>Ok, so I have wanted the 800 since before it came out - I
>enjoy landscapes (printed large), macro gadgets with details,
>etc etc - should be perfect for a 36MP camera!
>
>BUT... the unanswered question -purposely avoided by Nikon -
>what are the odds of having to deal with a bad instrument
>right out of the box?? Most of the posts here seem negative
>and many have multiple or seemingly unending poor results.
>
>Is there a bright side to this anywhere?? I guess I am
>HOPEFUL that the focus issue occurs in only a small fraction
>of total production and those speaking out in this forum are
>the outlying points in a statistical analysis that Nikon must
>have conducted but not made public.
>
>Please help as I can not make a purchase decision with the
>current data.
>
>Garren

The D800 is indeed an incredible camera and will be perfect for what you want to use it for. Nikon did address the issue to some degree around the Photokina show in Germany. Basically, they said they knew of the problem, what caused it, fixed it, and all new cameras manufactured after that point will NOT exhibit the focusing problem. Those previous units that do should be returned through their repair system for adjustment.

The percentage that exhibits the focusing problem is smalll and dwindling. But of course, on Internet forums and "review" sections of distributor's web sites, when people plunk down $3K for something you can hand hold, anger is high if it isn't perfect. Expectations are so high. People love their cameras. But the Internet is biased towards people who express themselves very loudly when they are not happy.

I stayed quiet- my unit works great and I'm busy out shooting images, not commenting on other's focusing problems. Sorry they have them. But if they can get past them, once the camera is fixed, I think they'll love it.

My personal opinion is to buy the camera- but make sure wherever you purchase it you have an "out" or a way to get the camera quickly and efficiently through to a repair facility. I would call and discuss with a salesperson prior to purchase to see how they're handling this (don't just blindly order online). I did see where places like B&H were testing units prior to sale, but I cannot confirm this- just read it somewhere. Call and ask.

Don't get into "paralysis by analysis." You'll never buy the camera and you'll miss so many good opportunities to be out shooting with it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Keep clickin'!

Marlo Montanaro

http://www.marlopix.com
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