Nikon calls their D4 Digital SLR Camera a "total professional imaging machine". They would be correct in doing so. Designed for the working photographer, the D4 meets the most-demanding photog's needs and then some. Packed with features essential to getting the job done, and getting it done well this rig is more than a digital camera, it's a shooter's bread and butter.

Building off the basic structure of its predecessor, the D4 goes big in a number of ways which are sure to be appreciated. The camera features a 16.2Mp 36 x 23.9mm CMOS sensor with Nikon's FX-format and the EXPEED3 image processor. ISO sensitivity can now be extended as low as ISO 50 or as high as 204,800 with a standard range of 100-12,800 ISO. Additionally, 10 frames per second continuous shooting in FX-format for up to 200 shots ensures the decisive moment will not be missed.

The D4 records in RAW, JPEG, TIFF, and RAW + JPEG files. Metering options include RGB 3D Color Matrix III metering, center-weighted, and spot. Additionally, compatible storage media includes the future of professional storage, XQD memory cards, and Type I CompactFlash memory cards (UDMA compliant). Of course, NIKKOR AF-S and AF-I lenses are compatible with the D4 body, putting an extensive line of lenses at the photographer's disposal.

Another improvement on D4's little brother would be the slightly bigger LCD screen. Up from 3", the D4 has a 3.2" LCD monitor with a 170° viewing angle, approximately 100% frame coverage, automatic monitor brightness control, and Live View. In Live View the image can be enlarged up to 46x to make on the spot focus confirmation. Surrounding the monitor are illuminated buttons for ease of use even in low light. Additionally, quick access Live View confirms exposure, white balance, monitor hue, histogram, focus mode, AF area mode, and focusing accuracy with ease.

The D4 also boasts stellar auto focus features - like 51 AF points, an AF mode selector switch, and fast AF point selection. All three of these components of the AF system ensure accurate, fast shooting whether the subject is a room full of children or a high-speed sporting event.

Of course, the D4 wouldn't be a professional level DSLR if it didn't include full HD video capture. The D4 does so, making it equally a pro videographer's tool as much as a pro photographer's. From 1080p broadcast quality video at 30 or 24 fps to full manual control to the option to add an external mic for stereo audio capture, the D4 isn't just a digital camera that also captures video.

Features like the aforementioned Live View allow the videographer to confirm capture of their footage on the camera's LCD and an external (optional) monitor simultaneously. It also gives you access to Picture Controls to handle the look and feel of the video, in-camera. Peak audio meters also allow the videographer to adjust sound levels manually in 20 incremental steps. Remote start and stop of view using wired and wireless remote accessories is also an option, among many others.

Nikon FX-format (36 x 23.9mm) CMOS Sensor with 16.2 Effective Megapixels

D4 achieves an ideal balance of high pixel count and FX-format sensor size, producing exceptionally sharp, clean and well-saturated images and offers flexibility in post-production cropping for magazine-quality print and web publishing

3.2" Super-Sharp 921,000-Dot LCD Monitor with Automatic Monitor Brightness Control

Ambient brightness sensor automatically adjusts LCD visibility according to environment for bright, crisp image playback, menu adjustment and Live View shooting. Enlarge images up to 46x to make on the spot focus confirmation - crucial for high resolution shooting

Full 1080p HD Broadcast Quality Video

Create true broadcast quality video using Full 1080p video at 30 or 24fps in H.264/MPEG-4 AVC HD format. D4's 16.2Mp sensor combined with B-frame data compression delivers high quality video ensuring unmatched moving image integrity for clips up to 29 min. 59 sec. in length. Fast sensor readout enables reduced rolling shutter - especially useful during panning sequences

View Simultaneous Live View Output on External Monitors & Record Uncompressed Video Via HDMI

Check video recording on the camera's LCD and external monitor simultaneously; ideal for focus pullers and camera operators. When the highest possible image quality is required you can bypass memory cards and record uncompressed footage directly from the image sensor onto an external storage device. Options to customize the HDMI output signal are also included

Full HD Recording with FX, DX (1.5x crop) and 1920 x 1080 (2.7x) Crop Mode Settings

The FX-based format renders exquisitely shallow depth of field (DOF) as well as wide-angle shooting. The DX-based format offers a picture angle that is 1.5x crop to the focal length and is ideal when you can't get close enough to the action when an existing lens is used. For even more of a telephoto effect, the 1920 x 1080 crop format gives you a 2.7x. Versatility like this lets you explore different moods with the large and comprehensive selection of NIKKOR lenses. All three modes deliver exceptional Full HD 1080p output

Standard ISO 100 to 12,800, Expandable from ISO 50 Up to ISO 204,800 Equivalent

The 16.2 megapixel D4 offers similar clean, low-noise performance as its predecessor D3s at ISO 12,800 and expands the range by one EV, making ISO 100 standard. For more extreme/challenging conditions, drop to ISO 50 equivalent or raise sensitivity to as high as ISO 204,800 equivalent. With the D4, shoot confidently in nearly any light - even in places where the human eye has difficulty focusing

10/11 Frames Per Second Continuous Shooting in FX-format for Up to 200 Frames

Realize 10 fps shutter bursts with full AF and AE performance in FX-format. Boost the frame rate up to 11 fps in FX-format, locking focus on the position detected in the first frame

Faster, More Responsive 51-Point AF System

D4's AF sensor utilizes 51 strategically placed AF points that are designed to capture subjects as you choose: by working together like a net to capture moving subjects or for pinpoint accuracy. Use a single AF point to home in on the exact place on your chosen subject. Each of the 51 AF points delivers fast and accurate AF detection to an impressive low light level of -2 EV (ISO 100, 20ºC) with every AF NIKKOR lens - expect to shoot more smoothly at night stadium assignments, poorly lit indoor arenas, cathedrals, theaters and any other low-lit venues

AF Detection Up to f/8

D4 aligns its 15 cross-type sensors in the center to detect contrast for both vertical and horizontal lines with lenses f/5.6 or faster. The five central points and three points to the left and right of them in the middle line are compatible with f/8

EXPEED 3 for Faithful Colors, Fine Tones and Wide Dynamic Range: Optimized for Stills and HD Video

EXPEED 3 results in still images with faithful, well-saturated color and natural depth. Tones are subtle and nuanced, from pure pitch black to pure white. For images produced even under harsh light, the D4 output preserves smooth color gradation with abundant tone and detail. When shooting in dim lighting at high ISOs, the camera's intelligent noise reduction lowers noise without degrading image sharpness. Full HD 1080p video is rendered with reduced moiré, false colors, jaggies, and sharp edges. Noise reduction technology specifically designed for video preserves clarity

Comprehensive High Fidelity Audio Recording and Playback Control

Built-in external stereo microphone input allows for recording crystal clear sound using the optional ME-1 Stereo Microphone and can be precisely controlled in 20 incremental steps. Check audio in isolation as you record using headphones directly connected to the camera. Preview adjustments before or during Live View recording

Time Lapse Shooting: Capture a Variety of Scenes of Subjects at a Breathtaking Pace

The D4's time-lapse shooting lets you set intervals and frame rates in order to dramatically relay slow-moving activity at dramatic speeds. The D4 allows you to shoot time-lapse photography with replaying rates from 24 times to 36,000 times faster than normal. Time-lapse shooting files can also be saved as movie files

91,000 Pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering III with Advanced Scene Recognition System

Face detection using the optical viewfinder and detailed scene analysis using the 91K RGB sensor enables superior auto exposure, auto white balance detection, AF performance and i-TTL flash exposure

Two Live View Shooting Modes

Photography Live View and Movie Live View modes add flexibility; exposure, white balance, monitor hue, histogram, focus mode, AF area mode and focusing accuracy are easily confirmed

Expand Dynamic Range Using Built-In HDR

Combines two exposures at up to 3EV to create a single image revealing an extremely wide dynamic range, but with less noise and richer color gradation than ever before

Flash Compensation and Exposure Compensation Separated for Better Creative Control

With the D4, in addition to conventional global flash and background exposure compensation, as well as flash exposure compensation, there is a new function that allows you to compensate only the background exposure independently from the subject illuminated by Nikon Speedlights

Dedicated Nikon Picture Control Button

Convenient Picture control button provides six preset options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Landscape and Portrait for stills and video while 9 customizable settings provide advanced, personalized color control

Two Axis Virtual Horizon Graphic Indicator

Use either LCD monitor or viewfinder to check if camera is level; horizontally or with forward or rear rotation

Improved Vertical Shooting Operation

One unique set of controls for both horizontal and vertical shooting. Comprised of a main-command dial, an AF-ON button and a joystick style AF selector, each set is laid out identically for a more intuitive operation regardless of camera orientation

Speedier AF Point Selection

In addition to the round multi-selector used for AF point selection, the D4 incorporates a new joystick style sub-selector made of rubber that's more responsive to your finger's touch. Positioned for optimal control during both horizontal and vertical shooting, this new button permits a speedier shift of AF points

Illuminated Buttons Let You Set Functions in Low-Lit and Even Dark Shooting Situations

D4 uses back-illuminated operation buttons and release mode dials for clear visibility in the dark

Magnesium Alloy Body with Weather Sealing

To sustain peak performance, even in the most demanding environmental conditions, the body, exterior, and mirror box of the D4 are comprised of strong-yet-lightweight magnesium alloy. This assures the camera's superb reliability and extra long life. Thorough measures are taken to seal and protect against invasive moisture, dust and even electromagnetic interference. A comprehensive weather and dust sealing, combined with additional Nikon engineering, further ensure integrity of the camera body

400,000 Cycles Durable, Accurate Shutter Unit with Mirror Balancer

For the utmost reliability and rigorous performance, the D4's shutter has been tested for 400,000 cycles on fully assembled cameras at extreme continuous burst rates for extended time periods. The camera's mirror balancer minimizes the bounce of the mirror's down movement with such finesse that it extends viewing time and allows more time for AF operation - one reason why the D4 can offer autofocus and focus tracking even during high-speed continuous shooting

Self-Diagnostic Shutter Monitor

To sustain precision shutter operation throughout the mechanism's lifespan, the D4 incorporates intelligent shutter monitor technology. Should any shutter speed variance be detected, the camera automatically corrects to adjust between actual speed and correct shutter speed

WT-5A Wireless Transmitter Compatibility

With Image transmission mode you can transmit images to an FTP server or computer, either automatically or by manually selecting images. With PC mode you can operate the D4 via Camera Control Pro 2. For HTTP mode: You can use a web browser via computer or smart phone, show thumbnails of images stored in the camera's memory cards, or make slide shows, view images, operate simple camera controls for remote shooting or begin live view shooting, including video, which is new to the WT-5A. From one master camera, release up to 10 remote D4 camera and WT-5A combinations. An optional iPhone application for remote control is also available for the WT-5A

Flash Modes

First curtain shutter; Auto; Red-eye reduction; Slow rear curtain sync; Second curtain sync; Slow sync; Slow sync / red-eye reduction