Nikon D800E DSLR Camera Body {36.3MP}

Nikon D800E: 36.3MP full-frame with AA filter removed

The D800E takes the D800's 36.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor and removes the anti-aliasing filter, wringing out every bit of resolving power that sensor can produce. For subjects with fine repeating textures, architectural details, foliage, fabric, the difference is visible. Pair it with a sharp Nikkor prime and you're working with files that hold up at print sizes where most DSLRs fall apart. The 51-point AF system with 3D color tracking handles moving subjects reliably, and the 100% optical pentaprism viewfinder at 0.7x magnification gives you a precise, full-frame view for critical composition.

Dual card slots, CompactFlash and SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I, let you run simultaneous RAW-to-CF and JPEG-to-SD workflows, or keep a live backup of everything you shoot. The weather-sealed body and USB 3.0 port round out a spec sheet built for serious field and studio use. Burst speed sits at 4 fps, which reflects the processing demands of those 36.3MP files than a design compromise. ISO runs from 100 to 6400 natively, expandable to 25600, with exposure compensation adjustable in ±5 EV increments. Files at base ISO from this sensor have a dynamic range that made medium-format shooters take notice when this camera launched, and that hasn't changed.

Who It's For

Landscape and architectural photographers who print large will get the most from the AA-filter-free 36.3MP sensor, the file detail at base ISO is the primary reason to choose the D800E over its sibling. Studio portrait shooters benefit from the same resolving power alongside manual exposure control and the dual card slot backup workflow. Documentary and editorial photographers already invested in the Nikon F mount get access to the full catalog of Nikkor glass with a full-frame sensor that holds shadow detail well into the exposure range. The timelapse recording and 1080p video at 24, 25, and 30 fps also make it a workable option for hybrid shooters who want stills and motion from one weather-sealed body.

Key Features

• 36.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor with anti-aliasing filter removed
• 51-point autofocus system with 3D color tracking
• 4.0 fps continuous shooting at full resolution
• Dual card slots: CompactFlash and SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I
• 100% optical pentaprism viewfinder with 0.7x magnification
• Weather-sealed body with USB 3.0 connectivity
• ISO 100–6400 native, expandable to 50–25600
• 1920×1080 video at 30/25/24 fps with H.264 codec

FAQ

What's the difference between the D800 and D800E?

The D800E removes the anti-aliasing filter that the standard D800 uses. This means finer detail is resolved, especially in subjects with repeating patterns like architecture or fabric, but you're also more susceptible to moire in certain scenarios. The sensor itself is identical-36.3MP, same dynamic range, same ISO performance.

Will a 36.3MP sensor handle fast action and sports?

The D800E isn't built for that. At 4 fps burst speed, it's slower than most professional DSLRs because it's processing three times the pixels of earlier cameras. It's designed for deliberate work-landscapes, studio, architecture-where you have time to compose between shots.

How does the dual card slot workflow actually work?

You can shoot RAW to CompactFlash and JPEG to SD simultaneously, or use one card as backup while the other fills. The secondary slot function menu lets you choose overflow, backup, or dedicated RAW-to-CF, JPEG-to-SD. Real field redundancy without slowing you down.

Can I print large from D800E files?

Yes-that's the entire point of 36.3MP. Files hold detail at print sizes where most DSLRs fall apart. Base ISO dynamic range is comparable to medium-format cameras from that era. Pair it with a sharp prime and you're working with technical capability that justifies the file size and processing demands.

Is the 0.7x viewfinder magnification too small?

It's the same magnification as the Canon 5D Mark III and Nikon D4. At 100% coverage, it gives you full-frame view for precise composition. Whether it feels cramped depends on your eyesight and shooting style-but it's standard professional DSLR specs, not a weakness.

What's the native ISO range, and how much can I push it?

Native ISO runs 100–6400. Expandable settings go down to ISO 50 and up to ISO 25,600. At base ISO the files are exceptional; at expanded highs, noise becomes visible but controlled. High ISO performance matches the D4 because they share the same Expeed 3 processor, just with more resolution to hold fine detail.