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Thanks for this video. I just bought a D800 (as a "post-Christmas present" for myself) for $700.00; had less than 3K shutter actuations, came with all kinds of accessories (Nikon remote, spare batteries, SD and CF cards, and more)... A real steal! I can't wait to get out and shoot!
I sold my F3 in order to get my D800 about 6 years ago. I regret getting rid of the beautiful film icon, but the D800 has never let me down. Rock solid build, and image quality is astoundingly good. If you do landscape or still life work its a no brainer. Large prints look amazing. In my opinion, only medium format can compete for IQ, even in 2024. It really has that special sauce that's hard to define, but images just draw you in. Oh, and its a total blast trying out decades of F glass on it :)
Very well said, Thomas. I also use a pair of Nikon D800/D800E whenever the game is getting tough and highest image quality is needed. When the big cameras are to intrusive and/or absolute silence is mandatory, a pair of Olympus OM-D's get the job done.
Yes, that makes a lot of sense - and as you know, I have exactly the same setup for my work. I'll talk about that in my next video! Thanks for the continued support of my channel, much appreciated!
I do some professional work and have several Nikons (D90, D7100, D700, D800) i picked up my D800 with a 28-85 Nikon lens for $365 USD. IT HAD 19000 shots on it. Even in 2024 i love the results i get from my D700. Then i began comparing photos enlarged to 8X10 from the D700 and D800. Thats where i was really impressed. While the D700 photos were excellent, the ones from the D800 were on a different level!
Loving your channel - I have to agree, it's something I've thought for ages that the D800 is hugely underappreciated, and as the price went down and down I picked up 2 spare ones for peanuts ! I still think the D700 is in it's own class, different sensor, different colours, even better build, for me it will always be a classic. I bagged a D700 from the UK a few years ago with less than 1000 shutter actuations for like €400, it's basically brand new - couldn't believe my luck. I think coming up soon for classic status will be the D500 - the files that come off that crop sensor are amazing, perhaps a bit noisy, but bloody fantastic in my opinion ! Oh and of course the D3 and D4 - both these cameras are shockingly good, I'd find it hard to pick between either (probably the D4 !)
Thank you - I agree, the D700 is very special, and pitting them against each other is difficult as there are fundamental differences, so I'm totally with you on this one. Actually, I'm already searching for a used D500 as I completely agree - this APSC powerhouse is a force to be reckoned with and a great choice for many genres. Thank you very much for your kind words, I very much appreciate your support of the channel!
Also, I'm on the lookout for a D4 - having worked with a lot of 16MP cameras in the past, I'm really comfortable working with files of this resolution. Also, I love the D4 design, very sleek IMHO
@@ThomasEisl.Photography I have both, and you won't be disappointed, two truly superb cameras very complimentary to each other. The D800 covers the resolution angle, and those other two have their own unique niche. The D4 is my go to camera pretty much, once you get used to the build it's hard to go back - I picked up a barely used D4 from Japan a few years ago for just over €1000, it was practically brand new, and they have an expected shutter life of over 400,000 cycles, but of course like the D3 you'll see cameras on sale with double that and still going - so they're built extremely well - a great investment especially for a pro in my opinion ! Great channel, keep up the great work - regards from Ireland !
@@ThomasEisl.Photographygreat video ! I’d love your opinion on gear. I own a D800 and shoot the odd wedding and portraits but I’m thinking about the Sony A6400 would I be mad to switch ?
I bought one very recently after watching your video and love it very much. Haven’t used a DSLR for 10 years after switching to mirrorless. Thank you very much for the info!!
Just purchased a D800E 22k shutter count for $587 USD. After watching this I think I got a good deal, I'm really excited to try it out. Thanks for the video!
@ThomasEisl.Photography definitely, I've taken a few falls when my snowshoes got caught on branches shooting northern lights at some point, I'm damaging a camera and can't afford to not have a body while one is off being repaired.
@@ThomasEisl.Photography I'm actually astonished at how successful the camera companies have been at creating hype around new products. The image quality these cameras produce for photography is pretty much all you'd ever need (all the way back in 2012!)
@pedrorrodriguez1 not only that! It is still industry leading. If you look at photonstophotos, run by a good friend of mine and one of the worldwide leading experts when it comes to sensor analysis, you will find that the D800 is better than what many modern 35mm cameras can do. The cameras which are better are better in ways that do not matter in practice. It is absolutely mind boggling.
@@ThomasEisl.Photography if you need very fast tracking eye autofocus, extremely high speed bursts or demanding video requirements, this is not your camera. However, for everything else, it's fantastic
I have one, bought used as my journey into full frame before mirrorless took over. A brilliant camera but heavy. So I mostly use a tripod with it. The low pass filter in my opinion reduces any noise caused by the 35 MP sensor For mirrorless and hand held I use a Lumix G9, Which is now another classic in my opinion 📷👍
While everyone dumped film for digital, I picked up classic hassleblads and Nikons . I recently ventured into digital with the d800 and d3s.. that’s where I draw the line .
Ich hätte diese Kamera vor 10 Jahren auch gern gehabt. Sie war einfach zu teuer. Im Januar 2022 hatte ich sie mir dann gebraucht gekauft, da sie sehr günstig war und das bei wenig Auslösungen! Zusammen mit einem 1.4/85 habe ich damit super Portraits gemacht, klasse Bokeh, klasse Farben. Eine Kamera mit Wow-Effekt! Die D810 war der Nachfolger mit einigen - für einige Leute bedeutenden - Verbesserungen. Aber: Die D800 war seinerzeit einfach ein Meilenstein! Daher stimme ich zu: Ein Klassiker! Die D810 ist immer noch deutlich teurer als die D800. Beide haben denselben Sensor und tun sich nichts in Sachen Bildqualität. Die D810 hat ein höher aufgelöstes Display, einen erweiterten ISO-Bereich und einen "moderneren" Bildprozessor", dennoch ist das nicht soooo ausschlaggebend. Die D800 ist eine super Kamera. Wer immer nur auf das NOCH bessere Kameramodell wartet, das natürlich in regelmäßigen Abständen von der Industrie geliefert wird, der fotografiert leider nie! ;-) Und es gibt Fotos, die weltberühmt wurden aus Zeiten, die wir heute als fotografische Steinzeit bezeichnen würden .... Z.B. Werke von Henri Cartier-Bresson, Ansel Adams, ... For the English readers: I would have loved to have had this camera 10 years ago. It was just too expensive. I bought it second-hand in January 2022 because it was very cheap and with very few shutter releases! Together with a 1.4/85 I took great portraits with it, great bokeh, great colors. A camera with a wow effect! The D810 was the successor with some - for some people significant - improvements. But: The D800 was simply a milestone at the time! So I agree: a classic! The D810 is still significantly more expensive than the D800. Both have the same sensor and are nearly similar in terms of image quality. The D810 has a higher resolution display, an extended ISO range and a more "modern" image processor, but that's not soooo decisive. The D800 is a great camera. If you're always waiting for an EVEN better camera model, which is of course delivered by the industry at regular intervals, you'll never take photos ;-) And there are photos that have become world-famous from times that we would now describe as the photographic Stone Age .... For example, works by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Ansel Adams, ... Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Vielen herzlichen Dank für den umfassenden, äußerst relevanten Kommentar! Ich kann nur zustimmen, sowohl was die D800 betrifft als auch was neue Produkte betrifft.
I have kept my OM1n and my F3 and waited till I could afford a D800, the latter two second hand. All 3 were groundbreaking cameras of their time as you confirmed. But the weight has increased considerably so we suffer for our art.
Thanks for the video! I want to upgrade from my D3100, but have a short budget, I found one on Facebook, has 10k shutter count and it’s $650 dlls, is a good deal? Thanks
I agree that the D800 is a much better camera than the D700 and will dethrone it eventually as a classic. I am probably in the minority, but I was never really taken by the D700. It's lack of base ISO of 100 always bugged me to start. Also, it's LCD is gapped and fogs up over time requiring maintenance to clean. Lastly, I was never impressed with the malleability of the raw files, especially the color which I could really never able to get it to highly accurate (i.e. natural) standards. Now before anyone flips out, it's important to know that I was a late adopter of the D700, so in terms of image quality I was pretty spoiled already. Otherwise I loved the D700 from a build and ergonomic standpoint, and it was tough to get rid of until I purchased the D800. The D800 addressed my particular concerns and much more. The only area I felt I gave up was in the frame rate dept, but I never wanted to use the D700 for action anyways. I've owned the D810, and it's a great camera too, but I found its more rounded edges and quiet shutter reminded me way too much of a bland Canon experience in comparison to the D800. Also the D810 omits the metering switch of the D700/800 which I find to be a crucial feature in terms of handling. I found the color of the D800 files to be better than the D810 as well. So back to the D800 I went, and that settles that.
Carl, I agree - while the D700 is a very good camera, I've had exactly the same experiences as you did (I was also a late adopter of the camera). I loved the D700 for BW work, and the color images have a certain look - the D800 is, however, a worthy successor in every way. The omission of the metering switch is one of the reasons why I hesitate getting a pair of D810 as well. I think the D800's control layout is a little bit more practical in that regard. Thanks for taking the time and sharing your experiences, much appreciated!
Well said about the 700's color "certain look". :) Now I did like the D3s a lot, they tweaked the output to near perfection (and It was a different physical sensor too), so if the D700 had that sensor/processor and ISO 100 I may be singing a different tune here (just throwing in that for the 700 fans since I know there are many to whit I respect greatly). Keep up the awesome videos on DSLR's too. We need camera companies to HEAR us. Many photographers aren't switching to mirrorless, many don't like the af adapters/expensive/autofocus lack of lens options, etc.... I personally think camera companies are nuts for abandoning DSLR's completely. There should have been some middle ground, keep a couple in the line up, pro level and high amateur models at least.
I did not know about the tweaked output in the D3s - thanks for sharing that! Regarding your video idea - that sounds awesome! I am sure that we will see at least one manufacturer who will capitalize on the DSLR crowd. Take the resurgence of film into account, I am sure that producing a DSLR and SLR with the same technology will make sense from a financial standpoint in the near future. Look at Leica, they even brought back the M6. So there is demand, lets see who will wake up to this first.
I got a used one for 370€ - it is not the nicest one on the market, but this way I could invest into DXO PureRAW 3, which is an incredible good combination together with the D800. I encounter many low light situations at church services and Astro photography and I feel very pleased with my new comrade for the D5300. I also tested my Sigma ART 50-100 F1.8 DX lens on the D800 and despite I get some vignettes (I forced FX mode) these pictures are insanely good. Combined with AI denoise I feel really comfortable going into high ISO and I am also happy that I did not need to pay 3000€ for a better performing camera system. The AF is certainly not up to date, but for me as a hobby photographer and TFP this camera is a decent tool.
I agree - the Df is also a fantastic camera. I bought one from Nikon Refurbished a few years ago. Unfortunately, I sold it. Still regret that, as it is such unique and capable camera. Don't make the same mistake as I did :-)
Just ordered one and now i am waiting that it arrived Second camera to a Fuji xh1 I am thinking about to sell the xh1 and get a gr III an keeping the d800 as my Main camera
So awesome - congratulations on your purchase, I'm sure that you'll like it. Yes, the GRIII is a very cool camera as well, I think I'll get one at some point as well. Do you intend using it for street photography?
Enjoyed the video and have the opportunity to get a d800 like new with 5000clicks for around $500usd or one with 44k clicks for $360 in decent shape. Which do you think is better value?
If you really intend to keep it, get the newer one. If you just want to try, the 44k is better value for money. I myself would probably go with the less clicks as it is basically brand new. And that is cool right? Thanks for watching and your kind words!
@@ThomasEisl.Photography thank you 🙏🏽 subscribed to your channel, keep up the good work! The D800 is been my 1st pro body camera back when I started 📷 in 2012, sold it in 2020 and regretted it later… now caught it again :) I was also thinking of decorating it to celebrate the comeback but then it won’t look professional anymore.
Thank you very much for the sub! Ah, happened to me as well - sold a camera only to buy it once more later. How would you decorate the camera? I'm curious!
@@ThomasEisl.Photography oh, really? Haha 😆 so it seems I’m not the only one who can’t cope well with regrets… I have some Japanese washi tape but it’s pink with sakura flowers 🌸 so I doubt it would be ok! I’m certainly not going to imitate Kai Wu that kind of destroyed 2 cameras to paint them LOL 😂 I was thinking of some fine line golden stickers, something chic yet descreet.
I agree that the D800 is a great camera and a used one is excellent value for money. It certainly appeals to my GAS, though the need to also buy a number of lenses could drive up the total costs to € 1000-2000. From a practical point of view, I wonder, what would be the benefit of adding yet another camera to my existing MFT system (of several bodies and many lenses)? In another excellent video, you explain that 8 stops dynamic range is generally sufficient, so the D800 does not offer real added value here. Or does it? More megapixels is nice, but the difference between 20MP and 36MP is not as great as one would think, and the handheld hi-res mode on the OMDS/Olympus is a brilliant (with some restrictions) workaround to more megapixels. There is also high ISO improvement, which is mainly useful in (very) low-light situtations. So they are only marginal improvements. On the other hand, a D800 would serve a niche purpose by addressing several "shortcomings" of the MFT platform.
I have to admit that I do not work with the D800 out of necessity but because I really like the camera - from time to time. It has gotten significantly less use since I have the OM-1. I do not really shoot with it because it delivers better image quality / DR or more resolution than the OM-1, to be honest! DSLRs are great value for money, and if you already have F Mount equipment (like I have for my Nikon F6 for example), getting a D800 can be a reasonable purchase. To be completely honest, investing in a D800 is probably closely related to GAS, if you have a MFT system. Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not, if you want to use a different tool from time to time, that is perfectly fine! I mean, I bought a 5D just for the fun of shooting with a vintage digital 😅 Thanks for bringing this up!
@@ThomasEisl.Photography thanks for clarifying, and confirming my thoughts on this GAS thing ;-). I love your technical in-depth videos, please keep up the great work!
@@ThomasEisl.Photographythe 5D is downright fun. It's a camera I'm not afraid to take to work everyday and not worry about it being lost/stolen/broken while keeping FF lens compatibility. I have a 6D for better performer, but have considered maybe a more modern camera as well, or a better built 1dx or some such, but that's just GAS. My roommate however has FF Nikon lenses and uses a d2xs right now and I suggest they opt for a d800 for the crazy value of that. He'd be a little spoiled by the Iso performance and dynamic range, that's for sure. Hell, even I would be. Do you have any recommendations for best d800 equivalent in Canon FF? The 6D would be much like the D600 but I can't think of much beyond the 5D mk 4 that would be much an improvement at still good value. Maybe none exists.
Feel free to post any specific questions here or connect via social media / my official e-mail (see the links in my profile or at the end of the video)!
Именно так я и покупал камеры, d700 в 2022, и d800 в 2024, потому что это идентичные камеры, обе дают великолепную картинку, обе невероятно удобны. Жаль, что на них огромные пробеги, и d800 нуждается в ремонте автофокуса
I really cannot see the Nikon D800 prices going up significantly. Yes I agree it is a “classic” in the making but digital camera technology is constantly improving and camera makers on occasions actually listen to what customers want regards specification and design. One major factor in this camera’s status as one to buy or keep is that it is Made In Japan 🇯🇵.
This means that Nikon does not guarantee the a availability of parts, but as long as the part required is available, they will fix the camera. Take a look at my repair and sustainability video, I explain how Nikon repair does business at the moment.
The only thing holding the camera back from classic status for me is it has a reputation for being fragile.A sharp jolt to the bottom of the camera can crack the internal sub frame leading to erratic focus issues and this is not able to be repaired
I had a Nikon D3100 with an APS-c sensor I can say that I took great photos with it mostly with Sigma´s lens F1:2,8. I wanted a fullformat sensor experience since I am interested in low or medium light photography without using any flash. I really hate using flash because I think it destroys the image quality in many ways. Hopefullly the Nikon D800 will meet up with my expectation.
It will exceed your expectations, it has a sensor which is still one of the best on the market (!). If the D800 is not good enough, there is basically no digital camera in existence which is good enough. Thanks for sharing!
Great video, but I don't agree with you about D800 being new D700. For me D800 is too slow, 4fps vs 5/8fps. I think D810 is better choice when high mpx is needed. Overall D8xx series cameras are quite different than D700 and I wouldn't consider them to be replacements. For me D3/D700 era cameras represent absolute pinnacle of DSLR design when it comes to pure quality. I couldn't care less about video in my DSLRs
Yes, the D810 is better in every way, but it is still too expensive to compete with the D700/D800 price bracket. The D800 is really inexpensive at the moment! I thought I'd add some controversy by pitching D700/D800 against each other. Nikon blundered with the naming as the D750 has nothing to do with the D700. The D800 is closer to the D700 in terms of target audience than the D750. I agree, not everybody needs video in their DSLRs - and yes, the D3/D700 are outstanding. Some control elements which were removed in later models are very useful (AF controls esp.) Thanks for the comment!
@@ThomasEisl.Photography Yeah D750 is inferior consumer product, nothing to do with D700. In my opinion Nikon didn't made replacement for D700, because by that time (2012) it was all about specs and beating competition. In 'spec race' quality is not that imprtant anymore, main thing is to crank out new product every few years. It seem's to me that D800 was also rushed to the market. It had some AF issues when it first came out. D810 is actually the camera that D800(E) should have been at the first place.
Yes, that is true. I'm afraid we are once again in a time of rushed products. I'm glad that the D800 is a good enough platform so it could be fixed with software updates and Nikon service, but you are completely right. I'm looking forward to the one definitive Nikon DSLR, I hope they will give us a camera with D6 AF, D850 sensor and D3/D2 build quality.
@@ThomasEisl.Photography In my opinion Nikon and other big companies don't waste any money into DSLR development anymore. Sadly most consumers don't care about quality anyway, they just want more mpx, faster af etc. So Nikon and others will just give them what they want, new mirrorless model every few years. I'm really happy that best quality cameras/lenses are already made and I can get them really cheap! Don't really need anything else than my D700 and film cameras + manual focus Nikkors :) Btw, I really like your videos :) Much more interesting and engaging than those big sponsored photography channels!
Yes, I'm afraid you are right. I bought one of the last new Nikon F6 three years ago imported directly from Japan by my local dealer. Now that was a camera. And what a great shopping experience. The Z7II experience was underwhelming in comparison, that's why I sold it shortly after. In the long run, this strategy of pushing product will not work - quality always trump's quantity. Thank you for your kind words, that means a lot to me! Also, thank you very much for the nice conversation!
Absolutely, it will be a great addition to your existing kit - also consider getting an even older DSLR like the D2x for a totally different feeling. You can't go wrong with a D800 given the current prices! Thanks for the comment
Ok, prices are around 350 euro now at my shop. They are practically giving them away for almost free now. 😊. Will skip it because I have enough dslr's. Got a D4 a few weeks ago with only 9000 clicks. Mostly these type of cameras have 200K or 30OK clicks so now and then with a little patience you get lucky.
@@ThomasEisl.Photographyyes 350 euro for a D800 is quite insane. More insane is that I actually ordered the camera half an hour ago. Stupid camera store with their stupid deals😆😆😆 I think I am gonna convert this D800 into a IR camera by the way.
I've had my D800 for about 10 years now and it's still my main camera. I've tried new mirrorless cameras to replace my D800, including the GFX50R, but sold them. The D800 is the only camera I have ever bonded with. Trying other systems made me realise that 36mp is more than enough and the sensor in the D800 is amazing even today. Best of all, it isn't mirrorless. I find mirrorless tech absolute crap.
Thank you very much for sharing that. The D800 is very special - and although I do use mirrorless cameras as well - namely the OM-1 - there is nothing like a DSLR. A mirrorless camera can never substitute that.
Hi Thomas! Thanks for another nice video and you sharing your points of view and advice! Always sharply dressed I see! A question for you Thomas if I may. What are your thoughts on getting a D810 as opposed to a D800? If the price was not a consideration, would you go for a D810? Have you tried one? Or is it a case of the D800 has nicer images over the D810? I'm asking because thanks to your articles... I have started looking for a D800. But in my current situation.... I can only afford one DSLR body as I am now trying to get the primes you have mentioned. My interest in considering the D810 over the D800 is simply that it appears to have better video features... something that is important or very useful to me. So what are thoughts on this Thomas? As a token of my appreciation for the great advice your website and channel gives me.... here you go Thomas 🥰 Ko-fi.com/home/coffeeshop?txid=e1647aa4-a3cd-40cc-aae1-3860f3262608&mode=public&img=ogiboughtsomeone
First and foremost: Thank you very much for your support, that means a lot to me - also your kind words that you left on my ko-fi page! In regards of your questions, I'd like to provide the following answers: 1) If price is not an issue, I would choose the D810. Nikon made small improvements - better video features, slightly improved drive speed (4 vs. 5) and of course the EXPEED 4 image processor. So all in all, the D810 has the edge over the D800 - which says a lot, as the D800 is still an outstanding camera. 2) The control layout something to look at before picking one model over the other. There are slight differences (e.g. metering switch on the D800), and it comes down to your preference. 3) In regards of image quality, I'd say the models are more or less equal. If you are very nitpicky, you might find that the D810 is a bit better in high ISO (and of course a bit sharper than the D800 with the AA filter). The new imaging pipeline of the D810 also allows for a slightly lower minimum ISO. It is a very tough choice, but for me, it came down to price. I purchased two D800 for around 1.400 €, two D810 would have cost 2.200 € back then. I could not justify the higher price, and up to now, I can safely say that the D800 can keep up with my work, from ultra low light fashion shows to studio photography. If you want one DSLR only and the idea of owning a D810 is tempting (and you can spend the extra cash), then don't hesitate. If none of the improvements matter to you, get a D800 that was well used and sent to NPS instead. They are just so inexpensive. Again, thank you very much for your comment and your support!
@@ThomasEisl.Photography Hi Thomas. This was very helpful. Just want to know one more point : in terms of weight, are 800 and 810 more or less same ? A Comparison with D750 might help as I have held and it is quite portable (unlike what Mirrorless militia process)… thanks in anticipation 😊
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Thanks for this video. I just bought a D800 (as a "post-Christmas present" for myself) for $700.00; had less than 3K shutter actuations, came with all kinds of accessories (Nikon remote, spare batteries, SD and CF cards, and more)... A real steal! I can't wait to get out and shoot!
Awesome, thanks for sharing.
Bruh that's so overpriced
I sold my F3 in order to get my D800 about 6 years ago. I regret getting rid of the beautiful film icon, but the D800 has never let me down. Rock solid build, and image quality is astoundingly good. If you do landscape or still life work its a no brainer. Large prints look amazing. In my opinion, only medium format can compete for IQ, even in 2024. It really has that special sauce that's hard to define, but images just draw you in. Oh, and its a total blast trying out decades of F glass on it :)
Thanks for sharing - could not agree more.
Very well said, Thomas. I also use a pair of Nikon D800/D800E whenever the game is getting tough and highest image quality is needed. When the big cameras are to intrusive and/or absolute silence is mandatory, a pair of Olympus OM-D's get the job done.
Yes, that makes a lot of sense - and as you know, I have exactly the same setup for my work. I'll talk about that in my next video!
Thanks for the continued support of my channel, much appreciated!
Nope. I would choose a D810 over a D800 anyday. Yes, the D700 is overrated.
Used prices are falling fast as people are going to mirrorless. I picked up an old D700 for a steal!
And that is what I love about DSLRs in 2022 - they get the job done, for next to nothing! Congratulations on your D700, it is a legendary camera!
I do some professional work and have several Nikons (D90, D7100, D700, D800) i picked up my D800 with a 28-85 Nikon lens for $365 USD. IT HAD 19000 shots on it. Even in 2024 i love the results i get from my D700. Then i began comparing photos enlarged to 8X10 from the D700 and D800. Thats where i was really impressed. While the D700 photos were excellent, the ones from the D800 were on a different level!
Just love your channel Thomas it's a joy to watch mate.
Thank you very much!
Loving your channel - I have to agree, it's something I've thought for ages that the D800 is hugely underappreciated, and as the price went down and down I picked up 2 spare ones for peanuts ! I still think the D700 is in it's own class, different sensor, different colours, even better build, for me it will always be a classic. I bagged a D700 from the UK a few years ago with less than 1000 shutter actuations for like €400, it's basically brand new - couldn't believe my luck. I think coming up soon for classic status will be the D500 - the files that come off that crop sensor are amazing, perhaps a bit noisy, but bloody fantastic in my opinion ! Oh and of course the D3 and D4 - both these cameras are shockingly good, I'd find it hard to pick between either (probably the D4 !)
Thank you - I agree, the D700 is very special, and pitting them against each other is difficult as there are fundamental differences, so I'm totally with you on this one.
Actually, I'm already searching for a used D500 as I completely agree - this APSC powerhouse is a force to be reckoned with and a great choice for many genres.
Thank you very much for your kind words, I very much appreciate your support of the channel!
Also, I'm on the lookout for a D4 - having worked with a lot of 16MP cameras in the past, I'm really comfortable working with files of this resolution. Also, I love the D4 design, very sleek IMHO
@@ThomasEisl.Photography I have both, and you won't be disappointed, two truly superb cameras very complimentary to each other. The D800 covers the resolution angle, and those other two have their own unique niche. The D4 is my go to camera pretty much, once you get used to the build it's hard to go back - I picked up a barely used D4 from Japan a few years ago for just over €1000, it was practically brand new, and they have an expected shutter life of over 400,000 cycles, but of course like the D3 you'll see cameras on sale with double that and still going - so they're built extremely well - a great investment especially for a pro in my opinion ! Great channel, keep up the great work - regards from Ireland !
@@ThomasEisl.Photographygreat video ! I’d love your opinion on gear. I own a D800 and shoot the odd wedding and portraits but I’m thinking about the Sony A6400 would I be mad to switch ?
@scottwesterman221 Oh that is a completely different camera - why do you want to switch?
I bought one very recently after watching your video and love it very much. Haven’t used a DSLR for 10 years after switching to mirrorless. Thank you very much for the info!!
Great to hear!
I am saving to get a d800. Thank you for your video
Good choice! You should - best value for money.
Got one last year for 500 euro. A few scratches on the bottom but technical fully working. This was the machine back then everybody wanted.
500 Euro is incredible for such a beast of a camera - I agree, everybody wanted one, and now they can be had for next to nothing!
Thank you for your comment and continued support of the channel!
Just purchased a D800E 22k shutter count for $587 USD. After watching this I think I got a good deal, I'm really excited to try it out. Thanks for the video!
That is definitely a very good deal 🤝 congratulations on your new "old" camera, you'll definitely like what it can create 📸 Thanks for the comment!
I just bough a second hand Nikon D800 for 2 819DKK, I LOVE IT!
So nice - it is such an amazing camera!
Thanks for the analysis,I'm beginner in photography and I appreciate refined opinions.
Thank you very much for your kind words Alex!
Picking one up this next weekend as a backup to my D850, well used but in good condition with a vertical grip and L bracket added to the deal.
So awesome - great purchase !
@ThomasEisl.Photography definitely, I've taken a few falls when my snowshoes got caught on branches shooting northern lights at some point, I'm damaging a camera and can't afford to not have a body while one is off being repaired.
Thanks to this video I decided to get myself a d800 or d810 this year. These cameras are amazing, and at an incredibly affordable price
Definitely both cameras are a good choice!
Great to read!
@@ThomasEisl.Photography I'm actually astonished at how successful the camera companies have been at creating hype around new products. The image quality these cameras produce for photography is pretty much all you'd ever need (all the way back in 2012!)
@pedrorrodriguez1 not only that! It is still industry leading. If you look at photonstophotos, run by a good friend of mine and one of the worldwide leading experts when it comes to sensor analysis, you will find that the D800 is better than what many modern 35mm cameras can do. The cameras which are better are better in ways that do not matter in practice. It is absolutely mind boggling.
@@ThomasEisl.Photography if you need very fast tracking eye autofocus, extremely high speed bursts or demanding video requirements, this is not your camera. However, for everything else, it's fantastic
I have one, bought used as my journey into full frame before mirrorless took over.
A brilliant camera but heavy. So I mostly use a tripod with it.
The low pass filter in my opinion reduces any noise caused by the 35 MP sensor
For mirrorless and hand held I use a Lumix G9, Which is now another classic in my opinion 📷👍
Thanks for sharing!
I have also the d800 and d810 that I love so much 😋
Both very cool cameras!
While everyone dumped film for digital, I picked up classic hassleblads and Nikons . I recently ventured into digital with the d800 and d3s.. that’s where I draw the line .
Both excellent digital cameras! And yes, the prices film equipment was sold for was insane.
Ich hätte diese Kamera vor 10 Jahren auch gern gehabt. Sie war einfach zu teuer. Im Januar 2022 hatte ich sie mir dann gebraucht gekauft, da sie sehr günstig war und das bei wenig Auslösungen! Zusammen mit einem 1.4/85 habe ich damit super Portraits gemacht, klasse Bokeh, klasse Farben. Eine Kamera mit Wow-Effekt!
Die D810 war der Nachfolger mit einigen - für einige Leute bedeutenden - Verbesserungen. Aber: Die D800 war seinerzeit einfach ein Meilenstein! Daher stimme ich zu: Ein Klassiker!
Die D810 ist immer noch deutlich teurer als die D800. Beide haben denselben Sensor und tun sich nichts in Sachen Bildqualität. Die D810 hat ein höher aufgelöstes Display, einen erweiterten ISO-Bereich und einen "moderneren" Bildprozessor", dennoch ist das nicht soooo ausschlaggebend. Die D800 ist eine super Kamera.
Wer immer nur auf das NOCH bessere Kameramodell wartet, das natürlich in regelmäßigen Abständen von der Industrie geliefert wird, der fotografiert leider nie! ;-)
Und es gibt Fotos, die weltberühmt wurden aus Zeiten, die wir heute als fotografische Steinzeit bezeichnen würden ....
Z.B. Werke von Henri Cartier-Bresson, Ansel Adams, ...
For the English readers:
I would have loved to have had this camera 10 years ago. It was just too expensive. I bought it second-hand in January 2022 because it was very cheap and with very few shutter releases! Together with a 1.4/85 I took great portraits with it, great bokeh, great colors. A camera with a wow effect!
The D810 was the successor with some - for some people significant - improvements. But: The D800 was simply a milestone at the time! So I agree: a classic!
The D810 is still significantly more expensive than the D800. Both have the same sensor and are nearly similar in terms of image quality. The D810 has a higher resolution display, an extended ISO range and a more "modern" image processor, but that's not soooo decisive. The D800 is a great camera.
If you're always waiting for an EVEN better camera model, which is of course delivered by the industry at regular intervals, you'll never take photos ;-)
And there are photos that have become world-famous from times that we would now describe as the photographic Stone Age ....
For example, works by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Ansel Adams, ...
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Vielen herzlichen Dank für den umfassenden, äußerst relevanten Kommentar! Ich kann nur zustimmen, sowohl was die D800 betrifft als auch was neue Produkte betrifft.
I have kept my OM1n and my F3 and waited till I could afford a D800, the latter two second hand. All 3 were groundbreaking cameras of their time as you confirmed.
But the weight has increased considerably so we suffer for our art.
Thanks for the video! I want to upgrade from my D3100, but have a short budget, I found one on Facebook, has 10k shutter count and it’s $650 dlls, is a good deal? Thanks
Most welcome!
I'd say yes - that is a fair price if the camera is in excellent condition.
I agree that the D800 is a much better camera than the D700 and will dethrone it eventually as a classic. I am probably in the minority, but I was never really taken by the D700. It's lack of base ISO of 100 always bugged me to start. Also, it's LCD is gapped and fogs up over time requiring maintenance to clean. Lastly, I was never impressed with the malleability of the raw files, especially the color which I could really never able to get it to highly accurate (i.e. natural) standards. Now before anyone flips out, it's important to know that I was a late adopter of the D700, so in terms of image quality I was pretty spoiled already. Otherwise I loved the D700 from a build and ergonomic standpoint, and it was tough to get rid of until I purchased the D800. The D800 addressed my particular concerns and much more. The only area I felt I gave up was in the frame rate dept, but I never wanted to use the D700 for action anyways. I've owned the D810, and it's a great camera too, but I found its more rounded edges and quiet shutter reminded me way too much of a bland Canon experience in comparison to the D800. Also the D810 omits the metering switch of the D700/800 which I find to be a crucial feature in terms of handling. I found the color of the D800 files to be better than the D810 as well. So back to the D800 I went, and that settles that.
Carl, I agree - while the D700 is a very good camera, I've had exactly the same experiences as you did (I was also a late adopter of the camera). I loved the D700 for BW work, and the color images have a certain look - the D800 is, however, a worthy successor in every way.
The omission of the metering switch is one of the reasons why I hesitate getting a pair of D810 as well. I think the D800's control layout is a little bit more practical in that regard.
Thanks for taking the time and sharing your experiences, much appreciated!
Well said about the 700's color "certain look". :) Now I did like the D3s a lot, they tweaked the output to near perfection (and It was a different physical sensor too), so if the D700 had that sensor/processor and ISO 100 I may be singing a different tune here (just throwing in that for the 700 fans since I know there are many to whit I respect greatly). Keep up the awesome videos on DSLR's too. We need camera companies to HEAR us. Many photographers aren't switching to mirrorless, many don't like the af adapters/expensive/autofocus lack of lens options, etc.... I personally think camera companies are nuts for abandoning DSLR's completely. There should have been some middle ground, keep a couple in the line up, pro level and high amateur models at least.
I did not know about the tweaked output in the D3s - thanks for sharing that!
Regarding your video idea - that sounds awesome!
I am sure that we will see at least one manufacturer who will capitalize on the DSLR crowd. Take the resurgence of film into account, I am sure that producing a DSLR and SLR with the same technology will make sense from a financial standpoint in the near future. Look at Leica, they even brought back the M6. So there is demand, lets see who will wake up to this first.
@@ThomasEisl.Photography Pentax has publicly stated they don't plan to abandon the DSLR. May prove a successful niche move for them in the long run!
Yes, Dylan - Pentax made the right move IMHO.
I got a used one for 370€ - it is not the nicest one on the market, but this way I could invest into DXO PureRAW 3, which is an incredible good combination together with the D800. I encounter many low light situations at church services and Astro photography and I feel very pleased with my new comrade for the D5300. I also tested my Sigma ART 50-100 F1.8 DX lens on the D800 and despite I get some vignettes (I forced FX mode) these pictures are insanely good. Combined with AI denoise I feel really comfortable going into high ISO and I am also happy that I did not need to pay 3000€ for a better performing camera system. The AF is certainly not up to date, but for me as a hobby photographer and TFP this camera is a decent tool.
Thanks for sharing! I think it is a great idea to get a banged up model - best value for money !
I so use D800 and D800e
Df when i need to go light
(Df will be another Nikon classic..)
I agree - the Df is also a fantastic camera. I bought one from Nikon Refurbished a few years ago. Unfortunately, I sold it. Still regret that, as it is such unique and capable camera. Don't make the same mistake as I did :-)
Just ordered one and now i am waiting that it arrived
Second camera to a Fuji xh1
I am thinking about to sell the xh1 and get a gr III an keeping the d800 as my Main camera
So awesome - congratulations on your purchase, I'm sure that you'll like it.
Yes, the GRIII is a very cool camera as well, I think I'll get one at some point as well. Do you intend using it for street photography?
Enjoyed the video and have the opportunity to get a d800 like new with 5000clicks for around $500usd or one with 44k clicks for $360 in decent shape. Which do you think is better value?
If you really intend to keep it, get the newer one. If you just want to try, the 44k is better value for money. I myself would probably go with the less clicks as it is basically brand new. And that is cool right?
Thanks for watching and your kind words!
@@ThomasEisl.Photography i might just do that. Appreciate the response!
got one! thank goodness at a great price
Awesome! Congratulations, and have fun with this legendary DSLR!
@@ThomasEisl.Photography thank you 🙏🏽 subscribed to your channel, keep up the good work!
The D800 is been my 1st pro body camera back when I started 📷 in 2012, sold it in 2020 and regretted it later… now caught it again :)
I was also thinking of decorating it to celebrate the comeback but then it won’t look professional anymore.
Thank you very much for the sub!
Ah, happened to me as well - sold a camera only to buy it once more later.
How would you decorate the camera? I'm curious!
@@ThomasEisl.Photography oh, really? Haha 😆 so it seems I’m not the only one who can’t cope well with regrets… I have some Japanese washi tape but it’s pink with sakura flowers 🌸 so I doubt it would be ok! I’m certainly not going to imitate Kai Wu that kind of destroyed 2 cameras to paint them LOL 😂 I was thinking of some fine line golden stickers, something chic yet descreet.
Haha, better not do a Kai, you are right 😂
Fine line gold sounds very nice - definitely not wasted on the D800 🥺
Is there a difference between the D800 and D810 in terms of specifications and image quality, especially in low light and at high ISO?
So there are differences, but they are marginal, especially when it comes to image quality. I'd go for the D800, as it is a lot cheaper.
I agree that the D800 is a great camera and a used one is excellent value for money. It certainly appeals to my GAS, though the need to also buy a number of lenses could drive up the total costs to € 1000-2000.
From a practical point of view, I wonder, what would be the benefit of adding yet another camera to my existing MFT system (of several bodies and many lenses)? In another excellent video, you explain that 8 stops dynamic range is generally sufficient, so the D800 does not offer real added value here. Or does it? More megapixels is nice, but the difference between 20MP and 36MP is not as great as one would think, and the handheld hi-res mode on the OMDS/Olympus is a brilliant (with some restrictions) workaround to more megapixels. There is also high ISO improvement, which is mainly useful in (very) low-light situtations.
So they are only marginal improvements. On the other hand, a D800 would serve a niche purpose by addressing several "shortcomings" of the MFT platform.
I have to admit that I do not work with the D800 out of necessity but because I really like the camera - from time to time. It has gotten significantly less use since I have the OM-1.
I do not really shoot with it because it delivers better image quality / DR or more resolution than the OM-1, to be honest!
DSLRs are great value for money, and if you already have F Mount equipment (like I have for my Nikon F6 for example), getting a D800 can be a reasonable purchase.
To be completely honest, investing in a D800 is probably closely related to GAS, if you have a MFT system. Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not, if you want to use a different tool from time to time, that is perfectly fine! I mean, I bought a 5D just for the fun of shooting with a vintage digital 😅
Thanks for bringing this up!
@@ThomasEisl.Photography thanks for clarifying, and confirming my thoughts on this GAS thing ;-).
I love your technical in-depth videos, please keep up the great work!
@@ThomasEisl.Photographythe 5D is downright fun. It's a camera I'm not afraid to take to work everyday and not worry about it being lost/stolen/broken while keeping FF lens compatibility. I have a 6D for better performer, but have considered maybe a more modern camera as well, or a better built 1dx or some such, but that's just GAS. My roommate however has FF Nikon lenses and uses a d2xs right now and I suggest they opt for a d800 for the crazy value of that. He'd be a little spoiled by the Iso performance and dynamic range, that's for sure. Hell, even I would be. Do you have any recommendations for best d800 equivalent in Canon FF? The 6D would be much like the D600 but I can't think of much beyond the 5D mk 4 that would be much an improvement at still good value. Maybe none exists.
Pode resumir o review ?
Eu sou do brasil e nao entendo ingles
Afinal quais pontos positivos da nikon d800 e pontos negativos ...eu possuo uma 😅
Maybe you can try the subtitles function, it should work!
How can i get access to you sir
Feel free to post any specific questions here or connect via social media / my official e-mail (see the links in my profile or at the end of the video)!
Именно так я и покупал камеры, d700 в 2022, и d800 в 2024, потому что это идентичные камеры, обе дают великолепную картинку, обе невероятно удобны. Жаль, что на них огромные пробеги, и d800 нуждается в ремонте автофокуса
Thanks for sharing that! Yes, if used heavily, things can break. I hope you are able to get the repair done!
what about the D810? is that still a good camera?
Oh of course, the D810 is excellent 👍
I really cannot see the Nikon D800 prices going up significantly. Yes I agree it is a “classic” in the making but digital camera technology is constantly improving and camera makers on occasions actually listen to what customers want regards specification and design. One major factor in this camera’s status as one to buy or keep is that it is Made In Japan 🇯🇵.
Interesting!
What about repairs? It’s not listed on the Nikon repair site.
This means that Nikon does not guarantee the a availability of parts, but as long as the part required is available, they will fix the camera. Take a look at my repair and sustainability video, I explain how Nikon repair does business at the moment.
The only thing holding the camera back from classic status for me is it has a reputation for being fragile.A sharp jolt to the bottom of the camera can crack the internal sub frame leading to erratic focus issues and this is not able to be repaired
Ah! I did not know that - thanks for sharing!
hello Sir
is D800 touch screen?
Unfortunately not.
I had a Nikon D3100 with an APS-c sensor I can say that I took great photos with it mostly with Sigma´s lens F1:2,8. I wanted a fullformat sensor experience since I am interested in low or medium light photography without using any flash. I really hate using flash because I think it destroys the image quality in many ways. Hopefullly the Nikon D800 will meet up with my expectation.
It will exceed your expectations, it has a sensor which is still one of the best on the market (!). If the D800 is not good enough, there is basically no digital camera in existence which is good enough.
Thanks for sharing!
I own 4... 2 x D800's, D800e and D810 and still love them... I also have a complete Fujifilm system XT and GFX's...
I can relate to this. I have the D800 and the GFX50R. Athough I love the GFX system, I prefer using the D800. GFX is slow and I prefer the OVF.
Which was the old Classic? It's the 5D, innit?
Oh yes, and the D700 I'd say!
Great video, but I don't agree with you about D800 being new D700. For me D800 is too slow, 4fps vs 5/8fps. I think D810 is better choice when high mpx is needed. Overall D8xx series cameras are quite different than D700 and I wouldn't consider them to be replacements. For me D3/D700 era cameras represent absolute pinnacle of DSLR design when it comes to pure quality. I couldn't care less about video in my DSLRs
Yes, the D810 is better in every way, but it is still too expensive to compete with the D700/D800 price bracket. The D800 is really inexpensive at the moment!
I thought I'd add some controversy by pitching D700/D800 against each other.
Nikon blundered with the naming as the D750 has nothing to do with the D700.
The D800 is closer to the D700 in terms of target audience than the D750.
I agree, not everybody needs video in their DSLRs - and yes, the D3/D700 are outstanding. Some control elements which were removed in later models are very useful (AF controls esp.)
Thanks for the comment!
@@ThomasEisl.Photography Yeah D750 is inferior consumer product, nothing to do with D700. In my opinion Nikon didn't made replacement for D700, because by that time (2012) it was all about specs and beating competition. In 'spec race' quality is not that imprtant anymore, main thing is to crank out new product every few years. It seem's to me that D800 was also rushed to the market. It had some AF issues when it first came out. D810 is actually the camera that D800(E) should have been at the first place.
Yes, that is true. I'm afraid we are once again in a time of rushed products. I'm glad that the D800 is a good enough platform so it could be fixed with software updates and Nikon service, but you are completely right.
I'm looking forward to the one definitive Nikon DSLR, I hope they will give us a camera with D6 AF, D850 sensor and D3/D2 build quality.
@@ThomasEisl.Photography In my opinion Nikon and other big companies don't waste any money into DSLR development anymore. Sadly most consumers don't care about quality anyway, they just want more mpx, faster af etc. So Nikon and others will just give them what they want, new mirrorless model every few years. I'm really happy that best quality cameras/lenses are already made and I can get them really cheap! Don't really need anything else than my D700 and film cameras + manual focus Nikkors :)
Btw, I really like your videos :) Much more interesting and engaging than those big sponsored photography channels!
Yes, I'm afraid you are right. I bought one of the last new Nikon F6 three years ago imported directly from Japan by my local dealer. Now that was a camera. And what a great shopping experience. The Z7II experience was underwhelming in comparison, that's why I sold it shortly after.
In the long run, this strategy of pushing product will not work - quality always trump's quantity.
Thank you for your kind words, that means a lot to me! Also, thank you very much for the nice conversation!
I have both Z6ll and Olympus OM1, but thinking an older D800 might be fun, plus the price of f glass is becoming too good to pass up.
Absolutely, it will be a great addition to your existing kit - also consider getting an even older DSLR like the D2x for a totally different feeling.
You can't go wrong with a D800 given the current prices!
Thanks for the comment
I have three of them so it must be a good camera right. Yeh my logic is sound😅😅
Haha I'm totally on board!
Ok, prices are around 350 euro now at my shop. They are practically giving them away for almost free now. 😊. Will skip it because I have enough dslr's. Got a D4 a few weeks ago with only 9000 clicks. Mostly these type of cameras have 200K or 30OK clicks so now and then with a little patience you get lucky.
Wow! That is just insane - 350 €!
D4 - that's a great choice. Especially with such a low shutter count.
Thanks for sharing that!
@@ThomasEisl.Photographyyes 350 euro for a D800 is quite insane.
More insane is that I actually ordered the camera half an hour ago. Stupid camera store with their stupid deals😆😆😆
I think I am gonna convert this D800 into a IR camera by the way.
Haha, keep me updated 😆😉
Show your love for the D800 in this poll! www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66594879
Thanks for sharing!
my country this only $ 650 guarranted and phisic 90% good condition
Great price!
I had one of these dogs. Good camera, but ruined by a very soft sensor. Avoid. Get the D810.
What is a soft sensor?
takes too long to get to the pictures
Can you rephrase that?
I've had my D800 for about 10 years now and it's still my main camera. I've tried new mirrorless cameras to replace my D800, including the GFX50R, but sold them. The D800 is the only camera I have ever bonded with. Trying other systems made me realise that 36mp is more than enough and the sensor in the D800 is amazing even today. Best of all, it isn't mirrorless. I find mirrorless tech absolute crap.
Thank you very much for sharing that. The D800 is very special - and although I do use mirrorless cameras as well - namely the OM-1 - there is nothing like a DSLR.
A mirrorless camera can never substitute that.
Hi Thomas! Thanks for another nice video and you sharing your points of view and advice! Always sharply dressed I see! A question for you Thomas if I may. What are your thoughts on getting a D810 as opposed to a D800? If the price was not a consideration, would you go for a D810? Have you tried one? Or is it a case of the D800 has nicer images over the D810? I'm asking because thanks to your articles... I have started looking for a D800. But in my current situation.... I can only afford one DSLR body as I am now trying to get the primes you have mentioned. My interest in considering the D810 over the D800 is simply that it appears to have better video features... something that is important or very useful to me. So what are thoughts on this Thomas?
As a token of my appreciation for the great advice your website and channel gives me.... here you go Thomas 🥰 Ko-fi.com/home/coffeeshop?txid=e1647aa4-a3cd-40cc-aae1-3860f3262608&mode=public&img=ogiboughtsomeone
First and foremost: Thank you very much for your support, that means a lot to me - also your kind words that you left on my ko-fi page!
In regards of your questions, I'd like to provide the following answers:
1) If price is not an issue, I would choose the D810. Nikon made small improvements - better video features, slightly improved drive speed (4 vs. 5) and of course the EXPEED 4 image processor. So all in all, the D810 has the edge over the D800 - which says a lot, as the D800 is still an outstanding camera.
2) The control layout something to look at before picking one model over the other. There are slight differences (e.g. metering switch on the D800), and it comes down to your preference.
3) In regards of image quality, I'd say the models are more or less equal. If you are very nitpicky, you might find that the D810 is a bit better in high ISO (and of course a bit sharper than the D800 with the AA filter). The new imaging pipeline of the D810 also allows for a slightly lower minimum ISO.
It is a very tough choice, but for me, it came down to price. I purchased two D800 for around 1.400 €, two D810 would have cost 2.200 € back then. I could not justify the higher price, and up to now, I can safely say that the D800 can keep up with my work, from ultra low light fashion shows to studio photography.
If you want one DSLR only and the idea of owning a D810 is tempting (and you can spend the extra cash), then don't hesitate. If none of the improvements matter to you, get a D800 that was well used and sent to NPS instead. They are just so inexpensive.
Again, thank you very much for your comment and your support!
@@ThomasEisl.Photography Hi Thomas. This was very helpful. Just want to know one more point : in terms of weight, are 800 and 810 more or less same ? A Comparison with D750 might help as I have held and it is quite portable (unlike what Mirrorless militia process)… thanks in anticipation 😊
Yes, the D810/800 and even the 750 are more or less the same!