The cameras in the test
Features
At the end of 2007 the D3 was released, the first Nikon model with FX full-format sensor. ColorFoto compares the members of the full-format family D700, D800 / E, D3x and D4. Three further full-size models followed with the D700 (June 2008), D3x (December 2008) and D3s (October 2009). D700 and D3x are still available, while the D3s is no longer available, with the exception of possible remaining stocks.
Recording functions
New on the market, however, are the D800 and D800E as well as the D4. D3x and D4 form the spearhead of the Nikon system as proven professional models with an integrated battery handle.
Operating concept
With a "only" 16 megapixel resolution, the D4 is the successor to the D3s (12 MP) and is designed for high quality with low light and ISO settings up to 204.800, while the D3x with 24 megapixels satisfies the needs of subject and agent photographer Higher resolution.
Image quality
With the D800 and D800E Nikon the D700 two further "small professional cameras" with full-format (FX) sensor aside - a wide front against the Canon EOS 5D Mark II / III. The D700 and the D800 / D800E differ significantly in the resolution of their image sensors: 12 megapixels are present in the D700, while the D800 / D800E provides a smooth triple resolution.
Buying advice: Nikon DSLRs of the middle class
This resolution will not always be necessary, but the reserves for image excerpts are phenomenal. The D800E differs from its sister model only in that an optical filter without low-pass filter is used in front of the image sensor. This allows a maximum of sharpness, but increases a little the risk of moire and fringing. In the following, only the D800E will be explicitly mentioned, if this is necessary for the delineation.
D700 and D800 are widely used with the D300s. This includes, among other things, the built-in flash unit, which can also be used as a master for external system flash units. The housings, which are provided with a chassis made of magnesium alloy and sealed against splashing water, have a handsome but not chunky feel. With the MB-D12 (D800) or MB-D10 (D700) battery grip, you can add a second set of controls for high-resolution pictures
The professional D3x and D4 come with a built-in battery handle and are even more robust than the sister models D700 / D800 - with magnesium housings, which look as if they are milled from the solid. A flip-out flash would be a potential "break-up point", so there is not any.
The SLR viewfinder of the full-size models allows an effective magnification of 0.7x to provide a comfortable viewfinder with 95% coverage on the D700 and 100% on the other models. Gridlines can be displayed on all models except the D3x, which has a replaceable dial.
The built-in monitors are between 3 inches (D700 / D3X) and 3.2 inches (D800 / D4), the resolution is in unison 307 000 RGB pixels. To focus in the live view, the user has the choice between phase and sensor AF with the D3x, D800 and D4 are content with Sensor AF. A live histogram is only found on the D800 and D4.
To store images, the D700 and D3x have a CF card slot, the D800 offers the choice between CF and SD, the D4 between CF and the new card type XQD.
All of Nikon's full-size cameras provide an almost identical repertoire of exposure programs (P, A, S, M) and measurement functions, with the D800 and D4 further developing the in-house motor detection system: the current version uses an RGB sensor with 91,000 pixels Not only for optimal exposure and color reproduction, but also for precise face detection, even when shooting with the SLR viewfinder (and not in live-view mode).
Picture gallery
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The AF module Multi-CAM 3500 FX is used for automatic focusing in all full-size models. It operates with a maximum of 51 measurement fields, including 15 cross sensors, and has been improved on the new models D800 and D4. The D800 with 0,19 / 0,29 s and the D4 with 0,24 / 0,26 with 1000/30 Lux the nose in comparison with the other two models Br>
Conclusion
But even more, the ghosts divide in the video function: complete mis-display of the older models D3x and D700, Full-HD with 30 full-frames per second on D800 and D4.
In the operating concept, the full-format models of Nikon are so much so that you have to invest in the change hardly mind work. Typically, for example, the mode button, which allows the exposure programs to be switched in combination with the front rotary wheel.
The multi-function switch to the left of the viewfinder prism is also included, although the number and assignment of the keys differ somewhat from model to model. In addition to the LC display on the top, D4 / D3x have the class-like second LC display below the TFT monitor to display the set ISO number, image quality level, and white balance method
Via the three assigned keys in combination with the rear dial, values can be changed quickly and easily. D800 and D4 also have a rotary switch for switching between video and photo live operation. One specialty of the D4, on the other hand, is the two additional joysticks, which the photographer, e.g. To select the AF point.
Never before has Nikon been as broad as in this system test: 12, 16, 24 and 36 megapixels - there should be something for everyone.
The full-size entry-level model D700 (12 MP) is far off in the limit resolution with a maximum value of 1233 LP / BH, compared with the D3x (24 MP) but due to the smaller decrease in dead-leaves and the lower kurtosis values To ISO 1600. Equal in contrast with the dynamic (7 to 10 stops).
The D4 (16 MP) can still do something, despite the lower resolution of the picture quality compared to the D3x, especially because of the constant high dead-leave values. In the case of ISO 25 600 (H1), a limit resolution of 1191 LP / BH and a deadleave value of 451 LP / BH is still present, but with a relatively high kurtosis value of 2.8
As the number 1 in the picture quality, the D800E profiles, followed closely by the D800 (more to compare among sisters in the thematic box). This is of course primarily due to the enormously high resolution of the D800 / E in line with likewise high dead-Leaves values and relatively low noise. However, the K4 has a lower killer dose, at least to ISO 3200.
With the full-format cameras the Nikonian has the spoiled of choice: cheaply enter with the D700? This means high image quality over all ISO levels and detail control thanks to lower kurtosis values. Among the nikon with full-format sensor, the D700 thus also the predicate "price-performance". The question is only: Can be solved with 12 Megapixel all tasks of the next years? There is not much room left for image excerpts or poster formats.
Completely different with the D800 and D800E with their 36-MP-CMOS. What is offered here at limit resolution and dead-leaved values, is quite a fascination. And image excerpts are no longer an issue if Photoshop opens a file with more than 60 x 40 cm at 300 dpi. With increased kurtosis values, it is possible to live well in most cases.
In spite of better kurtosis values, the D3x has bad cards: too much the difference in border resolution and even more in dead-leaves, not to mention the price difference. When it comes to resolution, the D800 (and even the D800E) is the measure of things, which does not affect the point balance in the picture quality. This means: Buying "picture quality" for the D800.
The cameras in the test
And the D4? It is the medium of choice when high image quality is to be packed into a robust, long-lasting professional housing. With 16 MP, the D4 achieves on average about 200 LP / BH more than the D700, but not even record values. Their strength is harmonically matched image results over all ISO levels with moderate kurtosis values, especially up to ISO 3,200
For a decision between D800 and D4, you should therefore take enough time to compare pictures, equipment and handling in peace. Whether you spend 3,000 euros more for a professional housing a la D4, ultimately decides on how strongly the camera is to be permanently stressed mechanically.
Nikon D700, Nikon D800, Nikon D800, Nikon D3x, Nikon D4
Nikon D700, Nikon D800, Nikon D800, Nikon D3x, Nikon D4
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