The New Nikon D810: Some Candid Thoughts from the Specialists at B&H

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Nikon’s announcement of the D810 was greeted with the anticipated buzz from the photography industry, and as you would expect, from within B&H as well. We asked a few of our in-house experts and enthusiasts what they thought was significant about the announcement.

“The thing that excites me and should excite all the ‘star-stacking’ night photographers is the brushed-over fact that this camera is the first camera to offer ‘unlimited continuous shooting for exposures up to 30 seconds.’ This means you can take 120 30-second exposures and stack the star trails to equal a one-hour exposure that should have minimal ‘breaks’ in the trails. Every other camera needs at least a 1-second interval between exposures, which is fine for the Web―but when viewed 100% (like a print) the breaks in the trails are noticeable. I just spoke with a Nikon rep, and will be testing this theory out in the next two weeks.” ―Gabe Biderman, B&H Camera Specialist

“It's refreshing to see Nikon addressing a few small changes that will make some photographers and filmmakers’ lives easier. One particular upgrade that time-lapse photographers will be pleased with is the increase in the number of images allowed in a time lapse, from 999 to 9,999!” ―Michael Hollender, Social Media Manager

“On a non-technical note, we’ve all been watching the changes in the photo industry over the last few years with the rise of mirrorless, higher-quality compacts, and smartphone photography, and many are tempted to write off the DSLR as having lost much of its relevance. And to be sure, it’s no longer the only game in town. But with this relatively quiet but meaningful upgrade of the D800 cameras, I’m once again reminded of the control, precision, and image quality that only a top-flight classic DSLR like the D810 provides both enthusiasts and pros. Until further notice, the D810 has no peer!” ―Zevi Slotkin, B&H Camera Specialist  

“The seemingly endless battle to gain higher and higher ISO abilities is an arms race that may never cease, but as a photographer who really enjoys shooting long exposures during daylight hours, I am very interested in the lower native ISO setting option on the Nikon D810. The redesigned shutter mechanism is also exciting, as vibration is the bane of any high-resolution sensor’s existence.

 I am always comforted when a company decides to focus on the details; details matter in my photos and details matter in my equipment.

I am also excited by Nikon’s choice to encourage more of their dedicated photographers to begin thinking cinematically. The Filmmaker’s Kit Nikon offers will allow any budding or serous filmmaker to take advantage of many of the D810’s improvements, aimed squarely at the cinema crowd.

Additionally, one of my favorite though little-known control features of the D800 and D800E―Power Aperture―has been upgraded in the D810.

Power Aperture, the ability to control the aperture mechanically via manipulation of the Function button (OPEN) and the depth-of-field preview button (CLOSE), had only been available when recording to an external recorder such as the Atomos Ninja 2, but the Nikon D810 now allows this control feature when recording internally (to CF or SD) as well. This ability is very helpful during handheld recording, which is often aided by a stripped-down, minimal rig without the added weight of an external recorder.

Finally, I am impressed by the added benefit of simultaneous internal and external video recording with the D810. The option of recording H.264 to internal memory cards and ProRes recording to the Atomos Ninja 2 is not a bad option to have while making your movie.” ―Matt Sinclair, B&H Imaging Specialist

Our in-house photographers are not the only ones who are talking about this new camera from Nikon―the D810 is inspiring others to talk, including our readers and customers. We’d like to read about what you think of this new camera and its improvements. Please feel free to describe your reactions and thoughts in the Comments section below.

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i am a retired photographer who shot commercial, and weddings but that was with film. this new generation of digital is confusing to say the least. what is the best all around camera on the market today, no matter what the cost.