Nikon D800E vs Fujifilm X-A1

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D800E and the Fujifilm X-A1, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D800E was introduced in June 2012 and Fujifilm X-A1 was introduced in November 2013. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D800E Highlights

      • 36.3 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points (51 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 4.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Fujifilm X-A1 Highlights

      • 16.3 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 49 Focus Points (49 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 920k dot Tilting Screen
      • 5.6 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D800E and Fujifilm X-A1.

      PROS

      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 96
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 36.3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Weight - 1000 g (2.20 lb / 35.27 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.3 Megapixel
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.6 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Advantage of Nikon D800E

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D800E over Fujifilm X-A1.

      Nikon D800E vs Fujifilm X-A1
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs APS-C
      Higher Sensor Resolution 36.3 Megapixel vs 16.3 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
      Max Image Resolution 7360 x 4912 vs 4896 x 3264
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 51 vs 49
      More Cross-type Focus Points 15 vs 0
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.2" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 920k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) vs
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/250 sec vs 1/180 sec
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Higher USB Speed USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Longer Battery Life 900 shots vs 350 shots
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D800E.

      Advantage of Fujifilm X-A1

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Fujifilm X-A1 over Nikon D800E.

      Nikon D800E vs Fujifilm X-A1
      Cheaper US: $3,299.95 UK: £2689.99 EU: €3171 vs $599 with 16-50mm
      Center Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Screen Type Fixed vs Tilting
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 4.0 fps vs 5.6 fps
      Built-in Microphone Mono vs Stereo
      Built-In Wi-Fi vs
      Lighter 1000 g (2.20 lb / 35.27 oz) vs 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Fujifilm X-A1.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D800E Fujifilm X-A1
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Type C Mini Type C
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D800E Fujifilm X-A1
        No Image Stabilization
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D800E has a 3.2" Fixed screen with 921k dot resolution and Fujifilm X-A1 has a 3.0" Tilting screen with 920k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes Fujifilm X-A1 very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

      Image cannot be displayed

      Fujifilm X-A1 with Tilting screen


      Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder on Nikon D800E

      Nikon D800E has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 100% coverage and 0.70x magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Fujifilm X-A1.

      Sensor

      Nikon D800E features a 36.3 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.9 x 24 mm and a total area of 861.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. Fujifilm X-A1 features a 16.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 6,400.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D800E is equipped with EXPEED 3 processor and can take pictures up to 7360 x 4912 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 6144 x 4912, 6144 x 4080, 5520 x 3680, 4800 x 3200, 4608 x 3680, 4608 x 3056, 3680 x 2456, 3600 x 2400, 3072 x 2456, 3072 x 2040, 2400 x 1600 with 5:4, 3:2 aspect ratios. Fujifilm X-A1 is equipped with EXR Processor II processor and can take pictures up to 4896 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like S: (3:2) 2496 x 1664 / (16:9) 2496 x 1408 / (1:1) 1664 x 1664 with 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Nikon D800E has Nikon F lens mount and Fujifilm X-A1 has Fujifilm X lens mount. Due to Full Frame sensor in Nikon D800E its crop factor is equal to 1x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length. Due to APS-C sensor in Fujifilm X-A1 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Low-Pass Filter on Nikon D800E

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Nikon D800E. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D800E it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Fujifilm X-A1 nothing can be done. On Fujifilm X-A1 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D800E nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi on Fujifilm X-A1

      Fujifilm X-A1 has a built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. Nikon D800E has a Mini Type C HDMI and Fujifilm X-A1 has a Mini Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D800E comes with EN-EL15 battery pack with battery life of 900 shots and Fujifilm X-A1 comes with NP-W126 battery pack with battery life of 350 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D800E has two card slots - one for SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) and one for CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA). Fujifilm X-A1 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D800E has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D800E, and up to 1/4000 sec on Fujifilm X-A1. Nikon D800E can shoot continuously up to 4.0 fps. Fujifilm X-A1 can shoot continuously up to 5.6 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D800E has 51 (15 cross-type) focusing points and Fujifilm X-A1 has 49 focusing points. Nikon D800E has detection range from -2 to +19 EV.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Nikon D800E ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Nikon D800E and ±2 EV range on Fujifilm X-A1. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D800E and exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Fujifilm X-A1.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 on Nikon D800E and 7.00 m (ISO200m) on Fujifilm X-A1. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal to Nikon D800E and via Hot Shoe to Fujifilm X-A1. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Nikon D800E and 1/180 sec on Fujifilm X-A1.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D800E body has dimensions of 146 x 123 x 82 mm (5.75 x 4.84 x 3.23") and Fujifilm X-A1 body has dimensions of 117 x 67 x 39 mm (4.6 x 2.62 x 1.54"). Nikon D800E weighs 1000 g (2.20 lb / 35.27 oz) and Fujifilm X-A1 weighs 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz).

      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      146 mm

      123 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      117 mm

      67 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      123 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      67 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      82 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      39 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Nikon D800E and Fujifilm X-A1

      Nikon D800E and Fujifilm X-A1 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      GOOD
      74
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.6 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      GOOD
      70
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.6 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      GOOD
      81
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      76
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      GOOD
      79
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 1000 g (2.20 lb / 35.27 oz)
      GOOD
      80
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      GOOD
      74
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 1000 g (2.20 lb / 35.27 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots
      GOOD
      82
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D800E and Fujifilm X-A1 and give them scores of 71 and 59 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      OVERALL
      71
      OVERALL
      59

      Sensor

      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      GOOD
      75
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 36.3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 96
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.3 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      GOOD
      73
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.6 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      GOOD
      79
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   49 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      GOOD
      81
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D800E

      Fujifilm X-A1

      GOOD
      73
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 1000 g (2.20 lb / 35.27 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 330 g (0.73 lb / 11.64 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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