Nikon Df vs Nikon D4

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Df and Nikon D4. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon Df were released 2013 and Nikon D4 was released 2012. That is a 1 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon Df 2013
Nikon D4 2012

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 Df 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon D4 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

Both these cameras have the exact same resolution. Nikon Df has a 16 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D4 has 16,2 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon Df 16 MP
16163840 pixels
4928 x 3280
Nikon D4 16,2 MP
16163840 pixels
4928 x 3280

ISO range

Nikon D4 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon Df. Nikon D4 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 204800 while Nikon Df has 100 to 12800.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon Df 100-12800
Nikon D4 100-204800

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 Df
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D4

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon Df can shoot up to 5,5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D4 can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon Df 5,5
Nikon D4 11

Ability to record movies

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

It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon D4. Sadly, the Nikon Df does not support this.

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 76% heavier than Nikon Df and its 760 gr (or 1.68 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon Df 760 gr
1.68 lb
Nikon D4 1340 gr
2.95 lb

Nikon Df vs Nikon D4 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon Df and Nikon D4, 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 Df
Nikon D4
Name Nikon Df Nikon D4
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon Df
Nikon D4
Release Year 2013 2012
Release Date 2013-11-05 2012-01-06
MSRP 2749 USD 5999 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon Df
Nikon D4
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon Df
Nikon D4
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 4928 x 3280 pixels
Megapixels 16 MP 16,2 MP
Image Processor EXPEED 3 EXPEED 3
Image
Nikon Df
Nikon D4
ISO Range 100 - 12800 100 - 204800
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
Optics & Focus
Nikon Df
Nikon D4
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Focus Points 39 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 Df
Nikon D4
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 3,2” 3,2”
Screen dots 921000 921000
Touch screen No No
Screen type TFT LCD TFT color LCD with brightness control
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7× 0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Nikon Df
Nikon D4
Frames per second 5,5 fps 11 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000 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 No Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 3 (at 1/3 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon Df
Nikon D4
Video recording No Yes
Video format N/A MPEG4
H.264
Video resolution N/A 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone No Yes
Built-in Speakers No Yes
Storage
Nikon Df
Nikon D4
Memory Card SD/SDHC
Compact Flash
XQD
Connectivity
Nikon Df
Nikon D4
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless Yes
Optional via WU-1a wireless mobile adapter
Yes
Optional via WT-5, WT-5A
Remote Control Yes (Cable release, wireless remote) Yes (via ten-pin remote terminal)
GPS Yes
Optional with GP-1 or GP-1A
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)
Body & Dimensions
Nikon Df
Nikon D4
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details EN-EL14/EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery and charger
Lithium-Ion EN-EL18 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 1400 shots N/A
Width 144 mm 160 mm
Height 110 mm 157 mm
Depth 67 mm 91 mm
Weight 760 gram 1340 gram