• 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D4S advantages over Panasonic S5 IIX

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.31 vs 5.93 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    409600 vs 204800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic S5 IIX advantages over Nikon D4S

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    5.9K 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
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Newer
    18 months vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    714g vs 1356g
    Lighter weight
  • Higher-res screen
    613k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    24.2 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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
  • 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 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

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
Panasonic S5 IIX
Canon 1DX
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Nikon D4

Nikon D4S
Nikon D4
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Bigger RAW buffer
Panasonic S5 IIX
Nikon D4
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

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
Panasonic S5 IIX
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Canon R6 Mark II

Nikon D4S
Canon R6 Mark II
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Top deck display
  • $2215
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
Panasonic S5 IIX
Canon R6 Mark II
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • High resolution composite
  • Top deck display
  • $2215
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Panasonic S5 II

Nikon D4S
Panasonic S5 II
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic S5 IIX
Panasonic S5 II
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • $2000
  • 35mm
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