Just picked up a D800 and....

I am returning it although the reason might be silly to some.

I have been flirting with transitioning to Nikon for a little over a year. The Sony sensors and their ability to lift shadows and the high dynamic range at base ISO's has been very tempting. Today I gave in and picked up a D800 and a Nikkor lens to test with. The results:

Love the ability to lift shadows with minimal increase in noise

Really like the cropping ability from the 36 megapixel sensor. I shoot a good bit of birds so lenses are never long enough (without breaking the bank).

High ISO noise control is very good. Very close to the 5DIII.

4 FPS is pretty anemic. I could live with that if they would have allowed 8FPS in DX mode. 6FPS is okay if that would have netted me the full frame image like the 5D3.

Ultimately, I am returning it because of the pain it inflicted upon me. I do not have large hands but man the ergonomics really suck. Maybe I am just use to canon but after shooting 45 minutes my hand is in some serious pain. It is a fine camera and the ergonomics I'm sure are fine for many. As a hobbyist, I need a body I will want to pick up and use and I'm afraid I would have avoided the D800. I couldn't justify sinking that much change into a body I would have hated to use. Therefore, I'm sticking with the 5D3 and the 1D4.

aNikkorGarza wrote in post #14667086
buyers guilt. i have small hand fat fingers, but the Nikon d700 rubber grip with indents were very refreshing as opposed to the 5d mkii but thats just my opinion.:o

Naa not buyers guilt. I am still wrestling with the idea of keeping it... but darn if that was uncomfortable. I know many people prefer it and I don't fault them - ergonomics is an individual think.

Although I prefer the ergonomics and the whole system of the 5D III more than the D800, for me the choice simply came down to the lenses I wanted. Like you, Jason, I really love the D800's fantastic imaging capabilities, (and they are truly impressive!) but since getting my 5D III I just can't put the thing down. You know, it just comes down to finding what suits you best and going with that.

aNikkorGarza wrote in post #14667162
to each their own, however, what was the feeling when holding it, and are your hands medium, or small? My wife and I share similar length hands, so yes, i have girlie hands, however, my hands are like catcher mitts when compared to her tiny slender hands, and with this, i am able to know the feeling of the d700 and its grips and indention's, the feeling is really sturdy, and the grip makes it feel natural to hold, even single handed! the only camera i had to camera was my previous one, the canon 5d mk ii, and this was a significant feel in my opinion, and my wife's as well, of course. I think maybe you felt a bit uncertain about the crossover, and the psychology of it? obviously it is your choice regardless, but I was trying to understand the complaint better. of course i may be biased as well since i own the nikon d700, and i'm probably insulted, but, i try to keep an open mind regardless! all cameras are really awesome either way, and each system has their own values, so with whatever choice you choose, i wish you well, and happy photography friend! i can't wait to see your results, and i envy your luck of having a choice between two new behemoths!

Don't get all psychologist on me. My hand hurt..had nothing to do with anything else. I had an open mind is the whole reason I picked one up. Like I said, love the IQ but hate the ergo. No couch needed to try and understand why. Just doesn't fit my hand well.

I may end up keeping it yet. I'm thinking if I add a battery grip it might be tolerable.

I hear you on the ergonomics of Nikon bodies... Anytime I pick one up I just hate how they feel in the hand. The Canon bodies just feel so "right". The button layouts and controls just feel so good to use. Nikon feel extremely clumsy and messy, even when trying to get used to them. My hands are quite huge, if that means anything.

I am sure with long use you would get used to them... But I still don't think I would grow to like it. The 5D3 I simply love using control wise... I enjoy shooting with it (IQ and all that other stuff aside).

The d700 feels slight better then the d800. As a d800 shooter I agree with you. The 5d iii feels so much better. It felt really good in the hands. I never shoot long hours and most of the time it's on a tripod so the d800 was fine for me. Plus I'm invested in a lot of Nikon gear. But the ergonomics and feel of the mark iii really tempted me to switch. The d800 produces amazing results though.

Lately Nikon dslr are ergonomically challenged. The control placements don't make sense. Lots of complaints over at some Nikon forums. I don't know. I suppose if you have time to place the d800 on a tripod (which you should anyways given the high pixel and density it has), carefully compose the image of a non to slow moving object, take a snap or two it would be great.
But for those that are doing PJ portraits or weddings dealing with changing conditions, the d800 is not a attractive solution as compared to the 5d3.

Don't get me into those consumer grade Nikon dslr like the d7000 or d3200. With the latter, Nikon seems hell-bent into jamming 3 tiny buttons in an area designed for one. So guess what if you have big fingers?

In terms of ergonomics, Canon is just plain better. Just ask long time Nikon fanboy Ken Rockwell.

I switched to the D700 a while back but returned to canon due to ergonomics. The nikon never felt right in my hand. I don't think the grip is big enough. I always felt like I was just hanging on. Great camera but I just like the 5DMK3 better.

The first thing I advise anyone wanting to buy a dslr is to go into a shop and have a feel of the models within budget. Once bought it's going to be with you for a long time so it's important to get it right. I also point out that I didn't practice what I preach, I ordered a Canon 550D without ever seeing one, let alone handling one. The fortunate thing was, it was like putting a glove on as it was that comfortable in my hand. I've since bought 5 other Canon's for myself and the wife and they still feel perfect in my hands, and I still have the 550D that I bought first for now. If you're not happy with the feel of it, it's as good a reason as any for returning it.

delhi wrote in post #14668141
Don't get me into those consumer grade Nikon dslr like the d7000 or d3200. With the latter, Nikon seems hell-bent into jamming 3 tiny buttons in an area designed for one. So guess what if you have big fingers?

In terms of ergonomics, Canon is just plain better. Just ask long time Nikon fanboy Ken Rockwell.

Shortly after purchasing a 60D, with time left to return it, I had to opportunity to play with a D7000 for a few hours. While I can't speak to the D800 compared to the 5D III, I can say I found the D7000 uncomfortable and cramped to hold for periods of more than 15 or 20 minutes, and the button arrangement was less than optimal for my hands with some controls requiring too much of a stretch. The Canon 60D, by comparison, fit my hand like a glove and the button placement is comfortable and easy to navigate. It doesn't make any difference that the D7000 may be superior to the 60D is some respects if I'm uncomfortable carrying it around and using it.

My buddy purchased a D800 which he also sent back. He is an avid D700 user so Nikon is his bag. In fact he ragged on me quite a bit for getting the 7D. He found the D800 hand grip very uncomfortable. Pictures from the D800 were soft compared to the D700 and 7D. Noise control wasn't as good as expected. There were some color aberrations on the LCD. So he sent the D800 back. Perhaps he will try for a replacement. Perhaps not. As for me, I am very satisfied with my 7D.

Mike

I love the dynamic range of the D800. The grip is not an issue at all.

Since I have a hand that looks like a stalk of bananas I guess I would not like the D800

My gripped 7D fits me just right, Can hold it all day.