Nikon D4s

The Nikon D4s is a DSLR from 2014, built around a full frame sensor and the Nikon F FX lens mount. Its dimensions of 160 x 157 x 91mm and 1350g weight make it a large, heavy camera.

Speed and endurance are the headline numbers. Burst shooting reaches a maximum of 11fps, and the battery is listed at 3020 shots.

Day to day, you are building a kit around F-mount lenses. The body is weather sealed, which is not the same as being waterproof.

The 16.2MP full frame CMOS sensor keeps resolution modest, and the pixel count costs the specification points.

Speed is the strong suit here. Burst shooting reaches up to 11fps, and the 1/8000 maximum shutter speed can freeze fast motion. The optical pentaprism viewfinder shows the scene as it happens.

Focus comes from a 51-point autofocus system, and the ISO range runs from 100 to 25600, spanning bright daylight through to dim indoor venues.

There is no stabilisation in the body, so sharp handheld work in low light depends on shutter speed, technique or a stabilised lens. Our Optics score of 62 rates the camera good, with the sensor format and processor scoring strongly and the maximum ISO giving points back. It sits around the middle of cameras in our database for Optics.

The D4s records Full HD video, and its maximum frame rate is 60fps, with the resolution stopping short of 4K. Footage captured at high frame rates can be slowed for effect in editing.

A timelapse function is built in, so you can shoot interval sequences without adding an intervalometer to the bag. Recordings save as MOV files, the camera's listed video format.

There is no in-body stabilisation and the screen does not tilt, so steady handheld footage depends on technique, a stabilised lens or a support such as a tripod or rig.

Our Video score of 70 rates the camera good. The frame rate and built-in timelapse earn points, while the Full HD resolution cap holds it back.

The body is weather sealed, which offers some protection when conditions turn dusty or damp. That is sealing rather than waterproofing, so a downpour still calls for care. There is no built-in flash; you add light with an external flash instead.

The 3.2-inch LCD offers 921,000 dots and live view, which is fine for checking images and working on a tripod. It neither tilts nor responds to touch, so framing from low or awkward angles means moving yourself.

Wi-Fi is built in. There is no Bluetooth and no GPS, so geotagging is not something this camera does on its own.

Our Features score of 57 is modest. Weather sealing, live view and screen size score well, while the missing touchscreen and Bluetooth and the screen dot count cost it points.

The two card slots support CompactFlash and XQD cards, so a working kit can span two different card types.

The EN-EL18a battery is listed at 3020 shots. No test conditions accompany that figure, so treat it as an indication of endurance rather than a guarantee for every shoot.

Charging over USB is not supported, so the battery cannot be topped up from a cable while you are out; pack a spare if a long day is planned.

Our Storage & Battery score of 87 is exceptional. The dual card slots and battery life earn full credit, with the lack of USB charging the only point missed.