Nikon

Nikon 1541 D4S 16.2MP FX Digital SLR Body

4.4 (44 reviews)

Nikon's flagship 16.2MP FX-format DSLR delivers 11 fps burst shooting and an ISO ceiling of 409,600 for professional speed and low-light mastery.

View on Amazon for pricing
Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

The Nikon D4S is a professional FX-format DSLR built for photographers who prioritize speed, reliability, and low-light capability above all else. At its core is a 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with the EXPEED 4 image processor, a combination that enables an 11-frame-per-second continuous shooting rate and a native ISO range of 100–25,600, expandable to an extraordinary ISO 409,600. The 51-point autofocus system, backed by a 91,000-pixel RGB metering sensor for 3D Color Matrix Metering III, provides precise subject tracking even in fast-paced shooting environments such as professional sports arenas and wildlife habitats.

Video capabilities include Full HD 1080p recording at up to 60 frames per second, and the built-in Gigabit wired LAN port supports high-speed tethered transfer for press and studio workflows where immediate file delivery is essential. The D4S also introduces a smaller RAW SIZE S format, giving photographers more flexibility in managing file sizes without switching to JPEG. Sold as a body-only unit with a rechargeable Li-ion battery, charger, USB cable, strap, body cap, and shoe cover included, the D4S is designed for professionals who need a camera that performs decisively in the most demanding shooting conditions.

Specifications

Brand
Nikon
Model
D4S (1541)
Sensor
16.2MP FX-Format CMOS
Image Processor
EXPEED 4
ISO Range
100–25,600 (expandable to 409,600)
Continuous Shooting
11 fps
Autofocus
51-point AF system
Metering
3D Color Matrix Metering III (91,000-pixel RGB sensor)
Video
1080p Full HD at up to 60p
Connectivity
1000 Base-T (Gigabit) Wired LAN
RAW Format
RAW SIZE S available
Included Accessories
Li-ion Battery, Battery Charger, USB Cable, Strap, Body Cap, Shoe Cover

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 11 fps continuous shooting captures fast-moving subjects with minimal lag
  • Massive ISO expandability to 409,600 enables shooting in near-darkness
  • 51-point autofocus system with 3D tracking provides accurate subject acquisition
  • EXPEED 4 processor delivers fast image processing and responsive camera operation
  • Built-in Gigabit LAN port allows rapid wired tethering for studio or press workflows

👎 Cons

  • 16.2MP resolution is lower than many modern professional bodies, limiting large-format cropping
  • Body-only weight and size make this one of the larger DSLRs to carry in the field
  • No built-in Wi-Fi, requiring the wired LAN port or optional accessories for wireless transfer
  • As an older flagship model, it lacks features found in newer Nikon bodies such as 4K video

Frequently Asked Questions

No, this is a body-only configuration. You will need to purchase Nikkor F-mount lenses separately.
The D4S shoots at up to 11 frames per second, making it well-suited for sports, wildlife, and fast-action photography.
The native ISO range is 100–25,600, expandable up to an equivalent of ISO 409,600 for extreme low-light situations.
Yes, it records Full HD 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second, with the same image processing and autofocus capabilities available for stills.
The D4S includes a built-in 1000 Base-T (Gigabit) wired LAN port, enabling high-speed tethered file transfer directly to a computer or network without relying on wireless connections.