• 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D4 advantages over Nikon D780

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.31 vs 5.94 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)

Nikon D780 advantages over Nikon D4

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $2797 vs $4500*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    4 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    840g vs 1347g
    Lighter weight
  • Higher-res screen
    786k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    24.5 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    900 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
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon 1DX

Nikon D4
Canon 1DX
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • More cross-type AF points
  • Less shutter lag
Nikon D780
Canon 1DX
  • $2230
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • More cross-type AF points

Compared to Canon EOS-1D C

Nikon D4
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • More cross-type AF points
Nikon D780
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $2230
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • More cross-type AF points

Compared to Nikon D4S

Nikon D4
Nikon D4S
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher extended ISO
Nikon D780
Nikon D4S
  • $2230
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Nikon D4
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
Nikon D780
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $2230
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Built-in GPS

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Nikon D4
Pentax K-1 II
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
Nikon D780
Pentax K-1 II
  • $2230
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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