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Reviews of photography products that enhance the enjoyment of taking pictures. Published frequently but irregularly.
Nikon Introduces 'Digital Fusion' Df
4 November 2013
After a series of Pure Photography video teasers, Nikon official announced its Df FX-format dSLR that harkens back to a simpler time in the art. The Df packs the same 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and EXPEED 3 image processor as the D4 into the company's smallest and lightest FX-format body.
Nikon Df. Silver or black versions.
That body hosts a number of dials and buttons to put the variables of each shot at the fingertips of the photographer, encouraging them to enjoy the act of composing the shot, Nikon suggested.
Top View. Left to right: EV dial over ISO dial, hot shoe, shutter speed ring over release mode switch, power switch, mode dial.
"This embodiment of a tool that stimulates user creativity and enables the pure enjoyment of photos responds to the needs of photographers looking to capture more creative photos," the company emphasized in its news release.
But the Df was designed for still photographers only. It does not capture movies.
Nor does it include a built-in flash, although it does support Nikon's Creative Lighting System and syncs at 1/250 second.
HIGHLIGHTS
Some of the more interesting highlights of the Df include:
- 16.2 million effective pixels on a 36.0 x 23.9mm CMOS sensor
- One SD card slot
- Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VIII focusing screen with AF area brackets (framing grid can be displayed) but no interchangeable screens
- AF-S or AF lenses fully compatibleMetering with AI lenses
- Shutter speeds of 1/4000 to 4 seconds in steps of 1 EV (1/4000 to 30 seconds in steps of 1/3 EV with main command dial), bulb, time, X200
- Flash sync at 1/250 second
- Up to 5.5 frames per second
- Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual modes with no Scene modes
- -3- +3EV in increments of 1/3 EV
- ISO sensitivity of 100 to 12,800 with Lo-1 (ISO 50) and Hi-4 (ISO 204,800)
- Long exposure noise reduction and high ISO noise reduction
- Active D-Lighting
- 39 focus points
- No built-in flash
- HDMI output with Type C mini-pin HDMI connector, Hi-speed USB, WiFi with WU-1a
- GPS with GP-1A GPS unit
- Weight of 1.6 lbs (710g)
ANALYSIS
We've read two analyses since the announcement that are especially worth a peek:
The first is Thom Hogan's Digital (con)Fusion with the Nikon Df. As he says right away, "The over-60 crowd will feel like they've come home again (at least on first sight), while the under-30 crowd is going to shake their head and wonder where the future of photography just went. The price will provoke a reaction from still others."
But almost as an antidote, in Nikon Df Joe McNally (who actually spent five hours shooting with one in Mexico) points out two qualities of the Df not much mentioned: how quiet the shutter is (he took it to church) and how light it is (for the D800 weary).
Had a great time moving and shooting quickly with the DF. Again, just worked intensively with the machine only briefly, but the essence of what I liked was that it had a classic, well worn feel in my hands and it was very light and quiet. But, despite the lack of bulk, I did not say goodbye to state of the art AF tracking, chip performance and liaising with a speed light, among other automated digital wonders I've gotten used to, living in the world of pixels.
Nikon wants to now what you think, too. They've posted a questionnaire.
AVAILABILITY
Adorama lists the Nikon Df with Nikkor 50mm f1.8-GB for $2,996.95 with a ship date of Nov. 28.
B&H, not to be outdone, lists the Black Df with Nikkor 50mm for $2,746.95, also for pre-order.
More details in the news release below.
Digital SLR Ccamera Nikon Df
The fusion of responsive, intuitive dial operation and "flagship D4 image quality" in the smallest and lightest FX-format body
TOKYO -- Nikon Corp. is pleased to announce the release of the Df, a Nikon FX-format dSLR camera.
The Df combines intuitive, worry-free dial operation with superior image quality over a broad range of sensitivities in the smallest and lightest FX-format body, making the camera extremely portable. Large metal mechanical dials on the top of the camera enable direct, intuitive operation, offering tactile pleasure of shooting with precision mechanics and allowing users to feel the joy of creating images that reflect their individual intent. The camera also provides a system that allows users to focus on shooting with the security that comes from visual confirmation of ISO sensitivity, shutter speed and exposure compensation values, as well as the convenience of direct adjustment of settings at any time, even when the camera is turned off.
With the same FX-format CMOS sensor, effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels and EXPEED 3 image-processing engine as the D4 flagship model, the Df offers stable, superior image quality under a wide variety of lighting conditions. It supports a broad range of standard sensitivities, from ISO 100-12800, with additional reduction to the equivalent of ISO 50 and expansion to the equivalent of ISO 204800 when necessary.
Superior portability and stable D4 image quality over a broad range of ISO sensitivities, from low to high, release users from common restrictions such as time, place and lighting conditions, thus increasing the range and flexibility of expression.
What's more, the AF-S Nikkor 50mm f1.8-GB (Special Edition) kit lens, which maximizes the portability of the Df, will be released at the same time as the camera. Based on the AF-S Nikkor 50mm f1.8-GB normal lens, which was so well received for its superior optical performance in a compact and lightweight body, this lens was redesigned to serve as the perfect match for the Df. A leather-like texture on the outside surface of the lens, a silver aluminum ring and a focus ring that reproduces the knurls on manual focus lenses were adopted for the AF-S Nikkor 50mm f1.8-GB(Special Edition). In addition, an optical design utilizing an aspherical lens element enables both sharp rendering and beautiful blur characteristics. This compact, lightweight and fast fixed focal length lens is perfectly suited to the flexible, nimble photography for which the Df was designed.
Adoption of a collapsible metering coupling lever also enables use of non-AI lenses with the camera. As the Df is equipped with the Nikon F mount, which has not changed since Nikon released its first SLR camera, the combination of older Nikkor lenses and a camera incorporating the latest digital technologies allows users to enjoy capturing photographs exhibiting a wide variety of forms of expression.
DEVELOPMENT BACKGROUND AND GOALS
In recent years, the dSLR camera market has responded to demands for higher pixel counts, faster operation and performance and more functions with high-spec cameras that support capture of images as intended with advanced technologies and the ability to respond to a variety of techniques, shooting situations and conditions. The spread of such high-performance dSLR cameras offer photographers greater convenience in a variety of ways. The Df was developed with a different approach and with an eye on offering different forms of value. Not only does it support the capture of more beautiful and artistic photos, as well as a variety of photographic expression, possible with other cameras, it also allows users to take their time with each individual photo to achieve images they will enjoy, as well as making the process of photography itself more pleasing.
The Df presented by Nikon, which has developed interchangeable-lens cameras and Nikkor lenses for decades and also achieved a number of technical innovations, was developed based on the concept of fusing responsive and intuitive operation with the feel of a precision device and D4 image quality in a compact and lightweight body that is extremely portable. This embodiment of a tool that stimulates user creativity and enables the pure enjoyment of photos responds to the needs of photographers looking to capture more creative photos.
PRIMARY FEATURES
Dial operation that offers tactile pleasure of shooting with precision mechanics, a body design that delights owners and an advanced optical viewfinder expected of an SLR camera
- Simple and intuitive dial operation that stimulates creativity. Application and adjustment of shooting settings is simple and intuitive with the Df, allowing users to capture photos as intended. ISO sensitivity, shutter speed and exposure compensation are set using dedicated dials*. The camera provides a system that allows users to better focus on shooting with the security that comes from quick visual confirmation of current settings, as well as the convenience of direct adjustment of settings at any time, regardless of whether the camera is turned on or off. Shutter speed can be fine-tuned by setting the shutter-speed dial to "1/3 STEP" and rotating the main command dial.
- Precision design that delights owners. Large mechanical dials and a linear form have been adopted to offer tactile pleasure of shooting with precision mechanics. The level of detail applied to all aspects of layout and materials of the Df reminds users of traditional Nikon cameras and lets them fully recognize that dSLR cameras are precision devices. A magnesium alloy has been adopted for the top, back and bottom covers on the camera body for solid metal touch and surfaces such as those of grip finished with an elegant leather-like texture fit the hand comfortably. Each of the metal mechanical dials has been carved and all indicators on the top of the camera are engraved and painted Fine knurling around dials offers comfortable feel and finger placement and dials themselves rotate smoothly and "click" into position for a smart, high-precision feel with operation.
- An optical viewfinder utilizing a glass pentaprism and offering frame coverage of approximately 100 percent for clear display of the view through the lens in real-time. The optical viewfinder built into the Df preserves frame coverage of approximately 100 percent for efficient utilization of the large and bright viewfinder image offered by the FX format and a glass pentaprism. Visual confirmation of the arrangement of all elements within the image area allows users to frame their shots with great precision. Viewfinder magnification of approximately 0.7x* allows users to easily confirm all visual elements, including the viewfinder display. The focusing screen, on which images are clearly formed, enables precise focus confirmation with autofocusing and also supports the same precise focusing with manual focus. In addition, a camera menu option enables display of a framing grid that makes composing shots that are level horizontally and vertically simple.
D4 image quality achieved with an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels, FX-format CMOS image sensor and EXPEED 3 image-processing engine
Equipped with the same image sensor and image-processing engine as our D4 flagship model, the Df offers stable, superior image quality under a wide variety of lighting conditions. It supports a broad range of standard sensitivities, from ISO 100-12800, with additional reduction to the equivalent of ISO 50 and expansion to the equivalent of ISO 204800 when necessary. In low-light situations when a tripod cannot be used, the camera utilizes superior high-sensitivity performance for hand-held shooting of images exhibiting sharp rendering of details with very little of the grain caused by noise and preserving vivid colors. The Df is also able to reproduce textures with a superior three-dimensional appearance at low sensitivities, such as ISO 100, without sacrificing dynamic range. Sharp and clear rendering with crisp edges in images captured in brightly lit situations or those exhibiting great contrast due to a bright light source enables rich expression of tones in both highlights and shadows. With its superior portability and ability to respond to a wide variety of lighting conditions, the Df will expand the flexibility with which users take on their photographic works.
A camera that is both strong and the smallest and lightest in the history of Nikon FX-format dSLR cameras
The Df measures approximately 143.5x110.0x66.5mm (W x H x D) and weighs approximately 710 g*, making it the smallest and lightest in the history of Nikon FX-format dSLR cameras. Adoption of a magnesium alloy for the top, back and bottom covers on the camera body makes the camera compact and lightweight while preserving strength and durability. All parts of the camera are effectively sealed for a level of dust- and water-resistance equivalent to that of D800-series cameras. The Df is a camera that offers superior mobility with a compact and lightweight size that is extremely portable, excellent basic performance and a high level of strength and reliability.
Excellent basic performance and advanced technologies that support full-scale imaging
The Df offers simple operation and powerful support for capturing photos as intended with excellent basic performance and advanced functions that respond to the demands of photo hobbyists intent on capturing artistic and creative photographs.
- Equipped with an AF system offering 39 focus points. The Df is equipped with the Multi-CAM 4800 autofocus sensor module. The densely packed 39 focus points enable certain acquisition and tracking of the intended subject and adoption of cross-type sensors, which provide further accuracy, for the 9 points most frequently used at the center of the frame offer more precise focus acquisition. 7 of the focus points support f8, making accurate autofocusing possible even when a telephoto lens with a maximum aperture of f4 is used with a 2x teleconverter for a combined maximum aperture of f8.
- Scene Recognition System with built-in 2,016-pixel RGB sensor. The Df is equipped with the Scene Recognition System, which analyzes detailed information acquired from the 2,016-pixel RGB sensor and the image sensor regarding aspects such as scene brightness and colors for optimal control over autofocusing, auto-exposure, i-TTL balanced fill-flash and auto white balance.
- Quick, stress-free response. The Df offers superior, high-speed response with a power-up time of approximately 0.14 s1, a release time lag of roughly 0.052 s1 and high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 5.5 fps. It also supports SDXC and UHS-I*2 high-speed memory cards, as well as Eye-Fi memory cards that enable simple wireless transfer of images captured with the camera.
- An i button that enables quick access to frequently used camera functions. The i button, positioned to the bottom left of the camera's monitor, enables simple access to convenient functions with viewfinder and live view photography and image playback. Pressing this button displays options for the desired setting, allowing immediate access to setting options for normal shooting, live view photography and the retouch menu in playback mode.
- A variety of live view functions. In addition to the 16-cell framing grid available with previous models, the Df also offers users the choice of a 9-cell framing grid or display of the 16:9 or 1:1 aspect ratio in the camera monitor with live view photography. Further, the virtual horizon displayed in the monitor allows users to verify the direction of both roll (tilt to the left or right) and pitch (tilt forward or back) and a roll indicator can also be displayed in the viewfinder. The spot white balance function enables precise white-balance measurement using a specified object or portion of the frame in the live view display. This eliminates the need to prepare a reference object, such as a gray card and enables quick acquisition of data for subjects that cannot be approached for application of a preset white-balance value without missing photo opportunities.
- Power-saving design that supports worry-free focus on shooting. Adoption of more efficient power supply circuitry and use of EXPEED 3, which consumes little power, minimize the camera's power consumption. When a fully charged compact and lightweight Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery EN-EL14a supplied with the camera is used, approximately 1,400* still images can be captured.
USE OF NON-AI NIKKOR LENSES
Not only is the Df capable of capturing high-quality images using the latest Nikkor lenses optimized for dSLR cameras, it is the first Nikon dSLR camera equipped with a collapsible metering coupling lever that enables the use of non-AI lenses.
When focal length and maximum aperture value for non-AI lenses are registered with the camera beforehand, optimal exposure can be achieved with exposure metering when the camera aperture setting is matched to the aperture value specified with the aperture ring on the lens by rotating the sub-command dial (supported only in [A] and [M] exposure modes). As the Df is equipped with the Nikon F mount, which has not changed since Nikon released its first SLR camera, the combination of older Nikkor lenses and a camera incorporating the latest digital technologies allows users to enjoy capturing photographs exhibiting a wide variety of forms of expression.