Nikon D810
Announced June 26, 2014
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
The Nikon D810 is a well-rounded, high-resolution full-frame DSLR that delivers class-leading image quality and dynamic range for studio and landscape photography. While it lacks modern conveniences like 4K video and built-in Wi-Fi, it remains a reliable, robust workhorse with improved autofocus and handling compared to its predecessors.
Weighted from 34 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional image quality and dynamic range with high resolution
- Improved autofocus speed and subject tracking
- Robust, weather-sealed build quality with refined ergonomics
- Quieter operation and reduced shutter vibration
- Bright, high-resolution OLED display
Cons
- Lacks modern connectivity features like built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
- High sensitivity to lens performance and potential for moiré
- No 4K video recording capability
- Large file sizes and lack of UHS-II card support
- Fixed rear LCD screen without tilt or touch functionality
- Launch price $3,299.95 (USD)
- Sensor 36.3MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 1080p 60p
- Burst 5 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 34 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 86/100
The Nikon D810 is one of the best-rounded DSLRs we've ever tested, and as a camera that we've lived and worked with for almost two years, we're confident that it will remain relevant – and useful – for many years to come.
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If you’re looking for the maximum possible resolution without stepping up to a medium-format camera, and you’re not willing to compromise on ISO sensitivity to achieve it, make no bones about it: The Nikon D810 is the camera for you.
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As you have seen from the previous pages of this review, there is a lot to say about the new and improved features of the Nikon D810, whether comparing it to the previous generation D800E or other Nikon DSLRs.
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It’s easy to look at the Nikon D810 and dismiss it as a small upgrade to the D800/D800E. However, what Nikon has done is take some of the slight issues from the previous cameras, fix them, and then add a host of new features.
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If you’re in the market for a high-end digital camera, anywhere from $2K to $5K, you owe it to yourself to strongly consider the D810.
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The D810 is the most well-rounded DSLR you can buy right now. Indeed, the changes have improved that statement from the one I made about the D800/D800E.
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It is a very, very nice SLR to use overall, and what I do like about it is now you're not really wanting for anything.
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The Nikon D810 updates the already excellent Nikon D800 and D800E with improved image quality and enhanced features making it the best DSLR currently available.
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[W]hile the Nikon D810 is much less of a surprise than its illustrious predecessors, it is a more refined and simply better camera.
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So if you're looking for one, definitely go ahead, pick one up because it is a workhorse, it's much better than the D800 in my opinion because of the better focusing and the better ISO capability.
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The Nikon D810 is a fantastic camera, and one that produces some of the best images you can get from a DSLR.
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The Nikon D810 is an excellent camera that’s well-suited to landscape, still-life and macro photographers, yet is also capable of delivering superb sport, action and wildlife photos.
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Nikon says that the D810 produces the best image quality of any DSLR in its history and we can't wait to put that claim to the test.
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Even though it seemed impossible, Nikon has made the perfect DSLR even better with the updated D810.
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I feel safe saying that the Nikon now out autofocus the Canon.
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[T]he D810 is a truly welcome upgrade and one of the very best DSLRs on the market.
- Digital Trends 8/10
The Nikon D810 is a slam-dunk Editors’ Choice. Our only serious knock is the price [...] which is serious money and places the DSLR in rarefied company.
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From a still image shooting perspective, the D810 is a no-brainer for every Nikon shooter out there if you have the budget to swing it. It is the best DSLR Nikon has ever made.
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The new camera steps into the flagship position in Nikon’s ‘pro-sumer’ line-up and makes an already capable camera just a little better.
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Complex, versatile and always outstanding: that's the Nikon D810 in a nutshell.
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The 36.3 megapixel D810 targets both pro photographers needing that maximum resolution for potentially huge enlargements, as well as aspirational advanced photographers who will appreciate a lower price point than the flagship Nikon D4S.
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Everything that I liked about the D800 is just as good or better with the Nikon D810 and some of those little concerns like burst rate, buffer size, or managing large files are a thing of the past.
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Nikon's latest DSLR is an impressive revision of their highest-resolution cameras.
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The Nikon D810 delivers image quality, build quality, and battery life at a price point no new camera matches in 2026. Its 36.3MP sensor, 14.8 stops of dynamic range, and weather-sealed professional body make it ideal for landscape, studio, architecture, and fine-art photography.
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No matter how you slice it, if gallery exhibition is your end product, no DSLR can make better images today than the Nikon D810 — and it now runs fast enough for action, too!
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The sensor exceeds the exceptional image quality of the D800/D800e, and adds better low light performance.
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The Nikon D810 is an incredible camera. That’s no exaggeration.
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[T]he Nikon D810 is a solid full-frame DSLR camera that offers all the bells and whistles that one would typically for on a professional-grade workhorse.
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The Nikon D810 for the price range is still great today. It still takes great, phenomenal photos.
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Aside from those actually relatively minor things, it’s probably the best all-round camera you can buy right now.
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So here is where I tell you what decision I recommend when considering the purchase of this camera.
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It's a no compromise solution for taking a camera into the big world out there. I can grab any one of my Nikon lenses to go along with it, and the results have impressed me each and every time.
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Nikon D810 If you’re looking for a camera in a robust package—that won’t break the bank—but will still give you stunning images, the Nikon D810 should be high up on your list.
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The Nikon D810 is not only the successor to the D800, the D800E, it's overall a much improved camera. The dynamic range and video is worth the upgrade alone.
