Nikon Canada announces D800 36.3-megapixel digital SLR

Nikon Canada today announced the release of the 36.3-megapixel Nikon D800 digital SLR, built with Nikon’s highest resolution sensor to ensure astounding image quality, and equipped with valuable video features for today’s multimedia professionals.

Some of the key features of the Nikon D800 include:
- A 36.3-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor
- An enhanced Multi-Cam 3500-FX AF autofocus system
- New 91,000-pixel 3D Colour Matrix Metering III
- The Advanced Scene Recognition System
- An enhanced 51-point AF system
- Full HD (1080p) video
- Video features including full manual control, uncompressed HDMI output, incredible low-light video capability
- Scheduled to be available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers on March 22, 2012
- Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $3,149.95
- Exclusive Two-Year Canadian Warranty for the D800 purchased from an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer

Additionally, Nikon Canada is releasing the Nikon D800E, a supplementary model for professionals requiring even higher resolution and more extreme versatility.

Read the full press release below:

Mississauga, ON, February 6, 2012 – Today, Nikon Canada announced the
highly anticipated D800 HD-SLR, engineered to provide extreme
resolution, astounding image quality and valuable video features
optimized for professional still and multimedia photographers and
videographers. The Nikon D800 offers an unmatched balance of accuracy,
functionality and image quality. It incorporates innovative technology
such as a high resolution 36.3 megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, a
91,000-pixel RGB Matrix Metering System, an Advanced Scene Recognition
System and many other intuitive features designed to create the
preeminent device for the most demanding photo and video applications.

Whether shooting high fashion, weddings or multimedia content,
Nikon’s highest resolution sensor to date, a groundbreaking new
36.3-megapixel (7360 x 4912 resolution) FX-format CMOS sensor, affords
flexibility and astonishing image quality to satisfy myriad client
requests. The Nikon D800 incorporates the latest 91,000-pixel 3D Colour
Matrix Metering III, Advanced Scene Recognition System, and an enhanced
51-point AF system for images with amazing sharpness, colour and
clarity. The D800’s compact and lightweight digital SLR form factor
and extensive video feature set allow photographers to transition to
multimedia to create an immersive story. Professional videographers will
appreciate the practical features built into this camera that go beyond
NIKKOR lens compatibility and Full HD (1080p) video, such as full manual
control, uncompressed HDMI output and incredible low-light video
capability. This innovative combination of features displays Nikon’s
dedication to enabling flawless execution of an epic creative vision.
All of this is driven by Nikon’s latest EXPEED 3™ image processing
engine, which provides the necessary processing power to fuel amazing
images with true-to-life colour, a wide dynamic range and extreme
resolution.

“Creative visionaries need a tool to help them stay on-time and
on-track, no matter what the project entails,” said Gregory Flasch,
National Advertising and Communications Manager at Nikon Canada. “The
Nikon D800 re-imagines what is possible from this level of digital SLR
and addresses the needs of an emerging and ever-changing market. This is
the camera that will bridge the gap for the most demanding imaging
professionals, and provide never-before-seen levels of digital SLR image
and video quality. The D800 is the right tool for today’s multimedia
professionals, affording photographers, filmmakers and videographers a
versatile option for capturing the ultimate in still image quality or
Full HD content with maximum control.”

Extreme Image Quality
The new Nikon-developed 36.3-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24mm) CMOS
sensor achieves Nikon’s highest resolution to date. It is ideal for
demanding applications such as weddings, studio portraiture and
landscape, where only exceptional high fidelity and dynamic range is
acceptable. Nikon’s first priority is amazing image quality above all
else, and resolution of this magnitude affords photographers the ability
to portray even the smallest detail, such as a strand of hair, with
stunning sharpness, or the option to crop liberally with confidence.
Photographers also shoot with the assurance of NIKKOR lens compatibility
because only a manufacturer with decades of optical excellence can
provide the glass to resolve this kind of extreme resolution.

For shooting with minimal noise in a variety of lighting conditions,
the D800 features a wide native ISO range of 100-6400, expandable from
50 (Lo-1) to 25,600 (Hi-2). Nikon engineers have created innovative ways
to manipulate light transmission to the sensor’s photodiodes, giving
users the ability to shoot with confidence in challenging light
conditions. An internal sensor design, enhanced optical low pass filter
(OLPF) and 14 bit A/D conversion with a high signal to noise ratio all
contribute to a sensor capable of excellent low-light performance
despite the extreme resolution. Every aspect of this new FX-format
sensor is engineered to deliver amazing low noise images through the ISO
range and help create astounding tonal gradation and true colours
whether shooting JPEG or RAW. Images are also routed through a 16-bit
image processing pipeline for maximum performance. To further enhance
versatility, users are able to shoot in additional modes and aspect
ratios such as 5:4 to easily frame for printed portraits or a 1.2X crop
for a slight telephoto edge. For even more versatility, photographers
can also take advantage of Nikon DX-format lenses for additional lens
options and enhanced focal range (1.5X) while still retaining sharpness
and details at a high 15.4 megapixel (4800×3200) resolution.

Contributing to the camera’s rapid performance and amazing image
quality is Nikon’s new EXPEED 3 image processing engine that helps
professionals create images with outstanding resolution, colour and
dynamic range in both still images and video. From image processing to
transfer, the new engine is capable of processing massive amounts of
data, exacting optimal colour, rich tonality and minimized noise
throughout the frame. Despite the immense data, the new EXPEED 3 also
contributes to energy efficiency, affording the ability to shoot longer.

The D800 also features the Advanced Scene Recognition system with the
91,000-pixel 3D Colour Matrix Metering III to provide unrivalled
metering in even the most challenging of lighting conditions. At the
system’s core is a newly designed RGB sensor that meticulously
analyzes each scene, recognizes factors such as colour and brightness
with unprecedented precision and then compares all the data using
Nikon’s exclusive 30,000 image database. Additionally, this new
sensor has the ability to detect human faces with startling accuracy,
even when shooting through the optical viewfinder. This unique feature
is coupled with detailed scene analysis for more accurate Autofocus
(AF), Auto Exposure (AE), i-TTL flash control and even enhanced subject
tracking. The Colour Matrix metering also emphasizes priority on
exposure of the detected faces, allowing for correct exposure even when
the subject is backlit. The D800 excels in the most difficult exposure
situations, such as maintaining brightness on a bride’s face, while
retaining the dynamic range to accentuate the intricate details of a
white wedding dress beside a black tuxedo.

Advanced new automatic systems make it even easier to capture amazing
images. D800 features a newly enhanced auto white balance system that
accurately recognizes both natural and artificial light sources, and
also gives the user the option to retain the warmth of ambient lighting.
Users can expand dynamic range with in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR)
image capture and enjoy the benefits of Nikon’s Active D-lighting for
balanced exposure. Another new feature is direct access to Nikon’s
Picture Control presets via a dedicated button on the back of the body
to tweak photo and video parameters such as sharpness, hue and
saturation, on the fly.

True Cinematic Experience
The Nikon D800 has a compact and lightweight form factor that’s
preferable for a production environment, yet it is packed with practical
and functional features. The D800 is ideal for any multimedia
professional from a filmmaker on location or in the studio to a
documentarian in the field who requires portability. Its compatibility
with NIKKOR lenses provides a versatility and depth of field that only a
digital SLR can offer. Filmmakers can choose from various resolutions
and frame rates, including Full HD 1080 at 30/24p and HD 720 at 60/30p.
By utilizing the B-Frame data compression method, users can record H.264
/ MPEG-4 AVC format video with unmatched integrity for up to 29:59
minutes per clip (normal quality). This format produces high quality
video data without increasing file size for an efficient workflow. The
optimized CMOS sensor reads image data at astoundingly fast rates, which
results in less instances of rolling shutter distortion. The sensor also
enables incredible low-light video capability with minimal noise,
allowing filmmakers to capture footage where previously impossible or
expensive and complex lighting would otherwise be necessary.
Additionally, users are able to have full manual control of exposure,
and can also adjust the camera’s power aperture setting in live view
for an accurate representation of the depth of field in a scene. Whether
shooting for depth of field in FX format mode, or looking for the extra
1.5X telephoto benefits of DX mode, the high-resolution sensor of the
D800 allows videographers to retain Full HD (1080p) resolution no matter
which mode they choose to best suit the scene. Users are also able to
easily compose and check critical HD focus through the 921,000-dot,
3.2-inch LCD monitor with reinforced glass, automatic monitor brightness
control and wide-viewing angle.

For professional and broadcast applications that call for outboard
digital recorders or external monitors, users can stream an uncompressed
Full HD signal directly out of the camera via the HDMI port (8 bit,
4:2:2). This output signal can be ported into a display or digital
recording device or routed through a monitor and then to the recording
device, eliminating the need for multiple connections. Images can be
simultaneously viewed on both the camera’s LCD and an external
monitor, while eliminating on-screen camera status data for streaming
purposes. The D800 also includes features concentrated on audio quality
such as a dedicated headphone jack for accurate monitoring of audio
levels while recording. Audio output levels can be adjusted with 30
steps for precise audio adjustment and monitoring. The D800 offers
high-fidelity audio recording control with audio levels that can be set
and monitored on the camera’s LCD screen. A microphone connected via
the stereo mic jack can be adjusted with up to 20 steps of sensitivity
for accurate sound reproduction. Recording can also be set for
activation through the shutter button, opening a world of remote
applications through the 10-pin accessory terminal.

Wield Speed and Performance with Astonishing Accuracy
Whether shooting the runway or fast moving wildlife, the enhanced
51-point AF system of the D800 delivers blazing fast AF with tack-sharp
results. Nikon has enhanced the Multi-Cam 3500-FX AF sensor module and
algorithms to significantly improve low-light acquisition for precise
focus to an impressive -2 exposure value (EV). The focus system utilizes
15 cross-type AF sensors for enhanced accuracy, and the system also
places emphasis on the human face, working in conjunction with the
Advanced Scene Recognition System to provide accurate face detection,
even through the optical viewfinder. The camera utilizes nine cross-type
sensors that are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses
and teleconverters with an aperture value up to f/8, which is a great
advantage to those who need extreme telephoto focal lengths (single
cross type sensor active with TC20E III). For maximum versatility in all
shooting situations, whether photographing portraits or static subjects,
users are able to select multiple AF modes including Normal, Wide Area,
Face Tracking and Subject Tracking to best suit the scene.

The D800 delivers upon a professional’s need for maximum speed when
it counts. The camera is ready to shoot in 0.12 seconds and capture
images with its super-fast AF and response speed. To photograph action
in a burst, the camera shoots up to 4 fps in FX mode at full resolution
or up to a speedy 6 fps in DX mode using the optional MB-D12 Battery
Pack and compatible battery. Further enhancing the speed of the camera
and overall workflow, the D800 utilizes the new USB 3.0 standard for
ultra-fast transfer speeds.

Construction and Operability
The D800 is designed as a compact and lightweight camera for the utmost
versatility. The chassis is constructed of magnesium alloy for maximum
durability and sealed with gaskets for resistance to dirt and moisture.
Users are able to easily compose through the bright optical viewfinder
which offers 100 per cent frame coverage. For storage, the D800 has dual
card slots for CF and SD cards, and offers users the ability to record
backup, overflow, RAW/JPEG separation, and the additional option of
shooting stills to one and video to the other. For high-speed recording
and transfer, data can be recorded to the latest UDMA-7 and SDXC / UHS-1
cards. The shutter has been tested to withstand approximately 200,000
cycles, and the camera also employs sensor cleaning. Furthermore, the
D800 features a built-in flash and is compatible with Nikon’s
acclaimed Creative Lighting System including a built-in Commander mode
for controlling wireless Speedlights.

D800E – Maximum Resolution Unleashed
In addition to the D800, Nikon will also be releasing a supplementary
model for those professionals who demand even higher resolution and
digital SLR versatility: the D800E. This model treads in medium-format
territory for studio work or landscape photography when only the highest
fidelity and sharpness is permitted. This unique alternative model will
effectively enhance the resolution characteristics of the 36.3-megapixel
CMOS sensor by cancelling the anti-aliasing properties of the OLPF
inside the camera. By doing this, light is delivered directly to the
photodiodes to yield an image resulting from the raw light-gathering
properties of the camera. A colour moiré correction tool will also be
available within Capture NX2 to enhance the D800E photographer’s
workflow.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D800 is scheduled to be available at Authorized Nikon Canada
Dealers on March 22, 2012 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
(MSRP) of $3,149.95.

The Nikon D800E is scheduled to be available in limited distribution at
Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers on April 12, 2012 at an MSRP of
$3,449.95.

Exclusive Canadian Warranty
Nikon Canada offers a two-year warranty for the D800 purchased from an
Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer. Additionally, Nikon Canada offers a
five-year warranty for all NIKKOR lenses purchased from an Authorized
Nikon Canada Dealer. Consumer’s investment is protected by Nikon
Canada’s warranties with in-Canada service.