- Conclusion Get the lowdown
- Features How they compare
- Performance Real world benchmarks
- Differences Technical showdown
- Reviews Word on the street
- Competition Others to consider
- Discussion Answers and opinions
Compare with...
- Sony SLT-A99
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Nikon D3
- Nikon D5100
- Canon EOS 7D
Rated 100% by by Photography Blog (Jun, 2012)Boasting a 36-megapixel FX format sensor, the Nikon D800E is currently the highest-resolution “35mm size” digital SLR camera in the world.
Rated 85% by by c|net (Nov, 2010)It's not a lightweight camera, but it feels very sturdy and well built, with a solid grip and enough heft to offset the weight of many heavy pro lenses.
Conclusion Which is better for you?
Features Key features of the Nikon D800 compared to the Nikon D7000
MP36.2
Full frame
Rated 100% by by Photography Blog (May, 2012)Boasting a 36-megapixel FX format sensor, the Nikon D800 is currently the highest-resolution “35mm size” digital SLR camera in the world.
16.1 MP
APS-C
Rated 80% by by DPReview (Nov, 2010)The 'feel' of the new camera is far closer to the D300S though, thanks to its heavy-duty magnesium alloy construction.
megapixels
| 0 MP | 36.2 MP   | 40 MP |
D800 by KD (Jun, 2012)The beauty of a high megapixel camera is that it makes your pictures better at the same megapixel size as your last camera!
D7000 by R.-Wandrei--social_bunny (Nov, 2010)RAW format uses full 16.2 megapixels so files are huge (would be nice to see an option that allows you to choose how many megapixels you want to use when shooting RAW).
sensor size
D800 by Jiunjr-Feng--Robert (Apr, 2012)D800 is my first full frame camera, which I wasn't thinking full frame to be necessary because of good flash is able to handle low light condition, which seems the most key reason for people to choose full frame.
D7000 by DPReview (Nov, 2010)With its APS-C sensor the Nikon D7000 cannot quite produce the very shallow depth-of-field footage that the Nikon D3s or other full-format DSLRs offer but it still gives you much more control in this respect than most consumer video or digital compact cameras.
viewfinder size
D800 by Tariq-Gibran-HamidFirst the positives - it feels great in the hand (I was a bit worried about the grip but it fits my hand perfectly), the viewfinder is better than expected (coming from the wonderful finder of the Sony a900, I had concerns the size and acuity would be lacking - that's not the case at all) and finally, the camera feels much lighter than I expected.
D7000 by Edubya-in-Texas (Jun, 2011)It doesn't affect me because I don't shoot much action, but heavy sport shooting could be difficult in NEF.-SD cards still aren't as fast as CF cards.-Viewfinder is a nice size for DX, but it's still nowhere near the size of an FX viewfinder.-I think I prefer the AF selector on the D700 by a hair.
body size
146 x 123 x 82 mm
132 x 105 x 77 mm
D800 by Clint (Aug, 2012)It exceeds the quality of medium format film cameras in a much more portable size and weight.
D7000 by B.-Fuller (Oct, 2010)Smaller weight and size is becoming much more important to me and this camera is a very good trade off of features for size and weight.
focus points
| 0 | 51 | 60 |
D800 by TrustedReviews (May, 2012)The 51-point Multi-CAM 3500FX TTL autofocus module is essentially the same one employed by both the D700 and D4, and uses 15 cross-type sensors in the centre of the viewfinder for enhanced speed and precision regardless of whether you’re shooting portrait or landscape.
D7000 by val (Sep, 2011)I loved the feel, the speed, the metering, especially for flash photography, the ease of use, the focus points (and accuracy) and the controls.
Performance Real world tests of Nikon D800 vs Nikon D7000
DxOMark image quality
D800 by Doctor.GenerosityFewer pixels would have enhanced colors and dynamic range and contrast, the non-MP ingredients of meaningful image quality.
D7000 by Emil--EmilImage quality (wealth of details, sharpness, color rendition), performance, design, ergonomics, usability, fill-n flash - it's a pleasure to shoot with this camera.
DxOMark low light performance
D800 by J.-Blaha--JrThe automatic white balance in absolutely amazing in low light conditions, as I shot landscape under a full-moon with long exposure the other night, and it looked like the shot was taken during daylight, complete with the blue sky with stars visible and white clouds, which made for a nice wow factor.
D7000 by Daniel-Gray--Dirty-Gears (Dec, 2011)In low light it focused very quickly and I was very happy with everything except especially the improved flash metering (metering in general actually, you often have to baby sit the d700 meter in tricky light if you use it).
shutter lag
| 0 ms | 209 ms | 300 ms |
D800 by David-HofmannOf course the maximum frame rate is slower, but the shutter lag and blackout time seems just as short as my D3.
D7000 by TrustedReviews (Nov, 2011)So from the off we were expecting response times from the camera that were almost instantaneous.
continuous shooting
D7000 by Mark-Fitzpatrick--Math-Teacher (May, 2012)Even when set to highest file size and optimal quality, I click off rapid fire shots of say a receiver as he is catching the ball.
battery life
900 photos
1,050 photos
Differences What are the advantages of each
Advantages compared to the D7000
| Much larger sensor | Full frame | vs | APS-C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Around 2.5x larger sensor; higher quality photos | |||
| Significantly better overall image quality | 95.0 | vs | 80.0 |
| Around 20% better image quality | |||
| Much higher resolution | 36.2 MP | vs | 16.1 MP |
| More than 2x higher resolution; Capture more detail, good for large prints | |||
| Significantly larger screen | 3.2" | vs | 3" |
| Around 10% larger screen | |||
| Much less noise at high ISO | 2,853 ISO | vs | 1,167 ISO |
| Around 2.5x higher low light performance | |||
| Significantly more color depth | 25.3 bits | vs | 23.5 bits |
| Around 10% more color depth | |||
| Marginally more recently announced | Feb, 2012 | vs | Sep, 2010 |
| Announced date over 1 years later | |||
| Supports HDR | Yes | vs | No |
| Somewhat common; Combines multiple photos together to capture both bright and dark areas | |||
| Higher resolution screen | 1,040 k dots | vs | 920 k dots |
| More than 10% higher resolution screen | |||
| Bigger viewfinder | 0.72x | vs | 0.62x |
| Around 20% bigger viewfinder size | |||
| More phase-detection focus points | 51 | vs | 39 |
| 12 more phase detection focus points; Faster autofocus in reasonably lit settings | |||
| Faster benchmarked shot to shot times | 0.25 fps | vs | 1.43 fps |
| 5.7x faster shot to shot; Take multiple consecutive photos quickly | |||
| Better dynamic range | 14.4 ev | vs | 13.9 ev |
| Almost the same | |||
| More cross-type focus points | 15 | vs | 9 |
| 6 more cross type focus points; Easier and faster focusing in low light | |||
| Less delay taking photos | 209 ms | vs | 238 ms |
| More than 10% less shutter lag; Avoid missing spontaneous moments | |||
| More highly reviewed by consumers | 89.44% | vs | 86.59% |
| Almost the same | |||
| Slightly less startup delay | 200 ms | vs | 400 ms |
| 2x less startup delay; Be ready for anything | |||
Advantages compared to the D800
| Faster rapid fire | 6 fps | vs | 4 fps |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% faster continuous shooting; Take photos in rapid succession to capture motion | |||
| More photos per charge | 1,050 | vs | 900 |
| 150 more shots; Longer battery life | |||
| Smaller | 132 x 105 x 77 mm | vs | 146 x 123 x 82 mm |
| Around 30% smaller | |||
| Lighter | 780 g | vs | 1,000 g |
| More than 20% lighter | |||
| Thinner | 77 mm | vs | 82 mm |
| Around 10% thinner | |||
Reviews Word on the street
Nikon D800 | Nikon D7000 | ||
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 | Rated by 244 users at amazon.com Rated 100% by by Nikon-Shooter (May, 2012) Rated 60% by by Philip-Long Rated 100% by by A.-Rubin--language-prof. (Apr, 2012) | Rated by 567 users at amazon.com Rated 100% by by Toolman (Jan, 2011) Rated 100% by by Marius-David-Yaish (Jul, 2012) | |
focus
Nikon D800 | Rated 82% by by DPReview (Jun, 2012)The D800's fast and accurate phase-detection AF system is not available in live view mode, which of course, includes video recording.
Nikon D800 | Rated 40% by by A.-Amiri (Jun, 2012)We conclude that the issue with the accuracy of the outer AF focus points of the D800 is real and probably affects all units out there to some (varying) extent.
Nikon D800 | Rated 60% by by Fabian-GonzalesGiven that your new D800 is likely to have the same AF issue, and given that the sensor is so demanding it will expose every single flaw of every one of your lenses, expect to send both your camera and lenses in to Nikon for service.
sensor
Nikon D800 | Rated 100% by by TrustedReviews (May, 2012)When set to any of these alternative aspects/sensor sizes the D800 helpfully displays the area covered with a black outline in the viewfinder to make easier work of composing your image.
Nikon D800 | Rated 100% by by Guillermo-CB (Aug, 2012)High Dynamic Range, new focusing alternatives, High ISO low noise, larger LCD and of course the best sensor in market makes D800 teh best camera you can get for the price.
Nikon D800 | Rated 100% by by E.-Ford--Ed-Ford (Jun, 2012)In addition, though the D800 is a full frame sensor camera it will use my APS-C lenses as well - it simply switches to DX (Nikon's term for APS-C) mode and includes a black frame in the view finder to show the coverage of the lens.
autofocus
Nikon D800 | Rated 100% by by lunitic (May, 2012)Add in latest-gen processing power to handle a 35mm FX sensor rated at 36 MP with an autofocus system not dissimilar from that on the D4 and the D800 pulls an astonishing amount of detail out of the whole frame across a huge range of exposure.
Nikon D800 | Rated 100% by by E.-Bowles (May, 2012)The new AF system of the D800 is excellent - very quick and accurate.
Nikon D800 | Rated 40% by by A.-Amiri (Jun, 2012)I tried to include links to them but Amazon won't let me, but a quick search for 'D800 left point Auto Focus problem' will give you the information you need.
lens
Nikon D800 | Rated 82% by by DPReview (Jun, 2012)The D800 balances well in-hand with a wide range of lenses including fast zooms like the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II.
Nikon D800 | Rated 100% by by TrustedReviews (May, 2012)During our test period we primarily used the D800 with Nikon’s 50mm f/1.4 prime – a fantastic lens that’s as sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel and capable of producing exquisite bokeh when opened right up.
Nikon D800 | Rated 20% by by Tim (Aug, 2012)Ah, and green tint LCD is very present + My d7000 has sharper LV when zoomed.
photography
Nikon D800 | Rated 40% by by Raymond (Jul, 2012)I also shoot Weddings and this camera is definitely not suitable for Wedding Photographers (if you really want this many pixels get the d800) because of the Moire.
Nikon D800 | Rated 100% by by Herman-Au--Herman-AuThe D800 takes a giant leap into the cinematography world with features that will bring tears to enthusiasts holding out for Nikon.
Nikon D800 | Rated 100% by by M.-BillonI just shot a wedding, and I consider the D800 to be an excellent choice for the job.
Competition What else you should consider
 | 1 | Sony SLT-A99 Most detailed video recording mode |
 | 3 | Nikon D3 Fastest rapid fire mode |
 | 4 | Nikon D5100 Smallest |
 | 6 | Nikon D90 8-way tie: Doesn't have a built-in flash |
 | 7 | Nikon D5200 Lightest |
 | 8 | Nikon D7100 Newest |
Popular Questions
July 4, 2012
Should I get D800, D7000 or wait for a possible D600/D400?
Currently, I have a D5000 and I've been feeling for a while that I want to upgrade to something a bit more professional. I would like to start working professionally as a photographer, not I've a...
Visitor
37
Answers July 21, 2012
Upgrading my equipment: the nikon d800 or d7000 with 4 lenses?
I am a part time photographer shooting weddings, events, portraits and art. I currently am using a d60 and NEED to upgrade. I am using indiegogo to help me raise the funds to do this. What do a...
Visitor
9
Answers May 18, 2012
I am looking for the best realistic quality camera
I am considering purchasing a new camera and am stuck between the Nikon D800 and the Nikon D7000. The 800 is considerably more expensive, but is a 36MP full frame camera versus the 7000 which is...
Visitor
7
Answers Community What does Sortable's community think
19
vs
23
Nikon D800
54% of users recommend the Nikon D7000 over the Nikon D800
Nikon D800
Martin-Holka 
Beginner II
There is no comparison really. The D800 does both FX and DX and the HIGH ISO capabilities and better image quality make the D800 the better choice of the 2. I own a D7000, D300s, D90 and D80 a... View Martin-Holka's recommendation
- 0 comments
- October 18, 2012
- Reply to: Function photography
John-Kim 
Intermediate III
What kind of lenses do you have now? If you are using an older kit lens without VR that came with D60, then you might need to upgrade both the body and the lens. D800 is currently the best a... View John-Kim's recommendation
- 0 comments
- July 23, 2012
- Reply to: Upgrading my equipment: the nikon d800 or d7000 with 4 lenses?
heuscher 
Intermediate II
If you've got the money do it, but it's a waste if you're just going to shoot 1.5x crop! YES! The 1.5x crop on the D800 is the FX to DX mode. So you've got an FX sensor operating as a DX So if... View heuscher's recommendation
- 0 comments
- October 7, 2012
- Reply to: Birding noise
Nikon D7000
DP-Blogger 
Beginner I
Hi Isabel, The D800 is *MASSIVE* overkill for someone who is not making a living through her photography, or isn't rich(yet!). The lenses for that camera will set you back several thousand on top... View DP-Blogger's recommendation
- 0 comments
- August 31, 2012
- Reply to: Should I get D800, D7000 or wait for a possible D600/D400?
John-Newton1 
Beginner I
The Nikon D800 is an incredible camera. I have used it and love the photos. That said, it is no where near three times as good as the D7000, but it is three times the price. You would be a lot... View John-Newton1's recommendation
- 0 comments
- June 20, 2012
- Reply to: I am looking for the best realistic quality camera
Brenden-Sherratt 
Expert I
If you already own some good lenses, then stick with the D7000, the D800 is a full frame camera and would require you to upgrade your lenses in order to use the full sensor. View Brenden-Sherratt's recommendation
- 0 comments
- August 30, 2012
- Reply to: Function photography
