D800 vs Medium Format with Roth and Ramberg

With its groundbreaking image quality for a 35mm digital camera, the Nikon D800 has been compared to digital medium format camera systems. To look into these comparisons The Camera Store's Chris Niccolls went out with Michelle Ramberg and Dale Roth or Roth and Ramberg to compare the D800 to a Hasselblad, widely considered the best digital cameras ever produced.
See how the D800 stacks up against the Hasselblad H4D-40 in this extensive test.
Special Thanks to Dale Roth, Michelle Ramberg, London Barbers, Mark Langridge and the talented crew that made this shoot possible.
Please note that KZbin compression may make it difficult to see small differences in image quality. Trust Dale and Michelle.
Shot and Edited by Jordan Drake
Filmed on a Panasonic AF100

[@gerdstuemer2181]

Yeah, really interesting review. It´s interesting to see that there are "experts" who really try to tell you that they can look at an iMac which has an sRGB screen with an 8bit graphics card and tell you they can actually see the difference between a 14 and a 16 bit raw. They compare a 16000 shades raw against a 65000 shades raw on a 256 shade monitor/gaphics card and try to tell us they can see the difference. Impressive

[@jkusui]

"A lot of times we'll go on location with our Canon or our Nikon and someone will have the exact same camera. And that's something we can't have as professionals." That has to be one of the most ridiculous statements. Afraid that someone can get a better shot with the same camera?

[@S.D1010]

that photographer was really pissed whenever the d800 was better at something :D

[@semyono11783]

The fact that they state that they need to "one up" other photographers who show up at their locations with their gear means they are not "photographers" in the first place. Good photography is based on light manipulation and composition.

[@mr.tarkovish2587]

This☝🏻

[@RobertoAyalaFotografo]

Someone needs to tell the photographer that "showing off" a better camera does not make him a better photographer.

[@theblackjackchannel1082]

But in this way clients perceive him as a better photographer

[@jasonthomason3541]

You can tell the photographer is grasping at straws as to why the Hassleblad is better. Like they are defending their Hasselblad like no other. Then again, if I dumped $12,000 on a camera body only to realize that a $3,000 body came along and could get away with the same results, I'd be defensive too.

[@emmetkowler]

Even in 2017, post-D850, this video is still a fascinating test

[@kishascape]

D850 stupid

[@robogobo]

"Because somebody else might have the same camera, and we can't have that." Oh my god what? I think that's the definition of kit snob.

[@Animaduniversum]

I thinks it's a lot about differentiating oneself from amateurs with expensive gear in the eyes of costumers. Costumers often judge photographers by their gear. Sad but true.

[@CHixon]

If the Hasselblad owners weren't so arrogant the guy with the mic would have behaved too.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

The D800E had not yet started shipping when we filmed this video. You can see our comparison of the D800E with the Pentax 645D on our channel. The Pentax has very similar image quality to the Hasselblad H4D-40. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@Jonhillenbrandphotography]

You guys didn't mention which camera calibration you were using for the two cameras in LR which makes a huge difference in how you interpret skin tones, shadow and highlight detail. Dale Roth said that he needs to keep shooting medium format so that he can keep those skin tones. But none of you seemed to explore the capabilities of the D800 in that area. Who shoots raw and doesn't edit their images? But probably the most telling comment at the end was by Dale Roth who said that the client can't have the same camera that we are shooting with. To me, that kind of dedication to an illusion is what brought down Kodak. And rightfully so.

[@jasonthomason3541]

I really don't understand that statement. Several successful photographers have a D5000 but they take better pictures than many people with the same camera. It's all about the photographer, not about the camera. If you're that worried about having a camera that nobody else can get, you should probably give up photography.

[@BallardPhotoVideo]

***** On the other hand if you show up to shoot a wedding with a T3i and kit lens I would be irritated lol of course this comparison is the value of a car difference though which is goofy in the first place

[@Jonhillenbrandphotography]

Sam Ballard I agree. I wouldn't place the D800 on the level of the T3i, but I get your meaning. I've shot two-page magazine ads with the D800 and have had great success. But I was fully prepared to defend the quality of the camera since it looks so small. I wouldn't mind Nikon coming out with a D4X with the sensor of the D810 but which shoots 11 fps and 4k video.

[@BallardPhotoVideo]

+ totally agree, and I def. understand the size compromise thoughts people have. We should petition Nikon for that =p

[@brendant19]

***** You're not wrong, but it's often entirely dependent on what it is that you're doing. I use a number of arguably unnecessary specialty items in my work because it makes the job go faster, smoother and increases the number of good images I can make in an hour. Can I produce good work without any extras? Of course, but if I am making good money and a piece of equipment is going to make things easier, why would I avoid it like it's a badge of honour? Take architecture/interiors for instance. Can you shoot them without a geared head? Yes. Can you shoot them without a TS lens? Yes. But if that's your specialty and it's in the budget, why would you want to and for what reason? The faster and smoother a shoot goes the better it is for everyone. I don't think anyone should shit on the guy using a D5000 if it works for him, but it's not going to be the best tool for everyone. That's why there is and has always been such a wide variety of options available.

[@Orcinus24x5]

In any business, regardless if it's photography or not, perceived impressions by your clients are -EXTREMELY- important. If someone is paying you thousands of dollars for a photo shoot and then one of their employees happens to drop by with the exact same gear, that client is going to think to themselves "wtf? did I just hire some amateur?" I know that the final product is important to the photographer, but to the client, first impressions and professionalism are just as important if not moreso.

[@mr.tarkovish2587]

Yeah the thing is no clients even know the difference between a d800 and a Hass

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Dale explained it to me this way: "If we show up to shoot an executive with a D800, there's a good chance he'll own one or a similar camera. When he sees us with the same camera, he will wonder why he's paying so much money for us to take his picture, as opposed to any other cheaper photographer. Perception is very important for high-end photography. Dale and Michelle can afford to shoot with the best gear, so why wouldn't they? Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@notstonedmason]

best mic guy ever

[@soapmeridius]

TROOPER

[@gerdstuemer2181]

If skin tones are that important to them, why don´t they profile the cameras first? The whole video is sn insult to the intelligence of the viewer. "It does´t compare at all" of course, because this is no real comparism. Please get the right people for the job, think a lot and do the whole thing correctly and if you want to compare sharpness, use an OTUS or Sigma Art instead of a 400$ Standard lens.

[@NotMitch69]

Well, that was uncomfortable...

[@Jokker88]

If your raw file is flat that means the sensor was able to capture the entire dynamic range of the scene and you can add the precise amount of contrast you want in post. If your RAW is contrasty that means it only almost, or did not capture the entire dynamic range, and if you try to pull back the contrast you will notice clipped highlights.

[@ChamberlainCody]

This video should discourage NO ONE I have sold prints from my iPhone! And my main camera is a t3i I actually switched from a 7d because I didn't need all it has to offer and Im able to pull beautiful images out of this camera.:)

[@Dombowerphoto]

An art director was required for those shit photos? Hair on the floor... Requires a 40mp medium format £30,000 camera..... Ha!

[@101jumpit]

Spot on Dom !!!

[@Freepepsi42]

I find this really funny considering you probably didn't take the time to check out their portfolio before, you know, talking shit about what they do.

[@Freepepsi42]

Ridley Disambiguation Yeah maybe you should take a look at their portfolio here roth-ramberg.squarespace.com , let's see yours...

[@DividedLine]

Daniel Pryce Their portfolio is gorgeous.

[@Freepepsi42]

fstoppers.com/education/dont-be-annoying-whiny-photographer-social-media-57203 You guys should take a read... Stop being that guy...

[@jkcrespo91]

I love their attitude... We can't have the same camera as someone else on site?! We need to be better?! (Arrogant much?) I'm pretty sure I could easily find someone a lot better shooting canon or Nikon

[@93thelema777]

It seems arrogant , but you've also got to account for the perceptions of their customers . At the end of the day it's economical for these types of studio photographers to present a professional image , even if it's purely superficial . Presenting a particular image is important for a business . It doesnt hurt to look professional . I'm not saying he's not arrogant though .

[@gustavocampos1969]

this was the BEST review I've seen on internet, not just about the D800, but overall. Congratulations! And from now on, just subscribed!!! :)

[@rjhouse93]

Can't say I agree with the comment about having to have the best gear possible because someone on the shoot might have the same camera you do. You can have all the best gear but still take a worse photo than Chase Jarvis with an Iphone.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

+Robert Houseman Right, but the clients are paying a very high premium for the best commercial photographers in the region, they don't want those people showing up with the same camera they own. Perception is a huge part of the commercial photography business, and Roth and Ramberg have done so well because they create stunning images AND bring gear to a shoot that other companies can't provide. Check out their website if you doubt their abilities: www.rothandramberg.com/ Jordan @ TCSTV

[@rjhouse93]

+TheCameraStoreTV I am not doubting their ability. I just caution others that view this and think they have to get the best of the best to make great images. The only reason I say this is because I perceived that specific comment as saying if you want to be taken seriously you need the highest end gear. It's a sad fact that exists in this world.

[@joekrepps]

+Robert Houseman Yes. Sadly so true. My work is hardly the most glamorous or demanding. I shoot new & used vehicles for the 2nd largest car dealer group in York Co. (Pa.). My "competition" isn't another photographer but a dealer who's content handing an iPod Touch or a Point & Shoot from Wal-Mart to their Detail/Clean-up guys. My Nikon D5300 isn't the most impressive camera out there but, wearing a DSLR around my neck with the bright yellow "Nikon" on the neck strap gives me a degree of credibility....and, hopefully, some job security. I still hope they'll hire me as a full-time employee, complete with a modest camera budget. I'm well over 100k on the shutter count in less than 2 years.

[@hitoshir4886]

The Lens of Hasselblad H4D-40 is POOR. So, the Result is POOR. Hasselblad H4D-40, itself is excellent. The Lens of the Nikon D800 and the Nikon D800 , both are excellent

[@dphotos007]

I have been in this business since the 80's and all my old film RZ's and 4x5 sit in my closet. I shoot with the 5D Mark ll and lll. Most of my work is editorial. I did get more respect at a shoot with bigger film cameras than in today's time but in the end it is the image you deliver that gets the recognition, respect and further work.

[@DrummingSpain]

This poor presenter had to tip-toe through this comparison just in case he offended these rich freaks. And anyway, the D800 looks super cool, the medium format something from 1975

[@razorseal]

I agree with you 100% Ridiculous...

[@_Chantelle]

Like watching into a a clothing store full of snobs...awkward lol

[@PsyDei]

And it didn't matter, I totally believe that they talked shit about him when he left.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I couldn't agree more! Dale and Michelle have every reason to be arrogant, with their portfolio, but they are some of the most down to Earth, fun photographers I've met. They may have been a bit more stiff when a camcorder is pointed at them, but the impressions of many people on here are off the mark. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@ThePunisher005]

Hats off for this video, well setup, tests were done really carefully, I'm really impressed with how close the D800 can get to MF legendary camera... Technically speaking the results were so close that its really hard to distinguish the difference, keeping into consideration that the amount of skin tones will not really matter when you start printing, as you loose allot in colors and resolution in that process. Having said that as professional you cant carry same gear like anyone else, and i do agree that professionals needs to have their own gear. Thanks for the video its really amazing.

[@Rayth69]

There is nothing objective about this review. You took 2 "professionals" who spent a fortune on, and built their business around their MF cameras, and asked them to compare it to a FF camera 1/10 of the price. So let me fix that for you: For 99% of the professionals out there the D800 (or the D810) is more than enough in both resolution and detail, and if you can't fix a "reddish hue" in post, than you have no business working in professional photography. So yes, in a way the D800/810 is a "MF killer" because only the very small percentage of pro's really need to go MF anymore. As a matter of fact, unless you need high ISO for your work, you can actually do pro work with an APS-C sized sensor. Yes, they've gotten that good. But as long as there are people who are willing to dish out tens of thousands of dollars on a pro camera just for that 2% better IQ, there will be companies making them.

[@MRTOWELRACK]

I know right! Old comment but I'd add that even in-camera as well, tint can (and often should) be calibrated for.

[@TheBabyBobot]

Thank you for this video, I am now a proud owner of a Hassy H5D40. Matched that with Broncolor lighting for truly awesome Tones and color reproduction made my money back in 4months of ownership. Sweetest part I am shooting less, and reprinting and licensing more.

[@bigdaddy4302]

TheBabyBobot good for you, n00b

[@Houstontexxxas]

Wow! This was a lot of work! Thank you so much for doing this, your results were fantastic. Great job on an VERY interesting and informative video. Thanks again

[@mygoodstuffreviewed]

Very interesting comparision. Judging by what I saw, rather than what they said, I'd go for the D800 over the Hasselblad even if they were the same price. What seems to be true, based on lots of reviews like this, is just how closely you have to look to see any significant difference between decent cameras these days. I rather suspect most of us just don't need - and wouldn't really notice - the slight difference you'd get in everyday shooting.

[@KocaMetallec]

TNX Guys for these FANTASTIC and no ordinary comparison ! Keep up the fantastic work! I'm glad I'm one of your subscribers :)

[@patolobos8266]

Hope you can make the same D800 versus the new Fujifilm medium format.

[@danijell6539]

At 16:18 the guy sums it all up in one sentence, we must have something better than amateurs when we appear for shooting. I don't understand how companies like Hasselblad survive these days when you can have outstanding image quality from cameras costing less than a $1000. Even crop sensors today are stellar stuff with a good prime lens on.

[@charlesajking]

The best you can say is that he is, at least, honest about the need to game the client in order to justify their fees. I'm sure there are plenty of art directors out there dumb enough to believe that you need a $30k camera to take decent photos, and that's the market to which they have to cater.

[@AminTheMystic]

A lot depends on the respective lenses - as you get different level of detail. There is huge difference between using a lens like CZ Outs and a kit lens.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We would have, however we still have not received a D800E. We will be doing some testing with the D800E very soon, however. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@sjs2657g]

If you Nikon owners think that Michelle Ramberg and Dale Roth are pretentious, you can't hear yourselves. They stated that they don't use the 40 MP Hasselblad, but instead have the 50 MP and 60 MP version. Besides the 75% added resolution, the color Bit-depth is also almost 20% higher. They are being paid to do better than any fool with a DSLR can do. And by your inability to see the difference between being a professional portrait photographer and someone who shoot nice photos with a $3000 camera, is on par with someone saying Natural light tastes just as good as a Pilsner Urquell.

[@atyl1972]

dudes and dudettes, there's hardly a minute difference in skin tones, and especially resolution between the cameras in question here, seems like the commercial photographers weren't ever buying into the fact that the Nikon could be ANYWHERE near in comparison to the medium format, but in reality they will always post product anyway, seems like for them it was the tethering that was holding them back, d800 all day long for me anyways, loving it especially at the price point it is for the full frame Nikon

[@AgnostosGnostos]

For the average user who knows very little about raw files processing a cheap APS-C SLR with 14bit raw files or an expensive medium format camera with 16bit raw files deliver the same results. However 16bit raw files deliver greater adjustment of the dynamic range with Lightroom and that is very obvious with files. Medium format cameras with 16bit raw files aren't cheap. Even the quite affordable Fujifilm GFX 40S or the smaller GFX 40R deliver only 14bit raw files. From the new cameras the cheapest option for 16bit raw files is the small Hasselblad X1D II 50C and afterwards the Fujifilm GFX 100 with the impressive 100MP and sensor stabilization. The much older but relatively cheap Pentax 645Z or Pentax 645D deliver only 14bit raw files too.

[@layZ2BPnoy]

No doubt the Hasselblad H4D-40 is superior from a professional standpoint regardless of the Nikon D800's outstanding image quality & overall performance. Professionals like the one's in this video need that extra range in color & detail. In the end, however, it all boils down to the subject & the clientele that it's for. The majority of professional, high-end full frame DSLR users don't need all that extra information in their images because the audience/clientele won't be able to tell if the shot was with a DSLR or a Medium Format. At the end of the day, that insane price difference for such a minimal image improvement is hardly worth it in my honest opinion. I do understand that the more information stored on the image in the first place warrants less post processing in the end but for that amount of money just hire someone to photoshop/lightroom the hell out those images lol. In all seriousness, there are those that demand the highest image detail with a deadline so I guess in that case, the medium format cameras would be the best way to go. Most likely in other cases though ... if a professional photographer took 100 pictures with both cameras, put the raw files into the computer, then shuffled them all up ... without looking at the EXIF data, I bet most people professional or not would have a difficult time matching picture to the camera it was taken on.

[@WhittyPics]

I want to know how the D800 stacks up against different film formats like 4X5 or 8X10 sheet film.

[@NathanElson]

I'd be more interested in seeing your work, please do post a link, because I am assuming you must be amazing.

[@portsmouth24568]

I think that the comment suggesting that as pro-photographers it was expected that they had better kit was spot on for the reasons for not liking the D800. The Hasselblad tones were stunning.

[@schumionbike]

Yeah, that happen to me before, I was shooting an event with my D90, and one of the guest asked what it was and she said she have a D700. The D700 and D300 type of camera and below isn't uncommon among amateur or people who just can simply afford it. It doesn't mean that they will take better photo but it does avoid arkward moments. Btw, I do pro-grade gears as far as lenses and such but it's just that I use the D90 with it. Time to get a grip :)

[@Full_Deflection]

I'd be curious to see the results when compared to the D810.

[@jokelovers481]

no difference I have both

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Yes, it's still coming.

[@likeawhispr]

If you listened with understanding you'd recall that what he said regarding having the same camera as another photographer (meaning someone using a typical DSLR for work that would benefit using a more capable rig) is "... in a way that's more important". Which is something most commercial shooters know EXACTLY what he meant.

[@LMoProVisualComm]

WOW!!! seven years ago and this was painful to watch as a professional creative today...

[@frankgregoryii5646]

The lady had the nerve to say that the D800 looked washed out when it was the other way around to me. The Hassey looked flat and washed out. I think the skin looked good too.

[@TheOverlordOfProcrastination]

Awesome review, and the feinting at the finale was laugh out loud hilarious because you guys looked....frankly amused. I just hope that poor guy is ok. Niceeeee.

[@ionyou]

What with the guy that keeps passing out? Is that from the Hasselblad's price tag?

[@raptor2285]

Yes, but we're looking at RAW files. You want your raw file to have as much information as possible, and in this case the Hassie has way more colour information and a better flat image for post processing. When they are looking at the photos of the hair on the ground for sharpness, notice how much flatter the blad photo is. That's a good thing because it gives you more tonal information to play with in processing.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Depends on the format, but between 75 & 85mm. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

You're right, to an extent. But in that segment (fashion, beauty) the Hasselblad user's argument is perfectly valid. There is a number of things that distinguish the high-end photography; this is one of them. That said, the fact is that under controlled lighting (and enough of it) the Medium Format cameras will produce better images with reduced colour shifts (a hassle to even out in post- sometimes), greater colour depth and dynamic range.

[@Kalavere]

I've just discovered TheCameraStoreTV, what an amazing channel. I LOVE watching these videos!

[@fishnose1]

THIS is how a useful comparative test is done!! Thanks guys!

[@Veightsc]

95% of my clients don't know crap about photography and/or cameras. Those that did, when they came into my studio and asked why was I not using the Hassys(which were sitting in the corner). I replied because my Canon 1D IV was much better quality wise, but the real reason was that they were film cameras. They believed me anyway just as long as they were very happy with the results. The point is cameras are tools, brand-name cameras like Hassy do not bring me clients, but my photography skills do

[@NikollJP]

True, no one has any reason or right to be. I think Jordan is saying they could be based on how awesome their work is, but they are actually really sincere people.

[@cadmus777]

Excellent presenter, kept them in the discussion and didn't get them offside at all. And the two 'experts' were absolutely nowhere near as douchey as the other comments make them out to be, and their conclusions showed that. The iPad and laptop don't need to be calibrated perfectly to give you an idea when on a shoot if the skintones are coming up well or not. Very well put together segment - and more people need to stop being so sensitive!

[@rothandramberg5764]

oops cant spell know. The portraits were taken at the same settings, if they look different its because that's how each camera registered them. The hair photos were purposely overexposed so the client could see the vision of how we wanted the finals too look. Good thing we had dynamic range! The tank photos were shot in auto on both cameras also to compare that feature. The Nikon is a great camera and we will probably get one for the other shoots we do that require speed and high ISO.

[@ikeywah]

I thought Roth and Ramberg were very honest and diplomatic. They were so open to the new possibilities that the D800 brings to the photography world. The D800 is a very versatile machine.

[@Robboa1]

This IS informative - it seems like the "shoot to the right" axiom shouldn't be applied to the D800. The blown highlights, and fact that the darks don't really suffer as much as other sensors both suggest the best images will be captured with neutral, or only slight "shooting to the right". Kudos to the Camera Store guys for their efforts.

[@NikollJP]

The Hasselblad 200MS megapixel is actually a Multishot camera. The sensor is only 50megapixels but the camera takes 6 shots to create a full photo. It's aimed at luxury product photography for billboards.

[@BenX74]

Only when you have a direct comparison (like 9:12), you can see, what an amazing job the Hasselblad really does when it comes to skin tones and range of tones. This is absulutely stunning! The D800 pictures look like the pictures I usually take and the ones from the Hasselblad look like the pictures, I always WANTED to take. This might be a stupid question, but is there absolutely no way to get Hasselblad skin tones and range of tones out of an enthusiast-level DSLR like a Nikon D7100?

[@CHixon]

Try the Hasselblad lenses on the D7100

[@GetOutsideYourself]

Really cool video comparison, and nice the video quality was high enough to note the differences. I wonder how the Leica would compare.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

See the D800 field test with Nick Devlin. We go landscape shooting with Pentax 645D & D800E.

[@threeone6012]

Someday if programmers develop a piece of software called "Photoshop" it won't matter if photographers shoot medium format or DSLR. But until Photoshop is created professionals will have to choose medium format to get the best results. So the only question is if/when will this "Photoshop" program get released?

[@saurabhpatel4352]

+Three One Hahaha. So true.

[@durtcannon]

+Three One You save time and money with perfect skin tones straight out of the camera.

[@MRTOWELRACK]

You do not "save money" using a Hassleblad. That is a straight up luxury.

[@Grannygrudel]

I actually prefer the warmer temps out of the camera of the D800, plus the fact if you not only do commercial, but do weddings, landscape, portrait as well i’d say the Nikon is better for an all rounder.

[@niccollsvideo]

I appreciate your support however I agree with Dale's comment too. Clients are not always savvy to the concept that skill makes photos good, not gear. A big part of success in the photographic business is marketing and perception. If the outfit down the street has medium format, you want to be shooting it too. It would be a nice world if everyone could be appreciated simply based on their talents but that's just not the way it works. By the way Dale and Michelle ARE grown up and very successful.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Mark fainted while holding the boom and landed on his face. He spent the night in the hospital, broke his nose and messed up his mouth. He's doing OK now.

[@NikollJP]

Just a note in regards to your comment. I've dealt with Roth & Ramberg, along with 100s of pro photographers for many years. They are actually some of the sweetest and friendliest people I've worked with, far from the arrogant and privileged attitude of many pros. However they came across in the video, I think they are just trying to being honest.

[@fishnose1]

No, the main reasons some 'pros use what they use' are: 1. D800 didn't exist a few months ago 2. 'Blads impress and are SO cool because they're SO expensive.

[@CanicularesDies]

At the end, in the conclusions, the photographer states that he needs the Hasselblad's software to send images to the art director's iPad as a big plus for the Hassy. I'm not sure if it can be done with the D800 tethered but it can be done untethered with a CF and an SD-WiFi, just send the RAW's to the CF and the JPEG's to the SD and automatically the iPad would pick up the pics, using the EyeFi's software, for the Art Director to enjoy.

[@nathantw]

I saw a huge difference in an image that was just ignored. If you look at the gas cap on the motorcycle you can easily see the ribs on the cap on the Hasselblad whereas on the D800 the details were blown away in the highlights. In a lot of cases that's a make or break situation.

[@MarkKoolen]

Throw a D800 file in Capture One. That made a huge difference for me.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We're doing a D800e shoot with Nick Devlin of Luminous Landscapes in a couple weeks. I think we may have to bring out another medium format camera... Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@cherkassky92]

I saw the video, great one btw. Really love what u guys are doing, thanks for the great videos.

[@photopicker]

I didn't catch it in the beginning but I do hope both cameras were shooting Zeiss. It makes a difference. One of the reasons I switched from Canon to Zeiss was because of the micro contrast and color rendering. The Hassy doesn't have an AA so in fact resolution is quite impressive for the d800. I wonder what Zeiss looks like on the d800. In fact the Hassy Zeiss could be mounted on the Nikon and would have provided a better camera test.

[@dluepnitz]

I am Nikon through and through. This just helps support that fact. Thanks Nikon for making the D800 17k less than the "Has-Been". Thanks Lightroom for everything else.

[@AlbertAguirre]

makes a huge difference in the professional world. I just got a gig with a huge wedding company who I am sure you know, and my pro gear made a difference in their choice for a photographer. For pro gigs, you are taken more seriously if you have serious gear.

[@RavindraGajjar]

Great and sufficient enough comparison. I always say Nikon rocks with its wide dynamic range and in the range of 35mm & APS-c size sensor category nobody can beat Nikon. That is the reason i love Nikon for its Image Quality and shooting in ambient light is fun with Nikon.

[@RealTalkwithAbhishek]

Shut up

[@RavindraGajjar]

Abhishek Chatterjee Those who do not have words and competence to prove use such PHRASES which are nothing else but silly, grow up moron

[@RealTalkwithAbhishek]

Ravindra Gajjar Shut up

[@PsyDei]

Traingineer Yep, basically he's saying that nobody beats Sony.

[@sacredgeometry]

Essentially yes. The thing is, the last series of nikon cameras would have been on par in the exposure competition as the d800 is known to have shifted to about a stop and a half better shadow retention whilst sacrificing about a stop of highlight over the d700/d3. There isnt anything here except for the status. The skin tones could have been made identical with a colour profile. There was a slight advantage in colour reproduction but that could be down 16bit or the glass, in short, what tools!

[@EverythingFilmmaking]

Such snobs

[@thirtyplusgamer]

Exactly

[@FlamingShutter]

Listen what you are getting confused in is into thinking that your client knows what Medium Format/35mm and crop sensor cameras are. Sure you may get some clients that are more camera savvy but for the most part most of them don't know much about photography, especially in event photography. Clients could sometimes care less as long as you get the good photos in the end result. Thats why its good to meet with them beforehand and show them your portfolio. Still to each their own...

[@Jokker88]

High raw saturation/vibrance is usually a bad sign since it means one or more color channel is overexposed which also causes color shift since the red green and blue channel don't have the proper ratios anymore since if one is blown during exposure the other two will catch up to it during exposure causing wrong color balance. The H4D shot while maybe not looking as striking to the laymen still looks to have a lot more data to work with in post-processing.

[@theallmikey]

I liked the video, but I think a better lens for the Nikon could have been a better choice. Anyways, I am impressed. Thanks for the video! You're one of the better camera gear related channels; no fluff!

[@Robboa1]

Interestingly, our friends at Luminous Landscape have started testing the D800 and D800e, and the e version's resolution is noticeable. Also, moire doesn't seem to be a concern with the e. I wonder how the 800e would do against the Hassy - the difference in resolution would definitely diminish.

[@RickMentore]

I would pay to see this exercise repeated with the new Canon 5Ds against the newest Hasselblad. Or just a review of the new Canon by trusted reviewers of TheCameraStoreTV.

[@grifinx]

Rick Mentore yeah but now that hassy sensor is outdated + you have the larger sensor so you get a more shallow DoF so it has a look to it, you get a faster flash sync ........ for what it is 5Ds is good, buuuuuut its not a hassy killer just checked that hassy still has better color depth than the 5Ds

[@likeawhispr]

+Rick Mentore It's no contest. The 5Ds is great, but can't compare to the newer medium format CMOS sensors which offer much better high iso results and more detail in shadows and doesn't blow highlights nearly as fast. Hassy, Pentax and Phase ultimately offer the best results due in part to the newer CMOS sensors.

[@guiltyspark7332]

+Rick Mentore The 5DS R is all resolution, entry level nikons have better color depth and dynamic range ( cold hard truth, look it up) so there's really no point, it would be an even bigger difference than the D800.

[@RSBSTEADICAM]

This is the same thing I heard back in the late 60-early seventies! And my mentors use to tell me that they heard the same thing back at the end of WWII. Ego will always apply to what has become an art form and "hacks" will always make money no matter what. The point is you can have it any way you want.

[@yellowpanda04]

hey Chris , great vid, this showed me how much better MFDB is than my D800 camera and I guess I would have to save up for that one.

[@mucalai]

sure you can! i did made profiles for all my cameras and make them at the beginning of shootings. it works great and is quite "cheap". if you use fujifilm cameras you get at least the same skintones, i would say even better AND really great dynamik range with details in the lights and shadows. with profiles even the RAW files of some compactcameras are great! (without profiles too ;) )

[@martinsreel]

Note that Nikon's sensor has always been red-ish when it comes to the skin tone. Also the Hasselblad H4D 40megapixel is the old model, H5D is coming up. 35mm Full frame CMOS vs. Medium Format, they are completely different matter. But 36 megapixels for the price of 2999$ is quite good for beginner or photographers that have lower budgets.

[@AlbertAguirre]

I completely agree. I was talking about when a company hires me. If they understand photography then the gear makes a difference in their hiring decision.

[@ichandre975]

so medium format is better than full-frame?

[@toddroy9558]

We all realize that hasselblad is a great set up. But you don't give Nikon a fighting chance, you should have given Nikon better glass to shot with!!! Hasselblad glass is awesome and is able to take in the full 40 megapixels, where as Nikon glass can't, the 50mm lens you put on there may only give the camera 23 of the 36 megapixels the camera can give. You should have used zeiss glass on the Nikon to give Nikon more of a fair fight!!!

[@LMoProVisualComm]

"you have to have the Highest level Camera..." dude how can you prevent someone from having the same high end system that you own.... this was crazy then and it's still crazy today because so many think that way this guy does...

[@pleiotropicaction]

He also said 16bit RAW greatly enhance the retouchability of the image. Color is not just right there. It's extremely easy to fix it. But he added the D800 can be still compared with the 40MP Hassel because D800 wins in high ISO performance and, most of all, the cost performance.

[@MobiusCoin]

Nope, that's precisely not my attitude. That may be the attitude of many of the commenters here I'm sure. But I was impressed by what they were saying about the H4D-40. And I'm not one of those "up here in the real world" guys who don't give a crap about controlled testing. I'm all about benchmarking. If a camera is better it is better in my mind which is why I have no problem proclaiming the superiority of FF over crop. The Hasselblad RAWs just don't look as good.

[@arkjiang]

cmos sensor is better known for amazing shadow details, while could not easily restore the blown highlight, unlike films, thats why we need to watch highlight more carefully when shooting. On the other hand, ccd sensor is the other way around, so im not surprise to see nikon has better shadow and hassle has better highlights

[@001FJ]

At my graduation the professional photographer was using the Nikon D70 to take our portraits, and I had brought with me a Nikon D700. Guess whose photos looked better? Hers! Because she had a proper studio set-up: lighting, background, WB, and I was just taking snaps of my friends with my D700! Sorry, but the Hasselblad H4D-40 is just a poor excuse to waste money ($17,000 to be exact). And if you are a really smart business owner, you would try to maximize the use of your money.