• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • Detailed specifications
  • Sony Alpha DSLR-A550
  • Nikon D4S
Links
Prices:   Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:   Nikon D4
D4 vs D4S
Successor:   Nikon D5
D4S vs D5
General
Model Number: DSLR-A550 D4S
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: SLR Pro SLR
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $1049.99 $6499.95
Street Price: $859.40 $5,399.48
Date Available: 2009-10-08 2014-03-06
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 32.2 oz (912 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
47.8 oz (1,356 g)
includes batteries
Size: 5.4 x 4.1 x 3.3 in.
(137 x 104 x 84 mm)
6.3 x 6.2 x 3.6 in.
(160 x 157 x 91 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony  
Effective Megapixels: 14.2 16.2
Sensor Format: APS-C 35mm
Sensor size: 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm) 860.4mm2 (36.00mm x 23.90mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 5.16 microns 7.31 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.5x 1.0x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2, 16:9 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed Fixed
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: Yes No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 66 89
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 21.9 24.4
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 11.8 13.3
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 807 3,074
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4592 x 3056 (14.0 MP, 3:2),
4592 x 2576 (11.8 MP, 16:9),
3344 x 2224 (7.4 MP, 3:2),
3344 x 1872 (6.3 MP, Other),
2288 x 1520 (3.5 MP, Other),
2288 x 1280 (2.9 MP, Other)
4928 x 3280 (16.2 MP, 3:2),
3696 x 2456 (9.1 MP, 3:2),
2464 x 1640 (4.0 MP, 3:2),
4096 x 2720 (11.1 MP, Other),
3072 x 2040 (6.3 MP, Other),
2048 x 1360 (2.8 MP, Other),
3200 x 2128 (6.8 MP, 3:2),
2400 x 1592 (3.8 MP, Other),
1600 x 1064 (1.7 MP, 3:2),
4096 x 3280 (13.4 MP, 5:4),
3072 x 2456 (7.5 MP, 5:4),
2048 x 1640 (3.4 MP, 5:4)
Image File Format: JPEG, RAW JPEG, NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed, small size availble (12-bit uncompressed only); TIFF (RGB)
Continuous-mode frames/second: 6.7 10.6
Video Capture
Can take movies: No Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p/​24p)
1280x720 (60p/​50p)
640x424 (30p/​25p)
Movie File Format:   MOV (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; Audio: Linear PCM)
Composite Video Out: No No
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: n/a n/a
Video Usable as Viewfinder: n/a n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Sony Alpha (Minolta A) Nikon F
Lens: Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT SAM n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 27 - 83mm  
Focal Length (actual): 18 - 55mm  
Zoom Ratio: 3.00x  
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - ?? (T)  
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range:    
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: 55.0mm n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No No
Digital Zoom: No
Digital Zoom Values: n/a  
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: 9-point TTL phase detection (one cross-type sensor) with eye-start AF; Wide, Spot, Local modes Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, fine-tuning, and 51 focus points (including 15 cross-type sensors with f/8 supported by 11 sensors)
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes No
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: Optical / LCD Optical / LCD
Viewfinder Type: SLR type; eye-level pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.80x mag., 19mm eyepoint, -2.5 to +1.0 diopter SLR; eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x magnification, 18mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopter
Focus Peaking: No No
EVF Resolution: n/a n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.53x 0.70x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.80x 0.70x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.2
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots 921,600 dots (307,200 px)
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: Yes No
Tilt Swivel Screen: No
Selfie Screen: No
Max Playback Zoom: 14.0x 46.0x
Top Deck Display: No Yes
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 12800 25600
Minimum ISO (native): 200 100
ISO Settings: Auto (200-1600), 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800 Auto, 100 - 25,600, plus down to 50 in Lo-1, up to 409,600 in Hi-4
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom Auto (2 types), incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual (up to 6 values can be stored, spot white balance measurement available during live view), color temperature (2500 K-10000 K)
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 30 sec 1/8000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 40-segment Multi Segment, Center-weighted, Spot; (1200 zone evaluative metering in Live View) 91K-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering III, Center-weighted (75% given to 8, 12, 15 or 20mm circle), Spot (4mm) centered on selected focus area
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night Portrait/Night View None
Self Timer: 2 or 10 seconds 2/5/10/20s; 1-9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):   Yes
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes No
Flash Modes: Auto, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off Front curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, Auto FP High-Speed Sync supported
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. n/a
Flash Range Description: Lens dependent n/a
Max Flash Sync: 1/160 1/250
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps -3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Hot shoe ISO 518 Hot Shoe; safety lock provided; PC Sync terminal
Built-In Wireless Flash Control: Full TTL exposure  
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: MS Duo / MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC CF1 / XQD
UHS Support:    
Other Memory:   UDMA7 compliant
Dual Card Slots: No Yes
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: RAW NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed, small size availble (12-bit uncompressed only); TIFF (RGB)
Movie File Format:   MOV (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; Audio: Linear PCM)
Included Memory:   No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No No
NFC: No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: No Yes
Headphone Jack: No Yes
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed,Ethernet
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional Wireless or Wired Optional wired, wireless
Connections (extended): DC input, mini-HDMI, Wired Remote Type-C mini HDMI with uncompressed video support, DC Input, 10-pin Expansion Terminal, Audio input (stereo 3.5mm jack with power), Audio output (stereo 3.5mm jack), Peripheral connector for WT-5A/WT-4A
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.41 <0.3
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.41 0.36
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): 19 Unlimited
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):   0.33
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 6.7 10.6
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 15 200
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   10.8
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):   78
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   10.8
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):   43
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.18 seconds 0.20 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):   0.91 seconds
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):   0.239 seconds
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.178 seconds 0.044 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.22 seconds  
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.074 seconds 0.043 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): Quick AF Live View shutter lag: 0.188s OVF: Full AF lag, wide-area mode = 0.288s Live View: Full AF lag = 0.914s Prefocused = 0.239s
Startup Time: 0.5 seconds 0.2 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.4 seconds 0.2 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 3.5 seconds  
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):    
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 950 shots 3020 shots
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary NP-FM500H Proprietary EN-EL18A
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NP-FM500H 1 x Proprietary EN-EL18A Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No
Software
Included Software: Software/USB Driver CD-ROM Nikon ViewNX 2 CD-ROM
OS Compatibility: Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Mac OS X (v. 10.13+) Windows, Mac OS X
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Exmore CMOS Sensor, Variable-angle LCD, SteadyShot In-body Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Live View, Auto HDR, D-Range Optimizer (Auto, Level 1-5), HDMI Output, 7 fps (AF/AE Locked). New 16MP sensor with improved high ISO performance, EXPEED 4 processor, 11fps burst mode with AE/AF, improved AF, up to 1920x1080p60 video, new small RAW size option (2464 x 1640, 12-bit), improved battery life, built-in GbE LAN (1000Base-T), uncompressed 1080p60 HDMI output.