Nikon D4 viewfinder

[Phil Balsdon]

This blog post should answer your questions. He’s had a “hands on” with the camera and confirms that it does.

https://www.dslrnewsshooter.com/2012/01/07/nikons-james-banfield-demonstrates-the-video-functions-of-the-d4/

Cinematographer, Steadicam Operator, Final Cut Pro Post Production.
https://philming.com.au
https://www.steadi-onfilms.com.au/

[Tony Gonzalez]

thanks Philip… it was exactly what I wanted to see! I have shot with the Canon 5D and loved it but now I can’t wait to get my hands on the Nikon D4.
thanks again,
Tony

[Deleted User]

It’ll be awesome if the final production units of this new Nikon D4 output a true standard live HDMI video signal which is completely compatible with external recording devices.

I only sound this note of caution because the GH2’s otherwise stellar-looking live HDMI output — which is fine for monitoring — but can have issues when recorded externally.

Here’s hoping! Cheers.

—

https://www.peterdv.com

[Kevin Schumacher]

Hi Peter,

I also have a GH-2, and recently purchased a Sound Devices Pix 240 external recorder. In my initial tests, the recorded output from the GH-2’s HDMI port is always 1883 x 1023 (not sure about the 1023 number, but certain about the 1883 number)…instead of 1920 x 1080.

The Pix has a setting that removes the pull-down frames while recording, and I’ve tried it (and other modes on the Pix recorder too), but the recorded pixel resolution is always 1883 x 1023. If you have an external recorder, are you getting the same result?

BTW, I have a pre-order for the D4 in too, after learning it’s HDMI is 4:2:2 8-bit, uncompressed (but to enable this mode, you have to have both the CF card and QXD card slots empty).

Cheers,

Kevin

[Tony Gonzalez]

What issues do you mean Peter? My plan is to use an external recorder to record in an avid compatible broadcast ready type of format so that the conversion isn’t such an arduous process. That way I take my shot material directly to my cutter and he starts to work in a much easier workflow. Other than the time code issue which I’m going to have to solve this seems like the fastest most direct way to get material into our avid server.
I shot with the Canon 5D and the convert process took so long it was a pain. The material was amazing but the conversion process took a long time to upload into our server.
Thanks,
Tony

[Deleted User]

Most of the info you need is in the very detailed first post in this thread on DVXuser:
https://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?237584-HDMI-Capture-Problem-SOLVED-AviSynth-RULES!

Cheers.

—

https://www.peterdv.com

[Rafael Amador]

[Kevin Schumacher] “The Pix has a setting that removes the pull-down frames while recording, and I’ve tried it (and other modes on the Pix recorder too), but the recorded pixel resolution is always 1883 x 1023. If you have an external recorder, are you getting the same result?”
I understand that’s the display size.
Bring the files to any NLE or graphic app to see the real picture size.
rafael

http://www.nagavideo.com

[Andrew Somers]

Does anyone know for sure if the Nikon viewfinder still operates while you record using an HDMI cable plugged into the camera and record externally? The Canon 5D does not do this and I don’t know if there is a hack to get around this shortcoming.

If you mean the OPTICAL viewfinder then NO, the mirror must be up full time for video recording.

There is *no* way to “hack” this – the optical view system consists of the mirror that reflects the image into the pentaprism – but the mirror blocks the image sensor. Thus, the mirror must be UP, when means that the optical viewfinder will be black.

The D4 does have a full resolution HDMI output that can be sent to an external LCD viewfinder, and the D4’s LCD does operate continuously in live/HD mode.

The only video cameras that have optical viewfinders use rotating mirrored shutters, and are quite expensive (and rare) – such as the Arri D21 and Sony F65.