Nikon D4 vs Sigma fp
The Nikon D4 and the Sigma fp are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2012 and July 2019. The D4 is a DSLR, while the fp is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 16.2 megapixels, whereas the Sigma provides 24 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D4 and the Sigma fp? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
Body comparison
An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon D4 and the Sigma fp is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sigma fp is considerably smaller (69 percent) than the Nikon D4. Moreover, the fp is substantially lighter (69 percent) than the D4. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.
Concerning battery life, the D4 gets 2600 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL18 battery, while the fp can take 280 images on a single charge of its Sigma BP-51 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D4 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. The power pack in the fp can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D4 | 160 mm | 157 mm | 91 mm | 1340 g | 2600 | Y | Jan 2012 | 5,999 | ebay.com | |
2. | Sigma fp | 113 mm | 70 mm | 45 mm | 422 g | 280 | Y | Jul 2019 | 1,899 | amazon.com | |
3. | Canon 1D X | 158 mm | 168 mm | 83 mm | 1551 g | 1120 | Y | Oct 2011 | 6,799 | ebay.com | |
4. | Fujifilm X-Pro3 | 141 mm | 83 mm | 46 mm | 497 g | 440 | Y | Oct 2019 | 1,799 | amazon.com | |
5. | Nikon D3 | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1300 g | 4300 | Y | Aug 2007 | 4,999 | ebay.com | |
6. | Nikon D3S | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1240 g | 4200 | Y | Oct 2009 | 5,199 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon D3X | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1260 g | 4400 | Y | Dec 2008 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D4S | 160 mm | 157 mm | 91 mm | 1350 g | 3020 | Y | Feb 2014 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D5 | 160 mm | 159 mm | 92 mm | 1415 g | 3780 | Y | Jan 2016 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D600 | 141 mm | 113 mm | 82 mm | 850 g | 900 | Y | Sep 2012 | 2,099 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D780 | 144 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 840 g | 2260 | Y | Jan 2020 | 2,299 | amazon.com | |
12. | Nikon D800 | 146 mm | 123 mm | 82 mm | 1000 g | 900 | Y | Feb 2012 | 2,999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D800E | 146 mm | 123 mm | 82 mm | 1000 g | 900 | Y | Feb 2012 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
14. | Nikon Df | 144 mm | 110 mm | 67 mm | 760 g | 1400 | Y | Nov 2013 | 2,749 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic S1 | 149 mm | 110 mm | 97 mm | 1017 g | 400 | Y | Feb 2019 | 2,499 | amazon.com | |
16. | Panasonic S1H | 151 mm | 114 mm | 110 mm | 1052 g | 400 | Y | May 2019 | 3,999 | amazon.com | |
17. | Panasonic S5 | 133 mm | 98 mm | 82 mm | 714 g | 440 | Y | Sep 2020 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The fp was launched at a markedly lower price (by 68 percent) than the D4, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.
Sensor comparison
The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.
Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.
Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the fp offers a higher resolution of 24 megapixels, compared with 16.2 MP of the D4. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 5.98μm versus 7.29μm for the D4). However, it should be noted that the fp is much more recent (by 7 years and 6 months) than the D4, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the fp has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.
The resolution advantage of the Sigma fp implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the fp for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D4 are 24.6 x 16.4 inches or 62.6 x 41.7 cm for good quality, 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.3 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.8 cm for excellent quality prints.
The Nikon D4 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 50-204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sigma fp are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 6-102400.
In terms of underlying technology, the D4 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the fp uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.
Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D4 | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | 1080/30p | 24.7 | 13.1 | 2965 | 89 | |
2. | Sigma fp | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 4K/30p | 25.2 | 14.2 | 2829 | 94 | |
3. | Canon 1D X | Full Frame | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 23.8 | 11.8 | 2786 | 82 | |
4. | Fujifilm X-Pro3 | APS-C | 26.0 | 6240 | 4160 | 4K/30p | 24.1 | 13.6 | 1968 | 84 | |
5. | Nikon D3 | Full Frame | 12.1 | 4256 | 2832 | none | 23.5 | 12.2 | 2290 | 81 | |
6. | Nikon D3S | Full Frame | 12.1 | 4256 | 2832 | 720/24p | 23.5 | 12.0 | 3253 | 82 | |
7. | Nikon D3X | Full Frame | 24.4 | 6048 | 4032 | none | 24.7 | 13.7 | 1992 | 88 | |
8. | Nikon D4S | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | 1080/60p | 24.4 | 13.3 | 3074 | 89 | |
9. | Nikon D5 | Full Frame | 20.7 | 5588 | 3712 | 4K/30p | 25.1 | 12.3 | 2343 | 88 | |
10. | Nikon D600 | Full Frame | 24.2 | 6016 | 4016 | 1080/30p | 25.1 | 14.2 | 2980 | 94 | |
11. | Nikon D780 | Full Frame | 24.3 | 6048 | 4024 | 4K/30p | 25.3 | 14.3 | 2877 | 95 | |
12. | Nikon D800 | Full Frame | 36.2 | 7360 | 4912 | 1080/30p | 25.3 | 14.4 | 2853 | 95 | |
13. | Nikon D800E | Full Frame | 36.2 | 7360 | 4912 | 1080/30p | 25.6 | 14.3 | 2979 | 96 | |
14. | Nikon Df | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | none | 24.6 | 13.1 | 3279 | 89 | |
15. | Panasonic S1 | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 4K/60p | 25.2 | 14.5 | 3333 | 95 | |
16. | Panasonic S1H | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 6K/30p | 25.2 | 14.2 | 2805 | 94 | |
17. | Panasonic S5 | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 4K/60p | 25.1 | 14.5 | 2697 | 94 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the fp provides a better video resolution than the D4. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Nikon is limited to 1080/30p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the D4 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the fp relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the fp can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF-11. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D4 and Sigma fp in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.
Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D4 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
2. | Sigma fp | optional | n | 3.2 / 2100 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | n | n | |
3. | Canon 1D X | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | n | |
4. | Fujifilm X-Pro3 | 3690 | n | 3.0 / 1620 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 8.0/s | n | n | |
5. | Nikon D3 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
6. | Nikon D3S | optical | Y | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
7. | Nikon D3X | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
8. | Nikon D4S | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
9. | Nikon D5 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 2359 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | n | |
10. | Nikon D600 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.5/s | Y | n | |
11. | Nikon D780 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 2359 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | n | n | |
12. | Nikon D800 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
13. | Nikon D800E | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
14. | Nikon Df | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.5/s | n | n | |
15. | Panasonic S1 | 5760 | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | full-flex | Y | 1/8000s | 9.0/s | n | Y | |
16. | Panasonic S1H | 5760 | Y | 3.2 / 2330 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 9.0/s | n | Y | |
17. | Panasonic S5 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1840 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 7.0/s | n | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One feature that is present on the D4, but is missing on the fp is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.
The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the fp is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).
The Nikon D4 and the Sigma fp both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.
The D4 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or XQD cards, while the fp uses SDXC cards. The D4 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the fp only has one slot.
Connectivity comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D4 and Sigma fp and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D4 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Sigma fp | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 3.1 | - | - | - | |
3. | Canon 1D X | Y | mono / - | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
4. | Fujifilm X-Pro3 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | - | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
5. | Nikon D3 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
6. | Nikon D3S | Y | stereo / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
7. | Nikon D3X | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Nikon D4S | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
9. | Nikon D5 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Nikon D600 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Nikon D780 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
12. | Nikon D800 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Nikon D800E | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
14. | Nikon Df | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
15. | Panasonic S1 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
16. | Panasonic S1H | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
17. | Panasonic S5 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.2 | Y | - | Y |
It is notable that the D4 has a headphone jack, which is not present on the fp This port makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process.
Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D4 (unlike the fp) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.
The fp is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sigma. In contrast, the D4 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D4 was succeeded by the Nikon D4S. Further information on the features and operation of the D4 and fp can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D4 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sigma fp Manual.
Review summary
So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D4 or the Sigma fp – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.
Advantages of the Nikon D4:
- Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
- Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
- Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
- Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
- More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
- Longer lasting: Can take more shots (2600 versus 280) on a single battery charge.
- Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
- Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
- More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2012).
Reasons to prefer the Sigma fp:
- More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 16.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 22%.
- Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
- Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 921k dots).
- Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
- Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
- More compact: Is smaller (113x70mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 918g or 69 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
- Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
- More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
- Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (68 percent cheaper at launch).
- More modern: Reflects 7 years and 6 months of technical progress since the D4 launch.
If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the fp is the clear winner of the contest (13 : 9 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D4 and the Sigma fp place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D4 and the fp in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.
Expert reviews
This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.
Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D4 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2012 | 5,999 | ebay.com | |
2. | Sigma fp | 4/5 | .. | 4/5 | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2019 | 1,899 | amazon.com | |
3. | Canon 1D X | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2011 | 6,799 | ebay.com | |
4. | Fujifilm X-Pro3 | 4/5 | + | 4/5 | 85/100 | 4/5 | .. | Oct 2019 | 1,799 | amazon.com | |
5. | Nikon D3 | .. | .. | .. | + + | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2007 | 4,999 | ebay.com | |
6. | Nikon D3S | 5/5 | .. | .. | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Oct 2009 | 5,199 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon D3X | .. | .. | .. | 86/100 | 4/5 | 5/5 | Dec 2008 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D4S | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2014 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D5 | .. | .. | 4/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2016 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D600 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 87/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 2,099 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D780 | 5/5 | .. | 5/5 | 87/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2020 | 2,299 | amazon.com | |
12. | Nikon D800 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 82/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2012 | 2,999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D800E | .. | .. | .. | 84/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2012 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
14. | Nikon Df | 4/5 | .. | .. | 81/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | Nov 2013 | 2,749 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic S1 | 4.5/5 | + + | 4.5/5 | 88/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Feb 2019 | 2,499 | amazon.com | |
16. | Panasonic S1H | .. | .. | 4/5 | 90/100 | .. | .. | May 2019 | 3,999 | amazon.com | |
17. | Panasonic S5 | 4.5/5 | + + | 4.5/5 | 88/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2020 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.
Specifications: Nikon D4 vs Sigma fp
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.
Camera Model | Nikon D4 | Sigma fp |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | Mirrorless system camera |
Camera Lens | Nikon F mount lenses | Leica L mount lenses |
Launch Date | January 2012 | July 2019 |
Launch Price | USD 5,999 | USD 1,899 |
Sensor Specs | Nikon D4 | Sigma fp |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor Format | Full Frame Sensor | Full Frame Sensor |
Sensor Size | 36.0 x 23.9 mm | 35.9 x 23.9 mm |
Sensor Area | 860.4 mm2 | 858.01 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 43.2 mm | 43.1 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.0x | 1.0x |
Sensor Resolution | 16.2 Megapixels | 24 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 4928 x 3280 pixels | 6000 x 4000 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 7.29 μm | 5.98 μm |
Pixel Density | 1.88 MP/cm2 | 2.80 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | no AA filter |
Movie Capability | 1080/30p Video | 4K/30p Video |
ISO Setting | 100 - 12,800 ISO | 100 - 25,600 ISO |
ISO Boost | 50 - 204,800 ISO | 6 - 102,400 ISO |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 89 | .. |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 24.7 | .. |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 13.1 | .. |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 2965 | .. |
Screen Specs | Nikon D4 | Sigma fp |
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | Viewfinder optional |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.70x | |
Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | no Top Display |
LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 3.2inch | 3.2inch |
LCD Resolution | 921k dots | 2100k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Fixed screen |
Touch Input | no Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
Shooting Specs | Nikon D4 | Sigma fp |
Focus System | Phase-detect AF | Contrast-detect AF |
Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | Focus Peaking |
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) | 1/8000s | 1/8000s |
Continuous Shooting | 11 shutter flaps/s | 12 shutter flaps/s |
Electronic Shutter | no E-Shutter | up to 1/8000s |
Time-Lapse Photography | Intervalometer built-in | Intervalometer built-in |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | no On-Board Flash |
Storage Medium | CF or XQD cards | SDXC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Dual card slots | Single card slot |
Connectivity Specs | Nikon D4 | Sigma fp |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | no PC Sync |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 3.1 |
HDMI Port | micro HDMI | micro HDMI |
Microphone Port | External MIC port | External MIC port |
Headphone Socket | Headphone port | no Headphone port |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | no Wifi |
Body Specs | Nikon D4 | Sigma fp |
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | Weathersealed body |
Battery Type | Nikon EN-EL18 | Sigma BP-51 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 2600 shots per charge | 280 shots per charge |
In-Camera Charging | no USB charging | USB charging |
Body Dimensions |
160 x 157 x 91 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.6 in) |
113 x 70 x 45 mm (4.4 x 2.8 x 1.8 in) |
Camera Weight | 1340 g (47.3 oz) | 422 g (14.9 oz) |
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