Nikon Df Review - Owner's Review
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- Опубликовано: 1 мар 2014
- I bought the Nikon Df and this vid reviews the camera and my decision making process. The Nikon Df is "the camera of paradox!" All Music is royalty free courtesy of Dan-O at DanoSongs.com.
Why would anyone hate this camera. It's ridiculous. It's one of the most underrated cameras ever made.
I have several Fuji's, Nikon ZF and Z5 and Canon's, but the Df is the one I use the most, by far. The fact that there is no video is icing on the cake.
Great - exactly my opinions - replaced my D700 with DF - for me personally the best Nikon ever made;
Couldn't agree more. What an excellent review (nice videography too). AND a brilliant camera. The Df has completely changed the way I shoot. It has slowed me down and shifted me from a mostly aperture priority shooter to a fully manual one. When I bought my Df I felt I had gone quite mad for choosing it over the D800E or the D610. I'm so glad I did because it is the perfect camera for me and I'm really glad I don't have 36MP files. It's my favourite camera ever and I've had a few! I've never understood the haters, it's just an extra camera in the range. None of the so called shortcomings bother me one bit. I've never had a sd card fail, I don't shoot video, even the 1/4000s shutter speed is not a problem for me. If it's not the camera for you don't buy it, there are plenty of others to choose from. My sports car doesn't have a tow bar, an air conditioner or even a radio; but would I rather drive it than my fully featured family wagon? Hell yeah!!
It's always been odd to me that a piece of technology can make people so incredibly passionate. I agree with you, my D800 has barely fired a frame since I got the Df.
Informative and innovative review, thank you. I'm impressed with the Df. It's so easy to criticise but I believe most reviewers missed the point at the time.
This wasn't a camera to compete with the others, it's more of a tool of exclusivity, a precision instrument if you will, that appeals to the days of the film fraternity. Real photography reborn.
Great review! Thanks.
I really like the Df, mostly because I use it exactly the same way as my old film Nikon FM2, with the same glass lenses. It all brings back my old passion for photography. And then, it adds these fantastic non-film features! It's a delight.
Great review and video! You got some skills going there! The paradox camera is a good name for the Df. Hope to see more videos soon
Thanks for the excellent review, I was serarching an objective point of view.
Every cam has it's own pros and cons and these cons won't be a problem for me.
I'll jump from my d7000 to df happily. Thanks again
Probably the most honest review of this camera on the web. I also purchased this camera and am amazed at how underrated it has become. I shoot professionally and am shocked by how many pros are mocking this thing. Simply put, as a roam the earth, available light camera, that provides a tactile old school photography experience, there is nothing better. Also as a canon shooter professionally it's ridiculous to call this thing amatuer. Take away alI the retro styling and the df could easily be used professionally, for instance it has virtually no compromises for flash/studio photography. I don't know, like you I had the same journey... Not liking it at first... Some how ended up buying it... 4weeks into it now and I continue to fall in love with it. Sometimes pros say "it's not the camera it's the photographer." I agree, but when you see them fret over the littlest details of this camera, desperately trying to draw the line in the sand of what's "professional" and what's not, you wonder if they really mean it. By the way I learned photography with a nikon fe. Although it's not a complete simulated experience like a Leica is. That sort of calm, introspective, fine art experience I used to have... "It's in my hands again"
Completely agree. Thanks for the comment!
I agree, great comment. I have had a pair of OM1's (manual SLRS) from the 70s and a med format and always missed the ability to view the top to see at a glance my settings. Now going through D70s- D90- D300s I long for the full frame experience again. My mind says D800 but my heart says DF. I do some large printing having a 48" printer for signs. What to do???? I know 98% of my work 16 megs is fine. The 5 "issues" mentioned are somewhat fluff for me considering my real needs. The ASA opps ISO range would be a great added feature for so many applications.
It is also interesting to note the new D4s ranked lower in ISO performance even having the Expeed 4. So much for the criticism of the DF's "old sensor and only having Expeed 3.
Great review A1+ BTW. I figured a lot of criticism was do to a generation gap with the younger now demanding all the bells and whistles as a must have. I had my few film camera's for 25+ years. They even shot with no battery. Now we seem to need a huge computer on board to help us with all the aspects, I feel sometimes technology is taking over too much.
Larry L Thanks for your comment. It's a tough choice between the D800 and the Df. I would say unless you really, really need 36MP, get the Df. The D800 files are gorgeous but add a lot to the workflow process. For me, it took away from the overall experience of photography because so much extra work is involved with big files.
schultzphotographic I have been collecting some nice D lenses from ebay deals, 20, 28-105, 50, 85, 80-200, all with an f stop ring that I would love to use again. I seem to bump the wheels on my D300s a lot or turn the wrong one when fumbling to change settings. I do not like to change a lot of settings while still viewing anyhow. I think your comment about whole experience adding up greater than the problems was a great comment since there is no perfect camera. Having issues with my old D70s reading cards , 3 D90 returns and on my 2nd D300s, all software glitches, the DF's "Made in Japan" QC may be worth the extra $$ they are asking. I never heard a comment on that positive aspect.
Finally a good and very objective review on the camera, I got one cause of its size, and D4 sensor. I´d like to say I agree 100% with all you said, the paradoxes and its pluses, to me is a pleasure to use and its IQ will eventually make some detractors change their mind, I´m sure. Cheers! great video.
PD: and I´m no hipster either.
Thanks for your comment! I love the Df more and more all the time. It's quickly becoming my goto camera
Yup. the Dƒ is for me. Good review. Echoes my experience and judgement of the camera. I'm no hipster. I'm just a guy who loved his film Nikons and really enjoys the Dƒ.
Thanks for the comment!
Great review! You raised both pros and cons, and for whom it may be suitable for.
Thanks for the comment!
Wow. For a "primarily still photographer," you certainly produced a network quality, well-shot, well-edited, informative but yet entertaining video. Thanks, and think about making a tutorial for others who want to post a great quality video on RUclips.
Thanks! :)
Great review and sums up nicely that if 'this is a camera for you, you will love it'. I found it was indeed the camera for me and have sold my 24 megapixels, D600 and Sony A7 preferring the Df over those two.
Couldn't agree more. I learned the basics of photography on a Nikon FM I purchased in 1977. I'm an old school geek to be sure. My first digital photography camera was a Nikon DF. I purchased in '14. The first day I used it, it felt like I'd been using it for years. I've never had even one minor problem with my DF. This camera is simply a joy to use. I've made a lot of money in my live as a videographer. If I want to shoot video I use a video camera. If I want to take incredible photographs, I use my DF. And maybe the best reason I love this camera, is that I can use all the the great Nikon lenses I've purchase over the years. I love to shoot with my 35 f/1.4. I don't need auto focus shooting wide angle thank you very much.
Great, very balanced review! Thanks! Still love the looks of the black DF, hate the AF, though. It's not as terrible as people make it seem on the web (happen to own a d750 and a d610) but as you pointed out: The D4 sensor cries for low light shooting and the AF just doesn not live up to it. Got high hopes for a mark2 version!
I recognize those cityscapes! Funny to stumble across a review from the hometown! Thanks.
Hi,
I took the brave decision to pick up a used version of the Df, and as I nervously await its arrival in the post - I am comfortable with the decision even in 2018 owing to a number of fellow photographers who suggested it would suit me, but also because people like yourself set out a clear line of parameters that explain its strengths and weaknesses.
if it helps, for the last two years I have ran with a Leica X typ 113, to give me a break from the Nikon D300s.
Fabulous review of a great camera.
Very fair review I think, (and well presented) I get sick and tired of most comments by people who don’t own, haven’t shot a Df. (ever wonder why those that do own one rate it so highly?) Is it perfect? No but it is a great camera, not video camera but a CAMERA. That is NOT a fail, If you Want a video camera, get one! Complaining that this doesn’t have it is like complaining that a Ferrari can’t take garbage to the dump or go off-roading. As for the split screen or lack of one, It would have been nice, I agree but you can get one and put it in, it works great!
What this Camera is, is a well built camera that just feels right in your hands, can use virtually any nikkor glass and is a joy to use.
I would like to see a few tweaks however. Auto ISO position on the dial for one. Split prism from the factory would be great, built in AF assist light would be great. Built in WiFi and capable software. These can all be worked around but it would be nice to have them. D5’s AF system and sensor/processor would step this up. Other than that, this is a great camera that deserves a better rep from those that have never used it and lived with it daily and as such, don’t have the first clue as to what they are talking about.
Many review said this camera should not come, lacks lots of features etc. I like the title "the camera of paradox". Nice unbiased review.
Nice review and nice way of presentation for a Df......
I have just had the chance to review your review of some time ago. While I recognize the issues you bring up as weaknesses, to me they represent a call-back to the shooting experience I experienced when I used cameras contemporary to the style of the unit. When Nikon brought out the Df, I was immediately attracted. For me, it was the interface that took me back to my younger self, and brilliantly melded the film camera interface with a brilliant digital camera. I have two: a silver body and a black/gold special edition and I love using them still.
This is a camera that CAN be used as a digital DSLR, or it can be the digital version of the film cameras I used to use back in the days when I first started as a photographer. You can choose which personality you use or apply a combination of those two interfaces.
Its intent is to re-create, as much as possible, the experience that photographers had when using a film camera. It slows you down, and turns the process of taking a photograph into an occasion to be savoured. But it recognizes that digital photography has other elements that film did not have and it has tried to deal with those without losing the analogue interface and the film experience that required a discipline of approach that one does not have to have today and what some regard as shortcomings, I see as a recreation of those conditions, and I'm fine with it.
The clues to the fusion philosophy are in the whole design ethic:
1. The ability to use Non-AI lenses
2. The use of analogue dials controlling the essentials
3. The fabulous sensor, upgraded with a new processor to improve low-light/high ISO performance. It encourages you to use available light and fast prime lenses.
4. The removal of video to concentrate on stills, making the camera more compact and lighter.
Let me address some of the criticisms I have seen hurled at this, usually because critics did not see the whole purpose of this salute to the past of the pure SLR recreated - INCLUDING some of its limitations:
1. NO VIDEO: It's a STILL photographers' camera - that deserves no apology, SLRs didn't take video. There are many DSLRs out there that do video just fine: buy one of them.
2. It doesn't have a built-in flash. Neither did the film SLR cameras of that era, but it has a perfectly serviceable flash hot shoe with all the capabilities of any Nikon camera built-in.
3. The unit does not have enough focusing points. It has a lot more that film cameras did and it works fine. Furthermore it doesn't use a split focusing screen, according to its designer, Goto Tetsuro, in an interview in 2019: the split screen focusing was not technically viable with a multi-point digital sensor system.
4. There is only one card slot. Film cameras could only hold one film at a time. In the days of film when I was shooting around NZ, Australia and Asia for landscape, wildlife and travel production I could carry only a limited amount of film and that had a finite life in the very hot conditions. When I took a photo I would not know if it came out for maybe a month before it was developed. The temptation was to take several bracketing shots, but then there was the limited film capacity to consider. It generated a discipline of being sparing and very careful with my settings and composition. I still do that today with digital and shoot a lot less than my contemporaries who only knew the digital environment.
5. The controls have lock on them - yep and so did most of the film cameras, it's about learning to get used to them, once you do it's automatic.
6. Small battery: the battery is rated at 1400 images, well in excess of the default standards for DSLRs. But the idea is not shoot like Rambo, but to shoot like you have a limited amount of film stock. Less, with quality, is more.
This camera is all about taking time to enjoy the process of taking a photo, as well as the final outcome. In a similar situation my daughter's boyfriend asked about my record turntable and asked why I would still have one of those when an MP3 player was much more efficient. My response was that playing a record became an occasion in its own right and that was a big part of the enjoyment for me - in exactly the same way as taking a photo with the Df does.
Exactly!
Well done, excellent video, excellent review!
Just got my DF. Love it! My old ais and pre-ai lenses work beautifully. Super nice image. I have Fuji xt-2, xpro3. But honestly I like Nikon's look so much more. Getting a split screen. Nikon, if u are reading this, please don't give up making a retro digital. Really. There are photographers who are not young in age, and don't care about videos. We have a collection of favorite old lenses, and taking photos is a way to relive our younger days. That is what DF had given me.
Nikon Df.. simply amazing!
The Df completely surprised me. I self learned on Nikon manual film cameras, then Nikon Af film versions including the F501 and F90x. After using the D70, D90, D700 then the D810, I assumed that I had hit pretty high standard and had moved away from auto icons such as sports , landscape mode etc. and that my photos were pretty good. However, looking back at my film pictures, they were much better, not in terms of resolution (or dress style!) but in composition and more importantly, depth of field and exposure.
So I moved to the Df. The beauty of this camera lies in its traditional simplicity. Ditch auto everything because you can. Set ISO, shutter speed and aperture yourself with or without an aperture ringed lens and just have some fun. The photos will be in another league. Can you do the same with a D810 or a D750? Yes, but in my experience with much less intuitive pleasure. Buy the Df because it is beautiful and not just another gadget to the collection. Who knows, you may just love it.
Great video. Really nicely done.
Thanks!
really enjoyed the review - decided to purchase one - thanks
Glad it was helpful for you. I find that I'm using the Df more than the D800 now. It's a great piece of kit!
I spent ages comparing the 800 with the df. Went with the df. For me I have no regrets and an unexpected upside: my p7700 ( in my pocket when I don't have an slr), and my wifes d3200 all take the same battery!
low light for concerts and Q feature shutter are wonderful.
great review!
got mine earlier this week. as with most was quite skeptical... but wow, the image quality! specially the tones in black and white... one God Almighty rendering!
mounted a nikkor SC 50/1.4 non ais and the enjoyment from shooting is nothing like I ever got before with so many cameras (bar leica).
the only gripes as you mentioned the max shutter speed,... the oddly placed on/off and drive mode dial.
Glad you are liking the Df! It does have a very nice feel in B&W.
The Df was the camera I always wanted when going to digital but had to wait 8 years. I love the only one glance needed to see about all my settings, no need to use 2 hands to change things and it's size and weight. I deliberately use D series fstop ring lenses and cannot figure why they removed that feature on the new cameras not being able to use the rings. I had a problem constantly bumping my front dial and getting my setting out of wack. or not realizing it after several shots in A mode. I hardly ever used the 51 point system on my other camera since I could not fully trust it and got the same overall results or better with one point for sports. I am not a spray and pray shooter. The 16 meg sensor is a big plus also for getting color popping, great resolution photos above 800 ISO where the other larger pixel sensors drop off faster in the stats. Also the raw files are smaller, another plus. Even with my 48" printer doing large prints, I can get all the resolution I really need to satisfy my customers with the Df.
I shot with the Df for a full day with only the single point of focus. I'm glad it's got thirty some odd points of focus but I treated this just like a film camera, only I could switch ISO on the fly. This camera is like the 70s Minolta I learned photography from. The ISO dial is literally the only addition I didn't have growing up. I rarely ever use a shutter speed above 500 let alone 4000th of a second so that limit is not an issue for me. This camera is by far the best camera I've ever had.
+meow meow meow Yep, it's really odd how many have nit picked it to death. I almost passed it up until I really thought it all out. As soon as I started using it, I knew it truly was the DSR I always wanted, not being happy with the "new improved" designs that were to me, bulky, heavy, and a bit confusing. The stats like dynamic range and color depth are derived from base ISO so the Df actually does better than the others after 400 ISO. They never seem to mention that however. Even in resolution, I rarely take tripod shots at base ISO at F8, with no wind, and using only the center of the frame, as to really notice a better the resolution you can get from the higher pixel cameras.
I like your editing, this would be my choice if i was going to buy a digital camera.
2019! :)
Guess what, last week I sold my D750 aaaand Today, I have just bought a silver DF and I adore it, absolutely everything about it, well, OK, I’ll miss the AF illuminator :) , but that’s all!
BTW, great review!
it's a great time for buying it, it's affordable now, i've got mine for 900e with 25k on shutter. also some people start to get rid off f-mount glass, you can add great afs primes for cheaper too if you transition from dx (like me). sure, z are finally even smaller than df (i've got my df 'cuz my smaller hands loved its feel right away much more than d750), but i'd wait till 2022 by then z6 will start to sell for 700e used. some dx lenses work great on it, my d7200 sigma 18-35, 50-100 f.18, tokina 11-16 (and even nikkor 35mm f1.8 afs) all work on their longuer ends without vignette. some folks tried to scare me about the price of ff glass (i've been totally equipped with dx stuff), but after some chasing i've got nikkors 24mm f2.8 afd, 180mm f2.8 ais ed, 200mm f4, tokina 20-35 for very cheap on ebay. recenlty added nikkor 70-200 f2.8 vr1 and sigma 50m f1.4 art bought both 1/2 price of new, now i dont need anything for the next 4-5 years :-) for amateurs df will be a viable buy for the next 2 years i think, till second hand Z bodies and glass will finally start to pop up for cheap. why to switch to fuji, buy again all the lenses, loose on reselling your good nikkors, you want a smaller configuration df can be a decent solution. df + 40mm f2 ultron is an excellent alternatife to fuji
How does Df compared to D750 in low light? I'm buying my first DSLR and planning to get one of them. I can get the cameras brand new for 1200 locally. I think the style and button placement won't affect me too much.
You seem to be criticizing everything it wasn't meant to be. It's a retro digital camera, it's the little brother of my Nikon FM3A. It's reasonably small and accepts all Nikon lenses including the original non indexing lenses. When I'm using it, it reminds me of my old Nikon F's, F2's, F3's FM, FM2 and so on, I feel like I'm exposing film so I take my time. If I need a sports camera my trusty D700 still kicks butt! If I need a high resolution camera my ancient D800 still gets the job done. When I'm traveling or doing anything that requires 2 camera bodies I grab my D600. I have to admit you did an awesome job producing this video and pointing out the good, the bad and the ugly. Thanks!
Nice review. I am surprised that given its popularity, despite its weaknesses, Nikon has not come out with a new improved version.
I have a Fuji xt1 and I’m dying to use my manual focus Nikon lenses on something full frame, but I don’t want to have to carry around a giant dslr body. This seems like the perfect choice for me!
I bought this in 2014, then in 2016 my daughter used it in her study abroad. Now is back again to my hand, and it took me no time to use it, because it is so intuitive. I never learned the nitty gritty of the extra functions that it borrows from D610, just a quick look to set Auto ISO, Change to Monochrome, and shoot Fine JPG + Raw, and I am ready to go.
Now in 2023, I bought a low actuation mint D4 for less than the price of a DF which is a heavily neuter version of the D4. Love my D4
I never had a Nikon until today but as I'm considering to buy a D850, if I go into the Nikon's World, I will certainly purchase a DF... For my own pleasure only ;-)
This will probabily become my favorite camera for street photography very soon !!!
Bellissimo video grazie!
what camera did you use for the video? it looks amazing.
Another paradox may be that for the camera that targets people that grew up with film the viewfinder has a very short eye point (eye relief). I am considering the Df but thinking that I may not be able to see enough in the viewfinder. A great part of the cult following of F3 is the availability of high point viewfinder.
Did you have difficulties composing with Df while wearing glasses? Great video, thank you
Really watchable review.
Thanks!
With camera full of manual controls why some wonder about the inferior auto focus. SPENT a few seconds and enjoy manual precise focus. The human eye is always better.
Achilleas Labrou Except you can't focus precisely by eye because there's no split prism
Because of the viewfinder. Every reviewer says the same as you and then ask but why did Nikon not put a split prism in the viewfinder then? They have an autofocus assist indicator to confirm when you have manually focussed correctly. But it depends on the D610 autofocus system so its not very good. You see the problem?
Achilleas Labrou No it’s not, the human eye is sh*t compared to modern auto focus
@@marcd7332 what makes you say that? the human eye is what a camera is trying re-create.
Maxine wav What? That it’s treating to re create the eye doesn’t make the eye better in every way. Try to precisely focus with a 0.95 50mm lens. You can’t do it quickly and chances are it will look out of focus compared to a Sony AIII
I don’ understand the “controversy” side of this camera. For what it does the Df is a brilliant camera. I so wish it did video because everything else about it is really likeable. It encapsulates so much that has made Fuji a growing camera company, but at the same does encapsulate that which has caused Nikon to be. Company losing market share in 2020. The Df was released 5 years after Panasonic and Olympus mounted the start of the mirrorless revolution, and it was 3 weeks after Sony launched the A7 and the full frame revolution. I, and a lot of other people, bought the A7 and not the Df despite thinking the Df was the better camera in so many regards, but the A7 had no mirror, had an EVF, and did video.
The Df was the camera where Nikon should have seen the writing on the wall, and gone full frame mirrorless. If they had, Sony would have been dead in the water and it could easily be argued that Nikon would, in 2020, be #1 camera seller again. A mirrorless successor to the Df would be the “must have” camera and APSC versions of the Df concept would have relegated Fuji to yesterday’s hero status.
The Df’s wonderful set of controls, feeling in the hand, and image quality all appeal to those who love mirrorless. I would buy one in a heartbeat if it could do video. Instead I adapt my Nikon manual focus glass to Sony. And every time I see a Df, I feel a little sad for what might have been, had Nikon not been wearing the DSLR blinkers for too long. Perhaps it is time for Nikon to make a Z-mount Son of Df. It would do well if it did credible 4K.
Um the DF can shoot video, so many ppl overlooked the HDMI port to record externally. I think the only issue is the Live View keeps a single AF point on. Atomos Ninja 2 can record externally
I get my DF Monday. You can and always have been able to use a Atomos Ninja 2 on the DF since the beginning. Live View is the equivalent of Mirrorless and it work amazing for stills on the DF giving you AF for the entire screen. If you want a viewfinder in Live View you have 2 options, buy a OVF to the hot shoe or a OVF to your LCD screen. Nikon made that screen better than the D600, D800 and D4.
Literally the only real issues are that supposedly the HDMI signal is great but this could've been a cable issue from the guy who did it 6yrs ago.
No way to assign the Shoot Menu to buttons (custom user settings without opening a menu)
Lastly no 1/8000 which the isn't a deal bracker for 99.9% of photographers. It has enough dynamic range that 1/8000 isn't actually needed. 1 stop is not going to cut it if you shoot f1.2, you'll still need a filter regardless.
Even down to the split prism, guys have figured out how to swap one in, in under 5min.
Like I said, I get mine this Monday so if thing I've said is false if remember I'll correct it.
and if the footage is useable Topaz Ai has software to address 4k since the DF only outputs 1080p
How low do you have to go for it not to auto focus?? I've never had a problem shooting under tungsten lighting in fairly dim rooms. It must be only the extremes that cause a problem.
Love my Df. It's the one Nikon I'll never sell. I suppose it's too much to hope for a Df 2.
How many times people need to shoot over 1/4000 of a sec? I think if you just pick up and shoot with this camera you will love the image quality and the experience I know I did. Great review!
Truly, it can be a rarity to need 1/8000. But I did the other day shooting at 1.4 in bright sun. Couldn't do it and I needed to stop down. But I needed at least 2 stops so I was at 1/2000 anyways. As you say, not a big deal. The image quality is fantastic and it makes up for everything else. Thanks for your comment!
Maybe it will shock U but it is a loong time has passed when people discover the ND filters XD
Video: use HDMI to Atomos Ninja 2, etc
Split Prism focus screen: takes 5min to swap original focus screen for a split prism
Low light AF: SC-29 or SU-800
Dual card memory: WU-1a
Battery: En-El20 + Ep-5c
Live View: performance exceeds D4, D600, D610 & D800 for pixel to pixel reproduction.
Size: Smallest Nikon FX DSLR, Voitlander 40mm f2, Nikkor 45mm f2.8, Nikkor 50mm 1.8 E
Sensor: physically the same but wasn't coded the same hence why the DF outperforms the D4
P,S,M,A: M only
Strap hooks: can lay camera flat
ISO: highest until the Z6
Now to what Nikon actually fucked up on with the DF
No way to assign the "Shoot Menu" to a custom button.
HDMI signal is not the best for external monitor/recording.
No proper hot shoe flash water seal for Flash however a simple cut balloon solves this issue.
1/8000: Extended iso 50
My Nikon digital journey went from a D800 (2012) to a D600 (2021) and recently a D700 (2022)😅 they are addition not the replacement.
Now I'm shooting with all those three and not having any plan to change my setup soon. Yes, i have a nice set of F-mount lenses which would cost too much to move away from.
Helpful interview. I have a D700 and am curious about the low-light autofocus struggles you mentioned. Can you describe or give some indication of what you mean by low light, e.g. are you talking f/1.8+1/30 sec+ISO 200 range? And does focus not lock at all, or does it just hunt too long? I shoot some events and the D700 has always focused very well for me (I have no experience w/a D4, so I can't say how much better I'd find it over a D700) (and I don't think I've ever used the autofocus assist lamp on my D700). Again, thanks.
I have both the D800 and the Df and the focus system performance is very different. When I reference "low light" I mean like a very dimly lit wedding reception, so table candles, Christmas/twinkle lights, very dim house lights, somewhere in the the neighbour hood of f/1.8 + 1/60 + ISO 1600 (give or take). In those conditions, the Df will simply not lock at all. It's as if you put the lens cap on and autofocuses the lens. It doesn't even try to lock, just cycles focus from one end to the other. There is no AF lamp on the Df which is also a bummer - but like you I never use them anyways as when I'm shooting in those circumstances, I'm trying to be discreet and nonintrusive. The D800 in these same conditions nails focus every time for me. The SU-800 evens the playing field though. The IR beam helps and isn't very obvious.
schultzphotographic Okay, thanks for the insight. I'm a little surprised to think that 1.8+1/60+1600 is problematic for DF autofocusing, but maybe that's dimmer than I imagine. If I shoot an event, I'd generally much rather work the DF size file than the D800; although, I guess there are folks who shoot events using the D800. Again, thanks.
So that's two NPS eligible cameras. Thought you would like to know.
you can shoot video with the DF... Just use an external recorder or do a time lapse.
I don't use auto focus, only shoot manual, don't shoot or need video, only need 1 memory card and only shoot Raw (2nd card would be an overflow), I don't shoot past 1/4000 so 1/5000 is extra. Ergonomics, I'd be adding a rotating bracket. Shoots 1200 to 1400 shots on 1 battery. I probably wouldn't even use half that in a day so it'd work for a week or more easily.
I'm still tryna find something wrong with this camera aside from price. I'm only 34 so I'm not from the film days.
Shutter speed dial, apeture ring and set to iso 800 - 2000 depending on available light. Pretty sweet fast camera to me
the DF is still my only Full Frame cam. its not perfect, but the experience of using it is just too good. especially when pair with good nikon primes like the 28mm f1.4D and 85mm f1.4D. the 50mm kit lens is very good. if hope Nikon produces a ZF one day
It's an upgrade to my D700 which I have I agree with you. Just I can't get it for that price! 😔
if they made a df 2 .few more pixels and a grip( old style) i would have one ..i used nikon f3hp cameras and loved them
The Df is like a old friend from Nikon
Just the ability to use a non-tilt, but shiftable lens (ie, the old light-weight Nikkor PC's) seals the deal for me.
They should've leaned into the retro aspect harder. The dials are supposed to be direct controls but there's still a mode switch that overrides them. They gave it the vintage look but didn't support vintage manual lenses with a split ring focusing screen. It's caught between film and digital and ends up satisfying neither audience.
how is it doing right now
The silver edition is more retro looking than the black one.
I own the silver one and you're right it looks nicer, but with the black the numbers are much easier to read.
On the Df do you prefer the 50 f1.8d over the 50 f/1.4g ?
I do, actually. A) because my copy of the 1.4G is poor & B) because you get the aperture ring on the D. Optically the 1.4 is better though. However I have ceased caring about that and prefer a better experience of shooting.
I disagree that this camera has difficulty focussing in low light mine works really well in low light
whatever. its specs say -2ev af, d750 is -4ev af, d7200 is -3ev af sensitivity. so, compared to other cams it must be slower
Very interesting for me as i like to use the Df for street and travel photography and especially for low light conditions in free hand.
Wha I don't like in this video are the long video sequences containing no meaningful information. Nice to see that you have a dog and you like birds but this is "weitschweifig" for a portrait of a camera without video capability.
Nikon Leica
imho all problem is a Price, 6d is much cheaper))) it same story as in Nikon coolpix A that now fujix70 it was $1000+ completely disaster and they stop production . but when B&H make sale for $300 stock was finished in some hours. (till today many of buyers trying get $400 on Craigslist but not succeed) same story. very nice camera .i love look. love that it work with old lens that i can buy for $10-30 but who buy camera for $3k to use $10-30 lens
if price will be real (IMHO $500 kit) it will be camera #1 for years. this price today seems to me kill all
That time when Nikon wanted to see what it's like being Fuji and never tried it again afterwards.
Cant understand why you were showing a lot of video footage, as you said the df doesn't shoot video.
X pro1 x ever
I look forward to Fuji designing the DF2 for Nikon ! Use their XT1 for the real deal if you want retro feel. Before you jump on me - no I don't have a Fuji (but have used one at a wedding) - I shoot mainly Nikon (yes Nikon - my 'new' camera this year is a Nikkormat FT2) and Canon. Most impressive new camera - sorry to be so boring its the completly different Pana GH4 because video is important and that is the way all images are going.....but I so love B & W stills images.
You are right about the memory cards. All premium cameras can accommodate two micro SD slots, instead of on big SD slots. Today micro SD are fast, big in capacity and cheap.
Negative film 🎞️ forever best
tired off this "professionals shoot on dual card slots". On jobs I shoot tethered to a screen and don't even use one sd card. besides all cams I used with dual card slots at some point screwed with me when or after the event when a card was full or not present(sony a7r3, fuji st2, pentax 645z). Besides no hassy nor p1 has a dual card slot.
THANKS FOR YOUR REVIEW.
BUT I REALLY THINK THAT NIKON HAS FALLEN WITH THIS DF.
THE METAL´S MACHINES IN FILM WAS ANOTHER WORLD...
NIKON F3 OR FM2 ARE TWO EXAMPLES OF FINE WORK MAKING CAMERAS.
DF IS LIKE "I WANT, BUT I DON´T KNOW HOW..."
SORRY FOR MY POOR ENGLISH.
BEST REGARDS FROM SPAIN.
NANO.
Fuck that retro shit! U have ability to shoot a D4 sensor for a half price. If there would be a 51point AF sensor and if there was the new eXpeed CPU what would be the point to buy D4??? Fuck U all who said Df is the mistake. It is great great camera. And even 39 point AF works great. A never had any problems to focus in lowlight.
GaleriaPuntoCiego
Fantastic video work, containing great video imagery (images in motion), all shot by the Dƒ……no wait, the Dƒ can't do video. Maybe this was shot with a D600/610?
Wow, if no-one can take a great photo with this, they should just stick with their mobile phones!! Wimps.
Why are you showing so much video, the Df does not shoot video, but thanks for the video
Great review. I am a Nikon d800 an D600 portrait/wedding shooter and I am looking for a low light beast. Based on your review this ain't it. I am waiting now for some one with half a brain from Nikon to put this sensor in a d750 or 810 body.
This not personal but I really get peeved over videos that are dragged out for no good reason. This could have been done and done well in 4 minutes.
Nu înțelegeți nimic...
Nu înţelegi nimic...
that's just heresy.
digital camera that looks like a film one, but doesn't *FEELS* like one
For three Thousand bucks one could find better ways to spend your money..for 400 bucks you can get a d300..with exception to a few less mp its a better camera in every way..the price for a df is stupid..nice idea but WAY OVER PRICED !! I'll get one when they are 200.00 a much more reasonable price for what you get.
It doesn't sound like it's the right camera for you.
schultzphotographic actually I would love to have one but the price is embarrassing for what you get...its not as ridiculous as the Leica B&W only blunder for 10,000.00. Nikon has forgotten who made them big.. Of ll those who would love them only a small part can own one..price is beyond unreasonable...I would have one at an appropriate price..
Charles Nemec I understand your point about the price being steep for the features offered. But they are offering a D4 chip at less than half the price of a D4 camera. That is an incredible value! But if it doesn't have the features you want or need, it's a deal breaker - and that's OK.
Very good point about the chip...
without an auto drive for older AF lenses it has to use afs glass...not an appealing combination. Focusing in low light sucks so the d4 chip is disabled in low light...why would anyone want this??I'm as retro as one can get...really want one but just can't justify the price with such low value....
Pure Photography??? The Design SUCKS!!!! Ok it is a small model, It is just a Retro D600 without NO VIDEO, and the body is a slight smaller, I am glad that I still using DX models, and also my mirrorless models.... See like I said a Retro D600 with a D4 chip, and it cost $3000. and one SD card slot, amd a top speed of 1/4000, and no battery grip as as with no higher low light features, and NO VIDEO. SO WHY DO YOU WANT ONE....
"without NO VIDEO"? NO, without VIDEO!
Nikon has lost its magic...
Digital conFusion...
The Most Beautiful & The Worst Camera at the same time.
shspeed 1/4000 sec just like eos rebel,
low fps 5.5, low megapixel,
bad low light AF performance,
uncomfortable dials,
The worst Video capability in the market,
memory card location at the bottom,
bad Manual Focus assist,
Too Big size just like Dinosaurs.