Toda
y Nikon took the D4s out of the glass box and officially announced their new camera. Within a lengthy and adjective heavy press release key details such as a start date of March 6th for shipping and a price tag of $6500 stood out over changes to the processor or video capabilities.
Nikon’s press release explains the main benefits of the new model.
Rethink the limits of speed, precision, efficiency and versatility in the field. With remarkable enhancements throughout the entire workflow, thrilling new levels of speed, performance and ISO sensitivity and the superior image quality of a Nikon flagship HD-SLR, D4S frees professionals to perform at their peak in whatever conditions their assignments demand. Capture full resolution stills at 11 fps for approx. 200 shots with full AE and AF functionality, noise-free photos and videos up to ISO 25,600 (expandable to a mind-boggling ISO 409,600 equivalent at Hi4) and 1080p Full HD videos with high-fidelity stereo audio. Transfer files 10x faster with new 1000 Base-T (Gigabit) wired LAN, and increase that speed further by shooting a smaller RAW SIZE S format. Think and shoot in ways you may not have believed possible.
Read the entire thing, which goes into greater detail about the key stats, on Nikon Rumors
After reading through the announcement it is clear that any hope for a surprise wow feature is not going to be fulfilled. Early responses in the comments section indicate some disappointment with fans who, ISO aside, see few stand out upgrades with many saying the picture quality comparison with the D4 will have to be substantially better to earn the $6500.
Promising the upgrade to their flagship D4 is an “evolution of a masterpiece” Nikon could be hoping that a huge leap in the ISO capabilities will compensate for any possible lukewarm consumer reaction to what an early response to the announcement by CNET called “updates I’d classify as subtle but none trivial.” Nikon seem to have modestly improved each area but it will be interesting to see what initial sales are like to see if the long wait was worth it.
For professional sport’s photographers the tweaks may make it tempting, but being released after Sochi may not have been the best way to tempt their target buyers. Side by side photos and genuine user reviews are not yet available but CNET have posted a spec comparison table of the D4s comparing it to the D4 and Canon’s EOS 1DX (click here to view). Today’s announcement suggests that for another big leap forward Pro-users are going to have to wait a generation as camera advances, like twins, are skipping a generation.
What do you think? Are you disappointed by the new model when you weigh-up the changes compared to the price? Will you be buying it? If not, why not?
