Nikon’s D4 Camera An Upgrade Of D3
- Can record uncompressed movies
- High-speed uploads
- Take pics remotely
Nikon’s D4 is an FX-format camera that is based on the company’s D3 series with the addition of a number of new functions and features.
It comes with a Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor (imaging size of 36.0 × 23.9 mm) and EXPEED 3, the latest image-processing engine optimised for DSLR cameras. It also has 16.2 million pixels and an ISO range from 50 – 204800.
The D4 also allows faster recording to memory cards, with built-in support for high-speed, UDMA 7-compatible CompactFlash memory cards and next-generation, high-speed XQD memory cards. In addition to built-in wired LAN features, the D4 also supports high-speed image transfer via wireless LAN when the new, compact, easy-to-use Wireless Transmitter H062 (available separately) is connected to the camera. The D4 is also equipped with a number of new functions that support a more efficient workflow for professional photographers, including one that allows users to add IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council) information to images.
A new wireless transmitter and internal Ethernet port mean high-speed communication and image upload is now possible, direct from the camera to an FTP server anywhere in the world. The D4 also makes it possible to view and take photos remotely (using a browser equipped computer or phone).
It has the ability to record uncompressed movies to an external recorder, preserving the quality of these uncompressed files.
The Multi-area Mode Full HD D-moviemovie recording function is capable of recording Full-HD movies at 30 fps, and offers three movie-recording formats for selection according to recording conditions or creative intent.
It is equipped with the Advanced Scene Recognition System, which supports face recognition when images are framed using the optical viewfinder. The new 91K-pixel (approximately 91,000 pixels) RGB sensor recognises human faces for more frequent focus acquisition on human faces when Auto-area AF is used.
The AF system featuring 51 focus points utilises the new Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module for faster, more accurate autofocusing that performs well under dim lighting, claims Nikon.
A movie-record button has been positioned near the shutter-release button for smooth starting and stopping of movie recording with a feel similar to that of still-image shooting. Full-HD movie recording at a frame size of 1920 × 1080 and frame rate of 30 fps is supported, and the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC video compression method has been adopted. Movies up to 29 minutes 59 seconds can be recorded. Image sensor sensitivity begins at ISO 200 and can be expanded to the same ISO 204800 equivalent possible with still-image shooting.
Full-HD movies can be recorded with the D4 using one of three image areas: FX-based movie format, DX-based movie format, or 1920 × 1080 crop; all available at 30 fps/ 25 fps or 24 fps. FX-based movie format makes full use of the large image sensor, enabling movies with an emphasis on pleasing blur characteristics.
It is equipped with a connector for external microphones that enables stereo recording. The camera also offers a headphone connector that supports stereo headphones, convenient for checking sound recorded with movies. What’s more, a new sound level indicator also allows for microphone sensitivity adjustment, even during recording, with a visual indicator of sound levels.
Movies are recorded with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 regardless of the format selected. Aspect ratio is 3 : 2 with recording at a frame size/rate of 640 × 424; 30 fps and 640 × 424; 25 fps.
The D4 is equipped with an Ethernet port and functions for wired LAN connections. It is also equipped with a number of new functions that support a more efficient workflow for professional photographers, including one that allows users to add IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council) information to images.
