Nikon D800E vs Nikon D810

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D800E and the Nikon D810, 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 Nikon D810 was introduced in June 2014. 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

      Nikon D810 Highlights

      • 36.3 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 64 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points (51 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 1,229k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      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 Nikon D810.

      PROS

      Nikon D800E

      Nikon D810

      •   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
      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   64 Lowest Native ISO
      •   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 - 97
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1200 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots

      CONS

      Nikon D800E

      Nikon D810

      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth


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

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D800E

      Nikon D810

      •   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
      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 36.3 Megapixel
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Weight - 980 g (2.16 lb / 34.57 oz)

      Advantage of Nikon D800E

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D800E over Nikon D810.

      Nikon D800E vs Nikon D810
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 2979 vs 2853

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

      Advantage of Nikon D810

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D810 over Nikon D800E.

      Nikon D800E vs Nikon D810
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 64
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 12,800
      Higher Boosted ISO 25,600 vs 51,200
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 1,229k dot
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 4.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
      Higher DxO Color Depth 25.6 vs 25.7
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 14.3 vs 14.8
      Higher DxO Overall Score 96 vs 97
      Built-in Microphone Mono vs Stereo
      Lighter 1000 g (2.20 lb / 35.27 oz) vs 980 g (2.16 lb / 34.57 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 900 shots vs 1200 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D810.

      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 Nikon D810
        Video Capture
        Large SensorFull FrameFull Frame
        Many Focus Points5151
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Large Screen3.2"3.2"
        High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/8000 sec1/8000 sec
        Built-in Flash
        High DxO Overall Score9697
        High USB SpeedUSB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec)USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec)
        HDMI Output Mini Type C Mini
        Environmental Sealing
        Many Storage Slots22
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D800E Nikon D810
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via optional WT-5A transmitter or Eye-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D800E and Nikon D810 have 3.2" Fixed screens with 921k dot and 1,229k dot resolutions respectively.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. They both have 100% coverage and 0.70x magnification.

      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. Nikon D810 features a 36.3 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.9 x 24 mm and a total area of 576 mm2. Its native ISO range is 64 - 12,800 and expands to 32 - 51,200 in boosted mode.


      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. Nikon D810 is equipped with EXPEED 4 processor and can take pictures up to 7360 x 4912 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like FX: 5520 x 3680, 3680 x 2456; 1.2: 6144 x 4080, 4608 x 3056, 3072 x 2040; 5:4: 6144 x 4912, 4608 x 3680, 3072 x 2456; DX: 4800 x 3200, 3600 x 2400, 2400 x 1600 with 5:4, 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Nikon F lens mount. Due to their Full Frame sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length.


      No Low-Pass Filter

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on either of the cameras. 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 Nikon D810 nothing can be done. On Nikon D810 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

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Nikon D800E has a Mini Type C HDMI and Nikon D810 has a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D800E and Nikon D810 come with EN-EL15 battery pack with battery life of 900 shots on Nikon D800E and with battery life of 1200 shots on Nikon D810.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have two card slots - one for SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) and one for CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA).

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D800E has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Nikon D810 has Mechanical Focal Plane shutter and Electronic shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D800E, and up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D810. Nikon D800E can shoot continuously up to 4.0 fps. Nikon D810 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D800E has 51 (15 cross-type) focusing points and Nikon D810 has 51 (15 cross-type) focusing points. They both have detection range from -2 to +19 EV


      Exposure

      Both cameras' exposure metering ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D800E and exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D810.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100.. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal to Nikon D800E and via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal or Wireless connection to Nikon D810. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D800E and Nikon D810 bodies have the same dimensions of 146 x 123 x 82 mm (5.75 x 4.84 x 3.23"). Nikon D800E weighs 1000 g (2.20 lb / 35.27 oz) and Nikon D810 weighs 980 g (2.16 lb / 34.57 oz).

      Nikon D800E

      Nikon D810

      146 mm

      123 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      146 mm

      123 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      123 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      123 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      82 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      82 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Nikon D800E and Nikon D810

      Nikon D800E and Nikon D810 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

      Nikon D810

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D800E

      Nikon D810

      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
      GOOD
      74
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 1200 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D800E

      Nikon D810

      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
      GOOD
      70
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1200 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D800E

      Nikon D810

      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
      81
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

      Street Photography

      Nikon D800E

      Nikon D810

      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
      79
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 980 g (2.16 lb / 34.57 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D800E

      Nikon D810

      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
      75
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 980 g (2.16 lb / 34.57 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1200 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D800E and Nikon D810 and give them scores of 71 and 72 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

      Nikon D810

      OVERALL
      71
      OVERALL
      72

      Sensor

      Nikon D800E

      Nikon D810

      GOOD
      75
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 36.3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 96
      GOOD
      77
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 36.3 Megapixel
      •   64 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 97

      Photo

      Nikon D800E

      Nikon D810

      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
      GOOD
      73
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

      Video

      Nikon D800E

      Nikon D810

      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

      Nikon D810

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

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D800E

      Nikon D810

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      GOOD
      75
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D800E

      Nikon D810

      GOOD
      81
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      83
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D800E

      Nikon D810

      GOOD
      73
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 1000 g (2.20 lb / 35.27 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      GOOD
      75
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 980 g (2.16 lb / 34.57 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1200 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots


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

      Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
      ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.