Nikon has hit a home run for HD video fans with their new DSLR camera, the D800.
Coming in at about $3,000, without the lens, the camera is overkill if you’re just looking to take pictures. It takes great pictures, of course, but it’s the exceptional video that the D800 shoots that really makes this camera great.
The D800 boasts a 36.3 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor as well as exceptional ISO shooting capabilities. It shoots in several different aspect ratios, including the standard 3:2, but also a 5:4 (perfect for 8×10 and 16×20 prints). It also has a wide variety of HD videos modes, which plays into the hands of budding filmmakers. The camera reportedly gets up to 30 minutes of HD video in normal mode.
The HD video produced by the D800 is exceptional, especially at the price point. Amateurs and professionals will have little to complain about if they use this camera.
Here’s some video shot by photographer Sandro Miller using the D800:
Nikon D800 HD Video: “Joy Ride” by Sandro Miller from Nikon_USA on Vimeo.
It’s some stunning work.
Nikon will also offer a variation on the camera, the D800E, for and extra $300. Nikon says the D800E model will give you slightly finer detail and enhanced resolution by removing the low-pass filter.