Nikon D810 Hands-On Field Test

The Nikon D800 and D800E were two of the most important cameras of the last decade. Nikon has replaced both with the new D810. Is Nikon's latest enough to ensure that it's the camera of choice for photographers craving high resolution images without penalties in AF and low light? TCSTV's Chris Niccolls and Jordan Drake head out to the Calgary Stampede to find out!
Shop online at: www.thecamerastore.com/
Music Provided by BeatSuite.com
www.beatsuite.com
Shot by Jordan Drake and Chris Niccolls
Cut by Jordan Drake
Filmed on the Sony A7S

[@EbrahimSaadawii]

As a filmmaker, I really noticed your fantastic video-making, Jordan. This episode really is in a complete new level of production value compared to all the TCS show. The image has a certain organic quality to it that I can't quite explain. It's well shot, perfectly edited and the grade is very pleasing to the eyes. Cheers mate.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I really liked this episode as well. Thanks for your kind words! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@MicaiahKoh]

It never ceases to amaze me how the folks at TCSTV get their hands on new gear so quickly.

[@zhuohuanli683]

It is so nice to see you guys in 3 years ago video.! Love ya

[@kerhst]

Ahhh, so Canadian. Love it. You guys keep making us proud. Can't wait for mine to come in. Moving up from a D700 so all of the improvements will be that much more appreciated by me.

[@tptrsn]

Another fantastically shot, acted, and edited video! You guys are amazing for putting out consistently great stuff. My question is about the A7s: Some of the video quality in this one was really nice, but there were some places where the image of the speaker was quite muddy. Especially some of the footage of you Jordan. Did Chris miss focus by a bit, or is the video just not consistently fantastic? I can't wait to see the comparison between the A7s and the GH4, I am absolutely in love with my GH4, but the low light potential of the A7s is interesting... Oh, Jordan, assuming you use a video monopod a lot, what model is your favorite?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Thanks Hammerhaus! The shots of me speaking were just out of focus. You can see that the background is sharper. If you hit your exposure and focus, the A7S video is consistently brilliant. I use an old Manfrotto 561B HDV monopod, which is discontinued. The MVH500 is the replacement. I can't recommend those enough! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@tptrsn]

TheCameraStoreTV Thanks Jordan! I did think that the focus seemed to be somewhere other than on you in those shots. :) Do you like the MHV500 as much as the 561B HDV, or should I try to scam a used 561BHDV? How about Benros? Sorry for the offtopic! Lol Oh wait, one more offtopic, are you guys planning a GH4 vs. A7s? Thanks!!!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Hammerhaus Kennel I prefer the MVH500, it has a longer quick release mount, so it's easier to balance bigger video cameras and long lenses. The tilt release is also more solid on the MVH500. I just need my 561B to break so I can upgrade... I briefly tested a benro, but found that the pan action was a bit stiffer than the Manfrottos. A7S vs GH4 video is coming, once we get a Shogun and I can test the 4K output of each camera. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@tptrsn]

TheCameraStoreTV Thanks Jordan, looks like I have my next purchase picked out then! ;)

[@basstheangelo]

TheCameraStoreTV Jordan, I'm using MVH500AH for my video work. You're right. They're the best.

[@AgnostosGnostos]

The Contax N digital of 2000 was the first full frame digital cameras and had a native ISO 25. So low ISO was never repeated on cameras with interchangeable lenses. The Nikon D810 has a native ISO 64 which offers greater dynamic range manipulation with Lightroom and better colors. That low native ISO has been followed with the Nikon D850 and Nikon Z7 and is unique in cameras with interchangeable lenses today.

[@bhalongtv9566]

9m99 .

[@martinbenford3442]

Nikon d810 - One of the best cameras for photography

[@AdamLoretz]

Great work, funny and informative. Welcome back Jordan. Chris, I hope you have a licence for that awesome quiff!

[@EDCGadgets]

It's fine for me when Chris flips compact cameras, like a G7X. But holy hell, he is even flipping a D810?? :D

[@shropshire21]

I am glad to see you are feeling better Jordan.

[@Rationalific]

Thoroughly enjoyable video yet again! You guys do the best camera reviews! By the way, how about a "Sony A77 II" review?

[@videoman1965]

You guys have the best reviews hands down ,thank you .

[@greybash]

At 3:41, alternative universe Chris and Jordan walk by in the background...

[@Jo-np7rr]

😄

[@donmariano5489]

Watching this in 2022😁😂

[@questioneverything680]

2024

[@Sigfofosauer]

2024. Chris and Jordan used to be skinny just 9 years ago. 😯

[@ObelixCMM]

Welcome back Jordan!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Good to be back in action! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@ForViewingOnly]

Yay, slo-mo in the intro! I love slo-mo! Anyone else love slo-mo?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Everyone loves Slo-Mo!

[@ForViewingOnly]

TheCameraStoreTV I love you guys, you made my day! :-)

[@andyandycapt7947]

I bought one of these a little over two months ago and its the only full frame camera out of 8 that I own. this thing is fantastic. I was going for the 750 but with all the recalls and downtime, not knowing whos tearing it down, I figured it was a good time to put a full frame in my line up. I already had a bunch of batteries and a lot of my glass is full frame d and pre d so I grabbed it. the first lens I put on it was a 24 - 105mm f/4 sigma and I was so impressed I almost dropped it. what a great match up. then I put a Tokina 100 2.8 on it and holy crap. I got great shots with this on my 7200 and the macro was pure perfect. then I started going through my old glass and I'm here to tell you its incredibly sharp. don't miss out on this one gang.

[@KenCheng]

If it's a stop advantage over the D800/E, that's a lot IMO.

[@PeeHooo]

Maybe in jpeg but not in raw.

[@paintfacezor]

Got mine on Amazon today has the best price at the moment www.amazon.com/Nikon-D810s-FX-format-Digital-Camera/dp/B00LAJQVR6/?tag=techjok-20

[@Mew_York_Kitty]

@@paintfacezor Got mine from eBay $1350 BRAND NEW!😎

[@basstheangelo]

Jordan, what lens did you use on your Sony Alpha 7s here? BTW, Welcome back, Jordan! :)

[@EpocaLibera]

I am a D800 owner and I find that one very important question is still not answered: Is D810 capable of shooting real Full Frame video (like 5D3 does) or it shoots the "FX-based movie format" like D800 - D800E which is not real FX video? (D800, D800E shoot video only in 1,3x crop mode named "FX-based movie format" and in 1,5x crop mode named "DX-based movie format"). I would appreciate an answer to my question.

[@EpocaLibera]

Finally I have found the answer: (Unlike 5D3) D810 is not capable of shooting Full Frame 1:1 video. If for example you shoot video with a 24 mm lens, the lens will not behave as 24mm, as a narrower field of view (not only in the height for obtaining the 16:9 but also in the width) of the lens will be used by D810 for the video. (This has nothing to do with the picture shooting of D810). The information appeared yet only in the Nikon-Asia website: When using the "FX-based movie format" of D810, "the width of the image area is approx. 91% of that in the still image FX format".

[@Elmex_1]

It's still better than what D800s do then? I wouldn't worry too much about the crop factors, and would instead value that image quality that D750/D800s/D810 can bring over 5d3. Yes, they're all much better video image quality than 5d3. Look for good videos shot with both or a comparison of videos shot with both , and you will see that all the nikon cameras show more detail in the video mode.

[@EpocaLibera]

Sorry i will not agree with you.

[@Elmex_1]

***** Agree with me on what? That nikon don't have better quality video? Canon shooters are forced to use the Magic Lantern to get any proper video out of their 5D3, whilst D810 and nikons can do good video straight out of the camera, with better details and dynamic range. I think you're belittling what your camera is capable. Have you tried what a Sigma 50 Art lens can do to a D800E?

[@Elmex_1]

Have a look at this if you think D8xx series doesn't do good video www.eoshd.com/comments/topic/7173-nikon-d810-video-quality-leapfrogs-canon-5d-mark-iii/?page=2

[@vintageprinciples]

Great review as usual you guys! I grew up in Calgary and it's cool to see you around town testing new hear. The D810 is still the size and weight of 2 bricks glued together. For 95%+ of camera shooters (besides the studio, commercial, and landscape crowd) I think the DSLR days are numbered. The quality of images and ISO performance from these smaller camera bodies has really caught up to the DSLRs twice their size and they no longer offer the same advantage. It will be interesting to see if Nikon and Canon are still the major players in 5-10 years. Thanks again!

[@natashanicole7408]

Great foresight

[@paulhills1967]

Superb video guys - thanks for all your great work.

[@bokeflo]

Great review of the Nikon D810 guys. Looks like a great camera but I think I'm leaning towards the Nikon D750 as my next camera.

[@marcusdolman9996]

Great review guys! Keep up the good work!

[@JaggysnakeClientTube]

Nice crisp sound on your lapel mics. What are you using/ recording on?

[@agoniavr]

What's that plastic thing on the monitor? A cover probably but what's its name? Oh and where is your store located?

[@jeylful]

Great video, guys! Thanks for putting this together.

[@enyceckk1o11]

What about the Software Developers Kit (SDK)? Is it like magic lantern for Nikon?

[@76honda76]

I started out w nikon for many years. Last one was the d800. Loved it but switched to mrk III bc I need the fast focus and speed. But honestly, nikon has way better dynamic range and better ISO for shooting at night. But I love my mark III of coarse. Might switch back to nikon when they come out w a d900? : )

[@fotolookconde]

I am looking to buy one... And we are now in 2021!!!

[@hawg427]

I have noticed that in the US the 810 is not being sold with the grip, CF card and other goodies like the 800& 800E were. Nikon is giving the customer a rebate card to use at the store you purchased the 810 from. I wonder why B&H & Adorama are not going the old route? This one looks like a winner to me :-) I'm glad I waited and didn't keep the 800E.

[@ThinkCriticallyNow]

Excellent review as usual guys, thanks.

[@dharmiksoni2896]

So nice review.... i want to ask that which lense is used this camera in this video??

[@sin3rgy]

Since Jordan was using the A7S to film, does that mean an A7S video review is incoming? I'm debating on whether or not to get one to replace my a99 for video.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Once we get an Atomos Shogun, I'll be doing a video shootout between the GH4 and A7S. I've shot a couple episodes with each camera, so I have some opinions. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@sin3rgy]

TheCameraStoreTV That fantastic, thx for the quick reply Jordan! That's exactly the two camera's I'm back and forth on. Most of my co-workers have gone to GH4s but I like the DOF of FF

[@artpear66]

Hey guys, I love your review. Thanks. I have a question... I have the chance to buy a D800 Open Box from Best Buy for $1800 while the D810 is $3300. Is the D810 worth the price difference ? Thank you in advance...

[@Agoode-xo3un]

Nice Work as always Guys but in your opinion what is the best DSLR out there. I hear the D610 is better then the D800 and if the D810 is a little better then the D800E why would somebody pay 1300 dollars more for the D810 over the D610.

[@bohemianphotographer6843]

I own the d800 and im very happy with it .. i need a second body and i was considering the d810 .. in the end ill go for the d610 working with them for the next 2 3 years when nikon will put on the market a real new camera ..

[@just_eirik]

What is the name of that strap you used in this video?

[@ObelixCMM]

Looks like "Gordy’s Camera Strap"

[@just_eirik]

Thanks! Those looked great, so I ordered one.

[@Wendyiss]

those guys in the back at 6:13 haha

[@2136enrique]

Omg😂

[@ebbfccbdf]

Another great review from TCS.

[@roozbehbey]

Great video, Curious to see what was the lens on the D810?

[@pr3tender]

Very nice strap... What is the name?

[@sumangal16]

what camera was used to shoot this video itself ??

[@Jing_Photography]

Excuse me ! Mr. Matt...may you give me some idea..? now I using Canon 6D with 85 F1.2 and 70-200 II...and I really interest with Nikon D800...so should I move to Nikon ? please kindly advice and give me the right way...thx

[@6-string6string13]

You guys think the next generation 810 say 820 or 900 is around the corner before Black Friday ? Is it rumored the missing factors of the D810 and more will be in it ? Thanks for such professional reviews. I am about to pull the trigger on one and I sure want to make a good decision on a 5000 purchase of body and glass.

[@EverythingFilmmaking]

+Jimmy Page I doubt it..Just the D400 and D5 in early 2016

[@6-string6string13]

Thanks and what will D400 offer ? The D5 will be 7000 probably

[@carerra911]

Is there anyway to show the information inside the viewfinder, whats changed etc, maybe nothing?

[@bigmaxcc]

which one should i buy ??? nikon d750 or d810 canon 5dmark 3

[@CheeekyCarley]

+bigmaxcc 750 if youre on a budget, 810 if you want to go all out, if you plan on buying better glass go nikon

[@hoppefan]

I'm thinking about getting a new camera.. Always kinda wanted the Sony a 77. Now that there is a predecessor I need your help. There is like 600 bucks in price difference and I'm thinking if the a77II is worth that money, cause the a77 is a fantastic camera on its own.. So: is it worth upgrading to it's predecessor?

[@2eZfOru]

What is the name of the belt/hip bag worn by the left guy at 0:40?

[@truthkeeperfilms]

3-Years later, its still one of the best overall cameras. The HD video is 50x better than that of the D800. The noise levels are better. The dynamic range is better. The high iso is better. The low ISO is better. Firmware is better. The feel of the camera is better. The focusing is better. Its not a mire improvement, its a huge improvement.

[@Beatsuite]

Excellent choice of music, even if we do say so ourselves!

[@baker2niner]

The whip cracks were a little tame. Not enough ee hah, in'em

[@TolumniaMC]

Right! I loved it

[@SethParr]

Very informative and very entertaining. I'm subscribing!

[@51equinox]

Is it possible to set multiple ISOs? For example have it capture low and high ISO in one single frame, and combine it (ie. half the sensor pixels captured one ISO, the other half of pixels capture the second ISO). This would be great as it would let me take photos indoors where it's very dark inside yet very bright outside through windows. I wonder if this kind of thing exists or not, and if not why? Seems like a useful feature... Some cameras I know allow for a HDR mode but the camera has to take 2 or 3 separate photos, which doesn't work well if theres motion.

[@allanesquillo]

What was the lens attached on the 810?

[@jonbilson1641]

With a preference for stills, but wanting quality video, Gh4 or D810?

[@carmas54]

how's the video quality on the 810 vs the 7d mark ll?

[@kalelissuperman]

Hi, I finally got my d810. and one feature i was looking forward was the DX crop option (more for the tele-conversion radio 1.5) but when shooting in FX and DX I get exactly the same result. Is there a defect in the camera or is a matter of setting. Your insight is truly appreciate it.

[@Josurf808]

Is the refresh rate when zoomed into live view still bad?

[@carerra911]

Thanks for your review, I'm really interested to hear more about the clarity inside the viewfinder, I'm considering upgrading from my D800E, i know its small but there's somethings Im so interested in like the shutter, I'm convinced that some of my images on my D800E portraits are slightly out of focus due to the mirror, I could be wrong

And that's why you guys are the best.

[@kevinburke4197]

As always, a great review. Thanks.

[@朱古力-x8n]

The screen is rgbw lcd not oled display. The viewfinder information uses the new oled display

[@tumwinefaizo7081]

Hi My d810 isn't being sharp on subjects and focus is not good could there be any possible solutions for this problem

[@vladimirivanov6353]

very fun and perfect review camera!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@hawg427]

My D810 should be here today :-) Sharpness wise how would you compare the Nikon 70-200 2.8 zoom to the time honored Nikon 180 2.8 lens? Also I have been looking at these Nikon W.A Zooms, the Nikon 24-70 2.8 & the Nikon 16-35 f4 and the Nikon 17-35 f2.8 Let's hear your Two Cents worth :-)

[@HenryPiffpaff]

Hey TCSTV, what about your New Year's resolution to shoot all videos drunk? I'm still watching your Best and Worst of 2013 vid and would love to see a successor! ;)

[@garamirezm]

Is the Nikon D810 a good buy for October 2019?

[@garamirezm]

@Andreas Oparnica I'm on it!

[@wonderwall135]

So you won't use the fs700 anymore?

[@lanndonkane]

can you comment on the dynamic range? the dynamic range of the d800 is probably my favourite feature. does the d810 seem to have even more?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We weren't able to process the RAW files when we shot this, so we're not sure. I'll check when we get Lightroom support. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@lanndonkane]

TheCameraStoreTV very helpful thanks!

[@kurtstory9466]

To my eyes at 1080p, the D800E looks slightly sharper @ 5:48. But, scaled from the center, the image displayed for the D800E is ~ 2% smaller. Compensating for that discrepancy, and measuring where the converging lines turn to black, the results look the same. But video resolution may easily be the limiting factor here. Links to full-res test images? You'll get linked back to your store. :)

[@gewglesux]

Currently I shoot with a D3.... I thought that I might like to change up to the 810. I wonder if it is possible to go from a D3 to an 810? I'm 3/4 on the way to a D4S. I think that in a few more months I'll have one... Unless I go with a 810.. The main thing for me is the Low light of the D4S VS the 810...

[@carlodeguzman5967]

6:13 was the best moment of this video

[@jerrimaracuna5421]

Hey Jordan Im curious. In this video ow are you capturing vocal audio from Chris, I dont see him wearing a lav.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

+Jer A He has a lavalier capsule hidden under his shirt, in a Rode Invislav. I really like keeping the lav out of the shot. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@allenconners5747]

Early Black Friday deal on the Nikon D810 with USA Warranty on ebay.to/2geaR9R

[@AirwaneGaming]

So what's his Canon Equivalent?

[@SamwelMisungwi]

🔥 I appreciate your work 🇹🇿

[@krokees23057]

LOVE THE INTRO!!!

[@flatulent-1]

Damn, I haven't been to the Stampede since 1974. I may have to make my way up there one of these years...

[@LarsSteenhoff]

What is the bitrate on a 24 p video from the d810?

[@krokees23057]

WHAT LENSE ARE YOU USING???

[@jimeetpawaskar]

Is that a 24-120 f4 lenses?

[@AndrewHollywood]

Another great review.

[@ChristD69]

My dream camera ! I shot with de Nikon D90 and i 'm so crazy of the D810 .

[@alexandergomes3317]

D90 compared to a d800s is like a Toyota camry to a Bentley. .different class sir@

[@GetOutsideYourself]

Great time to look for an 800e used.

[@mschocker7]

Love your videos. I'm wondering where your mic is for this video.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We use a Sony UWP-V130 wireless system, with the mic capsule in a Rode Inivisilav. This lets us put the mic under Chris' shirt, but with no fabric noises. We've been using it the last few episodes. Jordan @ TCSTV

[@mschocker7]

Awesome!! I'm a broadcaster in the Air Force. I'm going to check there out for my shop for sure.

[@GetOutsideYourself]

TheCameraStoreTV I've noticed that the sound has been great lately.

[@thiha_dev]

Is there any D610 Hand-on field test?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Not a full field test, just this comparison with the D600 (which features one of my favourite TCSTV montages). kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaXFmKyAnM55Zq8 Jordan @ TCSTV

[@Mrlolibre]

I'm not a Nikon user ,but for those that are how do you feel about Nikon releasing so many iterations of same camera especially at different intervals? D800/D800E/D810.

[@hawg427]

I think Nikon is FINALLY listening to it's users for once. LOL Nice upgrades.

[@EgamiPhotography]

you missed an important feature, what about live view performance in low light, d800 has a very bad interpolation making it almost unusable , any improvement in D810?

[@LarsSteenhoff]

I think there is

[@aussie8114]

Still using my D810 in 2020 and won’t be swapping it any time soon.

[@mp4podcastDOTcom]

Really like the image from the video Jordon Sony A7S.

[@jcruzfoto]

Great job guys. Love the theme :)

[@markromulo4621]

What is better? Canon 5DSR or Nikon D810? Thanks!

[@bigmaxcc]

Mark Dominic Romulo D810 dynamic range is better

[@Frosty_357]

Sony a7+ 24-70 Ziess or Nikon D810 .? Please help.

[@MayoChiii]

how did he activate this new shutter mechanism at number 10?

[@golf007sd2]

Nicely done guys....cheers :D

[@nicholasdanca3643]

Mirror or mirror less its up to you depends on what you shoot

[@marque27]

No mention of the small RAW capabilities? To me that is the biggest selling point of this camera.

[@thetonymachado]

what lens were you shooting with?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Nikkor AF-S 24-120 F4.

[@thetonymachado]

Thanks!

[@Camrographer]

I have the D800, and I'm curious as to how much of these features are just firmware upgrades. I find it hard to believe that all of these improvements are due to engineering.

[@asadb1990]

no one mentioned whether or not aperture can be controlled during recording?

[@EbrahimSaadawii]

It can. Nikon is marketing this feature as "power aperture". It even works during recording. Glad they finally fixed it and hope they do it on their low-end bodies!

[@asadb1990]

Ebrahim Saadawi Yeah that was a big gripe of mine for the nikon cameras. glad they fixed it.

[@treasureislandofworld]

Great Video !