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D800 vs D800E Print Test

The questions I, and many other photographers have are, is the D800E that much sharper than the D800? Will moire’ show up in wildlife and nature? Will it be hard to remove when it does show up? The only way to get the results is a to shoot side by side in real world conditions. Therefore I’ve decide to get one of each. I will be getting the D800 in a couple of days and the D800E in a week or so. (so I’ve been told)
Comparing images on a computer screen doesn’t really do much. Computer screens are 72dpi so no matter what size sensor you have the results will not be completely apparent. We need to see prints, large prints, to really see the difference. My thought process is to put a 70-200mm lens on a tripod and shoot both cameras on it leaving the lens pointing at the same subject. I will make several shots of different real world nature subjects. I will print images from each camera at full resolution without adjustments and compare the prints side by side.
I’m not going to test the cameras for auto focus, follow focus, or any of the extra features they possess. All I want to know is image quality comparison and moire’ challenges.
I will intentionally shoot some images that should produce moire’. I will be using Lightroom 4, Photoshop CS6 beta, and NX2’s moire’ removal tools and test which will be easiest to use and which does the best job.

I will report on the results on this blog and other sites when I’m done, hopefully in a couple of weeks.

Here’s the challenge. I can only keep one body according to my financial adviser (wife) so I will need to sell the one I don’t keep. It will be used only for the test and I’m looking to sell it for my purchase price.

If you are interested, let me know. I already have 3 photographers on a wait list for the D800.

I am not paid by Nikon or anyone else to do these tests. They will be made to satisfy curiosities. These will not be scientific tests as I am not a scientific photographer. I’m looking for real world shooting results. I’m a wildlife/landscape photographer and am looking for the best tools to make great images. If you want to read the results subscribe to my blog or drop me an email…Jim

http://stamates.com