Nikon D4 Full-Frame Pro DSLR Formally Introduced: 16.2MP Sensor and 1080p Video

Two years after the D3S begun shipping to pro photographers everywhere, Nikon has released its long awaited full-frame successor, the Nikon D4 DSLR, which boosts the pixel count of the camera and largely improves upon the video capabilities of its predecessor.

The FX-format sensor used by Nikon in the D4 has a resolution of 16.2MP and thanks to the inclusion of an Expeed 3 image processor is now capable of capturing up to 10 frames per second with autofocus enabled or 11fps with AF locked.

The camera’s low light capabilities were also enhanced as the D4 now offers a higher ISO range that can be extended to 50 – 204,800 (Hi4) from the regular 100-12,800.

The most important technical change however, is the inclusion of a new 91,000 pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Meter III sensor, which takes the place of the previous 1005 pixel sensor used in the D3\S. Outside of metering, the new sensor is also used for subject tracking, white balance and 'Active D-lighting.'

Moving to the video capabilities of the camera, Nikon has now enabled 1080p video recording in the D4 with support for 30, 25 or 24 fps shooting at up to 24Mbps. The video stored is compressed using the B-frame compression section of the H.264 standard.

Other features include a 921k-dot 3.2-inch LCD with 170-degree viewing angles, integrated Ethernet, support to send out uncompressed video through the HDMI port, as well as support for the recently-announced XQD memory card format, which brings write speeds of up to 125 MB/s.

"Speed without accuracy is irrelevant," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc.

"The status of a Nikon flagship camera is not given lightly; this next generation of Nikon's most professional body exceeds the needs of a wide variety of both still and multimedia professionals that rely on Nikon to make their living. 

“Besides overall performance and burst speed, the D4 provides Nikon's most advanced AF system to date, as well as enhanced workflow speed to give professionals the edge in the field," concluded the company’s rep.

The Nikon D4 will be available in late February 2012 for the suggested retail price of $5999.95, which roughly translates into 4,694 EUR.