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D4 vs D800

Quick take: The D800 has the highest resolution at 36MP; the D800 is the most affordable; only the D800 is weather sealed.

16 specs side by side·13 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras

How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.

Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more

Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
Specification D4Nikon · 2012D800Nikon · 2012
Price £283 used£121 usedBest
Sensor 16.2MP full-frame CMOS36.3MP full-frame CMOS
Resolution 16.2MP36.3MPBest
Video Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60
Autofocus 51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type, 11 at f/8) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view
Stabilisation No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate 11fpsBest4fps
Battery Life ~2600 shots (CIPA)Best~900 shots (CIPA)
Weight 1340g (with battery)1000g (with battery)Best
Dimensions 160 × 156.5 × 90.5mm146 × 123 × 81.5mm
Weather Sealed Not weather sealedYesBest
Viewfinder Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7xOptical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x
Screen 3.2" fixed LCD, 921k dots3.2" fixed LCD, 921k dots
Mount Nikon F mountNikon F mount
Memory Cards Dual slots: XQD + CompactFlashDual slots: CompactFlash + SD
Connectivity USB 2.0, mini HDMI, 3.5mm mic + headphoneUSB 3.0, mini HDMI, 3.5mm mic & headphone jacks, 10-pin remote

Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.

How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
D4
D800
Portrait
5.9/10
6.3/10
Street
3.9/10
4.5/10
Travel
3.4/10
4.7/10
Wedding & Events
6.3/10
6.6/10
Documentary
4.4/10
5.3/10
Sports & Action
6.3/10
5.6/10
Landscape
4.3/10
6.0/10
Wildlife
5.9/10
5.8/10
Casual
2.3/10
2.7/10
Food
3.8/10
4.5/10
Macro
3.4/10
4.0/10
Architecture
4.5/10
5.6/10
Astrophotography
6.0/10
6.0/10

Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →

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