Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Recording Features
Optional Accessories
Play, Print and Edit Features
Battery Information
Computer Requirements

Recording Features

Overview: The D4 is Nikon's new flagship digital SLR, built for today's professional photographer. It can produce stunning still images and broadcast quality video. The package includes the camera body with a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery pack and battery charger. The camera has the Nikon F bayonet mount, and is compatible with Nikon AF NIKKOR lenses, including Type G and D lenses, as well as DX lenses. No lenses are included with this "body only" kit.

Image Sensor: The D4 is equipped with the Nikon FX-format, 36.0 x 23.9mm CMOS image sensor with 16.6 million total pixels (and 16.2 million effective pixels). The Nikon FX format enables photographers to take advantage of the familiar perspective characteristics of 35mm film photography. You can choose to shoot in the FX format, or switch to 1.2x (30 x 20), 5:4 (30 x 24) or DX format.

Dust Reduction System: The camera has an integrated ultrasonic Self-cleaning Sensor Unit, which employs four different resonance frequencies to vibrate the optical low-pass filter and shake dust away from the sensor. Image sensor cleaning can be set to operate automatically when the camera is turned off or on, or can be operated from the camera's menu.

Magnesium Alloy Body: The D4 features rugged, durable and lightweight magnesium alloy for the body, exterior, and mirror box, to achieve better durability and lighter weight.

EXPEED 3 Image Processing: Nikon's EXPEED 3 technology provides superb image fidelity and reduced noise, even at high ISOs. EXPEED 3 can also handle data-intensive tasks, like Full HD video recording at broadcast quality 30p, with ease.

Still Image Size/Quality: The D4 records still images in JPEG, TIFF (RGB), and NEF* (RAW) formats. It can also record in both NEF (RAW) + JPEG formats simultaneously. JPEG images can set to fine (1:4 compression), normal (1:8), or basic (1:16) image quality. Depending upon the selected format (image area), you can choose from the following image sizes:

* RAW data from the image sensor is saved directly to the memory card in Nikon Electronic Format (NEF). Once transferred to a computer, NEF (RAW) images can only be viewed using compatible software such as the supplied ViewNX2 software.

Movies: The camera can record movies in MOV format with MPEG-4/H.264 advanced video coding and Linear PCM audio. Audio is recorded using the built-in monaural microphone, or an external stereo microphone. Image quality can be set to High or Normal. The maximum length of movies are up to 29 min 59 sec (20 minutes for High Quality movies). The available movie options include:

Dual Recording Media: The D4 has dual media slots that can accommodate Compact Flash (Type I) and the new XQD Memory cards. Images are recorded onto Type I CompactFlash memory cards (UDMA compliant) up to 128 GB, or XQD memory cards up to 32 GB. No memory card is supplied with the camera.

Memory Buffer: The camera is equipped with a memory buffer for temporary storage, allowing shooting to continue while photographs are being saved to the memory card. Up to 200 photographs can be taken in succession. The display will indicate the number of images you can take until the memory buffer is full.

LCD Monitor: The Nikon D4 features 3.2-inch, 921,000-dot (VGA), color TFT LCD monitor with a 170° wide viewing angle and 100% frame coverage. The monitor has adjustable brightness control using an ambient brightness sensor. The D4 features a Live View that lets you use the monitor in place of the camera's viewfinder to confirm your subject and composition while shooting.

Optical Viewfinder: In addition to the LCD monitor, the D4 has an eye-level pentaprism single-lens reflex viewfinder with approximately 100% frame coverage in FX format (97% in other formats). It has a diopter adjustment knob so you can set the viewfinder to your personal eyesight (with or without eyeglasses). The bright and sharp viewfinder makes focusing in low-light situations possible. The viewfinder offers approximately 0.7x magnification. The viewfinder also has a built-in eyepiece shutter to prevent light from entering the viewfinder when shooting self portraits on a tripod. The viewfinder uses a Type-B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VIII screen with superimposed AF brackets and on-demand grid lines for clear and accurate focusing of your subject.

Ethernet and Wireless Networks: The D4 has an RJ-45 Ethernet port, and can be connected to an Ethernet network. You can also connect an optional WT-5 or WT-4 wireless transmitter to the camera's peripheral connector for connecting to a wireless network. Through the wired or wireless network, you can upload photos to a computer, control the camera from a computer (using special software), take photos or view existing photos remotely via a browser-equipped computer or an iPhone, and synchronize the shutter releases of multiple remote cameras with a controlling "master" camera (WT-5 only).

Electronic Virtual Horizon: The innovative Virtual Horizon provides instant, accurate confirmation of the D4's position relative to horizontal level. When using Live View, you can choose to display the virtual horizon on the LCD, a feature ideal for landscape and architecture photography. You can also level the D4 while looking through the viewfinder using the convenient analog scale.

51-Point Autofocus System: The D4 is equipped with Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module, which features up to 51 focus points. The system selects the focus point that best applies to the subject, demonstrating an outstanding level of precision, even when shooting in constantly changing conditions. All 51 focus points, including the array of 15 cross-type sensors located in the center, maximize the potential of lenses with maximum apertures of f/8.

Vertical Shooting Controls: The camera features separate controls that are positioned for use during vertical shooting: a shutter-release button, Fn and AF-On buttons, main- and sub-command dials and a sub selector. These controls allow you to operate the camera more naturally when the body is rotated counter clockwise for portrait-orientation photography.

AF-Area Modes: The D4 offers a choice of four focus area modes that together cover a wide area of the frame. The AF-area mode determines how the focus area is selected and what happens if the subject moves out of the selected focus area while the camera is still focusing. You can choose one of the following AF-area modes:

• Single-Point AF: The camera will focus on the subject in the selected focus point only.
• Dynamic Area AF: The camera offers a choice of three different size areas to match the movement of the subject, using groups of 9, 21 or all 51 focus points.
• 3D-Tracking: In AF-C focus mode, the camera will track subjects that leave the selected focus point and select new focus points as required.
• Auto Area AF: The camera automatically detects subject and selects focus point. If a face is detected, the camera will give priority to the portrait subject.

Focus Modes: You can choose from the following focus modes:

• Single-servo Autofocus (AF-S): camera focuses automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. The focus remains locked while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. The picture will only be taken when the in-focus indicator is displayed. Recommended for stationary subjects.
• Continuous-servo Autofocus (AF-C): camera focuses continuously while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. Photographs can be taken whether or not the camera is in focus. Recommended for moving subjects.
• Manual (MF): focus must be adjusted manually using the lens focusing ring

Predictive Focus Tracking: In continuous-servo AF, the camera will initiate predictive focus tracking if the subject moves toward or away from the camera while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway or the AF-ON button is pressed. This allows the camera to track focus while attempting to predict where the subject will be when the shutter is released.

Focus Lock: Focus Lock can be used to change the composition after focusing, making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a focus area in the final composition.

Electronic Range Finder: If the connected lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster, the camera's Electronic Range Finder can be used to confirm whether or not your subject in the selected focus point is in focus (the focus point can be selected from any of the 51 focus points).

Release Modes: The release mode determines how the camera takes photographs. You can choose from the following shooting modes:

• Single Frame: camera takes one photograph each time the shutter-release button is pressed
• Continuous Low Speed: while shutter-release button is held down, the camera records 1 to 10 frames per second, as selected in the menu.
• Continuous High Speed: while the shutter-release button is held down, the camera records up to 10 frames per second (or 11 frames per second with fixed focus).
• Quiet Shutter-Release: during single frame shooting, noise is reduced by disabling the beeps and minimizing the sound produced when the mirror drops back into place.
• Self-Timer: use self-timer for self-portraits or to reduce blurring caused by camera shake; you can set the self-timer to 2, 5, 10 or 20 seconds
• Mirror Up: choose this mode to minimize camera shake in telephoto or close-up photography or in other situations in which the slightest camera movement can result in blurred photographs

Interval Timer Photography: The D4 is equipped to take photographs automatically at preset intervals. Shooting will begin about 3 seconds after the interval is set or you can set a start time. You can also select the number of shots taken per interval. The images can be replayed at rates from 24 times to 36,000 times faster than normal. The images can be saved as a movie file (in 16:9 aspect ratio).

Exposure Modes: The Exposure Modes determine how the camera sets shutter speed and aperture when adjusting exposure. You can choose from the following Exposure Modes.

• Programmed Auto (P): camera sets shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure according to a built-in program; recommended for snapshots and other situations in which there is little time to adjust camera settings
• Shutter-Priority Auto (S): user chooses shutter speed while camera sets aperture for best results; use to freeze or blur motion. The shutter speed can be set from 30 to 1/8000 seconds.
• Aperture-Priority Auto (A): user chooses aperture while camera sets shutter speed for best results; use to blur background for portraits or bring both foreground and background into focus for landscape shots
• Manual (M): user controls both shutter speed and aperture for complete control over exposure

Long Time-Exposures: When Bulb shooting is selected, the shutter will remain open while the shutter-release button is held down. Bulb shooting is used for long time-exposure photographs of moving lights, the stars, night scenery, or fireworks (an optional tripod and optional remote cord are recommended to prevent blur).

AE/AF Lock: If your subject is off-centered in the frame, it can become difficult to achieve proper exposure and focus. By engaging the AE/AF Lock feature, you can focus and meter on your subject, lock the exposure and focus by pressing the shutter release button halfway, then recompose your shot before taking the picture. You can choose from the following AE/AF Lock settings: AE/AF Lock, AE Lock only, AF Lock only, AE Lock Hold, AE Lock Reset, and AF On.

Exposure Compensation: You can alter the exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker. You can adjust the exposure from -5.0 to +5.0 EV in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV.

Metering: The D4 utilizes through-the-lens (TTL) metering using the camera's 91,000-pixel RGB sensor. You can choose one of the following metering methods:

• 3D Color Matrix III: If using a type G or D lens, you can utilize 3D Color Matrix Metering III (or Color Matrix Metering III with other CPU lenses). The camera meters a wide area of the frame and sets exposure according to distribution of brightness, color, distance, and composition for natural results
• Center-weighted: The camera meters the entire frame but assigns greatest weight (75%) to the area in the center of the frame. The diameter of the circle can be set to 8, 12, 15, or 20mm, or weighting can be based on the average of the entire frame. (Non-CPU lenses use a 12mm circle or average of entire frame.)
• Spot: The camera meters inside a 4mm diameter circle (approximately 1.5% of frame). The circle is centered on the selected focus area, making it possible to meter off-center subjects.

Multiple Exposure: This feature records a series of two to ten exposures in a single photograph. Multiple exposures can be recorded at any image quality setting, and produce results with colors noticeably better than photographs combined in an imaging application because they make use of RAW data from the camera image sensor.

White Balance: White balance is used to preserve natural colors under different types of lighting. You can choose one of the following white balance options: Auto (2 options), Incandescent, Fluorescent (7 options), Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, or Shade. You can also choose a color temperature from a list of values (2500K-10000K), or manually set the white balance using the subject, light source, or existing photograph in the memory card as reference. The White Balance Fine Tuning feature allows you to compensate for variations in the color of the light source or to introduce a deliberate color cast into an image by adjusting the amber, blue, green and magenta color settings.

Bracketing: Bracketing automatically varies exposure, flash level, Active D-Lighting (ADL), or white balance slightly with each shot, "bracketing" the current value. You can set the increment to 1/3, 2/3, or 1 EV, and the number of shots to 2, 3, 5, 7, or 9. In exposure, flash level, and ADL bracketing, multiple shots are required to complete the "bracket" as the camera will vary the settings with each shot. With white balance bracketing, the camera creates multiple copies of each photograph, each with a different white balance. Bracketing can be combined with continuous shooting or the self timer modes.

ISO Sensitivity: ISO Sensitivity is the digital equivalent of film speed. You can set the ISO Sensitivity to Auto or Manual. You can manually select settings of ISO 100 to ISO 12800 in steps of 1/3 EV. When using Auto ISO, you can set a maximum value of 200, 400, 800, 1600, or 3200, as needed. For special occasions, expanded settings of Lo-0.3 (equivalent to ISO 80) through Lo-1 (ISO 50), and Hi-0.3 (ISO 16,000) through Hi-4 (204,800) are available.

Noise Reduction: Photos taken at high ISO sensitivities can be processed to reduce noise. The amount of noise reduction performed can be set to High, Normal, or Low.

Preset Picture Controls: The camera offers six preset Nikon Picture Controls. You can choose a Picture Control according to the subject or type of scene:

• Standard: standard processing for balanced results; recommended for most situations
• Neutral: minimal processing for natural results; recommended for photographs that will later be extensively processed or retouched
• Vivid: pictures are enhanced for a vivid, photo-print effect; recommended for photos that emphasize primary colors
• Monochrome: takes monochrome photographs
• Portrait: process portrait for skin with natural texture and a rounded feel
• Landscape: produces vibrant landscapes and cityscapes

Picture Control Settings: The Preset Picture Controls listed above can be modified to suit a particular scene or your creative content. The following manual adjustments can be made:

• Quick Adjust: allows you to reduce or exaggerate the effect of the selected Picture Control Preset from -2 to +2
• Sharpening: controls the sharpness of outlines from 0 to 9; you can also select Auto which adjust the sharpness automatically according to the scene
• Contrast: adjust contrast automatically according to the type of scene or chose from values between -3 to +3 to increase or decrease the contrast of your subject
• Brightness: reduce or enhanced brightness level from -1 to +1; this does not affect exposure
• Saturation (for non-monochrome): automatically adjust saturation according to the type of scene or choose from values between -3 to +3 to lower or increase your subject's saturation
• Hue (for non-monochrome): adjust your subject's hue from -3 to +3 to change the level of Hue
• Filter Effects (for monochrome): simulate the effect of color filters on monochrome photographs from yellow, orange, red, green or off
• Toning (for monochrome): choose the tint used in monochrome photographs from B&W, Sepia, Cyanotype, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue Green, Blue, Purple Blue, or Red Purple.

Color Space: The color space determines the gamut of colors available for color reproduction. You can select either sRGB for photos that will be printed or used "as is" with no further modification, or Adobe RGB for images that will be extensively processed or retouched after leaving the camera.

Active D-Lighting: Active D-Lighting preserves details in highlights and shadows, creating photographs with natural contrast. Active D-Lighting offers the following application strength levels: Auto, Low, Normal, High, Extra High and Off.

Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS): The D4 does not have a built-in flash. Optional flash units can be attached to the camera's accessory shoe. The camera supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System when used with CLS-compatible flash units, such as the SB-400, SB-600, SB-700, SB-800, SB-900, and SB-910. The following flash modes are supported:

• Front-Curtain Sync: This mode is recommended for most situations. In programmed auto and aperture-priority auto modes, the shutter speed will automatically be set to values between 1/250 and 1/60 seconds.
• Red-Eye Reduction: The red-eye reduction lamp lights for approximately one second before the flash fires to reduce the red-eye effect.
• Red-Eye Reduction With Slow Sync: Combines red-eye reduction with slow sync for use with portraits taken against a backdrop of night scenery. (Tripod recommended)
• Slow Sync: Flash is combined with shutter speeds as slow as 30 seconds to capture both subject and background at night or under dim light. (Tripod recommended)
• Rear-Curtain Sync: The flash fires just before the shutter closes, creating effect of stream of light following moving subjects. In programmed auto and aperture-priority auto, slow rear-curtain sync is used to capture both subject and background. (Tripod recommended)

Flash Control: The camera supports two flash control modes:

• i-TTL Balanced Fill-flash for Digital SLR: Used with matrix and center-weighted metering, the flash emits a series of nearly invisible pre-flashes immediately before the main flash. Pre-flashes reflected from objects in all areas of the frame are picked up by the 91,000-pixel RGB sensor and are analyzed, along with range information, to adjust the flash output. Available with optional SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, SB-600, or SB-400 Speedlights.
• Standard i-TTL Flash for Digital SLR: Flash output is adjusted to bring lighting in the frame to a standard level. This mode is automatically activated when spot metering is selected.

Flash Compensation: Flash compensation is used to alter flash output from -3 EV to +1EV in increments of 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, or 1 EV to change the brightness of the main subject relative to the background. Flash output can be increased to make the main subject appear brighter or reduced to prevent unwanted highlights or reflections.

FV Lock: This feature is used to lock the flash output, allowing photographs to be recomposed without changing the flash level and ensuring that the flash output is appropriate to the subject even when the subject is not positioned in the center of the frame. The Flash output is adjusted automatically for any changes in ISO sensitivity and aperture.

Optional Accessories

MC-30/MC-36 Remote Shutter Release: The MC-30 and MC-36 Remote Shutter Release cables can help prevent camera shake by triggering the shutter release without touching the camera. The MC-30 has a 32" cable, and plugs into the camera's 10-pin remote terminal. The MC-36 is 36" long and can be programmed for interval timer photography and long time-exposures.

ME-1 Stereo Microphone: The ME-1 can record stereo sound while shooting movies. Audio recorded with the ME-1 play back in stereo when the camera is connected to a TV via an HDMI cable.

GP-1 GPS Unit: The Nikon GP-1 is an optional GPS unit designed for use with Nikon digital cameras, including the D4. When connected (to the 10-pin remote terminal), the GP-1 allows the current latitude, longitude, altitude, and local time to be recorded with each photograph taken.

Additional Connectors: In addition to the 10-pin Remote Terminal and Microphone input, the D4 also includes the following connectors:

• USB 2.0 High Speed: The mini-USB high-speed 2.0 connection lets you connect the camera to your PC using the supplied UC-E15 USB cable.
• RJ-45: The RJ-45 jack lets you connect the camera to a wired LAN.
• Peripheral Connector: The camera's peripheral connector allows you to connect the optional WT-5 or WT-4 Wireless Transmitter.
• HDMI: The camera features a mini-HDMI (Type C) output for connecting the camera to an HDTV or other high-definition video device. The output resolution to Auto, 480p, 576p, 720p, or 1080i. The camera does not have a composite video output.
• Headphone Jack: The camera has a 3.5mm stereo headphone output to allow you to monitor audio during movie recording.
• Flash Sync: A sync cable can be connected to the camera's sync terminal for optional flash units when required.

Play, Print and Edit Features

Auto Image Rotation: Photographs taken while Auto Image Rotation is set to "On" contain information on camera orientation, and allow the images to be rotated automatically during playback, or when viewed using the supplied ViewNX 2 or optional CaptureNX 2 software. Recorded orientations include Landscape (wide), Camera Rotated 90° Clockwise, and Camera Rotated 90° Counter-Clockwise.

Playback Menu: The playback menu contains the following options:

• Delete: allows you to delete the current image or all the images in the selected folder or folders
• Playback Folder: allows you to play back the images in the current folder, all folders created with the D4, or all folders on the memory card
• Hide Image: allows you to hide and reveal selected pictures. Hidden images can only be deleted by formatting the memory card.
• Display Options: choose from either a detailed display of information or a basic display of information
• Copy Images: copy pictures from one memory card to another
• Image Review: When this setting is enabled, the camera displays the image on the LCD monitor after the picture is taken.
• After Delete: choose the picture displayed after an image is deleted (next, previous, continue)
• Rotate Tall: portrait photos are displayed in tall orientation during playback
• Slide Show: allows you to play back images one after the other in a slide-show fashion. You can select the type of images to display, and how long each photo will be displayed.
• Print Set (DPOF): used to create a digital "print order" that lists the photographs to be printed, the number of copies, and the information to be included on each print for use with PictBridge-compatible computers or devices that support DPOF.

Single-Image Playback: During single-image playback, you can view all the pictures stored on the memory card one at a time.

Thumbnail Playback: This feature allows you to view four (2x2), nine (3x3), or 72 (9 x 8) images at once on the LCD monitor so that you can search for an image quickly.

Playback Zoom: During single-image and thumbnail playback, you can zoom in on the selected image. You can zoom in up to 30x for large images, up to 23x for medium images, and up to 15x for small images. Once the image is enlarged, you can move it around on the LCD monitor using the multi selector.

Retouch Menu: The Retouch Menu allows you to create trimmed, resized or retouched copies of the photographs you have taken on the memory card. The Retouch Menu gives you the following editing options: D-Lighting, Red-eye correction, Trim, Monochrome, Filter effects, Color balance, Image overlay, NEF (RAW) processing, Resize, Straighten, Distortion control, Perspective control, Edit movie, and Side-by-side comparison.

Image Comment: The camera allows you to input up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text and save it to a recorded image. The comment can be viewed in CaptureNX 2 (software available separately) or the supplied ViewNX 2 software.

PictBridge Printing Capability: Using the supplied USB cable, you can connect this camera directly to a PictBridge compliant printer. PictBridge is a standard that allows you to connect a PictBridge compliant camera directly to a PictBridge compliant printer and make prints, regardless of brand.

Battery Information

Battery: The D4 is powered by the EN-EL18 Lithium-ion battery (10.8V/2000mAh). A fully-charged EN-EL18 can provide enough power for approximately 2600 shots (CIPA standard). The battery charges in approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes using the supplied MH-26 battery charger.

Optional AC Adapter: You can power the camera for extended periods on ordinary household current with the optional EP-6 power connector and EH-7b AC adapter.

Computer Requirements

ViewNX 2: The supplied ViewNX 2 CD-ROM contains a Nikon Transfer 2 function for transferring pictures from the camera to the computer, where ViewNX 2 can be used to view and print selected images or to edit photographs and movies. ViewNX 2 is compatible with computers with the following Operating Systems:

• Windows: Pre-installed versions of:
  • Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, Ultimate (Service Pack 1)
  • Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, Ultimate (Service Pack 2)
  • Windows XP: 32-bit versions of Home Edition, Professional (Service Pack 3)

Note: All installed programs run as 32-bit applications in 64-bit editions of Windows 7 and Windows Vista

• Macintosh: Mac OS X version 10.5.8, 10.6.8, or 10.7.2