Why does the d800 have more megapixels than the D4?

jdeg

^ broke something
Staff member
The D800 is going to have a 36mp sensor while the D4 only has a 16mp sensor. Why is that? Simple. The cameras are aimed towards two different markets. The D4 is for photojournalists that require super fast continuous shooting (11 frames per second), fast focusing, and crazy low light capability. Those pictures, while still large, have to sometimes be transferred quickly right from the camera via wi-fi.

The D800 would be better suited in situations where a very large print is needed, like landscape, and architectural. It can only do 4fps in FX mode (6fps in DX). It has a 100-6,400 ISO range where the D4 has a 100-12,800 range. Right now it would be absolutely insane if a 36mp sensor could do 12,800 ISO with little noise. Think about it.

It seems likely that Nikon will release a D4x @ 36mp sometime later.

Remember that more megapixels doesn't mean better pictures.
 

Eye-level

Banned
It is all about resolution sir and remember the camera type with the highest resolution to date (and into the near future)? The daguerreotype...the first one...it is true look it up if you don't believe me...

With that being said...

"in a couple of discussions, both with the head of lens development at Leica and the Chief Technology office at Phase One, I asked the same question. Are we currently lens limited, or sensor limited? In other words, what is the weakest link?
The answer is we are sensor limited. The best current lenses are able to out resolve sensors with pixel pitches in the 6 micron range. Once we get below 5 microns (if we can do so without compromising image quality in pro-grade sensors) even the best current lenses may become the limiting factor. Note the use of the words "best lenses". While top lenses have an edge, everyday lenses are easily out-resolved by today's sensors."

Digital sensor technology is still in it's infancy...you just wait about 10 more years...we'll have camera phones that will make D4s and D800s look like Brownie No. 1s...but we are going to be lens limited then...

I know you hate to hear me say it but the Nikon 1 system is the future...

THIRTY FIVE MM IS DEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
 
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ohkphoto

Snow White
I know you hate to hear me say it but the Nikon 1 system is the future...

I've heard this on the networks (G+ mostly, and mostly from "hot-shot" photographers). Mirrorless cameras have electronic viewfinders. That's nothing new. I had a coolpix 5700 before I got my D200 --the whole idea with DSLR is to be able to look through the lens and see what the camera is going to capture. I didn't like the electronic viewfinder then and doubt that I will in the future.

Just like there are people who still shoot film, there will be photographers who will still use DSLR, I am not impressed with mirrorless cameras and have no intention of jumping on this bandwagon . . . although I wish everyone else would, then the cost of glass would come down. :cool:
 

Eye-level

Banned
Oh I think we are still quite aways out from rangefinders taking back the initiative from the SLRs but I also feel that eventually it will happen if for any reason other then the economics of it. The price of vintage and legacy glass has frigging went through the roof because of the mirrorless rigs...

Told ya you would hate me for saying it... ;)
 

ohkphoto

Snow White
The price of vintage and legacy glass has frigging went through the roof because of the mirrorless rigs...

I don't understand what you're saying here. Are you saying that because there's renewed interest in "mirrorless cameras", this has driven up the cost of Nikon glass for DSLR's? I shop (window!) regularly for bargains on ebay and the prices haven't been spiking . . . fast glass has always been expensive . . . but prices for the other lenses have been pretty much in line with the market.
 

Eye-level

Banned
Not for "vintage" Nikon glass because until fairly recently there really wasn't much in the way of F mount adaptors...that has all pretty much changed in the past few months...the price of old F mount glass (at least the better grades) will go up. Now if you take a look at old zeiss, leica, olympus, cannon, etc (all sorts of adaptors available and in stock) basically everyone else but the f mount the better grade lenses have jumped drastically over the past two years since the release of the mirrorless cameras...as for the Nikkors...at least the old ones...all of the "legendary lenses" at least super clean ones have already began to take off in price...

And it ain't because people are shooting film again either...
 
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gqtuazon

Gear Head
So why are we arguing with this speculation? This is still speculation for now correct?

I agree with Jdeg. In addition, the D800, if and when released during my visit at the C&P show in Yokohama, will most likely produce similar robust video features with HDMI output. I'll let you know by the 10th of February.

For the record, I am not buying either one. (yet). :)
 

gqtuazon

Gear Head
.as for the Nikkors...at least the old ones...all of the "legendary lenses" at least super clean ones have already began to take off in price...

Since I am a kind and generous guy, and I give great discounts to my friends, I will not raise the prices of my MF lenses. Just for you.
 

jdeg

^ broke something
Staff member
So why are we arguing with this speculation? This is still speculation for now correct?

I agree with Jdeg. In addition, the D800, if and when released during my visit at the C&P show in Yokohama, will most likely produce similar robust video features with HDMI output. I'll let you know by the 10th of February.

For the record, I am not buying either one. (yet). :)

Care to take some pics for the main page? :)
 

Stangman98

Senior Member
While I do believe that something along the lines of the Nikon 1 system will become a cash cow, I don't believe it anyway shape or form that it will make Dslr's obsolete. The simple fact of the matter is that the general public has no idea what a good photo looks like and the all think they are pro's. It comes back to a previous post of mine..."When are people going to stop obsessing about ridiculously high mega pixel cameras" The reason that people want huge Meg is because they don't know any better.
And back to the original question, Jpeg was spot on. The two camera's are marketed to two different style and need of photographer. I am sure both will sell well also.
 

Eye-level

Banned
Since I am a kind and generous guy, and I give great discounts to my friends, I will not raise the prices of my MF lenses. Just for you.

About the only "old" Nikkor I have any desire for nowadays is a minty 85/1.8K (which BTW has drastically shot up in price the last year or so)...are you selling off lenses Glenn?

I have always thought the megapixels race was a bunch of hogwash...I mean I have an old sony cybershot 4 megapixels that takes outstanding snapshots and makes great 8X10 prints...without a loupe I would say it is just as good as my F2 if not better...
 

ohkphoto

Snow White
I mean I have an old sony cybershot 4 megapixels that takes outstanding snapshots and makes great 8X10 prints...without a loupe I would say it is just as good as my F2 if not better...

I think that's comparing apples to oranges. Shoot the same pic with a higher res digital camera and then compare. I shot a portrait with my film camera and with my D200 ---with film. I had to do no retouching --very forgiving. The D200 picked up every blemish freckle and wrinkle.
 

Eye-level

Banned
I think that's comparing apples to oranges. Shoot the same pic with a higher res digital camera and then compare. I shot a portrait with my film camera and with my D200 ---with film. I had to do no retouching --very forgiving. The D200 picked up every blemish freckle and wrinkle.

I agree that is sort of an apples to oranges deal...I wonder how much of a difference in resolution there is between the D800 and D4...I'm assuming that there would definately be some sort of difference but that begs the question can you see the difference with your eyes or do have to break out a loupe?
 

jdeg

^ broke something
Staff member
keep in mind that megapixels are also different across formats. 36mp in DX is about 15.5mp.

We're also not factoring in pixel density here either.
 

Roger3006

Senior Member
Old thread but after using a D800 for over a year I think I can comment. I used many cameras from a 4X5 Speed Graphic to a Minox. My favorite was a Hasselblad 500C; however, I shot more photographs with my F4 because I could do a better job in many situations. Will a 500C capable of better images than an F4? Without a doubt. Could I get several good shots of mallards coming into a duck blind with a 500C? NO.

As mentioned above, the cameras have different intended purposes. I now do product photography and I prefer my D800. I plan on starting to shoot wildlife with digital and you can bet I will be using a D4S.

In my opinion, both are great cameras with different strong points. My only gripe about the D800 is the lack of an ethernet portl

Have a great week,

Roger
 
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