Canon User Of 8 Years, May Be Switching After Watching D800 and D4 In Action!

I have been shooting Canon since 2004. First my 5D, then my 5D mark II, then my 7D. However over the years Canon has become very good for video, however their "focus" system is not really all that great. Most of the time I shoot manual focus because of it. Nikon has never appealed to me because of the lack video mode and many other reasons. I was looking at the D3x for many reasons 1 being resolution. Price was just too high, plus I have to get all new lenses, and video is a no go.

Earlier this year in the spring I was following the 5D mark III announcement. I read up on the details and realized its basically a mark II with pretty much a few new features. Sure higher resolution, by 1MP, and slightly better noise performance. However in reality the only real jump is the auto focus system. Which in my opinion from all my photographer friends Nikon has always had great auto focus performance. So to me, it was a 3 year wait for the same camera with just an auto focus improvement. Canon does this alot, and quite frankly I am getting sick of it. I had to wait 3 years for manual audio control on my 7D.

Moments after watching and researching the 5D mark III release information which at that time was may, it was set to come out in September. I never noticed anything on the D800 because I was too wrapped in wishful thinking for the 5D mark III. I stumbled across the D800 by accident, and my eyes lit up!

The D800 from first specs and glance seemed to be EVERYTHING I have been waiting for! For years this is the camera I have been just sitting around hoping for. I researched this camera over the summer and looking at many videos and overviews and comparisons. What I concluded is the D800 has all the resolution and then 30% more than the D3x, half the price, pretty much same burst rate and slightly better AF system. Expeed3 processing and many more things like 1080p 24p video, manual audio control, clean HDMI out. This camera is a dream!!

The D800 is a camera the has far greater dynamic range than any DSLR ever released. Many argue that with the Mark III. The dynamic range in the D800 is 2 stops better than the 5D mark III and any other DSLR I have ever seen. Many users on the Canon side tell me that if I compare iso per iso the 5d mark III is cleaner but its not. The D800 requires less iso, so thats a bad example.

The only thing canon has going for it is the 1Dx. However the D4 has better low light capabilities, and a few other advantages. The only advantage of the 1Dx is 2 fps burst more, and slightly sharper. it is also a 10% price increase.

So I just rented the D800 + 3 Nikkor lenses 50mm 1.4G, 85mm 1.4G, and 14-24mm 2.8g, they are set to arrive tuesday.

My honest opinion is if this camera performs anywhere near where it should, then I am going to grab a D800 and D4 and start the switchover. I already contacted Nikon with this story to see if they would give me a price break due to the cost and me switching.

Sorry if I am rambling on and on....I just cant believe how stoked I am to get this D800 here. Nikon has really impressed the hell out of me!

So I will let you all know how things go on tuesday!

Welcome to the Nikonites! I completely agree with your thoughts on the D800, it's an amazing camera that is second to none. I'm looking forward to seeing some of your work with the D800!

Thanks Dave! Have you see some of my work with the 5D and 7D?

I tried shooting both the D800 and D800E and found out that the D800E is better that the Best of Nikon AutoFocus Technology so far. Extra sharpness offered. Images are more responsive to additional sharpening compared to the D800. Try and see the result. with those Lenses.

gusflores said:

I tried shooting both the D800 and D800E and found out that the D800E is better that the Best of Nikon AutoFocus Technology so far. Extra sharpness offered. Images are more responsive to additional sharpening compared to the D800. Try and see the result. with those Lenses.

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What about for video? I shoot video also.

Just looking at your rentals I see you have the 50mm 1.4g. I just cancelled an order for this last week and got the 1.8g because everything I read suggested much faster AF and at some apertures sharpness. That said I'm sure the 1.4 will be fine for your tests.

Out of interest what do you mainly photograph and why the need for a D4 and D800?

Interesting... I made the opposite switch (from A D800 and a D4) to a 1DX (waiting for Canon's high megapixel for a 2nd body). Primary reason being focus. In very challenging situations, I found that most of the time, the six 1DX's built in Case settings for focus give tack sharp images, even in the most challenging of conditions. My keeper rate went up significantly. Don't get me wrong, I do find that the D800's detail and dynamic range is ahead of the pack, but you do pay a price for that. The files are huge, burst rate is slow (IMO) and slightest shake can reduce sharpness. Indeed it's a great camera for certain types of shooting and although at times I miss the dynamic range and ability to crop without sacrificing quality, for me, the 800 is not an all around, practical camera for my shooting style. Additionally, I use tilt shift lenses frequently and the 17mm and 24mm Canon Tilt Shift lenses are so superior. That coupled with the wireless flash technology of the Canon (radio based), the Q function and the ability to simultaneously write to the CF card along with a laptop when shooting tethered, was enough to convince me to make the switch. Additionally, I love Canon's latest lens releases (super telephotos and soon to be released 200 - 400mm with a 1.4 TC built in looks intriguing). But with all of that said, we are splitting hairs. I think this month's edition of Popular Photography said it all, you can't go wrong with either system (Nikon D4 or Canon 1DX). There are times that I wish I could combine the best traits from both bodies but frankly, I found both pieces of equipment to be amazing. Good luck with your decision, I know for me I agonized over it for quite a while before I made the plunge.

I don't use the Nikon Camera,wanted to preserve and bought camcorder for video activities.

StillsandVideo said:

Interesting... I made the opposite switch (from A D800 and a D4) to a 1DX (waiting for Canon's high megapixel for a 2nd body). Primary reason being focus. In very challenging situations, I found that most of the time, the six 1DX's built in Case settings for focus give tack sharp images, even in the most challenging of conditions. My keeper rate went up significantly. Don't get me wrong, I do find that the D800's detail and dynamic range is ahead of the pack, but you do pay a price for that. The files are huge, burst rate is slow (IMO) and slightest shake can reduce sharpness. Indeed it's a great camera for certain types of shooting and although at times I miss the dynamic range and ability to crop without sacrificing quality, for me, the 800 is not an all around, practical camera for my shooting style. Additionally, I use tilt shift lenses frequently and the 17mm and 24mm Canon Tilt Shift lenses are so superior. That coupled with the wireless flash technology of the Canon (radio based), the Q function and the ability to simultaneously write to the CF card along with a laptop when shooting tethered, was enough to convince me to make the switch. Additionally, I love Canon's latest lens releases (super telephotos and soon to be released 200 - 400mm with a 1.4 TC built in looks intriguing). But with all of that said, we are splitting hairs. I think this month's edition of Popular Photography said it all, you can't go wrong with either system (Nikon D4 or Canon 1DX). There are times that I wish I could combine the best traits from both bodies but frankly, I found both pieces of equipment to be amazing. Good luck with your decision, I know for me I agonized over it for quite a while before I made the plunge.

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Well there are many advantages for each. I have shot with the 1dx and its a great machine. Canon has its ups, but also its downs. Dynamic range and resolution is what I care about most.

Geoffc said:

Just looking at your rentals I see you have the 50mm 1.4g. I just cancelled an order for this last week and got the 1.8g because everything I read suggested much faster AF and at some apertures sharpness. That said I'm sure the 1.4 will be fine for your tests.

Out of interest what do you mainly photograph and why the need for a D4 and D800?

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wedding portraits, engagement, family, and landscape. The D800 and D4 will pair nicely to satisfy my needs on these types of shoots. Alot more so than the 5D mark II or III ever could.

Welcome to Nikonites, the one thing I applaud about your decision is that you will be renting first. This is really good because you'll be able to find out if all the cash you will spend to switch over will be a good investment. Hopefully, your decision won't be regretted and you will enjoy Nikon.

There are people switching over to the other side too and everyone has his/her reasons do to so. But renting and actually feeling how the camera works out is a great idea.

Good luck with your decision.

Marcel said:

Welcome to Nikonites, the one thing I applaud about your decision is that you will be renting first. This is really good because you'll be able to find out if all the cash you will spend to switch over will be a good investment. Hopefully, your decision won't be regretted and you will enjoy Nikon.

There are people switching over to the other side too and everyone has his/her reasons do to so. But renting and actually feeling how the camera works out is a great idea.

Good luck with your decision.

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Thanks Marcel! I didnt know there were people like me going the opposite way LOL.

I know quite a few people who still own and use both systems. As previously mentioned already, they have their own ups and downs. We are not going anywhere if we measurebate which camera and system is better. It's always difficult to switch system especially if you already heavily invested with a lot of lenses. Once you get to try the D800, you'll be able to make a sound decision since you'll know if the D800 is worth shifting including the lenses that you are about to try.

I haven't use any Canon cameras so I can't comment any further but for video, Canon has been very good ever since (from what most reviewers that I have read have claimed). The D800 video is not bad and I use it quite often for my daughter's school band concert.

FWIW, one of my friend has three times as many camera equipment than what I currently own, claims that the Panasonic GH2 is currently the best DSLR when it comes to video use. This maybe topped by the GH3.

Feel free to share your experience with the D800.

gqtuazon said:

I know quite a few people who still own and use both systems. As previously mentioned already, they have their own ups and downs. We are not going anywhere if we measurebate which camera and system is better. It's always difficult to switch system especially if you already heavily invested with a lot of lenses. Once you get to try the D800, you'll be able to make a sound decision since you'll know if the D800 is worth shifting including the lenses that you are about to try.

I haven't use any Canon cameras so I can't comment any further but for video, Canon has been very good ever since (from what most reviewers that I have read have claimed). The D800 video is not bad and I use it quite often for my daughter's school band concert.

FWIW, one of my friend has three times as many camera equipment than what I currently own, claims that the Panasonic GH2 is currently the best DSLR when it comes to video use. This maybe topped by the GH3.

Feel free to share your experience with the D800.

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Thanks for your input. I agree. However the GH2 is faulty in many ways. The 5D mark III, D800, D4, 7D all have better video than the GH2. In reality on "paper" based on specs the D800 has the best video hands down with over 14.7 stops of dynamic range. However in video I believe only 12.xx stops is useable but in RAW NEF photos its actually 14.7.

Notwithstanding the fact that the D800 is a fantastic camera, to me, 36MP is overkill. I seriously don't see why they couldn't have made it a 24MP camera. Much more manageable in terms of file size and memory card loading. Then again, I'll never be able to afford one anyway, so it's a moot point!

fotojack said:

Notwithstanding the fact that the D800 is a fantastic camera, to me, 36MP is overkill. I seriously don't see why they couldn't have made it a 24MP camera. Much more manageable in terms of file size and memory card loading. Then again, I'll never be able to afford one anyway, so it's a moot point!

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File size isn't a problem for me as I have a fully built monster of a computer and 4 hard drives of which each are 2 tb. D800 is a dream come true for many photographers. It's pretty much a d3x on steroids.

Faymus Media said:

File size isn't a problem for me as I have a fully built monster of a computer and 4 hard drives of which each are 2 tb. D800 is a dream come true for many photographers. It's pretty much a d3x on steroids.

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Yeah, me too. In fact, the D800 pretty much demands a fast computer. I have an Intel i7-3770 3rd gen chip w/ 32 gig solid state cache drive and a 2 TB HD, 16G memory and a 2Gb NVIDIA graphics card, works like a champ. And with the OS and all my apps residing on the SSD, it cuts through these giant files like butter.

fotojack said:

Notwithstanding the fact that the D800 is a fantastic camera, to me, 36MP is overkill. I seriously don't see why they couldn't have made it a 24MP camera. Much more manageable in terms of file size and memory card loading. Then again, I'll never be able to afford one anyway, so it's a moot point!

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Jack - the introduction of the D800 / E is to get into the Medium Format territory which has already had its cut in that market. I'm getting in to studio photography and I am excited to get my lighting and backdrop early next year. The D800 is perfect for that set-up.

For sports, photojournalism and other types of photography, Nikon addressed that with the D4 and D600.

gqtuazon said:

Jack - the introduction of the D800 / E is to get into the Medium Format territory which has already had its cut in that market. I'm getting in to studio photography and I am excited to get my lighting and backdrop early next year. The D800 is perfect for that set-up.

For sports, photojournalism and other types of photography, Nikon addressed that with the D4 and D600.

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Agreed. However put a battery grip on the d800 and it does 6fps so it can handle some action too. If I buy one it will be with the battery grip for sure.

Just received the D800 in the mail today. Overall it feels better in my hands then the 5D does. Build quality is just phenomenal, the knobs and switches all seem like they're much stronger than on the 5D.

Faymus Media said:

Just received the D800 in the mail today. Overall it feels better in my hands then the 5D does. Build quality is just phenomenal, the knobs and switches all seem like they're much stronger than on the 5D.

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Enjoy! And please keep us posted about your trial.