Specifications

Nikon Creative Lighting System: studio-level lighting,
virtually anywhere
Moving beyond available light is easy with Nikon’s unbeatable
Creative Lighting System (CLS). Portable Nikon Speedlights (optional)
can transform any location into your own personal studio, using the
diverse array of CLS flash features to add more depth and dynamism
to your images. Advanced Wireless Lighting gives you precise control
of remote flash units: control up to three groups of Speedlights, with
an unlimited number of units in each group. Operation is as intuitive
as controlling an on-camera Speedlight, using a simple, easy-to-
understand interface. Thanks to Nikon’s exclusive i-TTL flash control,
results will be accurate. In addition, the D4S offers an exposure
compensation option that affects only the background of your image.
Unlike the entire frame compensation option that changes both flash
and the background exposures, this feature allows photographers
to emphasize what they want most in their composition without
complicated calculations.
Active D-Lighting with “Extra high 2” option
When working with extremely high-
contrast lighting, such as in backlit
conditions exceeding the camera’s
already broad dynamic range, the
D4S’s Active D-Lighting feature
provides the unique capability to
preserve details in both highlights and
shadows. It does this while maintaining
appropriate contrast and a natural photographic look. The powerful
EXPEED 4 image-processing engine achieves high color fidelity with
shorter processing time — working in real-time as you shoot. In the
harshest lighting conditions, try the “Extra high 1” or “Extra high 2”
option. Active D-Lighting works with a single shutter release, and can
prove very effective when movement is inherent to your image.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
In the HDR mode, the D4S combines two
images taken at different exposures (differential
can extend up to 3 EV) in one shutter release
to create a single frame that covers a wider
latitude than the camera’s native dynamic range.
The smoothness of the edges where the two
exposures meet can be adjusted. Most suitable
for landscapes, interiors and studio work, the
resulting images maintain rich saturation and
tonality with minimum noise.
Note: Tripod use is recommended.
Setting minimum shutter speed to avoid image blur
for auto ISO sensitivity control
In the auto ISO sensitivity control
option, the camera automatically
adjusts ISO sensitivity when it cannot
achieve the correct exposure at
the selected sensitivity. Maximum
sensitivity can be set from ISO 200
to Hi 4. In P or A mode, the minimum
shutter speed to activate auto ISO sensitivity control can be selected
from 1/4000 to 30 s. If the brightness of your subject matter is
constantly in flux, such as when clouds are moving rapidly overhead
or for shooting in a partially shaded sports area, select fast shutter
speed as the minimum shutter speed in order to avoid unintended
blur. Using the auto option when setting the minimum shutter speed,
the D4S will automatically choose the shutter speed that activates
auto ISO sensitivity control based on the focal length of the attached
lens — very useful when shooting with a zoom NIKKOR lens.
Four image area options
The combination of the D4S and NIKKOR lenses provides you with
unprecedented versatility. Aside from FX format (36.0 × 23.9 mm),
the D4S also shoots with a 5:4 crop (29.9 × 23.9 mm) and 1.2× crop
(29.9 × 19.9 mm), as well as DX format (23.4 × 15.5 mm). The last
two are approx. 1.2x or 1.5x options, which can be extremely useful
for creating telephoto effect to an existing lens.
Enhanced artistry for professionals —
Nikon’s Picture Control System
The D4S delivers exceptional image quality in every default-setting
JPEG straight out of the camera, but the benefits don’t stop there.
The superior malleability of the camera’s image files means that
professionals can easily expand on their artistic impact by taking
advantage of Nikon’s original Picture Control System. Simply apply
a preset Picture Control option according to your preference, and
enjoy the distinctive images. Slightly adjust the parameter sliders
to further enhance the look. You can even create custom Picture
Controls by modifying preset options using the Picture Control
Utility* on a PC. The Picture Control System lets you fully explore
each picture’s photographic potential without compromising the
image’s integrity.
*Software accessible from ViewNX 2 (supplied with the D4S) or Capture NX 2 (optional).
Improved response for single Speedlight
i-TTL flash exposures
The D4S provides enhanced response for i-TTL
flash exposures employing one Speedlight by
further optimizing monitor pre-flashes. The camera
swiftly conducts i-TTL flash control to give you the
optimum results without missing critical moments:
an advantage you appreciate best during continuous
shooting.
Original picture taken with the
“Landscape” Picture Control
option
No exposure compensation for the subject and
the background
“Entire frame” exposure compensation (-2 EV)
“Background only” exposure compensation
(-2 EV)
FX format 5:4 crop 1.2× crop DX format
Enhanced professional artistry,
all under your control
• Excellent file malleability and Nikon’s Picture Control System maintain image integrity while expanding creative freedom
• Nikon Creative Lighting System with “Background only” exposure compensation option separate from flash compensation
• Active D-Lighting to retain more highlight and shadow details in harsh light for natural-looking results — unique to Nikon
14
15
Extra high 1
Adjusting Picture Control can either subtly or significantly enhance the look of your images, while maintaining photographic integrity.
• Lens: AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR • Image quality: 14-bit RAW (NEF) • Exposure: [S] mode, 1/3200 second, f/11 • White balance: Auto 1 • Sensitivity: ISO 3200 • Picture Control: Switched to “Vivid” and adjusted in post-production
© George Karbus
Auto FP high-speed sync was achieved using four remote SB-910 Speedlights which were wirelessly
controlled from the SU-800 commander attached to the D4S.
• Lens: AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED • Image quality: 14-bit RAW (NEF) • Exposure: [M] mode, 1/2500 second,
f/6.3 • White balance: Auto 2 • Sensitivity: ISO 160 • Picture Control: Standard © Dave Black
The appearance of the original picture was significantly modified
in post-production by switching the Picture Control to “Vivid,” with
parameters fine-tuned using the Picture Control Utility and further
enhanced using the Color Control Points in Capture NX 2. The
modified picture is shown at the top of this page.
Exposure differential; 3 EV,
Smoothing; normal
Shot with “Landscape” with parameters
fine-tuned
“Landscape” creates more impressive contrast in portraits
Give your images an extra edge by experimenting with Picture
Controls
Try applying preset Picture Controls to unusual subject matter as a means
of discovering a different look or style for your photography
“Portrait” enhances the soft, smooth appearance of landscape shots
Shot with
“Portrait”
Shot with
“Landscape”
Shot with “Portrait” with parameters
fine-tuned