous mode to the Drive Mode dial, just as Nikon did on the D610 and D7100 cameras. This mode allows photographers to get a burst of photos more quietly than standard continuous mode (albeit at a slower frame rate) for sound-sensitive subjects such as skittish wildlife, live performances or press conferences.

The Nikon D810 keeps the D800's large 3.2-inch TFT-LCD screen, but it's been upgraded to a 1,229K-dot resolution RGBW panel. The RGBW display -- which includes white subpixels, as well as the traditional red, green and blue -- can be brighter than standard screens, but can also emphasize efficiency instead, saving power from the backlight.

And finally for the rear panel, there's the optical eye-level pentaprism viewfinder, which provides approximately 100% vertical and horizontal coverage of the frame in FX mode and 97% coverage in DX or 1.2x crop mode. Inside the OVF, Nikon has upgraded the info display screen to an OLED display for increased visibility, like that on the D7100. It has also changed prism coatings for better clarity through the viewfinder.

Moving to the sides of the camera, the memory card door on the right-hand side of the camera -- which still houses dual Secure Digital and CompactFlash card slots -- is now coated in the same rubberized grip material as the rest of the camera body. On the left-side of the camera, while the D810 still sports the same array of ports -- a 3.5mm mic jack, 3.5mm headphone jack, USB 3.0 port and Type-C Mini HDMI port -- the covers for these ports are now individualized, whereas the D800 and D800E kept these ports under one large rubbery-plastic flap.

On the left side of the camera, you can better see the re-positioned Bracketing Mode button, just under the pop-up flash. Below this new button is the standard Flash Mode button, then the AF Mode switch/button further below at the base of the lens mount. Near the tip-top of the pop-up flash is the Flash Activation button, for raising the flash unit.

Nikon D810 Field Test Part I

The quest for sunshine and razor-sharp detail

by Mike Tomkins | 08/25/2014

Although I'll happily shoot with just about any camera you care to hand me, I am first and foremost an SLR shooter. I'm a big fan of the optical viewfinder, and I like a camera body that feels molded to my hands. Although I haven't yet gone full-frame -- I can't personally justify the cost, in part because I spend a lot of time shooting with the cameras I'm reviewing, rather than my own personal cameras -- I'd love to switch to a full-frame camera at some point.

The Nikon D810, then, is a camera whose design speaks to me.

As far as I'm concerned, you just can't can't beat a big, bright through-the-lens viewfinder image for the sense of attachment it gives to your subject. (I find it doubly nice when shooting active subjects, as I can keep both eyes open, framing with one and anticipate my subject with the other. That doesn't work as well with an EVF, because the lag inherent in an electronic view of the world means both eyes aren't seeing quite the same thing.)

On paper at least, the Nikon D810 is a camera made after my own heart. What did I think after spending some time shooting with it? Read on and find out!

Read Field Test Part I

Nikon D810 Field Test Part II

The high-res full-frame shooter heads into the Knoxville night

by Mike Tomkins | 01/28/2015

It's been a little while since I started my Nikon D810 review late last year. Shortly after the first Field Test went live, our review sample camera body had to be returned to Nikon as it was covered by a service program -- and then once it returned, we were hit by a triple-whammy of holidays, trade shows, and personal life intervening. I was pleased, recently, to finally get back hands-on with the D810, though.

After so long without the camera, a period of relearning was needed. I took the D810 around town with me, then brought it along to an ice hockey game and got some pretty nifty shots. Sports shooting isn't really this camera's niche, though, and its epic resolution was robbed by having to shoot through the dirty, scratched-up plexiglass around the rink. Nor, with a 14-24mm zoom and 85mm prime, did I have the best lenses on hand for getting up close to the action.

Want to know how the Nikon D810 takes to low-light shooting?

Read Field Test Part II

Nikon D810 Image Quality Comparison

Can the D800E's successor up the resolution ante once more?

by Mike Tomkins | 04/07/2015

Below are crops from our laboratory Still Life target comparing the Nikon D810 vs. the Nikon D800E, Nikon D800, Sony A7R, Nikon D750 and Canon 5D Mark II. These models include both of the D810's direct predecessors, a mirrorless camera of similar resolution, a more affordable option from Nikon, and a DSLR that's proven particularly popular with video shooters -- a market segment that Nikon is targeting with the D810.

NOTE: These images are best quality JPEGs straight out of the camera, at default settings including noise reduction and using the camera's actual base ISO (not extended ISO settings). All cameras in this comparison were shot with our very sharp reference lenses. Clicking any crop will take you to a carrier page where you can click once again to access the full resolution image as delivered straight from the camera. For those interested in working with the RAW files involved: click these links to visit each camera's respective sample image thumbnail page: Nikon D810, Nikon D800E, Nikon D800, Sony A7R, Nikon D750 and Canon 5D III -- links to the RAW files appear beneath those for the JPEG images, wherever we have them. And remember, you can always go to our world-renowned Comparometer to compare the Nikon D810 to any camera we've ever tested.

Read the Image Quality Comparison

Nikon D810 Print Quality

The D810 packs in the pixels, but what does that mean for print sizes?

by Dave Pardue | 03/25/15

The Nikon D810 follows in the hallowed footsteps of its forebears the D800 and D800E in delivering the cream of the crop for print quality in the full frame DSLR world. As of this printing Nikons are the only bodies we've yet to award a "good" 8 x 10 at ISO 25,600, and that's something worth noting. The stellar performance continues as the ISO gets lower, and to be able to print up to two by three feet at ISO 3200 is, well... choose your favorite superlative and insert it here! If you make prints in your line of work or photographic hobby and require good performance as ISO rises from a full frame camera body, the Nikon D810 outshines all others, save for a tie with a few other Nikon kin.

Read the Nikon D810 Print Quality report

Nikon D810 Conclusion

There's more to this capable DSLR than just its spectacular resolution

by Mike Tomkins | 04/07/2015

In late 2012, Nikon took its camera line to a new resolution high with the D800 and D800E, a pair of closely-related cameras based around a 36-megapixel full-frame image sensor. As we said in our reviews at the time, both cameras impressed mightily, and they went on to be very well-received by photographers seeking the maximum possible detail from their 35mm lenses. The Nikon D810 has some pretty big shoes to fill, as it replaces not one but both of those earlier cameras with a single model.

In terms of its physical design, the Nikon D810 is even better than ever. Its hand grip is noticeably more comfortable, and its tweaked control layout is very well considered, too. The new i-button, in particular, means you'll spend less time fiddling in menus, and more shooting great photos. And whether you shoot through the viewfinder or in live view mode on the rear-panel LCD monitor, there have been some very worthwhile improvements.