I went ahead and ordered the d800 and the AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D. I figure that if the lens isn't up to task, I can return it and ante up for a Zeiss manual focus macro planar. I know the Nikkor is sharp--I am looking for dead-on accurate geometry. If I can achieve that through an ACR lens profile, I will be satisfied.
I opted for the d800 over the d800e as I figure that if I need to eke out a slightly "crisper" image I can get away with sharpening the K channel in LAB. I am curious to see how well the camera renders color. I suspect it is probably a bit better than the Sony a850. I have the tools to create a profile for copy work. Fortunately, the work that I will be using it for requires "pleasing color" over "accurate color." As far as achieving accurate color out of the camera, the multi-shot Hasselblads are unsurpassed, I think.
I made a conscious decision to get out of the fine art reproduction business over a year ago. My two corporate accounts ended and I got tired of servicing individual artists. I sold the Blad and haven't looked back.
I will also be using the Nikon for photographing dogs. (
http://topdogimaging.net/dog-photos.html) I'll end up mostly using the 24-70 f/2.8 Nikkor for those assignments. I am hoping that the autofocus will be a tad bit faster than the Sony a850/CZ 24-70 combo that I have been using over the past three years.
My walkaround camera is an Olympus Pen EPL1. I absolutely love that little camera--warts and all.