Re: The quality out of D800 i is below 35mm film.
Not sure what your issue is? Are you saying that it is
your experience that digital IQ does not match film IQ or that is what you were told? Either way, what is it that digital lacks in IQ compared with film that would keep you from shooting digital? No one says you have to shoot digital to continue to enjoy photography.
Here are is an image that was shot with a Nikon D800 - hover mouse over the top right corner of the image to see exif data
Phil Giordano Photography | CVN70 | © 2014 Philip Giordano
There are a mix of shots from D700 and D800 in this gallery:
Phil Giordano Photography | CVN70
All images were shot in RAW and then coverted to JPG for posting online using Lightroom 5. Some were processed using NIK and OnOne Perfect Photo Suite 8 and Photoshop CC.
There are a lot of benefits to digital included extra capacity of memory cards compared to 24 or 36 exposure limit of a roll of film, cost of processing (free after SW purchase assuming you already own a computer), ability to easily change ISO and white balance on the fly and see the results immediately in terms of framing, exposure and focus, etc, etc.
Using a D800 gets you closer to medium format resolution than 35mm IMHO. The IQ is excellent and the files hold up very well to post processing when dealing with shadow/highlight details and dynamic range.
I'm a fan of digital but I understand shooters who still love film. I'm just saying that digital has a lot going for it and is worthwhile. Every pro who used to shoot film and now shoots digital will attest to that. Give it a try. Borrow some gear from a friend or rent some and try it to see if it is for you. Don't let anyone tell you what you should shoot to satisfy yourself.
Hope this helps. Let me know if I can answer any questions.