Nikon D4S: review, reviews of professionals, photos, technical specifications. Differences in the Nikon D4 and Nikon D4S models

The official presentation of the Nikon D4S camera , the review of which is presented in this article, took place in early 2014. The novelty, in fact, is a modernized version of the D4, which conquered the world of digital photographic equipment a few years before, and opens the door for the user in a world of advanced technologies.

The previous modification of this device significantly exceeds in all key aspects. In this regard, it is not surprising that the main target audience are professional photographers and photojournalists.

Principal differences from the predecessor

If we take a broad look at the characteristics of the camera, we can safely say that the modernization was very successful. Not surprisingly, the camera at the moment is considered the most technologically and expensive model from the company Nikon. Whether she is worth the money requested for her will become understandable only with time.

Here are the key differences of the Nikon D4. The Nikon D4S, first of all, received a simply shocking range of photosensitivity (the ISO value is in the range of 50 to 409,600). Thanks to this, the shooting in a poor lighting situation has reached a different level. The camera boasts new features regarding manual preset white balance and a large selection of parameters for video shooting.

The novelty has become compatible with lenses that are of type E, and the user can independently adjust the brightness of the display. It should be noted and the fact that the developers have significantly improved protection from the impact of various external factors on the model Nikon D4S. Reviews from the pros are a vivid confirmation that, among other things, the device has acquired some other features and functions that provide the ability to receive images of the highest quality, as well as settings for more convenient management. More details about all this we will go further.

general description

Against the backdrop of a wide range of other similarly available mirror-type cameras available on the market, the novelty stands out for its original appearance, which resembles its predecessor. The camera has an all-metal case. Its overall dimensions in width, height and length, respectively, are 160 x 156.5 x 90.5 millimeters. Taking into account the battery and the memory drive, it weighs 1.35 kilograms. The usual fan of photography or a beginner in this sphere is likely to be frightened by the abundance of controls on the Nikon D4S. The feedback of professionals, on the other hand, calls this feature a great advantage of the model. Moreover, they indicate that this fact intrigues and attracts the attention of experienced photographers. According to the representatives of the manufacturer, they were eager to facilitate the shooting process, as well as speed up access to the settings. Whatever it was, most of the most used buttons remained in their original places, familiar to connoisseurs of the Nikon brand. Special attention was paid by Japanese engineers to the strength of the novelty. Due to this, the user does not need to worry about its use in extreme conditions.

Ergonomics

For the photographers accustomed to classical photographic technique, something that resembles a box resembling a square one can seem huge and uncomfortable. However, in fact, this is completely wrong. As evidenced by the feedback of the owners of the device, its ergonomics has been thought out so well that it can be easily controlled by holding in one hand, regardless of the weight (the Nikon D4S camera without the lens weighs more than one kilogram). This is largely due to the presence of sharpened contours of the protrusion for the fingers and a comfortable grip. The creators of the camera also improved the streamlining and shape of the control keys, which made it easier to operate in conditions of high humidity. Thanks to the rubber gasket in the lower part, it does not slip on inclined surfaces.

Matrix

A light-sensitive, modernized CMOS-type array measuring 16.2 megapixels lies in the heart of the Nikon D4S. The technical characteristics of the sensor ensure the creation of photographs of excellent quality, and also provide flexible possibilities for framing images. In addition, according to the developers, it can boast a wide range and speed of reading information. One should not ignore the excellent sharpness of the images when setting high sensitivity values (the maximum available ISO is 409600, which is a record indicator in the world photo industry). The viewfinder displays an image whose resolution is 4928 x 3280 pixels.

CPU

The EXPEED-4 processor is responsible for the performance of the Nikon D4S. The characteristics of this device, according to Japanese engineers, make it 30% more efficient than the previous modification. Thanks to him, the speed of the shooting also increased with the preservation of the automatic focus, which reached 11 frames per second. It should be emphasized that the processor is equipped with advanced algorithms to reduce noise during operation.

Optics

The model is equipped with a proprietary Nikon F mount, which is compatible with almost every F-lens released after 1977. The device also supports any optics developed by the manufacturer for mirror devices with DX-matrix. When you install it, the image is automatically masked on the viewfinder. In addition, 5: 4 and 6: 5 modes are also available, which are equivalent for the 30 x 24 and 30 x 20 pictures respectively. The ability to use heavy lenses for long distance photography is another great advantage of the Nikon D4S. The reviews of professionals show that, in connection with the competent weight distribution of the camera, their use does not cause absolutely no discomfort.

Auto focus

The camera boasts the fastest automatic focus in the history of Nikon. In particular, there is an advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX system consisting of 51 points (15 of them are cross-shaped). The working range of the sensor is in the range from -2 to +19 EV. The user can access the focus modes by 1, 9 or 21 points.

Improved locking, high functionality and the availability of a fundamentally new group mode are key features of the Nikon D4S automatic focus system. The experts' comments point out the model's capabilities regarding the control of its five zones, their size and movement, depending on the layout of the frame. Background isolation and guidance in comparison with the predecessor have significantly improved. Even small objects that quickly move over long distances can be tracked very accurately, which makes the device an ideal solution for performing photo reports during sports events.

Gate

The completely new shutter mechanism has become another important technical specification of the model. It differs smoothly and almost instantly works (delay is about 42 ms). This feature is able to surprise even professional photographers. The closure is made of Kevlar and carbon fiber alloy . As for the range of shutter speeds, it is in the range of 1/8000 to 30 seconds, while its standard resource is 400 thousand operations. All this in a complex is a guarantee of a stable picture displayed on the viewfinder.

Displays and viewfinder

The model is equipped with three displays. A 3.2-inch liquid crystal screen with a resolution of 921,600 pixels is the main screen in the Nikon D4S. The review is perfectly provided even at an angle of up to 170 degrees both vertically and horizontally. In addition, it can boast of a 100% frame coverage. The screen supports the possibility of manual and automatic brightness adjustment. It should be noted that a similar display was used in the previous modification. Together with this novelty has received a modernized version of it. It is characterized by a deeper detail and a qualitative display of colors. The fact is that the corresponding sensor of illumination automatically adjusts the contrast, gamma, brightness and saturation of the screen, thereby providing a realistic image on it. In order to prevent the appearance of unnecessary glare, as well as fogging the display inside, the developers filled the space between it and the protective glass with a special transparent rubber.

In addition to the main one, two additional information displays of a monochrome type with a blue backlight are also provided here. They are located on the back and top panels. The main purpose of these screens is to control key parameters of shooting in the dark.

The device is equipped with an optical viewfinder, created on the basis of expensive pentaprism. The mirror is characterized by a soft stroke, thanks to which the images made with the Nikon D4S model are displayed on it with the smallest dimming, even at high shooting speeds. The window of the viewfinder is covered with a glass insert, which has an anti-reflective coating, which can be easily removed for cleaning if necessary.

Video shooting

The model will surely please even video reporters, because it is capable of creating videos with a frequency of up to 60 frames per second in Full HD format. The image for viewing on the TV screen or its subsequent processing can be output directly from the camera via the HDMI connector. Compared to the previous version of the device, developers have improved the sound quality. In particular, additional settings for audio control parameters have been added here. The operator has the ability to independently select and vary the ISO value, shutter speed, cropping format, and also to control the electric drive and the diaphragm. The Nikon D4S model is equipped with a direct button for video shooting, which is located on the handle. In addition, you can activate this mode by pressing the shutter button or at a distance - by the remote control. Thus, we can say with confidence that this camera allows us to fully reveal the creative potential of the user in terms of video shooting.

Data storage

Two types of high-speed memory cards - XQD and CompactFlash are used to store the captured photo and video material. It should be noted that with the application of the first of these options, the length of the series shooting is higher by approximately 20%. This is very important when using the Nikon D4S as a reporter camera. Work with slots can be carried out in three ways. At the first of them, the recording is alternately carried on the media until the moment of full filling, at the second - simultaneously on both drives, and at the third video material and photos are saved separately. All this the user can customize at will. Information about the photographs is divided into seven pages. In addition to general basic information, there are additional (brightness histogram, GPS data, as well as other parameters of the survey).

Data transfer

In the model the technology of the accelerated transfer of the information is applied, which is especially important for carrying out photo reports. For the possibility of quick connection to peripheral devices, the usual HDMI and USB 2.0 interfaces are provided here, as well as a special Gigabit 100 / 1000TX Ethernet port. With Nikon D4S, you can easily connect a twisted pair cable, as well as a router with a proprietary special software (this allows you to control all camera capabilities through a computer). In this case, the user does not need to install additional software. He just enter the page under his name from a smartphone, tablet or computer, and type the password. Among other things, it should be noted that the model is compatible with the wireless transmitter WT5.

Other interesting features and functions

An interesting feature of the camera is the possibility for the device owner to manually adjust the white balance or apply automatic modes. In this regard, the Nikon D4S model creates high-quality and clear pictures in mixed and poor lighting.

Due to the built-in intervalometer, shooting can be done in a non-stop mode. After that it is enough to glue the suitable images into one video. The user himself sets the number of frames and the exposure step. The only flaw in this regard, experts say the lack of the ability to save individual frames from the series.

Nikon is constantly improving the Picture Control system. The Nikon D4S was no exception . Experts' feedback indicates that this model significantly improved the transmission of hues and tones, as well as the color rendition curve, in comparison with its predecessor.

Any mode the user configures himself, depending on his own preferences. It concerns brightness, color shades, sharpness, contrast and saturation. Moreover, there is a special button for instantly changing the shooting mode.

In the model, the automatic value of the photosensitivity necessarily takes into account the distance at which the survey is performed. In other words, the camera itself selects a combination of the ISO and shutter speed, which does not allow blurring of the image at the current zoom position of the lens.

Autonomy

The model is equipped with a compact EN-EL18A rechargeable battery with a capacity of 2500 mAh. As evidenced by numerous tests and feedback from the owners of the device, its full charge is enough to create from 3000 to 5500 frames, depending on the working conditions. Such an indicator is considered very worthy.

Conclusion

To summarize, it should be noted that, creating a novelty, the developers went on the principle of a smooth upgrade of the previous version, which has become very successful with professionals. The Nikon D4S camera can rightfully be called a real flagship from this manufacturer. Moreover, excellent technical characteristics and capabilities make the device to date almost the limit of the dreams of any photographer. It is simply irreplaceable when shooting sports events and other events, when speed plays a very important role. The model will turn into a real treasure in skillful hands. The camera is able to make only a positive impression, because its functions and capabilities are enough to cope with any conditions of work, as well as surpass most of today's competitors in almost all aspects. How good is the model, time will tell, but there is no reason to doubt the quality of the images created with it, today.