I just got my Nikon D800 (click here) and what a better way to test it than in a real life shoot. I was booked for a model portfolio and I decided to see what the D800 is capable of. I know it would be a step up, but instead of a step, it was a leap. The autofocus is extremely accurate and really fast. The only thing that bothers me a bit is that in very contrasty scenes (with the focus directly on the contrast), it tends to jump for a fraction of a second. I have shot with dozens of different cameras over the years including Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Hasselblad and this one is my new go to camera. The dynamic range is astounding; we had 108 degrees Fahrenheit when I took those pictures, the sun was high up and the camera was able to capture shadows and highlights without losing detail in any. The resolution does not leave much to desire either. The close-up picture was taken with a Nikon 85mm f/1.8 (click here) with the sun behind the model and fill light provided by a Profoto D1 1000 (click here) with a Mola Demi (click here).

The other picture was taken in direct sunlight using a Nikon 50mm f/1.8 (click here). I used the D version of this lens, since I do not think the G version warrants double the price. I wish I had a folding ladder with me to get more height and a better angle, but I had to make do with a small chair.