Nikon D810 Review

Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by Sharon Advik

Nikon D810 Review:

My Personal Experience with the Nikon D810:

Through my work in outdoor photography, I established the groundwork for magic.

When creating otherworldly landscape photographs, I have various locations from which to choose.

First, I went out and purchased a see-through umbrella and decked it out with candid lights.

Then, in preparation for my daughter’s outside photo shoot at night, I arranged for it to rain slowly.

My daughter took on the appearance of Cinderella under the natural lighting provided by my Nikon D810 camera.

It is my primary camera for all landscape and travel photography elements.

Description:

The high-resolution choice in the Nikon DSLR lineup is now the Nikon D810 DSLR Camera.

It has a 36.3MP FX-format CMOS sensor without an Optical Low Pass Filter for clear, detailed still images.

Performance speed is improved over the EXPEED 3 Image Processor with the addition of the EXPEED 4 Image Processor, and noise is significantly decreased across the ISO range.

DX format’s maximum continuous shooting speed is 7 fps, while 5 fps in FX format.

Additionally, the D810 now offers 1080p capture at 24, 30, and 60 frames per second as part of its enhanced Full HD video capabilities.

Additionally, the processor’s increased efficiency allows up to 1200 pictures and 40 minutes of video recording on a single battery charge.

A large native ISO sensitivity range from 64 to 12,800, which can be increased from 32 to 51,200, has improved low-light performance.

The cutting-edge Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor has 51 AF points with 15 cross-type sensors, and Group Area AF allows for utilizing five AF sensors as one group.

This is helpful when photographing subjects that can’t be easily monitored by one AF point because of lighting conditions.

The D810 is a camera designed for video capture. It offers recording in both FX and DX formats, simultaneous recording to memory cards and an external recorder, 60p output recording, and simultaneous recording to memory cards and an external recorder.

Additionally, the ISO range for video has been increased to include ISO 64 to 12,800 and ISO 51,200.

Smooth exposure transitions are made possible in manual mode by automatic ISO adjustment.

There are jacks for an external microphone, headphones, and a built-in stereo microphone.

Precise control over sound recording is possible because of a customizable audio frequency range.

Playback and live view are both available on a 3.2-inch LCD with a 1,229K-dot resolution, and enhanced coatings on the optical viewfinder components offer brighter images and more accurate color.

Split screen zoom for still images and zebra highlighting in video mode are now features of the Live View function.

Live-view still photography is supported with full aperture metering.

Exposure smoothing is included in the interval and time-lapse photography, and the maximum number of shots per sequence is now 9,999.

For optimum dynamic range and color modifications in post-production, improved Picture Control options now include Flat Picture Control.

Compact Flash and SD cards can be used in the D810’s twin media slots, which also have a built-in flash with i-TTL metering and a hot shoe mount.

A second I button has been added to the back panel for quick access to critical settings, and a bigger grip allows for more comfortable control during prolonged shooting.

Features:

• FX-Format CMOS Sensor with 36.3 MP
• Image processor EXPEED 4
• There is no low-pass optical filter.
• 3.2″ LCD Monitor with 1,229 k-dots
• 60/30/24 fps Full HD video
• 51-Point Multi-CAM 3500FX AF Sensor
• Default ISO 12800; raised to ISO 51200
• 5 full-resolution frames per second
• Front curtain electronic shutter
• 12-bit RAW S Format and 14-bit RAW Files

CMOS sensor with a 36.3 MP FX format but no optical low-pass filter:

The D810 is equipped with Nikon’s highest resolution sensor, which offers exceptional sharpness and detail because the Optical Low Pass Filter is absent.

The sensor has a fast channel readout, a broad dynamic range, vibrant tones, and enhanced images at high sensitivity.

Image processor EXPEED 4:

In addition to offering 30% faster performance than the EXPEED 3, the EXPEED 4 processor further improves low-noise imaging across the ISO range.

The processor’s improved efficiency allows for up to 1,200 still photos and 40 minutes of video recording on a single charge, and it supports 1080p video capture at 60 frames per second.

ISO sensitivity ranges from 64 to 12,800:

Imaging in low light is made possible by the extended ISO range, which can go from 32 to 51,200, compared to the D800.

Innovative Multi-CAM 3500FX Auto Focus Sensor:

Versatile AF modes with 9, 21, and 51 points and 3D tracking make possible fast, accurate autofocus control.

AF NIKKOR lenses with an open aperture of f/5.6 or faster are compatible, and AF sensitivity down to -2 EV is effective in low light.

An open aperture of f/8 is compatible with eleven central focus points.

Upgraded “lock-on,” enlarged “store by orientation,” and more settings for AF mode limits are among the improvements.

Area Group AF:

Group Space By grouping and observing 5 distinct AF points, AF improves subject detection and tracking in difficult lighting situations or when photographing relatively small subjects against a high-contrast backdrop.

You can move the 5-point AF area around the 51-point array as your composition changes.

Raw Size S:

Nikon’s RAW Size S file format produces 12-bit uncompressed Nikon NEF files for faster image transfer and easier post-production.

Shooting Constantly:

When using the MB-D12 battery grip and AA batteries, the D810 can capture up to 5 fps in FX mode and up to 7 fps in DX mode.

Vibration Reduction for Sharper Imaging:

The electronic front-curtain feature and shutter/mirror box construction of the D810 enhance overall image clarity.

During high-speed shooting, the shutter/mirror mechanism minimizes blackout for a stable viewfinder image.

By reducing internal vibrations during exposure, the electronic front-curtain shutter, when in use, lowers the likelihood of blur in even minute details.

Continuous Quiet Mode:

A new Quiet Continuous Mode for almost silent sequential shooting is made possible by a revised Sequencer/Balancer Mechanism.

Image Control:

In addition to standard, neutral, vivid, monochrome, portrait, and landscape, image control options now include Flat Picture Control, intended for shooting in RAW modes and for video capture when adjustments are made afterward.

Additionally, a clarity option is now available for all Picture Management settings, and fine 0.25 step controls enable better Picture Control.

Full HD 1080p video captures 60, 30, or 24 frames per second:

Both FX and DX formats for video recording are supported, and the ISO range is extended to 51,200 and ranges from 64 to 12,800.

Recording to memory cards and an external recorder simultaneously is now supported.

Smooth exposure changes are attainable in manual mode by using auto ISO adjustment.

When filming at high sensitivities, Nikon’s 3D noise reduction decreases random noise, distortion, and flicker.

The camera monitor’s zebra mode displays highlighted locations.

There are jacks for an external microphone, headphones, and a built-in stereo microphone.

Before and while recording, you can individually adjust the audio levels and choose the sound range (wide/voice).

1,229k-dot resolution 3.2″ LCD monitor:

A high-resolution LCD offers detailed playback viewing and live view capture with adjustable brightness and color.

When using a split-screen zoom for still photography, you can assess the clarity and exposure of two expanded picture areas.

Optical Viewfinder:

Better coatings on the optical parts produce brighter and more accurate colors, and the Organic EL information display makes it simpler to modify the settings in bright or poor lighting.

Time-Lapse/Interval Timer Shooting:

In time-lapse and interval shooting modes, exposure smoothing is supported, and the maximum number of images that can be recorded has been raised to 9,999.

Flash:

I-TTL metering is compatible with a built-in flash, a hot shoe attachment, and a flash sync terminal.

With the commander mode of the built-in flash, up to two groups of off-camera flash units can be wirelessly controlled.

Slot for CF and SD cards:

Two card slots are offered for flexible image storage and a more efficient workflow.

You can use one card as a backup, but still, photographs on one card and video on the other, put RAW on one card and JPEG on the other or utilize one CF card slot for high-speed UDMA 7 cards and one SD card slot for high-speed, high-capacity SDXC and UHS-I cards.

Wi-Fi with Optional Transmitter:

When used with the optional UT-1 Communications Unit and WT-5A Wireless Transmitter, the Nikon D810 allows for wireless connection.

This allows for image uploading to a computer or FTP server and remote camera control using Nikon’s Camera Control Pro 2 software.

The WT-5 is secured by the UT-1 unit, which fastens to the camera’s accessory hot shoe.

Shape Factor:

A second I button has been added for simpler access to critical settings, and a deeper hand grip enhances handling.

The D810 is moisture- and dust-resistant thanks to a sturdy magnesium alloy body with substantial weather and dust sealing.

Nikon D810 Review:

Unsurprisingly, the D810 has the same number of photosites on its sensor as the D800, which has an effective 36.3MP count.

However, the D810 also features a newly developed processor and Nikon’s Expeed 4 processing engine.

The D810 has a filter with almost no AA characteristics, unlike the D800E.

It should be able to record sharper details as a result.

The D4S’s AF system with group-area AF mode, a higher-resolution rear display, and the ability to capture brief raw photos (valuable for animators) are other differences from the D800.

The maximum continuous shooting rate at full resolution increases from 4 to 5 fps with the switch to the Expeed 4 processing engine.

In contrast, the D810 can record 15.3MP photos while shooting 7 frames per second in DX format.

Fortunately, the buffer capacity has also grown: the D810 can record 23 uncompressed 14-bit Raw files in place of 16 or 47 lossless compressed 12-bit Raw files in place of 21.

In addition to the basic ISO 64–12,800 range, there are expansion options of ISO 32–51,200, providing more flexibility for shooting with large apertures or in strong lighting conditions and improved low-light performance.

With the ability to record at 50p and 60p and a Zebra display mode that indicates areas on the verge of burning out, the D810’s video capabilities surpass those of the D800.

A new Flat Picture Control setting also increases dynamic range for better post-capture grading by minimizing sharpness and contrast.

Another improvement to Picture Controls is the ability to alter image clarity or micro-contrast to create the illusion of increased (or decreased) sharpness without emphasizing edges excessively.

A redesigned shutter and mirror-box system that Nikon claims decreases vibration has also been added to the D810, providing a steadier viewfinder image with less blackout for better autofocusing and crisper images.

The new electronic front-curtain shutter in Mirror Lock-Up or Exposure Delay mode will further reduce vibrations.

Building and Handling:

Anyone with a D800 who switches to a D810 will feel at home.

There are only a few minor design modifications: the memory card door handles are more sturdy, the front grip is somewhat more ergonomically curved, and the back grip is a little more apparent.

The D810 seems slightly more secure and comfortable due to the improvements to the grips.

The metering switch on the D800’s back has also been removed, making it simpler to use the AE-Lock/AF-Lock and AF-on buttons while holding the camera up to your eye.

What was once the bracketing button is now used to access the metering settings, located above the drive mode dial on the top.

We prefer switches or dials for setting selections because they are typically quicker and easier, although switching to a button for metering is not a deal-breaker.

Adding an I button on the rear is the most obvious change.

It functions like it does on Nikon’s other current SLRs and provides access to various important settings, including Active D-Lighting.

Shooting in Live View or Video mode is helpful because it gives you access to the split-screen view.

As we have already stated, the ability to alter several customization settings in reflex shooting mode via this information page seems odd.

The choices for altering, for instance, the functionalities of the Fn and preview buttons, should remain in the main menu.

By doing this, the room would be made available on the information screen for functions like exposure delay that might need to be accessed shot-by-shot.

Additionally, we’d like the information display, which appears when the Info button is hit, to be used for modifications.

This shows the most essential camera settings but cannot be modified.

There seems to be some button overlap and wastage.

Users of the D800 will immediately notice that the mirror and shutter motions in the D810 are significantly quieter and feel more muted.

Zoning in on the Nikon D810 makes the camera much more covert and gives the impression of higher quality.

Another operational difference is visible in Live View mode, where the D810 shows photos significantly faster than the D800 after a shot has been taken.

However, contrast-detection autofocus technology works at a comparable pace.

Although the camera is on a tripod, the best aperture is selected, exposure delay is used with the front shutter, and the subject is motionless; it is not a patch on a CSC.

However, with ISO 100, 1/250 sec, and f/8, you may anticipate seeing the shirt’s weave in a head-and-shoulders portrait and approvingly acknowledging that the pixel count is beneficial.

Even a photograph taken in low light with an ISO of 3,200 will hold up when enlarged to A2.

Using the front shutter instead of the usual one alters detail resolution slightly, but not much, according to our lab testing. However, the impact may vary depending on how stable your tripod is.

However, exposure Delay mode, which slightly delays the shutter’s release after the mirror has lifted, has a noticeable effect.

Although there won’t always be noticeable movement, the image lacks the level of detail present when used.

Performance:

Images taken directly from the D810 don’t look very different from those taken directly from the D800, but they have a little more detail if you look for them at regular printing sizes.

When using the Auto option, they often exhibit pleasing, brilliant colors, a natural white balance, and adequate exposure in most lighting situations when using the Matrix metering technology.

Most of the time, noise is effectively managed, and photos taken at higher sensitivity levels look excellent when viewed and printed at standard sizes.

When examining these photographs at 100% on-screen, it is clear that the D810 produces noise with a more delicate texture and less clumping or smoothing than the D800.

The noise may become more apparent in our lab testing system, but the sense of detail is improved.

It is absurd to anticipate more from the D810’s sensor, given that the D800 already featured a 36MP sensor.

The size of the files and the requirement to upgrade computers and storage capabilities are already issues that many D800 users highlight (or complain about).

Due to the tiny photosites’ sensitivity to even the smallest motions, exposure delay mode and a good tripod are frequently required for any benefit.

There are occasions when you might as well use a camera with a lower pixel count that produces manageable file sizes if these “rules” aren’t followed.

But pretty much everything else that matters has changed.

The new sensor and processing engine provide an ISO 64 non-expansion sensitivity option, allowing you to slightly increase the exposure duration without using a neutral-density filter.

The main screen’s dot count has increased, the revised AF system is quick and precise, and the maximum continuous full-resolution shooting rate has increased by 25%. Oh, and the pictures are amazing.

VERDICT:

Features: 4/5

5/5 for build and handling

Image quality: 5/5

Value: 3/5

Overall: 5/5

The Nikon D810 is a great camera that can take beautiful pictures of sports, action, and wildlife and is ideally suited for landscape, still-life, and macro photographers.

THE RIVALS:

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera:

We were delighted with its precise results and 4K video thanks to its new 30.4MP image sensor.

Sony Alpha 7R: 

Although this full-frame CSC has a smaller size than an SLR, it can equal the resolution of an SLR even though it lacks the AF speed of the D810.

Nikon D800:

The D800 should be inexpensive, both new and used for a while.

It is still a top-notch camera.

Who is the Nikon D810 for?

To put it briefly, this full-frame DSLR is primarily made for photographers who want an uncompromisingly high image quality.

Specifically:

• Photos of the outdoors
• Photography of people
• I am using photography for advertising and commercial use.

Excellent color rendering and the most satisfactory image detail will benefit these genres.

Is the Nikon D810 suitable for sports?

Even though 5 fps is a somewhat low rate for a full-frame camera, it’s still adequate for photographing wildlife and sporting events.

(For advice on how to raise your frames per second, see the section below.)

When used with the appropriate lenses, the Nikon D810 is one of our top picks for sports photography.

Is the Nikon D810 a professional camera?

This device is categorized as a pro-level FX DSLR.

It is more on the expensive end of the spectrum and contains cutting-edge features appropriate for seasoned photographers because it is more on the high end.

It’s a professional photographer’s dream camera for all the right reasons.

It enables you to explore the craft from a more creative (but technical) angle.

Nikon D750 vs. Nikon D810:

Many individuals have repeatedly compared these two goods since they perform so effectively.

Now, how much do the D750 and D810 differ from one another?

Honestly,

Unless you are extremely careful, the differences in photo quality are hardly noticeable.

This also applies to the print quality of both cameras’ pictures.

Both can pretty well withstand being printed without problems on a canvas that is 2 meters wide.

Size and weight are the key factors behind the variance.

Compared to the Nikon D750, the D810 is bigger and heavier.

This factor prompts many seasoned photographers to select the latter over the D810 dream cam.

A further distinction is that the D810 is a quieter camera.

In contrast, the D750 tends to generate noise even in silent mode.

WiFi connectivity is one of the most used criteria for deciding between these two devices.

While the D810 lacks WiFi, the D750 has it built-in.

The conclusion is: You still have the choice.

You know, either of the two you chose works so wonderfully.

Is the Nikon D810 good for wildlife photography?

Most photographers regard the Nikon D810 as an essential item.

This is because it functions well regardless of the genre you enjoy.

It produces excellent results for photographing people, places, and even wildlife.

This has become a popular option for wildlife photography because of its tranquil shutter sound.

It also has a “Quiet Mode” (which, to be honest, I don’t think is all that important anymore).

This is very useful if you want to photograph animals in the wild that are sensitive to sound.

The fact that this camera has excellent cropping capabilities is another reason why it works so well for wildlife.

Your subject may be too far away to be seen well in the photograph.

You may crop the picture to bring the topic closer when this occurs.

You can accomplish this with the D810 without sacrificing image quality.

Is the D850 that much better than the D810?

The Nikon D850 is a worthy upgrade over the Nikon D810, even though they are similar in features and performance. The D850’s 45.7MP full-frame sensor, which is a tremendous improvement over the D810’s already astounding 36.3MP sensor, is only the beginning. Taking a trip to the Arctic Circle is a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime experience. In the northeast of Finland, close to Ruka, is one of the more easily accessible Arctic locations. I also used this and got much better results to impress you all. I would recommend you all have this beautiful gadget.

Why the D810 is so much better than the D800?

The D810 boasts an upgraded LCD screen with 1,229K dots as opposed to the D800/921K D800E’s dots, and because of enhanced coatings, the optical viewfinder is now brighter. The D810 saw several ergonomic upgrades, including redesigned buttons, an improved grip, and minor adjustments to the camera’s back. I took this for a studio shoot of graduation girls. With this camera, I produce stunning content and achieve flawless results even in dim lighting. If you need a studio pro, I’ll utilize it for side bodies, calm moments, and portraits.

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