Nikon has unveiled a new full-frame DSLR to replace both the D800 and D800E. The new D810 features a 36.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and the same EXPEED 4 image sensor as the D4S, allowing a wider ISO range (64-12,800) and faster performance – compared to the D800 and D800E burst shooting is up from 4 to 5 frames per second in full-frame mode.
Nikon has done away with the anti-aliasing filter, an omission that should result in greater sharpness and resolution, though perhaps with a greater risk of moire in scenes with fine repeating patterns. Nikon says it has redesigned the shutter and mirror mechanism to reduce shutter vibration, a factor that can, in some cases, be responsible for a loss of sharpness.
Like the D800 and D800E the new model features a 51-point autofocus (AF) system though with a new 'Group Area AF' mode that allows five AF points to work together. Nikon also claims to have improved the AF algorithm to deliver greater accuracy.
The camera also offers extra video capabilities compared to its predecessors including the addition of 1080/60p support (up from 1080/30p) and built-in stereo recording.
The camera is expected to go on sale in late July. Australian pricing is expected to be around $3699 (body only).
