What To Know
- It has a native ISO range of 100-12,800, expandable to 50-204,800, while the D3s has a native ISO range of 200-12,800, expandable to 100-102,400.
- It has a higher resolution sensor, a more advanced autofocus system, faster burst shooting capabilities, better ISO performance, more advanced video capabilities, and a more robust build quality.
- While the D3s remains a capable camera, the D4 is the superior choice for photographers who demand the best in performance and features.
Ken Rockwell, a renowned photographer and expert in camera technology, provides an in-depth comparison of the Nikon D4 and D3s, two professional-grade DSLRs. This blog post delves into the key differences between these cameras, exploring their features, performance, and suitability for various photographic applications.
Sensor and Image Quality
The D4 features a 16.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor, while the D3s has a 12.1MP full-frame CMOS sensor. Despite the higher resolution, the D4’s sensor offers comparable image quality to the D3s, with excellent dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light performance.
Autofocus System
Both cameras boast sophisticated autofocus systems, but the D4 has a slight edge. It features a 51-point autofocus module with 15 cross-type sensors, compared to the D3s’ 51-point autofocus module with 11 cross-type sensors. This provides the D4 with faster and more accurate autofocus, especially in low-light conditions.
Burst Shooting and Buffer Capacity
The D4 excels in burst shooting, capturing up to 11 frames per second (fps) in FX mode and 16 fps in DX mode. The D3s, on the other hand, can shoot up to 9 fps in FX mode and 11 fps in DX mode. The D4 also has a larger buffer capacity, allowing for longer bursts of high-speed shooting without compromising performance.
ISO Performance
Both cameras offer impressive ISO performance, with the D4 having a slight advantage. It has a native ISO range of 100-12,800, expandable to 50-204,800, while the D3s has a native ISO range of 200-12,800, expandable to 100-102,400. The D4 produces cleaner images at higher ISO settings, making it better suited for low-light photography.
Video Capabilities
The D4 offers more advanced video capabilities than the D3s. It can shoot full HD 1080p video at up to 30 fps, with the option of recording uncompressed video via an external recorder. The D3s is limited to 720p HD video at 24 fps.
Build Quality and Durability
Both cameras are built to withstand harsh conditions, with rugged magnesium alloy bodies and weather sealing. However, the D4 has a slightly more robust construction, making it better suited for extreme environments and demanding professional use.
Price and Availability
The D4 was released in 2012 and has since been replaced by the D4s and D5. It is now available at a significantly lower price than the D3s, which was released in 2009.
Final Thoughts: Nikon D4 vs D3s – Ken Rockwell
The Nikon D4 and D3s are both exceptional professional-grade DSLRs, but the D4 offers several advantages over its predecessor. It has a higher resolution sensor, a more advanced autofocus system, faster burst shooting capabilities, better ISO performance, more advanced video capabilities, and a more robust build quality. While the D3s remains a capable camera, the D4 is the superior choice for photographers who demand the best in performance and features.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Nikon D4 offers better ISO performance and produces cleaner images at higher ISO settings, making it better suited for low-light photography.
Q: Which camera has a faster autofocus system?
A: The Nikon D4 has a faster and more accurate autofocus system, especially in low-light conditions.
Q: Which camera can shoot video at higher resolutions?
A: The Nikon D4 can shoot full HD 1080p video at up to 30 fps, while the D3s is limited to 720p HD video at 24 fps.
Q: Which camera has a more rugged build quality?
A: The Nikon D4 has a slightly more robust construction, making it better suited for extreme environments and demanding professional use.
Q: Which camera is more affordable?
A: The Nikon D4 is now available at a significantly lower price than the D3s, which was released in 2009.
