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The Nikon D800 is a high resolution full frame DSLR that still stands out for landscapes, slow subjects, and backup use, especially if you already own Nikon F mount glass. It accepts F mount lenses, including older screw drive lenses, and full frame lenses are the safest fit. The body feels dated, though, with slower autofocus, a 1080p video limit, modest burst speed, and one CompactFlash slot. Used market cautions also include early focus misadjustment and a weak frame, so it suits buyers who know Nikon and what they need.
Landscape shooters who already own Nikon full-frame lenses, because the high-resolution sensor suits slow subjects and the body does not need fast autofocus or high FPS.
Photographers building a cheap F-mount kit, because compatible glass is affordable and the body accepts full-frame Nikon lenses with a built-in focus motor for older screw-drive lenses.
Anyone wanting simple lens compatibility, because Nikon F-mount bodies can have body-specific lens exceptions and require careful compatibility checks.
It is a capable full-frame DSLR, but several comments call the price high for a 2012 body that can be found used for much less. The main value case is for someone who already owns Nikon full-frame F-mount glass and wants a high-resolution body for landscapes or slow-moving subjects.
It accepts Nikon F-mount lenses, including DX lenses that will crop automatically, and it has a built-in focus motor for older screw-drive lenses. Some AF-P and other body-specific lenses may not work on every Nikon body, so compatibility still needs a manual check.
Yes, it makes the most sense for someone already invested in Nikon full-frame F-mount lenses and who does not need fast autofocus or high FPS. For everyone else, newer refurbished bodies or other systems are a better fit.
Its biggest drawbacks are a relatively slow burst rate, older CompactFlash support in one slot, and dated autofocus and video by modern standards. It tops out at 1080p video, and the burst rate only improves to about 6 fps with the 1.2x crop mode and grip.
Used D800/D800E bodies can have early factory focus misadjustments and a weak internal frame that may be broken without obvious signs. Those issues can mean extra service cost or no practical fix, so a used purchase should be inspected carefully.
If you choose to get this, break out your CrackerJack (tm)-branded secret decoder ring, because whoooBoyDaddy, you'll have a FUN TIME deciphering which lenses are compatible on which body. Nikon makes this exceptionally complicated -- they're all "F-Mount", but it's FAR more nuanced than "Crop Sensor vs Full Frame" (which is what pretty much every other manufacturer does at most). There's so many different focusing systems, motor systems, exposure controls, etc. Something that might work on one model might not work on another, for reasons of -shrug-.
And you'll need to do homework as to what lens is ideal for you. And hope that specific one is compatible!
Agree on the previous points that this is an OLD camera and probably overpriced. Lens selection though is pretty straightforward, this camera will accept any F mount lens, even crop (automatically cropping the sensor). That said, you'd want to pick up full-frame lenses (anything not marked DX) will work. This (like every other full-frame Nikon) has a built in focus motor for those older screw-drive lenses.
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Jan 7, 2026 11:45 AM
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Weird they'd have these new in the box. That said, despite being old they're plenty capable, and F mount glass is getting CHEAAAAAP. The biggest Achilles heel to this particular model is the relatively slow maximum FPS (1.2 crop mode + grip gets you 6 though which is fairly reasonable if you jump through those hoops) and the fact that one slot is outdated compactflash memory. I'd definitely price "low mileage used" from MPB or similar resellers before considering this, but this makes me reminisce of the deal that got me into the DSLR age, the best buy D200 clearance for 600 bucks ages ago.
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from LavenderPickle7682
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I'd be much more careful about lenses. There are plenty of lenses that can be damaged or just not work, depending on the F-mount body you put them on. It's absolutely NOT "just put it on and it'll work". Been burned enough times with Nikon to not want to mess with them.
Any Nikon F mount lens made after like 1977 (AI/AI-S/AF-D/AF-S/AF-G/AF-P) will work fine. This is FUD.
As someone mentioned above, F Mount glass is very affordable with mirrorless on the rise. You'd obviously have to weigh the pros and cons of very capable and affordable DSLR gear to that of Z mount.
Honestly, I still love my D750. I usually shoot with that along side my z6ii.
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Quote
from LavenderPickle7682
:
I'd be much more careful about lenses. There are plenty of lenses that can be damaged or just not work, depending on the F-mount body you put them on. It's absolutely NOT "just put it on and it'll work". Been burned enough times with Nikon to not want to mess with them.
Weird they'd have these new in the box. That said, despite being old they're plenty capable, and F mount glass is getting CHEAAAAAP. The biggest Achilles heel to this particular model is the relatively slow maximum FPS (1.2 crop mode + grip gets you 6 though which is fairly reasonable if you jump through those hoops) and the fact that one slot is outdated compactflash memory. I'd definitely price "low mileage used" from MPB or similar resellers before considering this, but this makes me reminisce of the deal that got me into the DSLR age, the best buy D200 clearance for 600 bucks ages ago.
If buying used just keep this in mind:
From Thom Hogan:
D800/D800E — You avoid this camera for two reasons on the used market: (1) the early factory focus misadjustments; and (2) the weak frame that is easy to break internally without knowing. When you buy used, you don't know if either of things are present. #1 will cost you money to have Nikon "fix" (the fix isn't really a fix, it's a workaround), and #2 isn't fixable if the frame is broken.
Based on the comments, doesnt look like a good option for a beginner?
Not really. I started on this cameras many generations older spiritual predecessor the D200, but I'm a nerd and was willing to grind out hours of reading to understand how to use it.
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Community Reviews
The Nikon D800 is a high resolution full frame DSLR that still stands out for landscapes, slow subjects, and backup use, especially if you already own Nikon F mount glass. It accepts F mount lenses, including older screw drive lenses, and full frame lenses are the safest fit. The body feels dated, though, with slower autofocus, a 1080p video limit, modest burst speed, and one CompactFlash slot. Used market cautions also include early focus misadjustment and a weak frame, so it suits buyers who know Nikon and what they need.
The D800 can accept Nikon F-mount lenses and it can automatically crop when using compatible crop-sensor lenses.
The D800 includes a built-in focus motor that supports older screw-drive lenses.
The D800's high-resolution sensor heritage can still work well for landscapes and slow-moving subjects.
F-mount glass is described as affordable, which can lower the overall cost of building a Nikon DSLR kit.
Used-market D800 pricing can involve gray-market or non-US serial issues that may complicate repairs and parts ordering.
The D800's maximum FPS is relatively slow, and the memory setup includes an outdated CompactFlash slot.
Early D800/D800E units reportedly had factory focus misadjustments and a weak frame that can break internally, with uncertain fixes.
Lens compatibility on Nikon F-mount bodies is not always plug-and-play, and AF-P DX lenses may fail on certain D-series bodies.
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And you'll need to do homework as to what lens is ideal for you. And hope that specific one is compatible!
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Honestly, I still love my D750. I usually shoot with that along side my z6ii.
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From Thom Hogan:
D800/D800E — You avoid this camera for two reasons on the used market: (1) the early factory focus misadjustments; and (2) the weak frame that is easy to break internally without knowing. When you buy used, you don't know if either of things are present. #1 will cost you money to have Nikon "fix" (the fix isn't really a fix, it's a workaround), and #2 isn't fixable if the frame is broken.
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