When I saw the D810 announced about a year ago, I wasn’t in line to buy one. I was so happy with my D800 and the files it produced, I just didn’t see the need to upgrade when the files were basically the same. Sure, the D810 didn’t have the anti-aliasing filter so I could expect sharper images out of the camera. But a host of other features got me thinking;
-group area autofocus
-base ISO of 64 and ability to go to 32.
-expeed 4 image processor, ie faster autofocus.
-up to 7 FPS frames per second with option grip MB-D12.
-numerous video improvements including ability to record at 60p
-more time-lapse frames available, and ‘exposure smoothing’
-sharper LCD
-better battery life
-new shutter, quieter
After shooting this camera awhile, I have to say one thing; this was not just a bump in features, the D810 is better thought of as a new camera entirely. I could go on and on about what I love about this camera, it is amazing. First, for those action shooters, group-area autofocus is simply amazing. Faster acquisition of moving subjects (can’t wait to photograph birds!) with less blurry frames. And here is the real kicker. The buffer has been more than doubled, so you don’t have to worry about waiting to shoot your next series of images. And with frame rates of 6 and 7fps (with grip) and using smaller crop (1.5x) sizes, you get great performance for action sequences and still large files (1.5x gives you approx. 15MP files…about the same as the D4). ISO 32 allows me to darken midday skies for portraits without using a filter, or shoot slower shutter speeds during video and time-lapse. And yes, the files are noticeably sharper right out of the camera. If you ask me about whether to ‘upgrade’ to this camera or not, I would unequivocally say got for it. You will be blown away by the improved performance and new features of the D810.