Nikon D4

[FLAFROG 3]

True or False?

 

 

Nikon Unveils New D4 Flagship D-SLR

Greg Tarr

 

Released : Tuesday, January 10, 2012 12:01 AM

 

The Nikon D4, which is slated for February availability at a $6,000 suggested retail, will offer a full-frame 16.2-megapixel full-format CMOS image sensor that will shoot full-resolution images at up to a 10 fps rate.

 

The camera is also one of the first to support the new XQD Compact Flash memory card format, and will also offer a second card for more conventional CF cards.

 

The Nikon D4 has improved low-light performance, with an ISO range from 100 to 102,400 which can be expanded to 50 to 204,800 for both movies and stills.

 

The D4 also improves on the D3's color matrix metering system with a third-generation 91,000-pixel RGB metering sensor.

 

The unit takes the AF mode select switch from the D7000 and uses improved 51-point AF points with 9 cross-type sensor and a beefed up AF module allowing focus with an f/8 lens and faster (up from f/5.6). The AF detection range is now down to EV-2.0

 

The viewfinder features a full pentaprism with a 100 percent field of view.

 

The video section will record pixel-for-pixel Full-HD 1080p resolution with selections for 30p and 24p frame rates in this iteration, and 720p at up to 60p for slow-motion work. The camera now includes support for the H.264 B frame compression scheme.

 

The camera uses contrast detect AF in movie recording and features a low-pass filter optimized to maximize sharpness of HD video, meaning greater noise reduction when shooting full-frame movies.

 

Function buttons are illuminated this year, and a dedicated video button (user re-assignable) is added near the shutter button.

 

The D4 supports WTSA wireless control using the optional Nikon WT-5 wireless transmitter, and features an integrated Ethernet port and HDMI output enabling output of uncompressed video.

 

The D4 also introduces face detection/recognition into the flagship series

 

Another new feature is smooth aperture control for use while shooting video.

 

At the same time, the company introduced the Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.8G FX format lens ($500 suggested retail).

 

The company said the D4 is not being produced in Thailand will not have production issues from the recent flooding situation there. But whether the company will have enough supply to meet the expected demand from Nikon-aligned professional photographers and converts remains to be seen.

Edited January 5, 2012 by FLAFROG

[adamhanlon 0]

Hi all,

 

This definitely looks like the real thing, but is not the official announcement yet! Things may (or may not) still change.

 

It appeared briefly on the Wells Fargo website, but was taken down in a hurry.

 

From the date on it, it would seem that the actual announcement will be on the 10th, although most people originally believed it would be this week.

 

I'll keep everyone posted

.

Adam

[Alex_Mustard 0]

Nikon's are typically slightly pricer than equivalent Canon cameras - and since this camera aligns so closely with the Canon 1DX you have to think it will be equally expensive. $6000 might be conservative.

 

I am not sure when the announcement will be now. But I expect cameras to be out before the end of the month. The D4 was going to be announced last year - which many suspect is what prompted Canon to rush out their announcement of the 1Dx - so many months before it will actually be available. The D4 will be announced after the 1DX, but available several months before.

 

The D800 - to be announced in Feb - is likely to be pricey too! Hopefully that will put off a good number of underwater photographers - because I know there are lots of Nikon shooters desperate to upgrade - but FX is not so suited to UW shooting and many might be best to wait for the D400 later in the year. But will people be able to wait? And resist 36 megapixels. I doubt it.

 

Alex

[loftus 42]

The D800 should be an awesome studio/pool studio and landscape camera, and the D400 an awesome UW / Wildlife camera.

Now to dream of one housing to fit both.

[Alex_Mustard 0]

The D800 is small too - might even fit a D7000 housing... ;-)

[Poliwog 4]

The D4 also introduces face detection/recognition into the flagship series

 

Makes me wonder if face recognition would work with fish.

 

The D800 is small too - might even fit a D7000 housing... ;-)

 

That would be nice!

[londonsean69 1]

Makes me wonder if face recognition would work with fish.

 

Smile recognition on a friends camera worked on a flash of female breasts, during a rather drunken last night of a dive trip in Gozo

[eyu 27]

I am thinking that a D800 with 36 megapixels in FX and 24 megapixels in DX will be really cool!

[Poliwog 4]

Smile recognition on a friends camera worked on a flash of female breasts, during a rather drunken last night of a dive trip in Gozo smile.gif

 

HA HA! I knew there would be a use for it somewhere!

[pmooney 6]

The D800 is small too - might even fit a D7000 housing... ;-)

 

Do you know this to be fact or is it simply speculation ?

[EspenRekdal 1]

Do you know this to be fact or is it simply speculation ?

With this many rumors, articles coming out at once and with very little difference between claims, yes I think this is it.

 

Press events are scheduled in Thailand, Hong Kong friday 6th, perhaps official launch at CES Monday 10th. I think the price will be in the 6000€ range in Europe and around 6000USD in the US. I guess next week we'll have a race to see who makes the first housing? Aquatica, Nauticam, Nexus, Subal, Seacam??

 

That extra low light autofocus might come in handy though (not just for drunken last nights of a dive trip in Gozo).

 

E.

[Alex_Mustard 0]

The leaked French mag says 5800 Euro.

[EspenRekdal 1]

The leaked French mag says 5800 Euro.

 

6000€ or 5800€ "painful" is the keyword that comes to mind... Thats a very expensive camera.

[Poliwog 4]

I think the price will be in the 6000€ range in Europe and around 6000USD in the US

 

Not sure about the 6000USD and 6000€ being accurate.

 

Exchange rate today is 1 Euro = $1.27 U.S. 6,000€ = 7,672.81USD

 

Nikon would be taking close to a $1700.00 haircut for every D4 they sold in the U.S. as opposed to selling it in the E.U.

[eyu 27]

Not sure about the 6000USD and 6000€ being accurate.

 

Exchange rate today is 1 Euro = $1.27 U.S. 6,000€ = 7,672.81USD

 

Nikon would be taking close to a $1700.00 haircut for every D4 they sold in the U.S. as opposed to selling it in the E.U.

 

The difference in cost between the States and Europe is due to the tax charged.

I believe the import tax is something like 25% in Europe.

[Deep6 7]

The difference in cost between the States and Europe is due to the tax charged.

I believe the import tax is something like 25% in Europe.

Prices quoted in the EU include the Value Added Tax (VAT). The rate varies per country. Most around 20%, but with down turn could be less (10 or 15%).

Bob

[divegypsy 23]

Eyu wrote,"I am thinking that a D800 with 36 megapixels in FX and 24 megapixels in DX will be really cool!"

 

IF the D800 has 36 Mp in the FX mode, it would have about 18 Mp in DX mode as the DX chip is about half the area of the FX chip. One thought is that the D800 might be made to fit into a D700 housing. Then, if the smaller sensors on the D800 chip result in a noisier image in low light vs the D700, you could put whichever camera you liked into the housing, depending on the conditions you anticipated shooting in. I've gone with the D700 vs DX chip camera because I feel camera does everything I need and probably does a lot of it better than a DX camera. Nikon's best quality lenses are mostly FX lenses, not DX lenses. And you need to enlarge a DX image 50% more to get an identical image size in a print or in magazine reproduction. The DX cameras do have the Tokina 10-17 fisheye zoom available, but I cannot help but wonder how the images would compare if you took a 25% or 30% cropping of a fixed focal length full frame fisheye such as the nikon 16mm or sigma 15mm (thus dropping the image to about 8-9 MP) on the FX chip vs a 12 MP image with the tokina lens on the DX chip. This would be interesting because in general, zoom lens resolution does not equal that of a fixed focal length lens. A 36MP FX chip camera would allow you to shoot both lenses on the same body, and give you about the same MP in its DX mode, as any current DX Nikon now has. Sony now has 24 MP Dx chip cameras, but the theoretical maximum gain in resolution of 24 MP vs 18 MP, (RESOLUTION is linear) is only between 15% & 16% (the square root of 24/18 = 1.33).

 

If I can't shoehorn a D800 into my D700 housings, I'll be satisfied with the D700. My photo agencies are satisfied and I get very sharp images when I make 16" x 24" prints (and quite reasonable 24 x 36's) on my HP ZS3100 printer. What more do I really need?

 

Fred

[FLAFROG 3]

Press Release

 

WHEN THERE IS NO SECOND CHANCE: THE NEW NIKON FX-FORMAT D4 MULTI-MEDIA DIGITAL SLR IS THE DEFINITIVE UNIFICATION OF SPEED AND PRECISION

 

The New 16.2 Megapixel Nikon D4 Wields a Formidable Fusion of Swift Performance, Battle-Tested Technologies and Innovative New Features to Create High Caliber Photo and HD Multimedia Content

 

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Jan 5, 2012) – The new Nikon D4 digital SLR builds upon the legacy of the proven Nikon flagship D-SLRs before it, engineered to give today’s professional multimedia photographers a new apex of speed and accuracy with unparalleled image quality, low-light capability and Full HD video. The Nikon D4 hosts a multitude of advanced new features and useful functions that deliver speedy performance and amazing image quality for when missing the shot is not an option.

 

Every aspect of the new Nikon D4 D-SLR has been designed to emphasize rapid response and seamless operation to help professional photographers consistently capture incredible content. Nikon’s proven 51-point AF System has been further enhanced for maximum speed in a variety of challenging shooting situations, even at 10 frames per second (fps). Considered the new Nikon flagship, the D4 renders supreme image quality, a feat accomplished with a new 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, coupled with the latest generation of Nikon’s EXPEED 3 image processing engine to help produce images and videos with stunning clarity and color. Photographers are also able to shoot in even the most challenging environments and lighting conditions with the assistance of Nikon’s new 91,000-pixel 3D color matrix meter and a broad ISO range from 100 to a staggering 204,800 for low-light capture like never before. The Nikon D4 is engineered for the modern professional and incorporates never before seen HD-SLR video features for those who also need to capture multimedia content from the field.

 

“Speed without accuracy is irrelevant,” said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. “The status of a Nikon flagship camera is not given lightly; this next generation of Nikon’s most professional body exceeds the needs of a wide variety of both still and multimedia professionals that rely on Nikon to make their living. Besides overall performance and burst speed, the D4 provides Nikon’s most advanced AF system to date, as well as enhanced workflow speed to give professionals the edge in the field.”

 

Velocity Meets Versatility

Speed is a necessity for today’s multimedia photographer as milliseconds matter when the action commences. Whether an assignment relies on fast processing power, burst rate, write speed, enhanced workflow or even streamlined camera controls, the D4 is the epitome of professional-caliber photographic horsepower. Ready to shoot in approximately 0.012 seconds, the new Nikon D4 can capture full resolution JPEG or RAW files at up to 10 fps with full AF / AE or up to 11 fps with AF / AE locked. Immediately before image capture, the camera interprets data from the AF sensor, including subject color as detected on the 91,000-pixel RGB sensor, to deliver consistently tack-sharp focus frame after frame. Whether a photographer is shooting a full-court fast break under gymnasium lighting or the downhill slalom in the bright sun and frigid temperatures, the D4 will instill the confidence with consistently great results.

 

The Advanced Multi-Cam 3500 AF autofocus system is the next generation of Nikon’s proven 51-point AF system. The fully customizable system offers users the ability to capture fast moving subjects and track focus with precision or select a single AF point with pinpoint accuracy. The Nikon D4 D-SLR aligns 15 cross-type sensors in the center to detect contrast data in both vertical and horizontal planes. In addition to detecting each AF-NIKKOR lens with an aperture of f/5.6 or lower, the camera also utilizes nine cross-type sensors that are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and TC14E or TC17E teleconverters or a single cross-type sensor when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and the TC20E teleconverter with an aperture value up to f/8, which is a great advantage to those shooting sports and wildlife. For maximum versatility in situations such as photographing nature from afar or competition from the sidelines, photographers are also able to select multiple AF modes, including normal, wide area, face tracking and subject tracking, to best suit the scene.

 

The Nikon D4 D-SLR also employs a new 91,000-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix metering system that meticulously analyzes each scene and recognizes factors such as color and brightness with unprecedented precision. This data is then interpreted and compared against D4’s on-board database to implement various settings, resulting in vibrant images with faithful color reproduction and balanced exposure. In addition, this new AF sensor now has the ability to detect up to 16 human faces with startling accuracy, even when shooting through the optical viewfinder, allowing for correct exposure even when the subject is backlit. Additionally, to capture every brief moment from a bouquet toss to a photo finish under nearly any condition, the 51 focus points deliver fast and accurate detection down to a -2 EV with every AF-NIKKOR lens.

 

All of this image data is funneled through a 16 bit pipeline and are written to dual card slots which have been optimized for the latest UDMA-7 Compact Flash™ cards, as well as the new XQD™ memory card. The D4 is the first professional camera to harness the capabilities of this new durable and compact format, which offers blazing fast write times and extended capacity essential for multimedia professionals shooting stills and video.

 

Image Quality That Hits the Mark

The heart of the new D4 is the Nikon-developed 16.2-megapixel FX-format (36 x 23.9mm) CMOS sensor that provides amazing image quality, brilliant dynamic range and vivid colors in nearly any lighting condition. By achieving the optimal balance of resolution and sensor size, professional photographers will realize exceptionally sharp, clean and well saturated images throughout the entire ISO range.

 

Like the D3 and D3s before it, the Nikon D4 retains Nikon’s status as the sovereign of low-light capture ability, with a native ISO range from 100 to 12,800 ISO, expandable from 50 (Lo-1) to an incredible yet usable 204,800 (Hi-4). From a candlelit first dance to nocturnal wildlife, the large 7.3µ pixel size absorbs the maximum amount of light to excel in any situation. Additionally, the sensor’s construction features a gapless micro-lens structure and anti-reflective coating which further contributes to images that retain natural depth and tones with smooth color gradation. For ultimate versatility, photographers can also take advantage of the camera’s extreme high ISO ability while recording video.

 

Another factor contributing to the camera’s rapid performance and stellar image quality is Nikon’s new EXPEED 3 image processing engine that helps professionals create images with amazing resolution, color and dynamic range in both still images and video. From image processing to transfer, the new engine is capable of processing massive amounts of data, exacting optimal color, perfect tonality and minimized noise throughout the frame.

 

There are also a variety of shooting options available to help capture the highest quality images and video. In addition to standard NEF (RAW) files, the D4 is also capable of shooting smaller compressed RAW files to ease storage and speed up workflow. Users are also able to capture even more dynamic range with the in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) function that merges consecutive exposures. For deep contrast and further tonality, Active D-Lighting can also be activated during shooting for balanced exposures even in backlit scenes. Additionally, the camera features a dedicated button for quick access to Nikon’s Picture Controls, allowing users to quickly select one of six presets.

 

Professional Multimedia Features

The Nikon D4 D-SLR is engineered with innovative new features for the multimedia professional that needs the small form factor, low-light ability and NIKKOR lens versatility that only an HD-SLR can offer. The new features add functionality for those professionals looking for the best possible experience to capture a moment in Full HD 1080p video at various frame rates, providing footage that is more than suitable for broadcast.

 

Full HD video recording - Users have the choice of various resolutions and frame rates, including 1080p 30/24fps and 60 fps at 720p. By utilizing the B-Frame data compression method, users can record H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC format video with unmatched integrity for up to 20 minutes per clip. This format also allows for more accurate video data to be transferred requiring less memory capacity. The sensor reads image data at astoundingly fast rates, which results in less instances of rolling shutter distortion.

 

Full manual control of exposure - Shutter speed, aperture and ISO can be changed while recording to adapt to lighting and alter depth of field for professional cinematic results that help realize a creative vision.

 

Uncompressed output: simultaneous Live View - By using the camera’s HDMI port instead of the CF or XQD card, users can stream an uncompressed full HD signal directly out of the camera. This footage can be ported into an LCD display or appropriate external recording device or routed through a monitor and then to the recording device, eliminating the need for multiple connections.

 

Audio recording for professionals - The Nikon D4 features a stereo headphone jack for accurate monitoring of audio levels while recording. Output can be adjusted in up to 30 steps for precise audio adjustment. The D4 offers high-fidelity audio recording control with audio levels that can be set and monitored on the camera’s LCD screen. The microphone connected via the stereo mic jack can also be adjusted with up to 20 steps of sensitivity for accurate sound reproduction.

 

Multi-area Mode Full HD Video: FX/DX, and 2.7x crop mode at 1080p video modes - Whether shooting for depth of field in FX format mode, or looking for the extra 1.5X telephoto benefits of DX mode, the high resolution sensor of the D4 allows videographers to retain full 1080P HD resolution no matter what mode they choose. With the 2.7x crop, users can experience ultra-telephoto benefits in full HD resolution all at 16:9 aspect ratio.

 

Simultaneous live view output without display / simultaneous monitor - Shooters have the option to send the display signal directly to an attached monitor via the HDMI port. This signal can be viewed on the camera’s LCD screen and external monitor simultaneously. Additionally, the image data display can be cleared from the screen, to remove distracting data or when feeding a live signal.

 

Full-time AF - In addition to manual focus, four modes are available, including normal, wide area, face detection and subject tracking, which uses fast contrast detect AF to accurately focus while recording video and in live view.

 

New LCD screen - The large high resolution 3.2-inch LCD screen is 921K dots, and includes auto brightness adjustment. Users can also zoom in up to 46x to check critical HD focus.

 

Time lapse shooting - This new feature combines a selected frame rate and “shooting interval” in a dedicated time lapse photography menu. Playback can be achieved with a wide variety of speeds from 24x to 36,000x while producing a fully finished movie file output for faster multimedia workflows.

 

Remote shutter operation - Using dedicated Movie Custom Settings, recording can be set to be engaged by the shutter release button -users can now use a variety of remote accessories to trigger video recording.

 

NIKKOR lens compatibility - The highest caliber optics are vital to creating HD images and Nikon is the world leader in optics manufacturing with a legacy spanning more than 75 years. Nikon has a vast NIKKOR lens system, with more than 50 lenses with a variety of focal lengths and features, including VR II vibration reduction.

 

The reputation and respect bestowed upon a Nikon D-Series flagship camera is earned from those who use it; therefore the chassis of the Nikon D4 is machined from magnesium alloy for maximum durability and reliability. The body of the camera is sealed and gasketed for resistance to dirt and moisture, as well as electromagnetic interference. Photographers are able to easily compose through the bright optical viewfinder, which offers 100% frame coverage. The shutter has been tested to withstand 400,000 cycles for maximum durability, while sensor cleaning is employed by vibrating the OLPF. The self diagnostic shutter unit also encompasses a mirror balancer to minimize the residual “bounce” to enhance AF and extend viewing time. What’s more, the viewfinder is coated with a new thermal shield finish which works to resist overheating during prolonged use, enhancing overall reliability. Users can easily compose on the camera’s wide, bright and scratch resistant 921,000-dot high resolution 3.2-inch LCD screen.

 

The overall controls and operability of the camera has also been engineered with a renewed emphasis on speed and functionality. During critical moments, users will appreciate refined button layouts with renewed ergonomics, such as a quick AF mode selector placed near the lens mount for fast access on the fly. A new joystick style sub-selector is also placed on the camera’s rear for AF point and option selection, while vertical controls have been enhanced for improved operability. Finally, to continue the D4’s moniker of the best tool for just about any condition, key control buttons on the back of the camera can all be illuminated, making the camera simple to operate in complete darkness.

 

Nikon has also made enhancements to overall workflow, adding options to streamline the process and maximize shooting time. Users are now able to automatically generate IPTC data for their images and image sets, making organizing and chronicling images easier for both the photographers and their editors. A wired Ethernet port is also utilized so that a user can shoot tethered and transfer images easily and quickly to clients. Nikon has also introduced the new WT-5A wireless file transmitter, to transmit via FTP server or computer. The device can be set to transfer either automatically or manually selected images. This device also allows for remote operation of the camera using Nikon’s Camera Control Pro 2 software. A mobile application is also in development to control the camera using this accessory, which will include the ability to trigger the shutter and record video, making this a must-have remote accessory for many professionals.

 

Price and Availability


The Nikon D4 will be available in late February 2012 for the suggested retail price of $5999.95.*

Edited January 6, 2012 by FLAFROG

[johnjvv 11]

http://www.nikon.com/news/2012/0106_flagship_01.htm

[adamhanlon 0]

Hi all,

 

Full details, specs and images of the D4 are now on the Wetpixel front page:

 

http://wetpixel.com/i.php/full/nikon-announces-the-d4-slr/

 

Looks like it will be a really good underwater camera!

 

Adam

[JennyHuang 2]

more testing information and HD D-Movie :

http://nikonrumors.com/2012/01/06/nikon-d4...ideos-wow.aspx/

[Rocha 0]

It's a tank! I need a D700 sized camera! Come on Nikon!

[Alex_Mustard 0]

The D800 will be out soon. It was actually circulated to some Nikon pros before the D4 demos did the rounds last month. It will be announced next month. Specs are 36MP FX, 16MP DX - I understand.

 

Alex

[Alex_Mustard 0]

Just reading the press release on the front page. Nothing to unexpected after all the Nikon leaks of late. Lets hope it the housings are more water tight.

 

Biggest surprise is the late Feb release. I was expecting it to be out in late January.

 

Alex

[loftus 42]

Does look sweet, and almost $1000 less suggested retail price over Canon's D1x.

For video the following should make Drew happy (maybe) 'The Nikon D4 allows shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity to be changed during recording, as required to adapt to changes in ambient lighting or yield the desired cinematic effect. There's also full-time contrast detection autofocus capability, operating either in face detection, wide area, normal, or subject tracking modes, as well as the ability to focus manually.'

Also would like to understand the implications of the uncompressed video output: 'Even more unusually, it's possible to have the live feed piped to the D4's HDMI port as an uncompressed full HD signal, allowing it to be recorded using an external device and/or routed to an external monitor'

Edited January 6, 2012 by loftus