• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • Detailed specifications
  • Nikon D800E
  • Sony Alpha SLT-A37
Links
Prices:    
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:    
Successor: Nikon D810
D800E vs D810
 
General
Model Number: D800E A37
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Pro SLR SLR
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $3299.95 $599.99
Street Price: $2,211.73  
Date Available: 2012-04-15 2012-06-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 35.6 oz (1,008 g)
includes batteries
25.6 oz (726 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
Size: 5.7 x 4.8 x 3.2 in.
(146 x 123 x 82 mm)
4.9 x 3.6 x 3.3 in.
(124 x 92 x 85 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony Sony
Effective Megapixels: 36.3 16.1
Sensor Format: 35mm APS-C
Sensor size: 861.6mm2 (35.90mm x 24.00mm) 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 4.88 microns 4.82 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.0x 1.5x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: None Fixed
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No Yes
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 96 75
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 25.6 23.3
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 14.3 12.9
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 2,979 799
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)
4912 x 3264 (16.0 MP, 3:2),
4912 x 2760 (13.6 MP, 16:9),
3568 x 2368 (8.4 MP, Other),
3568 x 2000 (7.1 MP, 16:9),
2448 x 1624 (4.0 MP, Other),
2448 x 1376 (3.4 MP, 16:9),
12416 x 1856 (23.0 MP, Other),
5536 x 2160 (12.0 MP, Other),
8192 x 1856 (15.2 MP, Other),
3872 x 2160 (8.4 MP, Other),
7152 x 1080 (7.7 MP, Other),
4912 x 1080 (5.3 MP, Other),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.3), RAW (NEF), 14 or 12-bit; TIFF JPEG, MPO, RAW (12-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 4.0 5.5
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (30p/​25p/​24p)
1280x720 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p)
1920x1080 (60i(FH)/​24p(FX)/​24p(FH))
1440x1080 (30p)
640x480 (30p)
Movie File Format: MOV (H.265/MPEG-4 AVC, Linear PCM audio) AVCHD 1.0/MP4 (Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3)/MPEG-4 AAC-LC)
Composite Video Out: No No
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: n/a n/a
Video Usable as Viewfinder: n/a n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Nikon F Sony Alpha (Minolta A)
Lens: n/a Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT SAM
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):   27 - 83mm
Focal Length (actual):   18 - 55mm
Zoom Ratio:   3.06x
Aperture Range:   f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - 36 (T)
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range:   25 cm to Infinity
9.8 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: n/a 55.0mm
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No No
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: 1.2x, 1.5x (DX), 5:4 crop modes Up to 2x Precision, Up to 2x Clear Image Zoom, 1.4x (8.4MP) or 2.0x (4MP) Smart Zoom
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 Phase Detection: 15 points (3 points cross type); Wide (auto, 15 points), Zone, Spot, Local; Enhanced Object Tracking
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; 1.1cm (0.43") 1.15M-dot LCD (380K-dot time-multiplexed RGB), 100% coverage, 1.1x magnification, 19mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter
Focus Peaking: No Yes
EVF Resolution: n/a  
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.70x 0.73x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.70x 1.10x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.2 2.6
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots (307,200 px) 230,400 dots (76,800 px)
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: No Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No
Selfie Screen: No
Max Playback Zoom:   11.8x
Top Deck Display: Yes No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 6400 16000
Minimum ISO (native): 100 100
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 (100-3200), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 16000; (Multi-frame NR mode up to ISO 25600)
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, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (Warm, Cool, Day, Daylight), Flash, Custom, Color Temp/Filter (2500-9900K with 15-step Magenta/Green compensation)
Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 - 30 sec 1/4000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0EV 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) 1200-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: None Sweep Panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama, Portrait, SportsAction, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night view, Hand-held Twilight (6 shot layering), Night Portrait, Picture Effect (Posterization (color/B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial color (R/G/B/Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera (Normal/Cool), Soft High-key, Soft Focus (Hi/Mid/Lo), HDR Painting (Hi/Mid/Lo), Miniature (7 Settings))
Self Timer: 2/5/10/20 seconds 2 or 10 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, Off, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. 10.0 m / 32.8 ft.
Flash Range Description: Lens aperture dependent Lens dependent
Max Flash Sync: 1/250 (up to 1/320s with lower flash range) 1/160
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
Built-In Wireless Flash Control: Full TTL exposure  
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: CF1 / SD / SDHC / SDXC MS PRO Duo / 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 RAW (12-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format: MOV (H.265/MPEG-4 AVC, Linear PCM audio) AVCHD 1.0/MP4 (Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3)/MPEG-4 AAC-LC)
Included Memory: 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 Yes
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 (RM-S1AM/RM-L1AM)
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) Type-C Mini HDMI (BRAVIA Sync, PhotoTV HD); Wired Remote Terminal, 3.5mm External Stereo Micophone Jack, DC Input
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.42 0.47
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.39 0.45
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): 23 2
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 5.5
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 0.11 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
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 0.080 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.22 seconds 0.32 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.043 seconds 0.057 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): OVF, Full Autofocus, 51-point Auto Area = 0.306s Live View, Full Autofocus = 1.735s Live View, Prefocused = 0.184s Full AF lag, Wide-area mode = 0.124s
Startup Time: 0.3 seconds 0.9 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.2 seconds 0.9 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 3.8 seconds 2.5 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):    
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 900 shots 450 shots
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary EN-EL15 Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable or MB-D12 battery grip NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary EN-EL15 Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary NP-FW50 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 Sony Software CD-ROM
OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS X Windows XP SP3/Vista SP2/7, Mac OS X (v.10.3 +)
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Limited edition Nikon D800 variant, with no low-pass filter (LPF) effect. IR cut and antireflective coating properties of the optical filter remain the same. SteadyShot INSIDE Sensor-shift Image Stabilization (up to 4 EV correction), Full HD 1080i60 Video, Up to 7 fps Burst Mode (Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE), Enhanced Object Tracking AF, 2x Clear Image Digital Zoom, Auto Portrait Framing.