Nikon D800E DSLR Review — The 36MP Full-Frame Workhorse for Ultimate Detail
The Nikon D800E is a landmark full-frame DSLR built for photographers who demand the highest resolution and image fidelity from a traditional DSLR body. Packing a 36.3-megapixel FX-format sensor, the D800E removes the optical low-pass filter “softening” effect to deliver razor-sharp detail — ideal for landscapes, studio work, product photography, and any situation where resolution matters. In this long-form guide you’ll find a clear breakdown of the D800E’s core specs, where it shines, real-world shooting examples, recommended lenses and settings, post-processing tips, and tradeoffs to consider before buying. Whether you own one already or are comparing high-resolution cameras, this article explains why the D800E still holds value years after its launch and how to get the absolute best from its 36MP sensor.
Introduction
When Nikon announced the D800 series in early 2012 it was a statement: full-frame DSLRs could push resolution far past what most pros expected at reasonable prices. The D800E took that idea one step further by altering the optical low-pass filter arrangement so photographers could squeeze every last bit of fine detail from a 36.3-megapixel sensor. This article walks through what that means in practice — strengths, weaknesses, and actionable tips so you can make or refine images that truly benefit from this high resolution.
Nikon D800E — Key Specifications at a Glance
Sensor: 36.3-megapixel full-frame (FX) CMOS sensor (effective pixels).
Optical Low-Pass Filter: D800E cancels the effect of the OLPF to increase resolving power for finer detail.
ISO Range: Native 100–6400 (expandable to 50–25,600 equivalents).
Autofocus: Multi-CAM 3500FX 51-point AF module. Continuous shooting up to ~4 fps (higher in crop modes / with grip).
Video: Full HD 1080p at multiple frame rates.
Storage: Dual slots — CompactFlash (Type I, UDMA) + SD (UHS-I).
Announced: February 2012; D800E availability followed in April 2012.
Why the “E” matters — Optical Low-Pass Filter (OLPF) explained
Most consumer cameras use a weak optical low-pass filter (OLPF) — also called an anti-aliasing filter — to slightly blur the image at a microscopic level. That blur reduces moiré and false color on high-frequency patterns (think finely woven fabrics or repeating brickwork) but also softens absolute sharpness.
Nikon’s D800E effectively cancels the OLPF’s blurring effect so the sensor records slightly more micro-detail. The result: greater micro-contrast and crisper fine detail — at the cost of a higher chance of moiré in extreme patterns.
Practical takeaway: If you shoot landscapes, studio still life, architecture, or product photos — and you use high-quality lenses — the D800E’s extra resolving detail is a real advantage. If you shoot a lot of fashion with textured fabrics or fast-moving patterns, be mindful of moiré and plan for post-capture fixes.
Image Quality — what 36MP feels like in practice
Detail and cropping
With an FX sensor producing images around 7360 × 4912 pixels, you can crop aggressively while retaining print-ready resolution. For example:
Full-frame at 36MP → can comfortably print 20×30" at 300 PPI with good sharpening and lens quality.
Crop to DX (1.5×) yields ~15MP, still ample for most large prints and web use.
Dynamic range and color
The D800E’s sensor delivers excellent dynamic range, particularly at base ISO. That means more recoverable detail in shadows and highlights when you expose carefully. Landscapes and studio HDR blends benefit directly from this flexibility.
Noise and high ISO
Although designed around resolution rather than extreme low-light sensitivity, the D800E’s noise performance is surprisingly robust up to mid-ISO settings. The native range (100–6400) yields usable results, and with modern RAW processing you can push ISO when needed — but keep in mind that increased noise becomes more visible at pixel-peep level on 36MP files.
Handling, build, and ergonomics
The D800E shares the D800’s solid pro-level build: magnesium alloy chassis, comfortable grip, full controls array, and a large 3.2" LCD for playback. The viewfinder gives near-100% coverage and a pleasingly large view for critical composition. Dual card slots are handy for backup or overflow when shooting large RAW files. The camera is not ultra-light — expect a robust feel that photographers describe as confidence-inspiring rather than pocketable.
Autofocus, drive speed and real-world performance
The D800E uses Nikon’s Multi-CAM 3500FX AF system with 51 points. AF is accurate and reliable for still subjects and moderate action, but the camera’s frame rate (around 4 fps) means it’s not the best choice for sustained high-speed sports compared with dedicated pro sports cameras.
Example setups:
Landscapes: tripod, manual focus or single-point AF, smaller aperture (f/8–f/16) for maximum depth and corner sharpness.
Studio portraits: single-point AF on the eye, 85mm f/1.8–f/1.4 lens for separation, shoot RAW 14-bit NEF for best tonality.
Product detail: use the D800E + a macro lens and consider focus-stacking to preserve depth with microscopic sharpness.
Lenses that let the D800E sing
The D800E will only be as sharp as the glass attached to it. Because this camera emphasizes resolution, pairing it with high-quality optics is essential. Recommended categories:
Prime lenses: 85mm, 50mm, 35mm primes (best for portraits and general clarity).
Landscape zooms: 14–24mm, 24–70mm f/2.8, 70–200mm for compressed detail.
Macro: 60mm/105mm macro for product and close-up detail.
Tilt-shift: for architectural control and edge-to-edge sharpness on large prints.
Workflow & post-processing tips
Shoot RAW (14-bit NEF) for maximum tonal data.
Expose to the right (ETTR) carefully for more effective signal.
Apply conservative capture sharpening, then refine in post for micro-contrast.
Use software moiré reduction when patterns appear.
Plan ample storage and backup, as 36MP RAW files are large.
Who should consider the Nikon D800E?
This camera is a strong fit for:
Landscape photographers who print large and want extreme detail.
Studio and product photographers who need crisp texture and high-resolution crops.
Fine art and commercial shooters producing gallery prints.
Photographers who already own high-quality lenses and can commit to careful capture technique.
It may be a less ideal choice for:
Sports and wildlife shooters needing very high burst speeds.
Fashion photographers often shooting fabrics with repeating textures.
Pros and Cons (quick reference)
Pros
Exceptional resolving power for large prints and tight crops.
Excellent dynamic range and color depth.
Rugged build and pro-grade controls.
Cons
Increased risk of moiré on fine repeating patterns.
Large RAW files require serious storage and editing power.
Slower burst shooting compared to sports cameras.
Real-world example — landscape workflow that benefits from 36MP
Gear: D800E + 24–70mm f/2.8 or 14–24mm + tripod + remote release.
Settings: ISO 100, aperture f/8–f/11, shutter speed to suit exposure.
Technique: Live view with magnified manual focus, use mirror-up mode, bracket if necessary.
Post: Merge HDR, correct lens distortion, apply selective sharpening, export TIFF for print.
Conclusion
The Nikon D800E remains a compelling camera for photographers who prioritize resolution and print quality above all else. Its 36.3MP full-frame sensor, coupled with the altered low-pass filter, gives a tangible edge to those who shoot landscapes, studio, fine art, and product work. There are tradeoffs — larger files, the potential for moiré, and a moderate burst rate — but matched with quality glass and disciplined technique the D800E can deliver stunning, gallery-quality results. If you want absolute detail and plan to print big or crop tight, the D800E is a camera worth serious consideration.
