Presenting the evolution of a masterpiece, The Nikon D4S. The course of modern imaging has been forged by the talent and ingenuity of working professionals, but also by the introduction of a few cameras so innovative and forward-thinking, they redefined what's possible. The Nikon D4 has been such a camera. And now D4S proves that a great thing really can get better, with remarkable enhancements throughout the entire workflow, dazzling new levels of speed, performance, ISO sensitivity and, of course, the superior image quality of a Nikon camera.
Design
Features
Speed and performance
Enhancements through the entire workflow
How do you make a revolutionary camera better? Improve its speed, precision and efficiency without sacrificing the features that make it exceptional. D4S builds on the success of D4 with 30% faster image processing and substantial energy savings—capture up to 3,020* stills on a single charge—an extended standard ISO range (100-25,600) with enhanced noise reduction, and improved tonal range and smoother gradations. Shoot 11 fps for approx. 200 shots at full resolution with AE and AF functionality. For faster initial subject capture, use five AF sensors as a single focus point with the new Group Area AF setting. Transfer files faster than the D4 with new 1000 Base-T (Gigabit) wired LAN, and increase that speed further by shooting a new smaller RAW SIZE S format. Perform at your peak—D4S will keep up.
Nikon image quality
Stunning views of decisive moments
Like its predecessor, the D4, the D4S delivers a level of image quality that elevates the power of any story. An improved 16.2MP FX-format CMOS image sensor is paired with Nikon's spectacular new image-processing engine, EXPEED 4, for truly phenomenal speed and performance in the field. The combination achieves outstanding ISO sensitivity, faithful, vibrant color, natural depth, subtle nuanced tones from pitch black to snow white and smoother gradations in both stills and videos. Nikon's proven 51-point AF system and 3D Color Matrix metering III with a 91,000-pixel RGB sensor provide fast, accurate autofocus and metering. Enhanced Picture Control tone curves deliver more depth and clearer color rendition in "Standard" mode. For viewfinder shooting, a new custom setting lets you toggle Face Detection on and off as the situation requires for improved exposure bias around your subjects. You can even measure White Balance against any point in the frame.
Nikon flagship ISO performance
Noise-free shooting from ISO 100 to 25,600
Photographers go where their assignments take them, and this often means working in the high-contrast glare of the midday sun, the low-light at dawn or the poorly illuminated interiors of a sporting venue. Nikon flagship D-SLRs have long been recognized by professionals for their clean performance at high ISO settings, and D4S takes that performance to the next level. With a specially designed 16.2MP FX-format CMOS image sensor engineered to collect more light and render higher image quality plus the power of EXPEED 4, you can shoot sharp photos from ISO 100 all the way up to 25,600. The ISO range can be extended to a mind-boggling ISO 409,600 equivalent at Hi 4 for overcoming the most challenging lighting conditions. Enjoy great flexibility in your approach to fulfilling challenging assignments.
The choice for pros on the go
A camera that works as hard as you do
D4S is designed to keep you shooting wherever the story brings you, even after others have packed their bags for the day. Its increased ISO range means you'll be able to capture brilliant photos and videos in whatever light is available. Enjoy improved ergonomics and operability as well as flagship levels of durability and reliability—key for those who spend all day with a camera around their neck. Select from five image area modes while shooting stills in Live View: FX, DX, 1.5x, 5:4 and 1.2x. A new RAW SIZE S setting allows for shooting 12-bit uncompressed Nikon NEF files that are smaller and more easily manageable—speeding up the entire workflow. When you're racing a deadline at a major event, D4S can transfer images up to 10x faster than previously possible with its 1000 Base-T Ethernet. D4S is the camera for today's working pro.
Improved control and comfort
Nikon engineers worked closely with professionals to achieve optimal ergonomics with the D4, and D4S improves upon that design. The grip has been reshaped, making the camera easier to hold for a wider range of hand sizes and more comfortable during prolonged use. An anti-slip pattern has been added to the joy stick controls for superb fitting, and a larger card slot cover provides additional grip when shooting vertically or horizontally. Several custom settings have been added or improved, making D4S more intuitive to use, and like D4, most of the buttons on the rear are illuminated for easier adjustments in low-light situations.
Ready for your toughest assignments
D4S is designed to go wherever your assignments takes you—even severe conditions. Its lightweight yet durable magnesium alloy body features careful weather sealing and has been optimized for resistance against dust, moisture and electromagnetic interference. Its shutter has been tested to 400,000 cycles, and an improved mirror balancer provides better visibility in the viewfinder during high-speed continuous shooting and reduced mirror vibration. Like the D4, its large optical viewfinder offers 100% frame coverage and approx. 0.7x magnification for bright, clear views of your frame.
Nikon's supercharged EXPEED 4
Optimized for high-resolution HD-SLRs, the EXPEED 4 image processing engine achieves a remarkable new level of speed, image quality and low-light capabilities in both stills and video recording. It's also exceptionally energy efficient, prolonging the camera's ability to endure extended assignments. It delivers faithful, well-saturated color, natural depth and subtle, nuanced tones from pitch black all the way to snow white. In dim lighting at high ISO settings, the camera's intelligent noise reduction lowers noise without degrading image sharpness. High-speed 16-bit image processing delivers smooth gradation with abundant tone and detail that can be applied to image integrity for a diverse range of uses. EXPEED 4 has been optimized for video as well, suppressing moiré, reducing false colors and minimizing "jaggies". Noise reduction technology specifically designed for video preserves clarity and sharp edges—even in low light.
The centerpiece of an exceptional system
The strength of a camera is influenced by the quality of its peripheral components—lenses, flashes, accessories and software—and Nikon's imaging system is second to none. For over 80 years, legendary NIKKOR lenses have set the bar for quality in optics. Nikon's innovative i-TTL (intelligent Through The Lens) technology has revolutionized the accuracy of its Creative Lighting System, and D4S optimizes pre-flash data even further for improved performance. Nikon Software provides photographers with excellent tools for tethering, managing images, editing and post production work, and more; and a growing collection of accessories like the ME-1 External Stereo Microphone, WR-1 Wireless Remote Control, WR-R10 and WR-T10 controller and transmitter, the WT-5A Wireless Transmitter and so much more extend the capabilities of D4S in thrilling new ways.
Camera Samples
Unboxing
Specifications
Type
Single-lens reflex digital camera
Lens Mount
Nikon F bayonet mount
Image Sensor
Picture Angle
Nikon FX format
Effective Pixels
16.2 million
Sensor Size
36.0 mm x 23.9 mm
Image Sensor Format
FX
Image Sensor Type
CMOS
Total Pixels
16.6 million
Dust-reduction system
Image sensor cleaning Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required)
Dust-Off Reference Photo
Yes
Image Area (pixels)
FX-format (L) 4,928 x 3,280 (M) 3,696 x 2,456 (S) 2,464 x 1,640 1:2 format (30 x 20) (L) 4,096 x 2,720 (M) 3,072 x 2,040 (S) 2,048 x 1,360 5:4 format (30 x 24) (L) 4,096 x 3,280 (M) 3,072 x 2,456 (S) 2,048 x 1,640 DX-format (L) 3,200 x 2,128 (M) 2,400 x 1,592 (S) 1,600 x 1,064
File System
File Format Still Images
JPEG: JPEG-Baseline Compliant with fine (approx 1:4), Normal (approx 1:8) or Basic (approx 1:16) Compression NEF (RAW) + JPEG: Single Photograph Recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG Formats NEF (RAW): lossless compressed 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed or uncompressed NEF (RAW Size S) TIFF (RGB)
Compliant with DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0 DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) EXIF 2.3 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras) PictBridge
FX (36x24): 100% Horizontal and 100% Vertical (Approx.) 1.2x (30x20): 97% Horizontal and 97% Vertical (Approx.) DX (24x16): 97% Horizontal and 97% Vertical (Approx.) 5:4 (30x24): 97% horizontal and 100% vertical (Approx.)
Viewfinder Magnification
0.70x (Approx.)
Viewfinder Eyepoint
18mm (-1.0m¯¹)
Viewfinder Diopter Adjustment
Built-in diopter adjustment (-3 to +1 m¯¹)
Focusing Screen
Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VIII with AF Area Brackets (grid lines can be displayed)
Reflex Mirror
Quick-return type
Mirror Lock Up
Yes
Lens
Lens Aperture
Instant-return type
Depth-of-field Control
Yes
Lens Compatibility at a Glance***
AF-S or AF lenses fully compatible Metering with AI lenses
Compatible Lenses
AF NIKKOR lenses, including type G, E, and D lenses (some restrictions apply to PC lenses) and DX lenses, AI-P NIKKOR lenses, and non-CPU AI lenses (exposure modes A and M only). Electronic rangefinder can be used with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster (the electronic rangefinder supports the 11 focus points with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/8 or faster). IX NIKKOR lenses, lenses for the F3AF, and non-AI lenses cannot be used.
Up to 1/250 sec. Synchronizes with shutter at 1/250s or slower
Bulb Shutter Setting
Yes
Shutter Release Modes
Continuous low-speed [CL] mode; 1-10 frames per second Continuous high-speed [CH] mode; 10 frames per second Mirror-up [Mup] mode Quiet Shutter Release Self-timer Mode Single-frame [S] mode
Continuous Shooting Options
FX-format CH: Up to 10/11 frames per second CL: Up to 10 frames per second 5:4 format CH: Up to 10/11 frames per second CL: Up to 10 frames per second DX-format CH: Up to 10/11 frames per second CL: Up to 10 frames per second 1:2 format CH: Up to 10/11 frames per second CL: Up to 10 frames per second
Top Continuous Shooting Speed at full resolution
11 frames per second
Self-timer
2, 5, 10, 20 sec.; 1 to 9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 sec. Timer duration electronically controlled
Exposure
Exposure Metering System
TTL exposure metering using 91,000-pixel RGB sensor
Metering Method
Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 12 mm circle in center of frame. Diameter of circle can be changed to 8, 15, or 20 mm, or weighting can be based on average of entire frame (non-CPU lenses use 12-mm circle) Matrix: 3D Color Matrix Metering III (type G, E, and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering III (other CPU lenses); Color Matrix Metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data Spot: Meters 4 mm circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point
Metering Range
-1 to + 20 EV (Matrix or center-weighted metering) 2 to 20 EV (spot metering)
Exposure Meter Coupling
CPU AI
Exposure Modes
Aperture-Priority (A) Manual (M) Programmed auto with flexible program (P) Shutter-Priority Auto (S)
Exposure Compensation
±5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
Exposure Bracketing
2 to 9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV
Exposure Lock
Yes
Picture Control
Landscape Monochrome Neutral Portrait Standard User-customizable Settings Vivid
Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); Continuous-servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); predictive focus tracking activated automatically according to subject status Manual focus (MF): Electronic rangefinder can be used
AF-area Mode
9, 21 or 51 point Dynamic-area AF Auto-area AF Single-point AF 3D-tracking (51 points) Group-area AF
Focus Lock
Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing the center of the sub-selector
Focus Modes
Continuous-servo (AF-C) Face-Priority AF available in Live View only and D-Movie only Full-time Servo (AF-F) available in Live View only Manual (M) with electronic rangefinder Normal area Single-servo AF (AF-S) Wide area
Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points
51
Autofocus Sensitivity
-2 to +19 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F)
Autofocus Fine Tune
Yes
Flash
Flash Bracketing
2 to 9 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, or 1 EV
X-Sync Speed
1/250
Top FP High Speed Sync
Up to 1/8000
Flash Control
TTL: i-TTL flash control using 91,000-pixel RGB sensor are available with SB-910, SB-900, SB-700, SB-300 or SB-400; i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR is used with matrix and center-weighted metering, standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR with spot metering
Flash Sync Modes
Auto FP High-Speed Sync supported Front-curtain sync (normal) Rear-curtain sync Red-Eye reduction Red-Eye reduction with slow sync Slow rear-curtain sync Slow sync Off
Flash Compensation
-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
Flash-ready Indicator
Lights when optional flash unit such as SB-910, SB-900, SB-700, SB-400, SB-300 or SB-R200 is fully charged
Accessory Shoe
Yes
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)
CLS Supported
Flash Sync Terminal
Yes
White Balance
White Balance
Auto (2 types) Choose color temperature (2500K–10000K) Cloudy Direct Sunlight Flash Fluorescent (7 types) Incandescent Preset manual (up to 6 values can be stored, spot white balance measurement available during live view) Shade
White Balance Bracketing
2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1, 2 or 3 EV
Live View
Live View Shooting
Photography Live View Mode Movie Live View Mode
Live View Lens servo
Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); full-time-servo AF (AF-F) Manual focus (MF)
Live View AF-area mode
Face-priority AF Wide-area AF Normal-area AF Subject-tracking AF
Live View Autofocus
Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point automatically when face-priority AF or subject-tracking AF is selected)
Movie
Movie Metering
TTL exposure metering using main image sensor
Movie Maximum recording time
10 minutes at highest quality or 20 minutes at normal quality setting for 1920 x 1080/50/60p recording 20 minutes at highest quality for all recording options except 1920 x 1080/50/60p and 640 x 424/25/30p 29 minutes 59 seconds at normal quality for all recording options except 1920 x 1080/50/60p
Movie File Format
MOV
Movie Video Compression
H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding
Movie Audio recording format
Linear PCM
Movie
Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 60 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 50 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 30 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 25 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 24 fps HD 1,280x720 / 60 fps HD 1,280x720 / 50 fps VGA 640x424 / 30 fps VGA 640x424 / 25 fps
Yes Also visible in LiveView Modes Also visible in Viewfinder
Playback
Playback Functions
Auto Image Rotation Full-Frame and Thumbnail (4, 9, or 72 images or calendar) GPS data display Highlights Histogram Display Image Comment IPTC information embedding and display Movie Playback Movie Slideshow Photo Information Playback with Zoom Slideshow Voice Memo
In-Camera Image Editing
Color Balance D-Lighting Distortion Control Edit Movie Filter Effects Image Overlay Monochrome NEF (RAW) Processing Perspective Control Red-Eye Correction Resize Side-by-Side Comparison Straighten Trim
Image Comment
Yes
Interface
Interface
10-pin RemoteTerminal HDMI output: Type C mini-pin HDMI connector Headphone Connector Hi-speed USB NTSC Stereo Microphone Input Ethernet: 1000 Base-T (Gigabit) Wired LAN
Wi-Fi Functionality
WT-5A WT-4A
GPS
GP-1A GPS unit
Save/Load Camera settings
Yes
Menus
Total Custom Settings
64
My Menu
Yes with customization
Recent Settings
Yes
Supported Languages
Arabic Brazilian Portuguese Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) Czech Danish Dutch English Finnish French German Indonesian Italian Japanese Korean Norwegian Polish Portuguese Romanian Russian Spanish Swedish Thai Turkish Ukrainian
Date, Time and Daylight Savings Time Settings
Yes The camera clock is powered by a separate, non-rechargeable CR1616 lithium battery with a life of about two years.
World Time Setting
Yes
Power
Battery / Batteries
EN-EL18a Lithium-ion Battery
Battery Life (shots per charge)
3,020 shots (CIPA)
AC Adapter
EH-6b AC Adapter Requires EP-6 Power Supply Connector
Battery Charger
MH-26a Quick Charger
Miscellaneous
Tripod Socket
1/4 in.
Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
6.3 in. (160 mm) x 6.2 in. (156.5 mm) x 3.6 in. (90.5 mm)
Approx. Weight
41.6 oz. (1180 g)camera body only
Operating Environment
0–40 °C (+32–104 °F) Less than 85% (no condensation)