Got a new offer for trading D810 against a D4, not sure!

dccberry said:

I own and use both cameras, and my impressions are this: After (first) using the D810 for editorial jobs, and also for making large prints, it is tough to use the D4, which I bought recently. The D810 images have way more detail in them, so if image quality is a prime concern, there is no contest. Softer shutter of the D810 suits my needs for close-in candid work. That being said, I love the balance and build quality of the D4- no comparison to the D810. It fits perfectly in my hands, and just feels right. I don't think that its autofocus is substantially better for tracking action, but higher frame rate may be a bonus if you need it. If I shot a ton of stuff in bad weather, and needed super-high frame rate and bulletproof build quality, I would love the D4 more. As it is, for me, it is about image quality, and big prints (larger than 20x24), so I will probably let mine go. Not sure what I would replace it with though. I am actually having the most fun these days with my Ricoh GR, which blows my socks off for such a small camera.

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chipmaster said:

No question d810 enabled incredible detail and flexibility, but bring the right lens and the d4 is pretty capable. My favorite print is still an old d3s where when I get up close the grass still looks good, probably not d810 sharp bit when I took the shot I had 4 shots to pick from, if the d810 was avaliable than probably only 2 shots, a huge advantage for action when moments are fleeting!

Sports/action d4, blow up big not convinced d4 can't do it also. I do think it is easy to be impressed by resolution and peeping and less clear when you just don't see the shot you missed, LOL.

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dccberry said:

I just made a 20x30 from a Nikon D1x for a client, and it looked great, so I know that pixel count is not everything. For me, the D810 is the equivalent of using medium-format film, and the D4 is the equivalent of 35mm. Both are good, but for my work, medium format is better. The D4 does not resolve the finest detail of the Zeiss 100mm, for instance, but looks fine with the 180 f/2.8. Frame rate is not an issue- if I can't get the image I want in a 3 or 4 frame burst, a faster camera won't make a difference. I routinely shoot dance and movement workshops using single frame mode, as getting a good image is more about the timing of my subject's movement than the ability to shoot long continuous bursts. I have found that the 3D tracking on the D810 works as well if not better than the D4, possibly due to the newer processor in the D810.

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Nexu1 said:

Think about what you want or need. Price aside, I'd pick the D810. I just like the combination of smaller body and higher MP better. I can't imagine you're in this deal for the dollars, that wouldn't make much sense to me. For me, I'd keep the D810.

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jkjond said:

Surely a D4+810 makes more sense for what you do than a D4 + Df which share the same sensor? I'm pretty sure the Df would become a backup camera for me, where a d810 would have its specific uses.

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Kelpie said:

Any single digit Nikon camera with 45000 actuations is not worth the risk, not withstanding the rated shutter life or actual real world use of many many hard working photographers . The junker may only be good for 800000 more, then where will you be?

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solamnus said:

dccberry said:

I own and use both cameras, and my impressions are this: After (first) using the D810 for editorial jobs, and also for making large prints, it is tough to use the D4, which I bought recently. The D810 images have way more detail in them, so if image quality is a prime concern, there is no contest. Softer shutter of the D810 suits my needs for close-in candid work. That being said, I love the balance and build quality of the D4- no comparison to the D810. It fits perfectly in my hands, and just feels right. I don't think that its autofocus is substantially better for tracking action, but higher frame rate may be a bonus if you need it. If I shot a ton of stuff in bad weather, and needed super-high frame rate and bulletproof build quality, I would love the D4 more. As it is, for me, it is about image quality, and big prints (larger than 20x24), so I will probably let mine go. Not sure what I would replace it with though. I am actually having the most fun these days with my Ricoh GR, which blows my socks off for such a small camera.

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solamnus said:

Kelpie said:

Any single digit Nikon camera with 45000 actuations is not worth the risk, not withstanding the rated shutter life or actual real world use of many many hard working photographers . The junker may only be good for 800000 more, then where will you be?

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True. And im taking that into consideration of course. The guy trading his D4 seem to think it doesnt matter though and that his is in perfect condition. So i will have to decide if i want to take that gamble or not .

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CptAmerica said:

solamnus said:

Kelpie said:

Any single digit Nikon camera with 45000 actuations is not worth the risk, not withstanding the rated shutter life or actual real world use of many many hard working photographers . The junker may only be good for 800000 more, then where will you be?

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True. And im taking that into consideration of course. The guy trading his D4 seem to think it doesnt matter though and that his is in perfect condition. So i will have to decide if i want to take that gamble or not .

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solamnus said:

Kelpie said:

Any single digit Nikon camera with 45000 actuations is not worth the risk, not withstanding the rated shutter life or actual real world use of many many hard working photographers . The junker may only be good for 800000 more, then where will you be?

Click to expand...

True. And im taking that into consideration of course. The guy trading his D4 seem to think it doesnt matter though and that his is in perfect condition. So i will have to decide if i want to take that gamble or not .

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chipmaster said:

Nothing more expensive than new car smell or cost of unboxing a camera with 000000 on the shutter.

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CptAmerica said:

chipmaster said:

Nothing more expensive than new car smell or cost of unboxing a camera with 000000 on the shutter.

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LOL! Aint that the truth!

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chipmaster said:

solamnus said:

Kelpie said:

Any single digit Nikon camera with 45000 actuations is not worth the risk, not withstanding the rated shutter life or actual real world use of many many hard working photographers . The junker may only be good for 800000 more, then where will you be?

Click to expand...

True. And im taking that into consideration of course. The guy trading his D4 seem to think it doesnt matter though and that his is in perfect condition. So i will have to decide if i want to take that gamble or not .

--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/109301155@N05

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Go to fredmirranda buy sell forum and search D4. I would not pay more than 2500 for a D4 in excellent condition US model, all the trimmings. That is about the going rate. D810 with 5K shots have been going for between 2200 and sometimes less. There are a lot more D810's out there than D4, and I think many are expecting the D810 replacement soon.

I have had 4 different copies of D4, used beater with 200K on the shutter to a used with 10K on the shutter, couldn't tell one difference in IQ, or response, yeah the 200K beater was a beater but had for less than 2K a few years ago. The pro bodies are built like tanks!

I used camera is always a gamble of sorts, but my last few D810s, D4 and my current squeeze D5/D810 were all used. The value in a used high end bought from a non pro is very good IMHO.

Nothing more expensive than new car smell or cost of unboxing a camera with 000000 on the shutter.

--
" Today's Pictures Are Tomorrow's Memories "

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dccberry said:

Build quality and general ergonomics are better for sure on the D4. It is not a better general-use camera, but if you need its strengths for specialty usage, it is worth checking out.

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CptAmerica said:

dccberry said:

Build quality and general ergonomics are better for sure on the D4. It is not a better general-use camera, but if you need its strengths for specialty usage, it is worth checking out.

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solamnus said:

CptAmerica said:

dccberry said:

Build quality and general ergonomics are better for sure on the D4. It is not a better general-use camera, but if you need its strengths for specialty usage, it is worth checking out.

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