Nikon D800E vs Nikon D800, a tale of two titans in the full-frame DSLR arena. Both cameras boast impressive 36.3-megapixel sensors, capturing breathtaking detail, but the D800E stands out with its omission of the anti-aliasing filter, promising even sharper images.
This subtle difference sparks a debate among photographers, leaving many wondering which camera reigns supreme.
These cameras, launched in 2012, were designed to cater to professional photographers and enthusiasts seeking the ultimate in image quality. The D800E, with its uncompromising sharpness, appeals to those who prioritize detail and fine-art printing, while the D800, with its slightly softer rendering, offers a more forgiving approach for general photography and post-processing.
Autofocus and Performance
The Nikon D800 and D800E share the same autofocus system, a 51-point Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor, offering advanced performance for capturing sharp images. This system is renowned for its speed, accuracy, and tracking capabilities, making it suitable for various photographic scenarios, from fast-paced action to intricate portraits.
The Nikon D800e, a successor to the Nikon D800, aimed to improve upon its predecessor by introducing a low-pass filter designed to minimize moiré patterns. This led to a debate amongst photographers, much like the one surrounding the Sony a6600 and a6400.
The a6600, released in 2019, brought improvements to the a6400, including a larger battery, in-body image stabilization, and enhanced autofocus capabilities. sony a6600 vs a6400 However, the decision of whether these upgrades justified the price increase remained a point of contention.
Similarly, the Nikon D800e’s focus on sharpness over the D800’s broader appeal left some photographers unconvinced of its overall value.
Autofocus System Performance
The D800 and D800E boast a sophisticated autofocus system that excels in speed, accuracy, and tracking performance.
- The 51-point autofocus system, with 15 cross-type sensors in the center, provides precise focus acquisition in a variety of lighting conditions.
- The autofocus system’s sensitivity extends to -2 EV, enabling accurate focusing even in low-light situations.
- The D800 and D800E offer advanced 3D tracking capabilities, allowing for continuous focus on moving subjects.
Continuous Shooting Capabilities, Nikon d800e vs nikon d800
The D800 and D800E share impressive continuous shooting capabilities, allowing photographers to capture fast-paced action with ease.
The Nikon D800e and D800, both high-resolution full-frame cameras, are known for their exceptional image quality. While the D800e features an anti-aliasing filter, the D800 lacks it, leading to slightly sharper images. However, for photographers seeking to capture expansive landscapes, the choice of lens becomes paramount.
The best Canon lens for wide-angle photography, as determined by this comprehensive guide , can significantly enhance the final image. Ultimately, the choice between the Nikon D800e and D800, and the selection of a suitable wide-angle lens, depend on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.
- The cameras can shoot at up to 4 frames per second (fps) in continuous shooting mode with full resolution.
- With the optional MB-D12 battery grip, the shooting rate can be increased to 6 fps, enabling even faster capture of dynamic scenes.
- The D800 and D800E feature a large buffer that can hold a significant number of images, allowing for extended burst shooting sessions.
Low-Light Performance
The D800 and D800E excel in low-light conditions, thanks to their high sensitivity range and effective noise reduction capabilities.
- The cameras offer a native ISO range of 100-6400, which can be expanded to ISO 50-25600.
- The D800 and D800E incorporate Nikon’s advanced noise reduction algorithms, minimizing noise and preserving detail even at high ISO settings.
- The combination of high sensitivity and effective noise reduction allows for capturing clear images in challenging lighting conditions.
Features and Ergonomics
The Nikon D800 and D800E, both full-frame DSLRs, share many core features but diverge in specific areas. The D800E is known for its enhanced sharpness due to a modified optical low-pass filter (OLPF), while the D800 offers a more forgiving image with less moiré and aliasing.
This section delves into their feature set, including video recording capabilities, connectivity options, and in-body image stabilization. It also examines the design and ergonomics of both cameras, comparing their grip, button placement, and menu navigation.
The Nikon D800e and D800, both full-frame behemoths, offer exceptional image quality, but the D800e’s anti-aliasing filter removal gives it a slight edge in sharpness. However, for many photographers, the convenience and portability of a compact camera like the Sony RX100 or Canon G7X are just as appealing, especially for travel or street photography.
Comparing the RX100 and G7X reveals a similar battle between image quality and portability, with the RX100 boasting a larger sensor but the G7X offering a slightly more compact design. Ultimately, the choice between the D800e and D800, or even the RX100 and G7X, depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Video Recording Capabilities
Both the D800 and D800E offer full HD (1080p) video recording at various frame rates, including 30p, 25p, and 24p. They also feature advanced video features like uncompressed HDMI output, allowing for high-quality recording directly to an external recorder. This enables professionals to capture footage with greater detail and flexibility.
The cameras support both stereo and mono audio recording, providing options for different audio capture scenarios.
Connectivity Options
The D800 and D800E are equipped with a comprehensive set of connectivity options. They both feature a USB 3.0 port for fast data transfer, an HDMI port for connecting to external monitors or recorders, and a microphone input for external audio recording.
Additionally, they have a remote control terminal for triggering the camera remotely and a built-in GPS receiver for geotagging images and videos.
In-Body Image Stabilization
Unlike many other high-end DSLRs at the time, neither the D800 nor the D800E incorporates in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that lens-based stabilization is the only option for reducing camera shake and achieving sharper images. The absence of IBIS can be a drawback, especially when shooting handheld with telephoto lenses or in low-light conditions.
Design and Ergonomics
Both cameras share a similar design, characterized by a robust magnesium alloy body and a weather-sealed construction. The D800 and D800E are designed for professional use and can withstand harsh conditions. The grip on both models is deep and comfortable, providing a secure hold, even with large lenses attached.
The button layout is intuitive and easily accessible, allowing for quick and efficient control over camera settings.
The Nikon D800e and D800, both powerful DSLRs, offer high-resolution images and exceptional performance. However, the D800e features an anti-aliasing filter, resulting in slightly sharper images. If you’re considering a more compact and modern approach, you might want to explore the world of mirrorless cameras.
Shop mirrorless system cameras for a wide range of options from various brands. Ultimately, the choice between the D800e and D800, or venturing into the realm of mirrorless cameras, depends on your individual needs and photographic style.
Button Placement and Menu Navigation
The D800 and D800E feature a well-organized button layout, with dedicated controls for key functions like ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and white balance. The menu system is comprehensive and user-friendly, offering access to a wide range of settings and customization options.
The menus are logically organized, making it easy to navigate and find the desired settings.
Viewfinders and LCD Screens
Both the D800 and D800E are equipped with a high-resolution optical viewfinder that offers a clear and bright view of the scene. The viewfinder provides a 100% field of view, ensuring that the entire image is visible through the viewfinder.
Both cameras also feature a large, high-resolution LCD screen for image playback, menu navigation, and live view shooting. The LCD screens are bright and vibrant, offering excellent color reproduction and clarity.
Pros and Cons: Nikon D800e Vs Nikon D800
The Nikon D800 and D800E are both high-resolution full-frame DSLRs, but they cater to different types of photographers due to their distinct advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right camera depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Target Users and Their Preferences
The D800 and D800E are designed for professional and enthusiast photographers who demand the highest image quality and versatility. However, their strengths and weaknesses make them more suitable for specific photographic styles.
- Nikon D800:Ideal for landscape, architectural, and commercial photographers who prioritize dynamic range, low-light performance, and overall image quality. The D800’s ability to capture a wider range of tones and details in challenging lighting conditions makes it a preferred choice for these applications.
- Nikon D800E:Favored by photographers who focus on fine detail and sharpness, such as those specializing in macro, product, and fashion photography. The D800E’s enhanced sharpness, achieved by removing the optical low-pass filter, allows for capturing intricate details and textures with exceptional clarity.
Advantages and Disadvantages
A comprehensive comparison of the D800 and D800E helps identify their strengths and weaknesses, enabling photographers to make an informed decision based on their specific requirements.
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Key Differences and Implications
The key difference between the D800 and D800E lies in the presence or absence of the optical low-pass filter (OLPF). The OLPF is a filter that softens the image slightly to reduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts, which can occur when capturing fine details.
The D800E removes this filter, resulting in increased sharpness but making it more susceptible to these artifacts.
The D800E prioritizes sharpness and detail, while the D800 prioritizes overall image quality and dynamic range.
The choice between the D800 and D800E depends on your specific photographic needs and priorities. If you primarily shoot landscapes, architecture, or commercial photography where dynamic range and low-light performance are crucial, the D800 is a better choice. If you specialize in macro, product, or fashion photography where fine detail and sharpness are paramount, the D800E may be a better fit.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual shooting style and the specific requirements of your photography.
Conclusion
In the end, the choice between the Nikon D800E and D800 boils down to personal preference and photographic goals. The D800E delivers unparalleled sharpness, ideal for those seeking maximum detail and print quality. The D800, with its more forgiving rendering, is a versatile option for a wider range of photographic endeavors.
Both cameras offer exceptional image quality and performance, solidifying their position as legends in the world of full-frame DSLRs.