Upgrade Guide

Nikon D4→Nikon D810

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

D4
You own
Nikon
D4
£283 used
2012
View on GearFrame →
→
D810
Upgrade to
Nikon
D810
£190 used (-£93)
2014
View on GearFrame →
✅
Strong upgrade
The D810 improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most D4 owners will notice the difference.
What's new in the D810
Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Genre D4 D810
Portrait
5.9
6.3
+0.4
Street
3.9
4.6
+0.7
Travel
3.4
4.7
+1.3
Wedding & Events
6.3
6.8
+0.5
Documentary
4.4
5.4
+1.0
Sports & Action
6.3
5.8
-0.5
Landscape
4.3
6.0
+1.7
Wildlife
5.9
5.9
—
Casual
2.3
2.8
+0.5
Food
3.8
4.5
+0.7
Macro
3.4
4.0
+0.6
Architecture
4.5
5.6
+1.1
Astrophotography
6.0
6.0
—
Full spec comparison
Spec D4 D810
Price £283 used £190 used
Released 2012 2014 ↑
Sensor 16.2MP full-frame CMOS 36.3MP full-frame CMOS
Resolution 16MP 36MP ↑
Video Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60 Full HD 1080p/60
Autofocus 51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type, 11 at f/8) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view 51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view
Stabilisation No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate 11fps 5fps ↓
Battery Life ~2600 shots (CIPA) ~1200 shots (CIPA) ↓
Weight 1340g (with battery) 980g (with battery) ↑
Weather Sealed Not weather sealed Yes ↑
Viewfinder Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x
Screen 3.2" fixed LCD, 921k dots 3.2" fixed LCD, 1.23M dots
Mount Nikon F mount Nikon F mount
Memory Cards Dual slots: XQD + CompactFlash Dual slots: CompactFlash + SD
Compare side-by-side

See D4 and D810 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

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Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D810 against your specific genres — not just specs.

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