Nikon D4S vs Nikon D5

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Nikon D4S vs Nikon D5

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35mm 860.4mm²
16.2 megapixels
ISO 100 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Nikon D4S Review.
How does it shoot? Nikon D4S in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the D4S.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Nikon D4S conclusion.

35mm 858.0mm²
20.8 megapixels
ISO 100 - 102,400

Go in depth with our full Nikon D5 Review.
How does it shoot? Nikon D5 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the D5.
Compare Nikon D5 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Nikon D5 conclusion.

Succeeded by the Nikon D5

Succeeded by the Nikon D6
Compare D5 vs D6

Compare NIKON D5 vs NIKON D6

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Differences

Nikon D4S advantages over Nikon D5

Fast startup
~0.20 vs 0.4 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
D4S test data on DxO Mark D5 test data on DxO Mark

3,074 vs 2,343 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise

Nikon D5 advantages over Nikon D4S

Less expensive
$3325 vs $4800
Save money for lenses or accessories
Shoot 4K video
4K (UHD) vs 1080p
Make sure you have a fast computer
Touchscreen
Touch vs No touch
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
Longer stills battery life
More info

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

3780 vs 3020 shots
Capture more photos
More cross-type AF points
99 vs 15
Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
Higher-res screen
590k vs 307k pixels
More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
Less shutter lag
0.13 vs 0.20 sec
Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
More pixels
20.8 vs 16.2 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
More AF points
153 vs 51
More AF points improve autofocus
Faster JPEG shooting
12.1 fps vs 10.6 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Faster RAW shooting
12.1 fps vs 10.8 fps
Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
Bigger RAW buffer
183 vs 78 shots
Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
Higher extended ISO
3276800 vs 409600 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
Top deck display
Both provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
External Mic Jack
Both provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Pentaprism viewfinder
Both provide
Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Dual card slots
Both provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Both provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Neither provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Tiltable Screen
Neither provide
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
Built-in Wi-Fi
Neither provide
Share your photos wirelessly
NFC
Neither provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
On-sensor phase detect
Neither provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Internal flash
Neither provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read D4S User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read D5 User Reviews

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Buy the Nikon D5

Body Only (CF Version)

Body Only (CF Version)
Body Only (XQD Version)
Body Only 100th Anniversary Edition (XQD)

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Review Excerpt

Excellent, tank-like build quality; First-rate ergonomics a pro would expect; Superb performance with confident autofocus; Great image quality; Big, bright viewfinder with 100% coverage; Excellent battery life; Doubles as a powerful video capture tool
Fairly minor upgrade over the D4; Image quality improvements apply only to JPEG; XQD card format isn't broadly accepted; Consumer-friendly default JPEG processing may turn off some pros; Body is large and hefty (but that's normal for pro gear)
Read our Nikon D4S Review

Excellent image quality; Excellent high ISO performance; Fast 153-point autofocus system; Fast continuous shooting speeds; 4K video recording; Pro-quality camera body; Outstanding battery life.
Large and heavy body might not be right for all; Loud shutter; Underutilized touchscreen; Low ISO dynamic range not as good as predecessor; Extended high ISOs not very useful; Sluggish Live View AF.
Read our Nikon D5 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 1DX

Nikon D4S

Canon 1DX

$5399
35mm

Fast startup
Higher effective ISO

$5299
35mm

More cross-type AF points
Less shutter lag

Compare Nikon D4S vs Canon 1DX

Nikon D5

Canon 1DX

$4911
35mm

Shoot 4K video
Touchscreen

$5299
35mm

Higher effective ISO

Compare Nikon D5 vs Canon 1DX

Compared to Nikon D4

Nikon D4S

Nikon D4

$5399
35mm

Fast startup
Higher extended ISO

$4500
35mm

Bigger JPEG buffer
Bigger RAW buffer

Compare Nikon D4S vs Nikon D4

Nikon D5

Nikon D4

$4911
35mm

Less expensive
Shoot 4K video

$4500
35mm

Fast startup
Higher effective ISO

Compare Nikon D5 vs Nikon D4

Compared to Canon EOS-1D C

Nikon D4S

Canon EOS-1D C

$5399
35mm

Higher extended ISO

$6989
35mm

Shoot 4K video
More cross-type AF points

Compare Nikon D4S vs Canon EOS-1D C

Nikon D5

Canon EOS-1D C

$4911
35mm

Touchscreen
More cross-type AF points

$6989
35mm

Compare Nikon D5 vs Canon EOS-1D C

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark II

Nikon D4S

Canon 1DX Mark II

$5399
35mm

Fast startup
Longer stills battery life

$2999
35mm

Less expensive
Shoot 4K video

Compare Nikon D4S vs Canon 1DX Mark II

Nikon D5

Canon 1DX Mark II

$4911
35mm

Fast startup
Longer stills battery life

$2999
35mm

Higher effective ISO
Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon D5 vs Canon 1DX Mark II

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark III

Nikon D4S

Canon 1DX Mark III

$5399
35mm

Less expensive

$6499
35mm

Shoot 4K video
Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D4S vs Canon 1DX Mark III

Nikon D5

Canon 1DX Mark III

$4911
35mm

Less expensive
Longer stills battery life

$6499
35mm

Built-in Wi-Fi
Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Nikon D5 vs Canon 1DX Mark III

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