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Nikon D4S DSLR Camera

The Nikon D4S is a 16.2MP full-frame DSLR camera — with 1080p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Nikon D4S DSLR Camera

Nikon D4S DSLR Camera

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Overview — Nikon D4S

The Nikon D4S is a full-frame DSLR built around a 16.2MP sensor paired with an EXPEED 4 image processor, making it a serious tool for professional photographers who demand speed and reliability. The camera shoots at up to 11 frames per second in burst mode, with a maximum still resolution of 4928x3280 pixels and support for both sRGB and Adobe RGB color profiles. The native ISO range runs from 100 to 25600, giving shooters meaningful flexibility across a wide range of lighting conditions.

For autofocus, the D4S uses a Phase Detection system with 51 focus points and subject tracking, which is well-suited to fast-moving subjects in sports or photojournalism environments. On the video side, the camera captures 1080p footage at up to 60fps, with frame rate options at 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps, and color profile choices of Flat and Standard in 8-bit. The body is constructed from magnesium alloy, carries weather sealing, and weighs 1350g with dimensions of 160 x 156.5 x 90.5mm — a substantial, professional-grade build.

A 3.2-inch, 921k-dot LCD and an optical viewfinder handle composition duties. Storage uses both CF and XQD card slots, and the camera connects via USB, Mini HDMI, and 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks. The EN-EL18a battery is rated for 3020 shots per charge.

The Nikon F lens mount and Nikon Standard iTTL hotshoe round out a feature set aimed squarely at working professionals.

Key Features — Nikon D4S

16.2MP Full-Frame Sensor: A 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor prioritizes light-gathering and dynamic range over pixel count, well-suited to professional photojournalism and sports work.

11fps Burst Shooting: Continuous shooting at up to 11 frames per second lets photographers capture fast-moving action with minimal missed moments.

EXPEED 4 Processor: Nikon's EXPEED 4 engine handles high-speed continuous shooting and delivers strong noise performance across the ISO range.

51-Point Phase Detection AF: A professional-grade autofocus system with 51 points and subject tracking, designed for reliably locking onto and following fast-moving subjects.

ISO 100–25600 Native Range: A wide native sensitivity range keeps noise manageable in low-light environments without relying on expansion modes.

Dual CF and XQD Card Slots: Two card slots supporting CompactFlash and XQD allow simultaneous backup or overflow recording for added redundancy on assignment.

Specifications — Nikon D4S

Nikon D4S full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesSports, Wildlife, Event, Documentary
TypeDSLR
SensorFull Frame (35mm)
Resolution16.2MP
ProcessorEXPEED 4
ISO Range100 – 25600
AF SystemPhase Detection
AF Points51
Max Photo Resolution4928x3280
Burst Rate11 fps
Max Video Resolution1080p
Max Frame Rate60fps

Description — Nikon D4S

The Nikon D4S is a professional full-frame DSLR featuring a 16.2MP sensor processed by the EXPEED 4 image processor. It delivers a maximum still resolution of 4928x3280 pixels with support for sRGB and Adobe RGB color profiles. The native ISO range spans 100 to 25600, and the camera fires at a continuous burst rate of 11fps.

The 51-point Phase Detection autofocus system includes subject tracking for capturing fast action reliably. For video, the D4S records at up to 1080p at 60fps, with frame rate options of 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps, color profiles of Flat and Standard, and 8-bit color depth. The 3.2-inch, 921k-dot LCD sits on a body constructed from magnesium alloy with weather sealing, weighing 1350g and measuring 160 x 156.5 x 90.5mm.

Dual CF and XQD card slots handle storage, while connectivity includes USB, Mini HDMI, and 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks. The EN-EL18a battery is rated for 3020 shots. The camera uses a Nikon F mount and a Nikon Standard iTTL hotshoe compatible with the Nikon CLS flash system.

Pros — Nikon D4S

  • ✓Fast 11fps burst mode (photoSpecs.maxBurstFrameRate) supports demanding action and sports shooting
  • ✓Wide native ISO range of 100–25600 (iso.min / iso.max) offers flexibility in varied lighting
  • ✓51-point Phase Detection autofocus system (autofocus.focusPoints) with subject tracking for moving subjects

Cons — Nikon D4S

  • ✗No in-body or digital image stabilization (imageStabilization.inBodyIS / imageStabilization.digitalIS both false)
  • ✗Video is capped at 8-bit color depth (videoSpecs.bitDepth), limiting post-production grading latitude
  • ✗No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (connectivity.wifi / connectivity.bluetooth both false)

Reviews — Nikon D4S

Videos — Nikon D4S

Nikon D4s Hands-on Review — DigitalRev TV

Resources & Downloads — Nikon D4S

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon D4S

What lenses are compatible with the Nikon D4S?+
The Nikon D4S uses the Nikon F mount (mount.lens). This is a widely used mount with a broad range of compatible lenses across Nikon's lineup.
What memory cards does the Nikon D4S accept?+
The D4S accepts CompactFlash (CF) and XQD cards (storageMedia). Having both slot types gives you the option to use either format depending on your workflow.
Can the Nikon D4S shoot video, and at what quality?+
Yes, the D4S records video at up to 1080p resolution (videoSpecs.maxResolution) with frame rate options of 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps. Color profiles available are Flat and Standard, and footage is recorded in 8-bit color depth.
Does the Nikon D4S have image stabilization?+
The D4S has no in-body or digital image stabilization (imageStabilization.type is listed as None). Stabilization, if needed, would need to come from the lens being used.
What is the autofocus system like on the D4S?+
The D4S uses a Phase Detection autofocus system with 51 focus points (autofocus.system / autofocus.focusPoints). It also supports subject tracking (autofocus.subjectTracking), making it effective for photographing moving subjects.
Does the Nikon D4S support wireless connectivity?+
The D4S does not have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (connectivity.wifi / connectivity.bluetooth both false). It does include USB, Mini HDMI output, and 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks for wired connectivity.

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