Nikon D4 preview
For 2012, Nikon has introduced their new flagship dSLR; the D4. This camera just oozes with professional class features that multimedia photographers need and demand. Nikon claims that this camera has been “designed to emphasize rapid response and seamless operation to help professional photographers consistently capture incredible content.”, and from looking over the specifications, we can see how they can make such claims.
The D4 boasts a full-frame, FX-format, 16-megapixel CMOS image sensor, which is mated to their EXPEED 3 processing system. To help aid in fast autofocus, Nikon has included an upgraded version of their already proven 51-point phase detection AF system in the D4, which they claim offers unparalleled speed and accuracy; even when taking advantage of the D4’s 10fps burst mode capabilities (at full resolution with AF / AE, or 11fps with AF / AE locked). The Multi-Cam 3500 AF system is also fully customizable, giving Pros the opportunity to set up the D4 specifically for their needs.
Other impressive features include a 91,000 pixel 3D Matrix Metering III sensor, ISO sensitivity from ISO 50 – 204,800 (with expansion enabled), Full HD video at 1080p (60p, 30p or 24p), in-camera HDR, Active D-Lighting, Dual CF card slots (compatible with new XQD cards), direct streaming of uncompressed full HD signal directly out of the camera using HDMI output, a 3.2-inch LCD with 921k dots, Advanced SRS (Face Detection and Scene Analysis), a tough body and chassis (resists moisture, dust, and even electromagnetic interference), and much, much, more.
Nikon D4 main features:
- Rugged, magnesium alloy frame that is moisture, dust and EMI resistant
- Full-frame, FX-format 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor; 7.3µ pixel size, 16-bit
- New EXPEED 3 processing system
- Enhanced Multi-Cam 3500 AF sensor, 51-points, fully customizable
- Shutter rated at over 400,000 cycles, and also features a Self-diagnostic monitor
- Shutter speed range of 1/8000 to 30 sec. in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps
- 10 frames-per-second shooting at full resolution with AF / AE; up to 11fps with AF / AE locked
- ISO range of 100 to 12,800 (expandable to 50 and 204,800)
- New 91,000-pixel RGB metering sensor
- Full-HD 1080p resolution video recording in 60p, 30p and 24p; lower resolution settings also available
- 3.2-inch LCD with 921k dots of resolution
- Eye-level Pentamirror viewfinder
- Illuminated camera controls
- Two-axis Virtual Horizon indicator; helps keep shots level
- Advanced SRS with Face detection and recognition and scene analysis
- In-camera HDRrrr; combines two shots with up to 3EV difference in exposure
- HDMI output; also allows for video streaming
- EN-EL18 Li-ion battery provides up to 2600 shots per charge
- Ethernet port Dual card slots: New XQD Compact Flash (CF) and regular CF
Steves Digicams
Founded in 1997, Steve's Digicams was created by Steve Sanders to share his love and 35 years of experience in photography with the rest of the web. Our reviews are meant for everyone, ranging from first time digital camera users to seasoned photographers.
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April 05, 2012 at 12:30 pm, Joe Peffer said:
I’m not partial to any brand, I use what gets the job done, at the right price, and provides the best quality. I use both a Sony a850 and Nikon d700. I use to be a canon guy but they are lacking in the photo department and have been focusing on the video. Nikon really leaped ahead of them with the D4 and D800(e). The 1dx is nice, but the low light and noise battle has always gone to nikon. The 5d MKIII is smooth, but is primarily a video camera, it is soft compared to the sharpness of the d800. Unfortunately I would go with the D4 anyway over the 1dx because of the overall quality of the camera. But I still think the d800 can compete with the 1dx or mkiii seeing how the image quality of the d700 rated better than the 1ds mkiii.
March 25, 2012 at 10:44 pm, icamera said:
Waiting for mine to come in – any day now. Absolutely the perfect camera for me!
March 22, 2012 at 4:37 am, Fanboy said:
Anyone waiting for D4s?
March 22, 2012 at 12:11 am, Sam Dickinson said:
Not dual CF slots. It’s one CF and one XQD slot. I had a chance to borrow one of these over the weekend… OMG, what a phenomenal camera. Absolutely a gem to use!
March 21, 2012 at 10:01 pm, Artschotz said:
I want, I need, I ust have!
March 21, 2012 at 5:38 pm, Fernando Legaspi said:
just the best!!
March 21, 2012 at 4:20 pm, Roger Herklots said:
I came from the D700 and I got this D4 last Saturday; it delivers what it supposed to do. Very happy with it.
March 21, 2012 at 3:53 pm, Sean J Connolly said:
Nice camera but being a Canon type bod I am not sure if this would make be be change from either of the new Canon babies, the 1DX or the new 5D.