Nikon D810
Manufacturer: Nikon Type: camera Sensor: FX (full-frame) Resolution: 36.3MP Year introduced: 2014 Key feature: Refined successor to the D800 with improved AF, ISO performance, and no optical low-pass filter; became the standard high-resolution full-frame Nikon for underwater use
Overview
The Nikon D810, announced in June 2014, merged and refined the D800 and D800E into a single camera. It retained the 36.3-megapixel resolution that had established the D800 as a benchmark, while adding meaningful improvements: the optical low-pass filter was removed entirely (following the D800E approach), the AF system was upgraded to the D4S’s Multi-Cam 3500-FX module with group AF mode, and the EXPEED 4 processor brought a new base ISO of 64, better noise reduction, and a 30% increase in overall performance ([1]).
Adam Hanlon reviewed the D810 for Wetpixel after taking it to Mexico to photograph whale sharks with the 2014 Wetpixel expedition. He noted that the D800/E “set a new standard in camera performance for Nikon users” and the D810 improved upon it with “enhanced AF performance and a lesser but still noticeable improvement in image quality at high ISOs” ([2]). One practical concern was that the D810’s slightly deeper grip and relocated controls meant it would not fit in most existing D800 housings, requiring new housing designs from all manufacturers.
The D810 attracted housing support from every major manufacturer within months of its announcement, reflecting its importance as the reference full-frame Nikon for serious underwater photographers. It was eventually succeeded by the Nikon D850 in 2017.
Housing Availability
- Nauticam (NA-D810) — First announced publicly on August 8, 2014, shipping August 29 at $3,700 USD. Nauticam claimed it was “the first underwater housing for Nikon D810 to be shown publicly,” delivered less than 6 weeks from the camera’s ship date. Featured the patent-pending Multi Controller Pad and vacuum monitoring system ([3]).
- Ikelite — Announced August 9, 2014, the day after Nauticam’s announcement ([4]).
- Subal — Announced in September 2014, with housing scheduled for October ([5]).
- Seacam — Announced September 2014, shipping immediately. Priced the same as their D800 version ([6]).
- Nexus — Taking pre-orders as of September 2014 ([7]).
- Aquatica (AD810) — Previewed in October 2014 ([8]).
- Sea & Sea (MDX-D810) — Announced January 2015 ([9]).
Reviews & Discussion
- [10] — Adam Hanlon’s hands-on review from the 2014 Wetpixel Whale Sharks expedition in Mexico. Detailed the camera’s improvements over the D800 including better AF, ISO 64, improved LCD, and noted the grip difference that prevents D800 housing compatibility.
- [11] — Early testing announcement.
- [12] — Nikon issued a service advisory shortly after launch.
Timeline
- 2014-06: Nikon announces the D810 at $3,299.95 USD, available late July ([13])
- 2014-07: Adam Hanlon begins underwater testing for Wetpixel review ([14])
- 2014-08: Nauticam announces NA-D810 at $3,700, shipping August 29 ([15])
- 2014-08: Ikelite announces D810 housing ([16])
- 2014-08: Nikon issues service advisory for the D810 ([17])
- 2014-09: Wetpixel publishes D810 review from whale shark expedition ([18])
- 2014-09: Subal, Seacam, and Nexus announce D810 housings ([19])
- 2014-10: Aquatica previews the AD810 housing ([20])
- 2015-01: Sea & Sea announces MDX-D810 housing ([21])
- 2015-04: Nikon releases firmware updates for D4S, D810, and D750 ([22])
Community Discussion
- Nikon D810 in D800 housings: Compatibility check (38 replies) — Crucial community thread where users tested whether the D810 would fit in existing D800 housings, documenting the slightly deeper grip that prevented direct compatibility. (forum thread, topic 53652)
- Wetpixel Whale sharks 2014 (24 replies) — Trip report thread from the 2014 Wetpixel whale shark expedition where Hanlon tested the D810, with user discussion of results. (forum thread, topic 53745)
- D750 or D810 for underwater photography? (19 replies) — Buyer’s guide discussion comparing the D810’s resolution against the D750’s price and handling advantages. (forum thread, topic 54113)
- Here we go - Nikon D810 leaked (12 replies) — Pre-announcement speculation thread based on leaked hands-on review. (forum thread, topic 53488)
References
Sources
- Wetpixel article, Jun 26, 2014: Nikon Announces The D810 Slr ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 9, 2014: Wetpixel Nikon D810 Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 8, 2014: Nauticam Announces The Na D810 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 9, 2014: Ikelite Announces Housing For Nikon D810 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 15, 2014: Subal And Seacam Announce D810 Housings ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 15, 2014: Subal And Seacam Announce D810 Housings ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 15, 2014: Subal And Seacam Announce D810 Housings ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 1, 2014: Aquatica Previews The Ad810 Housing For The Nikon D810 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 29, 2015: Seasea Announces The Mdx D810 Housing ↩
- Wetpixel Nikon D810 review (article) ↩
- Nikon D810 testing on Wetpixel (article) ↩
- Nikon issues service advisory for D810 (article) ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 26, 2014: Nikon Announces The D810 Slr ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 21, 2014: Nikon D810 Testing On Wetpixel ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 8, 2014: Nauticam Announces The Na D810 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 9, 2014: Ikelite Announces Housing For Nikon D810 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 22, 2014: Nikon Issues Service Advisory For D810 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 9, 2014: Wetpixel Nikon D810 Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 15, 2014: Subal And Seacam Announce D810 Housings ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 1, 2014: Aquatica Previews The Ad810 Housing For The Nikon D810 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 29, 2015: Seasea Announces The Mdx D810 Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 9, 2015: Nikon Announces Firmware Updates For D4s D810 And D750 Cameras ↩
- Nikon announces the D810 SLR (article) ↩
- Nikon D810 testing on Wetpixel (article) ↩
- Nauticam announces the NA-D810 (article) ↩
- Ikelite announces housing for Nikon D810 (article) ↩
- Nikon issues service advisory for D810 (article) ↩
- Wetpixel Nikon D810 review (article) ↩
- Subal, Nexus and Seacam announce D810 housings (article) ↩
- Aquatica previews the AD810 housing for Nikon D810 (article) ↩
- Sea & Sea announces the MDX-D810 housing (article) ↩
- Nikon announces firmware updates for D4S, D810 and D750 (article) ↩