Specifications

Stunning image quality directly ready for the
world
For many of today’s professional photographers, winning images are
expected to be online within seconds of capture. In order to grab and
keep a photo editor’s attention you need out-of-the-camera image
quality — once an image is shot, it must be ready to publish without
requiring post-production. The D4S is designed with this specific goal
in mind. Within seconds of pressing the shutter-release button, the
world will witness an entirely new level of image sharpness, tonal
richness and depth in your pictures. Skin tones are warmer, more
natural-looking and devoid of image-degrading noise at high ISO
settings. You can expect the same quality even
when shooting under difficult light sources
such as at poorly lit gymnasiums and
stadiums at night. Images
impress at first glance, but the
sharpness stands up to
any level of closer scrutiny
as well, with photos
maintaining their winning
attributes even after
the aggressive cropping
required for publishing in
magazines, newspapers
and on websites. Capture
an athlete’s face with the D4S and then closely inspect every detail
of the image. Only then will you understand the kind of immediate
respect that the D4S commands.
A whole new level of clarity with unprecedented noise
reduction
From its standard range of ISO 100 to ISO 25600, the D4S delivers
consistently sharp edges and clean colors — achieved through
Nikon’s own meticulous and uncompromising testing procedures.
Nikon is constantly improving its noise-control expertise. The
powerful EXPEED 4 image-processing engine incorporates an entirely
new algorithm for noise reduction at high ISO and color fidelity,
resulting in an enhanced at-a-glance overall sharpness and clarity
without sacrificing subtle textures and luminous details. Image quality
is retained even when noise-reduction levels are set at “High.”Noise
is kept to a minimum even on flat planes in the mid-tonal range.
Combined with the camera’s many other image-processing
enhancements, your images will retain deeper tones, a healthier
saturation and project an overall bolder look. Even within the realm
of professional gear, the D4S's image quality reaches a new level of
achievement. See for yourself.
Healthy skin tones with accurate white balance
EXPEED 4 image-processing
engine uses a new, intelligent
algorithm for auto white balance
that more accurately detects
light sources through rigorously
detailed image analysis. This
significantly contributes to
healthier-looking, better-saturated
skin tones under a diverse range of
light sources. Each white balance
option, including auto, can also be calibrated in even finer steps than
before for a more granular control of color. In addition, the camera’s
new Spot White Balance feature allows you to calculate on-the-
spot preset manual white balance during live view using a tiny data
acquisition area selected in your frame. Attaining the level of accuracy
that professionals demand, any preset data acquisition area you set
will maintain its size even when the live view image is magnified. If
you’re not satisfied with the result, simply move the acquisition area
manually to receive a new Spot White Balance reading. Do this as
many times as needed, all without repeating the process from the
beginning — another real-world convenience delivering efficiency that
professionals will appreciate.
Formidable technologies at the heart of your images
Every winning shot you take with the D4S is made possible by a
formidable quartet of exclusive Nikon imaging technologies. The
newly designed FX-format CMOS image sensor offers 16.2-megapixel
resolution and a remarkably wide light sensitivity range: ISO 100 to
25600 as standard without sacrificing dynamic range, which can
be expanded to the equivalent of ISO 50 to 409600. The perfect
accompaniment to such a sensor is the NIKKOR line of lenses.
Unmatched in sharpness, clarity and accuracy, each lens draws out
the full potential of the D4S’s sensor in diverse lighting conditions.
The powerful EXPEED 4 image-processing engine receives 14-bit
A/D-converted data from the sensor and conducts comprehensive
16-bit processing to maintain your image information’s peak richness
without losing speed. Power is used intelligently: expect between
3020 shots
*1, 3
(single-frame release mode) and 5960 shots
*2, 3
(continuous release mode) on a single battery charge. Lastly, there
is the exceptional Picture Control System, which realizes images that
exemplify Nikon’s highest standards, but also allows professionals to
define their own look by controlling a variety of imaging parameters
both in stills and videos.
*1 Based on CIPA Standards.
*2 Based on Nikon testing.
*3 When using an XQD card.
Nikon’s exclusive Advanced Scene Recognition System
Professionals can confidently rely on the D4S for
accuracy and seamless synergy of crucial camera
controls such as autofocus, auto exposure, auto
white balance and i-TTL flash exposure. Using
its 91K-pixel RGB sensor that also functions as a
precision metering sensor, the D4S’s Advanced
Scene Recognition System studies each
shooting scenario for brightness, contrast, color,
distribution of highlights, and even the existence of human faces.
It then applies this information to achieve the best scene analysis
possible — accurately, and all in milliseconds before shutter release,
with every image you take, even during high-speed continuous
shooting. Silently and subtly, the Advanced Scene Recognition
System works in the background to help you achieve the best images
possible. Expect more powerful focus tracking, tack-sharp focus on
faces, well-balanced exposures that retain highlights, and even more
faithful white balance. The system also utilizes information from the
image sensor for magnified playback of your subject’s face, as well as
auto exposure and autofocus control of live view shooting, including
video.
ISO 6400
ISO 1600 ISO 3200
ISO 12800
91K-pixel RGB sensor
ISO 25600
Accurate auto white balance renders healthy
skin tones.
Winning image quality
for when speed means business
• Stunning sharpness, healthy skin tones and enhanced depth in JPEGs straight out of the camera
• Powerful EXPEED 4 image-processing engine for clear images with minimized noise from ISO 100 to 25600
• Versatile auto white balance and convenient Spot White Balance that deliver accuracy with speed — indispensable for professionals
13
JPEGs right out of the camera maintain sharpness that’s ready for publication, even after aggressive cropping.
• Lens: AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II • Image quality: JPEG fine • Exposure: [M] mode, 1/2000 second, f/4.5 • White balance: Cloudy • Sensitivity: ISO 320 • Picture Control: Standard © Robert Beck
Original framing of the image shown above, before cropping.
© Robert Beck