What's so special about the D4 chip sensor?

9 years 2 months ago #422559 by Jim Capozzi
I had read some time ago another photographers post talking about how great the D4 chip sensor was.  Can someone expound a little on why this is so?  Personally I baffled why Nikon went with 16.2 mp sensor in the camera when others were much larger.  


,
9 years 2 months ago #422598 by effron
Sensor size isn't as important to some, frame speed and IQ might be......;)

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
9 years 2 months ago #422649 by garyrhook

Jim Capozzi wrote: I had read some time ago another photographers post talking about how great the D4 chip sensor was.  Can someone expound a little on why this is so?  Personally I baffled why Nikon went with 16.2 mp sensor in the camera when others were much larger.  


Product design involves every aspect. Not just a single number. In the case of the D4, you want a full-frame sensor that has good electrical characteristics (which impacts noise, which gets worse at higher ISO values) and you want to balance the pixel density against memory speeds, memory buffer sizes and frame rates. Larger sensors create more data that takes longer to move to the card and must be buffered in the meantime. The memory buffer costs money, and that camera shoots at 11 frames per second, RAW, if I recall correctly. All of these factors have to be balanced and the target consumer has to be considered. Action and sports photographers being chief among them, I think.

I know that if I were outside in reasonably good light, I wouldn't need high ISO and could get properly exposed shots at tight apertures. (I currently shoot a 16MP camera and) this would be just fine.

For me, however, the features on that camera don't justify that price point. I'm still not sure what the deal is.


Photo Comments
,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024

The Sigma fp L is a compact full-frame camera with a 61-megapixel sensor, 4K video capabilities, in-body image stabilization, and weather-sealed construction. What’s not to like?!

Mar 19, 2024

The Canon 1DX Mark III is a big, burly professional camera packed with top-end features. Is it worth the investment in 2024? Find out in this detailed review!

Mar 04, 2024

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

Smartphone photos have come a long way in recent years. With their increase in quality comes the ability to create large prints. Learn why canvas is a great option for your phone photos!

Mar 29, 2024

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024

Time management is a critical skill to master when you’re a photographer. But how do you get the most out of the limited time you have? Check out this guide to learn a few tricks!

Mar 27, 2024

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024

Opening a photography business means undertaking various photography marketing strategies to promote your work. But you don’t want to do the same old thing - try these unique ideas!

Mar 22, 2024

The Canon EOS 80D might be a few years old, but it’s nevertheless a quality camera to invest in as a beginner or enthusiast looking for a mid-range DSLR with tons of lens options.

Mar 22, 2024

Wedding consultations are a critical part of a wedding photography gig. It’s when you learn about the couple and their wants, and present them with how you will meet those desires.

Mar 22, 2024

If you're looking for the best metal print of 2023, you'll find it from Artbeat Studios. After months of testing, Artbeat Studios beat out the competition!

Mar 21, 2024