Nikon D4 Review

Nikon D4 stays sharp

The next iteration of Nikon's flagship DSLR is a step up for professionals

by Alvin Chong 

 

Updated 11:30 AM Apr 25, 2012

 

AFTER a slightly longer than two-year wait, Nikon has unveiled the next iteration of their flagship DSLR, the Nikon D4.

Aimed directly at professionals, the Nikon D4 is the successor to the D3S. And, on paper, the Nikon D4 is a huge improvement.

The megapixel count has been bumped from 12.1 to 16.2 with a smaller sensor pixel size, the shooting speed has improved from nine frames per second (fps) to up to 11 fps with an even larger buffer, the maximum ISO sensitivity has doubled to 204,800 and there is a larger preview screen (3.2 versus 3.0 inches).

All this is powered with the new Nikon Expeed 3, promising better image quality with faster speed. Video enthusiasts will be happy to know that the Nikon D4 shoots at full-HD (1080p) and also comes with a headphone jack for monitoring audio.

However, for all its improvements, the estimated shots per battery charge has dropped from 4,200 for the D3S to 2,600 for the D4, a drop of almost 40 per cent. This might be too large a drop for those who are on long trips and don't have access to power at all times.

Using the Nikon D4 proved to be a challenge at first - many of the buttons and settings were not obvious at first. However, once you've gotten familiar with the basics it is very easy to use, and soon enough you'll be shooting with it like a pro in no time.

The Nikon D4 is said to be the lightest full-frame camera available on the market at just 1.18kg. If you've never used a camera with such high specs before, its bulk will start to weigh on you, especially with a zoom lens attached. Photography vets (and their backs) will appreciate any weight reduction.

The increased buffer size is amazing too, and even when I shot at the highest speed and quality options, I could shoot for a long time continuously; in fact it was the speed of the XQD card that limited the number of shots instead.

The XQD card is a new feature introduced with the D4. The new format allows for even faster shooting than current options, such as compact flash (CF) cards, and Nikon is hoping that it will be the standard of the future. CF card users will still have a single slot to use their older CF cards. However, this means that you might have to use both formats for backups when you're on a long shoot.

The Nikon D4 is extremely sturdy and responsive, and the low light sensitivity allows you the option to take photos with little light - as long as you don't mind the grainy shots.

Whether you're a videographer shooting for better video quality, a sports photographer where every bit of light matters or just thinking of getting a top-of-the-range DSLR, the Nikon D4 is the camera for you. Just don't forget to pack an extra battery. ALVIN CHONG

Source: www.todayonline.com