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Nikon is making its high-end DSLRs much better at video
Nikon's best DSLRs will soon be able to record sharper video, making them much more useful for videographers. The Japanese company says its D4s, D810 and D750 full-frame DSLRs will get "greater support for recording high-definition, uncompressed data" to external recorders via the HDMI port. In addition, you'll be able to send start/stop commands to supported video recorders and edit video more efficiently, presumably via the addition of timecode or other metadata. There's no word on exact video specifications or whether RAW output would be supported, but the company promised to reveal more at NAB tomorrow (the firmware is due this summer). Considering that Nikon was the first to put video on a DSLR, we're glad it's not treating it like the ugly stepchild anymore.
Nikon's new D4S DSLR improves speed and focusing, adds ISO settings up to 409,600
The Nikon D4S has been teased, displayed in a plastic case and now, it's official -- and we even got to play with it. There's a substantial list of what hasn't changed (the same 16.2-megapixel image size, to begin with), but if you're a high-level photographer already in possession of a D4 (or perhaps even a D3S), you'll be more interested in those differences. Firstly, while the sensor will offer the same sized images, but it's a newly developed piece of hardware, with a focus on better noise reduction. ISO now ranges from 100 - 25600, with its Hi4 setting cranking that up to a mind-boggling 409600. If you're currently handling a D4, you can also expect to see substantial noise reduction: the D4S' ISO 1600 will be comparable to the D4's ISO 800 setting. Nikon's new DSLR also delivers changes to to the auto-focus system for both photos and video. Behind the lens, there's improvements to both the tracking system and the algorithms that govern how the D4S focuses. A new Group AF mode tracks five separate points, meaning that a moving subject (and even a moving photographer) should pose less of a threat to crisp imaging. On video, (where you can now capture uncompressed 1080p resolution at 60 frames) tracking has been bumped up to 11 frames per second on full auto-focus and exposure. Hopefully fixing one of our major issues with the D4, the new model also comes with a more substantial battery pack, up from 2,000mAh to 2,500mAh. The new unit actually weighs more, but reductions on the D4S' body means it adds just seven ounces, total, over 2012's D4. Expect the camera to land on March 6th, and prepare your bank account for the hit: it's expected to retail for $6,500. We've got some early impressions and details on some minor hardware changes, including more substantial grips, right after the jump.
CES 2014: Cameras and digital imaging roundup
As in years past, CES wasn't the premier showcase for groundbreaking digital imaging products, but we still saw our fair share of photo-centric updates. Of course, with manufacturers highlighting a wide array of 4K televisions, it wasn't surprising to see them emphasize Ultra HD on the capture side of things, too. Most notable on that front was Sony's compact $2,000 4K Handycam. It's significantly smaller than the company's pricier alternative, and it scores major points for affordability, too. Other manufacturers also peddled 4K shooters, such as Panasonic with its GH and head-mounted prototypes, but the pre-release versions on display weren't nearly as compelling as the model Sony plans to start shipping in March.
A first glimpse at Nikon's new flagship, the D4S
Nikon told us to expect a D4S preview at its CES booth, but this early look at the pro-grade model actually comes courtesy of our Engadget colleagues in Hong Kong. They spotted the DSLR at an official press event for the D3300, though it was encased in glass, which unfortunately prevented them from giving it a try and discovering if it was anything more than a prototype -- but, in any case, it at least suggests that Nikon is largely sticking to its tried and tested control layout. As for internals, the company is promising a new imaging engine and faster autofocus, but there's no word yet on the sensor -- we're hoping for an upgrade in that department too, what with the two-year-old D4's sensor having already appeared in a (slightly) cheaper model in Nikon's lineup.
Nikon previews pro-grade D4S camera with faster autofocusing
The D3300 isn't the only DSLR that Nikon will show at CES. The camera maker has revealed that it will preview its next-generation flagship camera, the D4S, at its booth on the show floor. While Nikon isn't saying much about the new pro cam's advantages over the D4, it's already talking up a new imaging engine that should deliver faster autofocusing -- no mean feat when the D4 is already quite nimble. It's still too early for any launch details, but you can be sure that we'll take a look at the D4S as soon as possible.
