Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2012 | 2014 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
06/01/2012 | 26/06/2014 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 160 x 157 x 91 mm | 146 x 123 x 82 mm |
| Camera weight | 1340 g | 980 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
16.2 MP050 | 36.3 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4928 x 3280 | 7360 x 4912 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
23.9 x 36 | 24 x 35.9 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
11 fps045 | 5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Nikon F | Nikon F FX |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 3 | Expeed 4 |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 6430200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
128003003280000 | 320003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
5030200 | 3230200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
2048003003280000 | 512003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
510300 | 510300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (tunnel) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
Full HD | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
30 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV | MOV |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✓ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
9210001150001500000 | 12290001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✗ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✗ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | Compact Flash, XQD | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Compact Flash, UDMA |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery type | EN-EL18 | EN-EL15 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
2600 shots1505000 | 1200 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D810 outperforms the Nikon D4 with a score of 72/100, a difference of 9 points. Both cameras are DSLRs and share some common specifications, such as their announcement and release years of 2012 and 2014, respectively. The D810’s advantages lie in its lower launch price ($3300) and lighter weight (980g), making it a more affordable and portable option.
On the other hand, the D4 has its merits with a larger camera size (160 x 157 x 91mm) and a heavier weight (1340g), which may appeal to users looking for a more robust and durable camera. Despite the difference in scores, each camera has its unique strengths to cater to different preferences and needs.
The Nikon D810 emerges as the winner in optics with a score of 76/100, a 13-point lead over the Nikon D4’s score of 63/100. Both cameras share common specifications such as a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, Nikon F lens mount, and lack of image stabilization.
The Nikon D810’s superiority is evident in its higher megapixel count of 36.3, compared to the Nikon D4’s 16.2 megapixels. This allows the D810 to capture more detailed and higher resolution images. Additionally, the D810 boasts an Expeed 4 processor, which is a more advanced and faster processor than the D4’s Expeed 3. The D810’s sensor also has a higher DXOMARK score of 97, showcasing its better performance in terms of dynamic range, color depth, and low-light capabilities.
On the other hand, the Nikon D4 has a faster shooting speed of 11 frames per second (fps), as opposed to the D810’s 5 fps. This makes the D4 more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects and action photography. However, this advantage does not outweigh the D810’s superior image quality and performance.
In the optics comparison, the Nikon D810 proves to be the better camera with its higher megapixel count, more advanced processor, and better sensor performance. The Nikon D4’s faster shooting speed is its only advantage, but it does not make up for the significant difference in image quality. Therefore, the Nikon D810 is the clear winner in this comparison.
The Nikon D810 takes the lead in video capabilities with a score of 70/100, outperforming the Nikon D4, which has a score of 57/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as Full HD video resolution, maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080, and built-in time-lapse functionality. However, there are notable differences between the two cameras that contribute to the D810’s higher score.
The primary advantage of the Nikon D810 is its higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps, compared to the D4’s 30fps. This means that the D810 can capture smoother and more detailed video, especially in fast-paced situations or when shooting slow-motion footage. The increased frame rate greatly enhances the camera’s video performance, making it a better choice for videographers who require high-quality and fluid motion in their footage.
On the other hand, the Nikon D4 does not offer any significant advantages in video capabilities over the D810. Both cameras have the same video resolution and dimensions, and both offer time-lapse functionality. The lower video frame rate of the D4 may be acceptable for some users, but it does not surpass the D810 in any aspect of video performance.
Considering these differences, the Nikon D810 is the superior camera in terms of video capabilities. Its higher video frame rate allows for smoother and more detailed footage, which is a crucial factor for videographers. Meanwhile, the Nikon D4 does not provide any notable advantages in this area, making the D810 a better choice for those who prioritize video quality and performance.
The Nikon D810 outperforms the Nikon D4 in features with a score of 59/100 compared to the D4’s 57/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a 3.2-inch screen size, no touchscreen, no flip screen, no GPS, and no Bluetooth. However, the D810 surpasses the D4 in screen resolution and connectivity.
The D810’s screen resolution stands at 1,229,000 dots, significantly higher than the D4’s 921,000 dots, resulting in a sharper and clearer display. Additionally, the D810 offers Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for wireless image transfer and remote camera control, a feature the D4 lacks.
While the D4 falls short in screen resolution and Wi-Fi, it maintains its competitive edge with a solid feature set. Both cameras have identical screen sizes, no touchscreens, no flip screens, no GPS, and no Bluetooth capabilities. These similarities contribute to the close feature scores between the two models.
When comparing the Nikon D4 and D810, each camera has its strengths and weaknesses. The D810 excels in screen resolution and Wi-Fi connectivity, providing a superior display and more convenient image sharing. On the other hand, the D4 remains a strong contender with its comparable set of features. Ultimately, choosing between these two cameras will depend on the user’s priorities and preferences in terms of display quality and connectivity options.
The Nikon D4 outperforms the Nikon D810 in storage and battery with a score of 87/100 compared to 79/100. Both cameras share common features, such as two memory card slots and the absence of USB charging. The D4 accepts Compact Flash and XQD cards, while the D810 is compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC, Compact Flash, and UDMA cards.
The D4’s superior battery life sets it apart, offering 2600 shots with its EN-EL18 battery, compared to the D810’s 1200 shots using the EN-EL15 battery. However, the D810 has an advantage in memory card compatibility, accepting a wider range of card types. This flexibility may appeal to some photographers.
Considering these factors, the Nikon D4 proves to be the stronger option in terms of storage and battery life, while the Nikon D810 offers greater versatility in memory card compatibility.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D4 or the Nikon D810: