I've had the opportunity to get out and shoot with my new D800 over the last couple days. Also had time to review the manual as there are some differences between Nikon's system and the Canon system I've shot over the last 7 years.

The manual shows that the camera is campable of 3 NEF FX sizes: L (7360*4912), M (5520*3680) and S (3680*2456). While the times would likely be few and far between, I like knowing I have the option to capture a smaller size NEF file. However, for the life of me, I can't figure out how to change the size from L to M.

What am I missing or am I interpreting something wrong?

D800 NEF FX images only come in one size, 7360x4912. You can select the 3 sizes you show only for JPG images.

The dimensions may vary, but this single size NEF and 3 sizes of JPG is common to all Nikon DSLR cameras. The only way to change the NEF dimensions is to select a crop option such as DX on a FX body.

Gary in SE Michigan, USA. Co-organizer of the Southern Michigan Chapter
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Hi Brad,

To add to what Gary said for the NEF file you can use compressed or uncompressed in 12 or 14 bit. If you are shooting and need to save more room on your card step down to 12 bit compressed and it will save you some room on your card. An uncompressed 14bit RAW NEF files is about 74MB and a 12bit is 57MB. A compressed 14bit RAW NEF is around 35MB and a 12 bit is around 29MB. And Lossless compressed is somewhere in the middle. This is where you can save yourself some space when you need it. I think the chart is on page 436 in the manual.

Happy Shooting,
Bill

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Hi Brad,

I use three FX image sizes on my D800: 1. FX (36x24) -2. FX 1.2 (30x20 = 9x16 HD TV) and 3. FX 5:4 (30x24mm = 8x10 magazine cover etc.) - as well as DX (1.5x 16x24) on my full frame lenses when I don't want a 40 something MB file to crop on the computer when I can do that in camera.

If this is what your asking about (page 79 of the user manual) go to - Image Area - in your shooting menu in your D800. I have my FN button assigned to image area as I use and change them a lot.

I strongly recommend one of the books on the Nikon D800. The manual is great for telling you what features the D800 has but it don't give a clue as to what there for or how best to use them. I have Darrell Young's "Mastering the Nikon D800" and I would be lost without it! Darrell is a Nikonian and takes time to explain what the settings mean And how to use them.

I hope this helps.

Well Wishes,
Ken

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