To me, this is absolutely RIDICULOUS. Lola typically extracts the same wedding several times (once for producing smaller files with copyright / logo for social media and once for larger print-size files), so larger 36 MP files definitely do make her wait much longer. A number of our readers initially asked me if Nikon killed the Auto ISO feature and thats certainly NOT the case! The Shutter Speed dial is the one that probably received the most negative comments on the Df and rightfully so! I ordered a microprism screen from them before my D700 ever arrived. Rua Geraldo Pimentel Dias, 169 - Burgo Paulista (Rua Antonio Fortunato) 8.0 1. I have subscribed to the view for awhile that chasing pixels is not important as getting pixels that perform, the Df provides the optimum. The Nikon D800 requires good lenses and good technique to produce sharp images. Auto ISO is alive and well and it is implemented the same way as on the latest Nikon DSLR cameras. Then in the selection box, you can check up to three cameras at a time to compare their data. 51,000+ Newsletter Subscribers 1,190+ Featured Photographers 1,200+ Photography Guides & Gear Reviews Nikon Df Review In depth, practical and honest review of the excellent Nikon Df by professional wedding photographer Jay Cassario for Shotkit. Unlike the US figure, this includes 20% VAT, but that still works out as around the equivalent of $3660, even if you take this into account. Designed and executed for the most demanding types of photography, the Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 DG HSM OS Sports lens is the new standard for . I began using Nikon equipment in 1974 with the F2 and I still have it along with the MD2/MB1. - that's why I want to keep my primes and just use 'em on a digital body where I can focus and choose aperture and speed without having to deal with endless bs menus just frame the shot adjust exposure, check depth of focus - and shoot. Now if I were to overlay the viewfinder from the Nikon D7100, then we would see a totally different situation the focus points would spread over a much larger area. I've owned since 1986: FA, FM and the FE, then several of F90ish bodies for film, then digitally the D2H (the best ergonomically speaking) on through the D200, D700's and now the D800e. If you can handle slower shutter speeds, you can set Auto to be 1/2 or 1/4 the focal length of the lens. If it was not for those buttons and dials, Nikon could have probably made the Df shorter. The files from the D700 and D3s were rendering in about 1.5 seconds (zoomed in to 100%, going from one image to another), the files from the Df and D4 were rendering in about 2 seconds, while the D800E was taking about 4 seconds total! . There is no built-in flash either. PL provides various digital photography news, reviews, articles, tips, tutorials and guides to photographers of all levels, By Nasim Mansurov 109 CommentsLast Updated On April 30, 2023. Since the grip is fairly small and not as protruded, it makes it somewhat more difficult to hold a heavy setup. So if Nikon eliminated it, the On/Off / Shutter Release dial could have been moved to its place, or more space could have been created for the top LCD. Not having Video functionality is a little troubling, although I rarely use the video function on my current camera anyway so not much of a loss there. Without a doubt, the biggest strength of the Df is its amazing 16 MP full-frame sensor, similar to what is found on the top of the line Nikon D4. I'm confused what you're supposed to do with this camera. On the other hand, Bjrn Rrslett, who I deeply respect and follow, sent the following comment to me on the Shutter Speed / PASM dials: I do disagree with the comments on the shutter speed dial and MASP switch. When panning shots of moving subjects or photographing stationary subjects, select ON/NORMAL to reduce the effects of vibration. You dont even need to take your eye off the viewfinder since the change in ISO values can be displayed on the bottom of the frame. For me it is nothing more than a digital version of my F2 or F4. And then it finally arrived. This camera ticks not a single box for me personally. In terms of the location, I dont mind the dial to be on the left. Once set up, I do not go in the menus.As far as autofocus, I wouldn't need more points, but I would love that they would be spread wider in the viewfinder.Only real wish? At first glance, the Nikon Df seems to be ideally suited to sating that need, however in practical use its abundance of dials and switches hinders more than it helps. While she perfectly understands that exporting images at lower resolution reduces noise, she had a point does she edit images and skin details on the original 36 MP image, which obviously takes more work, or does she first down-sample the image, then work on it to save time? I figured that this sort of commentary mostly comes from those that unfortunately do not understand what goes inside a DSLR camera vs a film camera. While the battery certainly did drain faster in extreme cold, which is expected, the Df operated without any issues. On the other hand, those that actually own and use the camera highly praised its image quality, ergonomics, and overall performance. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports ($1,999): The Best Value Telephoto Zoom Lens! Nikon D5 (or D4 or D4s) for full-frame sports photography at a lower price than the D6. My point from all this the Df simply could not have been made significantly smaller as a DSLR. The back of the Nikon Df is designed very similarly as a modern DSLR. Film shooters had their own list of must-have features, including a large bright viewfinder with a split focusing screen for easy focusing with old manual focus lenses. Equally, the Df's relatively low-capacity EN-EL14a battery wouldn't last terribly long, even if such a feature were enabled. While the battery door also has a retro twist-lock design, I have seen some reports of the door easily breaking and falling off. Both cameras performed about the same in low light and I could not tell if one was better than the other. A bunch of other Metering/exposure settings like step values for ISO, EV and Flash are also missing due to the retro design. All AF systems start to suffer in low light situations, simply because very little light gets to the phase-detect sensor and it struggles with finding enough contrast (as explained in my how phase detection autofocus works article). The shutter release features a small threaded hole for those old manual-style remote releases. The Retouch Menu stayed identical, except for the Edit movie feature. And they look and perform great on the Df. If the index finger is not small/thin enough, it can be difficult to move it to another position. I have been using a D700 for the last 4 years and I STILL cannot get used to them. The target market of the Df is comprised of photographers that love shooting with compact, fast-aperture lenses. If left inactive for four hours, or by holding the colour selection or brightness buttons, it'll switch off. By clicking Sign Up, you are opting to receive promotional, educational, e-commerce and product registration emails from Nikon Inc. You can update your preferences or unsubscribe any time. When dealing with noisy images shot above ISO 800, Lola noted that the process of editing images from the D800 can get painful, especially when working on editing skin details. 1 Nikon Z9 Check Price 2 Canon EOS R3 Check Price 3 Sony Alpha 1 Check Price 4 Sony A9 II Check Price 5 Canon EOS-1D X Mark III Check Price 6 Canon EOS R7 Check Price 7 Fujifilm Is the placement of the exposure compensation dial infuriating? A rock-steady camera is essential to capturing tack-sharp sports and action shots, and Nikon's exclusive Vibration Reduction technology offers the perfect solution for reducing the image blur caused by camera shake. It had never been used. I am sure that if you used a 50mm 1.2 Ais for close subjects at 1.2 you would appreciate it beyond its apparent halos and flaws. The mainstream Nikkors of the 70s and 80s were built like a tank and handles like a Porsche. What I hate specifically about the DF:1. I would bet I have put close to a mile of film through it since then. Is a bit clunky and awkward? Most photographers never deliver files at their original resolution to their clients anyway, even when shooting at 12 MP. And here is another shot of the same coyote, but at a much closer distance. We know all about the old - the 'retro' styling - which leaves us with the 'D'. Instead the Df has Nikon's standard 'rangefinder' display in the viewfinder, which uses the autofocus sensor to indicate when it thinks the lens is correctly focused. I loved many years ago shooting my FE2 w/wo grip, and DF keeps taking me back. Overall I think owners of the Df, myself included, have an appreication for the camera the younger shooters wont appreciate. For her, it was a frustrating experience that made her return to the D3s pretty quickly. Compared to a DSLR, having to open the battery compartment to change the card is certainly a hassle. Seems like Nikon wanted to keep the current way of changing shutter speed and aperture instead of fully committing to the retro style, so it just mixed it all up together. Roger Cicala and his team at LensRentals disassembled an A7R and you can see exactly what I am talking about by looking at some of the pictures there is a lot that goes behind that sensor! Nikon Df Digital Cameras All Auction Buy It Now 27 Results 4 filters applied Model Features Connectivity Maximum Aperture Brand Condition Price Buying Format All Filters Nikon Df 16.2MP Digital Camera Black Body Only with Box #230510a (37) $1,048.00 $50.00 shipping 19 watching SPONSORED [N-MINT] 4197clicks! It has a couple of layers of filters (AA, UV, etc), then there is a heatsink behind the sensor to keep it cool. I would buy one of them. For example, if you are shooting with a 50mm lens, the minimum shutter speed will be set to 1/50 of a second. No plastic mold feel, wishing it felt just a little bit better. Avenida Ceci 530. That said, I use these lenses not because I am looking for the quantified image quality you refer to (resolving power, aberrations and so on) but for qualities that lie exactly in their flaws and their special signatures when used properly. NIKON Df + 0mm f/0 @ 50mm, ISO 12800, 1/100, f/5.6 Buttons and Controls. As we got closer and closer to the release date, enthusiasts from all over the world started speculating on the features of the yet to be released Nikon Df and pointed at possibilities of seeing a mirrorless camera, electronic viewfinder and a myriad of other technologies we now come to expect from modern mirrorless cameras. Nikon decided to change the front dial to a small vertical dial, most probably for aesthetic reasons. I think we are getting fed up with these hugely overpriced retro styled cameras.I would never buy one.Personally, I think Nikon need to bring a new D300s to the market. These classes were needed to fill my schedule and at first I didnt really know if i would like them. I have never used one, but I guess Nikon wanted to bring the old way of the shutter release on the Df in its full retro spirit. And for seasoning I have a Voigtlander 40mm Ultron II which is fantastic. 1. One of our readers complained that the exposure compensation dial requires two hands to change and it should have been on the right side of the camera. I have a 200mm f4 that came from an estate sale. Photographer fined '$200,000' for failing to deliver photos. Sport specific settings can help as much as adjusting your timing based on the sport you're photographing. there were only 3 of us for photo 2 so technically the class shouldnt have gone but it did because 2 of us were seniors and everyone else dropped the last day before break first semester. While there is not much difference in performance at low ISO levels, it is pretty clear that the Df takes the lead at ISOs 3200 and above, especially when it comes to maintaining colors and dynamic range. The professional F5 (1996-2004) was Nikon's last SLR to include it.". i wish nikon DF made the same technology like the fujifilm or the new Z7 aperature, shutter and ISO dials which was all curcuit board controlled and will give more space for video and larger sensor and faster X-speed. I am happy to say that the two samples I tested were free of autofocus alignment and dust issues both performed as expected. This will help when subjects may be obscured by their partner, to keep the camera from focusing on the background in the gap between subjects. I dream with new Nikon Df2 with hybrid viewfinder and 24 mpx sensor. The LCD on the rear of the camera is a 3.2", 921k-dot display and, despite its 'fully manual' pretensions, the Df boasts front and rear electronic control dials alongside the dedicated physical dials on the top-plate. Measures in bits the number of colors that the sensor is able to distinguish. From that standpoint, both adhere to the same standards. For example, the Nikon D600/D610 has no center button instant zoom capability (during playback), while both the D800 and the D4 do. When youre taking photos from a car, boat, helicopter or other unstable platform, select ACTIVE. Do you need a Nikon Df? Most of the Nikon lenses that comes in after 1977 aren't terribly soft, though definitely not tack sharp wide open. And, as well as the styling and dedicated external controls, the Df's other nod to the company's history is the inclusion of a retractable meter coupling tab, allowing the use of pre-1977 non-AI lenses. Go on to ebay, get one for about $800 (make an offer! All rights reserved -, COMPARISON SELECTION (3 selected items max. In the overall ranking, the camera stands as #33, right below the D4. It is clearly not for those that lug around with 70-200mm f/2.8 zooms and superteles the retro camera controls call for a lightweight setup. The only way to do it would be to decrease the flange distance. You take your time, and you just enjoy every moment with it. But it is image quality that really matters and as to be expected from the D4 sensor this is first rate. Perfect combination. For example, you can set the Self-Timer to 5 seconds and turn Exposure Delay on with a 3-second delay. It seems like the particular group that is attracted to this camera knows exactly what to expect from it. Although I did my best to explain that down-sampling/resizing images during the export process reduces noise significantly, the underlying message was that they would rather work on smaller resolution images that are clean, rather than deal with all the extra steps. You can do this with your left hand easily simply press the button with your thumb and rotate the dial with your index finger. On the Df (and many old Nikon film cameras), the shutter release is on the top plate of the camera, so when you put your index finger on it, the strap can get in the way of other fingers that hold the grip. Sign in or create an account to access your information. A Most Excellent Camera. Thanks Nikon, you've Successfully converted this Canon shooter with the creation of this beautiful camera! Got a used Df, with less than 30.000 shots, for a very good price. For those of us raised on film SLRs the effect is rather intriguing. Thus, I do realize that lots of resolution is not necessarily what everyone wants. But then I started remembering times when exposure compensation was too loose and changed accidentally on those Fuji cameras and then I realized that it was not such a bad decision by Nikon after-all. If you look beyond the Df's outward appearance, another aspect of its appeal is the relatively inexpensive access it gives to the image sensor used in the company's flagship DSLR, the D4. Once the shutter button is pressed, the camera will wait for five seconds, raise the mirror, wait for three seconds, then open and close the shutter, then put the mirror back down. While I agree that it would have been nice if Nikon included the Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX AF system with 51-points, I do not find the 39 point AF system to be insufficient or lacking for the Df. Compared to Nikon DSLRs that I have been shooting with for the past 7 years, the Nikon Df is very different, especially when it comes to its handling and controls. Thank you Nikon for catering to your long time loyal followers! Overpriced and clunky as. She demonstrated this on our home computer (which I recently built with the 4th generation Intel i7 processor, lots of RAM and SSD drives) and the performance difference between working on a 12 MP file from the D700 / D3s and a 36 MP file from the D800 was pretty noticeable. All of my Nikkors, from 16mm f/2.8 fisheye to 600mm f/4 are AI/AIS so this fits perfectly. Again, this one took a little time to get used to, so I do not look at it as something very negative in terms of handling. THE perfect FX camera for my landscapes. Stay tuned for a close . Did you get the D500? I wish Nikon borrowed this part from the D600/D610, which have proper user preset modes right on the camera dial. Sold my D700 to pay for it.I mostly shoot on aperture priority, with manual ISO setting.Handling: the Gariz half case is good improvement.Autofocus: I disagree it does not work well in low light. I found my way very quickly with the Df, quicker than with the D700. I also like the solid feel, the compact size and lighter weight even well balanced with a medium zoom fitted. Again, this is only at pixel level, but she was just not too excited to see blur and slight focus errors on the LCD while shooting. The Nikon Series E lenses were snubbed back in the 80s for being 'plastic', but their construction is far superior to any modern professional grade lens, and those were the cheap lenses. Nikon Df D700 vs Df 16MP Full frame 6.0 fps 2013. The D3s is also an option if you don't . For anyone reading this in 2020, if you are considering buying one of these 7 years after it was released, and you have a bunch of old Nikkor primes gathering dust, don't hesitate. Nikon took the same idea for the Df, but made a separate ISO dial in 1/3 steps from L1 / ISO 50 to H4 / ISO 204,800. One real shame (although perhaps not a surprise) is the fact that the Df's focusing screen is fixed. I did not see any shutter lock-up or other serious issues, which is good news. I did love Nikon F3 and Df for me is a great camera and perfect companion for my Nikon D3. The massive 36 MP RAW files slowed down their workflow significantly and they were not too excited about the pixel-level image quality at high ISOs. At first, you might be surprised by the lower than average sensor resolution. Having been using Fuji cameras during the past 6+ months, I do agree that Nikon screwed up with the design and ergonomics here. And initially, that was certainly not the case things felt odd, out of place and slow at first. But for those of us who are, a camera like the Df is very satisfying to use. and it is. Lastly, aside from the flash sync port, the Nikon Df does not have infrared or 10-pin remote connector ports on the front. The good thing is Nikon understands the users are vastly different and lets them have the choice. So there you have it Bjrn disagrees with my above remarks because he has seen a similar layout on the F4 in the past. It is no heavier but is bulkier. Cheers. It fits the Df so well and works so well, it is pure pleasure to use. The default would be 1/50, but if you go one step slower your shutter speed would be fixed at 1/25 of a second, while going two steps faster would increase the minimum shutter speed to 1/200 of a second. No, not by a mile. If there is one thing that you need to control is flare. In daylight situations, the AF performance of the Nikon Df is excellent. I disagree. If someone with collection of older lenses buys this camera so he doesn't have to "upgrade" his/her lenses, why not just buy a different camera and newer lenses? The problem with 1/3 stop Shutter Speed increments is already addressed through the Custom Setting Menu->Controls->Easy Shutter-Speed Shift (f11) (once turned on, the camera allows to go 2/3 of a stop up and down the selected shutter speed, similar to what Fuji cameras do). Since then I have added and F4, Nikkormat FT3 and Nikonos V. My D700 is used I manual about 99% of the time. Yes! The Df has the ergonomics of older 35mm cameras such as the F3, FM, FE and even the F4s. If you are wondering why there is over a stop of difference . Looking at the front of the Df, I realize that there was just no place to put it the left side is already occupied with the timer light, while the right side has the front dial. However, when you look at a film camera like Nikon FM, note its backplate when it opens up to load film, see how thin that back really is! For improved framing, set the Custom Setting a10 (on the D4) to YES to store points by orientation. A rather interesting and unusual move, considering the popularity of DSLR video. Nikon user for 30plus years digital since D100. Even in the age of digital autofocus, once you've tried for yourself the focusing experience on a legacy Nikon lens and compare it to today's lenses, you'll see why it's such a big deal. I personally have not seen such an issue on the two Df samples that I tested (one loaner and one owned), but I can see that it could be an issue since the door and the connecting parts are plastic. I used a variety of lenses like Nikon 58mm f/1.4G, Nikon 50mm f/1.8G and Nikon 85mm f/1.4G and all performed very well without any issues. maybe that will be worth buying. This is most effective when there is separation between the subject and background. A thin implement is needed to push down the lock pin and access the battery slot. Nikon used different dials for such functions as ISO, Exposure Compensation, Shutter Speed, Shooting Modes, On/Off and Camera Modes, along with the traditional rear dial and a small rotary front dial for setting different exposure parameters, similar to modern DSLRs. The Nikon DF Pure Photography Video ends with confirmation of the announcement date: November 5, 2013.