Nice Lady Productions

Nikon D4 Announcement

Nikon has just announced the D4, their top of the line replacement camera for the D3S. Yes, this is a photography camera, I know! There are plenty people covering the photo capabilities, I want to go over the video specs since this is BIG news for video shooters.

A quote from Nikon’s site regarding the video image: “Thanks to Nikon’s latest image-processing algorithms, the D4’s video ensures a smooth look with fewer “jaggies” and less moiré while maintaining sharp edges, even in dark conditions, by using noise-reduction technology designed specifically for video.”

Here are the biggies that set this camera apart from any other Nikon or DSLR on the market as far as video capabilities go. Will I be trying this camera as soon as I can get my hands on one? YES!

D4 Video Specs

• 16.2 effective megapixels 36.0 x 23.9 mm CMOS full-frame sensor
• ISO 100 to 12 800 or ISO 200 to Hi 4
• 8 bit 4:2:2 UNCOMPRESSED full 1080p @ 24 or 30fps (confirmed by Nikon Canada) resolution output via HDMI. The recording time is said to only be restricted by the size of your external hard drive
• Clean HDMI signal out
• 1,920 x 1,080; 30p (progressive), 25p, 24p
• 1,920 x 1,080 crop; 30p, 25p, 24p (2.7x crop of the picture angle)
• 1,280 x 720; 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p
• H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding
• 29 minutes 59 seconds max video recording per clip (compressed in camera)
• B-Frame data compression method means less rolling shutter
• “View simultaneous Live View output on external monitors and record uncompressed video via HDMI terminal.” (Nikon.ca) –Fantastic!
• 2 Live View shooting modes: one for photography, one for movies. “Exposure, white balance, monitor hue, histogram, focus mode, AF area mode and focusing accuracy are easily confirmed.” (Nikon.ca)
• “A time-lapse photography feature, with which the camera automatically takes photos at selected intervals to record a time-lapse movie, which can be played back at 24–36,000x normal playback speed” (Nikon.com)
• 2MP stills simultaneously while filming
• Stereo mini-pin jack in (for a stereo mic)
• Stereo mini-pin jack out (for headphones: a first on a DSLR)
• 20 steps of audio level control to fine tune the audio being recorded
• 30 steps of audio level control for fine tuning the audio monitoring levels
• Full manual video control (aperture, ISO, shutter speed)
• 3.2” LCD with iluminated back control buttons
• Control shooting capabilities via ethernet or wireless devices:
  “use the web browser on your iPhone® and/or iPad®** to operate camera controls or begin Live View shooting, including starting and stopping HD video and more.” (Nikon.ca)
• Dual card slot: CF card and XQD memory cards
• Shipping February 16 2012 for $5999.95 USD or $6,299.95 CDN (new 85mm f/1.8 lens, shipping at same time for $499.95 USD).

Available for pre order at B&H Photo NY. Nikon states that once the D4 ships, quantity will be limited for the first bit, so order early if you want this beast!

Link to the official Nikon D4 Brochure:

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d4/pdf/d4_12p.pdf

Official Site:

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d4/index.htm

NEW AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G:

http://www.nikon.com/news/2012/0106_af-s_nikkor_85mm_f18g_01.htm