Nikon D4 Digital Camera Review

Dynamic Range

We found that the Nikon D4 offered one of the best dynamic range scores that we've seen yet, with its full frame sensor providing an exceptional amount of great dynamic range. We hold cameras to a higher standard than most, and the D4 doesn't disappoint in this regard. We found that it had very little falloff in tonal response right through ISO 800, with acceptable print-quality range through ISO 6400. Above this, ISO 12800 and 25600 are usable, though beyond that we'd caution that your image quality wlll take a pretty severe hit. That still gives the D4 a wider usable ISO range than just about any other camera on the market that we've tested to this point. More on how we test dynamic range.

With a whole new generation of full frame cameras just now hitting the market, we expect dynamic range scores to climb this year. The Nikon D4 has already outdone the Canon 5D Mark III, offering superb low light shooting ability leading to fantastic dynamic range. The Mark III actually matches the D4 for dynamic range at ISO 100, but the D4 does better at the mid to low ISOs. While the D4's headline feature is its raw speed, this image sensor is about as good as it gets on the market right now.