amazon Nikon Df reviews
Design
The front and top of the Nikon Df is a nostalgic beauty, with its high-pitched look and the familiar Nikon logo on the older 35 mm film body. The wheel adjustment parameters are also beautifully designed. The back of the machine is not like that there are still a lot of buttons in digital style, however this is inevitable. In general, the machine has a unique, beautiful design.
Function
Inheritance from the Nikon D4, Df uses 16 megapixel full-frame sensor, Expeed 3 processor. Nothing will be said if these two machine launches at the same time or not so long. Nikon Df launches after the Nikon D4 for two years, which is a long enough time that the technology behind the product must outperform the previous generation. Also at the time of the launch of Nikon Df, 16 megapixel resolution on a high-end product was something that photographers would find difficult to accept. This resolution is the lowest of all Fullframe cameras released in the past 1-2 years, even lower than some of the other entry-level cameras, definitely for photographers. Advertising photography or regular printing will not be impressed with this Nikon product.
The focus of this product is on the focus system, Nikon Df inherits the focus system from the Nikon D610. Users can enjoy the freedom of composition thanks to Df’s 39-point AF autofocus system. The camera also has a variety of AF modes such as fixed focus, motion, monotone, 3D tracking and auto area selection. Nikon Df ensures fast focusing in a large range, even with moving subjects.
where can you get a Nikon Df online
Nikon Df 16.2 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera Body (Black): Buy it now
Nikon Df 16.2 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera Body (Silver): Buy it now
Nikon Df 16.2 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera with AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition Lens (Silver)Nikon Df 16.2 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera with AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition Lens (Silver): Buy it now
Nikon Df 16.2 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera with Auto Focus-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Fixed Special Edition Lens (Black): Buy it now
Nikon Df 16.2 Mp Cmos Fx-format Digital SLR Camera Special Gold Edition 1,000 Limited Body Only: Buy it now
Structure of the operation
Although the Nikon Df is beautifully designed, the layout of the controls on the camera body is uncomfortable for the user. Firstly, the steering wheel on the front was designed by Nikon very thin, only emerged from the body for a few millimeters. In addition, right next to this wheel Nikon layout of the strap, which makes it difficult to handle the user when handling the wheel.
The Nikon Df’s grip is peeled and made perpendicular. So, working with the wheel on the front while still holding firmly this machine is impossible for the user.
The second annoyance comes from the wheels setting the EV offset value. In photography, EV compensation is a very important task for photographers who can not depend on any metering mode and still get the light they want. Because of its importance, this operation is usually prioritized for quick, accurate, and convenient use. However, with Nikon Df this is not the company’s concern. Nikon has added an EV detailing wheel as a button in the middle, this button has no value except to annoy the user, because when want to turn the wheel to change the offset value. Minus EV must simultaneously press and hold this button.
Another disadvantage that Nikon Df bring is the battery cover, to open the lid of the machine users have to rotate a small pin. For those with little fingers it’s okay, but the opening of the Nikon Df’s battery cover is a real challenge. In addition, the battery cover is not self-extracting mechanism when opening the latch should work on changing batteries while turning the machine will be very entangled.
Controls and Ergonomics
One of the standout features of the Df is its array of manual controls. The top plate houses dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, reminiscent of vintage film cameras. These dials are complemented by modern controls, including a command dial and a sub-command dial for more precise adjustments.
The layout is intuitive, allowing photographers to quickly change settings on the fly. The manual dials provide a satisfying tactile feedback, enhancing the overall shooting experience. The placement of the buttons and dials is well thought out, ensuring that most settings can be adjusted without taking your eye away from the viewfinder.
Image Quality
The Nikon Df is equipped with a 16.2-megapixel full-frame (FX-format) sensor, the same sensor found in the Nikon D4, Nikon’s flagship DSLR at the time of the Df’s release. This sensor choice emphasizes image quality, particularly in low-light situations, over sheer resolution.
Dynamic Range and Color Reproduction
The dynamic range of the Nikon Df is impressive, capturing a wide range of tones from deep shadows to bright highlights. This makes it an excellent choice for high-contrast scenes, such as landscapes and street photography. The color reproduction is natural and vibrant, with Nikon’s renowned color science ensuring accurate skin tones and rich, lifelike hues.
Low-Light Performance
One of the Df’s standout features is its exceptional low-light performance. The camera offers an ISO range of 100 to 12,800, expandable up to 204,800. This allows for clean, noise-free images even in challenging lighting conditions. The high ISO performance is on par with the Nikon D4, making the Df a strong contender for night photography and indoor events.
Image Detail and Sharpness
With 16.2 megapixels, the Df may not offer the same resolution as some modern high-megapixel cameras, but it strikes a balance between detail and manageable file sizes. The images produced are sharp and detailed, particularly when paired with high-quality Nikkor lenses. The absence of an optical low-pass filter further enhances the detail and sharpness, allowing for crisp, clear images.
Performance
The Nikon Df is designed with a focus on image quality and the shooting experience rather than speed and burst shooting. However, it still delivers respectable performance for most photographic needs.
Autofocus System
The Df features a 39-point autofocus system with 9 cross-type sensors, derived from the Nikon D600. While not as advanced as the autofocus systems in Nikon’s professional sports cameras, it performs admirably in most situations. The autofocus is quick and accurate, even in low-light conditions. For subjects that require precise focusing, the Df’s manual focus aids, such as the electronic rangefinder, are highly effective.
Burst Shooting
The Df offers a continuous shooting speed of 5.5 frames per second, which is adequate for most general photography needs but may fall short for fast-paced action and sports photography. The buffer capacity is sufficient for shooting in RAW, allowing for a reasonable burst length before the camera needs to clear the buffer.
Battery Life
Battery life is another strong point of the Df. The camera uses the EN-EL14a battery, which provides up to 1,400 shots per charge according to CIPA standards. This ensures that the camera can handle a full day of shooting without the need for frequent battery changes, making it reliable for long shoots and travel.
Usability
The Nikon Df is designed with usability in mind, offering a blend of classic controls and modern features to enhance the shooting experience.
Viewfinder and LCD Screen
The optical viewfinder provides a bright and clear view with 100% frame coverage, allowing for precise composition. The information display in the viewfinder is comprehensive, showing key shooting settings at a glance.
The rear LCD screen is a 3.2-inch, 921k-dot display, providing a clear and detailed view for image playback and menu navigation. While it is not a touchscreen, the high resolution and good color accuracy make it useful for reviewing shots and making adjustments.
Menu System
The menu system in the Nikon Df is typical of Nikon’s DSLR lineup, organized and easy to navigate. The My Menu feature allows users to customize a list of frequently accessed settings, speeding up the workflow. The camera also includes a range of custom settings, enabling photographers to tailor the camera’s behavior to their preferences.
Connectivity
The Nikon Df includes basic connectivity options, such as a USB port for file transfer and a mini HDMI port for external display. However, it lacks built-in Wi-Fi, which is common in many modern cameras. This omission may be a drawback for photographers who rely on wireless transfer and remote control features.
Comparisons to Other Cameras
To understand the Nikon Df’s place in the market, it is helpful to compare it to other cameras in its category, both contemporary and more modern options.
Nikon D810
The Nikon D810 is another full-frame DSLR from Nikon, offering a higher resolution 36.3-megapixel sensor. While the D810 excels in detail and resolution, the Df has the edge in low-light performance and portability. The D810 is better suited for studio and landscape photography, where resolution is paramount, while the Df’s compact design and manual controls make it ideal for street and travel photography.
Canon EOS 6D
The Canon EOS 6D is a direct competitor to the Nikon Df, both being full-frame DSLRs targeting enthusiasts. The 6D offers built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, features missing in the Df. However, the Df’s build quality, manual controls, and retro design give it a unique appeal. In terms of image quality, both cameras perform well, but the Df’s low-light capabilities give it a slight edge.
Sony A7 II
The Sony A7 II is a mirrorless full-frame camera offering advanced features such as in-body image stabilization and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder. While the A7 II is more feature-rich and offers better video capabilities, the Df’s classic design and tactile controls provide a different shooting experience. The choice between the two depends on the photographer’s preference for form factor and control style.
Conclusion
The Nikon Df is a distinctive camera that blends the charm of classic film cameras with the capabilities of modern digital photography. Its retro design, manual controls, and exceptional image quality make it a standout choice for photographers who value the shooting experience as much as the final image.
While it may not offer the highest resolution or the most advanced features, the Df excels in areas that matter most to many photographers: build quality, low-light performance, and ease of use. The camera’s tactile controls and vintage aesthetic provide a unique and enjoyable shooting experience, setting it apart from other digital cameras on the market.
For photographers who appreciate the heritage of film photography and seek a camera that delivers both in form and function, the Nikon Df is an excellent choice. Its combination of classic design and modern performance ensures that it remains a relevant and desirable option for years to come.