Nikon D4S Preview
Nikon has announced its new flagship HD-SLR, the D4S. Designed for professional photo, video, and cinematographers, the D4S includes a 16.2-megapixel FX-format (full frame) image sensor along with the newer EXPEED 4 image processor. This combo means the D4S has 30% more processing power than the previous flagship, the D4, 11 frames-per-second (fps) Continuous Shooting with AutoFocus (AF) and auto exposure, and an incredibly wide ISO range; which is digitally expandable to 50 to 409,600 (that’s not a typo!).
The D4S is also faster thanks to a re-calibrated Mult-CAM 3500 FX AF sensor module, which will now find your targets quicker, be able to track moving objects with more accuracy (in Group AF Mode), and waste much less time “reverting from focus interruptions, such as a referee running into the frame.” Color accuracy is also enhanced by Nikon’s exclusive 91,000-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering III system.
The D4S not only captures still photographs in JPEG, full size RAW (NEF), and TIFF files, but also in a new RAW SIZE S (2464 x 1640) file setting. Basically, now you can shoot 12-bit uncompressed pics without having to deal with, and transfer, enormous file sizes. Speaking of transfers, the D4S can transmit files via Gigabit Ethernet connections (1000 Base-T LAN). Battery life has also improved; the D4S is capable of capturing up to 5,960 shots in Continuous Mode (3,020 in Single Mode) in one charge.
The D4S also boasts some incredible HD video specifications. Full 1080p HD video recording is a must, but the frame rates are variable, giving users the choices between 60, 30, and 24 progressive frames-per-second. The HD-SLR has full manual controls in D-Movie Mode, including access to a 200-25,600 ISO range. Professionals will love the ability to record to internal CF and XQD cards while simultaneously exporting uncompressed 1080/60p out of the HDMI port. Sound recording has been enhanced as well, with new modes to pick specific tonal ranges, reduce noise, and manually adjust recording levels. Finally, time-lapse, or interval-time, shooting has been upgraded to include a new automatic exposure setting to make smoother exposure transitions.
Nikon D4S Features:
- 16.2-megapixel FX-format image sensor
- Nikon F-mount lens system
- EXPEED 4 image processor
- 30% faster than the EXPEED 3
- 3.2-inch LCD display (921K dots)
- with Auto Brightness
- Native 100 – 25,600 ISO
- Expandable to 50 (Lo-1) to 409,600 (Hi-4)
- Multi-CAM 3500 FX AF Sensor Module
- Group AF Mode
- RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering III
- 11 fps Continuous Shooting
- Up to 200 JPEG shots
- Full 1080p HD @ 60p, 30p, and 24p
- Up to 29:59 minutes per clip
- Direct output of uncompressed 1080/60p via HDMI
- Manual Controls
- D-Movie ISO 200-25,600
- can be pushed up to 409,600 (Hi-4)
- Simultaneously Record to internal CF or XQD cards and an external storage device.
- Improved Sound
- Wide Range
- Voice Range
- Adjustable Audio Levels
- Noise Reduction
- Smoother Time-Lapse Exposure Transitions
- Able to Capture new ‘RAW SIZE S’ files
- Faster Transfer via Gigabit Ethernet (100 Base-T LAN)
- Dual Card Slots
- Improved Battery Life
- Up to 3,020 in Single Mode
- Up to 5,960 in Continuous Mode
- Shutter tested to 400K cycles
- Compatible with more than 80 NIKKOR lenses
- including 65 FX-format lenses
The Nikon D4S HD-SLR will be available March 6, 2014 with a $6499.95 MSRP.
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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February 25, 2014 at 1:47 pm, greez said:
Very discouraging. Yet another camera aimed at sports, action, low light and video. I want low noise, great resolution, more bit depth, and great colors shooting every ten seconds or so at ISO 100.
February 25, 2014 at 2:25 pm, Karasev Studio said:
D800E.
Seriously, photojournalism is Nikon’s DNA and Nikon’s flagships will always have to respect that. Aside from medium format, SONY (due to Minolta’s heritage) caters to color fidelity and AF accuracy and lens micro-contrast over AF speed and low-light performance.
February 27, 2014 at 12:15 am, Jon Tiffin said:
Then this isn’t the camera for you. You want those features you buy a Phase One DF and digital back and get the absolute best in data captured. @karasevstudio:disqus You nailed it.