Nikon Df is a fusion of classic design with
modern technology.
The Nikon Df is conceived with that first impression classic look.
No video
16.2 MP
Nikon F bayonet mount
FF Sensor size 36.0mm x 23.9mm
Fastest shutter speed 1/4000sec
Lowest shutter speed 30sec
Live view
Large pixel pitch of 7.3μm
Fixed position monitor 921,000 Dots
Top FP high speed sync up to 1/4000sec (fantastic)
ISO 100-12,800, Lo-1 (ISO 50), Hi-4 (ISO 204,800)
Mirror lock
5.5 fps tops
3D-tracking
Storage media SD, SDHC, SDXC
Battery life 1,400 shots (CIPA) (very impressive)
EN-EL14A OR EN-EL14
Body price S$3569 (lost touch with current market pricing)
The ISO dial looks good but felt the L1 setting would be better replace with a "50"(blue colour) & the H1 & H4 with actual ISO ratings (blue colour).
I felt that having the 8, 15 & 30sec markings on the speed dial would be more practical and less confusing then the 1/3 step, X and T settings. Also a 1/8000sec shutter speed will assure prospective consumer and collectors alike that the Df is not a dress up entry level camera. Perception is an important key element in today's marketing of DSLR.
Personal impression of the Nikon Df at first sight and touch did not give me that "WOW" effect as compared to the Sony Alpha 7r in size, pricing, function, image quality, weather seal, weight, simplicity look, video function, innovation and the ability to adapt to other brand ff lenses.
Something about the Df is that it do not feel right in my hands. The feeling is "plastics" more than "solid". It could be the rubbery coating on the Df. The product itself is solid but it's just my personal feeling as compared with those analog chrome finished , Nikon F2, F3 & F4 that I had used before.
It is perhaps a great camera concept with good image quality that arrive too late to compete in our changing life style and market. However, it is still a great tool to accommodate most professional photography requirements but lacks innovation appeal to the general public. Df market position is in a defencive mode. It is neither a challenger nor a mind shifter.
*The above images were shot with a Canon G16 on jpeg file in ambient showroom lighting condition.
The Nikon Df is definitely a fantastic event photography tool due to the long battery life per charge, incredibly flexible on camera flash syn speed and low pixel noise at high ISO settings. I will regard the Df as a high performance camera.
A practical work horse without general public appeal and support, the Nikon Df is doom from the marketing stand point, even at the point of conceptualisation. It will be a low sales projection. The Df may well be the last stand and defence for traditional DSLR design in the current rapid changing technological and innovation orientated camera market.
If the Df body price would be adjusted down to say S$2000, this camera will be a sure "Hit" among Nikon users and something the front line sales personnel can speak out really loud. At current S$3569 price tag, can probably hear a couple of whispers on the Nikon Df, followed by golden silence.
Nikon have to be very realistic on their interchangeable lens camera pricing with reference to current market offerings. A defensive marketing position is only good if there is enough sales numbers to prevent competitors from hijacking it's existing customer base.
How well does the Nikon Df perform
in actual shooting situation?
(May 2014 update)
An unique opportunity did present itself to put the Nikon Df to the test.
This is a photography test assigned by a potential employer.
Very specific, very low lighting location, no tripod (handheld camera all the way), no flash or any fancy lighting equipment, no enhancement or editing software, Jpeg S format, minimum 50 shots complete within 2-3 hours, and submit every shot done, good or bad. These guys meant business. With such specifications, they can evaluate equipment used, photography skill & understanding level, work habit/approach, attitude, speed, accuracy, composition skill and so on.
In another words, they strip the participant bare and scrutinize....but I love every moment of the challenge. Very tight time frame of 1 week to complete the job and upload it to Picasa for submitting. I do not have that class of equipment required to do this assignment at the point of invitation. I spent 4 days deciding and shopping for the "right" camera body and lens.
From past experiences, I knew it's going to be ISO3200 range, slow shutter speed between 1/8sec - 1/15sec, DOF restriction, noise level management and needs light weight camera with very soft shutter to pull it off. My final choice is the Nikon Df body and 17-35mm f2.8D lens.
Took 138 hand held, availiable light shoots in manual settings.
The following are extracts taken at the National Museum of Singapore, living galleries.
My personal conclusion of the Nikon Df used in combination with the 17-35mm f2.8d lens is truly a standard professional photographer's tool.
It delivers what I wanted, although the aperture dial requires a bit getting use to. Manual focusing is managible even at extreme low light. Not too much fumbling about in handling the Df for first timer. Noticebly prety good on shock adsorbing even with the mirror flipping up and down at low shutter speed. The 17-35mm f2.8d lens is the best 35mm full frame, wide angle zoom I had handle so far in terms of image distortion. Budget wise, that's the best I can find for my requirement at time of purchase.
-3.JPG)
-4.JPG)
.JPG)
-2.JPG)
