Nikon D4 (vs D800)

[James0b57]

welcome back James, it's been a while
I think the D800 completely dominates the D4: it's equal or better in any aspect you look at
right now, I see the D800, 5D3, GH2, and maybe NEX-5N, as very viable options, they all excel at something, and none has such huge drawbacks that it just can't be considered an option
(my favorite would be the 5D3... if they reduce the price to match the D800) (yes, I'm sick of the aliasing/moire, and would love to get rid of it)

Thanks, good to be back for a while.

I am getting the impression that D800 with neat video cleaner makes a D4 or 5Dmk3 less of an advantage on the D800?

[chagchag]

Thanks, good to be back for a while.

I am getting the impression that D800 with neat video cleaner makes a D4 or 5Dmk3 less of an advantage on the D800?

One thing to have in mind is that the D800's noise is more prominent due to the higher dynamic range. If you watch tests compared with the MkIII, there are two traits that does not get the attention they deserve: One, the blacks are more crushed in the MKIII, thus hiding noise and two, The D800 image is far brighter than the MKIII at the same ISO-setting.... Don't get blinded by the numbers. ISO 1600 is unfortunately NOT the same as ISO 1600 these days.

Also with the D800's superior resolution, it can take a heavier beating from noise-reduction software (like neat video), and still come out with at least as much detail as you get with the quite soft MKIII. This of course also goes for the the D4 which is (IMO) just too soft from the get go.

If you are concerned with aliasing/moire Mosaic Engineering is set to release an aa-filter for the D800 quite soon.

[RRRoger]

[QUOTE
On a side note, when you guys got your cameras, did you check the shutter count? If so, what was it at? I bought mine from a local store and the D4 had a count of 65, and the D800 had a count of 503. I've taken the D800 back and will receive a new one in the next shipment, and am debating doing the same with the D4.

Am pretty peeved that I received two camera bodies from a local store, and both had a large shutter count. QUOTE]

Large shutter count?
You should be thankful that they tested it for you.
When I sold my D1, it had pretty close to 1 million shutter activations on it.
The only work done was several sensor cleanings.
I would not worry about 503 activations.


Back to the subject:
I really like the D800 for Video and will be getting the Mosaic Engineering aa-filter

[Stephenh]

I would't call 65 activations a large shutter count.

[James0b57]

One thing to have in mind is that the D800's noise is more prominent due to the higher dynamic range. If you watch tests compared with the MkIII, there are two traits that does not get the attention they deserve: One, the blacks are more crushed in the MKIII, thus hiding noise and two, The D800 image is far brighter than the MKIII at the same ISO-setting.... Don't get blinded by the numbers. ISO 1600 is unfortunately NOT the same as ISO 1600 these days.

Also with the D800's superior resolution, it can take a heavier beating from noise-reduction software (like neat video), and still come out with at least as much detail as you get with the quite soft MKIII. This of course also goes for the the D4 which is (IMO) just too soft from the get go.

If you are concerned with aliasing/moire Mosaic Engineering is set to release an aa-filter for the D800 quite soon.

That makes a lot of sense. The D800 with an AA filter+ post NR, sounds like a formidable setup. Thanks.