06.01.12
Nikon D4 launched
Whoop and again whoop! The pro gear is now starting to come out of the woodwork, which is great news, and Nikon has managed to trump Canon with launch date of their next pro DSLR, the Nikon D4 beating the Canon EOS-1D X by a good few weeks.
The Spec
The 16.2-megapixel FX-format sensored camera caters for professionals shooting stills and videos in extreme lighting and environmental conditions, says Nikon.
Features of the new D4 include faster acquisition time, an advanced Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system and improved subject tracking - including face recognition and white balance. In addition, Nikon’s new EXPEED 3 image processing engine boasts high-speed, 16-bit image processing to deliver submission-ready JPEGs straight out of the camera.
A dual-axis electronic virtual horizon detects whether the image is below or above the horizon marking it up as a standout piece of kit for landscape photographers, while the Advanced Scene Recognition System now incorporates the newly designed 91,000-pixel RGB sensor for outstanding accuracy.
Speed is definitely the name of the game with the D4, as the full-frame CMOS sensor with fast channel readout delivers up to 11 fps — faster than any other Nikon DSLR camera.
Low noise and wide dynamic range can be realised at high ISO sensitivities due to the optimised noise reduction design and 14-bit A/D signal processing built into the sensor, while the sky-high ISO range also sets a new benchmark of ISO 12,800 and extends the range one EV further to make ISO 100 a standard.
For more challenging conditions, equivalent ISO 50 to 204,800, which is a 13-stop range, mean it could well be the camera of choice for photographers who frequently face lighting challenges and illuminated buttons offer convenience.
This combined with in camera editing retouch menus, a Compact WT-5 Wireless Transmitter and the Multi-area format D-Movie to shoot full HD 1080p movies close to 30 minutes long, is possible in both FX and DX based formats as well as in native Full HD (1920x1080) provide many opportunities. Uncompressed live view can be delivered to external recorders and monitors – this is the first time has been possible in an SLR camera according to Nikon.
Kentaro Kusakari, product planning manager for Nikon UK, said: “We’re proud to be launching a new flagship model which exceeds the capabilities of its renowned predecessor, the Nikon D3. This camera has been designed for class leading professionals looking to push the limits of photography and improve their workflow. We’re confident that the Nikon D4 will help take them to the next level.”
The manufacturer also said 2011 had been a "challenging year" but that they had "big plans for 2012" which are yet to be revealed. The D800 must be on its way soon then... we say more out of hope than anything else.
The Price
The RRP is £4,800 and is set to hit stores on 16 February - so not cheap but then with world events as they are not surprising either. It is slightly cheaper than Canon's offering, though. The optional Compact WT-5 Wireless Transmitter add-on stands at £649.
Verdict
We hope to get our hands on the D4 soon, but until that time it really does look like the gloves are off with the big two, with the new Canon EOS-1D X and Nikon D4 going more directly head-to-head. The proof of the pudding will be in the shooting of course, so we will let you know our thoughts in due course. However, US-based National Geographic photographer Joe Mcnally has been shooting with the camera for a while and will be doing regular updates. Check out his Blog here: www.joemcnally.com/blog
For full details on the Nikon D4 visit the Nikon UK website at: www.nikon.co.uk
Interview
Listen to Lorna's interview with head of professional services and training for Nikon UK and Ireland, James Banfield, to get his view on why pros will be keen to get their hands on the D4.
NIKON D4 PODCAST.MP3
Your thoughts...
It would be great to hear your thoughs and feedback on Nikon's latest camera. Email us here at feedback@professionalphotographer.co.uk
Resources
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Nikon's James Banfield talks about the Nikon D4
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