Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×

Nikon Unveils New D4 Flagship D-SLR

LAS VEGAS —

In the days leading up to International
CES, Nikon unveiled its long-awaited new
flagship d-SLR the D4, offering a substantially
lighter body.

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.

Featured

Close