[Review] Nikon D4

The FX-format Nikon D4 Digital SLR Camera provides professional photographers with a powerful tool that redefines the boundaries of DSLR versatility, while maintaining superior image quality and high speed performance. The D4 enables not only new opportunities in low-light photography, but also provides photographers with added shutter speed and aperture freedom with a base ISO sensitivity range from ISO 200 to a remarkable 12,800. The D4 offers speed and accuracy with a 16.2 MP FX-format CMOS sensor, 10 fps continuous shooting, a 91,000-Pixel RGB sensor and Advanced SRS, improved 51-point AF System, and 1080p HD video at 30p with stereo sound.

Now you can catch those moments that others miss. D4 offers a level of speed and accuracy that will redefine your notion of the fleeting moment.

The D4 helps you enhance stories with HD video. When an assignment calls for broadcast-quality video and audio, D4 is ready. Choose from three Multi-area mode Full HD D-Movie (1080p) video formats: FX, DX or the new 2.7x Crop mode—all at 16:9 aspect ratio. Manual exposure control helps keep the same look from start to finish. Built-in HDMI lets you view footage on an external monitor or record uncompressed 8-bit 4.2.2 footage directly to an external recording device. Even take 2MP stills simultaneously while filming. Attach the ME-1 Stereo Microphone and record high fidelity audio with minimal camera noise. On-screen audio level indicators and a headphone jack help you monitor and adjust audio in 20 incremental steps. D4 takes you from inspiring still to amazing videos with ease.

Want stunning images every time you click? What are speed and accuracy without image quality? Each of the remarkable sensor’s 7.3-micron pixels is designed to collect maximum light to produce stunning images and video across D4’s broad ISO range of 100 to 12,800 (expandable down to 50 and up to 204,800). Expect the highest image quality in bright and dark shooting. Plus, EXPEED3 image processing yields the most faithful colors, tones and a wide dynamic range.

Nikon’s professional imaging software, and a robust line of compatible accessories will help you expand your capabilities. Draw on the full potential of D4: world-renowned NIKKOR lenses, the Nikon Creative Lighting System, Speedlights, accessories and software. Each impressive FX and DX lens in the NIKKOR lineup is fully tested to deliver sharpness, accuracy and reliability. Bring studio quality lighting to assignments with Nikon Speedlights. Only Nikon offers i-TTL (Intelligent Through The Lens) flash control, which allows Nikon Speedlights to access extensive exposure and metering data from D4 to provide unprecedented levels of flash precision and performance.

D4 was built to meet professional demands. D4’s remarkable design is the culmination of photographer feedback and Nikon innovation. Adjust AF and AF Area modes without moving your eye from the viewfinder. Quickly select AF points with a new joystick style sub-selector—positioned for both horizontal and vertical shooting. In low-light, all operation buttons and dials are beautifully backlit. Two media card slots offer flexibility and control. Built-in wired LAN and the optional WT-5A Wireless Transmitter enable secure, high-speed file transmission as well as remote camera functionality.

Never miss a deadline anymore. When the world is waiting, being the first to publish makes all the difference. Nikon’s powerful new wireless transmitter, WT-5A, attaches directly to D4 to securely and quickly transfer files.

To sustain peak performance in the most demanding environments, D4’s body, exterior and mirror box are comprised of strong yet lightweight magnesium alloy. Thorough measures are taken to seal and protect against invasive moisture, dust and electromagnetic interference.

Check video recording on the camera’s LCD and external monitor simultaneously; ideal for focus pullers and camera operators. When the highest possible image quality is required, you can bypass memory cards and record uncompressed footage directly from the image sensor onto an external recording device.


Set intervals and frame rates in order to dramatically relay slow-moving activity at dramatic speeds. D4 lets you shoot time-lapse photography with replay rates from 24 to 36,000 times faster than normal and save them as movie files.

Photography Live View and Movie Live View modes add flexibility; exposure, white balance, monitor hue, histogram, focus mode, AF area mode and focusing accuracy are easily confirmed.

Quickly access six preset picture control options—Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Landscape and Portrait—and up to nine customizable settings with a single button.


Expect greater operating efficiency thanks to a new, small, high-capacity EN-EL 18 rechargeable Li-ion battery that can deliver up to approximately 2,600 images per charge.

QUICK PREVIEW

• Speed and accuracy in total harmony
• Superior broadcast-quality and outstanding control
• Designed for an efficient workflow
• Nikon imaging system compatibility
• The WT-5A wireless transmitter
• New 51-point AF system
• Rich image previewing
• Most rugged body yet
• Dual memory card slots (CF and XQD)
• AF detection up to f/8
• View simultaneous Live View output on external monitors and record uncompressed video via HDMI terminal
• Multi-area full HD D-movie video recording modes
• Time lapse shooting
• 91,000-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering III with advanced SRS
• Two Live View shooting modes
• Built-in HDR
• Dedicated Nikon picture control button
• Two-axis Virtual Horizon indicator
• New mirror balancer
• 400,000-cycle tested shutter
• Intelligent power management
• Self-diagnostic shutter monitor

Nikon D4
Reviewed by Garg Ankit Rating: 4.5