Photography enthusiasts be sure to wipe your chins, drool factor is high. Nikon has announced it’s next-generation flagship camera, as the full-frame digital SLR, Nikon D4, makes a debut. With 16.2 megapixels at your disposal and myriad improvements from predecessor Nikon D3s, it is capable of giving serious photographers a value for their money. What’s more it only weighs in at a mere 1180g, the lightest body in the full-frame category. FeverAvenue had the opportunity to attend the press event at the Marriot Hotel on January 6.
Apart from a host of technical improvements, consumers can also expect certain ergonomic augmentations that may seem small at first but make a big difference when using the camera. Here are the highlights of what’s to be expected by Nikon’s latest baby.
The Nikon D4 digital-SLR camera
NEW FX-FORMAT CMOS Image Sensor
The D4 is equipped with a new image sensor developed by Nikon. Accentuated with 16.2 megapixels capabilities, the image sensor allows for crisp and high quality images under various lighting conditions. The supported range for ISO can go from 50 to a whopping 204,800, allowing for effective shooting and boasting improved low light performance. Enthusiasts will be also pleased to know that the D4 is capable of shooting at 10fps in full frame format and can shoot 200 frames continuously (in JPEG mode)
EXPEED 3 – image processing engine
The new image-processing engine allows for better image quality and faster processing speed yet maintains rich and faithful colours. Noise-reduction feature will also help preserve quality in pictures shot at high sensitivities. This feature is also extended to shooting movies on the camera, for example under low light.
51-point AF system
The AF (auto-focus) system features 51 focus points which allows for better focusing in different situations as compared to it’s predecessors. Briefly, this system will allow for faster detection and various AF-area modes that will give users the flexibility of refined focus point capabilities.
Advanced Scene Recognition System
The new system supports face recognition that provides more frequent focus acquistion (on auto-area AF mode) and allows the face to be optimally exposed, with its new RGB sensor.
Full HD movie function
The D4 allows for full HD shooting of 1080p videos at 30fps and 720p at 60fps. The new compression scheme allows for higher resolution and quality of movie files without file size increase. Cable release to control the video and built-in headphone jack features are also built-in.
Mobile Image Control
Coupled with an ethernet port and functions for wired LAN connections, the D4 supports the new WT-5 (a wireless transmitter) that allows for a streamlined operation. What this exciting new feature does is basically allow people to shoot images and transfer or share them quickly. This revolutionary new function can allow mobile devices to control the camera, view and even download images over a wi-fi connection. Most useful, especially for press photographers.
Other interesting points
- Dual memory card slots – one for CompactFlash memory cards and the other for XQD memory cards (next-generation memory cards) allowing for multi-option saving.
- Button backlights – increased visibility when working in poor light conditions
- Magnesium alloy chassis – light, durable and robust body makes it more resistant to dust and water
AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G
Simultaneously Nikon has also released the AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G, which is a fast medium-telephoto fixed lens and is compatible with the new Nikon FX-format. The lens is ideal for portrait shoots and is equipped with Silent Wave Motor (SWM) to ensure quiet autofocus operations.
The Nikon D4 offers many other smaller features that will no doubt be useful to individual consumer needs. The camera is estimated to go at a cool $6,000 and will be available to the public in February. The lens is expected to go at $500 in March 2012 (All prices in USD)
Image credits: Nikon Singapore
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OMG $6000! Too poor! Shall stick with my original plan of a D5100… =S
Hi Roxanne! Haha yes it’s darn pricey but the D5100 looks pretty good and way affordable in comparison (:
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