Nikon D4s vs Nikon D810

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D4s and Nikon D810. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

These two camera models were both released 2014.

Camera Released
Nikon D4s 2014
Nikon D810 2014

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

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 D4s 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D810 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 D4s has a 16 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D810 has 36 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D4s 16 MP
16163840 pixels
4928 x 3280
Nikon D810 36 MP
36152320 pixels
7360 x 4912

Nikon D810 has a 124 % larger resolution than Nikon D4s. 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 D4s has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D810. Nikon D4s has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 25600 while Nikon D810 has 64 to 12800.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D4s 100-25600
Nikon D810 64-12800

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 D4s
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D810

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D4s can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds and Nikon D810 can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D4s 11
Nikon D810 5

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

In this case, both Nikon D4s and Nikon D810 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 D4s weighs 1350 gr (equal to 2.98 lb) which is 38% heavier than Nikon D810 and its 980 gr (or 2.16 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D4s 1350 gr
2.98 lb
Nikon D810 980 gr
2.16 lb

Nikon D4s vs Nikon D810 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D4s and Nikon D810, 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 D4s
Nikon D810
Name Nikon D4s Nikon D810
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D4s
Nikon D810
Release Year 2014 2014
Release Date 2014-02-25 2014-06-26
MSRP 6499 USD 3299 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D4s
Nikon D810
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D4s
Nikon D810
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 7360 x 4912 pixels
Megapixels 16 MP 36 MP
Image Processor EXPEED 4 EXPEED 4
Image
Nikon D4s
Nikon D810
ISO Range 100 - 25600 64 - 12800
White Balance Presets 12 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW + TIFF RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus
Nikon D4s
Nikon D810
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 51 51
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

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 D4s
Nikon D810
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 3.2” 3,2”
Screen dots 921000 1229000
Touch screen No No
Screen type TFT LCD with brightness and color adjustment TFT-LCD (WRGB)
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (tunnel)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7× 0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Nikon D4s
Nikon D810
Frames per second 11 fps 5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash No Yes
Built-in Flash Range N/A 12 meters
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes No
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, 1 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D4s
Nikon D810
Video recording Yes Yes
Video format MPEG4
H.264
MPEG4
H.264
Video resolution 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone Yes Yes
Built-in Speakers Yes Yes
Storage
Nikon D4s
Nikon D810
Memory Card Compact Flash
XQD
Compact Flash
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
Nikon D4s
Nikon D810
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port Yes No
Headphone Port Yes No
Wireless Yes
Optional via WT-5A or WT-4A
Yes
Optional via WT-5A or Eye-Fi
Remote Control Yes (wired or wireless) Yes
GPS Yes
Optional via GP-1A
Yes
Optional with GP-1 or GP-1A
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D4s
Nikon D810
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion EN-EL18a rechargeable battery & charger
EN-EL15 lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 3020 shots 1200 shots
Width 160 mm 146 mm
Height 157 mm 123 mm
Depth 91 mm 82 mm
Weight 1350 gram 980 gram