Can You Justify Spending Big Bucks for the Nikon D4s?
-
- An updated 16 MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- EXPEED 4 processing
- A standard ISO range of 100–25,600 that produces near flawless images, and expanding to a rather astounding 50–409,600
- 51-point autofocus system
- 11 fps continuous shooting with constant auto exposure and autofocus
- A smaller RAW file size (approximately 8MP)
- Enhanced video
- An updated 16 MP full-frame CMOS sensor
When Nikon introduced the D4s during early 2014, there was little doubt that it was the company’s premier full-frame, all-pro shooter. Despite the high-class specifications and overall magnificence of the D4s, only a very few – a tiny percentage – photographers can benefit from all it offers for the camera’s $6,000 price tag.
(Gear Tip: Trade in your old gear for a NEW Nikon D4. Get free quote here)
Yes, the Nikon D4s delivers a sparkling array of features, functions and capabilities.
Unless you’re a world-class professional photographer shooting portraits, fashion, food, products, landscapes and many other top income-producing genres or producing super-large gallery prints, you’d be smart to pause and reconsider any serious thought about purchasing a Nikon D4s.
The wiser and smarter choice is a used Nikon D3 or D3s. Yes, these are older models, but their magnesium alloy bodies are built for the same rugged used as the D4s. The D4s is just slightly larger than the D3 and D3s and only in the depth dimension, 3.6 inches versus 3.4 inches. Although none of these Nikon full-frame DSLRs is a lightweight, the D3 and D3s do weigh less than the D4s, 2.7 pounds and 3 pounds, respectively.
Comparison of Selected Specs of the Nikon D3, D3s and D4s
|
Specification |
D3 |
D3s |
D4s |
|
Sensor: effective pixels |
12.1 million |
12.1 million |
16 million |
|
Image processor |
Nikon EXPEED |
Nikon EXPEED |
Nikon EXPEED 4 |
|
Autofocus |
51 focus points, 15 cross-type sensors |
51 focus points, 15 cross-type sensors |
9, 21, 51 focus points and 51 3D-tracking |
|
Metering |
TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RBG sensor |
TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RBG sensor |
TTL exposure metering using 91,000-pixel RGB sensor |
|
Exposure bracketing |
2 to 9 frames |
2 to 9 frames |
2 to 9 frames |
|
Exposure compensation |
+/-5.0 EV |
+/-5.0 EV |
+/-5.0 EV |
|
Sensitivity |
ISO 200–6,400 (expandable to 100–12,800 |
ISO 200–12,800 (expandable to 100–102,400 |
ISO 100–25,600 (expandable to 50–409,600 |
|
White balance |
Auto (1005-pixel CCD, image sensor |
Auto (1005-pixel CCD, image sensor) |
Auto (2 types), 12 presets, 4 custom slots |
|
Viewfinder |
100% coverage; 0.7x magnification with 50mm f/1.4 lens |
100% coverage; 0.7x magnification with 50mm f/1.4 lens |
100% coverage in FX, also 1.2x, DX and 5:4; 0.7x magnification |
|
LCD monitor |
3.0” TFT LCD, 922,000 pixels, 170º viewing angle |
3.0” TFT LCD, 922,000 pixels, 170º viewing angle |
3.2” Wide-viewing angle TFT-LCD, 921,000 pixels |
|
Continuous shooting |
low: 1–9 fps; high, 9 fps; 9–11 fps with DX format |
low: 1–9 fps; high, 9 fps; 9–11 fps with DX format |
11 fps |
|
Video |
None |
1280 x 720 at 24 fps; AVI (Motion JPEG); mono internal mic |
Full HD 1920 x 1080 in 60, 50, 30, 25 and 24 fps |
If you have the professional chops and reputation that justify the big bucks of a Nikon D4s, then a used D3 or D3s is an excellent second-camera choice. The D3 or D3s is also the most-affordable way for serious amateurs to go full-frame pro without emptying their bank accounts for a D4s. Don’t forget the practical considerations of a potentially larger insurance premium when you add a D4s to your gear and the likely need for a top-line, hard case to secure and protect it.
Now that you’re convinced a used Nikon D3 or D3s makes more sense than a D4s, shop UsedPhotoPro.com, the used online shop for Roberts Camera, a family-owned business since 1957 and one of the nation’s premier, independent photography equipment retailers.
If you have an older DSLR you’d like to trade in, then ask UsedPhotoPro.com for a free quote.
Then, use UsedPhotoPro.com’s generous trade-in value to select a Nikon D3 or D3s from its current stock – and at prices 25% (D3) and 50% (D3s) lower than a new D4 (depending on condition, selection and market conditions).
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