The Nikon D4 is a relatively old camera that still has a lot of functionality for photographers who are on a tight budget and who are just beginning their photography journey.
The Nikon D4 was first unveiled in 2012 at an eye-watering price of nearly $6,000. It cost this much because all of the Nikon D4 specs were top of the line. Most people had yet to shoot with a camera that could shoot over 5fps, much less over 10. Most photographers also hadn’t had the opportunity to shoot video anywhere near the quality that this camera could produce. The Nikon D4 video performance was so excellent that Nikon made it a key selling point of the camera.
Of course, it has been a decade since the Nikon D4 came out, so many of the Nikon D4 features are now considered outdated. Depending upon what you’re looking for in your DSLR, though, the Nikon D4 may still be a good option for you. You’ll have to read our full Nikon D4 review to find out.
Nikon D4 Specs
This camera features a 16MP sensor, an Expeed 3 processor, and a native ISO range of 100-12,800, though that range can be expanded to 50-204,800.
For videographers, you’ll be happy to know that you can get Full HD video from this camera at up to 30p. The camera also comes with a microphone and headphone port for all your audio needs.
Of course, the camera is really large. It’s a DSLR that is nearly ten years old and it certainly weighs like it. So, make sure you have a good strap if you’re planning on carrying it around all day.
Other Nikon D4 Specs Include:
- 16MP sensor
- Expeed 3 processor
- ISO range of 100-12,800
- 51-point AF system
- Full HD video capabilities at up to 30p
- 3.2” LCD screen with 921k-dots
- 100% viewfinder coverage
- 2.95 lbs
- 2600-shot battery life
Nikon D4 Body & Design
The Nikon D4 body is large. It weighs 2.95 lbs and measures 6.3” x 6.2” x 3.6”. If you aren’t used to shooting with DSLRs, this is not the camera for you. If you are used to shooting with DSLRs, but you aren’t used to shooting with an older, professional-grade DSLR, then it will take some adjusting.
The Nikon D4 design is really the reason people are still interested in this camera in 2021. It features weather-proofing, so you can basically take it anywhere. It’s also built like a tank.
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Nikon D4 Build & Handling
The Nikon D4 handling is incredible, so long as you can handle a camera this heavy. As such, I highly recommend getting a sturdy strap before even purchasing this camera. It will save your arms and neck in the long run.
The camera does come with an excellent grip that is both thicker and deeper than the grip on the D3 was.
You can choose to get a battery grip for this camera, although I personally believe that the 2,600-shot battery life is more than enough for even the most serious of photographers shooting off-grid.
Nikon D4 Video Performance
Given the fact that a major selling point of the Nikon D4 was its video performance, it’s a valid question to ask how this has held up over the years.
According to Frederikboving, the Nikon D4 is “an absolutely fantastic camera” and perhaps “the last great camera in the DSLR series.”
But, you shouldn’t expect 4K capabilities with the camera. You’ll get Full HD video capabilities with the Nikon D4 at up to 30p, though. The camera also features a microphone port so that you can capture great quality audio; it also features a headphone port so that you can ensure you’re getting the audio you need while filming.
One downside to shooting video with this camera is the fact that your clips are going to be limited to 20 minutes while shooting in Full HD. Most modern cameras can do at least 30 minute clips.
You can get uncompressed video when you use the HDMI.
I think that my personal favorite quality of shooting video with this camera is the fact that its autofocus system is so flexible. You can use live autofocus, alongside face tracking, but you can also manually focus. For the age of this camera, its autofocus system is still absolutely incredible.
If you need to do some editing in your camera, then you’ll be happy to know that you can trim your clips in the camera for a quick transition to social media.
Nikon D4 Price
While the biggest selling points of the Nikon D4 used to be all of the aforementioned specs, like an 11fps burst mode, the flexible ISO range which can be adjusted to a staggering 204,800, and a weather-resistant body, now the biggest selling point of this camera is the Nikon D4 price.
Whereas you would have had to spend almost $6,000 to get a Nikon D4 a decade ago, you can now find it online for thousands less.
MPB, one of my personal favorite used camera retailers, just got a Nikon D4 with a tag price of just $1,049.
Of course, the camera is older, so you shouldn’t expect it to be in perfect shape. It is well used so you should expect many cosmetic signs of use, as well as some marks on the LCD. Still, the camera is in perfect working order and likely has a long second life ahead of it for the right buyer.
If you’ve always wanted to get your hands on a Nikon D4 but never had the means to, this is your chance.
And if you’re interested in purchasing a used camera, but have another one in mind, then I highly encourage you to read our full MPB Review below and check out their website. There’s a reason we keep working with them. They’re the most reliable used camera retailer around.