The official presentation of the Nikon D4S camera, which is reviewed in this article, took place in early 2014. The novelty, in fact, is an upgraded version of the D4 model, which conquered the world of digital photography a few years before, and opens the door to the real world of advanced technologies for the user.
This device is significantly superior to the previous modification in all key aspects. In this regard, it is not surprising that professional photographers and photojournalists are considered its main target audience.
Principal differences from its predecessor
If you look at the characteristics of the camera as a whole, then we can safely say that the modernization was very successful. It is not surprising that the camera is currently considered the most technologically advanced and expensive model from Nikon. Whether it is worth the money requested for it will only become clear with time.
The following are the key differences between the Nikon D4. NikonThe D4S, first of all, received a simply shocking ISO range (ISO value is in the range from 50 to 409600). This takes shooting in low light conditions to another level. The camera boasts new options regarding manual preset white balance and more options for video shooting.
The novelty has become compatible with lenses that are type E, and the user can independently adjust the brightness of the display. It should also be noted that the developers have significantly improved protection against the effects of various external factors on the Nikon D4S model. Reviews from the pros are a clear confirmation that, among other things, the device has acquired some other abilities and functions that provide the ability to obtain images of the highest quality, as well as settings for more convenient control. More on all this will be discussed later.
General Description
Against the background of a wide range of other similar reflex cameras available on the market, the novelty stands out with its original appearance, which resembles its predecessor. The camera has an all-metal body. Its dimensions in width, height and length, respectively, are 160 x 156.5 x 90.5 mm. Including the battery and memory drive, it weighs 1.35 kilograms. The average photo lover or a beginner in this field will probably be intimidated by the abundance of controls on the bodyNikon D4S. Reviews of professionals, on the other hand, call this feature a big advantage of the model. Moreover, they indicate that this fact is intriguing and attracts the attention of experienced photographers. According to representatives of the manufacturing company, by doing this they sought to facilitate the shooting process, as well as speed up access to the settings. Be that as it may, most of the most commonly used buttons have remained in their original places, familiar to connoisseurs of the Nikon brand. Japanese engineers paid special attention to the strength of the novelty. Thanks to this, the user does not need to worry about using it in extreme conditions.
Ergonomics
For photographers who are accustomed to classical photographic equipment, a model that is vaguely similar to a square box may seem huge and uncomfortable. However, in reality this is not at all the case. According to the reviews of the owners of the device, its ergonomics are thought out so well that it can be easily controlled by holding it in one hand, despite the heavy weight (the Nikon D4S camera weighs more than one kilogram without a lens). This is largely facilitated by the presence of sharp contours of the protrusion for the fingers and a comfortable grip. The creators of the camera also improved the streamlining and shape of the control keys, which made it easier to use in wet conditions. With a rubber pad on the bottom, it won't slip on sloped surfaces.
Matrix
The 16.2 megapixel light-sensitive upgraded CMOS sensor liesat the heart of the Nikon D4S. The sensor's specifications ensure excellent image quality and flexibility in terms of image cropping. In addition, according to the developers, it boasts a wide range and speed of reading information. At the same time, it is impossible not to note the excellent clarity of images when setting high sensitivity values \u200b\u200b(the maximum available ISO value is 409600, which is a record figure in the global photo industry). The viewfinder displays an image with a resolution of 4928 x 3280 pixels.
Processor
The EXPEED-4 processor is responsible for the performance of the Nikon D4S camera. The characteristics of this device, according to Japanese engineers, make it 30% more efficient than the previous modification. Thanks to him, the speed of shooting while maintaining auto focus has also increased, which reached 11 frames per second. It should be emphasized that the processor is equipped with advanced algorithms regarding noise reduction during operation.
Optics
Equipped with Nikon's proprietary F mount, which is compatible with nearly every F lens made since 1977. The device also supports any optics developed by the manufacturer for DX-matrix SLR devices. When set, the image is automatically masked in the viewfinder. In addition, 5:4 and 6:5 modes are also available, which areequivalent for 30 x 24 and 30 x 20 images, respectively. The ability to use heavy lenses for shooting at long distances is another major advantage of the Nikon D4S. Feedback from professionals indicates that due to the competent distribution of the weight of the camera, their use does not cause absolutely any discomfort.
Auto Focus
The camera boasts the fastest autofocus in Nikon's history. In particular, an advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX system is used here, consisting of 51 points (15 of them are cross-shaped). In this case, the operating range of the sensor is in the range from -2 to +19 EV. The user has access to focus modes for 1, 9 or 21 points.
Improved locking, high functionality and the availability of a revolutionary group mode are the key features of the Nikon D4S autofocus system. Reviews of experts note the capabilities of the model regarding the control of its five zones, their size and movement, depending on the composition of the frame. Background isolation and pointing have been significantly improved over its predecessor. Even small objects that move quickly over long distances can be tracked very accurately, making it ideal for photo reporting during sports events.
Shutter
The all-new bolt mechanism is another important technical specification for the model. It is characterized by a smooth running and almost instantly triggered (delayis about 42 ms). This feature can pleasantly surprise even professional photographers. The shutter is made from an alloy of Kevlar and carbon fiber. As for the shutter speed range, it ranges from 1/8000 to 30 seconds, while its standard resource is 400,000 operations. All this in combination is the key to a stable picture displayed on the viewfinder.
Displays and viewfinder
The model is equipped with three displays at once. A 3.2-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 921,600 pixels is the main one in the Nikon D4S. Its visibility is excellently provided even at an angle of up to 170 degrees both vertically and horizontally. In addition, it boasts 100% frame coverage. The screen supports the ability to manually and automatically adjust the brightness. It should be noted that a similar display was used in the previous modification. Along with this, the novelty received a modernized version of it. It is distinguished by deeper detail and high-quality display of colors. The fact is that the corresponding light sensor automatically adjusts the contrast, gamma, brightness and saturation of the screen, thereby ensuring that a realistic picture is displayed on it. In order to prevent unnecessary glare, as well as fogging of the display inside, the developers filled the space between it and the protective glass with a special transparent rubber.
In addition to the main one, there are also two additional information displaysmonochrome type with blue illumination. They are located on the back and top panels. The main purpose of these screens is to control key parameters for shooting at night.
The device is equipped with an optical viewfinder based on an expensive pentaprism. The mirror has a smooth motion, so that the photos taken with the Nikon D4S model are displayed on it with the least dimming, even at high shooting speeds. The viewfinder window is covered with an anti-reflective glass insert that can be easily removed for cleaning if necessary.
Video shooting
The model will certainly appeal even to video reporters, as it is capable of creating clips with a frequency of up to 60 frames per second in Full HD. An image for viewing on a TV screen or post-processing can be output directly from the camera via the HDMI connector. Compared with the previous version of the device, the developers have improved the sound quality. In particular, additional settings for the audio range control parameters have been added here. The operator has the ability to independently choose and vary the ISO value, shutter speed, framing format, as well as control the motor and aperture. The Nikon D4S model is equipped with a direct video start button, which is located on the handle. In addition, you can activate this mode by pressing the shutter button or from a distance - with a remote control. Thus, we can say with confidence that this camera allows you to fully reveal the creativeuser potential in terms of video recording.
Information storage
Two types of high-speed memory cards, XQD and CompactFlash, are used to store captured photos and videos. It should be noted that when using the first of these options, the length of continuous shooting is approximately 20% higher. This is very important when using the Nikon D4S as a reporter camera. Slots can be handled in three ways. With the first of them, the recording is alternately carried out on the media until it is completely full, with the second - simultaneously on both drives, and with the third, video material and photos are saved separately. All this can be customized by the user. The photo information is divided into seven pages. In addition to general basic information, it contains additional information (brightness histogram, GPS data, as well as other shooting parameters).
Data transfer
The model uses the technology of accelerated information transfer, which is especially important when making photo reports. To be able to quickly connect to peripheral devices, the usual HDMI and USB 2, 0 interfaces, as well as a special Gigabit 100/1000TX Ethernet port, are provided here. You can easily connect a twisted-pair cable to a Nikon D4S camera, as well as a router using proprietary special software (this allows you to control all the camera's capabilities through a computer). The user does not need to install additional software. To himit is enough to enter the page under your name from a smartphone, tablet or computer, and enter a password. Among other things, it should be noted that the model is compatible with the wireless transmitter WT5.
Other interesting features and functions
An interesting feature of the camera is the ability to manually adjust the white balance or use automatic modes provided to the owner of the device. In this regard, the Nikon D4S model creates high-quality and clear pictures in mixed and poor lighting.
Thanks to the presence of a built-in intervalometer, shooting can be done in the "non-stop" mode. After that, it is enough to glue the suitable images into one video. The user himself sets the number of frames and the exposure step. The only flaw in this regard, experts call the lack of the ability to save individual frames from the series.
Nikon is constantly improving the Picture Control system. The Nikon D4S was no exception. Expert feedback indicates that this model has significantly improved the reproduction of shades and tones, as well as the color rendition curve compared to its predecessor.
Any mode is configured by the user himself, depending on his own preferences. This includes brightness, hue, sharpness, contrast, and saturation. Moreover, there is a special button for quickly changing the shooting mode.
In the model, the automatic value of ISO without fail takes into account the distance at which the shooting is carried out. In other words, the cameraautomatically selects a combination of ISO and shutter speed that does not allow blurring of the image at the current zoom position of the lens.
Autonomy
The model comes with a compact EN-EL18A rechargeable battery with a capacity of 2500 mAh. As evidenced by numerous tests and reviews of the owners of the device, its full charge is enough to create from 3000 to 5500 frames, depending on the working conditions. Such an indicator is considered very worthy.
Conclusion
Summing up, it should be noted that, creating a novelty, the developers followed the principle of a smooth upgrade of the previous version, which has become very successful among professionals. The Nikon D4S camera can rightly be called a real flagship from this manufacturing company. Moreover, excellent technical characteristics and capabilities make the device today almost the ultimate dream of any photographer. It is simply indispensable when shooting sports events and other events where speed plays a very important role. The model will turn into a real treasure in skillful hands. The camera is able to make only a positive impression, because its functions and capabilities are enough to cope with any working conditions, as well as surpass most of today's competitors in almost all aspects. How good the model is, time will tell, but today there is no reason to doubt the quality of the images created with its help.
