Nikon cameras D4s vs. D810: I am a hobbyist with some nice gear. I presently own a D700 and a D800e, but now I have been starting to think if I want to upgrade again to either the D4s...

Jan G Loc: St. Augustine, FL

I am a hobbyist with some nice gear. I presently own a D700 and a D800e, but now I have been starting to think if I want to upgrade again to either the D4s (of course my husband may kill me) or the D810. I love both of the cameras I own now but have been reading about the low light capability with the big guns. Want to know if anyone out there can share some thoughts? Thx

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

You sound like someone who will not do with anything that you think is not the best. If you have the cash go for the D4s. - Dave

bratliff Loc: Atlanta, GA

D810 takes acceptable shots at ISO 6400. Noisy but correctible in post and still useable. If you need to go higher, then the D4 should be better (no personal experience with however).

This is just my opinion and in my experience.

mtparker Loc: Cape Charles & Springfield, Virginia

The D4/D4S begins to show better IQ above ISO 400 compared to the D800E so I will make the assumption that this also applies to the D810.

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

Snapsort rates them as a tie with the 810 a couple of points higher - at 1/2 the cost

The D4s is 16.2MP which is 45% of what you currently have.

Here is the site comparing the technical specs for each:
http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D4s-vs-Nikon-D810/specs

If I was seriously looking at buying a camera like this, I would rent it first and run it through the paces...

GPS Phil Loc: Dayton Ohio

Jan G wrote:

I am a hobbyist with some nice gear. I presently own a D700 and a D800e, but now I have been starting to think if I want to upgrade again to either the D4s (of course my husband may kill me) or the D810. I love both of the cameras I own now but have been reading about the low light capability with the big guns. Want to know if anyone out there can share some thoughts? Thx

Just a thought, the Df has the same sensor and processor the D4 has. Same low light performance. Bear in mind that the camera has no Wi-Fi, Video, GPS or built in flash.
For 2700.00 it is a bargain, all things considered. While it's not for everyone, those of us that have them, absolutely love them. Hold one in your hands, you might like it.

Phil

xxredbeardxx Loc: San Clemente CA.

Jan G wrote:

I am a hobbyist with some nice gear. I presently own a D700 and a D800e, but now I have been starting to think if I want to upgrade again to either the D4s (of course my husband may kill me) or the D810. I love both of the cameras I own now but have been reading about the low light capability with the big guns. Want to know if anyone out there can share some thoughts? Thx

Wow, You have a decision to make I would love to have.
Sounds like the D4s is what you will get, but
both are excellent cameras. By the way, I would
say your 800E is a big gun.

I'm a hobbyist too, and I hope to get a D750 soon.
I don't think I'm ready to handle the big files that
come with the 800 series right now.

Good luck to you and hope you post some photos.

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

Check out this video and tell me what you think of the D750 low light performance and other features at this price point.

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/8615298243/real-world-test-nikon-d750-at-the-museum-of-flight?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=generic

xxredbeardxx Loc: San Clemente CA.

Mr PC wrote:

Check out this video and tell me what you think of the D750 low light performance and other features at this price point.

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/8615298243/real-world-test-nikon-d750-at-the-museum-of-flight?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=generic

Thanks for the video. I love my 7100, but I'm planning
on getting this in 6 months when I retire.
I think its all I'll ever need.... well, ok until the next big thing comes along.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Jan G wrote:

I am a hobbyist with some nice gear. I presently own a D700 and a D800e, but now I have been starting to think if I want to upgrade again to either the D4s (of course my husband may kill me) or the D810. I love both of the cameras I own now but have been reading about the low light capability with the big guns. Want to know if anyone out there can share some thoughts? Thx

What do you like to shoot?

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Jan G wrote:

I am a hobbyist with some nice gear. I presently own a D700 and a D800e, but now I have been starting to think if I want to upgrade again to either the D4s (of course my husband may kill me) or the D810. I love both of the cameras I own now but have been reading about the low light capability with the big guns. Want to know if anyone out there can share some thoughts? Thx

My thoughts are that no one thinking of buying a D4s (or the D800/810 line for that matter) should come here asking if it is the right decision.
If you are up to that grade of camera you should be able to work the answer out for yourself.
And if you have to ask, then maybe you aren't there yet.

xxredbeardxx Loc: San Clemente CA.

lighthouse wrote:

My thoughts are that no one thinking of buying a D4s (or the D800/810 line for that matter) should come here asking if it is the right decision.

She is a new member here and has an 800E already.
She is thinking of upgrading.
Lots of people here ask for this kind of advise.

In other words. She's not asking for a "critique",
she's just asking for advise.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

I'd think long and hard about that upgrade. Going to the D810 will get you a better processor and auto focus. The D4s will get you smaller files (fewer mega pixels) and to my mind poorer images, as well as a much faster operating system, high fps, and a very rugged and heavy body. I'd study the qualities that the D4s will give you over what you already have and decide whether they are important to you and worth the money. For a photographer who doesn't need extreme ruggedness, weather sealing, very high fps, and very fast and accurate auto focus, I would consider a move from D800E to D4s a downgrade, not an upgrade. I went through this self debate some months ago when I wanted a faster fps than my D800E would give me. I went for a D750 in conjunction with the D800E.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Either camera would be a wonderful addition to your kit. But which one makes more sense is entirely dependent on what you like to shoot - both cameras will provide stunningly beautiful images - but each is particularly strong at one or more things that the other is not quite as strong.

So, to the OP, what do you like to shoot?

btbg

Depends on what you want to shoot.
I do sports photography for work and the D4s is better for that. Saving money to get one. Still shooting with a pair of D300s which really aren't very good in low light. Have rented both a D3S and D800 to test in the past. The D4s is heavier, so if weight is an issue for you go with the D800, but the D4s is also, more durable, and is nearly perfect for sports journalism.
With that said the resolution and detail possible with the extra megabytes the 810 offers is very attractive to fashion and landscape photographers.
There is no one best camera. Get the one that best fits your needs. Either way you will be happy.