The new Nikon D4 is an attempt to recapture the momentum of the video-shooting DSLR craze from competitor Canon while adding significant upgrades to Nikon’s D3 line. In the process, the D4 will become Nikon’s new flagship and its go-to model for sports, action, and news photographers.

The Nikon D4 offers an impressive array of high-end features for the professional user. It’s also refreshing to see some of the basic features of video cameras that have eluded DSLRs in the past. It seems silly that even something as simple as a headphone jack to monitor incoming sound has yet to find its way into a DSLR. That is just one of the small touches Nikon has added to appeal to a growing base of professional DSLR videographers.

The D4′s most intriguing features is once the D4 is hooked up to a network via Wi-Fi or its Ethernet port, you can pull a network IP address off the screen and use that to connect to the camera with your computer. Assuming the camera and computer are on the same network, you can navigate to the camera through your browser, no apps or connections needed. Once you’re connected, you can take photos, adjust all manner of settings, switch to live view, focus by clicking on individual points, and even shoot video. You can also easily browse all the content stored on the camera’s memory cards. This feature completely eliminates the need to tether your camera with USB, opening up a lot more freedom when shooting photos and viewing them immediately on a computer. This functionality should also come to iPads and iPhones soon.

 

Key D4 Specifications:

  •  16.2 effective megapixel, full-frame sensor (16.6MP total)
  • 10fps shooting with AF and AE, 11fps with focus and exposure locked, 24fps 2.5MP grabs
  • 91,000 pixel sensor for metering, white balance, flash exposure, face detection and active d-lighting
  • ISO Range 100-12,800 (extendable from 50 – 204,800)
  • MultiCAM 3500FX Autofocus sensor works in lower light and with smaller apertures
  • Two sub-selector joystick/buttons for shooting orientation
  • 1080p 30 HD video at up to 24Mbps with uncompressed video output
  • New EN-EL18 battery (21.6Wh capacity, CIPA-rated at 2600 shots)
  • Twin card slots – one Compact Flash and one XQD

For a full list of specifications please visit the Nikon SA page

 

There has been no indication on when the D4 will be available here in South Africa, the estimated price in the US is $ 6000, which is a rather large chunk of money, but i think it may just be worth it.