Nikon D4 pro DSLR revealed

Nikon has just revealed its latest flagship pro DSLR, the D4. Bringing over 45 new or improved features compared to the previous D3 model, it’s been tailored especially for sporting and news reportage photography.

Before we delve into the features on show, here’s a quick run down of the key specs:

– 16.2 million pixel FX format sensor
– ISO 100-12800, expandable 50-204,800
– Full HD video recording at 30/25/24fps
– 720p HD video recording at 60/50fps
– 3.2 inch 921k dot resolution rear LCD screen
– Up to 11fps shooting
– 51 AF points

Taking a closer look first at that 16.2 million pixel FX full frame format sensor, it’s capable of low noise images thanks to redesigned 14-bit A/D signal processing tech. It also allows for a standard sensitivity range of ISO 100-ISO 12800, which can be tweaked to the equivalent of ISO 50 and up to ISO 204,800.

Sitting on the camera’s rear is a 3.2 inch wide-angle LCD screen with automatic brightness controls, running at a 921k dot resolution. Whether shooting in landscape or portrait orientations the button layout remains the same, while one handed ergonomics have been improved, as well as the ability to swap between AF and AF-area mode selection without taking the camera away from the users eye.

Moving onto video capture, and the Nikon D4 is capable of Full HD video recording available at 30p, 25p, 24p, or 60 p for slo-mo 720p clips. Each clip can run for 29 minutes and 59 seconds.

Both FX and DX formats are supported through a new multi-area mode, letting you capture the same scene with differing crop levels. Uncompressed HDMI output fro pro editing is now possible, as well as an audio out for headphones for quick edits while out in the field.

Nikon’s proprietary Advanced Scene Recognition system is onboard, using the new 91,000 pixel RGB sensor to keep scene reproduction as accurate as possible, better track 3D movement and detect human faces. The Multi-CAM3500FX AF Sensor module has 9, 21, and 51 point coverage settings allowing for quick subject detection, and also lets autofocus be possible in incredibly low light scenarios.

Keeping the wildlife/reportage focus in mind, the D4 matches the power of eleven central AF sensors, particularly useful when shooting from a distance with an extender. The redesigned Kevlar shutter is good for at least 400,000 releases, with superfast operation speeds of 0.012 start up time and 0.042 seconds for release lag.

Two card slots are now onboard, a first for any DSLR, compatible with both high-speed UDMA 7 CF cards and the new XQD format. Another Nikon first, a wired LAN connection also features on the camera, while newly designed WT-5 wireless transmitter for HTTP and FTP connections has been included. HTTP now also works with iPhone and iPad screen resolutions.

Due on February 16th 2012, it has an RRP of £4,799.99