The official presentation of the Nikon D4S,the review of which is presented in this article, took place in early 2014. The novelty, in fact, is a modernized version of the D4, which conquered the world of digital photographic equipment a few years before, and opens the door for the user in a world of advanced technology.
Previous modification of this devicesignificantly exceeds in all key aspects. In this regard, it is not surprising that the main target audience is professional photographers and photojournalists.
Principal differences from the predecessor
If in general to look at the characteristicscameras, we can safely say that the modernization was very successful. Not surprisingly, the camera at the moment is considered the most technologically and expensive model from the company Nikon. Whether it is worth the money requested for it, will become clear only with time.
Here are the key differences between Nikon D4.The Nikon D4S, first of all, received just a shocking range of photosensitivity (the ISO value is in the range from 50 to 409,600). Thanks to this, the shooting in a situation of poor lighting has reached a different level. The camera boasts new possibilities for manual preset white balance and a large selection of parameters for video shooting.
The novelty has become compatible with lenses thatrefer to type E, and the user can independently adjust the brightness of the display. It should be noted and the fact that the developers have significantly improved the protection from the impact of various external factors on the model Nikon D4S. Feedback from the pros are a vivid confirmation that, among other things, the device has acquired some other features and functions that provide the ability to receive images of the highest quality, as well as settings for more convenient management. More details about all this we will go further.
general description
Against the backdrop of a wide range of other available atthe market of similar cameras of a mirror type, the novelty stands out for its original appearance, which resembles its predecessor. The camera has an all-metal case. Its overall dimensions in width, height and length, respectively, are 160 x 156.5 x 90.5 millimeters. Taking into account the battery and memory, it weighs 1.35 kilograms. The usual fan of photography or a beginner in this sphere is likely to be frightened by the abundance of controls on the Nikon D4S. The feedback of professionals, on the other hand, calls this feature a great advantage of the model. Moreover, they indicate that this fact intrigues and attracts the attention of experienced photographers. According to the representatives of the manufacturer, they were eager to facilitate the shooting process, as well as speed up access to the settings. Whatever it was, most of the most used buttons remained in their original places, familiar to connoisseurs of the Nikon brand. Special attention to the Japanese engineers gave strength to the novelty. Due to this, the user does not need to worry about its use in extreme conditions.
Ergonomics
For those accustomed to classical photographyphotographers with something remotely like a square box model may seem huge and uncomfortable. However, in fact, this is absolutely not the case. As evidenced by the feedback of the owners of the device, its ergonomics has been thought out so well that it can be easily controlled by holding it in one hand, regardless of the weight (Nikon D4S camera without lens weighs more than one kilogram). This is largely due to the presence of sharpened contours of the protrusion for the fingers and a comfortable grip. The creators of the camera also improved the streamlining and shape of the control keys, which made it easier to operate in conditions of high humidity. Due to the rubber gasket in the lower part, it does not slip on inclined surfaces.
Matrix
Photosensitive Upgraded MatrixThe 16.2 megapixel CMOS type is at the heart of the Nikon D4S model. The sensor's specifications provide excellent-quality stills and also provide flexible options for framing images. In addition, according to the developers, it boasts a wide range and speed of reading information. At the same time, it is impossible not to note the excellent clarity of images when setting large values of sensitivity (the maximum available ISO rate is 409600, which is a record figure in the global photo industry). The viewfinder displays an image whose resolution is 4928 x 3280 pixels.
CPU
The EXPEED-4 processor is responsible for performance.Nikon D4S cameras. The characteristics of this device, according to Japanese engineers, make it 30% more efficient compared to the previous modification. Thanks to him, the speed of shooting with the automatic focus, which reached 11 frames per second, also increased. It should be emphasized that the processor is equipped with advanced algorithms regarding noise reduction during operation.
Optics
The model is equipped with a proprietary Nikon F mount,which is compatible with almost every F-lens released after 1977. The device also supports any optics developed by the manufacturer for mirror devices with a DX-matrix. When it is installed, the image is automatically masked on the viewfinder. In addition, 5: 4 and 6: 5 modes are also available, which are equivalent, respectively, for pictures in 30 x 24 and 30 x 20 formats. The ability to use heavy lenses for long distance shooting is another serious advantage of the Nikon D4S. Reviews of professionals indicate that due to the correct distribution of the weight of the camera, their use does not cause absolutely any discomfort.
Auto Focus
The camera boasts the fastestautomatic focus in the history of the company Nikon. In particular, it uses the advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX system, consisting of 51 points (15 of them are cruciform). In this case, the working range of the sensor is in the range from -2 to +19 EV. The user can use focusing modes on 1, 9 or 21 points.
Improved locking, high functionality andthe presence of a fundamentally new group mode are key features of the Nikon D4S auto focus system. Experts say that the model’s capabilities regarding control of its five zones, their size and movement depending on the composition of the frame are noted. Background insulation and guidance have improved significantly since its predecessor. Even small objects that move quickly over long distances can be tracked very accurately, which makes the device an ideal solution for performing photo essays during sports events.
Gate
Absolutely new bolt mechanism has become anotherimportant technical specification of the model. It differs in the smooth course and almost instantly works (the delay makes about 42 ms). This feature can pleasantly surprise even professional photographers. The shutter is made from an alloy of Kevlar and carbon fiber. As for the range of exposures, it is in the range from 1/8000 to 30 seconds, while its standard resource is 400 thousand positives. All this in the complex is the key to a stable image displayed on the viewfinder.
Displays and viewfinder
The model is equipped with three displays at once.A 3.2-inch liquid crystal screen with a resolution of 921,600 pixels is the main one in the Nikon D4S. Its overview is perfectly provided even at an angle of up to 170 degrees both vertically and horizontally. In addition, it boasts one hundred percent coverage of the frame. The screen supports the ability to manually and automatically adjust the brightness. It should be noted that a similar display was used in the previous modification. At the same time, the novelty received an upgraded version of it. It differs in deeper detailing and high-quality display of colors. The fact is that the corresponding light sensor automatically adjusts the contrast, gamma, brightness and saturation of the screen, thereby ensuring the display of a realistic picture on it. In order to prevent the appearance of unnecessary glare, as well as fogging of the display inside, the developers filled the space between it and the protective glass with a special transparent rubber.
Помимо основного здесь предусмотрено также два Additional information display monochrome type with blue backlight. They are located on the back and top panels. The main purpose of these screens is to control the key parameters of shooting in the dark.
Устройство оборудовано оптическим видоискателем, created on the basis of expensive pentaprism. The mirror is characterized by a soft stroke, so that photos taken with the help of the Nikon D4S model are displayed on it with the least darkening even at high shooting speeds. The viewfinder window is covered with a glass insert with anti-reflective coating, which can be easily removed for cleaning if necessary.
Video shooting
The model is sure to please even the videosince it is able to create videos with a frequency of up to 60 frames per second in Full HD format. The image for viewing on the TV screen or its subsequent processing can be output directly from the camera by means of the HDMI connector. Compared to the previous version of the device, the developers have improved the sound quality. In particular, additional settings of sound range control parameters were added here. The operator has the ability to independently select and vary the ISO value, shutter speed, framing format, as well as control the actuator and aperture. The Nikon D4S model is equipped with a direct video start button, which is located on the handle. In addition, you can activate this mode by pressing the shutter button or at a distance - using the remote control. Thus, it is safe to say that this camera allows you to fully unleash the creative potential of the user in terms of video.
Data storage
For storing footage and photosTwo types of high-speed memory cards are used - XQD and CompactFlash. It should be noted that when using the first of these options, the length of the serial shooting is higher by about 20%. This is very important when using the Nikon D4S as a reporter camera. Work with slots can be done in three ways. At the first one, the recording is alternately recorded on the media until it is completely filled, at the second one - at the same time on both drives, and at the third video footage and photos are stored separately. All this the user can customize at will. Information about photos is divided into seven pages. In addition to general basic information, there are additional ones (brightness histogram, GPS data, and other shooting parameters).
Data transfer
В модели применена технология ускоренной передачи information that is especially important when conducting photo essays. To enable on-line connectivity to peripheral devices, familiar HDMI and USB 2.0 interfaces are provided, as well as a special Gigabit 100 / 1000TX Ethernet port. The Nikon D4S camera can be easily connected to a twisted pair cable, as well as a router using proprietary software (this allows you to control all the camera's capabilities through a computer). At the same time, the user does not need to install additional software. It is enough for him to enter the page under his own name from a smartphone, tablet or computer, and type in the password. In addition, it should be noted that the model is compatible with the WT5 wireless transmitter.
Other interesting features and functions
An interesting feature of the camera ispossibility of manual adjustment of white balance provided by the device owner or use of automatic modes. In this regard, the model Nikon D4S creates high-quality and clear images in mixed and poor lighting.
Thanks to the built-in intervalometershooting can be made in the "non-stop" mode. After that, it is enough to glue the appropriate images into one clip. The user himself sets the number of frames and exposure step. The only flaw in this regard, experts call the lack of the ability to save individual frames from the series.
Nikon is constantly improving the system.Picture Control. The Nikon D4S camera was no exception. Reviews of experts indicate that this model has significantly improved the transfer of shades and tones, as well as the color rendition curve compared to its predecessor.
Any mode the user configures himself independing on your own preferences. This applies to brightness, color shades, sharpness, contrast and saturation. Moreover, there is a special button for quick change of shooting mode.
In the model, automatic valuesensitivity in a mandatory manner takes into account the distance at which the shooting. In other words, the camera itself selects such a combination of ISO and shutter speed, which does not allow image blurring in the current zoom position of the lens.
Autonomy
The model comes with a compact rechargeablebattery EN-EL18A, the capacity of which is 2500 mAh. As evidenced by numerous tests and reviews of the device owners, its full charge is enough to create from 3000 to 5500 frames, depending on the working conditions. This figure is considered very worthy.
Conclusion
Summing up, it should be noted that by creatinga novelty, the developers went on the principle of a smooth update of the previous version, which has become very successful with professionals. Camera Nikon D4S can rightly be called a true flagship from this manufacturer. Moreover, excellent technical characteristics and capabilities make the device today almost the ultimate dream of any photographer. It is simply indispensable when shooting sports events and other events, when speed plays a very important role. The model will turn into a real treasure in the right hands. The camera is able to produce only a positive impression, because its functions and capabilities are sufficient to cope with any working conditions, as well as to surpass the majority of modern competitors in almost all aspects. Time will show how good the model is, but there is no reason to doubt the quality of the images created with its help today.
