Nikon D810 Review | 108 Data compared

The Les Numériques review awards the Nikon D810 a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, praising it as a highly upgraded, powerhouse DSLR. The camera's main strength lies in its 36.3-megapixel full-frame sensor, which lacks an anti-aliasing (low-pass) filter to deliver exceptional image precision, crisp detail, and impressive dynamic range, particularly when recovering shadow details. It benefits from the same robust, weather-sealed build quality and 51-point autofocus module found in the flagship D4S, resulting in fast and accurate performance through the optical viewfinder, even in low light. Additional pros highlighted by reviewers from Les Numériques and ⁠Photography Life include a notably quieter shutter mechanism, an excellent 100% optical viewfinder, a helpful "highlight-weighted" exposure mode for concert photographers, and a solid 5 frames-per-second burst rate. Video capabilities are also improved with Full HD 1080p recording up to 60 fps, uncompressed HDMI output, zebra striping, and a flat image profile. However, the review points out several distinct limitations. A major technical drawback is the sluggish and impractical autofocus performance during Live View (screen-based shooting), making it frustrating for real-time video or tracking...

The Nikon D810 proves to be a highly versatile full-frame DSLR, performing exceptionally well under demanding, real-world conditions like concert photography at the Festival des Vieilles Charrues. It retains a familiar, intuitive layout for longtime Nikon users while introducing a vastly improved, remarkably quiet shutter and mirror-dampening mechanism that reduces shooting noise and vibrations to near-imperceptible levels. In terms of performance, the camera boasts excellent matrix metering, impressive dynamic range capable of recovering extensive detail from shadows and highlights, and a highly responsive 9-point dynamic autofocus system that reliably tracks fast-moving subjects with minimal waste. Furthermore, its 36-megapixel sensor delivers stunning sharpness and exceptional color rendering, even when pushing high ISO sensitivities up to 4000 or 5600 in pitch-black environments. However, the reviewer noted several drawbacks, particularly regarding post-processing workflow and specific feature utility. The massive 36-megapixel files require considerable storage space and cause editing software like Adobe Lightroom to noticeably slow down during handling. The camera's burst rate (continuous shooting speed) is also described as somewhat slow. Additionally, the new highlight-weighted spot metering mode yielded mixed results; while it...

This review evaluates the Nikon D810, a 36-megapixel full-frame DSLR, during a test trip to Iceland where it was pushed through harsh weather conditions like driving rain, wind, and heavy humidity. The camera is heavily praised for its exceptional image quality and enhanced sharpness, which stems directly from Nikon's decision to completely remove the optical low-pass filter. It exhibits stellar dynamic range that easily recovers details from heavily under- or overexposed areas, alongside excellent high ISO noise handling that keeps noise virtually unnoticeable up to ISO 6400. Mechanically, it integrates high-end components from the flagship D4s—such as the Expeed 4 processor and a 51-point autofocus system—and features a redesigned shutter mechanism that drastically dampens internal vibration and operational noise compared to its predecessor, the D800. Additionally, battery life sees a massive jump to approximately 1,200 shots per charge. Despite its standout performance, the review highlights several distinct weaknesses and limitations. The camera is physically bulky and heavy, weighing in at 980 grams. Its massive 36-megapixel files require high-end computer hardware to process efficiently, and the sensor is incredibly demanding, requiring...

The 01net review frames the Nikon D810 as an impressive, highly mature evolution of the D800 that pushes standard DSLR image quality close to digital medium-format territory. At the core of its pros is a magnificent 36.3 MP full-frame CMOS sensor stripped of its anti-aliasing filter to maximize fine structural detail. The review highlights excellent low-light performance with clean rendering up to ISO 1600 (and usable files up to 6400 or 12,800 in RAW), an upgraded 5 frames-per-second continuous burst rate (boosting to 7 fps in DX crop mode), and a noticeably quieter shutter mechanism. Physical enhancements like a deeper, more comfortable ergonomic handgrip, a weather-sealed body, a protective plastic screen cover, and an expanded Full HD video suite with headphone monitoring and highlight-weighted exposure metering add further professional appeal. Conversely, the review identifies critical cons that limit its overall versatility. The immense 36.3 MP resolution acts as a double-edged sword; it requires top-tier, competition-grade lenses to shine, demands disciplined shooting practices to avoid motion blur at lower shutter speeds, and places a heavy burden on computer storage. The software...

The Fnac Lab Review of the Nikon D810 awards this full-frame DSLR a 3 out of 5 stars rating, characterising it as a robust, weather-resistant piece of precision machinery. The camera stands out for its high-utility build, featuring a comfortable optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage alongside an 8.1 cm display. Its core strength lies in speed and raw resolving power; it boasts an incredibly fast 0.1-second startup time and just 0.2 seconds of lag between consecutive photos. Equipped with a 37-megapixel sensor completely devoid of an optical low-pass filter, the D810 excels at capturing fine image textures without losing detail sharpness, maintaining a highly progressive ISO performance curve. Despite these strong features, the evaluation identifies explicit performance thresholds where the camera falls short of its peer, the Nikon D750. The primary pros include its excellent optical viewfinder, rapid overall operational speed, and a highly stable, progressive rise in ISO sensitivity. Conversely, the major cons focus on image degradation at higher sensitivities, specifically citing a noticeable noise penalty once climbing beyond 6400 ISO. Additionally, while the 51-point phase-detection autofocus (incorporating...

The Les Numériques review highlights the Nikon D810 as a highly compelling DSLR that brings substantial upgrades over its predecessor, the D800/E. In terms of pros, the camera delivers a notable leap in overall image quality, featuring a more reactive autofocus system, an enhanced burst-shooting frame rate, and a considerably faster buffer. Additionally, videographers benefit from a heavily revamped video mode that introduces full HD 1080p recording at 50/60p, an optimized "Flat" picture control profile for post-processing flexibility, and live-view exposure aids like zebra patterning to accurately monitor highlight blowouts. However, the camera does carry a few notable cons depending on user needs. While the updated video features successfully narrow the gap with competitors like Canon, the video performance is still capped at 1080p. The lack of 4K video capture restricts its long-term appeal for modern, video-first content creators. Additionally, its heavy form factor—weighing nearly 1 kilogram—makes it a bulky option, and its professional-grade, button-heavy interface carries a steep learning curve that is not ideal for beginner photographers. YouTube

In this field test review from the SHOTS Photography Blog, photographer Hervé Le Gall evaluates the Nikon D810 full-frame DSLR camera during the live concert of Indochine at the Vieilles Charrues festival. Initially skeptical due to the massive file sizes of its predecessor, the reviewer is deeply impressed by the generation gap improvements built into the D810. The standout pros highlighted in the test include the highly efficient 51-point grouped autofocus system, the incredible dynamic range and raw file flexibility (especially in retrieving shadow details), and a remarkably quiet shutter mechanism. Furthermore, the removal of the low-pass filter paired with the new "highlight-weighted metering" mode successfully prevents blown-out highlights under harsh concert spotlights, delivering crisp, exceptionally sharp images and stunning color rendering. Conversely, the review addresses notable cons regarding the practical demands of operating such a high-resolution camera. Le Gall points out that the D810 is an unforgiving "diva" that requires strict user mastery, as any minor calculation or settings error is instantly exposed on the 36-megapixel files. The substantial file sizes also necessitate powerful computer processing and immense hard...

The Nikon D810 marks a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the D800/D800E, particularly in terms of operational noise and image quality. The CI Lab' tests confirm that the "single-frame" shutter noise has dropped markedly from 61 dB to 52 dB, offering a much quieter shooting experience alongside a new 3 frames-per-second (fps) quiet burst mode. Equipped with an enhanced 36-megapixel sensor and an EXPEED 4 processor, the D810 gains a full stop of ISO performance across its entire range—meaning images shot at ISO 6400 display the same low noise levels as the D800 at ISO 3200. Key technical highlights include a native base sensitivity of ISO 64 (expandable to ISO 32), upgraded autofocus tracking via "Group-area AF", and a newly introduced "Highlight-Weighted" metering mode designed to protect highlights from overexposure. Furthermore, the introduction of "Picture Control 2" brings a "Flat" profile optimized for post-processing video, alongside fine-grained decimal adjustments and a dedicated "Clarity" slider for local contrast.

Despite its outstanding performance, the review notes several practical disadvantages, particularly the overwhelming complexity of its deeply layered menus and the vast, time-consuming customization options for its physical buttons. While Nikon finally introduced multiple RAW image sizes to match competitors like Canon, users are strictly limited to only two file size options. The camera body lacks an articulated, tiltable screen—an omission justified by maintaining full weather sealing and structural durability, though it forces videographers to purchase external monitors. Furthermore, early software compatibility issues meant that updated raw converters (like Adobe Camera Raw beta) were temporarily required to read the files in Photoshop. Ultimately, the lack of 4K video capabilities and the prohibitive cost of both the body and accompanying lenses are notable drawbacks for a camera that otherwise makes it incredibly difficult to miss a shot.

The Camerarace review highlights the Nikon D810 as an exceptional professional-grade DSLR featuring a 36.3-megapixel full-frame sensor and Expeed 4 processor, which delivers superior image quality with high color depth and dynamic range. The camera features a robust, weather-sealed body, a quiet shutter mechanism, and a high-performance 51-point autofocus system suitable for portrait, landscape, and everyday photography. Conversely, the review notes the D810 is a heavy, 980-gram device, making it less portable, with limited continuous burst speed for action photography. Additionally, the video capabilities are limited by a lack of 4K resolution and a fixed LCD screen lacking touch or articulation features.

This review outlines the author's transition from a problematic Nikon D800E to the Nikon D810, a camera he declares as "Pure Quality" and the most complete DSLR on the market at the time. The author was driven to upgrade after a frustrating series of service mishaps with Nikon's customer support, which repeatedly returned his previous gear with new defects like scratches and focus issues. After weighing his options against the retro-styled Nikon Df—which he ultimately rejected due to its limited burst rate, lower shutter speed limits, and lack of modern ergonomics—he chose the D810. Due to early software limitations with Capture ND-X in processing the raw NEF files, the review's test shots were highly successful even when relying strictly on basic JPEG formats. The review highlights several specific pros and cons discovered during hands-on use. On the positive side, the D810 delivers a significantly quieter, softer shutter sound, improved ergonomics closer to a D4s, and excellent high ISO noise management between 3,200 and 12,800 ISO. It also features superlative sharpness (especially at its native 64 ISO), a versatile sRAW format,...

Nikon D810 Review Summary The provided review evaluates the Nikon D810, a professional full-frame DSLR camera released in 2014, mistakenly categorized by the reviewer as a "compact" camera. Priced at €1,343.90, this 36.3-megapixel camera features a CMOS sensor, a Nikon F lens mount, and a robust black body design. The reviewer notes that the camera delivers exceptional image quality across various genres, including wide landscapes and detailed portraits. It offers an intuitive layout for users transitioning from older models like the D700, boasting better ergonomics even when paired with heavy lenses. Additionally, it records 1080p video at professional standards and provides solid low-light performance up to ISO 12,800 with minimal digital noise. Several key strengths and weaknesses are highlighted throughout the testing process. The primary advantages include its magnificent photo resolution, an impressive dynamic range, fast and precise TTL autofocus, a very quiet shutter mechanism, and solid build quality. The review also praises its versatile cropping modes that help optimize file management. On the downside, the reviewer points out a few notable disadvantages: the camera commands a high retail price,...