Digital SLR camera Nikon D4
When There Is No Second Chance: The New Nikon FX-Format D4 Multi-Media Digital SLR is The Definitive Unification
Of Speed And Precision
Press Release
Jan 5, 2012
The New 16.2 Megapixel Nikon D4 Wields a Formidable Fusion of Swift Performance,
Battle-Tested Technologies and Innovative New Features to Create High Caliber Photo and HD Multimedia Content
MELVILLE, N.Y. (Jan 5, 2012) – The new Nikon D4 digital SLR builds upon the legacy of the proven Nikon flagship D-SLRs
before it, engineered to give today’s professional multimedia photographers a new apex of speed and accuracy with unparalleled image
quality, low-light capability and Full HD video. The Nikon D4 hosts a multitude of advanced new features and useful functions that
deliver speedy performance and amazing image quality for when missing the shot is not an option.
Every aspect of the new Nikon D4 D-SLR has been designed to emphasize rapid response and seamless operation to help professional
photographers consistently capture incredible content. Nikon’s proven 51-point AF System has been further enhanced for maximum speed
in a variety of challenging shooting situations, even at 10 frames per second (fps). Considered the new Nikon flagship, the D4 renders
supreme image quality, a feat accomplished with a new 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, coupled with the latest generation of
Nikon’s EXPEED 3 image processing engine to help produce images and videos with stunning clarity and color. Photographers are also
able to shoot in even the most challenging environments and lighting conditions with the assistance of Nikon’s new 91,000-pixel
3D color matrix meter and a broad ISO range from 100 to a staggering 204,800 for low-light capture like never before.
The Nikon D4 is engineered for the modern professional and incorporates never before seen HD-SLR video features for those who also
need to capture multimedia content from the field.
“Speed without accuracy is irrelevant,” said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. “The status of a Nikon flagship camera
is not given lightly; this next generation of Nikon’s most professional body exceeds the needs of a wide variety of both still and
multimedia professionals that rely on Nikon to make their living. Besides overall performance and burst speed, the D4 provides
Nikon’s most advanced AF system to date, as well as enhanced workflow speed to give professionals the edge in the field.”
Development background
In 2007, Nikon released the D3 digital-SLR camera as its flagship model equipped with the new FX-format CMOS image sensor
developed by Nikon. With its new image sensor, the D3 established a new level of image quality, speed, and support for
high sensitivities. In December of 2008, Nikon released the D3X with an effective pixel count of 24.5-million pixels,
which enabled superior imaging performance equal to that possible with medium format cameras. In the following year,
the D3S proposed new possibilities in imaging expression with its expanded range of standard sensitivities from ISO 200
to ISO 12800 and a built-in movie recording function. The superior performance of the Nikon D3 was recognized with three
of the most prestigious domestic and international awards—Japan's Camera Grand Prix Camera of the Year and Europe's Technical Image
Press Association's (TIPA) Best D-SLR Professional and the European Imaging and Sound Association's (EISA) Professional Camera
of the Year. The D3X and D3S continued the success of the series introduced with the D3, being recognized by the camera industry
for their superior performance with a number of awards of their own as well as extreme popularity with professional and advanced
amateur photographers alike. In addition, the superior durability and reliability of the cameras has also been recognized by NASA,
which ordered several models as-is, with no special modification, that are currently used aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Nikon based development of the flagship D4 on the basic performance achieved with the D3 series, which has led the industry in
imaging expression since its release. In addition to this high level of basic performance, a number of new functions and features
were added in response to the needs and demands of professional and advanced amateur photographers, resulting in this next-generation
digital-SLR camera that stretches the boundaries of functionality and performance with superior versatility.
Velocity Meets Versatility
Speed is a necessity for today’s multimedia photographer as milliseconds matter when the action commences.
Whether an assignment relies on fast processing power, burst rate, write speed, enhanced workflow or even streamlined camera controls,
the D4 is the epitome of professional-caliber photographic horsepower. Ready to shoot in approximately 0.012 seconds, the new Nikon D4
can capture full resolution JPEG or RAW files at up to 10 fps with full AF / AE or up to 11 fps with AF / AE locked.
Immediately before image capture, the camera interprets data from the AF sensor, including subject color as detected on the
91,000-pixel RGB sensor, to deliver consistently tack-sharp focus frame after frame. Whether a photographer is shooting a full-court
fast break under gymnasium lighting or the downhill slalom in the bright sun and frigid temperatures, the D4 will instill the
confidence with consistently great results.
The Advanced Multi-Cam 3500 AF autofocus system is the next generation of Nikon’s proven 51-point AF system.
The fully customizable system offers users the ability to capture fast moving subjects and track focus with precision or select
a single AF point with pinpoint accuracy. The Nikon D4 D-SLR aligns 15 cross-type sensors in the center to detect contrast data
in both vertical and horizontal planes. In addition to detecting each AF-NIKKOR lens with an aperture of f/5.6 or lower,
the camera also utilizes nine cross-type sensors that are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and TC14E or TC17E
teleconverters or a single cross-type sensor when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and the TC20E teleconverter with an aperture value
up to f/8, which is a great advantage to those shooting sports and wildlife. For maximum versatility in situations such as
photographing nature from afar or competition from the sidelines, photographers are also able to select multiple AF modes,
including normal, wide area, face tracking and subject tracking, to best suit the scene.
The Nikon D4 D-SLR also employs a new 91,000-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix metering system that meticulously analyzes each scene and
recognizes factors such as color and brightness with unprecedented precision. This data is then interpreted and compared against D4’s
on-board database to implement various settings, resulting in vibrant images with faithful color reproduction and balanced exposure.
In addition, this new AF sensor now has the ability to detect up to 16 human faces with startling accuracy, even when shooting
through the optical viewfinder, allowing for correct exposure even when the subject is backlit. Additionally, to capture every
brief moment from a bouquet toss to a photo finish under nearly any condition, the 51 focus points deliver fast and accurate detection
down to a -2 EV with every AF-NIKKOR lens.
All of this image data is funneled through a 16 bit pipeline and are written to dual card slots which have been optimized for the
latest UDMA-7 Compact Flash™ cards, as well as the new XQD™ memory card. The D4 is the first professional camera to harness the
capabilities of this new durable and compact format, which offers blazing fast write times and extended capacity essential for
multimedia professionals shooting stills and video.
Image Quality That Hits the Mark
The heart of the new D4 is the Nikon-developed 16.2-megapixel FX-format (36 x 23.9mm) CMOS sensor that provides amazing image quality,
brilliant dynamic range and vivid colors in nearly any lighting condition. By achieving the optimal balance of resolution and
sensor size, professional photographers will realize exceptionally sharp, clean and well saturated images throughout the entire
ISO range.
Like the D3 and D3s before it, the Nikon D4 retains Nikon’s status as the sovereign of low-light capture ability, with a native
ISO range from 100 to 12,800 ISO, expandable from 50 (Lo-1) to an incredible yet usable 204,800 (Hi-4). From a candlelit first dance
to nocturnal wildlife, the large 7.3µ pixel size absorbs the maximum amount of light to excel in any situation. Additionally,
the sensor’s construction features a gapless micro-lens structure and anti-reflective coating which further contributes to images
that retain natural depth and tones with smooth color gradation. For ultimate versatility, photographers can also take advantage
of the camera’s extreme high ISO ability while recording video.
Another factor contributing to the camera’s rapid performance and stellar image quality is Nikon’s new EXPEED 3 image processing engine
that helps professionals create images with amazing resolution, color and dynamic range in both still images and video.
From image processing to transfer, the new engine is capable of processing massive amounts of data, exacting optimal color,
perfect tonality and minimized noise throughout the frame.
There are also a variety of shooting options available to help capture the highest quality images and video. In addition to
standard NEF (RAW) files, the D4 is also capable of shooting smaller compressed RAW files to ease storage and speed up workflow.
Users are also able to capture even more dynamic range with the in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) function that merges consecutive
exposures. For deep contrast and further tonality, Active D-Lighting can also be activated during shooting for balanced exposures
even in backlit scenes. Additionally, the camera features a dedicated button for quick access to Nikon’s Picture Controls,
allowing users to quickly select one of six presets.
Professional Multimedia Features
The Nikon D4 D-SLR is engineered with innovative new features for the multimedia professional that needs the small form factor,
low-light ability and NIKKOR lens versatility that only an HD-SLR can offer. The new features add functionality for those professionals
looking for the best possible experience to capture a moment in Full HD 1080p video at various frame rates, providing footage that
is more than suitable for broadcast.
Full HD video recording - Users have the choice of various resolutions and frame rates,
including 1080p 30/24fps and 60 fps at 720p.
By utilizing the B-Frame data compression method, users can record H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC format video with unmatched integrity for up
to 20 minutes per clip. This format also allows for more accurate video data to be transferred requiring less memory capacity.
The sensor reads image data at astoundingly fast rates, which results in less instances of rolling shutter distortion.
Full manual control of exposure - Shutter speed, aperture and ISO can be changed while recording to
adapt to lighting and alter
depth of field for professional cinematic results that help realize a creative vision.
Uncompressed output: simultaneous Live View - By using the camera’s HDMI port instead of the CF or XQD card, users can stream
an uncompressed full HD signal directly out of the camera. This footage can be ported into an LCD display or appropriate external
recording device or routed through a monitor and then to the recording device, eliminating the need for multiple connections.
Audio recording for professionals - The Nikon D4 features a stereo headphone jack for accurate monitoring
of audio levels while
recording. Output can be adjusted in up to 30 steps for precise audio adjustment. The D4 offers high-fidelity audio recording
control with audio levels that can be set and monitored on the camera’s LCD screen. The microphone connected via the stereo mic
jack can also be adjusted with up to 20 steps of sensitivity for accurate sound reproduction.
Multi-area Mode Full HD Video: FX/DX, and 2.7x crop mode at 1080p video modes - Whether shooting for
depth of field in FX format mode,
or looking for the extra 1.5X telephoto benefits of DX mode, the high resolution sensor of the D4 allows videographers to retain
full 1080P HD resolution no matter what mode they choose. With the 2.7x crop, users can experience ultra-telephoto benefits in full
HD resolution all at 16:9 aspect ratio.
Simultaneous live view output without display / simultaneous monitor - Shooters have the option to
send the display signal directly
to an attached monitor via the HDMI port. This signal can be viewed on the camera’s LCD screen and external monitor simultaneously.
Additionally, the image data display can be cleared from the screen, to remove distracting data or when feeding a live signal.
Full-time AF - In addition to manual focus, four modes are available, including normal,
wide area, face detection and subject tracking,
which uses fast contrast detect AF to accurately focus while recording video and in live view.
New LCD screen - The large high resolution 3.2-inch LCD screen is 921K dots, and includes auto brightness adjustment.
Users can also zoom in up to 46x to check critical HD focus.
Time lapse shooting - This new feature combines a selected frame rate and “shooting interval”
in a dedicated time lapse
photography menu. Playback can be achieved with a wide variety of speeds from 24x to 36,000x while producing a fully finished
movie file output for faster multimedia workflows.
Remote shutter operation - Using dedicated Movie Custom Settings, recording can be set to be engaged by
the shutter release
button - users can now use a variety of remote accessories to trigger video recording.
NIKKOR lens compatibility - The highest caliber optics are vital to creating HD images and Nikon
is the world leader in
optics manufacturing with a legacy spanning more than 75 years. Nikon has a vast NIKKOR lens system, with more than 50 lenses
with a variety of focal lengths and features, including VR II vibration reduction.
Professional Construction, Superior Operability
The reputation and respect bestowed upon a Nikon D-Series flagship camera is earned from those who use it; therefore the
chassis of the Nikon D4 is machined from magnesium alloy for maximum durability and reliability. The body of the camera is
sealed and gasketed for resistance to dirt and moisture, as well as electromagnetic interference. Photographers are able to
easily compose through the bright optical viewfinder, which offers 100% frame coverage. The shutter has been tested to
withstand 400,000 cycles for maximum durability, while sensor cleaning is employed by vibrating the OLPF.
The self diagnostic shutter unit also encompasses a mirror balancer to minimize the residual “bounce” to enhance AF and extend
viewing time. What’s more, the viewfinder is coated with a new thermal shield finish which works to resist overheating during
prolonged use, enhancing overall reliability. Users can easily compose on the camera’s wide, bright and scratch resistant 921,000-dot
high resolution 3.2-inch LCD screen.
The overall controls and operability of the camera has also been engineered with a renewed emphasis on speed and functionality.
During critical moments, users will appreciate refined button layouts with renewed ergonomics, such as a quick AF mode selector
placed near the lens mount for fast access on the fly. A new joystick style sub-selector is also placed on the camera’s rear for
AF point and option selection, while vertical controls have been enhanced for improved operability. Finally, to continue the D4’s
moniker of the best tool for just about any condition, key control buttons on the back of the camera can all be illuminated,
making the camera simple to operate in complete darkness.
Nikon has also made enhancements to overall workflow, adding options to streamline the process and maximize shooting time.
Users are now able to automatically generate IPTC data for their images and image sets, making organizing and chronicling
images easier for both the photographers and their editors. A wired Ethernet port is also utilized so that a user can shoot
tethered and transfer images easily and quickly to clients. Nikon has also introduced the new WT-5A wireless file transmitter,
to transmit via FTP server or computer. The device can be set to transfer either automatically or manually selected images.
This device also allows for remote operation of the camera using Nikon’s Camera Control Pro 2 software. A mobile application
is also in development to control the camera using this accessory, which will include the ability to trigger the shutter and
record video, making this a must-have remote accessory for many professionals.
Price and Availability
The Nikon D4 will be available in late February 2012 for the suggested retail price of $5999.95
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