Nikon D4s review: Nikon’s D4 replacement is a true workhorse of a camera, but has enough changed to warrant an upgrade? Find out in our Nikon D4s review.
After weeks of cloak-and-dagger secrecy and sneak previews in glass cabinets, Nikon finally announced its Nikon D4 replacement.
Many pundits were expecting a new sensor or some other headline-grabbing innovation, but what Nikon has done is both more subtle and more important.
The Nikon D4s is a high-speed professional camera for sports and press photographers, and the improvements Nikon has made are aimed solely at taking what it does best and making it even better.
Nikon D4s Review Video Transcript
Hi, I’m Angela Nicholson, head of testing for Future’s photography portfolio and today I’m going to reviewing the Nikon D4S, the upgrade to the D4.Nikon tells us that the Nikon D4S has a new full-frame or FX format sensor with 16.23million effective pixels. The Nikon D4 has 16.25 million effective pixels – so there’s very little difference and the pixel pitch is the same.Nikon isn’t willing to divulge how the Nikon D4S’s sensor design differs from the Nikon D4’s, but the combination of it and the new Expeed 4 processing engine has allowed the company to increase the native sensitivity range by 1 stop making it ISO100 to 25,600.The headline grabber, however, is the maximum expansion setting, which has been pushed to a whopping ISO 409,600.Achieving an image at this setting is impressive, but the results aren’t especially pretty and there’s banding visible even at quite small viewing sizes.However, it’s worth remembering that this is an expansion setting, so Nikon isn’t intending for it to be used routinely. It’s designed for use in one-off situations when getting an image in near darkness is essential or a huge bonus. It could prove useful to photo journalists working in war zones or disaster areas for example.
Like the D4, the Nikon D4S has a maximum continuous shooting rate of 11 frames per second. However, unlike the D4, the new camera can continue to focus and meter exposure between shots taken at this rate. That’s probably down to a combination of the new processing engine and the decrease in the length of time that the mirror is lifted – giving the camera more time to work.
Another interesting feature of the Nikon D4S is that buffer has been increased in capacity in comparison with the D4’s and this enables huge burst depths. You can shoot up to 200 Fine quality JPEGs, for example or 60 uncompressed 14-bit raw files in a single burst.
If you shoot lots of long sequences in close succession, you’ll notice that the camera’s grip heats up a little bit and I found that the number of shots you can get in a burst can drop off as this happens.
Although it uses the same autofocus unit as the D4, Nikon has tweaked the algorithms and this seems to improve the system’s speed and accuracy.
The peripheral AF points seem more sensitive and the newly introduced Group-area AF mode, does an excellent job of keeping a moving subject sharp. The 9,21 and 51 point Dynamic-area AF options are also still present along with 3D-tracking mode.
The Nikon D4S is quite a beast to hold and use. It’s big and it’s loud, but it does everything it’s supposed to very well. Exposures are generally very good and colours look nice and vibrant straight from the camera. The automatic white balance system also captures the atmosphere of the scene.
Noise is controlled well throughout the native sensitivity range, ISO 100-25,600 and there’s an impressive amount of detail that’s better maintained into the higher sensitivity settings than with the D4.
The most obvious design changes made since the D4 are the change in the shape of the memory card port door, which makes the thumbrest a little more comfortable, and the introduction of a firmer top to these min-joystick style selectors.
The camera feels very comfortable – if heavy – in the hand whichever grip you are using. However, because the vertical shutter release is recessed this ridge make this command dial is a little harder to locate with your finger than the horizontal one.
That’s a minor criticism though and the D4S is a great camera although it’s about time the Wi-Fi connectivity and maybe GPS technology was built-in.
Common sensor
The sensor specifications are unchanged. The Nikon D4s has the same 16.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor as the D4. The point here is that 16 megapixels is perfectly adequate for the use the Nikon D4s’s images will be put to, and increasing the resolution would have compromised both its continuous shooting speed and its high-ISO capability – and these are two of the camera’s most important features.
The sensor specifications are unchanged. The Nikon D4s has the same 16.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor as the D4. The point here is that 16 megapixels is perfectly adequate for the use the Nikon D4s’s images will be put to, and increasing the resolution would have compromised both its continuous shooting speed and its high-ISO capability – and these are two of the camera’s most important features.
Faster, faster
The Nikon D4s has a new shutter and mirror mechanism, and can shoot at 11 frames per second with autofocus enabled – that’s one frame per second faster than the D4.
The Nikon D4s has a new shutter and mirror mechanism, and can shoot at 11 frames per second with autofocus enabled – that’s one frame per second faster than the D4.
For a professional photographer working in a highly competitive environment, any gain is important, and it’s matched to buffer capacity of 200 full-resolution JPEGs. Imagine that – 11 frames per second for an 18-second burst! And it can now almost shoot as long in RAW – for 176 shots (12-bit compressed NEF). The buffer capacity on the D4s is exceptional!
Smaller RAW
Many professional photographers want to take images with the flexibility of RAW files but the transfer speed of JPEGs, and the D4s introduces a new 12-bit uncompressed S (small) RAW mode, which shoots quarter-sized four-megapixel images in situations where the image size isn’t important.
Get wired!
When you’re shooting 16-megapixel images at 11 frames per second, you need fast data transfer from the camera. The Nikon D4 came with a wired Ethernet port (many major sports venues have Ethernet connections), but the Nikon D4s has a 1000 Base-T Gigabit port that’s ten times faster.
When you’re shooting 16-megapixel images at 11 frames per second, you need fast data transfer from the camera. The Nikon D4 came with a wired Ethernet port (many major sports venues have Ethernet connections), but the Nikon D4s has a 1000 Base-T Gigabit port that’s ten times faster.
Don’t black out
The new mirror mechanism has better damping, resulting in a more stable viewfinder image with less blackout between frames. And at 11fps, that’s important.
The new mirror mechanism has better damping, resulting in a more stable viewfinder image with less blackout between frames. And at 11fps, that’s important.
Shooting in the dark
The maximum ISO available on the Nikon D4s is increased to 25600, which is impressive enough in itself, but in its Hi 4 ‘expanded’ mode it goes right up to ISO409,600. This high level of sensitivity lets you to take handheld pictures in the very low light.
The maximum ISO available on the Nikon D4s is increased to 25600, which is impressive enough in itself, but in its Hi 4 ‘expanded’ mode it goes right up to ISO409,600. This high level of sensitivity lets you to take handheld pictures in the very low light.
Moving pictures
The D4 was a very powerful tool for video, but the Nikon D4s takes this further by extending the Full HD maximum frame rate to 60/50fps. This means you can capture full-resolution half-speed slow-motion of key sporting moments. Video may not be a key feature in the consumer market yet, but pros need to meet an increasing demand for video.
The D4 was a very powerful tool for video, but the Nikon D4s takes this further by extending the Full HD maximum frame rate to 60/50fps. This means you can capture full-resolution half-speed slow-motion of key sporting moments. Video may not be a key feature in the consumer market yet, but pros need to meet an increasing demand for video.
Flicker-free
The enhanced noise control in the Nikon D4s is used for its ‘3D’ noise reduction system to reduce random noise in still images and flicker in movies – which is needed, given the expanded ISO sensitivity range. It’s now possible to set auto ISO with manual shutter speed and aperture controls in the movie mode, too.
The enhanced noise control in the Nikon D4s is used for its ‘3D’ noise reduction system to reduce random noise in still images and flicker in movies – which is needed, given the expanded ISO sensitivity range. It’s now possible to set auto ISO with manual shutter speed and aperture controls in the movie mode, too.
Memory cards
No change here. Like the D4, the D4s has slots for both CompactFlash and XQD cards.
No change here. Like the D4, the D4s has slots for both CompactFlash and XQD cards.
Expeed 4
The D4s gets Nikon’s latest processor, ensuring faster shooting and higher ISOs.
The D4s gets Nikon’s latest processor, ensuring faster shooting and higher ISOs.
Autofocus advances
The Nikon D4s uses the same tried-and-tested Multi-CAM 3500 FX AF sensor found in the Nikon D4 (and D800), but Nikon has improved the autofocus algorithms in the D4s to make it lock focus faster and maintain focus more reliably with fast and erratic subjects.
The Nikon D4s uses the same tried-and-tested Multi-CAM 3500 FX AF sensor found in the Nikon D4 (and D800), but Nikon has improved the autofocus algorithms in the D4s to make it lock focus faster and maintain focus more reliably with fast and erratic subjects.
There’s also a brand-new Group AF mode. Here, the camera uses four additional AF points above, below and to either side of the AF point you’ve chosen. This group of five AF points tracks moving subjects with increased stability and accuracy, with less risk of the focus shifting to the background. This is vital for professional sports photographers.
Nikon D4s Review: Specs
Price
$6497/£5199
$6497/£5199
Sensor
16.23Mp full-frame (36×23.9mm)CMOS
16.23Mp full-frame (36×23.9mm)CMOS
Crop Factor
1x
1x
Memory
Dual slot for CF and XQD
Dual slot for CF and XQD
Viewfinder
Optical pentaprism with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification
Optical pentaprism with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification
Video
Full HD (1920x1080p) at 60p, 50p,30p,25p,24p
Full HD (1920x1080p) at 60p, 50p,30p,25p,24p
ISO range
100 to 25600, expandable to ISO 50-409,600
100 to 25600, expandable to ISO 50-409,600
Autofocus
Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module with 51 focus points (15 cross-type)
Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module with 51 focus points (15 cross-type)
Burst rate
11fps
11fps
Screen
3.2-inch, 921,000-dot TFT LCD
3.2-inch, 921,000-dot TFT LCD
Weight
1,180g (body only)
1,180g (body only)
Dimensions
160x156x90mm
160x156x90mm
Nikon has officially announced the Nikon D4s, its new flagship FX-format DSLR. The Nikon D4s price tag will be £5,199.99 / €6,199.00 with a release date of 6 March 2014.
The Nikon D4 successor offers a number of new features, including an expanded ISO range of ISO 100 to 25,600, which is extendable up to ISO 409,600 – an industry first, Nikon says.
Also on-board the 16.2-megapixel, FX-format Nikon D4s is a new EXPEED 4 image processor, which – along with the improved ISO performance – improves image rendering and makes the Nikon D4s more capable in low light situations, Nikon says.
Along with its low-light capabilities, NIkon says the new D4s offers localised noise reduction, edge sharpening and tone control, and a burst rate of 11 fps that isn’t compromised by ISO settings or lens choice, which should appeal to action and sports photographers.
Nikon also says that advances to AF performance in the Nikon D4s offer improved acquisition and tracking at 11 fps, as well as finer control over the AF area with a new Group Area AF mode.
The 11 frames-per-second with AF tracking marks an increase over the Nikon D4′s 10fps, which makes the Nikon D4s the fastest autofocus DSLR in Nikon’s history, the company says.
Meanwhile, the NIkon D4s also introduces a RAW Size S file – a new low-res raw format option – that makes it faster for photographers to transfer images onto networks, and a Gigabit 100/1000TX Ethernet port offers faster connections.
While incorporating the same 51-point AF system (configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings and sensitive down to -2 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F), the Nikon D4s adds a Group Area AF mode which constantly monitors five different AF field that can be shifted across the 51-point array as your composition changes.
Again, this should appeal to sports photographers and perhaps wildlife photographers who need to shoot fast-moving subjects over long distance.
The Nikon D4s can also record Full HD (1080p) movies in FX- and DX-format at 60p/50p/30p/ 25p/24p frame rates. , and photographers can set the camera’s sensitivity and select maximum ISO in M mode, as well as choose one of three sensor crop formats (FX, DX, and native crop (approximately 2.7x), control power aperture and fix shutter speed.
Other Nikon D4s video features include 3D noise reduction, which helps reduce noise and noise flicker at high sensitivities, uncompressed full-resolution HDMI output to external devices and the ability to simultaneously record full-res HD movies in-camera and with an external recorder via HDMI.
Nikon D4s Price and Release Date
The fully weather-sealed Nikon D4s body is made of magnesium alloy and comes with two memory card slots.
The Nikon D4s price tag will be £5,199.99 / €6,199.00, with a release date set for 6 March 2014.
Summary of the Nikon D4s’ Key Features
- Revamped 16.2-MP FX-format sensor
- Improved light sensitivity: ISO range of 100–25,600 is extendable up to ISO 409,600 (equivalent).
- 11 FPS with AF: 11 fps in FX format with AE/AF superior to the D4.
- New EXPEED 4 image processing engine.
- Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings and sensitive down to -2 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F).
- AF advances: improved lock-on, new options for AF mode restrictions, plus a new Group Area AF mode.
- Multi-area D-Movie: Full HD (1080p) movies in FX- and DX-format at 60p/50p/30p/ 25p/24p frame rates. Offers three sensor crop formats FX, DX and native crop (approximately 2.7x) and clean HDMI-out. Access the ISO range from ISO 200 up and control shutter speed, aperture and audio levels while filming. Nikon’s 3D noise reduction reduces random noise, and the camera offers sophisticated options for audio control.
- Weather-sealed full metal body.
- Gigabit 100/1000TX Ethernet port and RAW Size S file format for accelerated image transfer. Compatible with Nikon’s WT-5 Wireless Transmitter.
- Colour adjustable monitor: anti-reflective 8 cm (3.2-in.), 921k-dot LCD monitor that lets you push the colour balance and brightness in any direction.
- Kevlar/carbon fibre-composite shutter unit with 42 ms shutter lag, standard life cycle rating of 400,000 releases and a shutter speed of 1/8000 to 30s, with flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec. A new shutter and mirror mechanism delivers a stable viewfinder image with minimal blackout during high-speed shooting.
- Spot White Balance metering: acquire manual, pre-set White Balance data based on the selected area within the frame: the size of the area acquired can be retained even when the image is enlarged, and consecutive data acquisition is possible.
- High-capacity EL-18a battery: compact and lightweight lithium-Ion rechargeable battery with a capacity of 2500 mAh (10.8V).
- Storage media: two card slots—one for high-speed CF (UDMA 7) cards, and one for high-speed, high-capacity XQD cards.
Official Nikon D4s Announcement
Nikon today announces the D4S, a new 16.2 megapixel FX-format flagship camera built to keep professionals ahead of the game.
The ultimate imaging machine has advanced: as the successor to Nikon’s acclaimed D4, everything about the D4S powers exceptional images at exceptional speed. An expanded ISO range and EXPEED 4 image processing take low light photography to another level, making the D4S a master of the dark as well as the light. Advances to AF performance offer improved acquisition and tracking at 11 fps, plus much finer control over the AF area with the new Group Area AF mode. Nikon’s RAW Size S file format accelerates image transfer onto networks and a Gigabit 100/1000TX Ethernet port enables ultra-fast connection.
Hiro Sebata, Professional Product Manager at Nikon UK, comments: The Nikon D4S follows the success of the D4 and brings with it a new level of performance designed to meet the needs of the most demanding photographers.”
He adds: “Nikon engineers have taken on board valuable feedback from professional users in order to implement a wealth of improvements that will make all the difference to professionals working in the intensely competitive fields of sports, press, and nature photography. Equipped to power ahead in the most challenging environments, the D4S ensures serious photographers stay ahead of the game.”
Built upon success
Moving beyond the limits its predecessor was built to push, the D4S blazes a new trail for high-speed professional image making. The camera’s revamped sensor offers the ultimate image quality, and the expanded ISO range of 100–25600 is extendable up to an industry-leading 409600 (equivalent). Nikon’s new EXPEED 4 image processing engine boosts the camera’s overall performance to a whole new level, vastly improving image rendering and ISO performance. A true master of the dark as well as of the light, sophisticated localised noise reduction, edge sharpening and tone control ensure the D4S delivers outstanding results in the kind of ‘dirty’ low light conditions many sports and news photographers are confronted with. The burst rate of 11 fps is not compromised by ISO settings or lens choice, and details are rendered sharp and exceptionally well defined even when Noise Reduction filtering is applied. As with the D4, the D4S is built to sustain peak performance in the most demanding environmental conditions imaginable. The camera is protected by a tough weather-sealed full metal body and features subtle details that make all the difference to handling: changes to button layout and re-shaped control buttons improve operation in damp conditions whilst the re-contoured design and smoother grip make it easier to hold out in the field…
Moving beyond the limits its predecessor was built to push, the D4S blazes a new trail for high-speed professional image making. The camera’s revamped sensor offers the ultimate image quality, and the expanded ISO range of 100–25600 is extendable up to an industry-leading 409600 (equivalent). Nikon’s new EXPEED 4 image processing engine boosts the camera’s overall performance to a whole new level, vastly improving image rendering and ISO performance. A true master of the dark as well as of the light, sophisticated localised noise reduction, edge sharpening and tone control ensure the D4S delivers outstanding results in the kind of ‘dirty’ low light conditions many sports and news photographers are confronted with. The burst rate of 11 fps is not compromised by ISO settings or lens choice, and details are rendered sharp and exceptionally well defined even when Noise Reduction filtering is applied. As with the D4, the D4S is built to sustain peak performance in the most demanding environmental conditions imaginable. The camera is protected by a tough weather-sealed full metal body and features subtle details that make all the difference to handling: changes to button layout and re-shaped control buttons improve operation in damp conditions whilst the re-contoured design and smoother grip make it easier to hold out in the field…
Full throttle: stop at nothing
Everything about the D4S is built around the need for speed. In a world where the speed of transmission and networking has become as important as megapixels and ISO settings, the D4S delivers on every count. The frame-per-second with autofocus tracking has increased from 10 fps to 11 fps, making the D4S the fastest autofocus D-SLR-camera in Nikon’s history. The camera implements a Gigabit 100/1000TX Ethernet port and offers a new RAW Size S option for accelerated image transfer. When milliseconds matter, the shutter’s 42 ms lag can gain you the critical edge, taking pictures in less than the blink of an eye; and a completely new shutter and mirror mechanism reduces mirror bounce, delivering a stable viewfinder image with minimal viewfinder blackout when shooting at high speed.
Everything about the D4S is built around the need for speed. In a world where the speed of transmission and networking has become as important as megapixels and ISO settings, the D4S delivers on every count. The frame-per-second with autofocus tracking has increased from 10 fps to 11 fps, making the D4S the fastest autofocus D-SLR-camera in Nikon’s history. The camera implements a Gigabit 100/1000TX Ethernet port and offers a new RAW Size S option for accelerated image transfer. When milliseconds matter, the shutter’s 42 ms lag can gain you the critical edge, taking pictures in less than the blink of an eye; and a completely new shutter and mirror mechanism reduces mirror bounce, delivering a stable viewfinder image with minimal viewfinder blackout when shooting at high speed.
Bettering the best: AF advances
The D4S takes the class-leading accuracy and usability of Nikon’s renowned 51-point AF system and advances it further. In addition to improved lock-on, expanded ‘Store by orientation’, and new options for AF mode restrictions, the D4S boasts a brand new Group Area AF mode. Designed to allow much finer control over the size of the autofocus area, Group Area AF constantly monitors five different AF fields, which can be shifted across the 51-point array as composition demands. Shooting in this mode enables fast moving subjects to be tracked with phenomenal precision over long distances, and greatly improves acquisition and background isolation when shooting subjects that are comparatively small and close to a high-contrast or distracting background. As with the D4, the AF system inside the D4S is configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings and sensitive down to -2 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F).
The D4S takes the class-leading accuracy and usability of Nikon’s renowned 51-point AF system and advances it further. In addition to improved lock-on, expanded ‘Store by orientation’, and new options for AF mode restrictions, the D4S boasts a brand new Group Area AF mode. Designed to allow much finer control over the size of the autofocus area, Group Area AF constantly monitors five different AF fields, which can be shifted across the 51-point array as composition demands. Shooting in this mode enables fast moving subjects to be tracked with phenomenal precision over long distances, and greatly improves acquisition and background isolation when shooting subjects that are comparatively small and close to a high-contrast or distracting background. As with the D4, the AF system inside the D4S is configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings and sensitive down to -2 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F).
Multi-area D-Movie evolves
For moviemaking in diverse conditions, the D4S offers broadcast-quality video in multiple frame formats and boasts a range of operational enhancements that allow more control over footage while filming and improve sound recording. D-movies are now possible at 50p/60p, and photographers can set sensitivity and select maximum ISO in M mode, plus select the sensor crop format, control power aperture, and fix shutter speed. In addition, Nikon’s 3D noise reduction reduces random noise and noise flicker when filming at high sensitivities. As with the D4, the D4S offers three sensor crop formats, FX, DX, and native crop (approximately 2.7x) and uncompressed full-resolution HDMI output to external devices. You can simultaneously record full resolution HD movies in-camera and with an external recorder via HDMI (an HDMI cable clip is provided with the camera for a secure connection). Sound recording has improved thanks to more options for audio control, including the option to select the sound range (wide/voice), and reduce wind noise when recording with the built-in microphone.
For moviemaking in diverse conditions, the D4S offers broadcast-quality video in multiple frame formats and boasts a range of operational enhancements that allow more control over footage while filming and improve sound recording. D-movies are now possible at 50p/60p, and photographers can set sensitivity and select maximum ISO in M mode, plus select the sensor crop format, control power aperture, and fix shutter speed. In addition, Nikon’s 3D noise reduction reduces random noise and noise flicker when filming at high sensitivities. As with the D4, the D4S offers three sensor crop formats, FX, DX, and native crop (approximately 2.7x) and uncompressed full-resolution HDMI output to external devices. You can simultaneously record full resolution HD movies in-camera and with an external recorder via HDMI (an HDMI cable clip is provided with the camera for a secure connection). Sound recording has improved thanks to more options for audio control, including the option to select the sound range (wide/voice), and reduce wind noise when recording with the built-in microphone.
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