Nikon D4
Announced January 6, 2012
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
Nikon D4 is a rugged, high-performance tool built for rapid action and demanding low-light environments. Although its 16-megapixel resolution may limit cropping compared to higher-density sensors, the camera delivers exceptional speed and reliable autofocus performance for professional journalism and sports photography.
Weighted from 20 reviewer scores
Pros
- Robust, weather-sealed build with highly customizable controls
- Fast and accurate autofocus system
- Versatile video features including uncompressed output and audio monitoring
- Rapid burst shooting and deep buffer capacity
- Excellent low-light performance and noise control
Cons
- Mismatched and expensive XQD card workflow
- Bulk, heavy weight, and stiff dials
- Unusable image quality at highest ISO settings
- Limited resolution for cropping
- Reduced battery capacity compared to predecessors
- Launch price $5,999 (USD)
- Sensor 16.2MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 1080p 30p
- Stabilization None
- Burst 10 fps electronic 11 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 20 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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As expected from a high-quality 16 MP sensor, the pixel-level noise performance of the D4 is amazing.
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Videographers, however, should definitely consider the D4. Besides the uncompressed output and all the audio extras, the camera’s noise control should allow for appreciably more versatile shooting with video.
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For the rest of us, it will probably last a lifetime.
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The D4 is a superb camera. It ought to be since it occupies the top of Nikon's current DSLR lineup.
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[I]f you're looking for a camera that can do journalism, sports, action, it can be rugged, it can shoot events, and you want something which is great in low light conditions, this is a fantastic fantastic way to go.
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The Nikon D4 is an extremely rapid performer and has a number of advanced features that should keep the professional extremely happy.
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Like its forebears, the Nikon D4 is an extremely well built and responsive camera that seems to react instantly to anything you throw at it.
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The Nikon D4 is a pro shooter's dream, with controls galore, and a big, bright optical viewfinder.
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The design changes made since the D3s make a significant and positive impact on the handling of the Nikon D4.
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They say lightning doesn't strike the same place twice. Well, Nikon has defied the laws of nature by doing just that with the D4.
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Bettering the D3s was always going to be a hard task, but with the D4, Nikon has achieved it.
- CNET 9.5/10
The Nikon D4 offers many significant improvements from previous professional-grade SLRs, such as the D3S, as well as excellent shooting performance, autofocusing speed and video recording.
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The Nikon D4 is a high-performance, high-precision tool which is quite obviously not for everyone.
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The D4 is a terrific camera. I don't think it's for everybody, but I think Nikon has done a spectacular job.
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If you need the best performance Nikon has to offer and you have a long wish list of cool camera features for shooting stills in the most demanding circumstances or even great proquality HD DSLR video, Nikon has a solid offering at the top of their lineup.
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It is hard to describe the D4 without superlatives. This large professional DSLR has a full-frame 16 megapixels sensor which reaches a class-leading ISO 204,800 and can shoot continuously at 11 FPS for over 15 seconds.
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There are a lot of minor tweaks and changes in the D4, along with the introduction of a few focusing system, which allows the D4 to deliver performance that was previously never seen.
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The Nikon D4 might be old news now that the D4s has been around for a couple of months, but given the diminishingly incremental improvements between each cycle, there’s less of a penalty for opting for an older camera than you might think.
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If you’re currently a D3s owner I suggest you never hold the D4 in your hands unless you’re ready to fork over $6,000.
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The Nikon D4 is truly a magnificent professional camera that delivers all the goods and redefines the expectations of what a professional camera should be.
