• 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D4S advantages over OM System OM-1

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.31 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    200 vs 92 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    409600 vs 102400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

OM System OM-1 advantages over Nikon D4S

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    3 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    511g vs 1356g
    Lighter weight
  • Higher-res screen
    540k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    20.4 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    120.0 fps vs 10.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

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)

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
OM System OM-1
Canon 1DX
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D4

Nikon D4S
Nikon D4
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Bigger RAW buffer
OM System OM-1
Nikon D4
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

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
OM System OM-1
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic G95

Nikon D4S
Panasonic G95
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
OM System OM-1
Panasonic G95
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compared to Olympus E-M1 Mark III

Nikon D4S
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1649
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
OM System OM-1
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Newer
  • Higher-res screen
  • $1649
  • 4/3
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