Nikon D4S vs Z9
The Nikon D4S and the Nikon Z9 are two professional cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in February 2014 and October 2021. The D4S is a DSLR, while the Z9 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The D4S has a resolution of 16.2 megapixels, whereas the Z9 provides 45.4 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 D4S and the Nikon Z9? 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
The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D4S and the Nikon Z9. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions 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 Nikon Z9 is notably smaller (11 percent) than the Nikon D4S. Moreover, the Z9 is slightly lighter (1 percent) than the D4S. 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 D4S gets 3020 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL18a battery, while the Z9 can take 740 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL18d power pack. As can be seen in the images above, both cameras have a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. The power pack in the Z9 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.
The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.
# | Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D4S | 160 mm | 157 mm | 91 mm | 1350 g | 3020 | Y | Feb 2014 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Nikon Z9 | 149 mm | 150 mm | 91 mm | 1340 g | 740 | Y | Oct 2021 | 5,499 | amazon.com | |
3. | Canon 1D X Mark III | 158 mm | 168 mm | 83 mm | 1440 g | 2850 | Y | Jan 2020 | 6,499 | amazon.com | |
4. | Canon 1D X | 158 mm | 168 mm | 83 mm | 1551 g | 1120 | Y | Oct 2011 | 6,799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Nikon Z8 | 144 mm | 119 mm | 83 mm | 910 g | 340 | Y | May 2023 | 3,999 | amazon.com | |
6. | Nikon D6 | 160 mm | 163 mm | 92 mm | 1270 g | 3580 | Y | Feb 2020 | 6,499 | amazon.com | |
7. | Nikon Z7 II | 134 mm | 101 mm | 70 mm | 705 g | 420 | Y | Oct 2020 | 2,999 | amazon.com | |
8. | Nikon Z7 | 134 mm | 101 mm | 67 mm | 675 g | 330 | Y | Aug 2018 | 3,399 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D5 | 160 mm | 159 mm | 92 mm | 1415 g | 3780 | Y | Jan 2016 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D750 | 141 mm | 113 mm | 78 mm | 750 g | 1230 | Y | Sep 2014 | 2,299 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D810 | 146 mm | 123 mm | 82 mm | 980 g | 1200 | Y | Jun 2014 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon Df | 144 mm | 110 mm | 67 mm | 760 g | 1400 | Y | Nov 2013 | 2,749 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D4 | 160 mm | 157 mm | 91 mm | 1340 g | 2600 | Y | Jan 2012 | 5,999 | ebay.com | |
14. | Nikon D3S | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1240 g | 4200 | Y | Oct 2009 | 5,199 | ebay.com | |
15. | Nikon D3X | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1260 g | 4400 | Y | Dec 2008 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
16. | Nikon D3 | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1300 g | 4300 | Y | Aug 2007 | 4,999 | ebay.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 Z9 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 15 percent) than the D4S, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. 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 imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras 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.
Technology-wise, the Z9 uses a more advanced image processing engine (EXPEED 7) than the D4S (EXPEED 4), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.
Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the Z9 offers a higher resolution of 45.4 megapixels, compared with 16.2 MP of the D4S. 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 4.35μm versus 7.29μm for the D4S). However, it should be noted that the Z9 is much more recent (by 7 years and 8 months) than the D4S, 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 Z9 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.
The resolution advantage of the Nikon Z9 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z9 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 27.5 inches or 104.9 x 69.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 22 inches or 83.9 x 55.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 18.3 inches or 69.9 x 46.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D4S 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 Z9 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.
The Nikon D4S has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 50-409600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon Z9 are ISO 64 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 32-102400.
In terms of underlying technology, the D4S is build around a CMOS sensor, while the Z9 uses a Stacked 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.
For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under consideration, the Z9 has a markedly higher DXO score than the D4S (overall score 9 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 1.9 bits higher color depth, 1.1 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.3 stops of reduced low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.
# | Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D4S | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | 1080/60p | 24.4 | 13.3 | 3074 | 89 | |
2. | Nikon Z9 | Full Frame | 45.4 | 8256 | 5504 | 8K/30p | 26.3 | 14.4 | 2451 | 98 | |
3. | Canon 1D X Mark III | Full Frame | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/60p | 24.2 | 14.5 | 3248 | 91 | |
4. | Canon 1D X | Full Frame | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 23.8 | 11.8 | 2786 | 82 | |
5. | Nikon Z8 | Full Frame | 45.4 | 8256 | 5504 | 8K/30p | 26.3 | 14.2 | 2548 | 98 | |
6. | Nikon D6 | Full Frame | 20.7 | 5568 | 3712 | 4K/30p | 25.3 | 14.3 | 2886 | 95 | |
7. | Nikon Z7 II | Full Frame | 45.4 | 8256 | 5504 | 4K/60p | 26.3 | 14.7 | 2841 | 100 | |
8. | Nikon Z7 | Full Frame | 45.4 | 8256 | 5504 | 4K/30p | 26.3 | 14.6 | 2668 | 99 | |
9. | Nikon D5 | Full Frame | 20.7 | 5588 | 3712 | 4K/30p | 25.1 | 12.3 | 2343 | 88 | |
10. | Nikon D750 | Full Frame | 24.2 | 6016 | 4016 | 1080/60p | 24.8 | 14.5 | 2956 | 93 | |
11. | Nikon D810 | Full Frame | 36.2 | 7360 | 4912 | 1080/60p | 25.7 | 14.8 | 2853 | 97 | |
12. | Nikon Df | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | none | 24.6 | 13.1 | 3279 | 89 | |
13. | Nikon D4 | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | 1080/30p | 24.7 | 13.1 | 2965 | 89 | |
14. | Nikon D3S | Full Frame | 12.1 | 4256 | 2832 | 720/24p | 23.5 | 12.0 | 3253 | 82 | |
15. | Nikon D3X | Full Frame | 24.4 | 6048 | 4032 | none | 24.7 | 13.7 | 1992 | 88 | |
16. | Nikon D3 | Full Frame | 12.1 | 4256 | 2832 | none | 23.5 | 12.2 | 2290 | 81 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Z9 provides a better video resolution than the D4S. It can shoot movie footage at 8K/30p, while the D4S is limited to 1080/60p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Z9 has an electronic viewfinder (3690k dots), while the D4S has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the Z9 has a higher magnification than the one of the D4S (0.80x vs 0.70x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D4S and Nikon Z9 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 D4S | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
2. | Nikon Z9 | 3690 | Y | 3.2 / 2089 | full-flex | Y | 1/32000s | 30.0/s | n | Y | |
3. | Canon 1D X Mark III | optical | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 20.0/s | n | n | |
4. | Canon 1D X | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | n | |
5. | Nikon Z8 | 3690 | Y | 3.2 / 2089 | full-flex | Y | 1/32000s | 30.0/s | n | Y | |
6. | Nikon D6 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 2359 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | n | |
7. | Nikon Z7 II | 3690 | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | Y | |
8. | Nikon Z7 | 3690 | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 9.0/s | n | Y | |
9. | Nikon D5 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 2359 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | n | |
10. | Nikon D750 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1229 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
11. | Nikon D810 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1229 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
12. | Nikon Df | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.5/s | n | n | |
13. | Nikon D4 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
14. | Nikon D3S | optical | Y | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
15. | Nikon D3X | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
16. | Nikon D3 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The Z9 has a touchscreen, while the D4S has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.
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 Z9 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 D4S and the Nikon Z9 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 D4S writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or XQD cards, while the Z9 uses CFexpress (type B) or XQD cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.
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 D4S and Nikon Z9 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 D4S | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Nikon Z9 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
3. | Canon 1D X Mark III | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
4. | Canon 1D X | Y | mono / - | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Nikon Z8 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
6. | Nikon D6 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
7. | Nikon Z7 II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
8. | Nikon Z7 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
9. | Nikon D5 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Nikon D750 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
11. | Nikon D810 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | Y | - | - | |
12. | Nikon Df | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Nikon D4 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
14. | Nikon D3S | Y | stereo / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
15. | Nikon D3X | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
16. | Nikon D3 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - |
It is notable that the Z9 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D4S does not provide wifi capability.
Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.
Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the Z9 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.
The Z9 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the D4S has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D4S was succeeded by the Nikon D5. Further information on the features and operation of the D4S and Z9 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D4S Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon Z9 Manual.
Review summary
So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Nikon D4S better than the Nikon Z9 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.
Advantages of the Nikon D4S:
- Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
- Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.3 stops ISO advantage).
- Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
- Longer lasting: Can take more shots (3020 versus 740) on a single battery charge.
- More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2014).
Reasons to prefer the Nikon Z9:
- More detail: Has more megapixels (45.4 vs 16.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 68%.
- Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
- Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (9 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
- Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.9 bits more color depth).
- More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.1 EV of extra DR).
- Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (EXPEED 7 vs EXPEED 4).
- Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (8K/30p vs 1080/60p).
- Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
- More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
- Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.70x).
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2089k vs 921k dots).
- More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
- Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
- Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/32000s vs 1/8000s) to freeze action.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (30 vs 11 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
- More compact: Is smaller (149x150mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
- Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
- More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
- Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
- Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
- Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
- Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
- More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (15 percent cheaper at launch).
- More modern: Reflects 7 years and 8 months of technical progress since the D4S launch.
If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Z9 is the clear winner of the contest (27 : 5 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 D4S and the Nikon Z9 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 technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the D4S or the Z9 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.
Expert reviews
This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major 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 D4S | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2014 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Nikon Z9 | 5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 94/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Oct 2021 | 5,499 | amazon.com | |
3. | Canon 1D X Mark III | .. | + + | 5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Jan 2020 | 6,499 | amazon.com | |
4. | Canon 1D X | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2011 | 6,799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Nikon Z8 | 5/5 | .. | 5/5 | 94/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | May 2023 | 3,999 | amazon.com | |
6. | Nikon D6 | .. | .. | 4/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2020 | 6,499 | amazon.com | |
7. | Nikon Z7 II | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2020 | 2,999 | amazon.com | |
8. | Nikon Z7 | 5/5 | + | 4.8/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Aug 2018 | 3,399 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D5 | .. | .. | 4/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2016 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D750 | 5/5 | + + | 4/5 | 90/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2014 | 2,299 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D810 | 5/5 | .. | 5/5 | 86/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2014 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon Df | 4/5 | .. | .. | 81/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | Nov 2013 | 2,749 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D4 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2012 | 5,999 | ebay.com | |
14. | Nikon D3S | 5/5 | .. | .. | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Oct 2009 | 5,199 | ebay.com | |
15. | Nikon D3X | .. | .. | .. | 86/100 | 4/5 | 5/5 | Dec 2008 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
16. | Nikon D3 | .. | .. | .. | + + | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2007 | 4,999 | ebay.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 comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.
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. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
Specifications: Nikon D4S vs Nikon Z9
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 D4S | Nikon Z9 |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | Mirrorless system camera |
Camera Lens | Nikon F mount lenses | Nikon Z mount lenses |
Launch Date | February 2014 | October 2021 |
Launch Price | USD 6,499 | USD 5,499 |
Sensor Specs | Nikon D4S | Nikon Z9 |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | Stacked 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 | 45.4 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 4928 x 3280 pixels | 8256 x 5504 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 7.29 μm | 4.35 μm |
Pixel Density | 1.88 MP/cm2 | 5.30 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | no AA filter |
Movie Capability | 1080/60p Video | 8K/30p Video |
ISO Setting | 100 - 25,600 ISO | 64 - 25,600 ISO |
ISO Boost | 50 - 409,600 ISO | 32 - 102,400 ISO |
Image Processor | EXPEED 4 | EXPEED 7 |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 89 | 98 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 24.4 | 26.3 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 13.3 | 14.4 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 3074 | 2451 |
Screen Specs | Nikon D4S | Nikon Z9 |
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | Electronic viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.70x | 0.80x |
Viewfinder Resolution | 3690k dots | |
Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | Control Panel |
LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 3.2inch | 3.2inch |
LCD Resolution | 921k dots | 2089k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Fully flexible screen |
Touch Input | no Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
Shooting Specs | Nikon D4S | Nikon Z9 |
Focus System | Phase-detect AF | On-Sensor Phase-detect |
Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | Focus Peaking |
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) | 1/8000s | 1/32000s |
Continuous Shooting | 11 shutter flaps/s | 30 shutter flaps/s |
Electronic Shutter | no E-Shutter | up to 1/32000s |
Time-Lapse Photography | Intervalometer built-in | Intervalometer built-in |
Image Stabilization | Lens stabilization only | In-body stabilization |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | no On-Board Flash |
Storage Medium | CF or XQD cards | CFexB or XQD cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Dual card slots | Dual card slots |
Connectivity Specs | Nikon D4S | Nikon Z9 |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | PC Sync socket |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 3.2 |
HDMI Port | mini HDMI | full HDMI |
Microphone Port | External MIC port | External MIC port |
Headphone Socket | Headphone port | Headphone port |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | Wifi built-in |
Bluetooth Support | no Bluetooth | Bluetooth built-in |
Geotagging | no internal GPS | GPS built-in |
Body Specs | Nikon D4S | Nikon Z9 |
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | Weathersealed body |
Battery Type | Nikon EN-EL18a | Nikon EN-EL18d |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 3020 shots per charge | 740 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) |
149 x 150 x 91 mm (5.9 x 5.9 x 3.6 in) |
Camera Weight | 1350 g (47.6 oz) | 1340 g (47.3 oz) |
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