Nikon has announced its latest midrange FX-format digital SLR: the D810. The camera replaces both the D800 and D800E, and features a 36.3MP CMOS sensor with no low-pass filter (in contrast to the D800E, which had the effect of its OLPF 'cancelled'). The EXPEED 4 engine from the D4s has been incorporated, allowing for a wider ISO range, improved image quality and metering as well as faster burst shooting, Nikon has also redesigned the mirror mechanism and introduced an electronic first-curtain shutter option to reduce the risk of 'shutter shake' reducing resolution.

There have also been numerous improvements to video, including 1080/60p support, a 'flat' Picture Control mode (designed for post-production use), Auto ISO in manual mode, and uncompressed HDMI output with simultaneous video output.

The D810's specification sheet is enormous and it's easy to miss things - but let us say this, in terms of the quality of movie alone that this camera can offer, I wouldn't be surprised if Canon users, particularly those with EOS 5D Mark III's, start to become a little worried.

Simon Iddon, Group Product Manager for D-SLR products at Nikon UK says: “Feedback from professional photographers has been integral to the development of this product, upping the game of high resolution photography.”

He adds: “Significant increases in speed and ISO versatility, along with new features that minimise the camera’s internal vibrations during shooting for incredible stability, make the Nikon D810 the ultimate tool for visionary photographers working across a broad range of genres.”

One of the major key areas of the D810 is its improvement in video.

The D810 has powerful video features that make it a valuable tool for any production environment. Whether a user is looking for manual control for pro video application or portability and lens selection for episodic broadcast, the D810 delivers a truly cinematic experience with a wide range of professional-oriented features:

Broadcast quality video: Full HD 1920 x 1080 video capture at a variety of frame rates, including 60/30/24p.

Versatile crop modes: FX and DX crop modes give users a telephoto boost when needed, a feature that has been very popular with camera operators because of its added flexibility on set.

Flat Picture Control profile: This neutral colour profile is ideal for video and gives the user maximum flexibility in post-production.

HDMI output: The D810 can relay uncompressed digital video to an external recorder via HDMI, while simultaneously displaying the video on the rear LCD display and external LCD monitor. Operators can now also record both to the internal card (compressed) and to the external recorder (uncompressed) simultaneously.

Smooth in-camera time-lapse and interval timer: Like the Nikon D4S, the D810uses an auto-exposure setting to help create super-smooth exposure and tonal transitions for professional results with time-lapse and interval-time shooting.

Audio control: The D810 features a built-in stereo microphone, and an external microphone can also be attached, such as the Nikon ME-1. Additionally, wide and voice frequency ranges are also now available for audio capture.

Expanded ISO for video: The ISO range is expanded for video, now encompassing a clean ISO 64 to a versatile 12,800. The Auto-ISO function is also available while recording to adapt the exposure as the light changes, which can eliminate the need to adjust the aperture (in manual mode, ISO 200- 51,200).

Zebra stripes: A zebra pattern can be displayed during live view, making it easy to spot overexposed areas.

Highlight weighted metering: This new setting helps to prevent blown-out highlights in video. This is especially useful when capturing spot-lit stage performances or shoots with harsh directional lighting.

Full manual control: With the innovative Power Aperture setting, it is simple to adjust the exposure and depth of field on the fly while recording to an external recorder or SD/CF cards. In manual mode, users can also control shutter speed and ISO while recording. Additionally, white balance and exposure compensation can be adjusted prior to recording.

Full time AF: The Live View AF has been improved, and now provides faster full-time AF (AF-F mode).

Even without this specification sheet, it's not surprising that Nikon are slowly creeping up to the level that Canon offers in terms of the quality for both stills and videography.  Furthermore, new TV station, LONDON LIVE use Nikon D800/D800e cameras for their in-house TV productions.

If you want to see a like-for-like comparison between the D800/D800E and the D810, click here

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