Nikon D4s vs Nikon D2Xs

      Nikon D4s

      Nikon D2Xs
      71
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      59
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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 D4s and the Nikon D2Xs, 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 D4s was introduced in February 2014 and Nikon D2Xs was introduced in June 2006. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D4s Highlights

      • 16.2 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 25,600 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

      Nikon D2Xs Highlights

      • 12.4 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 800 Native ISO
      • 2.5" 235k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 8.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D4s
      4. Advantage of Nikon D2Xs
      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 D4s and Nikon D2Xs.

      PROS

      Nikon D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   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 - 3020 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Illuminated Buttons
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      •   Expensive
      •   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 - 1350 g (2.98 lb / 47.62 oz)
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.4 Megapixel
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 59
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)


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

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25,600 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
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

      Advantage of Nikon D4s

      Nikon D4s
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D4s over Nikon D2Xs.

      Nikon D4s vs Nikon D2Xs
      Video Capture vs
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs APS-C
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixel vs 12.4 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 25,600 vs 800
      Higher Boosted ISO 409,600 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3280 vs 4288 x 2848
      Higher Bit Depth 14-Bit vs 12-Bit
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.2" vs 2.5"
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 235k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.70x vs 0.57x
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 11.0 fps vs 8.0 fps
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 3074 vs 489
      Higher DxO Color Depth 24.4 vs 22.2
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 13.3 vs 10.9
      Higher DxO Overall Score 89 vs 59
      HDMI Output Mini vs
      Built-in Microphone Mono vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D4s.

      Nikon D4
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D3X
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      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Nikon D3S
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D2H
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D1X
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      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Nikon D3
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D1H
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      APS-C

      2.7 MP

      Nikon D2X
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D1
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      APS-C

      2.66 MP

      Nikon D2Hs
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D6
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D5
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Advantage of Nikon D2Xs

      Nikon D2Xs
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D2Xs over Nikon D4s.

      Nikon D4s vs Nikon D2Xs
      Lighter 1350 g (2.98 lb / 47.62 oz) vs 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D2Xs.

      Nikon D1
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      APS-C

      2.66 MP

      Nikon D2Hs
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D3S
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D6
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D5
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D2X
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D3X
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      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Nikon D4
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D1H
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      APS-C

      2.7 MP

      Nikon D2H
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D1X
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      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Nikon D3
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      Full Frame

      12.1 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 D4s Nikon D2Xs
        High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/8000 sec1/8000 sec
        Environmental Sealing
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D4s Nikon D2Xs
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via optioanal WT-5A or WT-4A transmitters
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        Heavy1350 g (2.98 lb / 47.62 oz)1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D4s has a 3.2" screen with 921k dot resolution and Nikon D2Xs has a 2.5" screen with 235k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. They both have 100% coverage.

      Sensor

      Nikon D4s 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 - 25,600 and expands to 50 - 409,600 in boosted mode. Nikon D2Xs features a 12.4 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 800 and expands to 100 - 3,200 in boosted mode.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D4s is equipped with EXPEED 4 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. Nikon D2Xs can take pictures up to 4288 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3216 x 2136, 2144 x 1424 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Nikon F lens mount. Due to Full Frame sensor in Nikon D4s its crop factor is equal to 1x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length. Due to APS-C sensor in Nikon D2Xs its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D4s it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D2Xs nothing can be done. On Nikon D2Xs it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D4s 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. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D4s comes with EN-EL18a battery pack with battery life of 3020 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D4s has Dual CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA) or XQD card slots. Nikon D2Xs has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA), MicroDrive card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D4s has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Nikon D2Xs has Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D4s, and up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D2Xs. Nikon D4s can shoot continuously up to 11.0 fps. Nikon D2Xs can shoot continuously up to 8.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D4s has 51 (15 cross-type) focusing points and Nikon D2Xs has . Nikon D4s has detection range from -2 to +19 EV.


      Flash

      Cameras have no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected to both of them via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal to Nikon D4s and via Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safely lock to Nikon D2Xs. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D4s body has dimensions of 160 x 157 x 91 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.58") and Nikon D2Xs body has dimensions of 158 x 150 x 86 mm (6.22 x 5.91 x 3.39"). Nikon D4s weighs 1350 g (2.98 lb / 47.62 oz) and Nikon D2Xs weighs 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz).

      Nikon D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      160 mm

      157 mm

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      158 mm

      150 mm

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      157 mm

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      150 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D4s and Nikon D2Xs

      Nikon D4s and Nikon D2Xs 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 D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      GOOD
      84
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      76
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      GOOD
      76
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 3020 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      GOOD
      72
      •   25,600 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 - 3020 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      GOOD
      80
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      GOOD
      72
      •   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 - 1350 g (2.98 lb / 47.62 oz)
      GOOD
      71
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1350 g (2.98 lb / 47.62 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 3020 shots
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D4s and Nikon D2Xs and give them scores of 71 and 59 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 D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      OVERALL
      71
      OVERALL
      59

      Sensor

      Nikon D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      GOOD
      74
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 89
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.4 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 59

      Photo

      Nikon D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   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
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

      Video

      Nikon D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Nikon D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      GOOD
      83
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      75
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      GOOD
      79
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      40
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D4s

      Nikon D2Xs

      GOOD
      83
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1350 g (2.98 lb / 47.62 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 3020 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      GOOD
      74
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)


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

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