June 26, 2014 – The new Nikon D810 extends the features and capabilities of the popular Nikon D800 line, bringing a higher level of performance for the demanding user.

The D810 brings a new 36.3 megapixel sensor, a slight increase in total pixels (37.09 vs 36.8 million) but the same number of 36.3 effective pixels as the D800 so the image resolution does not change. The performance has been boosted to provide the ultimate image quality. The D810 has no optical low pass (anti-aliasing) filter, whereas the previous D800e variant still had an optical filter without the strong anti-alising effect of the D800. The new sensor uses a lower native ISO range for improved noise levels. The base sensitivity is now ISO 64 (compared with ISO 100 on the D800). On the high end standard ISO range goes up to 12,800. Extended range allows an ISO range from 32 to 51,200.

The D810 features the latest EXPEED 4 processing engine, boosting performance to 5fps (from 4fps) continuous shooting at full resolution, and 7fps in DX crop mode. The improved performance also allows a new RAW image size S similar to Canon’s familiar sRAW. This allows a down sampled 12-bit uncompressed .NEF file for those looking to store more pictures improve workflow efficiency.

Auto focus has been improved to match the new D4s Multi-CAM 3500FX. This 51-point AF system offers settings from 9, 21 or 51 points. It also shares the D4s new Group Area AF and focusing improvements.

Nikon D810 36.3MP Digital Sensor

The Kevlar and carbon fiber composite shutter has been redesigned to operate with less noise and still offers a minimum life of 200,000 actuations. An electronic front-curtain shutter has been added. This allows the shutter to be operated while the physical mirror is locked up in Live View mode, minimizing vibration and lag caused by the previous design.

The D810 has been given a slight alteration to improve control and ergonomics. The grip contour has been made deeper to make the camera easier to hold. The metering mode switch has been replaced by a button on the command dial, while the bracketing button that was previously resided in its position has been moved to the front of the camera. A new i button has been added to the back next to the LCD screen.

Video mode has been improved with new 50p and 60p modes in full 1920×1080 HD resolution, although there is no 4K option yet that competitors such as Panasonic and Sony have begun to introduce.

Dust and Weather Sealing on the Nikon D810

The LCD screen resolution has been increased to 1,299k dots (from 921k dots on the D800). The screen retains the same 3.2 inch dimension of its predecessor but the increase in pixels delivers a sharper picture. The D810 also adds a new split screen function to Live View to aid in composing images. The setting allows the user to select two points and zoom in to assure a level line is maintained.

Other additions include 6 white balance presets (vs 4 of the D800). A new Flat picture control mode has been added along with a Clarity control setting.

The D810 features the same build quality and weather sealing of the D800, although production is moving from Nikon Japan to Nikon Thailand. The D810 will be released July 17, 2014 and carries a suggested retail price of $3296.95 US Dollars.

Pre-order the Nikon D810:
Nikon D810 at Amazon
Nikon D810 at Adorama
Nikon D810 at B&H Photo