Swift, dynamic image of Lewis Hamilton, artfully captured in 1/10 sec by a Nikon DSLR, exemplifies the electrifying vigor of Formula 1 competition
Nikon D4 Camera and the Capture of an Iconic Formula 1 Shot
In the world of sports photography, the Nikon D4 DSLR camera, released in 2012, has left an indelible mark. This professional-grade full-frame camera, with a 16MP sensor, is renowned for its robustness and performance, particularly in demanding fields such as sports photography.
The Nikon D4 was designed to deliver high-speed continuous shooting, robust build quality, excellent autofocus systems, and strong low-light capabilities, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects like in Formula 1 racing. Its advanced 51-point autofocus system ensures that even the quickest action can be frozen with sharpness and precision.
Professional photographer Jon Segui, a partner with leading international brands for high-profile projects, utilized the Nikon D4 extensively for Formula 1 photography. One of his most iconic shots, capturing Lewis Hamilton in action, showcases the camera's capabilities. Segui leveraged the D4’s fast burst rate and reliable autofocus to creatively freeze the dynamic energy of Formula 1 racing, shooting at fast shutter speeds to capture a sensation of speed and motion while maintaining clarity.
The image, named "1/10th of a second", was shot at 1/10 sec, f/14, ISO 100, using the Nikkor 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens. This versatile lens, a must-have in many professional kits due to its balance of reach, speed, and versatility, beautifully isolates the subject through a shallow depth of field. The Nikkor 70-200mm zoom offers fast, constant aperture and excels well in low-light conditions.
To enhance the dynamic feel of the image, an intentional tilting of the horizon was used. Jon intentionally slowed the shutter speed to convey motion in the image. For the shot, he employed a short panning technique. Post-processing involved numerous sensor spot removals and some color correction.
The Nikon D4's combination of performance, grip, and reliability makes it a classic favorite among shooters worldwide. Its features, such as dual card slots - CompactFlash and XQD cards, a precursor to CFexpress, further enhance its appeal. Despite newer Nikon models like the D850 and Z-series cameras having higher resolution and advanced features, the Nikon D4 still remains highly respected for its ruggedness and performance in professional sports photography.
In 2015, Jon Segui captured another Formula 1 scene using the Nikon D4 DSLR camera at Circuito de Jerez in Spain. Jon Segui exclusively uses Nikon gear for his professional work, demonstrating his trust in the brand's performance and versatility.
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Release Year | 2012 | | Sensor | Full-frame, 16MP | | Strengths | High burst rate, fast & accurate autofocus, great low-light performance | | Ideal Use | Sports, action, and dynamic subject photography | | Notable Use Case | Jon Segui used it to capture dynamic Formula 1 scenes featuring Lewis Hamilton | | Lens | Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II | | Card Slots | CompactFlash and XQD cards | | Notable Shot | "1/10th of a second" - Lewis Hamilton at Formula 1 | | Location | Circuito de Jerez, Spain (2015) | | Technique | Short panning, intentionally slowed shutter speed | | Post-processing | Numerous sensor spot removals, color correction |
- The Nikon D4 DSLR camera, released in 2012, has been celebrated for its performance in sports photography, particularly in capturing fast-moving subjects like Formula 1 racing.
- With a 16MP sensor, this professional-grade camera is known for its robust build quality, high-speed continuous shooting, and excellent autofocus systems.
- In a Formula 1 tutorial, professional photographer Jon Segui, a partner with leading brands, showcased the Nikon D4's capabilities, using it to capture an iconic shot of Lewis Hamilton in action.
- Segui employed the D4’s fast burst rate and reliable autofocus to freeze the energy of Formula 1 racing, shooting at fast shutter speeds for a sense of speed and motion.
- The image was shot at 1/10 sec, f/14, ISO 100, using the Nikkor 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens, a versatile lens known for its balance of reach, speed, and versatility.
- To enhance the dynamic feel of the image, an intentional tilting of the horizon was used, and the shutter speed was slowed to convey motion.
- The Nikon D4's combination of performance, grip, and reliability, along with features like dual card slots, has made it a classic favorite among shooters worldwide.
- Despite newer Nikon models like the D850 and Z-series cameras with higher resolution and advanced features, the Nikon D4 still remains highly respected for its ruggedness and performance in professional sports photography.
- In another Formula 1 scene captured in 2015 at Circuito de Jerez in Spain, Jon Segui exclusively used the Nikon D4 DSLR camera, demonstrating his trust in the brand's performance and versatility.
- In the world of photography, reviews have praised the Nikon D4 for its autofocus speed, low-light capabilities, and video performance, making it a valuable addition to any professional's gear.
- For sports photography enthusiasts, the Nikon D4 presents a unique opportunity to capture striking portrait-style shots, thanks to its fast shutter speeds, shallow depth of field, and speedy auto-focus.
- Beyond sports photography, the Nikon D4 can also excel in landscape, wildlife, and video photography, thanks to its exceptional low-light capabilities, versatile lens options, and the ability to shoot at high ISO settings.
