Nikon D800 broken, what to do now?

[Shaoxter]

My trusty Nikon D800 has a scratch on the sensor which has basically written it off.
I guess I have a few options:
a) Photoshop the scratch out of future pictures or crop it out (it's near the edge)
b) Buy a replacement second hand body for ~£300
c) Buy a Nikon mirrorless body and re-use my existing lens with an adapter
d) Go all out and buy a new mirrorless set (any suggestions?)

I do like shiny new toys but being a hobby photographer and generally only using a big camera when travelling, I'm not sure if it's worthwhile going for option d). Unless someone can convince me otherwise and reignite my photography passion!

[James_0541]

Or just replace the sensor.
https://www.fixationuk.com/service/nikon-camera-re...

[StevieBee]

Do you use Lightroom, If so, you can set it up to remove the same blemish from all photos you input rather than one by one. (Highlight all in the film strip, enable auto sync, remove the blemish from one image and it does the same to the others).

[Gad-Westy]

Unless you're desperate to move to mirrorless, I'd take advantage of the absolute bargains to be had from used DSLR options. Hard to argue against just getting another D800 but if you're feeling like a change, D800e's and D810's are pretty well priced too. Was going to suggest a D850 but I'm a bit shocked by how well they have held their value.

My assumption would be that a repair would be uneconomical and personally I wouldn't fancy having to clone out the issue each time. Especially as it could end up being across your subject.

[Shaoxter]

James_0541 said:

Or just replace the sensor.
https://www.fixationuk.com/service/nikon-camera-re...

No more parts being produced for my camera now.

StevieBee said:

Do you use Lightroom, If so, you can set it up to remove the same blemish from all photos you input rather than one by one. (Highlight all in the film strip, enable auto sync, remove the blemish from one image and it does the same to the others).

Yes but the issue is it's not just a small speck of dust, it appears as a fairly long line and syncing all the photos won't give the desired results on each one.

Been browsing and reading reviews and a Sony A7iv with the 24-70 f/2.8 GMII lens from a grey importer for ~£2600 is really calling my name...

[Steve_H80]

Often repair centres will aquire damaged cameras for spares when parts are no longer produced. It might be worth investigating that to either get yours repaired or to dispose of your knackered camera to a good cause.

[Apologist]

Shaoxter said:

Yes but the issue is it's not just a small speck of dust, it appears as a fairly long line and syncing all the photos won't give the desired results on each one.

Been browsing and reading reviews and a Sony A7iv with the 24-70 f/2.8 GMII lens from a grey importer for ~£2600 is really calling my name...

You’ve talked yourself into the correct (for you) answer. If you have the budget set by, it’s difficult to go cheap and be happy.

[StevieBee]

Shaoxter said:

Been browsing and reading reviews and a Sony A7iv with the 24-70 f/2.8 GMII lens from a grey importer for ~£2600 is really calling my name...

That's my current weapon of choice. Lens too. And that's a good price (I'm semi pro).

Cracking combo.

[GravelBen]

What lenses do you have with the D800?

If you have significant investment in Nikon lenses then it would make more sense to buy a Nikon mirrorless body (Z5ii or Z6iii is probably closest equivalent to Sony A7iv? I'm not quite up with Sony models) and adapt your existing lenses, then think about updating to Nikon Z lenses down the track. Rather than jumping to a different brand and starting from scratch with a new system.

I upgraded to a Z5ii after a D7200 and Fuji XT3 and very happy with it, its a brilliant piece of kit and the Nikon Z glass is excellent too.

Edited by GravelBen on Wednesday 28th January 20:12