Decision between D4 and D800: help needed

Nikon Rumors Forum » Nikon DSLR

Decision between D4 and D800: help needed

(26 posts) (15 voices)

Tags:

12 Next »

puclot

junior member
Joined: May '12
Posts: 6
offline

I am a D7000 shooter and mostly shoot my toddlers, a little bit of family and everything else. both still and videos.

i was looking to upgrade to a full frame for quite some time and then the D4 was announced and i preordered it

Then the D800 came and though i ordered it as well.

i got a email from Adorama yesterday that D4 has arrived and ready to be shipped. there is still no clue for D800

i like D800 for my needs but absolutely do not need 36 MP and think that it will be a wastage of space on my hard drive plus feel that 4fps is slow. i would love to have the D4 but only thing stops me its size and no flash which sometimes is useful for a child pic in a hurry.
though the cost diff is way high but you buy these devices once in few years and child pics quality are more imporatnt to me so cost is not that significant a factor in making the decision.

i need to decide today if i need the D4 or shall just wait for D800

i am confused. any help in making that decision is appreciated

Posted 12 months ago #
jonnyapple

Goldfingers
Joined: May '09
Posts: 3,400
offline

Have a look at what msmoto has done in very low light with her d4. You may not miss the flash much!

As to your question, I don't think you need either camera. Get the one you want. Don't forget the extra bulk of the d4 (edit: I see that you mentioned it now. Sorry). You didn't really mention what situations you'd be limited by 4fps.

Posted 12 months ago #
puclot

junior member
Joined: May '12
Posts: 6
offline

i have read online that D4 if you take a burst all the 10 shots are in perfect focus, whereas the shots taken from D800 may not be so. though this difference is small but sometimes when you are takings a kids picture, you have to take many shots to get that perfectly moment and at those times D4 may shine. thats all i meant

Posted 12 months ago #
sevencrossing

preferred member
Joined: Sep '10
Posts: 1,265
offline

I bought a D800 and love it the D4 was out of my budget
If cost is not an issue I would go for the D4
I would not worry about flash, If you want somthing small look at the SB 400

Posted 12 months ago #
Pierre

preferred member
Joined: Mar '10
Posts: 1,023
offline

I usually do not shoot things in movement so I choose the D800 and keep the option of getting a D4 later if I feel the need. I also like the smaller and more protable aspects of the D800.

For you, given how hard it is to keep kids still, I would think the D4 is a good choice.

Posted 12 months ago #
donaldejose

preferred member
Joined: Mar '11
Posts: 1,043
offline

Sounds like you don't need a D4. It wasn't built heavy and tough for family shots. Sounds more like the D600 will be right for you. Or since you are only shooting your kids use the D800 and set it for JPEG basic medium size. You will find the files are not much bigger than your D7000 set at JPEG fine large size. When you need more resolution you can always have it with the D800. 4 fps can be limiting for fast action situations but you can compensate by just taking lots of shots and picking the best. After al,l your kids are not going anywhere. It is not as if you have only a few minutes out of a year to get your photographs.

Posted 12 months ago #
puclot

junior member
Joined: May '12
Posts: 6
offline

thanks for the feedback. i did think about D600 but it will not work as some of the lens i have are not AFS, like the 85, 135 DC and their replacement of AFS version is quite far in future

Posted 12 months ago #
msmoto

big gun cougar
Joined: Mar '10
Posts: 2,736
offline

Well, I have posted a lot of stuff with the D4 on PAD as jonnyapple has stated. And if one clicks on any of these, almost all the files are 2000px size when you fiddle enough to find them on Flickr. The ISO, as I remember, ranges from 100 to 20,000 and maybe higher. One, called Dawnbreaker, is the interior of a $1,000,000 up feed truck which was giving NBC their feed. (As best I remember) This is about ISO 10,000 and the large size image is available.

For me, the D4 has such incredible low light capabilities, and excellent resolution, I simply cannot find the need for the D800. As to the size and weight. At age 70, the camera is heavy when just holding it in one's hand. I have never found any weight issue while I am using it. I keep it at the end of a Black Rapid strap, very nice.

Hope this helps.

Posted 12 months ago #
puclot

junior member
Joined: May '12
Posts: 6
offline

Hi msmoto, where can i find the stuff you have posted?

Posted 12 months ago #
msmoto

big gun cougar
Joined: Mar '10
Posts: 2,736
offline

Here, click on this example of the D4 and 24-120mm on Flickr. Then you can explore my photos and see for yourself. Check the Exif data if it is not posted with the photo.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fantinesfotos/7220669856/in/photostream/

Note, some of the photos are with a D90 or D200, so read the info.

Posted 12 months ago #
Kalog

member
Joined: Mar '12
Posts: 21
offline

puclot you are lucky to have the D4 information shipment from Adorama.
BTW, in my own opinion, D4 is better for the kids. Your situation and reason is same as mine, so we have the same usage of the camera. I have D700 and d7000 and FF I can say is very convenient. Size of D4 doesn't matter I believe. If you put battery grip on D7000 the difference in weight is almost same. D700 with grip is heavier and I believe the D800 as well compare to D4.
go and get your D4. and if you didn't get that, my order from Adorama will arrive sooner than if you will get.

Posted 12 months ago #
jonnyapple

Goldfingers
Joined: May '09
Posts: 3,400
offline

Share some of your photos with us, whatever you decide on, puclot. Good luck! Msmoto, I want a D4 every time you post a photo you took with it. ;-)

Posted 12 months ago #
Jyri

member
Joined: Aug '11
Posts: 30
offline

I have them both, and personally I would use D800 for family or kids. I do like the D4 but the D800 is just so amazing with the details.
If you really need the FPS then go with D4, otherwise the D800 is better in almost every aspect.
Oh and ergonomics wise the D4 is better, D800 with the grip is ok, but still different in few small controls.

You'll find images in my Flickr account and see what and when I use D4 and when D800.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jyrilaitinen/

Posted 12 months ago #
msmoto

big gun cougar
Joined: Mar '10
Posts: 2,736
offline

@jonnyapple....I have a D90, and the D4 is a giant jump up. But, there are a lot of DX format shots on PAD that look as good IMO. The biggest advantage is the ease with which one can take the photos. The one posted in the link above was shot at 9 FPS, and without this, I do not think I would have captured exactly the expression. I cannot see how Jyri, above, thinks the D800 is a preferable camera, as the FPS is so low. But, I have only shot a D800 once... so, what do I know?

Thanks, Jonny

Posted 12 months ago #
Thomas R

preferred member
Joined: Jan '11
Posts: 116
offline

Get them both, I did.

Posted 12 months ago #
puclot

junior member
Joined: May '12
Posts: 6
offline

i though about it and finally ordered D4.

with kiks, sometimes to capture the right moment 6 fs feel less so 4 is a step back wards
plus i will keep D7000 so i can use it for travel.
and if i do not like D4, i can always sell it back in couple of months
plus at least that way i will have a full frame camera in summer, otherwise who knows i dont get my D800 till fall or may be later ...

adorama gave my camera to someone else as i didnt made decision in time but told me that the next D4 they will receive, they will ship it to me.
so based on the current shipments, any guesses by when can i have my D4??

Thanks ALL

Posted 12 months ago #
Jyri

member
Joined: Aug '11
Posts: 30
offline

I cannot see how Jyri, above, thinks the D800 is a preferable camera, as the FPS is so low. But, I have only shot a D800 once... so, what do I know?

Thanks, Jonny

What I tried to say was that I do prefer my D800 in almost every case, except when I need the FPS -> some high speed sport action or shooting concerts comes to my mind. Family or kid shots, I'd take my D800.

In my own experience only advantages D4 has over D800 are:
- Robust one piece kit, compared to using D800 with MB-D12
- Slightly better controls and usability - Ergonomics
- Faster FPS
- Marginally better in low light

IQ is almost always better on D800, it's just question if things mentioned above are limiting you to nail the shot you need, in a nutshell I think only the FPS is such a thing in some high speed occasions.

Posted 12 months ago #
Photoexposition

new member
Joined: May '12
Posts: 2
offline

Honestly, only if you're interested in frames/sec, would I recommend the D4. Moreover, if you look at the specs of the cameras the last few years, one will realise, that nothing has really changed that much. The best camera, is yourself !

For those in search for a new camera or a lens, here is the latest update in my Excel Chart (Major update with the old Minolta Cameras, and discontinued Canon Lenses)
http://www.photoexposition.fr/2012/05/15/update-excel-sheet/

Jerome.

Posted 12 months ago #
Andromeda

junior member
Joined: Nov '12
Posts: 7
offline

I always tussle with the D4 vs. D800 arguments, mega pixel vs. FPS speed and higher ISO. The D4 is a huge investment but a stunning camera and you'd want a great return on it if you're a fulltime professional.

I do prefer the D4 however would like to see the mega pixel upgrade to the 24 level. After all the consumer and advance DX models are now with that range so why wouldn't the FX Flagship.

Posted 6 months ago #
adamz

The Predator
Joined: Mar '09
Posts: 3,461
offline

d4 is reportage style camera, and 24mpx is the last thing it needs. need more mpx get d600/d800 instead.

Posted 6 months ago #
msmoto

big gun cougar
Joined: Mar '10
Posts: 2,736
offline

The pixel count has very little to do with the final photo except in the color depth for huge enlargements. At normal sizes, up to 16" x 20" enlargements, I would suggest no one can tell the difference between a D4 and D800.

If one can afford the D4, and does not want to do 6 foot by 9 foot enlargements, I think in the final analysis, this is the one to get. Or, if one can afford a D4, then maybe also get a D800.

On the other hand, if there is a restricted budget at less than $10,000-15,000, I would suggest a D800 and use the remainder of the budget for the glass. Like a 300mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, 135mm f/2.0, 85mm f/1.8, 24mm f/1.4, 16-35mm f/4.... or whatever is your desire. Usually if one is even thinking about a D4, it means lots of money or totally insane. Or both....:-)

I will never tell....LOL

Posted 6 months ago #
TaoTeJared

preferred member
Joined: Apr '10
Posts: 2,422
offline

Andromeda said:
I do prefer the D4 however would like to see the mega pixel upgrade to the 24 level. After all the consumer and advance DX models are now with that range so why wouldn't the FX Flagship.

Oh here we go - it has started.

Less than one month ago everyone was still screaming wanting "a true D700 replacement" with a 16mp sensor. Now the D4 isn't enough? I do wish people would educate themselves. I still look at getting a D3s from time to time.

Let the banging of heads on the wall begin.

Posted 6 months ago #
golf007sd

preferred member
Joined: Nov '10
Posts: 585
offline

Get the D4 and be done with it. After all you are not going to take your cash to the next life...so live now and be happy. I will warn you however, once you get your hands on the D4...you will think you have died and gone to heaven. :P

Posted 6 months ago #
Andromeda

junior member
Joined: Nov '12
Posts: 7
offline

Having a D4 gives me everything I need in a camera. It does what I require it to do. I’m not out buying every new camera model that hits the market. I buy what I know I’ll use and what the camera's capability gives me.

The D3, D3s and D3X are fantastic and the D4 provides a great compromise of the three.

I do understand the argument on Pixel count and 24 vs. 16 in the end, did not affect my final decision.

Posted 6 months ago #
msmoto

big gun cougar
Joined: Mar '10
Posts: 2,736
offline

I find all this stuff so funny. And it is kinda like "How much is enough?" Well, the answer is always "a little more than you have." We cannot seem to be satisfied. I am fortunate enough to have a D4. This camera so outperforms me I doubt if I will ever be able to use all the features. I still have not taken a serious video.

The simple fact is that the D2h had 4 MP and produced phenomenal images. Yet, some just seem to think having 20 more will change things. However, this particular phenomenon is almost universal. How many drive cars which will go 170 mph, yet rarely drive them over 70 mph.

I suppose if Nikon had a 24MP camera with native ISO of 25,000, shoots 15 FPS, I would have to get one. Then maybe not. My suspicion is we will continue to see very large improvements in the sensor technology in the next few years. And it will need to be accompanied by the computer power to handle the files.

Oh well.....

Posted 6 months ago #