Nikon D4

The Nikon D4 is a full frame DSLR from 2012. At 1340g without a lens and 160 x 157 x 91mm it is a big camera, something you carry deliberately rather than sling over a shoulder.

A maximum of eleven frames per second and a battery rated at 2600 shots point to speed and endurance as the D4's strengths, rather than resolution or modern connectivity. It uses the Nikon F mount, and the optical pentaprism viewfinder gives the direct, immediate viewing that DSLR shooters choose.

The optics score of 63 rates the D4 as good, placing it around the middle of cameras in our database for optics. That fits a camera oriented towards speed rather than headline resolution.

The 16.2 megapixel full frame sensor keeps file sizes small, which helps when you shoot long sequences. The resolution is modest, though, so heavy cropping eats into detail quickly. Full frame also gives real control over depth of field when paired with fast F-mount lenses.

Burst shooting reaches eleven frames per second, which suits action, sport and news work, and the 1/8000 top shutter speed helps you keep wider apertures in bright light. Fifty-one autofocus points offer plenty of focus placement options.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so reducing camera shake handheld depends on lens choice, technique or a support. The sensitivity range runs from ISO 100 to 12800, leaving room to raise it when the light drops.

Video is a secondary capability here, and the modest score of 57 reflects that. Recording tops out at Full HD, and the maximum frame rate is 30 frames per second. That covers documentary clips and basic web video, but 4K and high frame rate capture for slow motion are out of reach.

As a DSLR, the D4 frames video on the rear screen using live view rather than through the optical viewfinder. Footage records as MOV files.

The built-in intervalometer covers timelapse as well, firing frames at set intervals so you can build a whole sequence without any external equipment. It is a simple way to add motion to stills projects.

The features score of 57 is modest, and the pattern behind it is clear: the essentials for shooting are present, while the conveniences of a connected era are not.

The 3.2 inch LCD is a good size and reasonably sharp at 921,000 dots, with live view for tripod work and checking focus. It does not tilt or respond to touch, so low and high angle shots mean crouching down or working blind.

Weather sealing protects the body against dust and moisture in the field, though it is not waterproof. There is no built-in flash, so you fit an external unit when you need extra light.

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS are all absent. Images leave the camera on memory cards, so allow time for transfers, and any location tagging has to happen outside the camera.

Storage and battery is where the D4 earns its exceptional score of 87. Two card slots let you keep a second card in the camera, so spare capacity is always fitted.

The card slots use Compact Flash and XQD, two different formats, so plan your card purchases around both before a job.

The EN-EL18 battery is rated at 2600 shots, a high figure on paper. Actual endurance will vary with usage, such as live view use and long burst shooting.

USB charging is not supported, so batteries are charged outside the camera. A spare EN-EL18 battery removes any anxiety on extended assignments.