I Love My Nikon Df - Here's Why
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- Опубликовано: 7 авг 2024
- The Nikon Df, a boutique camera brought out by Nikon a few years ago, is more like film cameras of old with the dials and feel of classic Nikon bodies like the F3.
While it doesn't have video, it does sport the D4 sensor and a lot of picture-taking power into a 16MP capture. The camera is small, but not too small... I have big hands.
And it is very cool that it takes the old Nikkor AF lenses which are inexpensive on EBay, and way smaller than modern lenses due to the fact that the lenses do not have motors in them. The autofocus is totally handled by the camera.
With four lenses, a strobe, extra cards, gloves and a cleaning kit, the bag is less than 1/4 the size of my Canon gear. This makes it the perfect camera for my motorcycle roadtrips due to space limitations with all the gear that must accompany one on a bike.
I have some motorcycle adventures coming up and we will be shooting with the Df. Move video to follow.
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Развлечения
Nikon Df is a great tool, screw the haters....
The Df is the only camera I shoot with anymore. Similar setup for me. Got an old 24 2.8 (tiny!), 50 1.8, and an 85 1.8. The perfect combo and easy to carry in a small shoulder bag. If you have a bunch of Nikkors sitting in a closet from the film days and hate new dslrs, then the Df is the only way to go. Fantastic image quality.
Simon M. I would love to have that 24. Great lens.
@@DonGiannatti I love mine, but it does just start to get facial aberration on people.... Use my 28 more.
@@EmRileeThe AIS version of that lens is super sharp. I’m still looking for one at a good price.
nice video Don, totally enjoy it. Keep up with the great content... I love it :)
Nikon DF is a unique camera, great sensor , build as a tank and you can use old nikkor lenses.
I bought this camera a year and a half ago, absolutely love it. Same 35mm lens, a 50mm 1.8, the beautiful 50mm 1.2 (manual) and a 20mm 2.8. I’m 30 and prefer the tactile nature of this camera. There’s something about the DF and the older film cameras that makes me actually want to use them and be inspired to take pictures.
I have spoken many times about the ergonomic/image relationship.
In the day the first, very first thing I would think about after identifying a subject to photograph was format.
Going to Navajo Res land to do portraits was the gig... but what camera I took would determine how I approached the image.
An 8x10 would be a very different set of images than taking my Nikons. Or medium format Mamiyas.
The tool would have some implications and affectations that would influence the shoot.
When we lost formats we entered a sort of homogenous world of 'camera to eye', at eye level, with small camera ergonomics.
It took over 10 years before camera companies offered a swing out view screen so we could shoot from low or high... something medium formats excelled at.
I also shoot Canons and I do like them a lot.
But I find myself gravitating toward the Df more and more because the feel of the camera and it's much smaller footprint gives me a bit more freedom than that huge Canon around my neck.
I have been thinking of changing to a smaller footprint camera system as well... probably Fuji, but for now I am happy shooting my Df on motorcycle roadtrips.
BTW, if you can handle manual focus, try picking up an old 180MM f2.8 Nikkor. One of the best lenses EVER made. And it focuses very easily on the Df.
Thanks for watching.
Enjoyed your video. I liked the concept of your kit. Small light and with most focal ranges covered. The Df is a good camera for the purpose for which you are using it for. No video also means the battery lasts an amazingly long time which is great for a traveller wanting to shoot stills.
You are not wrong about that battery. Since there is no battery pack for the camera, we have to depend on that one little guy and they do last a good amount of time. I did a 6 day moto road trip and never had to change to the spare. I consider that great!
BTW- thanks for watching.
You are very cool and honest man. You put all the other youtube reviewers especially the ones that really MUST HAVE VIDEO included on this camera to shame. I am still taking film and will buy this camera to compliment my 35mm gear.
Thanks, Alan.
Appreciate the kind words.
I may not be cool, but I definitely strive to be honest.
Don Giannatti believe me you are cool. Your approach and honesty is refreshing. I subscribed tonight. Take care and enjoy your photography.
I know where you are coming from I’m a grandpa to and very slow ?? So I’ve just ordered my new Nikon D2 to take me back to them good old fashion ways of doing things a UK Viewer cheers .
Awesome. Really a great camera even though they are a bit old. It will make incredible images for you.
Nice to hear that the Df is working out for you. To hear the RUclips reviewers tell it, you'd think the thing would barely take a snapshot. I've never seen a camera get such bad press. About the only one who really liked it was Steve Huff. It probably because unless you are of a certain age, you aren't familiar with how real cameras used to work. I'll second your choice of the F3 as my favorite Nikon SLR to have worked with.
I have chosen the same line-up of lenses as you have now, except that my wide angle is a 24mm instead of the 28mm. It was a steal. I'm shooting with a old D700, and it is great, but I'm thinking that my next Nikon will be a Df. After all, no one has to be happy with the camera besides us!
I have to tell you... it is my goto camera now. I love the images coming off that sensor, and often they need just a little tweak in LR/PS. The camera FEELS like a camera.
As to the negative reviews. Most of them made no sense at all. So many people with 10% knowledge believing they have 90%. Dunning-Kruger in full bloom. Heh.
BTW, grab yourself an F4 or F5 for a nice little analog body for all those lenses.
Thanks for watching.
Don - on the bookshelf next to my desk are each of the "single digit" F's I worked with, starting with the original F up through the F5. There is something I love about all of them. I never used an F6 for work, and have the impression that it was made for rich amateurs. When I shoot film with a Nikon these days, most often it is an F100. My D700 is a great camera, but I do love the looks of your Df!
Sweet collection.
I never liked the Nikon F4, and could never come to terms with it back in the day. I switched to Canon when the EOS line came out. Now I LOVE my F4 and will actively look for an F5 in the fall. Something magical about shooting with them. I load up the Df and then grab one of my F- bodies for a second 'perspective'. Glorious to have choices.
Yeh I'm a minimalist too, I only have one copy of most of my cameras, except the ones I have two of, oh and those bloody yashica electro 35's somehow I've ended up with 4 of those.
Yeah, I know the feeling.
I have way too many F3's.
You and me buddy, Harley's and a Nikon Df. I must admit, I do love my D810 too. Screw video!
On 1/3 Step, swiping from one side to the other is 1 full stop when using the rear dial.
Never realized that even on other bodies. Not sure if it's possible. My D3s dial was huge compared to the DF.
Experimenting with the H1-H4 iso range. H4 is usable kinda. What I've realized so far is its horrible in low light.
What I noticed is AWB will actually create a lot of noise. In the H1-H4 range, better results come from the presets and Kelvin options. Day time, the cloudy preset works well but needs a bit more blue b/c the noise appears mostly red. You also have to lower the exposure in post processing especially in the shadows.
I tried all the NR in camera and Low is the best the higher you go. Also I noticed low apertures are worse than high apertures. So shooting at f8 has higher quality than f1.8-f5.6
Using the 24-85 3.5-4.5 VR lens.
H1 totally usable but I use 20,000iso as my max H0.7
H2-H4 depends on the light however if you shoot BW, theirs still a lot of detail (not a lot of dynamic range).
I'm just tryna find best use case for it.
Your last name is very similar to my rs. Mine is Gianno (o) tti! Cool video
I am told - so this is not fact - that my surname was originally Giannatassimo (or something similar) I do know my grandfather shortened it at Ellis Island because it didn't fit in the boxes provided on the form. Heh. Have never met anyone else with the same last name. Close, but not the same.
Thanks for watching
Figured something else out about the DF.
I can rotate the iso dial with just my left thumb. Kinda feels like advancing film on a SLR.
For viewfinder use I still use my left thumb & index finger (resting the right side of my left thumb lightly on the button, using a hand tightening screw motion)
I have auto iso tethered to my AE/AF-L button (hold) rotate front dial combo. Hard stopped to iso6400 but have been pleased with up to iso20000
My usage of this method is when I'm looking at a scene before bringing the viewfinder to eye level.
That' a cool method of working.
Sorry which 180mm Nikon lens was it you used to use on the F3.
Was it the 2.8 ED AI-s version ?
Yep.
Non-autofocus, ED 2.8.AI.
I still use it on my Df and it focuses fine.
And of course it still graces the F3 and F4 on occasion.
Don Giannatti ah sounds great, I'll hopefully get one soon.
Found something else.
I turned my screen brightness up to +4 and it made black, black. Not sure how significant can't that maybe but I was trying to make black, black and white, white.
What this means to me is in different light adjusting the playback brightness makes more actual sense to me. I'm in a very dark room, very little light maybe LV0 b/c I can just barely af.
The point is when I adjusted the brightness, it doesn't just do a 1 to 1 brightness, Nikon did something else in that adjustment. I brightned my screen but it made black actual black, that's the little point here.
It's also 10 stops of light.
Do you use the focus assist for manual in the bottom left corner of the view finder ?
Yes.
My 180mm is manual focus. I think it works very weoo==ll.
Hey with Covid-19 going on have you been well Don?
I still haven't been able to get my hands on a Nikon DF. I have a D3s and D300, still looking to get one when things get better for me. I want to let you know I appreciate your review of this camera, I still come back to it, time to time. It's very accurate as I've said before. For me I don't think I'll ever require more than 16mp in a camera. I use manual focus most of the time (I understand distance decently and I'm becoming more and more in-tuned with manual focus without looking at the lens or even viewfinder).
I too have my D3s setup in full stops. I keep my exp comp. in 1/3 for when I use A mode for night street shooting while I'm driving around (hard to adjust settings on the go).
Hey Donovan,
Been pretty good. My usual anti-social behavior finally came into fashion, so I ride alone on my motorcycle, my wife and I dine alone on the patio, and I write and photograph alone most of the time anyway. Heh...
When I shoot the Df, and I do a lot, the fascinating thing to me is the quality of the images I can get from very challenging scenes. 16MP gives me the image size I personally love (6x9) and when I do have to make a big print, like a 20x24 I am blown away at how it looks as well.
I am also enjoying shooting about a roll of film a month on my Nikon F4.
@@DonGiannatti glad to know you're good man. I'm a caregiver in group home, I'm still working in this mess. Wishing it'd end asap.
Oh this is long. One day I'll review the DF.
I've been going back through old DF review videos and realized they were mostly click bait and misinformation.
The designer said the only thing from the original F line was just the dials placement on top. What he didn't say but you can see, the front is from an F3 variant which was Nikons best selling film body ever. Probably their best selling body all time but with a deeper grip on the DF.
I think ppl were too used to the pistol grip style of current Nikons/DSLRs from the F4 to current day.
Many things were addressed even as far back as 5 to 6 years ago that were complaints.
Deeper grip mod, Battery grip, Wi-Fi module addresses dual card slots (or tether tools), soft shutter release, Split Prism focus screen mod (Richard Haw), Low light AF is the same as the D3, D3s at -1 EV and still to this day D3, D3s owners don't complain but all it takes is a IR from a Nikon flash unit to give better low light AF. The -2 EV ppl wanted from the D4 only comes from the center point. Film simulations via NikonPC.com the picture control editor, possibilities are endless.
Most of the other complains were from operating the camera and I saw a lot of people using it incorrectly. Like the ISO button some were trying to use an index finger to press the button down instead of a thumb then index finger to adjust (it's literally what most Nikon cameras have just reversed). Most didn't know how to properly hold the camera either. Viewfinder cap (for astral)
Literally anything someone could think of was addressed aside from video (unless you count timelapse)
What I personally hoped Nikon would've done was add 1.2x and 20x30 crop zones, also a small raw.
Lastly price. It was $3k with the best low light sensor up until the release of the Z6 +5yr gap and it's still as good as the Z6 which is regarded as one of the best FF low light cameras. The D4, D4s, D3, D3s all were priced at $6k. The DF was 50% off no video, and D3s equivalent low light AF (-1 EV). Single card slot (reduce failures by formatting 3x) Even if the card fails, SD cards you can recover at least 95% of data. SD cards might fail 1 time every 6yrs. If people knew back then, they needed to format them 3x to keep them from failing it'd be a different perception. Wi-fi tethering nullifies the 2nd card slot. Slower FPS at 5.5fps which is enough, wedding photographers use single shot or 3 to 5 fps. The D850 only does 7 fps and that's a wedding photographers dream camera. I've done research on wild life photographers and they say 3 fps is plenty. High fashion photographers 3 fps is perfect for walking shots. High fps is for sports/action like football or automotive racing.
Neither the D800 or D610 hold their value like the DF and couldn't compete passed 800 iso. I've printed 20x30 from a 4mp file with very good detail. 16mp is overkill (anything over 8mp is plenty and now we have software that nearly makes high mp cameras irrelevant; Topaz/Luminar). I've only ever used higher mp for cropping.
(I'll probably use this comment when I get my DF and do a review)
Have you tried any vintage nikkor lenses on it? I would think it would be the best setup for this camera
Yep,
28mm f2.8 AI/AF
35mm f2 AI/AF
85mm 1.8 AI/AF
180mm 2.8 AI (Man focus0
LOVE them a lot.
Awesome!
So why is the Nikon DF amazing? I don't even have one and have never used one before.
-Shutter release, super soft shutter release and screw release. Can be customized. (Stability)
-Focus, I manually focus day and night so AF means absolutely nothing to me it's dead weight imo although I will use it for fast moving subjects and blind shooting (very minimal)
-Aperture dial, probably won't use it since I prefer the apeture ring instead.
-Battery life, you only need one battery for a day of shooting maybe 2.
-Shutter speed is perfect, I tend to use full stops mostly (a lot faster adjustments)
-Mode dial, it's staying in Manual and my scenes generally only require shutter speed adjustments. I don't play with the iso and with this camera you don't have to. Just set it somewhere practical for what's being shot and adjust shutter.
-Memory card, bad spot honestly but a non issue if tethered wireless to a cloud folder.
-EV, don't use it (M)
-WB same for basically all cameras but I have a card for this and braclett.
-RAW it's kinda the perfect size
-LCD I don't review my photos except to check focus as needed (minimal)
-Exp Comp II, I set my exposure comp in fine tune. Spot +1, Center 0, Matrix +1/6
My biggest negative might only be the position of the camera strap loop location. My scar a knuckle. Look removable.
-Battery II, rotating bracket solves this problem if on a trip-pod or mono pod.
-Grip, add attachment. I also release using my middle finger so only 2 fingers on the body grip.
This camera is literally perfect for me. I have to get my hands one again. Only held one years ago, never used.
I'm still trying to figure out why its so hated. The main things I change the most us shutter speed and WB.
I don't know if it is an "amazing" camera.
Personally I think there are very few "amazing" cameras out there.
The Nikon F3 was certainly one.
And the Pentax 6x7, Hasselblad C, and Sinar P were.
I just love the Nikon Df because it fits MY world so nicely.
As to the haters out there... I couldn't care less what they think.
I am actually more interested in why they think their opinion is worth anything at all.
Like the camera? Cool.
Don't like the camera? Also cool.
Nobody really cares if I like something or if somebody else doesn't like something.
At least they shouldn't.
It's a camera, and I love the way it fits my hand, lets me control it, and delivers what I am looking for.
Others may be looking for something different.
And that.. well, that's cool too.
@@DonGiannatti true. Right now I'm looking at a D700 for a second body.
The Hasselblad is really cool but really big.
@@dct124 I shoot both Nikon and Canon.
Currently looking at a used D75 for a second body to my Df, but I also need a second body to my 6DMK1... perhaps a used 5D MK III.
But I have all of my dream cameras but one.
The Fuji GX680... and I have my eye on one of those bad boys right now.
df + outs 28 - 85 = best set como
Can the DF be set to an auto ISO range?
Yep.
imaging.nikon.com/support/digitutor/df/functions/autoisocontrol.html
Hey I finally purchased my first DF. I've been doing extensive research on the DF.
Did you know it can be used for video? Someone uses a Atmos Ninja 2 to record through the lens externally. He says the only issue is the signal is not the best and wishes Nikon would update it with firmware but with what I've seen from his low res video was really good.
I did not know that about the video. Cool.
I am looking at upgrading my Canon's to the R series to get some video capabilities.
I use my Df on quiet solo motorcycle rides and when I am just chillin' in the quest for photos.
I recently added a 24 - 120 zoom and man do I love that!
Thanks for watching.
@@DonGiannatti Cool.
Something else most don't appreciate, the DF is the only digital camera ever made with full manual controls/dials and a top mounted LCD screen.
Ken and many complained about the batt. meter, well if you set the battery in My Menu then reposition the button to say Pv; Access Top My Menu option, it's now 1 click away, same for LCD brightness.
The only major thing the Df is missing is a button+command dial option for assigning the "Shoot Menu Banks"
One guy pointed out that his sb-900 base rain cover didn't seat properly on the Df. 🤦🏾♂️ He doesn't realizes a small black cut rubber balloon can substitute/assist in sealing out water from the hot shoe.
The Df is imo the best camera Nikon has ever made.
Even SD cards; you're supposed to format 3x to avoid corruption and failures.
Has a battery grip, additionally they have a false battery to attach a power bank for unlimited battery life.
The door that comes off so easy was designed for quick batt swaps by actually leaving the door completely off (not needed but it's there). Very unique under appreciated camera body.
Even the focus screens can be swapped (modded easily in 5min) to split prism.
@@dct124
Wow. lots of info there.
I also believe it is my favorite Nikon these days - even surpassing my F3 which was my all-time favorite camera.
When I travel I take the Df and the F4 and love shooting with both.
I found an external battery grip on eBay and bought it, but it is kind of kludgy with a battery cord coming out to stick into the side of it. Very weird config, and I really do like the form factor of the small camera. I ride with it around my neck, and under my jacket. Mostly sporting a 35mm f2. It's rather small size makes it easy.
Enjoy!!!
@@DonGiannatti yep. I was considering the 50mm 1.8 E pancake but got a VR lens for night shooting and video. 24-85mm 3.5-4.5 VR
There's more. Reviewers didn't go through the custom menus.
@@DonGiannatti the only short coming might be that the single AF point is always on (why Nikon) and as the person I found out from says the HDMI output signal of 1080 30p isn't the greatest.
If Nikon were to upgrade the DF again, I'd ask for 3 main things, better Live View (clean Live View), better HDMI out signal, and add shooting banks to a button + dial combo so custom profiles can be swapped without going into the menu system (My D3s AE/AF + Dial gives me 1 handed iso control).
RE when you said "some people say it's a grandpa camera. I don't give a shit, I'm a grandpa so what the hell".
Holy crap that was the greatest. I subbed for that line alone. Bad ass. Bad. Ass.
Thanks Michael.
I do try to keep it real on my channel.
Hey I was wondering if the Nikon DF can accept a dual MicroSD SD card?
There's a SD card adapter that has dual microSD cards and wondering had you tried it and if it works.
I am checking to see, but so far I only see it as something that may not be what I would be looking for. It seems it just doubles the two cards into one instead of shooting the same thing to both cards - which is what I want.
@@DonGiannatti i see. That makes sense. I guess wireless tethering is the only other option. Unless someone smart creates a new battery grip to incorporate dual sd cards.
@@dct124 And at the present time this only works with Sony.
I suspect that the amount of power drain it would take to write to two cards simultaneously would have to be addressed. I do not think there is a battery grip available for the DF, nor do I see anyway to make that work - perhaps in newer versions it may be added. I remember the problem Eye-Fi cards had with heat and battery life and this would most likely be that same sort of problem.
@@DonGiannatti unless I'm mistaken there is a battery grip for the DF. Maybe it's not Nikon brand but I'm pretty sure there is one. As for tethering, arsenal or on other brands make universal options to write to mobile or pc.
I think it's possible to create a battery grip with SD cards but probably really expensive to develop.
@@DonGiannatti search " Nikon DF battery grip " on RUclips (1st video)
I fave a df for other shots inlowblight. Dz800 you could give me your view i f thiscombo make df for lowh light d00 general work.
inam an advanved beginner
I have the Nikon F, and F2, and FM(First Version) Nikon EL, FG, and also Action Touch, Lite Touch, and Tele Touch800, as for digital, I have the Fuji S2Pro, S3Pro, and the S5Pro, and my Nikon D2Xs, along with my Mirrorless Fuji XPro1, and XE1, and as for the lenses ALL MANUAL FOCUS NIKKORS 50 YEARS OLD. Along with the AF Nikkors. but the DF Get rid of it, and get a D3 in which that will be my next D camera
The dials are made by metal or plastic? Tq.
Metal.
oic. I am looking for a 2nd hand as my second full frame body.
Pretty expensive even at used.
And remember - no video.
Love it, however.
Yes. It is a very expensive toy. In Malaysia, It is about RM7500 - RM8100. The D750 is around RM5900 - RM6800. So It is over price. But it is an unique camera.
Yes it is. I think it takes me to a different place emotionally and mentally than the normal hi-tech DSLR. I do love my Canons, but this camera holds a special place in the arsenal.
This camera surpass any leica for less than a half price. It is very well built, hight quality material, astonishing sensor ... I can get this camera in Yodobashi Japan for 1800€ no tax for visitors which is 1000€ cheaper since was released.
It's such a great camera. Will be my choice of gear for Alaska in August.
I bought mine in the US, 1400 with 6800 actuations on the shutter....must have had luck. And as in video, its a great tool, no freaking video, no need for that. People whine about no video, get something else, nobody is forcing anybody to buy it. Internet is full of morons who feel the need to belithle oter peoples decisions *not even their money ffs
Wildly enough, I traded in a Leica system (M9 and three lenses) for a second Nikon Df! I had stopped using my Leica M9 when I got my Nikon Df (and a Zeiss 50mm and Zeiss 25mm lens to supplement what I already had).
I adored the range-finger. It taught me a lot about framing a shot. However, the faster sensor on the Nikon Df was everything to me. Yes, the Leica lenses are incredible but I already had Zeiss in an F-mount.
So I traded my Leica system for a second Nikon Df body and a two medium-telephone Nikon AF lenses that I wouldn't have otherwise gotten (the Nikon 105mm f/2 DC AF-D and the Nikon 135mm f/2 DC AF-D).
I get a lot of happiness from two Nikon Df bodies with good fixed lenses. I wandered around a chorus rehearsal with a tripod, two bodies, and a 35mm and 85mm and 135mm lens. I intentionally took no flash unit into the rehearsal. I returned with marketing pictures for the group to use.
Sir, you are the most cool camera reviewer in youtube. Subscribe
Thank you Vincent.
Appreciated.
Not sure if I ever shared this link with you but this is for the Df focus screen. It's a split prism.
ruclips.net/video/eIm9fT-tnzk/видео.html
X pro1 x ever
35 f2 not 1 2. Its 1: f2
Df has a ass grip. The sensor is good.
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,
Too Big size just like Dinosaurs.
then dont buy it, buy other camera....did you shot with it? did you spent time with the camera? No? oh I see, internet troll
1. This camera came out in 2013. Some of the "poor" specs you mention were average or above average at the time.
2. None of these things are an issue for the target audience of the DF even today, that target being people who have and still love a bunch of Nikon manual glass and want a camera that looks classic to complement that.
3. Low MP means lower pixel density which means better low-light/high-ISO performance. This camera was giving usable ISO 12,800 images in 2013, which was a bit of a feat back then.
4. Nikon was clear from the start that this was a photographer's camera. Adding video would have changed the camera for the worse in some way: bigger size, or worse photography specs.
Just because you're too busy chasing numbers to get the point of it doesn't mean it's the worst.