The Register® — Biting the hand that feeds IT

Feeds
  • print
  • alert

Agentless Backup is Not a Myth

Like its older brother this camera is king of low light photography but whilst the image quality is essentially the same between the two models, the D4 definitely steps up performance. Not only is the EXPEED 3 image-processing engine is able to deliver increased continuous shooting speed, but the RGB metering sensor serving the camera’s scene recognition system makes the D4 one of the fastest and more accurate professional DSLRs on the market.

Nikon D4 full-frame 16Mp DSLR camera

Invaluable at-a-glance information up top

Every other function regulated by the metering system, such as white balance, performs exceedingly well in all light conditions. The system is so advanced that it is virtually flawless and for the first time, a pro could think of relying on automatic modes in fast-paced situations. That is not to say that the D4 lacks user-defined controls. In fact, the camera is designed to give the pro user fine-tuned control of every possible setting they can dream of.

In line with the camera’s overall speedy performance the 51-point autofocus system is notably swift and razor-sharp precise, even in dim light conditions. The only disappointment is that the D4 inherits the same highly complex menu of the D3s. For instance, fine tuning the AF settings needs an in-depth read of the manual at the very least.

Nikon D4 full-frame 16Mp DSLR camera

Things can get a bit technical...

In-camera image editing gets broader too, with a number of new filters added such as Colour Outline; Colour Sketch; Selective Colour; Fisheye; Distortion Control; Perspective Control; Straighten; Quick Retouch; Image overlay and Miniature Effect. A feature I did not expect in this class of camera but nonetheless improves its fun factor and ease of use is HDR capture, which works reasonable well even without tripod.

If all the above seem good improvements that would not necessarily grant an upgrade from the D3s, the D4’s radically enhanced video capture might prove to be the real deal breaker. With just 720p video recording at 24fps on the D3s, this was just a little extra of no real professional use. The Nikon D4 is in a completely different league offering Full HD video capabilities at 24/25/30fps with a plethora of settings options and manual control.

Nikon D4 full-frame 16Mp DSLR camera

Mono on-board mic, but at least you get a stereo external option

The same outstanding image quality of the still output applies to video footage. Videos are smooth and detailed with natural and consistent colours. The built-in microphone is quite good, although unfortunately mono only, and there is also an output for headphones monitoring and one for HMDI. Input levels for both mic and headphones can be adjusted to several levels and there is always the option to attach an external mic.

Customer Success Testimonial: Recovery is Everything

Anonymous Coward

Re: How much?

"The F4 in 1989 was about £1200 or about £1900 today"

Not sure about those figures, using the calculator here:

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-1633409/Historic-inflation-calculator-value-money-changed-1900.html

£1200 in 1989 looks more like £4000 today - much closer to the price of the D4

6
0

Re: How much? @Glesga

"digital has extra costs related to post-production that can be difficult to sell to a client,"

To be honest thats a ridiculous statement. There is no reason why you need to do post processing on digital any more than you do on film. The reason why you tend to do post processing on digital is its easier and cheaper giving you the ability to give a photo a big lift with 5 mins of work while you probably wouldnt have bothered on film.

8
2

Re: How much?

Well you just going to have to get the cheaper model then arent you. Canon 1D counterpart isnt cheap either.

The question is whether you need or want it. The 11 fps shooting is amazing but it depends to what type of photography you do. You wont need it for portrait, landscape, weddings , etc. Journalism , sport and animal would of course benefit . So grab the D800?

5
0

More from The Register

First look: iOS 7 for iPad
No, Apple hasn't released it yet, but that doesn't stop intrepid devs
Samsung Galaxy Note 8: Proof the pen is mightier?
Sammy’s iPad Mini killer has a stylus to stab other rivals too
 breaking news
Curtain drops on Apple Store ahead of WWDC: What lies behind?
Steve Jobs watching from on high. No pressure, lads
 breaking news
Cold, dead hands of Steve Jobs slip from iPhones: The Cult of Ive is upon us
Billionaire biz baron's death clears way for uber-shiny iOS 7
Airbus imagines suitcases that find themselves
Point your mobe at your smalls to track their every move
Surprise! Intel smartphone trounces ARM in power trials
Tests show equal performance while sipping significantly less juice
Apple said to be 'exploring' 5.7-inch iPhone
Who's the copycat this time, Mr. Cook?
Google Chromebooks now in over 6,600 stores
Major, worldwide retail push begins this summer
Samsung plans LTE Advanced version of Galaxy S4
1Gbps download capability could stiffen drooping S4 sales forecasts
Review: Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock
Missing Mac ports reunited, for a price