Nikon Canada today announced the release of the D810 HD-SLR, the next benchmark in HD-SLR image quality for professional photographers and cinematographers.
Some of the key features of the D810 include the following:
- 36.3-megapixel, full-frame FX-format sensor;
- Optical low pass filter (OLPF) has been removed to allow for extreme resolution and staggering dynamic range;
- Option to shoot in new RAW Size Small format, which is half the resolution and approximately 1/4 the file size of full RAW files;
- EXPEED 4 image processing engine;
- ISO range from 64 to 12,800, expandable from 32 to 51,200;
- Advanced Scene Recognition System with the 91,000-pixel 3D Colour Matrix Meter III;
- New “Clarity” setting added to Pictural Control settings to adjust mid tones to enhance details;
- New “Flat” Picture Control Profile to preserve detail in shadows and highlights;
- Ability to make adjustments in .25-step increments;
- Full HD (1080p) video recording and built-in stereo microphone;
- Zebra pattern display during Live View to make it easy to spot overexposed areas;
- Highlight weighted metering to help prevent blown-out highlights in video;
- Enhancements to the D810’s durable magnesium alloy structure;
- Redesigned mirror sequencer/balancer unit to minimize vibration during shooting; and
- Compatible with wireless remote systems.
Additionally, Nikon Canada will be releasing Capture NX-D, a new FREE software package for processing and adjusting RAW, JPEG, and TIFF images captured with Nikon digital cameras.
PRESS RELEASE
June 26, 2014
Power to Create Compelling Images: Nikon D810 HD-SLR Delivers Unmatched Image Quality and a True Cinematic Experience
With extreme resolution, powerful video features and enhanced performance, Nikon D810 is the essential asset for pro photo and video applications
Mississauga Canada –
Nikon Canada today announced the D810, the next benchmark in HD-SLR image quality for professional photographers and cinematographers. The D810 features a brand-new 36.3-megapixel, full-frame FX-format sensor without an optical low pass filter (OLPF) to allow for extreme resolution and staggering dynamic range. Bolstered by Nikon’s EXPEED 4 image processing engine, the D810 delivers enhanced response and performance for a wide variety of photographic, cinematic and broadcast disciplines. Whether photographing weddings, fashion or landscapes, shooting documentary-style cinema or video for broadcast, this HD-SLR provides the ultimate in versatility and capability.
“Once a user experiences the intense level of fine detail rendered by the immersive resolution of the D810, it will be hard to imagine a project without it,” said Amanda Mohammed, Communications and Nikon Professional Services Manager at Nikon Canada. “When coupled with the industry-leading imaging capabilities of NIKKOR optics, the D810 becomes a powerful storytelling tool to create images and broadcast-quality video with unprecedented detail, dynamic range and sharpness.”
Nikon’s Greatest Image Quality Yet
The Nikon D810 features the latest and most advanced in HD-SLR technology and rivals medium-format cameras, thanks to a variety of Nikon technologies engineered for professional image capture. At the core of the D810 is a 36.3-megapixel FX-format (7360 x 4912 resolution) CMOS sensor that lets photographers reap the benefits of extremely high image resolution with rich tonality and a broad dynamic range. Users have the power to capture moments with stellar sharpness, make massive prints, or crop liberally with confidence. The OLPF has been removed to maximize the potential of every pixel, resulting in outstanding resolution and clarity, yielding images that render subtle details with striking fidelity.
Image quality further benefits from the application of Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED 4 image processing engine, which provides enhancements to overall performance while suppressing instances of false colour and moiré. Whether photographing in the field or in the studio, users will see the difference with the ability to create stunning images with unprecedented clarity in gradation rendering, expanded dynamic range and high-accuracy white balance. Additionally, EXPEED 4 enhances noise-reduction performance and helps to achieve a wider ISO range, from 64 to 12,800, to improve low-noise image capture in a variety of lighting conditions. The ISO range is also expandable from 32 (Lo-1) to 51,200 (Hi-2) letting the photographer shoot with maximum fidelity under studio lighting, confidently capture a faintly lit wedding reception or other subjects in even the most challenging light.
Nikon has implemented myriad new features aimed at improving overall image quality for all types of photographers. Nikon’s Advanced Scene Recognition System with the 91,000-pixel 3D Colour Matrix Meter III provides unbelievably balanced exposures in difficult scenes. The system analyzes each scene to recognize factors such as colour, brightness and human faces with startling precision to determine what type of subject a user is shooting. The system then compares all the data using an image database to enhance subject tracking and adjust exposure, autofocus (AF), auto white balance and i-TTL flash control.
Further enhancing the D810’s image quality, a “Clarity” setting has been added to the available Picture Control adjustment parameters, which adjusts mid tones to enhance details within an image. To help preserve the most amount of detail in shadows and highlights, the new “Flat” Picture Control Profile is now available. This Picture Control Profile allows both photographers and filmmakers to get the widest tonal range out of their cameras for maximum flexibility in post processing. For further customization of Picture Controls, users are now able to make adjustments in .25-step increments for the maximum level of custom colour, saturation and brightness levels. Additionally, the D810 employs a new highlight-weighted metering option, which detects the brightness in a scene and determines optimum exposure to prevent blown-out highlights, which is ideal for stage and performance capture.
Video Features Fit for Production
The D810 has powerful video features that make it a valuable tool for any production environment. Whether a user is looking for manual control for pro video application or portability and lens selection for episodic broadcast, the D810 delivers a truly cinematic experience with a wide range of professional-oriented features including the following:
- Broadcast quality video: Achieve Full HD (1080p) 1920 x 1080 video capture at a variety of frame rates, including 60/30/24p.
- Versatile crop modes: FX and DX crop modes give users a telephoto boost when needed, a feature that has been very popular with camera operators because of its added flexibility on set.
- Flat Picture Control Profile: This neutral colour profile is ideal for video, and gives the user maximum flexibility in post-production.
- HDMI output: The D810 can relay uncompressed digital video to an external recorder via HDMI, while simultaneously displaying the video on the rear LCD display and external LCD monitor. Operators can now also record both to the internal card (compressed) and to the external recorder (uncompressed) simultaneously.
- Smooth in-camera time-lapse and interval timer: Like the Nikon D4S, the D810uses an auto-exposure setting to help create super-smooth exposure and tonal transitions for professional results with time-lapse and interval-time shooting.
- Audio control: The D810 features a built-in stereo microphone, and an external microphone can also be attached, such as the Nikon ME-1. Additionally, audio capture can record wide and voice frequency ranges.
- Expanded ISO for video: The ISO range is expanded for video, now encompassing a clean ISO 64 to a versatile 12,800. The Auto-ISO function is also available while recording to adapt the exposure as the light changes, which can eliminate the need to adjust the aperture (in manual mode, ISO 200- 51,200).
- Zebra stripes: A zebra pattern can be displayed during live view, making it easy to spot overexposed areas.
- Highlight weighted metering: This new setting helps to prevent blown-out highlights in video. This is especially useful when capturing spot-lit stage performances or shoots with harsh directional lighting.
- Full manual control: With the innovative Power Aperture setting, it’s simple to change the exposure and depth of field on the fly while recording to an external recorder or SD/CF cards. In manual mode, users can control shutter speed and ISO while recording. Additionally, white balance and exposure compensation can be adjusted prior to recording.
- Full time AF: The Live View AF has been improved, and now provides faster full-time AF (AF-F mode).
- NIKKOR lenses: Cinematographers and filmmakers are supported with more than 80 NIKKOR lenses, many of which are popular choices for cinema applications because of their brilliant optical quality and characteristics.
Accuracy and Speed
With the ability to brandish the results of such staggering resolution comes the critical need for razor-sharp focus and accuracy. The D810 renders every subtle detail and nuance in epic clarity, with the enhanced Multi-Cam 3500-FX AF sensor module that utilizes new AF algorithms for precision, even in challenging light. The focus system also has 15 cross-type AF sensors for enhanced accuracy, and works with the Advanced Scene Recognition System to provide face detection even through the optical viewfinder. The camera also utilizes 11 cross-type sensors that are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and teleconverters (aperture value up to f/8), which is especially useful for wildlife photography. In addition to the normal, wide area, face-tracking and subject-tracking modes, the D810 features the new Group AF mode for enhanced accuracy, even while tracking subjects.
The D810 will astound with its rapid response and speedy performance, thanks to the implementation of the EXPEED 4 image processing engine. It allows for a 30 per cent boost in overall performance, as well as a faster burst speed and enhancement to energy efficiency. The D810 is capable of shooting at 5 frames-per-second (fps) at full resolution and 5:4, 6 fps in DX or 1.2x modes, (15.4-megapixel, 25.1-megapixel, respectively), and 7 fps in DX mode (15.4-megapixel) with battery pack. For full workflow versatility, the D810 also gives users the option to shoot in full-resolution 14-bit RAW/NEF file format, or the new RAW Size Small format. This 12-bit file format is half the resolution and approximately 1/4 the file size of full RAW files, and is perfect for high-intensity shooters like wedding and news photographers who require increased flexibility when speedy downloads are desired or memory space is at a premium.
Refined Controls and Construction
From shooting all day in the studio to working on an extended assignment in the field, the D810 has been engineered for superior comfort and operability. When looking through the wide and bright viewfinder with 100 per cent coverage, users will see shooting data is displayed on an organic EL display element for maximum visibility. The viewfinder also features a prism coating for enhanced clarity. In addition, the grip has been refined for comfort and ergonomics, and the “i” button has been added for quick access to common mode-dependent settings.
Both photographers and videographers will clearly see the benefits of the new high-resolution (1229K-dot) 3.2-inch LCD screen, which makes it simple to check focus, review images or compose a scene. The colour space of the LCD screen can now be fully customized, a feature that is useful for matching monitor or print-calibration settings. Using the LCD screen, users can also activate the new Split Screen Display Zoom function. This new mode magnifies two separated points on the same horizontal line, making it easier to confirm the two points are both level and in focus; a true advantage for architecture, industrial and landscape photographers.
Improvements have been made to the D810’s durable magnesium alloy structure, including the use of a redesigned mirror sequencer / balancer unit, which minimizes vibration during shooting to increase sharpness during multiple frame bursts. Additionally, the electronic front curtain can now act as an electronic front shutter when using Live View, or first composing through the optical viewfinder in mirror-up mode. This new feature is useful to attain exacting sharpness when shooting slow-shutter landscapes or astrophotography. The shutter unit has also been tested to 200,000 cycles for years of maximum reliability. For further durability, the body of the D810 has been thoroughly sealed and gasketed to resist the elements, reinforcing this camera’s role in extreme production environments.
Superior System Support
The D810’sextreme resolution requires that no compromise be made on glass, and NIKKOR lenses are the perfect choice to complement the D810. With more than 80 FX- and DX-format lenses available, NIKKOR lenses offer the ultimate in image quality with sharpness and faithful colour representation that is second to none. To light a scene imaginatively, the D810 has a built-in flash and is compatible with Nikon’s acclaimed Creative Lighting System, including a built-in Commander mode for controlling wireless Speedlights. The MB-D12 battery grip is also available to give users both extra grip and power when it’s needed most.
For wireless control, the D810 is compatible with a full range of Nikon’s remote systems, including the new wireless remote system with the WR-1 to trigger the camera remotely. This system uses radio frequency rather than infrared technology, eliminating the need for line of sight communication.
Nikon will be making a Software Developers Kit (SDK) available in the near future for the D810. This SDK will give third-party developers the resources needed to create applications and enhance the camera’s versatility.
Robust New Software Suite: Nikon Capture NX-D
Capture NX-D is Nikon’s new software for processing and adjusting RAW images captured with Nikon digital cameras. It is a free application that will replace the current Capture NX 2 program, and adds interface and performance enhancements. In addition to RAW images, the program can be used to adjust JPEG and TIFF files. It will support many functions needed by professional photographers, including batch image processing, filtering and an enhanced user interface with a variety of displays and floating palettes that are ideal for multiple monitors. Additionally, photographers will have the ability to adjust parameters including exposure and white balance in RAW files, and can set tone curves, brightness, and contrast. It also offers functions for correcting lateral colour aberration and vignetting in JPEG and TIFF files. Capture NX-D features a new “sidecar” format, which retains and saves the adjusted image as a separate file.
Nikon will also make available at no charge the new Picture Control Utility 2 software. This new software allows users to create custom Picture Control profiles, which can be easily loaded into the camera.
Price and Availability
The Nikon D810 is scheduled to be available beginning July 17 at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $3,599.95.
The MB-D12 battery pack is currently available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers at an MSRP of $499.95.
The Capture NX-D software package will be available mid-July for download at no additional cost from www.nikon.ca.
Exclusive Canadian Warranty
Nikon Canada offers a two-year warranty for the D810 purchased from an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer. Additionally, Nikon Canada offers a five-year warranty for all NIKKOR lenses purchased from an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer. Consumer’s investment is protected by Nikon Canada’s warranties with in-Canada service.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™, is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Canada distributes consumer and professional digital SLR and HD-SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the Nikon 1 advanced cameras with interchangeable lens system. In 2013, Nikon Corporation celebrated the 80th anniversary of the launch of its NIKKOR brand of photographic lenses, and announced the production of more than 85 million NIKKOR lenses in 2014, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED, EXPEED 2, EXPEED 3 or EXPEED 4 advanced digital image processing system technologies. All Nikon Canada products are sold through a network of Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers. For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to find an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca.
Photos are available upon request and can be accessed in the Nikon Canada press room: http://en.nikon.ca/About-Nikon/Press-Room/index.page.
Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories and release schedule may differ by country or area. Pricing is subject to change. Refer to www.nikon.ca for the latest pricing.
*MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
All Nikon trademarks are trademarks of Nikon Corporation.
Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NikonCanada
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NikonCanada
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/NikonCanada
