Nikon D4 vs Nikon Z7
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D4 and Nikon Z7. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon D4 were released 2012 and Nikon Z7 was released 2018. That is a 6 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D4 | 2012 |
Nikon Z7 | 2018 |
Type of camera
Nikon D4 is a DSLR camera while Nikon Z7 is a Mirrorless camera. More information about their differences will come soon.
Sensors / crop factor
Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon FX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Since both cameras have a Full frame sensor there will be no crop factor.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Nikon D4 | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
Nikon Z7 | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Nikon D4 has a 16,2 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon Z7 has 46 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Nikon D4 |
16,2 MP
16163840 pixels 4928 x 3280 |
Nikon Z7 |
46 MP
45441024 pixels 8256 x 5504 |
Nikon Z7 has a 181 % larger resolution than Nikon D4. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.
ISO range
Nikon D4 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon Z7. Nikon D4 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 204800 while Nikon Z7 has 64 to 25600.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D4 | 100-204800 |
Nikon Z7 | 64-25600 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D4
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Z7
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D4 can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds and Nikon Z7 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D4 | 11 |
Nikon Z7 | 9 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
In this case, both Nikon D4 and Nikon Z7 can shoot movies.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.
Nikon D4 weighs 1340 gr (equal to 2.95 lb) which is 99% heavier than Nikon Z7 and its 675 gr (or 1.49 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D4 | 1340 gr 2.95 lb |
Nikon Z7 | 675 gr 1.49 lb |
Nikon D4 vs Nikon Z7 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D4 and Nikon Z7, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.
Product |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon Z7 |
Name | Nikon D4 | Nikon Z7 |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon Z7 |
Release Year | 2012 | 2018 |
Release Date | 2012-01-06 | 2018-08-23 |
MSRP | 5999 USD | 3399 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon Z7 |
Camera Type | DSLR | Mirrorless |
Sensor |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon Z7 |
Sensor Size |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 4928 x 3280 pixels | 8256 x 5504 pixels |
Megapixels | 16,2 MP | 46 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED 3 | EXPEED 6 |
Image |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon Z7 |
ISO Range | 100 - 204800 | 64 - 25600 |
White Balance Presets | 12 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No |
Yes (Sensor Shift (5 axis)) |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 5 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon Z7 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous LiveView |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 51 | 493 |
Lens Mount |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon Z See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm |
FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon Z7 |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Tilting |
Screen size | 3,2” | 3.2” |
Screen dots | 921000 | 2100000 |
Touch screen | No | Yes |
Screen type | TFT color LCD with brightness control | TFT LCD |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.7× | 0.8x |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | 3690000 |
Photography features |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon Z7 |
Frames per second | 11 fps | 9 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | No | No |
Built-in Flash Range | N/A | N/A |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | Yes | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Highlight Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon Z7 |
Video recording | Yes | Yes |
Video format |
MPEG4 H.264 |
MPEG4 H.264 |
Video resolution |
1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 |
1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | Yes | No |
Storage |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon Z7 |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash XQD |
XQD |
Connectivity |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon Z7 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | Yes |
Headphone Port | No | Yes |
Wireless |
Yes Optional via WT-5, WT-5A |
Yes Built-in (802.11ac + Bluetooth) |
Remote Control | Yes (via ten-pin remote terminal) |
Yes (via MC-DC2 or smartphone)
|
GPS |
Yes GP-1 or GPS device compliant with NMEA0183 version 2.01 or 3.01 (requires optional MC-35 GPS adapter cord and cable with D-sub 9-pin connector) |
No |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D4 |
Nikon Z7 |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion EN-EL18 rechargeable battery & charger
|
EN-EL15b lithium-ion battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | N/A | 330 shots |
Width | 160 mm | 134 mm |
Height | 157 mm | 101 mm |
Depth | 91 mm | 68 mm |
Weight | 1340 gram | 675 gram |