What To Know
- The D500, on the other hand, offers an even denser focus point distribution, allowing for precise focus on even the smallest of subjects.
- The D4S and D500 both offer Group Area AF, which allows the user to select a group of focus points to track a subject.
- The Nikon D4S is the perfect choice for professional photographers who demand the highest level of autofocus performance in a full-frame camera.
Nikon’s D4S and D500 are two of the most acclaimed professional digital SLR cameras on the market, renowned for their exceptional autofocus capabilities. This blog post delves into a comprehensive comparison of the autofocus systems of these two cameras, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and the ideal applications for each.
Autofocus System Overview
The Nikon D4S features a 51-point autofocus system with 15 cross-type sensors, while the D500 boasts a 153-point autofocus system with 99 cross-type sensors. Both cameras utilize Nikon’s Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus module, ensuring fast and accurate focusing.
Focus Point Coverage
The D4S provides wide focus point coverage, spanning across the entire frame. This is advantageous for capturing subjects that move erratically or are located off-center. The D500, on the other hand, offers an even denser focus point distribution, allowing for precise focus on even the smallest of subjects.
Focus Speed
Both the D4S and D500 exhibit lightning-fast focus speeds. The D500, however, has a slight edge due to its higher number of focus points and advanced algorithms. This makes it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife.
Low-Light Performance
The D4S excels in low-light conditions, with a remarkable ISO range of 100-204,800 (expandable to 409,600). Its autofocus system remains highly responsive even in dim environments, making it suitable for astrophotography or indoor sports events.
Group Area AF
The D4S and D500 both offer Group Area AF, which allows the user to select a group of focus points to track a subject. This is particularly useful for situations where the subject moves unpredictably, such as a bird in flight.
3D Tracking
The D500 introduces a new 3D Tracking mode, which uses the camera’s RGB sensor to analyze the scene and predict the subject’s movement. This mode provides exceptional tracking accuracy, especially for subjects that move in three-dimensional space.
Subject Recognition
The D500 features a subject recognition system that can automatically identify and focus on specific subjects, such as faces, eyes, or animals. This feature simplifies focusing on complex scenes and improves overall autofocus performance.
Ideal Applications
The Nikon D4S is the perfect choice for professional photographers who demand the highest level of autofocus performance in a full-frame camera. It excels in low-light conditions and is ideal for sports, wildlife, and wedding photography.
The Nikon D500 is an excellent option for photographers who require a versatile and fast-focusing APS-C camera. Its dense focus point coverage, 3D Tracking, and subject recognition capabilities make it an exceptional choice for sports, wildlife, and action photography.
Summary: Unlocking the Power of Precision
Both the Nikon D4S and D500 offer exceptional autofocus systems, tailored to meet the specific needs of professional photographers. The D4S provides comprehensive focus coverage and low-light prowess, while the D500 boasts lightning-fast focus speeds and advanced tracking capabilities. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each camera, you can make an informed decision and unlock the power of precision autofocus in your photography.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which camera has a higher number of focus points?
A: The Nikon D500 has a 153-point autofocus system, while the D4S has a 51-point system.
Q: Which camera offers better low-light autofocus performance?
A: The Nikon D4S has a wider ISO range and exhibits superior autofocus performance in low-light conditions.
Q: Which camera is more suitable for sports and wildlife photography?
A: The Nikon D500 has faster focus speeds and 3D Tracking, making it the better choice for capturing fast-moving subjects.
