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When There is No Second Chance: New Nikon FX-Format D4 Multimedia Digital SLR is the Definitive Unification of Swift Performance, Battle-Tested Technologies and Innovative New Features to Create High-Calibre Photo and HD Multimedia Content
New AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G is ideal for low-light, portraiture and adding dramatic background blur to both photo and video
Mississauga, ON, January 5, 2012 – Today, Nikon Canada announced the new Nikon D4 digital SLR. Building upon the legacy of the proven Nikon flagship digital SLRs, the D4 is engineered to give today’s professional multimedia photographers a new apex of speed and accuracy with unparalleled image quality, low-light capability and Full HD
(1080p) video recording. It hosts a multitude of advanced new features and functions that deliver a new standard of performance for professionals and enthusiasts to ensure high-speed response times and tack-sharp images.
Nikon also announced today the addition of a new FX-format lens, the AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G, to its legendary line of NIKKOR lenses. The new AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G is a fast, fixed focal-length lens with medium telephoto capabilities and a large maximum aperture of f/1.8 that is capable of performing a wide variety of imaging tasks with amazing sharpness and clarity.
Nikon D4
Every aspect of the new Nikon D4 digital SLR has been designed to emphasize rapid response and seamless operation to help professional photographers consistently capture amazing content. Nikon’s proven 51-point AF system has been further enhanced for maximum speed in a variety of challenging shooting situations, even at 10 frames per second (fps). The D4 easily assumes the role as the new flagship digital SLR with a new 16.2 megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, coupled with the latest generation of Nikon’s EXPEED 3 Image-processing engine to help produce images and videos with stunning clarity and colour. Photographers are also able to shoot in even the most challenging environments and lighting conditions with Nikon’s new 91,000-pixel 3D Colour Matrix Metering III, and a broad ISO range from 100 to a staggering 204,800, for low-light capture like never before. The D4 is engineered for the modern professional and incorporates never-before-seen HD-SLR video features for those who also need to capture multimedia content from the field.
“The quality of an image is important to photographers of all skill levels,” said Gregory Flasch, National Advertising and Communications Manager at Nikon Canada. “Nikon’s new flagship digital SLR will exceed the expectations of even the most dema nding of still and multimedia photographers. Besides overall performance and burst speed, the D4 leverages Nikon’s most advanced AF system to-date, and enhances
workflow speed to give professionals the edge in the field.”
Velocity Meets Versatility
Speed is a necessity for today’s multimedia photographer as every millisecond makes a difference once the action commences. Whether a job relies on fast processing power, burst rate, write speed, enhanced workflow, or even streamlined camera controls, the D4 is the epitome of professional-calibre photographic horsepower. Ready to shoot in less than 0.012 seconds, the new Nikon D4 can capture full resolution JPEG or RAW files at up to 10 fps with full AF / AE, or up to 11 fps with AF / AE locked. Immediately before image capture, the camera interprets data from the AF sensor, such as subject colour as detected on the 91,000-pixel RGB sensor, to deliver consistently tack-sharp focus frame after frame. Whether a photographer is shooting a home-court fast break under gymnasium lighting or the downhill slalom in the bright sun and frigid temperatures, the D4 will produce consistently great results.
The Advanced Multi-Cam 3500 AF autofocus system is the next generation of Nikon’s proven 51-point AF system. Fully customizable, it offers users the ability to capture fast-moving subjects and track focus with precision, or select a single AF point with pinpoint accuracy. The Nikon D4 digital SLR aligns 15 cross-type sensors in the centre to detect contrast data in both vertical and horizontal planes. In addition to detecting each AF-NIKKOR lens with an aperture of f/5.6 or lower, the camera also utilizes nine cross-type sensors that are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and TC14E or TC17E teleconverters.
It can also use a single cross-type sensor when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and the TC20E teleconverter with an aperture value up to f/8, which is a great advantage to those shooting sports and wildlife. For maximum versatility in situations such as photographing nature from afar or competition from the sidelines, photographers are also able to select multiple AF modes, including normal, wide area, face tracking and subject tracking, to best suit the scene.
The Nikon D4 also employs a new 91,000-pixel RGB 3D Colour Matrix Metering system that meticulously analyzes each scene and recognizes factors such as colour and brightness with unprecedented precision. This data is then interpreted and compared against the D4’s on-board database to implement various settings, resulting in vibrant images with faithful colour reproduction and balanced exposure. In addition, this new AF sensor now has the ability to detect up to 16 human faces with startling accuracy even when shooting through the optical viewfinder, allowing for correct exposure when the subject is backlit. Furthermore, in order to capture every brief moment from a bouquet toss to a photo finish under nearly any condition, the 51 focus points deliver fast and accurate detection down to a -2 EV with every AF-NIKKOR lens.
All of this image data is funneled through a 16-bit pipeline and is written to dual-card slots which have been optimized for the latest UDMA-7 Compact Flash™ cards, as well as the new XQD™ memory card. The D4 is the first professional camera to harness the capabilities of this new durable and compact format, which offers the blazing fast write times and extended capacity that is essential for today’s multimedia professional shooting both stills and videos.
Image Quality That Hits the Mark
The heart of the new D4 is the Nikon-developed 16.2 megapixel FX-format (36 x 23.9mm) CMOS sensor that provides amazing image quality, brilliant dynamic range and vivid colours in nearly any lighting condition. By achieving the optimal balance of resolution and sensor size, professional photographers will realize exceptionally sharp, clean and well-saturated images throughout the entire ISO range.
Like the D3 and D3s before it, the D4 retains Nikon’s status as the sovereign of low-light capture ability, with a native ISO range from 100 to 12,800 ISO, expandable from 50 (Lo-1) to an incredible 204,800 (Hi-4). From a candlelit first dance to nocturnal wildlife, the large 7.3µ pixel size absorbs the maximum amount of light to excel in any situation. Additionally, the sensor’s construction features a gapless micro-lens structure and anti-reflective coating which further contributes to images that retain natural depth and tones with smooth colour gradation. For the ultimate in versatility, photographers can also take advantage of the camera’s extreme high ISO ability while recording videos.
Another factor contributing to the camera’s rapid performance and stellar image quality is Nikon’s new EXPEED 3 Image Processing Engine that helps professionals create images with amazing resolution, colour and dynamic range in both still images and videos. From image processing to transfer, the new engine is capable of processing massive amounts of data, exacting optimal colour, perfect tonality and minimized noise throughout the frame.
There is also a variety of shooting options available to help capture the highest quality images and videos. In addition to standard uncompressed NEF (RAW) files, the D4 is capable of shooting smaller compressed RAW files to ease storage and speed up workflow. Users are also able to capture even more dynamic range using the in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) function to merge consecutive exposures. For deep contrast and further tonality, Active D-Lighting can be activated during shooting for balanced exposures even in backlit scenes. Additionally, the camera features a dedicated button for quick access to Nikon’s Picture Controls, allowing users to quickly select one of six presets.
Professional Multimedia Features
The Nikon D4 is engineered with innovative new features for the multimedia professional who requires a smaller form factor, low-light ability and NIKKOR lens versatility that only a Nikon HD-SLR can offer.
The new features add functionality for those professionals looking for the best possible experience to capture a moment in Full HD 1080P video at various frame rates, providing footage that is more than suitable for broadcast.
● Full HD (1080p) video recording – Users have the choice of various resolutions and frame rates, including 1080p 30/24fps and 60 fps at 720p. By utilizing the B-Frame data compression method, users can record H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC format video with unmatched integrity for up to 20 minutes per clip. This format also allows for more accurate video data to be transferred, thereby requiring less memory capacity. The sensor reads image data at astoundingly fast rates, which results in less instances of rolling shutter distortion.
● Full manual control of exposure – Shutter speed, aperture and ISO can be changed while recording to adapt to lighting and alter depth of field for professional cinematic results that help realize a creative vision.
● Uncompressed output: simultaneous Live View – By using the camera’s HDMI port instead of the CF or XQD card, users can stream an uncompressed Full HD signal directly out of the camera. This footage can be ported into an LCD display, appropriate external recording device or routed through a monitor and then to the recording device, eliminating the need for multiple connections.
● Audio recording for professionals – The Nikon D4 features a stereo headphone jack for accurate monitoring of audio levels while recording. Output can be adjusted in up to 30 steps for precise audio adjustment. The D4 offers high-fidelity audio recording control with audio levels that can be set and monitored on the camera’s LCD screen. The microphone connected via the stereo mic jack can also be adjusted with up to 20 steps of sensitivity for accurate sound reproduction.
● Multi-area Mode Full HD 1080p Videos: FX/DX, and 2.7x crop mode at 1080p video modes – Whether shooting for depth of field in FX-format mode, or looking for the extra 1.5x telephoto benefits of DX mode, the high resolution sensor of the D4 allows videographers to retain full 1080p HD resolution no matter which they choose. With the 2.7x crop, users can experience ultra-telephoto benefits in Full HD resolution at
16:9 aspect ratio.
● Simultaneous Live View output without display / simultaneous monitor – Shooters have the option to send the display signal directly to an attached monitor via the HDMI port. This signal can be viewed on the camera’s LCD screen and external monitor simultaneously.
Additionally, the image data display can be cleared from the screen to remove distracting data or when feeding a live signal.
● Full-time AF – In addition to manual focus, four modes are available, including normal, wide area, face priority and subject tracking, which uses fast contrast detect AF to accurately focus while recording video and in live view.
● New LCD screen – The large 921K dot high resolution 3.2-inch LCD screen includes auto brightness adjustment. Users can also zoom in by up to 46x to check critical HD focus.
● Time-lapse shooting – This new feature combines a selected frame rate and “shooting interval” in a dedicated time lapse photography menu. Playback can be achieved with a wide variety of speeds from 24x to 36,000x while producing a fully finished movie file output for faster multimedia workflows.
● Remote shutter operation – Using dedicated Movie Custom Settings, recording can be set to engage by the shutter release button, and users can now use a variety of remote accessories to trigger movie recording.
● NIKKOR lens compatibility – The highest calibre optics are vital to creating HD images and Nikon is the world leader in optics manufacturing with a legacy spanning more than 75 years. Nikon has a vast NIKKOR lens system featuring more than 50 lenses with a variety of focal lengths and features, including VR II vibration reduction technology.
Professional Construction, Superior Operability The chassis of the Nikon D4 is built with magnesium alloy for maximum durability and reliability. The body of the camera incorporates gaskets for resistance to dirt and moisture, as well as electromagnetic interference. Photographers are able to easily compose through the bright optical viewfinder, which offers 100 percent frame coverage. The shutter has been tested to withstand 400,000 cycles for maximum durability, while sensor cleaning is employed by vibrating the OLPF. The self-diagnostic shutter unit also encompasses a mirror balancer to minimize the residual “bounce” to enhance AF and extend viewing time. What’s more, the viewfinder is coated with a new thermal shield finish which works to resist overheating during prolonged use, enhancing overall reliability. Users can easily compose on the camera’s wide, bright and scratch-resistant 921,000-dot high resolution 3.2-inch LCD screen.
The overall controls and operability of the camera have also been engineered with a renewed emphasis on speed and functionality. During critical moments, users will appreciate refined button layouts with improved ergonomics, such as a quick AF-mode selector placed near the lens mount for fast access on the fly. A new joystick style sub-selector is also placed on the rear of the camera for AF point and option selection, while vertical controls have been enhanced for improved operability. Finally, key control buttons on the back of the camera can be illuminated, making the camera simple to operate in complete darkness.
Nikon has also made enhancements to overall workflow, adding options to streamline the process and maximize shooting time. Users are now able to automatically generate IPTC data for their images and image sets, making organizing and chronicling images easier for both photographers and their editors. A wired Ethernet port is also utilized so that a user can shoot tethered and transfer images easily and quickly to clients. In addit ion, Nikon has introduced the new WT-5A Wireless File Transmitter, to transmit via FTP server or computer. The device can be set to transfer either automatically or manually selected images. This device also allows for remote operation of the camera using Nikon’s Camera Control Pro 2 software. A mobile application is in development to control the camera using this accessory, which will include the ability to trigger the shutter and record video, making this a must-have remote accessory for many professionals.
AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G
The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G is a versatile prime lens ideal for travel, general photography, low-light, landscape, portraiture and capturing movies with extreme depth of field. It is designed to capture photos utilizing beautiful image blur achieved due to its large maximum aperture. Furthermore, the AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G is lightweight and easy to carry, and provides an equivalent focal length of 127mm when attached to a Nikon DX-format digital SLR camera body.
The construction of the AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G consists of nine optical elements, with a seven-blade diaphragm which contributes to a substantially more circular bokeh for a natural appearance to out-of-focus background elements. Additionally, instances of lens flare and chromatic aberration are suppressed using Nikon’s exclusive Super Integrated Coatings, which also help ensure vividly accurate colour balance.
The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G comes equipped with a carefully engineered optical system optimized to deliver superior image quality. The integration of an ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast, whisper-quiet AF operation, which is essential when recording movies.
The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G also features two focus modes, M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual) to further enhance versatility and adapt to a shooter’s needs. Additionally, Internal Focus (IF) design prevents the front element from rotating, allowing for the use of filters and attachments.
Price and Availability
The Nikon D4 is scheduled to be available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers on February 16, 2012 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of CAD $6,299.95.
The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G is scheduled to be available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers on March 22, 2012 for an MSRP of CAD $529.95.
To see the new D4 digital SLR, visit Nikon at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at booth # 11039 from January 10-13th, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV.
Exclusive Canadian Warranty
Nikon Canada offers a one-year warranty for the D4 purchased from an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer. Additionally, Nikon Canada offers a five-year warranty for all NIKKOR lenses purchased from an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer. Consumer’s investment is protected by Nikon Canada’s warranties with in-Canada service.
About the NIKKOR brand
With a comprehensive assortment of FX and DX-format lenses and focal lengths, from the ultra-wide 10-24mm to the super telephoto 600mm VR, Nikon photographers have come to rely upon the NIKKOR core technologies that contribute to their optical superiority. NIKKOR is the brand name for Nikon’s photographic lenses, which are precision crafted to the most exacting standards in Nikon’s own glassworks. In 1933, Nikon marketed its first camera lens under the NIKKOR brand name, the “Aero-NIKKOR” for aerial photography applications. Since then, NIKKOR has been used as a brand name for Nikon’s lenses that symbolizes durability, high image quality and optical excellence.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the ImageTM, is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment.
Nikon Canada distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 J1 and V1 advanced cameras with interchangeable lens system. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s Exclusive EXPEED, EXPEED 2 or EXPEED 3 advanced digital image processing system technologies. All Nikon Canada products are sold through a network of Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers.
For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to find an Authorized Canada Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca.
Related Links:
- Nikon D4 Press Releases: US | CA
- Nikon D4 Technical Specs
- Nikon D4 Sample Images
