Nikon D4 – The Next Generation

Last night the worldwide release took place of Nikon’s New Flagship Pro camera, the D4.  I have actually been shooting with the camera for the last month and I can say it is very high on the Wow factor scale.  My apologies for those that have asked hundreds of questions about the new camera everyone was expecting, you must understand that prior to the release of any new camera, we are strictly forbidden from discussing any information, until it is officially released it doesn’t exist…. Now I’m happy to fill you in on the details!  For the last several years I’ve felt that for those willing to carry a heavier camera the D3s was the camera n the market in terms of out and out image quality at all ISO’s and in all situations requiring speed of operation.  The D4 is the next logical step in this evolution, and a huge step at that!  I personally was not sure I wanted to carry such a robust camera, before it was released, after several weeks of testing,  I will definitely be using the D4 myself, a great deal, it’s simply the most complete camera I’ve ever held in my hands! I’ve never shot a more responsive camera, or one that produced more magnificent files!

Of course for the video producers the new camera is a massive leap forward with more capabilities and much higher quality video files than anything previous from Nikon.  The control of exposure, focusing and sound while capturing in multiple frame rates at full 1080p makes this camera a fantastic machine to produce Broadcast quality video.  New features include HDMI support for off camera video file capture, headphone out, exceptional in camera sound quality, and many other key features for the DSLR videographers.

On the still side, I can say without any reservations that I’ve never shot a camera that produces nicer, cleaner, sharper files.   Many of the test images I’ve made, (some samples below), are so rich with detail that no matter how much I have enlarged the files they remain crisp, clean and highly detailed.  Noise performance at High ISOs has once again been improved, even over the D3s which was so spectacular that many thought not further improvement might be possible, trust me it is possible and is accomplished in the D4!   For those of us that like to work in HDR, one very valuable new feature is the broad range of bracketing options in the D4.  The camera will allow 3-5-7-or 9 exposures in either 1/3 – 2/3 – 1 full stop, plus 2 stops and 3 stops!!!!  The possible dynamic range capture for very difficult HDR situations has been massively increased!  The D4 also features a quick HDR feature that makes an in camera file based on a overexposed and normal frame.  Nice for increased dynamic range in a quick and easy fashion.

Other key features include:

* A 3.2 inch 921,000-dot LCD with ambient light sensor to automatically adjust the LCD visibility according to the environment.

* 51 AF points delivers fast and accurate AF detection.  15 are Cross-type sensors in the center detect contrast for both vertical and horizontal lines for lenses f 5.6 or faster.

* 10 Frames Per Second in FX-format for up to 200 frames.

* A new Nikon FX  (36 x 23.9 mm) CMOS sensor with 16.2 effective megapixels. 

* Nikon’s first 91,000 pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering III.  Highly effective in field use.

*  ISO range from 100 to 12,800 that can be set to from 50 to as high as 204,800!

* While the basic operational controls remain located as in the D3s several valuable new controls have been added, two sub-selector joystick make moving and setting autofocus points more responsive to your fingers touch, and they are positioned for optimal control for both vertical and horizontal operation.

*  Lighted control buttons for better operation in dim light.

* Expeed 3 image-processing engine for exceptional speed and performance.

* A battle hardened – weather sealed – fully magnesium body with a Thermal Shield finish that protects the camera by dissipating heat in direct sun conditions.

The list goes on and on and I can assure you  that it you have been a very happy D3 or D3s shooter you are going to love the D4.

For years I’ve said things like I love the Nikon F, I’m not interested in the F2 only to adopt it and use it with much love and success, the trend continued through the F3, F4, F5 and finally the F6! Now the D1, D2, D3 and the D4 is the very best yet.  You would think I would learn………..

the pilgrim

Here are some sample shots with the D4, they are HDR’s and the shot below each is a small portion of the same file:

Trust me, these files blown up to 4 X 6 foot don’t look any different!!!!