Nikon D4S
Announced February 25, 2014
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
The Nikon D4S functions as a refined, evolutionary update to the D4 that provides professional photographers with improved autofocus tracking, faster burst rates, and superior low-light performance. Although it remains a heavy, expensive, and largely incremental release, it stands as a robust workhorse for those demanding speed and reliability in challenging conditions.
Weighted from 23 reviewer scores
Pros
- Fast, precise autofocus system with advanced tracking
- Rugged, weather-sealed build quality with professional ergonomics
- Exceptional low-light performance and image quality
- High-speed burst shooting capabilities
- Improved video features including 1080 60p and clean HDMI output
Cons
- Heavy and bulky physical design
- High price point and incremental nature of the update
- Ergonomic issues with button placement and control navigation
- Lack of modern video standards like 4K and advanced frame rates
- Reliance on the less common XQD memory card format
- Launch price $6,499 (USD)
- Sensor 16.2MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 4K 60p
- Stabilization None
- Burst 11 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 23 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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There’s no question about it: This really is one heck of a camera. It can’t make you an instant pro, but once you’ve become familiar with it, the D4S can give you the same shooting experience pros demand, and let you focus on your images.
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Despite the fact that the Nikon D4s does not offer significant advantages in image quality when compared to the D4, Nikon incorporated a few important changes to the D4s that make the flagship camera noticeably better than its predecessor.
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The Nikon D4s competes mainly with Canon’s EOS-1D X. As outlined above, the D4s ends up winning the image quality comparison with better low-light performance, even though its resolution trailed the Canon by a small amount at ISO 1600.
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All in all, working with this camera left me with the same feeling I had when testing the original model.
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[W]ith 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.
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This is a test, and just a test. I usually stay away from showing these kind of test results because they show what happens when these sensors are pushed to their limits.
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[I]f you need to shoot sports, wildlife, low light, this camera is king.
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The Nikon D4s delivers exceptional image quality with extremely rapid performance and advanced features that should keep the professional extremely happy.
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The Nikon D4s is an evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, update of the two-year-old D4 camera, adding a raft of relatively minor improvements that add up to make the D4s a slightly better camera than its already well-appointed predecessor.
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The D4S is a very good camera, but it’s not the best. It’s not the best in terms of handling, it’s not the best in terms of image quality, and it’s not the best in terms of price.
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The D4S is a great workhorse for professional photographers. It's built to last and gets great shots in conditions that would be too taxing for other cameras.
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Over all, the camera performed wonderfully. If you’re thinking about buying this camera, we only have a few reservations.
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[I]t offers a complete package for the professional.
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As a camera in its own right, well this is a complete beast.
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The Nikon D4S is an evolutionary rather than revolutionary continuation of the earlier D4 model. But that's not to take anything away from it: as full-frame professional cameras go this is as good as they come.
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Strap the D4S on and you almost feel like you've put on a suit of armour. Immediately we're walking taller.
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The D4s is the ideal camera for professional-grade photography. Its predecessor was already one of the world’s best cameras for action and sports photography, and the D4s somehow manages to be even better.
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The D4 and the new faster D4S are at the top of Nikon's DSLR lineup and they'll make pros and high-end enthusiasts really happy.
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For professional action photographers, this DSLR justifies its price.
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The Nikon D4s is for full-time professional news, sports and action photographers. You guys know who you are.
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The Nikon D4s (B&H / Amazon) updates the already-awesome Nikon D4. The short summary lists some improvements, which while they may appear incremental, overall make for a solid new release by Nikon:.
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The Nikon D4S is the evolution of something that was already magnificent, the Nikon D4, and they've improved upon that camera so well. The low light performance of the Nikon D4S is untouched on the market today.
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Yeah, I like this one very much.
