The Nikon D800, released in 2012, was a groundbreaking DSLR in its time, especially praised for its massive 36.3-megapixel full-frame sensor. It quickly became a favorite among landscape, portrait, and studio photographers who demanded high-resolution image quality. However, more than a decade later, the D800 shows its age in several areas. If you’re considering buying one today—especially on the used market—here are some important drawbacks to keep in mind.
1. Slow Continuous Shooting Speed
Despite its high resolution, the D800 offers a relatively slow continuous shooting speed of only 4 frames per second (fps) in full-frame mode. This can be a limitation for action, sports, or wildlife photographers who need faster burst rates to capture fast-moving subjects.
2. Large File Sizes
The 36.3MP sensor produces extremely detailed images, but that comes at the cost of very large RAW file sizes. This puts a strain on memory cards, hard drives, and computer processing power—especially during editing and backup. If you're not prepared with high-capacity storage and a powerful editing setup, it can quickly become overwhelming.
3. Limited High ISO Performance
While the D800 performs well at low ISO levels, noise becomes noticeable at higher ISO settings, especially beyond ISO 3200. Photographers working in low-light environments may find the noise levels less manageable compared to newer full-frame models that offer better high ISO capabilities.
4. No Built-in Wi-Fi or GPS
In today’s connected world, the lack of built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS is a noticeable omission. Users need external accessories like the Nikon WU-1b or GPS module to add these features, which adds cost and complexity.
5. Bulky and Heavy Design
As a traditional DSLR, the D800 is large and heavy, especially when paired with professional lenses. While this gives it a solid, durable feel, it can be uncomfortable for long shooting sessions or travel photography, where lighter mirrorless options now dominate.
6. Average Autofocus in Low Light
Although the D800 features a 51-point autofocus system, it doesn’t perform particularly well in low-light situations compared to more modern DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. It can struggle to lock focus in dim environments, making it less ideal for nighttime or indoor event photography.
7. No Touchscreen or Articulating LCD
The 3.2-inch LCD screen on the D800 is fixed and lacks touch functionality. This limits shooting flexibility and ease of use, especially when compared to newer cameras that offer tilting or fully articulating screens with touchscreen controls.
Conclusion
The Nikon D800 remains a capable camera with outstanding resolution and image quality, especially for controlled environments like studio or landscape photography. However, its age shows in several key areas—from speed and low-light performance to connectivity and user-friendly features. For photographers who can work within its limitations, the D800 still offers great value, but it may not be the best fit for those seeking a modern, fast-paced workflow or more advanced video features.
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