Nikon: D800 36MP sensor is about 'choice'

Nikon D800 sensor
The Nikon D800 sensor offers a whopping 36 million pixels

Nikon has affirmed that its decision to include a 36 million pixel sensor in its new D800 full-frame DSLR, comes down to offering consumers "choice" and people shouldn't be put off by the large number.

The large megapixel sensor was one of the most heavily rumoured features of the D800, with reactions ranging from disbelief to joy when it first emerged.

Some maintained that Nikon would stick with a lower pixel count when the camera was finally revealed.

However, the rumours turned out to be true, and, for now at least, the Nikon D800 is the world's highest resolution full-frame DSLR camera.

But, for some, 36 million pixels is still too many. The huge file sizes produced by the camera has been cited as the key reason for complaint. D800 raw files are said to be approximately 76MB, while 16-bit TIFF files will take up a hefty 212MB on your hard drive.

Choice

Speaking to TechRadar at the launch of the new camera, James Banfield, Group Support and Training Manager for Nikon, explained the decision.

"It shouldn't be something that puts people off, it's about offering the photographer a choice," he said.

"You have got the option to choose a lower resolution if that's what you need, or if you want to produce smaller files.

"64 bit operating systems can handle these big files, so it doesn't really represent a problem.

"We think the timing is about right to release such a high resolution product into the market. If you can edit HD video on a mobile phone, imagine what you can do on a highly specced computer."

The Nikon D800 is expected to go on sale from March, with a UK price of £2399.99.

Read our Hands on: Nikon D800 review for more information.

Amy Davies

Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar. 

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