Product Summary
- Model name: Nikon D4S
- Release Date: Feb 25, 2014
- Focus Type: Autofocus
- Format : Full Frame
- Mounts: Nikon
- Availability: March, 2014
- Price: $$6499.95.
- Purchase options: Amazon | Adorama | B&H
Key Features
- 16.2MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 4 Image Processor
- 3.2″ LCD Monitor
- Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
- Multi-CAM 3500FX 51-Point AF Sensor
- Native ISO 25600, Extended to ISO 409600
- 11 fps Shooting for 200 Shots with AE/AF
- 91k-Pixel RGB Sensor and Group Area AF
- 14-Bit RAW Files and 12-Bit RAW S Format
- 1000 Base-T Gigabit Wired LAN Support
Overview
Nikon has dropped their new flagship D4s pro DSLR. It is the improved version of existing D4. Find Nikon D4s vs Nikon D4 comparison here. Nikon D4s is geared with more processing power, a refined autofocus system, faster shooting speed, and added video features. Nikon claims a noticeable improvement in battery life compared to the D4.
Features
Extreme Speed and Accuracy Give the Edge in the Field
Whether shooting extreme action sports or elusive wildlife, the Nikon D4S has been engineered to be the ultimate combination of speed and accuracy, giving photographers the power to capture even the fastest moving, unpredictable subjects with confidence and control. The proven Multi-CAM 3500 FX AF sensor module’s thoroughly recalibrated AF algorithms quickly zero in on its intended target— no matter how near, far, or abruptly a subject appears in the frame. Additionally, the D4S includes a new innovative Group AF mode. When selected, this mode utilizes five AF points to provide increased stability while tracking subjects, and enhanced accuracy by reducing instances of background focus. In situations where the background is bright with strong contrasting colors, photographers can now feel more confident, knowing that small, distant and fast-moving objects can be rendered sharper, faster and more frequently. Nikon’s AF Lock-on technology is also upgraded, shortening time in reverting from focus interruptions, such as a referee running into the frame.
Hundredths of a second can make the difference when capturing the decisive shot that graces the front page, the double-truck spread, or the client’s mantel. With this in mind, the Nikon D4S also improves tracking on high-speed continuous shooting at a blazing fast 11 fps, with continuous AF/AE. Because missing the shot is just not an option, Nikon’s EXPEED 4 plays an integral role in the D4S’ seemingly instantaneous response and swift performance, while enhancing energy efficiency. The camera now features a processing time that is a full 30% faster, in addition to a 200-shot buffer (JPEG) at full resolution at the maximum continuous mode.
As a proven flagship for the world’s most demanding photographers, the D4S retains the features that made its predecessor the professional’s choice in the first place. The Nikon D4S HD-SLR aligns 15 cross-type sensors in the center to detect contrast data in both vertical and horizontal planes. In addition to detecting each AF-NIKKOR lens with an aperture of f/5.6 or lower, the camera also utilizes nine cross-type sensors that are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and a teleconverter with a combined aperture value up to f/8, a great advantage to those photographing sports and wildlife from extreme distances.
The Advantage of Superior Image Quality
At the core of the Nikon D4S is a newly developed 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS Sensor (36 x 23.9mm), engineered to deliver an immersive dynamic range, with exceptionally low noise. This newly developed image sensor works in tandem with the latest generation of Nikon’s powerful image processing engine, dubbed EXPEED 4, to bolster image quality, color and sharpness in both stills and video. The benefits of EXPEED 4 go well beyond high-speed image processing to provide evolved real time noise reduction, along with depth and clarity gradation rendering. The resulting images exhibit a wide tonal range, with true and faithful colors.
Thanks in part to the new EXPEED 4 processing engine, the Nikon D4S now shatters the perception of what’s possible with available light photography, giving users a native ISO range from 100-25,600 expandable from 50 ISO (Lo-1) to a staggering 409,600 ISO (Hi-4). This amazing ISO range rewrites the rulebook for available-light shooting, and is especially useful for professional sports shooters, photojournalists, as well as military and law enforcement agencies. The powerful EXPEED 4 image-processing engine incorporates an entirely new algorithm for even higher ISO noise reduction and color fidelity, resulting in an enhanced overall sharpness and clarity without sacrificing subtle textures and luminous details. The enhanced ISO is also a major advantage for other professionals including wedding and portrait photographers, who can now confidently capture the darkest reception, a candlelit ceremony, or create crisp studio portraits with flawless fidelity.
Other advanced Nikon technologies also contribute to the superior image quality of the Nikon D4S, including a new enhanced standard Picture Control tone curve that gives greater depth and clearer color rendition, especially on skin tones. For additional versatility, users have the ability to toggle Face Detect AF on or off while shooting through the viewfinder, and white balance calculation has been further refined for accuracy, while spot white balance is employed for easier presetting with more options.
Nikon’s exclusive 91,000-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering III system returns on the D4S to help capture true-to-life colors while solving the most challenging exposures, from sun-lit snow to stadium lighting. The system works by meticulously analyzing the variables within each scene and recognizing factors such as color and brightness values with unprecedented exactness. This data is then interpreted and compared against the camera’s on-board database to implement various settings, resulting in vibrant images with faithful color reproduction and balanced exposure.
Faster Workflow During and After Capture
While shooting speed and response matter in the moment, workflow speed has become increasingly important in a more competitive landscape. The D4S delivers upon the need for that speed with features that are engineered for today’s professional:
- New RAW SIZE S files:In addition to shooting JPEG, full size RAW (NEF) and TIFF files, the Nikon D4S also has a new file setting to enhance workflow, RAW SIZE S. This setting allows for shooting 12-bit uncompressed Nikon NEF files that are approximately half the size (2464 x 1640) of standard uncompressed RAW files and are more easily manageable—speeding up the entire workflow process.
- Faster transfer rate: When connected via LAN, users can now transmit files using Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Base-T LAN). This significant decrease in transfer times means more time to shoot, and less time transmitting files.
- Improved battery life: Despite its processing power, the D4S is remarkably power-efficient. With the addition of a new EN-EL18a Lithium-Ion battery, the D4S can easily outlast the action with up 3,020 (CIPA rating) shots in single mode and 5,960 shots (Nikon testing) in continuous mode.
- Dual card slots: The D4S uses both CF cards as well as the super-fast XQD card format to achieve the fastest possible transfer and write times.
Video Features Fit for the Modern Production Environment
With an increase in potent processing power, the D4S ups the ante when it comes to multimedia workflow and content capture. A versatile tool on location or on set, the D4S offers enhanced video quality and video-friendly features, in a compact and lightweight HD-SLR form factor. In addition to the innovative video attributes from the D4, the D4S offers the following new features:
- Full HD video in variable frame rates: Users have the choice of various resolutions and frame rates, including a new 1080/60p option for increased flexibility in post. Users can also shoot at 1080 30p or a cinematic 24p, as well as various other NTSC and PAL frame rates and resolutions. By utilizing the B-Frame data compression method, users can record H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC format video with unmatched integrity for up to 29:59 minutes per clip.
- Selectable image area: Users now have the ability to select an image area in Live View mode to match the glass or shooting style. To best suit the scene, FX, DX (1.5x) and 2.7x cropping is available.
- Expanded ISO range for video and auto ISO control: D4S’ FX-format image sensor and EXPEED 4 work hand-in-hand to render a natural transition between bright and dark scenes, all while delivering rich tones, sharp edges and minimized noise, even at high ISOs. The D-Movie mode has a wide standard ISO range — from 200 to 25,600 to shoot in nearly any lighting. Furthermore, the ISO can be pushed up to an ISO 409,600 (Hi-4) equivalent. Additionally, D4S lets you maintain manual exposure for controlled shutter speeds and aperture settings while the camera automatically dictates the ISO maximum sensitivity from 400 to Hi-4. For assignments with dramatic shifts in lighting, this can be a remarkably useful tool.
- Uncompressed 1080 60p: For the purest video quality, the D4S allows direct output of uncompressed files via HDMI. Output can be recorded to an optional outboard digital video recorder, making for an efficient editing workflow.
- Manual control: Like the D4 HD-SLR, D4S offers full manual control when shooting video for maximum creative versatility.
- Simultaneous recording: When recording to an external digital recorder via HDMI, the D4S can now simultaneously write to the CF or XQD card. This function is ideal for creating backups and recording while live-streaming content.
- Improved sound: The range of audio frequency is now selectable, with options such as Wide Range and Voice Range. Wind noise reduction and audio levels can be changed during recording.
- Smoother exposure transition during time-lapse and interval-time shooting: Creating breathtaking time-lapse movies is even easier with the D4S. The camera renders exposure transitions with unprecedented smoothness. Such scenes have been difficult to capture in manual or auto exposure mode, but now users can apply an auto exposure to achieve professional-grade time-lapse and interval-time shooting.
- NIKKOR lens compatibility: The highest caliber optics are vital to creating HD images and Nikon is the world leader in optics manufacturing with a legacy spanning more than 80 years. Nikon has a vast NIKKOR lens system, with more than 80 lenses including 65 FX-format lenses with a variety of focal lengths and features, including VR vibration reduction.
Pro Grade Construction and Controls
As a flagship camera for professionals, the D4S is engineered to excel in the world’s toughest environments, while giving pros the features needed to get the shot. The shutter has been tested to 400,000 cycles, and the camera chassis is constructed of lightweight and durable magnesium alloy. Additionally, the camera is sealed and gasketed from moisture, dust and electromagnetic interference to resist the elements.
While shooting, users will appreciate a slightly modified control layout and ergonomics for faster and more comfortable shooting. Subtle changes increase grip and comfort, making the camera easier to hold for a wider range of hand sizes and more comfortable during prolonged use. Photographers will also benefit from composing through a bright viewfinder with 100% coverage. The D4S also features a newly designed mirror-moving mechanism, which uniformly and effectively absorbs mirror slap to minimize viewfinder blackout time. Even at 11 fps, this innovation makes it easier to track a fast subject through the optical viewfinder.
The wide and bright high-resolution 921k dot, 3.2-inch LCD screen of the Nikon D4S lets users easily change menu settings, compose and review images. Photographers have the ability to customize the color of the LCD monitor to better match studio monitors or personal preference. Additionally, the LCD monitor retains its auto-brightness function that automatically adjusts the brightness of the monitor to increase visibility and conserve battery life.
Product Images
Nikon D4 Specifications
| Image sensor | 36.0 x 23.9 mm CMOS sensor (Nikon FX format) |
| Total pixels | 16.6 million |
| Dust-reduction system | Image sensor cleaning, Image Dust Off reference data (requires optional Capture NX 2 software) |
| Effective pixels | 16.2 million |
| Lens mount | Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts) |
| Image size (pixels) 1 | FX format (36×24): 4,928 x 3,280 [L], 3,696 x 2,456 [M], 2,464 x 1,640 [S] 1.2x (30×20): 4,096 x 2,720 [L], 3,072 x 2,040 [M], 2,048 x 1,360 [S] DX format (24×16): 3,200 x 2,128 [L], 2,400 x 1,592 (M), 1,600 x 1,064 (S) 5:4 (30×24): 4,096 x 3,280 [L], 3,072 x 2,456 [M], 2,048 x 1,640 [S] FX-format photographs taken in movie live view (16:9): 4,928 x 2,768 [L], 3,696 x 2,072 [M], 2,464 x 1,384 [S] |
| Image size (pixels) 2 | DX-format photographs taken in movie live view (16:9): 3,200 x 1,792 [L], 2,400 x 1,344 [M], 1,600 x 896 [S] FX-format photographs taken in movie live view (3:2): 4,928 x 3,280 [L], 3,696 x 2,456 [M], 2,464 x 1,640 [S] DX-format photographs taken in movie live view (3:2): 3,200 x 2,128 [L], 2,400 x 1,592 [M], 1,600 x 1,064 [S] A DX-based format is used for photographs taken using the DX (24×16) 1.5x image area; an FX-based format is used for all other photographs |
| Storage File format | NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed or uncompressed TIFF (RGB) JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8) or basic (approx. 1:16) compression (Size priority); Optimal quality compression available NEF (RAW)+JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats |
| Picture Control System | Can be selected from Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape; selected Picture Control can be modified; storage for custom Picture Controls |
| Media | XQD and Type I CompactFlash memory cards (UDMA compliant) |
| Dual card slots | Either card can be used for primary or backup storage or for separate storage of NEF (RAW) and JPEG images; pictures can be copied between cards |
| File system | DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras) 2.3, PictBridge |
| Viewfinder | Eye-level pentaprism single-lens reflex viewfinder |
| Frame coverage | FX (36×24): Approx. 100% horizontal and 100% vertical 1.2x (30×20): Approx. 97% horizontal and 97% vertical DX (24×16): Approx. 97% horizontal and 97% vertical 5:4 (30×24): Approx. 97% horizontal and 100% vertical |
| Magnification | Approx. 0.7x (50 mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, -1.0 m-1) |
| Eyepoint | 18 mm (-1.0 m-1; from center surface of viewfinder eyepiece lens) |
| Diopter adjustment | -3 to +1 m-1 |
| Focusing screen | Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VIII screen with AF area brackets and framing grid |
| Reflex mirror | Quick return |
| Depth-of-field preview | When Pv button is pressed, lens aperture is stopped down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or by camera (P and S modes) |
| Lens aperture | Instant return, electronically controlled |
| Compatible lenses | Compatible with AF NIKKOR lenses, including type G and D lenses (some restrictions apply to PC-NIKKOR lenses), DX lenses [using DX (24×16) image area], AI-P NIKKOR lenses and non-CPU AI lenses (exposure modes A and M only); IX-NIKKOR lenses, lenses for the F3AF and non-AI lenses cannot be used |
| Shutter Type | Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter |
| Speed | 1/8,000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, bulb, X250 |
| Flash sync speed | X=1/250 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/250 s or slower |
| Release modes | S (single frame), CL (continuous low speed), CH (continuous high speed), Q (quiet shutter-release), (self-timer), MUP (mirror up) |
| Frame advance rate | Up to approx. 10 fps (CL) or approx. 10 to 11 fps (CH) |
| Self-timer | 2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 20 s; 1 to 9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2 or 3 s |
| Exposure Metering | TTL exposure metering using RGB sensor with approx. 91K (91,000) pixels |
| Metering method 1 | Matrix: 3D color matrix metering III (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering III (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 12-mm circle in center of frame; diameter of circle can be changed to 8, 15 or 20 mm, or weighting can be based on average of entire frame (non-CPU lenses use 12-mm circle or average of entire frame) |
| Metering method 2 | Spot: Meters 4-mm circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used) |
| Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20deg.C) | Matrix or center-weighted metering: -1 to 20 EV Spot metering: 2 to 20 EV |
| Exposure meter coupling | Combined CPU and AI |
| Exposure modes | Programmed auto with flexible program (P); shutter-priority auto (S); aperture-priority auto (A); manual (M) |
| Exposure compensation | -5 to +5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV |
| Exposure bracketing | 2 to 9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV |
| Exposure lock | Luminosity locked at detected value with the center of the sub-selector |
| Exposure: ISO sensitivity | ISO 100 to 12800 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV; can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 50 equivalent) below ISO 100 or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, 2, 3 or 4 EV (ISO 204800 equivalent) above ISO 12800; auto ISO sensitivity control available |
| Active D-Lighting | Can be selected from auto, extra high +2/+1, high, normal, low or off |
| ADL bracketing | 2 frames using selected value for one frame or 3 to 5 frames using preset values for all frames |
| Autofocus | Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, fine-tuning, 51 focus points (including 15 cross-type sensors; f/8 supported by 11 sensors) |
| Detection range | -2 to +19 EV (ISO 100, 20deg.C/68deg.F) |
| Focus: Lens servo | Autofocus (AF): Single-servo autofocus (AF-S); continuous-servo autofocus (AF-C); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status Manual focus (M): Electronic rangefinder can be used |
| Focus point | Can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points |
| Focus: AF-area modes | Single-point AF, 9-, 21- or 51-point dynamic-area AF, 3D-tracking, auto-area AF |
| Focus lock | Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo autofocus) or by pressing the center of the sub-selector |
| Flash control | TTL: i-TTL flash control using RGB sensor with approx. 91K (91,000) pixels is available with SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, SB-600 or SB-400; i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR is used with matrix and center-weighted metering, standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR with spot metering |
| Flash modes | Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync; auto FP high-speed sync supported |
| Flash compensation | -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV |
| Flash bracketing | 2 to 9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV |
| Flash-ready indicator | Lights when optional flash unit is fully charged; flashes after flash is fired at full output |
| Accessory shoe | ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock |
| Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) | Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-910, SB-900, SB-800 or SB-700 as a master flash and SB-600 or SB-R200 as remotes, or SU-800 as commander; auto FP high-speed sync and modeling illumination supported with all CLS-compatible flash units except SB-400; Flash Color Information Communication and FV lock supported with all CLS-compatible flash units |
| Sync terminal | ISO 519 sync terminal with locking thread |
| White balance | Auto (2 types), incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual (up to 4 values can be stored), choose color temperature (2,500 K to 10,000 K); all with fine-tuning |
| White balance bracketing | 2 to 9 frames in steps of 1, 2 or 3 |
| Live View Modes | Live view photography (quiet or silent), movie live view |
| Live View: Lens servo | Autofocus (AF): Single-servo autofocus (AF-S); full-time servo autofocus (AF-F) Manual focus (M) |
| Live View: AF-area modes | Face-priority AF, wide-area AF, normal-area AF, subject-tracking AF |
| Live View: Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point automatically when face-priority AF or subject-tracking AF is selected) |
| Movie Metering | TTL exposure metering using main image sensor |
| Frame size (pixels) and frame rate | 1,920 x 1,080; 30p (progressive), 25p, 24p 1,920 x 1,080 crop; 30p, 25p, 24p 1,280 x 720; 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p 640 x 424; 30p, 25p Actual frame rates for 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p and 24p are 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25 and 23.976 fps respectively; all options support both high and normal image quality |
| Movie: File format | MOV |
| Video compression | H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding |
| Audio recording format | Linear PCM |
| Audio recording device | Built-in monaural or external stereo microphone; sensitivity adjustable |
| Movie: ISO sensitivity | Automatically adjusted in the range ISO 200 to 12800 or ISO 200 to Hi 4 |
| Maximum length | Approx. 29 min. 59 s (20 min. depending on frame size/rate and movie quality settings) |
| Monitor | 8-cm (3.2-in.), approx. 921k-dot (VGA) TFT LCD with 170deg.viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage and automatic monitor brightness control using ambient brightness sensor |
| Playback | Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 9, or 72 images) playback with playback zoom, movie playback, photo and/or movie slide shows, histogram display, highlights, photo information, GPS data display, auto image rotation, voice memo input and playback and IPTC information embedding and display |
| USB | Hi-Speed USB |
| HDMI output | Type C mini-pin HDMI connector; can be used simultaneously with camera monitor |
| Audio input | Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5-mm diameter; plug-in power supported) |
| Audio output | Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5-mm diameter) |
| 10-pin remote terminal | Can be used to connect optional remote control, GPS Unit GP-1 or GPS device compliant with NMEA0183 version 2.01 or 3.01 (requires optional GPS Adapter Cord MC-35 and cable with D-sub 9-pin connector) |
| Ethernet | RJ-45 connector |
| Peripheral connector | For Wireless Transmitter WT-5A/B/C/D |
| Supported languages | Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian |
| Battery | One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL18 |
| AC adapter | AC Adapter EH-6b; requires Power Connector EP-6 (available separately) |
| Tripod socket | 1/4 in. (ISO 1222) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 40deg.C/32 to 104deg.F |
| Operating humidity | Less than 85% (no condensation) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | Approx. 160 x 156.5 x 90.5 mm/6.3 x 6.2 x 3.6 in. |
| Weight | Approx. 1,340 g/2 lb 15.3 oz with battery and XQD memory card but without body cap and accessory shoe cover; approx. 1,180 g/2 lb 9.6 oz (camera body only) |
Sample Images
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