[T]he D4 headlined Nikon’s first major announcements of the new year tonight, overshadowing the new Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G mid-telephoto. Clearly intended to compete with the Canon 1DX, the D4 will feature a full-frame 16 megapixel sensor (native ISO range of 100-12800), opting for a relatively low resolution sensor in order to maintain competitive speed (10fps) and low digital noise.
Nikon aficionados will not be disappointed with the camera’s build and feature set, which appear to live up to the tradition of the D3 series. The camera has dramatically improved video capability with B-frame formatted video for easier editing; a 51-point autofocus system, improved face detection, ISO expandable 204,800, and dual-card slots. Interestingly, one of the card slots is a standard CF, but the other is the new XQD format: a high performance card that is intermediate in size between the popular SD cards and the much faster CF.
The D4 is expected to hit store shelves in late February at a (body only) price of about $6000, while the 85mm lens should be available in March for $499.