The verdict

Does the D4s deliver on its promise?

The D4s delivers images that are big enough for most purposes without slowing down processing times, hampering continuous shooting rates or filling up cards and hard drives too quickly.

Our tests reveal that the D4s builds on the successes of the D4 with an improved autofocus system, better detail reproduction at higher sensitivity values and extended low-light capability. While it can be used for just about every genre of photography you can name, it is unlikely to be the camera of choice for enthusiast or professional landscape photographers, who are probably going to be drawn to a smaller, lighter model with a higher pixel count – for example, the D800e. The forte of the D4s is action and lowlight photography.

It’s a great camera, though we can’t help wondering where the built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and GPS tagging is. Both are available, but only via external add-ons.