TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce
the release of the Nikon D4, a Nikon FX-format camera that serves as
the new flagship model in Nikon's lineup of digital-SLR cameras. Nikon
will be exhibiting the D4 at the 2012 International CES, to be held
Tuesday, January 10 through Friday, January 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This electronics exhibition is open to the public.
The D4 is equipped with a new Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor
(imaging size of 36.0 x 23.9 mm) and EXPEED 3, the latest
image-processing engine specifically optimized for digital-SLR cameras,
making it the next-generation flagship Nikon digital-SLR camera with the
ultimate in versatility and functionality that offers superior image
quality rich in detail along with excellent high-speed performance. It
has an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels, and offers superior
image quality under a broad range of lighting conditions with its image
sensor supporting an incredible range of sensitivities from ISO 50 to
ISO 204800.
The new 91K-pixel (approximately 91,000 pixels) RGB sensor supports
the Advanced Scene Recognition System, which is able to recognize human
faces even when images are framed using the optical viewfinder. In
addition, the Advanced Scene Recognition System offers significant
improvements in AF, AE, i-TTL flash control, and auto white balance
(AWB) control accuracy. The 51 focus point AF system has been improved
with faster initiation of autofocusing and the ability to detect and
focus on subjects with less lighting. In addition, 11 focus points are
fully functional when lenses with a maximum aperture of f/8 are used.
All of this means more precise autofocusing when super-telephoto NIKKOR
lenses are used with teleconverters (2.0x). The Multi-area Mode Full HD
D-movie movie 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.
What's more, the D4 records images to memory cards faster 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 WT-5 (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.
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.
D4 primary features
- New Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor
Support for an incredibly wide range of sensitivities, from ISO 50 to ISO 204800
The D4 is equipped with a new Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor
(imaging size of 36.0 x 23.9 mm) developed by Nikon. The superior
performance of the FX-format CMOS image sensor with its effective pixel
count of 16.2-million pixels offers excellent resolution and image
quality under an incredible variety of lighting conditions. Despite the
increase in pixel count, the D4 reads out data faster than the D3S. The
range of standard sensitivities has been expanded to ISO 100 to ISO
12800. What's more, support for ISO 50 and additional expansion up to
ISO 204800 is also possible, enabling effective shooting under a variety
of lighting conditions without concern for any sacrifice in image
quality.
- New EXPEED 3 image-processing engine with superior, high-speed processing capabilities
The new EXPEED 3 image-processing engine built into the D4 offers
better image quality and even faster processing speeds for vivid yet
faithful color reproduction, a broader dynamic range, and rich
expression of tones. It also effectively suppresses noise with advanced
noise-reduction processing for images captured at high sensitivities
under dim lighting, all while preserving definition and sharpness.
Noise-reduction processing designed especially for movies maintains
crisp, clear outlines in movies recorded in low-light situations. EXPEED
3 has high-speed processing capabilities for a variety of task, and it
uses power effectively, contributing greatly to the camera's
power-saving design.
- 91K-pixel RGB sensor for the more accurate Advanced Scene Recognition System
The D4 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
recognizes human faces for more frequent focus acquisition on human
faces when Auto-area AF AF-area mode is used. When a human face is
detected in the frame, 3D Color Matrix Metering III bases exposure
control on the brightness of that face so that the face is optimally
exposed even with backlighting. In addition, the high resolution of the
metering sensor with its roughly 91,000 pixels enables extremely precise
analysis of the scene for more accurate control over autofocusing, auto
exposure, i-TTL flash control, and auto white balance.
- *There is no display in the viewfinder that shows when a face or faces have been recognized.
- Faster and more accurate AF with 51 focus points
The 51 focus point AF system built into the D4 utilizes the new
Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module for faster, more
accurate autofocusing that performs extremely well under dim lighting.
The 15 focus points at the center of the frame are cross-type sensors
that detect phase differences both horizontally and vertically. All 51
focus points are fully functional when lenses with a maximum aperture of
up to f/5.6 are used, and the cross-type sensors make the most of this
capability. Precise focus can be quickly acquired with autofocusing
using all AF NIKKOR lenses, even under lighting as dim as −2 EV (ISO
100, 20°C/68°F), the level at which the scene through the viewfinder can
just be made out by the human eye. What's more, 11 focus points (five
at center with an additional three to each side) are fully functional
when lenses with a maximum aperture of f/8 are used. This enables very
precise focus acquisition with sports photography and the like when
super-telephoto NIKKOR lenses are used with a teleconverter (2.0x) at a
combined aperture value of f/8.
In addition, adoption of a new algorithm enables faster autofocus
initiation for even more certain and sharper capture of defining moments
especially necessary when shooting sports scenes. The new high-speed AF
system also supports high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 10
fps* in FX format with AF and AE tracking.
- *Measured according to CIPA guidelines.
Value with shooting in AF-C autofocus mode, [S] or [M] exposure mode,
shutter speed of 1/250 s or faster, all other settings at their default
values.
- Multi-area Mode Full HD D-movie with three image area options
A dedicated 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 x 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*1 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*2,
DX-based movie format, or 1920 x 1080; 30 fps/25 fps/24 fps crop.
FX-based movie format makes full use of the large image sensor, enabling
movies with an emphasis on pleasing blur characteristics. When a DX
lens is attached, DX-based format is automatically selected. This format
is useful for creating an extension to the local length of an existing
lens. For an even stronger telephoto effect, the 1920 x 1080 crop format
brings an approximately 2.7x crop of the picture angle while delivering
outstanding video quality and detail, obtaining 1080p Full HD. By
choosing the movie format appropriate for the particular scene, the
three image area options available with a single camera enable more
flexible imaging expression through collaboration with the entire NIKKOR
lens lineup, including DX lenses.
The D4 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.
- *120 min. depending on frame size/rate and movie quality settings.
- *2Movies 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 x 424; 30 fps and 640 x 424;
25 fps.
- Smooth workflow from initial setup to image transfer
The entire photographic workflow is faster with the D4. Superior,
high-speed response with a power-up time of approximately 0.12 s*1 and a release time lag of roughly 0.042 s*1.
In addition, support for high-speed, next-generation XQD memory cards
enables a continuous shooting frame rate of 10 fps for up to
approximately 100 shots even with shooting in RAW format*2.
The camera is also equipped with dual memory card slots, one for XQD
memory cards and one for CompactFlash memory cards, for smooth handling
of images. What's more, professional photographers can work much faster
with high-speed transfer of images to a computer when an XQD memory card
reader supporting SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0)*3 is used.
- *1Measured according to CIPA guidelines
- *2When a Sony XQD memory card H-series
(QD-H16G, QD-H32) is used with capture of compressed 12-bit NEF (RAW)
images (based on Nikon testing standards)
- *3Sony MRW-E80 (based on Sony testing standards)
- The new compact Wireless Transmitter WT-5 with simple connection to the camera (available separately)
The D4 is equipped with an Ethernet port and functions for wired LAN
connections. In addition, it also supports the new WT-5 (available
separately), a compact wireless transmitter that is easily connected to
the camera for high-speed transfer of images over a wireless network.*
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.
The new WT-5 is powered by the camera, making a more compact size
possible. In addition to IEEE 802.11a/b/g standards, the WT-5 also
supports the new IEEE 802.11n (1 x 1) standard, enabling data transfer
at twice the speed possible with the WT-4. The camera's HTTP server mode
can be used to display a list of images stored on the memory card, and
also enables basic camera control, live view, movie recording, etc.
using the Web browser on a computer or smartphone. Synchronized release
(WT-5 only) mode enables synchronized shutter release of up to 10
cameras D4 cameras, each with its own WT-5) with the D4 used as the
controlling "master".
- *The Wireless Transmitter WT-4 can also be used.
·Other D4 functions and features
- Extremely durable shutter that has passed testing for 400,000 cycles
- Magnesium alloy adopted for the very strong, durably body that is very resistant to dust and water
- Effective sealing using O rings and packing make the camera more resistant to dust and water
- Silent shutter-release mode for live view photography that almost
completely eliminates the sounds of the mirror and shutter operation
- A time-lapse photography feature, with which the camera
automatically takes photos at selected intervals to record a time-lapse
movie, which can be played back at 24–36,000x normal playback speed
- Operation optimized for both horizontal (landscape) and vertical (portrait) shooting
- Button backlights (illuminators) for increased visibility when working in dimly lit or dark situations
- High-performance viewfinder, utilizing a glass pentaprism, with a
frame coverage of approximately 100% (FX format) and magnification of
approximately 0.7x
- Four image area options for still shooting—FX (36 x 24), 5:4 (30 x
24), 1.2x (30 x 20), DX (24 x 16)—with viewfinder indicator that
identifies the current image area
- A 3.2-inch, approximately 921k-dot LCD monitor with reinforced glass
and wide viewing angle; integration of the glass and panel reduce
internal reflections
- A virtual horizon that shows the degree to which the camera is
tilted sideways (roll), forward or backward (pitch) with display in the
monitor and viewfinder
- White balance that can be adjusted in units of 10 K; white balance
can be specified separately for shooting (white balance applied to
images) and monitor display with still-image shooting in live view mode
- Capture NX 2 Ver. 2.3 for significantly faster processing
A trial version and free upgrade for Capture NX 2, Nikon's image
editing software, were released on December 20 to coincide with release
of the D4. This latest version is Capture NX 2 Ver. 2.3.
In addition to offering image editing functions that allow users to
achieve the intended results with intuitive operation, a faster
image-processing algorithm has been adopted for much faster processing.
What's more, operation is smoother and more natural with the addition of
native compatibility with 64-bit operating systems.