Nikon D800 seen live for first time

Nikon's upcoming D800 has been seen in the field for the first time through a new leak Saturday night. The full-frame camera should be smaller and lighter than the D700 but, as Nikon Rumors heard earlier, will have the highest-ever resolution for a Nikon DSLR. At 36 megapixels, the 7360x4912 shots (confirmed by EXIF data) will compete with those from even modern medium format cameras for sheer image size.

A look at the back reveals that it's clearly not just the D700, as it has a new layout that includes replacing the switch for focusing modes to one dedicated to switching between still and movie modes along with toggling live view. Video capture appears to be much more of an overall focus outside of this, with a larger preview LCD and 1080p 30FPS video that's said to be "excellent," even compared to the newer D3s.

Few of the D800's subtler details are known, although it should have an autofocusing system similar to the D700. Unusually, it should both CompactFlash and SD card slots like the D300s, in spite of the demands that 36-megapixel shots can put on the typically slower SD format.

A launch window isn't known. Nikon could have a late 2011 unveiling, but it's unlikely to ship until 2012 unless it's available right away.

By Electronista Staff