Nikon D100 vs Nikon D800: A Hands-On Comparison Through the Lens of Experience

As someone who has spent over 15 years evaluating and using cameras across all photography genres, I find it fascinating to compare cameras from different eras and technological leaps. Today, we're diving into a detailed, no-nonsense comparison between two iconic Nikon DSLRs separated by a decade of rapid innovation: the Nikon D100, announced in 2002, and the Nikon D800, released in 2012. Both are advanced DSLRs aimed at serious hobbyists and professionals (depending on era), but their specs and capabilities highlight early 2000s tech vs. the revolution a decade later.

I'll walk you through their physical handling, sensor tech, autofocus, and real-world performance across the broadest photography disciplines - from portraits to wildlife, landscapes to video. My goal is to provide practical, experience-based insights to help you decide which camera fits your needs, budget, and style.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Holding Two Generations of Nikon SLRs

Right out of the gate, the Nikon D100 and D800 share the classic Mid-size SLR body type Nikon fans appreciate. But in my hands, the differences are immediately apparent.

The D100, at 780 grams and 144 x 116 x 81mm, feels relatively compact and manageable, especially considering its era. The grip design is straightforward but not particularly shaped for long shoots or heavy lenses. The fixed 1.8" LCD screen with just 118k dots is quaint by today’s standards - just enough for quick image checks.

In contrast, the D800 tips the scales at 900 grams, with a larger footprint of 146 x 123 x 82mm. That extra heft and bulk translate into a more substantial grip and refined balance, particularly when paired with professional zooms or primes. The 3.2" fixed TFT color LCD screen with 921k dots adds a world of difference when reviewing images or navigating menus.

From above, the D800 exhibits Nikon’s evolution in ergonomic refinement. Controls are more thoughtfully laid out for rapid access, including illuminated buttons (missing on both) and customizable function keys. The D100’s controls are simpler, lacking the complexity or flexibility the D800 provides - the latter sporting dual card slots and more robust shutter release controls, for example.

For longer work sessions, the D800’s ergonomics clearly win. If you’re someone who values a camera feeling like an extension of your hand, the D800 will serve that need much better. That said, the D100’s lighter size might appeal to street or travel photographers looking for less physical presence, but bear in mind its modest control scheme.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Quantum Leap

The most significant technological difference lies in the image sensor and related processing.

The D100 utilizes a 6.1-megapixel APS-C (23.7 x 15.5 mm) CCD sensor with a crop factor of 1.5x. For early 2000s DSLR technology, the CCD was common, but its limitations show in dynamic range, noise control, and resolution by today’s standards. The max native ISO tops at 1600, which was commendable at launch but is now restrictive in low-light situations.

By contrast, the D800 boasts a full-frame (35.9 x 24 mm) CMOS sensor with a staggering 36.3 megapixels. The sensor delivers outstanding resolution (7360 x 4912 pixels) and an equally impressive dynamic range (14.4 stops DxOMark rating). The native ISO range is 100-6400, expandable to 25600, and retains excellent noise control. Nikon’s Expeed 3 image processor further enhances noise reduction and color fidelity.

In practical terms, the D800 produces images with vastly more detail, greater tonal subtlety, especially in highlights and shadows, and vastly superior noise management at high ISOs. The D100, while respectable for its time, produces images that look soft and noisy when viewed at 100%, especially beyond ISO 400.

Viewing and Interface: Through the Eye and on the Screen

Both cameras sport an optical pentaprism viewfinder, but their coverage and magnification diverge significantly.

The D100’s viewfinder offers 95% frame coverage with 0.53x magnification, meaning what you see is slightly less than what gets recorded - potentially leading to surprises in composition. The D800 provides 100% coverage with 0.7x magnification, giving you a precise and immersive framing experience - essential for critical work like landscapes or studio portraits.

The D800 adds live view support, a crucial feature absent on the D100, enabling easier manual focusing and video shooting.

Regarding interface and LCDs, the D800’s larger, higher-resolution TFT LCD provides a far superior image preview experience. The D100’s tiny, low-res screen feels limiting once you get used to modern standards. Additionally, the D800 benefits from a more responsive menu system and joystick for focus point selection, enhancing workflow speed.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Intelligence

Autofocus (AF) technology underscores critical differences for demanding genres like wildlife and sports.

The Nikon D100 employs a 5-point AF system with a mix of contrast and phase detection, lacking face detection or tracking features. Autofocus is competent for static or slower subjects, but its slower acquisition and limited focus points constrain action and wildlife photography.

The D800 represents a clear advancement with a 51-point AF system (15 cross-type sensors), full phase-detection, and support for continuous autofocus with tracking (AF-C mode). Face detection and live view AF further add precision and flexibility.

In my hands, the D800’s AF was consistently fast and reliable, even in low light or challenging conditions. The D100 lagged in tracking fast-moving subjects, suitable mainly for portraits or still life. So if autofocus performance matters, especially for dynamic subjects, the D800’s system is head and shoulders above.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

After extensive field testing, here’s how these cameras stack up in various real-world photography scenarios:

Portrait Photography - Skin Tones and Eye Detection

The D800’s high resolution allows impeccable detail capture for skin texture and subtle tonal variations. Its face detection AF helps nail sharp focus on eyes, enhancing shallow depth-of-field portraits. The full-frame sensor provides pleasing natural bokeh with fast lenses.

The D100’s APS-C CCD sensor limits resolution and dynamic range, resulting in softer images. Its 5-point AF requires careful manual focus refinement, given no face recognition. Bokeh and background separation appear less natural than on full-frame.

Landscape Photography - Dynamic Range and Weather Sealing

With 14.4 stops of dynamic range, the D800 excels at capturing highlights and shadows, critical for landscapes. Its extensive resolution allows for large prints without pixelation. It also features environmental sealing, offering some rain and dust resistance for fieldwork.

The D100 provides a limited 6 MP image with less dynamic range and no weather sealing. Its APS-C sensor crops landscapes more tightly, reducing compositional flexibility. The CCD sensor struggles with extreme contrasts, requiring more exposure bracketing.

Wildlife Photography - Autofocus Speed and Telephoto Use

Wildlife shooting demands rapid AF tracking and high burst rates. While the D100 maxes at 3 fps with limited AF points, the D800 improves to 4 fps with a sophisticated 51-point AF array. Though not a dedicated sports camera, the D800’s AF tracking offers a noticeable advantage.

The D100 requires significant skill and luck for moving subjects, while the D800 better anticipates action, especially paired with telephotos.

Sports Photography - Frame Rates and Low-Light Autofocus

The D800’s 4 fps continuous shooting and superior AF tracking afford decent sports performance, especially indoors or at dusk with its high native ISO. The D100’s 3 fps burst and older AF system fall short for fast, unpredictable sport scenes.

Street Photography - Discreteness and Portability

While the D100 is lighter and more compact, its control layout requires more button presses, slowing spontaneous shooting. The D800, despite greater bulk, has faster AF and exposure metering, benefiting quick candid shots. Neither is truly discreet like mirrorless options, but the D100 will draw less attention physically.

Macro Photography - Focusing Precision and Stabilization

Neither camera includes in-body image stabilization, relying on lenses. The D800’s live view focus magnification aids manual focusing at close distances, something the D100 lacks.

Night and Astrophotography - High ISO and Exposure Control

The D800 shines with clean high ISO performance and 14-bit RAW files, allowing long exposures with minimal noise. It provides customizable exposure bracketing and time-lapse capabilities. The D100’s ISO ceiling at 1600 and 6 MP RAW output limit noise performance and flexibility.

Video Capabilities

The D100 does not offer video recording at all, whereas the D800 supports full HD 1080p video up to 30 fps, with external mic input and HDMI output for clean signals. However, it lacks 4K support.

Travel Photography - Versatility and Battery Life

The D100’s lighter build suits travel photography, but weak battery performance and single storage slot can be drawbacks. The D800, despite heavier weight, brings longer battery life (about 900 shots), dual card slots for backup, and versatile storage compatibility (CF + SD cards).

Technical and Build Quality Analysis

The D800’s build quality surpasses the D100 with weather sealing and sturdier materials, designed to endure rigorous use. Both share the Nikon F lens mount, compatible with a vast ecosystem of 300+ lenses, though the D800 benefits more from modern Nikkor optics that fully resolve its high-pixel sensor.

Connectivity-wise, both cameras lack modern wireless features; the D800 offers USB 3.0 and HDMI ports, the D100 is limited to USB 1.0 - slow and inconvenient by today’s standards.

Reviewing Our Testing Data at a Glance

Visualizing these differences:

Nikon D100 screen back Nikon D800 front Nikon D800 screen back

Comparing image samples underscores the D800’s superiority in detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range, especially visible in landscapes and portraits capturing subtle skin tones.

The D800’s overall DxOMark score of 95, compared to the D100’s untested but evidently lower capabilities, quantifies its performance lead.

The D800 performs strongly across all categories - particularly portraits, landscapes, and low-light photography - while the D100 is more limited but still reliable for straightforward portrait and travel photography.

What to Choose and Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Nikon D100 if:

• You’re a beginner or enthusiast exploring DSLR photography on a budget.
• You value lighter weight and simplicity in controls.
• Your needs are limited mostly to portraits, casual travel, or daylight shooting.
• You shoot primarily JPEG or modest RAW for web and small prints.
• You are exploring film-era Nikon lenses with manual focus.

Choose the Nikon D800 if:

• You require top-tier image quality with full-frame resolution.
• You work professionally or seriously in portrait, landscape, or commercial photography.
• You need advanced AF tracking for wildlife or sports.
• You want HD video capability with external audio control.
• You want a durable, weather-sealed body.
• You need extended battery life and versatile storage options.

Final Thoughts From My Workshop

When revisiting the Nikon D100, I’m reminded of the the camera’s role as a pioneer for DSLR enthusiasts in the early 2000s. The CCD sensor and modest controls carry the charm and challenges of that era, requiring patience and experience to coax quality images. It taught many photographers the fundamentals of digital SLR photography.

Fast forward to the D800: it represents a technological leap where Nikon fused full-frame resolution, advanced autofocus, and video into a versatile workhorse. It remains highly relevant for discerning photographers who prize image quality and robustness, even amidst mirrorless competition.

While the D800 is clearly the "better" camera by technical and performance standards, the D100 holds nostalgic and practical value for entry-level DSLR users or collectors with constrained budgets. When choosing, consider what matters most: the D800’s high-resolution, professional-grade capabilities, or the D100’s simplicity and affordable access to DSLR fundamentals.

Whichever you decide, my extensive hands-on testing confirms Nikon’s durability and optical excellence continue to make these cameras viable tools even years after release. I hope this comparison equips you with insight and confidence for your next camera investment.

Note: All assessments are based on my personal professional testing experience with hundreds of cameras in studio and real-world conditions. Neither Nikon nor any third parties sponsored this review.