Nikon D4 vs Pentax Optio RS1500

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500
      70
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      47
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D4 and the Pentax Optio RS1500, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D4 was introduced in January 2012 and Pentax Optio RS1500 was introduced in March 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D4 Highlights

      • 16.2 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points (51 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 11.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Pentax Optio RS1500 Highlights

      • 14 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 0.7 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D4
      4. Advantage of Pentax Optio RS1500
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D4 and Pentax Optio RS1500.

      PROS

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 89
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Illuminated Buttons
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      •   Expensive
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1500 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"

      Advantage of Nikon D4

      Nikon D4
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D4 over Pentax Optio RS1500.

      Nikon D4 vs Pentax Optio RS1500
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs 1/2.3-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixel vs 14 Megapixel
      RAW Support vs
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 51 vs 9
      Center Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.2" vs 2.70"
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 230k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 4 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/1500 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 11.0 fps vs 0.7 fps
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Manual Exposure Mode vs
      Aperture Priority vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Longer Battery Life 2600 shots vs 260 shots
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D4.

      Nikon D2H
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D4s
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D3
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D2Hs
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D1
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      2.66 MP

      Nikon D1X
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Nikon D2X
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D5
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D3S
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D2Xs
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D6
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D3X
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      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Advantage of Pentax Optio RS1500

      Pentax RS1500
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax Optio RS1500 over Nikon D4.

      Nikon D4 vs Pentax Optio RS1500
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 80
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3280 vs 4288 x 3216
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Built-in Flash vs
      Lighter 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz) vs 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz)
      Internal Storage vs 97 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax Optio RS1500.

      Nikon D80
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Nikon D40X
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Olympus E-420
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      Micro Four Thirds

      10.0 MP

      Fujifilm S4200
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.0 MP

      Nikon D2X
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Sony a7CR
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      Full Frame

      60.2 MP

      Canon R10
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D1X
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      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Nikon D50
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Fujifilm S3200
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.0 MP

      Canon SX30 IS
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.1 MP

      Sony a7C
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D4 Pentax Optio RS1500
        Video Capture
        Live View Autofocus
        HDMI Output Type C Type D Micro
        Environmental Sealing
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D4 Pentax Optio RS1500
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801280 x 720
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via optional WT-5 or WT-5A transmitters
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D4 has a 3.2" screen with 921k dot resolution and Pentax Optio RS1500 has a 2.70" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder on Nikon D4

      Nikon D4 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 100% coverage and 0.70x magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Pentax Optio RS1500.

      Sensor

      Nikon D4 features a 16.2 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36.0 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 860.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800 and expands to 50 - 204,800 in boosted mode. Pentax Optio RS1500 features a 14 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 6,400.

      Photography Features

      Nikon D4 is equipped with EXPEED 3 processor and can take pictures up to 4928 x 3280 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4096 x 2720, 4096 x 3280, 3696 x 2456, 3200 x 2128, 3072 x 2456, 3072 x 2040, 2464 x 1640, 2400 x 1592, 2048 x 1360, 2048 x 1640, 1600 x 1064 with 5:4, 3:2 aspect ratios. Pentax Optio RS1500 can take pictures up to 4288 x 3216 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4288 x 3216, 4224 x 2376, 3216 x 3216, 3072 x 2304, 3072 x 1728, 2592 x 1944, 2592 x 1464, 2048 x 1536, 1920 x 1080, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D4 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Pentax Optio RS1500 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Nikon D4 has a Type C HDMI and Pentax Optio RS1500 has a Type D Micro HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D4 comes with EN-EL18 battery pack with battery life of 2600 shots and Pentax Optio RS1500 comes with D-LI92 battery pack with battery life of 260 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D4 has Dual CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA) or XQD card slots. Pentax Optio RS1500 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D4 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D4, and up to 1/1500 sec on Pentax Optio RS1500. Nikon D4 can shoot continuously up to 11.0 fps. Pentax Optio RS1500 can shoot continuously up to 0.7 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D4 has 51 (15 cross-type) focusing points and Pentax Optio RS1500 has 9 focusing points. Nikon D4 has detection range from -2 to +19 EV.


      Flash

      Pentax Optio RS1500 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 3.90 m. Nikon D4 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal or Wireless connection. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Nikon D4.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D4 body has dimensions of 160 x 157 x 91 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.58") and Pentax Optio RS1500 body has dimensions of 114 x 58 x 28 mm (4.49 x 2.28 x 1.1"). Nikon D4 weighs 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz) and Pentax Optio RS1500 weighs 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz).

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      160 mm

      157 mm

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      114 mm

      58 mm

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      157 mm

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      58 mm

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      91 mm

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      28 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D4 and Pentax Optio RS1500

      Nikon D4 and Pentax Optio RS1500 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      84
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      71
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      48
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      71
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      75
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      51
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      73
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D4 and Pentax Optio RS1500 and give them scores of 70 and 47 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      OVERALL
      70
      OVERALL
      47

      Sensor

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      74
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 89
      POOR
      48
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      BAD
      27
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1500 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      BAD
      7
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      78
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      POOR
      50
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      79
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D4

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      81
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots
      •   Internal Storage


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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