Hands-on review
Nikon D4S at a glance:
- 16.2-million-pixel, FX CMOS sensor
- Expeed 4 image processor
- ISO 50-409,600 (extended)
- Faster autofocus performance
- 11fps shooting with full metering and frame-by-frame AF
- Raw S offers smaller uncompressed 12-bit image
- EN-EL18a battery rated at 3,020 shots on a full charge
- Full HD 1920×1080-pixel recording at 60p/50p
- Price around £5,199 body only
Nikon D4S – Introduction
Nikon is once again staking its claim as the professional imaging camera manufacturer of choice with its new 16.2-million-pixel D4S. Based on its previous flagship model, the new D4S isn’t an entirely new camera, but rather a finely tuned incarnation of the award-winning D4. Since the D4’s release in 2012, the firm has been using feedback from professionals to test and explore new ways of tackling the tough and highly pressurised environments that they face.
The D4S is the result of that work, and James Banfield, group support and training manager at Nikon UK, told me that the D4S will respond better than its predecessor to the demands and needs of the pro photographer, whether in terms of improving their workflow, capturing the action or operating in severe weather conditions.
As well as developing a new processor for the D4S, Nikon has revisited the CMOS FX-format sensor it created for the D4 and made improvements, as well as refining the camera’s AF algorithms to make the autofocus snappier. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to see a comparable improvement in AF during the brief time I had with the D4S, but I have seen results from real-world testing at a Nikon event of the camera tracking fast-moving subjects. Looking at a series of images shot on a single high-speed trigger, of 15 frames, all but two appeared to be spot-on.
I’m looking forward to the D4S being put through its paces when we get it in for a full review, and seeing if we can replicate such promising performance.
Nikon D4S – Features
Comparing specifications, it really is hard to spot the differences between the D4S and the earlier D4. They are almost identical, although the most significant improvement appears to be in image processing. The Expeed 4 image processor not only has exceptional processing speed but also boasts class-leading low-light shooting capabilities, featuring an expanded ISO sensitivity of ISO 409,600. In comparison to the Nikon D4, the new D4S achieves +1EV better noise performance across all ISO sensitivities. The new processor also enables the D4S to apply sophisticated area-specific noise reduction, edge sharpening and increased tone control.
Improved lock-on capabilities and AF tracking with up to 51 points and at 11 frames per second make the D4S the fastest AF-enabled DSLR Nikon has ever made. Meanwhile, group AF selection with five points will give photographers even finer control over the AF area.
Some Nikon D3 and D3S users were reluctant to upgrade to the D4, as the image quality of those cameras is already excellent. However, the addition of a gigabit 100/1000TX ethernet port, and the smaller uncompressed raw S file format option in the D4S will provide accelerated image-transfer options that will give press and sports photographers in particular a genuine edge over photographers still using the older models.
Nikon D4S – Customisation
Customisable function buttons and intelligent assignment of trigger options mean that photographers will be able to utilise a range of productivity-boosting tweaks. For example, if the older D4 is wirelessly linked to other units, these units can only be triggered by firing the shutter button on the primary camera, but now in the D4S that action can be assigned to a function button that is available on selected lenses or on the front of the camera. This seemingly minor adjustment will prevent countless wasted frames.
The newly designed EN-EL18a battery and the D4S’s improved power management may not be a headline feature, but in practical terms it is one of the most important introductions to the new model. Nikon’s new 2,500mAh battery can shoot 5,960 frames in continuous mode, or 3,020 in single-shot (CIPA standard). At its minimum, the D4S will have almost three times the shooting stamina of Canon’s LP-E4N battery in the EOS-1D X.
Image: The new D4S features a gigabit 100/1000TX ethernet port for even faster file transfer speeds
Nikon D4S – Build and operation
The D4 is built like a tank, and the full metal, weather-sealed body of the D4S is no different. From the front, both cameras are distinguishable only by their name plates. However, a closer look reveals slight changes to the contours of the grip sections and button design.
On the rear of the camera, the selection buttons have been given a slightly different texture and the area around them has been raised to allow for easier use while wearing gloves. These changes, although minimal, make it easier to operate the camera in both landscape and portrait orientation. Being able to accurately access the functions you need while under pressure will mean the difference between getting the shot and not getting the shot.
As the first camera manufacturer to utilise the technology in a DSLR, Nikon has stuck with providing a high-speed XQD slot, along with support for the more widely used CompactFlash card. It could be argued that two XQD slots, or UHS-II SD card support as featured in Fujifilm’s new X-T1, would have made better use of the D4S’s speed-demon credentials. But with that said, many photographers, particularly professionals, still use CF cards.
When looking through the D4S’s viewfinder, the revamped shutter and mirror mechanism significantly reduces mirror bounce, minimising blackout when shooting in burst mode. This is another subtle change, but it will have a big impact on the ability to compose, focus and capture shots when working at pace.
Nikon D4S – Final thoughts
Replacing the D4, the new Nikon D4S stacks up much better when compared to its natural adversary, the 18.1-million-pixel Canon EOS-1D X, which has 61-point AF, and shoots at 12fps as standard.
With stiff competition owing to the technological advances of other manufacturers, Nikon has raised the bar that it set with the D4 a bit higher. However, with Panasonic and Canon already offering 4K video capabilities in interchangeable-lens cameras that offer professional imaging solutions in great bodies, has Nikon missed a trick by not including 4K video in the D4S?
One thing that is certain is that the D4 the new D4S is replacing is still an outstanding camera. But with improvements made in image processing, image quality, autofocus, shutter speed and ergonomics, Nikon’s updated flagship ensures that the firm continues to provide one of the strongest professional cameras on the market.
Image: Minor but highly effective adjustments have been made to the button and grip design. The memory card door is also slightly larger
