Upgrade to Nikon D4?

Discuss equipment and methods or ask for advice
Post Reply
User avatar
Nwalch
Posts: 218
Joined: Thu 13 Aug 2015, 5:44 pm

Upgrade to Nikon D4?

Post by Nwalch »

I'm thinking of upgrading to a used Nikon D4 from my D610 (11 FPS compared to 5.5 on the D610, 51 point auto focus which gets great reviews) to use alongside my Nikon 200-500mm. The only think I'm not keen on is the 16 megapixel file size v 24MP on the D610 which isn't great for cropping which you invariably have to do these days even with 500mm. Had anyone any experience of this camera?

McG
Posts: 996
Joined: Wed 03 Sep 2008, 11:26 am
Contact:

Re: Upgrade to Nikon D4?

Post by McG »

The D4 is an older model of camera.
The D5 is the current Nikon pro model, which will likely be replaced before the Olympics next year.

Have you looked at the D500 or D850?

User avatar
Nwalch
Posts: 218
Joined: Thu 13 Aug 2015, 5:44 pm

D500 (was Upgrade to Nikon D4?)

Post by Nwalch »

Yep I was initially put off by the D500 as it would be a "step back" going to DX from FX (pair of D610's) but I can see the advantages with the D5 sensor and 153 point AF (which fills the frame almost on a DX) plus of course you get 1.5x crop factor so my 200-500mm would be 300-750mm.

The D850 is probably out of my price range at the moment (esp as you need the extra battery grip to get the higher FPS) but maybe a choice for the future.

Any one using the D500 (esp. with the Nikon 200-500mm) as I've heard good reviews of this combination.

User avatar
Tonka 617
Posts: 536
Joined: Tue 31 May 2011, 11:31 am

Re: Upgrade to Nikon D4?

Post by Tonka 617 »

I've been using the D500 for a year now. I honestly can not fault it. I use it paired with the Sigma 150-600 Sports and hasn't let me down so far

The buffer is plenty, it's FPS rate is brilliant, high ISO performance is very good also. A down side is the weird decision to have 1 XQD and 1 SD slot however this is easily forgotten about

Link to my Flickr to see some of my results - Throughout last year I primarily shot British Superbikes with a few airshows in between
https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelhallam/

User avatar
Nwalch
Posts: 218
Joined: Thu 13 Aug 2015, 5:44 pm

D500 (was Upgrade to Nikon D4?)

Post by Nwalch »

Tonka 617 wrote:A down side is the weird decision to have 1 XQD and 1 SD slot however this is easily forgotten about


Nikon are doing that on all the new models which I did find odd as I use the second slots as an overflow card so I don't have to change cards mid display but I guess they are doing that as a way of easing in the faster QXD cards without having to force everyone to replace their current cards immediately.

Thanks for the feedback.

User avatar
Black Mike
Posts: 112
Joined: Mon 22 Sep 2008, 5:36 pm
Location: Aberdeen

Re: Upgrade to Nikon D4?

Post by Black Mike »

I use the D500 with a variety of lenses but a lot of flying is with the 200-500 and I'm very happy with it.
The flypast shots here were taken with it.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/104302097 ... 9910475613

To be honest I rarely use it at full fps, I usually set CL at 6fps which is plenty for most stuff.

User avatar
AlexC
Posts: 6040
Joined: Sun 31 Aug 2008, 6:40 pm
Location: New Forest

Re: Upgrade to Nikon D4?

Post by AlexC »

I've been rather hoping that the price of XQD cards would be going down soon as happened with CF cards, but no sign of that yet. :sad:
Pte. Aubrey Gerald Harmer, R. Suss. R. (att. to the Sherwood Foresters) KIA 26/9/1917 Polygon Wood, aged 19, NKG. RIP

Post Reply