Nikon D810 Review – Key Takeaways

Overview

The Nikon D810 upgrades the D800/D800E with a new 36.3-megapixel FX sensor that omits the optical low-pass filter for maximum sharpness, paired with the faster EXPEED 4 engine. It offers an ISO range from 32 to 51,200, 1080/60p video, a rugged weather-sealed body, dual CF/SD slots, USB 3.0, and a 200,000-actuation self-diagnostic shutter.

Key Features

• 36.3 MP full-frame sensor without an anti-alias filter

• Native ISO 64 (down to ISO 32) and up to ISO 12,800 (boosted to ISO 51,200)

• EXPEED 4 processor for 30% faster throughput

• 5 fps at full resolution (7 fps in DX crop with battery grip)

• Electronic front-curtain shutter and improved mirror mechanism

• Uncompressed 12-bit RAW “Size S” mode (9 MP)

• In-camera HDR blending and flat Picture Control for video

• SuperSpeed USB 3.0, dual-axis virtual horizon, exposure delay mode

Design and Handling

• Mag-alloy, weather-sealed chassis with deeper, narrower grip

• Control tweaks: smaller round PV/Fn buttons, new “i” menu button, metering dial

• Three individual port flaps and rubberized card-door

• Large, bright 3.2″ 1,299 K-dot LCD with RGBW panel, gel resin layer, and auto-brightness sensor

• 0.72×, 100% viewfinder coverage with BriteView Clear Matte Mark VIII screen

Autofocus and Drive

• Multi-CAM 3500FX module: 51 points (15 cross-type), −2 EV sensitivity, f/8 support

• New Group Area AF and face-detect toggle in viewfinder

• Quiet release mode, single (S), continuous low/high, mirror-up, self-timer

• Auto ISO in Manual mode, exposure-comp and bracketing up to ±5 EV

• 5 fps continuous (FX); up to 7 fps in DX mode with MB-D12 grip and EN-EL18/AA battery

Image Quality

• 7,360 × 4,912 px files yield sharp 24 × 16″ prints at 300 ppi

• Outstanding detail rivaling some medium-format systems

• Excellent dynamic range at base ISO; manageable noise up to ISO 6,400

• Built-in Active D-Lighting and HDR modes enhance contrast in JPEGs

• Optional long-exposure NR for exposures up to 30 s or Bulb

Video Capabilities

• Full HD (1080p) at 24/25/30/50/60 fps; 720p at same frame rates

• FX- and DX-based crop modes (1.1×, 1.5×)

• Flat Picture Control, zebra stripes, simultaneous internal/external recording

• Maximum continuous clip: 29 min 59 s (Normal), 20 min (High)

• Built-in mic with headphone jack; optional external audio via 3.5 mm jack

Storage and Power

• Dual slots for CF (UDMA) and SD (UHS-I); various recording and backup configurations

• EN-EL15 battery rated at 1,200 CIPA shots; MB-D12 grip accepts EN-EL18 or AAs

• Ethernet port and optional WT-5 wireless transmitter support

• Standard PC sync terminal and pop-up flash with CLS master capability

Conclusion

The D810 is an incremental yet meaningful refinement over its predecessors. Its sensor removal of the low-pass filter and EXPEED 4 boost deliver slightly sharper, more responsive shooting, while its broadened ISO range and video tweaks address real-world needs. Although it lacks 4K video, built-in Wi-Fi, and a tilting touchscreen, it remains a compelling choice against the Canon 5D Mark III and Sony A7R.