• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • APS-H 476.1mm2
  • 25.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

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Differences

Nikon D800 advantages over Sigma sd Quattro H

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-H
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    36.3 vs 25.6 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    18 vs 8 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sigma sd Quattro H advantages over Nikon D800

  • Less expensive
    $1200 vs $3000 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    8 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    635g vs 1008g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    1620k vs 922k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré
  • Faster RAW shooting
    4.4 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D800

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sigma sd Quattro H
Body Only
All sd Quattro H Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Rugged build; Excellent controls; Extremely high resolution; Dual cards; Surprising high ISO performance.

  • Very large files; Slower frame rate; Custom white balance gives a greenish tint; Battery life lower than D700.

  • Read our Nikon D800 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon D800
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • More cross-type AF points

Compare Nikon D800 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Sigma sd Quattro H
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1199
  • APS-H
  • Focus peaking
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Sigma sd Quattro H vs Canon 5D Mark III

Compared to Nikon D800E

Nikon D800
Nikon D800E
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compare Nikon D800 vs Nikon D800E

Sigma sd Quattro H
Nikon D800E
  • $1199
  • APS-H
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Sigma sd Quattro H vs Nikon D800E

Compared to Nikon D810

Nikon D800
Nikon D810
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2291
  • 35mm
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compare Nikon D800 vs Nikon D810

Sigma sd Quattro H
Nikon D810
  • $1199
  • APS-H
  • Focus peaking
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $2291
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Sigma sd Quattro H vs Nikon D810

Compared to Sigma sd Quattro

Nikon D800
Sigma sd Quattro
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Nikon D800 vs Sigma sd Quattro

Sigma sd Quattro H
Sigma sd Quattro
  • $1199
  • APS-H
  • Larger sensor
  • More pixels
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Bigger RAW buffer

Compare Sigma sd Quattro H vs Sigma sd Quattro

Compared to Fujifilm X-H1

Nikon D800
Fujifilm X-H1
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D800 vs Fujifilm X-H1

Sigma sd Quattro H
Fujifilm X-H1
  • $1199
  • APS-H
  • Larger sensor
  • More dots on screen
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma sd Quattro H vs Fujifilm X-H1

Compare Other Cameras?