• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1200.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • Detailed specifications
  • Nikon D800
  • Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
Links
Prices:    
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website
Nikon D800 webpage
Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Nikon D700
D700 vs D800
Canon SX40 HS
SX40 HS vs SX50
Successor: Nikon D810
D800 vs D810
Canon SX60
SX50 vs SX60
General
Model Number: D800 SX50
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Pro SLR EVF
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $2999.95 $449.99
Street Price: $1,849.95 $459.00
Date Available: 2012-03-30 2012-10-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 35.6 oz (1,008 g)
includes batteries
21.3 oz (603 g)
includes batteries
Size: 5.7 x 4.8 x 3.2 in.
(146 x 123 x 82 mm)
4.8 x 3.4 x 4.2 in.
(123 x 87 x 106 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony  
Effective Megapixels: 36.3 12.1
Sensor Format: 35mm 1/2.3 inch
Sensor size: 861.6mm2 (35.90mm x 24.00mm) 28.0735mm2 (6.17mm x 4.55mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 4.88 microns 1.54 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.0x n/a
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed  
Self-Cleaning: Yes No
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 95 47
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 25.3 20.3
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 14.4 11.2
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 2,853 179
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 7360 x 4912 (36.2 MP, 3:2),
5520 x 3680 (20.3 MP, 3:2),
3680 x 2456 (9.0 MP, 3:2),
6114 x 4080 (24.9 MP, 3:2),
4608 x 3056 (14.1 MP, Other),
3072 x 2040 (6.3 MP, Other),
4800 x 3200 (15.4 MP, 3:2),
3600 x 2400 (8.6 MP, 3:2),
2400 x 1600 (3.8 MP, 3:2),
6144 x 4912 (30.2 MP, 5:4),
4608 x 3680 (17.0 MP, 5:4),
3072 x 2456 (7.5 MP, 5:4)
4000 x 3000 (12.0 MP, 4:3),
4000 x 2664 (10.7 MP, 3:2),
4000 x 2248 (9.0 MP, 16:9),
2992 x 2992 (9.0 MP, 1:1),
2816 x 1880 (5.3 MP, 3:2),
2816 x 1584 (4.5 MP, 16:9),
2112 x 2112 (4.5 MP, 1:1),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1600 x 1200 (1.9 MP, 4:3),
1600 x 1064 (1.7 MP, 3:2),
1200 x 1200 (1.4 MP, 1:1),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3),
640 x 424 (0.3 MP, Other),
480 x 480 (0.2 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.3), RAW (NEF), 14 or 12-bit; TIFF JPEG (EXIF 2.3), 12-bit Raw (.CR2); RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 4.0 13.0
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (30p/​25p/​24p)
1280x720 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p)
1920x1080 (24p)
1280x720 (30p)
640x480 (30/​120)
320x240 (30/​240)
Movie File Format: MOV (H.265/MPEG-4 AVC, Linear PCM audio) MOV (Image: H.264, Audio: Stereo Linear PCM)
Composite Video Out: No Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: n/a Yes
Video Usable as Viewfinder: n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Nikon F n/a
Lens: n/a Canon Zoom Lens; Ultra Sonic Motor (USM)
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):   24 - 1,200mm
Focal Length (actual):   4.3 - 215mm
Zoom Ratio:   50.00x
Aperture Range:   f/3.4 (W) / f/6.5 (T) - f/8.0
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range:   5 cm to Infinity
2.0 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:   0 - 50 cm
0.0 - 19.7 in
Filter Thread: n/a n/a
Thread Type: n/a 67mm (with optional adatper)
Optical Image Stabilization: No Yes
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: 1.2x, 1.5x (DX), 5:4 crop modes Up to 4x
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: 51-point TTL phase detection via Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX including 15 cross-type sensors; f/8 supported by 11 central sensors; Contrast detection AF in Live View mode Contrast Detect AF with Face Detection;
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: Optical / LCD EVF / LCD
Viewfinder Type: SLR; eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x magnification, 17mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopter EVF type; 202K-dot LCD with diopter adjustment of -4 to +1
Focus Peaking: No No
EVF Resolution: n/a  
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.70x  
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.70x  
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.2 2.8
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots (307,200 px) 460,800 dots (153,600 px)
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: No Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No
Selfie Screen: No
Max Playback Zoom:   10.0x
Top Deck Display: Yes
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 6400 6400
Minimum ISO (native): 100 80
ISO Settings: Auto, 100 - 6400 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1EV steps, plus down to 50 in Lo-1, up to 25,600 in Hi-2 Auto, ISO 80 - 6400
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto (2), Incandescent, Fluorescent (7), Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, Preset Manual (4), Color Temperature (2,500K-10,000K); Fine-tuning available for all options. Auto (including Face Detection WB), Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Flash, Custom. Multi-area WB correction available in Smart Auto
Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 - 30 sec 1/2000 - 15 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes No
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 91K-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering III, Center-weighted (weight of 75% given to 12-mm circle in center of frame; diameter of circle can be changed to 8, 15 or 20 mm, or weighting can be based on average of entire frame), Spot (4mm circle or about 1.5% frame, centered on selected focus area) Evaluative, Center-weighted average, Spot (centre or linked to Face Detection AF or FlexiZone AF frame)
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: None Custom (2), Sports, SCN (Portrait, Smooth Skin, Smart Shutter, High-Speed Burst HQ, Handheld NightScene, Snow, Fireworks, Stitch Assist), Creative Filters (High Dynamic Range, Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Soft Focus, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Color Accent, Color Swap), Movie Digest
Self Timer: 2/5/10/20 seconds 2, 10, Custom seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer): Yes  
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes Yes
Flash Modes: Front-curtain sync, Slow sync, Rear-curtain sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync; supports Advanced Wireless Lighting system Auto, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Flash Off; Red-eye Reduction and Correction available
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. n/a
Flash Range Description: Lens aperture dependent Auto ISO: 1.6 ft. - 18 ft. (W), 4.6 - 9.8 ft. (T) (50cm - 5.5m (W), (1.4m - 3.0m (T))
Max Flash Sync: 1/250 (up to 1/320s with lower flash range) 1/2000
Flash Exposure Compensation: -3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: ISO-type hot-shoe, PC Sync terminal Hot-Shoe (E-TTL)
Built-In Wireless Flash Control: Full TTL exposure  
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: CF1 / SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support: UHS-I  
Other Memory: UDMA7/UHS-I compliant  
Dual Card Slots: Yes No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: RAW (NEF), 14 or 12-bit; TIFF 12-bit Raw (.CR2); RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format: MOV (H.265/MPEG-4 AVC, Linear PCM audio) MOV (Image: H.264, Audio: Stereo Linear PCM)
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No No
NFC: No No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: Yes No
Headphone Jack: Yes No
External Connections: USB 3.0 Super Speed USB 2.0 High Speed
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional wired or wireless Optional Wired (RS-60E3)
Connections (extended): Mini HDMI (Type C), 10-pin Expansion Terminal (GP-1 GPS compatible), Stereo Mic Mini Jack (3.5mm), Stereo Audio Out (3.5mm) Combined USB/AV, Mini (Type-C) HDMI, Remote Terminal
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.42 1.85
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.39 2.51
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): 23 Unlimited
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): 0.46  
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 4.0 13.0
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 54 10
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 4.0  
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): 18  
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 4.0  
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): 14  
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.21 seconds 0.48 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):   0.41 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR): 1.74 seconds  
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR): 0.184 seconds  
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.044 seconds 0.341 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.22 seconds 0.55 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.043 seconds 0.067 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): OVF, Full Autofocus, 51-point Auto Area = 0.306s Live View, Full Autofocus = 1.735s Live View, Prefocused = 0.184s  
Startup Time: 0.3 seconds 2.0 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.2 seconds 1.4 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 3.8 seconds 4.5 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):   315 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 900 shots  
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary EN-EL15 Proprietary NB-10L
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable or MB-D12 battery grip Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary EN-EL15 Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary NB-10L Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No
Software
Included Software: Nikon ViewNX 2 CD-ROM Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS X Windows 7 / 7 SP1 / Vista SP2 / XP SP3; Mac OS X v10.5+
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: New 36.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, New EXPEED 3 processor, 91K-dot Matrix Metering III, Improved Auto ISO, Full HD 1080p30 movies, HMDI simultaneous output, Dual SD+CF slots, USB 3.0. Intelligent Image Stabilization, DIGIC 5 processor, improved AF speed, 1080p24 Full HD movies, 13 fps High-Speed Burst HQ mode, Zoom Framing Assist, 58 scene Smart Auto, 12-bit RAW+JPEG capture.