Nikon D4 v D800 for Wedding Photography
Nikon D4 – £4800
Nikon D800 – £2300
The Nikon D800 has now been announced and is available for pre order (like the D4). With a whopping 36.3 MP sensor this will be a great camera.
So having just sold one of my D700’s and ordered a D4, the question is do I sell my other D700 and buy a D800 too?
The question I keep asking myself is do I really want 36MP images, do I (as a wedding photographer) have a need for such large images. My D700 is only 12MP and I can print very large images from that, A2/3 not a problem, beautiful images. I’m just not sure what the benefits would be of using D800? One big drawback I see is the file size, I guess the D800 RAW image files will be around 50MB. 1000 images from a wedding will 50GB, they will all have to be processed, archived etc. I can see the head line figure 36MP, potential clients thinking WOW, more mega pixels, must be good! I expect the D800 will print A0/1 images, but I have NEVER been asked to print an image anything like that size.
The main reason for ordering the D4 was the high ISO capabilities. In dimly lit venues, churches etc I regularly max out my D700 at ISO6400. The D4 will give me 1-2 stops of useable ISO plus a slightly larger image (16MP). Canon’s top model the 1DX has 18MP sensor which is a clear indication that 16-18MP is the sweet spot for top quality images.
When I shoot a wedding most (90%) of my shots are taken with my main body and 24-70MM F2.8 lens. I have my second camera set up with 50mm F1.4 prime lens, this may be swapped for 70-200MM F2.8 or macro lens depending on the situation.
So the question I ask myself is would I use D4 or D800 as my main body? Weddings are all about adapting to quickly changing lighting conditions. It is for that reason the flexibility of the D4 wins hands down, in my opinion of course.
I am a bit of gadget geek and always want the new toys. When the D4 was announced I felt sure this would be a step up from my D700 and financially a sound investment. However even though the D800 is less than half the cost of the D4 I find myself having to think twice if it would be beneficial to purchase one?
The bottom line is both the D4 & D800 are going to be great cameras; it’s a great time to be a photographer!
1) In the coming months will people be opting for the D4 or D800?
2) If they were both the same price would people be opting for the D4 or D800?
3) D4 v D800 v 1DX – Which would you choose?
Please feel free to post your opinions/thoughts…
Look forward to hearing the comments of others…
