FotoBuf Loc: Arizona

Just to add another option, check out "Nikon 800E vs Pentax K5 II Resolution Test par 1" on YouTube. I was surprised at their results.

amehta Loc: Boston

Yes, the Pentax K5II is very impressive. But it is not full frame, he upsampled to match the resolution of the D800E. It also appears that he showed one picture the whole time. It would have been nice to see at least one other shot, at ISO 100 or 200.

It was cool to see that he's using FastStone! :-)

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

I've been out camera shopping at my two favorite dealers and need to weigh in here, in response to all the opinions that you've been kind enough to supply:
1.) The EM-1 is NOT a toy camera just because it's smaller than a full-sized, big DSLR. Its capabilities are exceptional regarding my needs. I would ADD a FF, not replace the EM-1 with a FF.
2.) I don't really care about a video function on my FF camera (so the Df is a contender).
3.) For me, the Canon 1DX is overkill. For that matter, several of the other recommendations are as well, but as a serious hobbyist I'm interested in checking them all out.
4.) I would use this for real-world shooting experiences, not studio work since I don't have a studio, so AF speed and high-ISO performance matter.
5.) Even after checking out the various models, I'm still pondering what to get. I like the high-ISO performance, looks and feel of the Df, and its AF speed but the 16MP sensor seems dated. I like the size, feel and "specs" of the D610 but how good is its low-light performance? The D800e is a beast. I have very good familiarity with the 5DMk3, but it's also a little older of a model. The Sony a7 and a7r aren't my cup of tea.
I'm going to try out the Df, the D800 and the D610 from my one camera guy and see how/ if they suit my needs in real-life use.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Good luck, I wish I had the coin for the DF(or one of the other ones) to supplement my em1, but I fear my wife would kill me.

amehta Loc: Boston

The D800e and 5DMkIII were released within months of each other, both in Spring 2012.

Which is more important, high ISO performance or large enlargements? When I shoot indoor volleyball, pushing to ISO 1600 on my D800, I'm not particularly happy with the results. I'm pretty sure the D4/D3s would do better, and part of me wonders if I should have gotten a used D3s instead of the D800. But then I do a studio shoot, and I'm happy again. :-)

In what way is the 1DX overkill? If the forthcoming D4X gets the high ISO performance of the D4, with the 36mp sensor of the D800E, wouldn't that be a winning combination?

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

The iDX is overkill for me only in its capabilities vs my needs/skillset! Higher ISO performance, not huge enlargements are more important for me. And, the budget thing for me is somewhat important in that I'm not going to spend more than what I would have to pay for either a D800e or a 5DMk3.
Now that I know that the D800 has to be PUSHED to ISO 1600, that's not a machine for me. If the D4X comes out priced under $4000, then I'll consider it (not a chance it will, though!).
Cdouthitt; Have you seen, held, shot with a Df? Would love your input on it.
I am in a 3way quandary right now: Df, D610, 5DMk3. D800 all but eliminated due to low-light performance. And, 5DMk3 is very obtrusive for street photography.

Festus Loc: North Dakota

First: You have no idea what I have for camera gear. So put your money where your mouth is. I bet the three camera bodies that I mentioned in my original post against all your gear, that I own those three camera bodies. Second: I won't criticize your avatar since you must be such a terrible photographer you can't even post one! Again you assumed that I even used one of those bodies to take the picture or did I take the picture at all? So, accept my challenge on the camera gear, or keep your ridiculous comments to yourself, boy!

exposeu Loc: Wenatchee, WA

Just for thought, here is a photo I took this last weekend, indoors, ISO 2000 with a D300, 80-200 f2.8 AF-S. Looks darn good for a 12 MPX camera and so old.

Randy

amehta Loc: Boston

I would look for other opinions on the D800 at ISO 1600/3200. As I said, I may be more picky than most, or more importantly, you.

The odds of the D4X being under $4k are less than the odds of me winning the lottery. And I never buy a ticket. :-)

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

amehta: Judge me not (regarding pickiness) lest ye be judged.
If I end up with the D800 it will be because I don't want to spend the extra coin on the D4X. My good buddy who shoots Nikons (has about 4-5 of them) is on vacation and will be back Jan 4. I'll chat him up to get his opinion too (re: higher ISOs). So, thanks for your input, all!
MT Shooter (Carter), I'll give you a call later about the D800.

amehta Loc: Boston

I wasn't judging you, I was saying that I can't judge you, so you have to decide on the high ISO performance for yourself. :-)

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

Oh, OK, my coffee hadn't kicked in yet, so my reading comprehension was lacking!
I need high ISO rather than wall-sized poster potential, but I do like to go 20x30 every now and then. I like a small pop-up flash, even if only a Commander trigger for others. I don't like a huge, heavy rig, especially when I'm shooting sporting events (as a spectator with great seating). The 5DMk3 is nice but it doesn't have a built-in flash. I am very attracted to the Nikon products because I recently havd had autofocus issues with the 5DMk2 and the 7D, but especially the 5D2. Lost hundreds, if not thousands of great shots.

amehta Loc: Boston

Ok, here's a crop of a D800 shot, ISO 1600.

D800, ISO 1600

Bram boy Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

what full size censer would get . hmmmm let me think , well I got them all
a D4 aD800 a m9 but I could get some thing I really don't need , how about a leica m5 with a 50mm samercon . this is nothing but an excuse to brag , and I hate that .

Festus Loc: North Dakota

Where is your flagrant jealousy when quite a few hoggers submit posts about the little brown truck showing up at their doorstep? Or the new lens, or camera, or flash, they say they just bought? Feel sorry that you have nothing to brag about. How about a really in focus avatar?