Stunned coming from a D3, it's unimaginable!
I've been a Nikon User for 25 yrs, and own many film and digital models. I've become accustomed to the natural upgrade process, & of coarse cost. However having bought the D3, specifically w/ enhanced buffer, I've found even for high end commercial assignments, the D3 has been manageable even at only 12Mgpx. So even 3 yrs after it's release the D4, was still pricing very strong. I finally pulled the trigger finding a unique BIN, at a price I thought was a steal, and I can say, I'm 100% convinced I made the right choice. I would point out, you'll need a bit of a work flow change as , 'if' you use a QXD card there's a reader, and the card itself which are much more than a CF. I use CF's but can fill a 32 G card on a good day easily. Along with all previous batteries for D Models being obsolete, & even non brand name offerings, aren't super cheap. ** be sure to buy one decoded, or the battery level won't show on the display.**,{Nikon implemented a few things like that on the D4, Nikon Spec off brand flashes, work, but there's a menu item, that allows you to change comp, and other settings, which is Breyer out until a Nikon Compatible flash is used. }
But back to the real differences, as anyone shooting at this level has Nikon oem access, I pointed that out for knowledge really, but the back buttons are TOTALLY different. A. There's a dedicated video/photo, live view switch, w/ an on button in middle. It's located right Lower LCD area where you thumb can reach, and it has a dedicated record button aside the shutter. View TTL, is the usual Nikon layout, but using some longer,(170-500, 135-400) lenses, I achieved focus lock instantly. Where my D3, would also, but under F:7.3, if it wasn't good sunlight, I had to really be at the best angle or I'd get focus hunt. The D4, just locks on, you can read a complete review on watch YouTube for every button, but I'll summits, AF on , add 2, 1 top right of LCD, 1 bottom right of LCD, programmable, to anything. I set the top( called center) to AEL, + Non-CPU lens scold when using command dial. The bottom one to virtual horizon, which NOW adds 3 tiny dots inside the focus squares + the exp meter up and down, but you don't have to look away to level your shot. There's also a button beside the portrait view shutter button, there's nearly no setting I can't get to without having to look away. Although my D3, was spot on with exposure, typical 'mis exposed' metering, i.e. A full moon, a really shady area on a bright sunny day, ambient indoor lighting, which have always( for me and the last 3, single digit D bodies), been a personal knowledge I'm either Not under or over exposed. The first time I viewed TTL, i used auto ISO to see, and I was dead on with ISO, under 800, where I've previously shot 1000's of photos at @ 1000. Photos were dead on, and ( for me) any mgpx jump takes a bit of settling in, so personally the modest 16.2 Mgpx , are really MORE than you expect much like the D3's 12. To choose a D800, (which was a thought), would IMHO, give up so many professional options, I am certain the D4, was my best choice. I need a weatherproof, GETS the shot, KNEE DEEP IN BUFFER, Production quality HD Video, + some slomo segments, absolutely will turn on, and fire for you, dslr pro body, with every adjustment at my fingertips while in view TTL, so that is the D4. Enjoy!!
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned