Nikon Df DSLR with AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition Lens, Black

Nikon Df

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Nikon Df DSLR with NIKKOR 50mm Special Edition Lens, Black

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Digital SLR Cameras

Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Nikon Df 

Top Rated Gear: Nikon Df DSLR with AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition Lens, Black Buy now & save $3. Camera Battery Series: Nikon EN-EL14, Nikon EN-EL14A, Configuration: Body & Lens, Edition: Standard, Lens Mount: Nikon F

Reignite your passion for photography with this thrilling blend of classic and modern. On the outside, it's classic Nikon, their thinnest, lightest FX-format body with an elegant mechanical operation system inspired by the legendary F, F3 and FM/FE series film cameras. On the inside, it's flagship Nikon D-SLR the advanced 16.2-MP FX-format image sensor and EXPEED 3 processing engine from the D4, Nikon's ultra-fast 39-point AF system, an ultra-high resolution LCD display and even Wi-Fi photo sharing (with optional adapter). Embrace a more personal shooting style that results in some of your most inspiring photos yet.  As digital camera technology has evolved, so has the way Nikon controls their cameras. Mechanical dials have given way to buttons, menu systems and LCD displays. But what if Nikon could blend the elegant, simplistic control and styling of classic Nikon film cameras like the F, F3 and FM/FE series with the advanced technology of Nikon's exceptional new D-SLRs  Enter the Nikon Df, a thrilling FX-format D-SLR with a unique mechanical operation system and classic styling along with Nikon's flagship digital camera technology. A perfect blend of classic and modern, the Nikon Df offers a more personal shooting style that will inspire a new relationship with your camera one you may have known and lost over the years and reawaken your joy for taking photos.  The Nikon Df is designed exclusively for taking still photos, enabling high reliability, advanced functions and elegant camera control in Nikon's thinnest, lightest FX-format D-SLR. Dedicated mechanical dials for shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, exposure compensation, exposure mode and release mode let you focus on what matters, achieving your creative vision. Capture stunningly sharp, detailed images with rich, faithful colors, even in low light. The perfectly coordinated AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition kit lens is an outstanding companion, providing the exceptional performance of NIKKOR optics and advanced Nikon lens technology. Its manual focusing ring features the knurling/hatching of classic manual lenses for precise focus adjustments.  Life is full of diverse (and often difficult) shooting situations. Many of the advancements in digital photography have enabled new levels of versatility - remarkable ISO sensitivity, breathtaking resolution, ultra-fast performance and more. The Nikon Df is no exception. Like Nikon's flagship D4, its 16.2MP FX-format image sensor is paired with EXPEED 3 image processing for an optimal balance of resolution, image quality and shooting speed. Its wide ISO range (100-12,800 expandable down to 50 and up to 204,800) lets you capture sharp low-light subjects with crisp edges, shadow areas that reflect proper, natural tonal gradation and highlights with rich, smooth gradation.  It's no surprise passionate photographers are passionate about Nikon - their engineers have invented and perfected some of the world's most important camera features. The Nikon Df continues that legacy of excellence and innovation. It incorporates the outstanding 39-point autofocus system with 9 highly accurate cross-type sensors that work all the way down to f/8. Achieve sharp focus no matter where you subject is within the frame at up to 5.5 frames per second. Quickly adjust white balance with the Spot White Balance feature. Create photos with dazzling dynamic range with built-in HDR and Active D-Lighting. Its rugged magnesium alloy body will withstand harsh conditions, and its 3.2-inch 921K-dot LCD display provides beautiful high-definition views of your shots.

Don't listen to the magazines and 'experts' talking about how it isn't this or that.  If you ever had/have a Nikon film camera (&lenses!) this is the easiest transition.  It fits in your hand and just works without having to navigate a bunch of menu options that you won't use most of the time anyway.

Amazing Camera

Everything came as promised.  Shopping was easy and the communication on delivery was perfect.  Only issue was they sent the wrong size screen protector, but gave me credit for it when I sent them an email noting the mix up.  Need to send protector that fits D750 or D800.

Amazing!

this is my wife's camera. She has thoroughly enjoyed it.

the DF is a GREAT camera

Great Nikon camera with all the nostalgia feeling of film camera controls but with a super sensitive killer digital sensor that creates awesome images. Delivered in a timely manner with a kit containing all you need to get started. Perfect.

Great Nikon camera

The moment I saw this camera I wanted it as it brought me back to the old days with my Nikons.  Waited until there was a sale and finally got one.  I have not been so excited about a camera in years.The look the weight and the feel are fantastic adding a Sigma Art zoom lens and I am a happy camper.  
I switched to Canon when digital first came out because it took Nikon 5 years to catch up with their imaging.  Canon is more intuitive and I spent a few hours on YouTube watching videos on how to use and setup the Df.  It was not easy but it was well worth it.
Its low light abilities are exceptional and I did a shoot with lights indoors and the auto white balance was correct!  This had never happened before.Focusing and its sharpness are excellent.
This is not an easy camera to master and if you are looking for a camera with video, two recording slots, a touch screen, etc., there are many other cameras to buy.  If you are an old pro like me and want the old feel and look of a Nikon, then you will love this camera.

The camera I have been waiting for...

Consider photography the way it's supposed to be. Intuitive and creating an image like you envision it.
If your from the old school of film, then you'll appreciate the shape of the camera and dials on top ( no need for a journey into the menu here). If your from the modern, give me more, generation,then the amazing sensor and electronic features will win you over. Either way, the Nikon Df ,will , for most (professionals and avid enthusiasts alike), keep you passionate about your photography.

The  Old/New . Satisfaction for the creative photographer.

this camera was given to me as a gift and at first I hesitated but after after taking a couple shots, I am content with this camera. I have definitely become a Nikon fan for life

Greatest Film Camera

Much has been said about this camera, but there is a definite difference in those that it is suited for and those that it is not. 

If the idea of a leather grip/case sounds great to you, and you get excited to customize your ergonomics that way and change the buttons (and you already know what all of the buttons on an SLR do, do not learn with this. Learn on film) then this camera is perfect for you. 

If you shoot IN MANUAL MOST OF THE TIME, yes, most of us pros use auto settings sometimes -shutter or aperture priority when the bride is walking down the aisle, don't get cocky with other people's memories- but it's rare that I use any automatic setting when I'm not shooting an event. Portrait, landscape what have you this is in auto. 

I easily change all manual settings without needing to think about it, and I've only had this camera a short while. It's intuitive if you used (learned on?) an old Film SLR, especially one without auto settings. Or if you give it a day or two, I'm sure it'll be easy. 

No, this is not the best landscape camera in the world, I do plan on adding a D810A to my kit, but I don't need that now. That is basically a Medium format Camera, slide film replacement, not a 35mm in use. People don't hire me as often for wall size prints, they want an 8-10 or maybe a poster, and this image sensor is PERFECT. 

The low light performance of this camera *is* better than every other camera -or nearly every camera, check DXO Mark, "low light champ"- in the world. And it is great to be able to shoot in low light without a flash. 

The sensor is among the best ever put in any Camera, it's a modified version of the D4s, which is still a phenomenal camera. 

No built in flash? That is 110% a good thing in my book. Pro cameras don't have built in flashes, it is a waste of space if you would only ever use a real flash anyway. Buy a flash. 

It focuses fine in low light. If it is *dark* add a flash with an IR sensor. 

This is the perfect camera for not bothering people and getting an image that will get framed. It's not intimidating. That actually does matter, a lot, if you get paid for taking pictures of people. 

For some people, this camera is the worst and makes absolutely no sense. 

For some of us, objectively, and even on paper it is the single absolute best camera that has ever been made. 

And that is without getting into how great it looks (it does, sorry, don't hate) and how incredible the craftsmanship is. 

Modern cameras, modern... things... simply are not made to this standard unless you pay for the absolute best. And sorry, this is the case here. Unless you buy a Leica you will not find a better fit and finish, a more finely and precisely made actual physical camera body anywhere. 

I don't get paid (well, very little) for pictures in the wilderness but that's why I do the other stuff. And out there or while traveling this is the perfect toughest little camera. 

Also, thank GOODNESS for the file size. With decent glass (the kit lens is, you guessed it, perfect) you can crop the hell out of these images and still have plenty of clarity left for an 8x10. But you won't fill up hardrive after hardrive with bloated files. 

And you can still cobble together a panorama in photoshop. 

Anyway, the best camera is the one you have with you. This camera has not left my side since I got it and I have not a single complaint. 

Actually, I DO wish it had dual card slots. But it's a minor issue in real life, dual slots are not a realistic back up tool. I would just like to have more options in-studio with tethering. 

Minor quibble. I learned long ago that in a professional environment durability is worth twice as much as any technical mumbo jumbo. My nikons have survives shoots that would have destroyed their competitors.

Not for everyone, but perfect for the Manual Nikkor/nikon shooter

It's about to disappear so grab one while you can. Not as easy to focus as its full size equivalent but still remarkable given its portability. Access to battery and memory card is annoying and fiddly. The door comes off very easily and does not go back on quickly. Battery seems to go out very suddenly. These are things to adjust to. A new version of this camera is due soon. I have found the DF to be a major value, especially as a light and unobtrusive second camera if I'm shooting two-fisted.

Tiny high end camera

Very sharp images come out this light camera. Good pics without breaking your neck! 

Must have!

Essa Nikon era o meu sonho de consumo desde que foi lançada. Eu queria a prata, mas infelizmente estava em falta. Foi a preta mesmo e não me arrependo nem por um minuto, apesar do preço alto, que ainda estou pagando, é ótimo poder comprar no Brasil com garantia de 3 anos da Nikon.

Linda

I hesitated to buy a Df after many years shooting with the D700, which is an amazing camera.  I tried the D800 but the re-design of the grip made that camera absolutely painful to hand hold for an extended period of time.  I was concerned the Df with an even smaller grip would not work for me.  But I bought a used copy of the camera to give it a try and found the grip a delight in my hand.  And having a camera considerably lighter than the Df helped as well.

For years I've been shooting with Nikon manual focus lenses, all of which had to be modified to work with the D700.  Now with the Df I can use older lenses that have not been modified.  The fact that these old lenses are so beautiful when mounted on a silver Df is like frosting on the cake.  The real beauty is in the D4 sensor used by the Df.  I'm getting amazing photos with this camera with wonderful dynamic range.  And shooting manual focus with the standard viewfinder is not a problem as all.

I expect IF Nikon releases a second iteration of the Df, this time with the D5 sensor, that I'll give that camera a test as well.  In the meantime, I'll enjoy the original for years to come.  My kit of manual focus lenses is VERY happy, and so am I.

Absolute Joy

Still in late 2014, I moved to my current camera Nikon Df, which is much more controversial than other previous cameras. However the Df’s design, manual controls, the image output and their low-light capabilities, combined with the prime Nikkor lenses is a clear reason to buy it.

Best Nikon from 80's

The D700 and the F6 at one time were my favorite Nikon bodies. The D800 and later the D810 produced outstanding images, but the files choked the life out of my computer and the bodies were heavier than I had come to like. My dilemma, I couldn't go back to the D700 and I didn't want to stay with the 800 series. Enter the Nikon Df. Paired with the Nikon Noct 58mm f/1.2, the 105mm f2.5 ais, the 85mm f/1.4 ais and the 200mm f4 ais, I can now produce images to rival my D810, surpass the D700 and compete with the F6. I love this camera. On the street, no one is threatened by it. It has a character all its' own and the old glass adds to that mystic. If Nikon produces an upgrade, I will be among the first to purchase it. But I will never sell my current Df. I love this camera so much that I did sell my first copy to purchase the Gold Edition. Come on Nikon, Dfs.

THE ONLY THING THAT I WANT NOW IS ANOTHER NIKON DF

This camera i light,smal and fast.For Me is perfect. Is so intuitive I can shoot around fast. I am not miss a built flach. Iso control in my finger all timeIf any miss is only shutter speed 1/8000. If You are an old school picture taker who ooesn't careabout video and you funny manual setting You like this camera very much.

Camera of My Drim

OK, so I'm an old dude, and have been taking pictures for a very long time. I still haven't found anything that improves on my old Nikon FE model (the first to use a battery, which scared a lot of buyers). What could be easier - focus, turn the aperture until the needle in the viewfinder gets up toward the middle, and snap. Nothing you don't need. What I'd really love in a new digital camera is to somehow convert my FE to take and output great digital pictures. This Df is not that camera - there are lots more bells and whistles here. That said, the Df is wonderful - not just the styling cues, which are great, but it's all about The Pictures. The sensor and processor and the low-light capability are just stellar. The fact that I can still use ALL my wonderful old lenses from back in the day is more than I could have asked for. Until Nikon makes a simple digital FE replacement, this is the best there is.

Not my 1979 Nikon FE, but a tremendous digital camera

This is a very condensed review since there is so much to say. I'm doing a long version for my web site. When this camera came out we were already 14 years into the digital wave and camera layouts evolved from the F5/F6 design. For 90% of the user base out here, they never worked with an FM or F3 film camera and therefore the control layout on the Df didn't seem logical or with the times. What you must do is go beyond the looks and layout to what this camera really is. This is a true workhorse that can be an alternative to selling off your Nikon gear and going mirrorless. It has the same performance of the D4 (yes, 16 megapixels is how you get that performance), yet extremely small and lightweight, it takes modern and pre-AI lenses. If you find yourself in a situation where you can't use flash, the sensor of the Df can create clean looking prints that look like they were taken with ISO 400 slide film at an ISO of 12,800. Look at the picture of the man (ISO 12,800 and natural light), which is cropped from a 13"x19" print. There is direct sunlight coming in from the right (see window curtain) and no light from the left. It has beautiful highlight to shadow gradation, it's detailed and has nice color reproduction for ISO 12,800. The AF module in this camera is fine, it's better than what we had back in the old days, so don't listen to the negative comments, rent one if you have to, because after a few days of relearning the function of this camera over a modern one, you'll find it's easy to use and the image quality is well worth the change. All photo's were taken with the Df Silver with 50mm kit lens and SB700 Flash. The photo of the man was natural light from a single window. Pictures have been reduced to 5.552" on the long side at 96dpi.

Most misunderstood camera ever released

I love everything about this camera. I have had my DF for about 8 months now and have done everything from real estate to set photography with it and have never once felt like my camera lacked in any way. It's a beautifully crafted camera with the monster D4 sensor. I don't shoot video, I don't shoot sports, so having the D4 sensor at fraction of the price was a great value. This is a camera for photographers who love and still believe in the magic of photography. I cannot stress enough how beautiful this camera is and how sturdy and luxurious is feels in the hand. If you haven't already, go out and buy this camera, today. Geat job with this one Nikon, it's the camera us film-to-digital guys have been longing for.

Love at first snap

I had a D4 but never needed the high frame rate. I needed a camera for all day use, travel and be a 2nd body for my style of wildlife and nature photography. The one thing I loved about the D4 was the sensor, and IQ. I initially was sceptical and then Nikon arranged a Demo for me to use for a week, after 3 days I bought mine. I like it more and more every time I use it, I work around the limitations such as the 1 card slot, I just use bigger cards, I bought a camera grip with extra battery when I go on wildlife trips. It gives me battery capacity of 2200 frames. As it is not my main body, I have never run out of battery or card capacity. I have shot Nature, landscapes, travel and wildlife with it, a gem in low light. with my D810, a great combination.

The Art of Photography

It's the best looking camera since the FM-2! Love looking down and seeing all my settings. I've retired my D3 and thinking about retiring the D800 for this camera. Resolution is half the D800's but is sufficent for the magazine photography that I do. Thank you Nikon for making something that's not a black box.

Nikon scored a touch-down and a home run on this one!

I bought the Df last summer and have been using this camera as my primary camera since that time. I started with Nikon when I was 16 years old, that is 51 years ago. I have used used Nikon all over the world in the harsh conditions of war, jungle, mountains, rivers, deserts and cities. Seeing the Df brought back memories and just flat out slammed me back 51 years ago when I first fell in love with Nikon and photography. I have been a print guy for all this many years and the Df is my first move into digital. It is a difficult adjustment for me but the Df does make it a more enjoyable journey. Thanks Nikon you have a winner.

It Is Like Coming Home

I've been shooting film for over 40 years. Switching to digital was not fun, too many menu choices and too much to learn. Using the Df can be just like using my FM or FE. Same size, same feel, same fun and same lenses if I want. Wished one or two things were different but all in all, a great little camera.

Very happy, Df a fun camera if you ever shot film

It seems that half of the reviews for this camera online are "for," and half seem to be "against" the Nikon Df. Count me among the 50% who are passionately in love with this camera, which I purchased three weeks ago from nikonusa.com.

I consider myself a "serious amateur" who -- owing to my work schedule and other hobbies -- is limited to shooting photos mainly on vacations and around the holidays. Nevertheless, on 2-3 week vacations to Malaysia and Southeast Asia over the past 10 years, I typically shoot between 3,000 - 4,000 photos per trip.

Over the past three weeks after trading in my old D7000, I've shot about 1,500 pictures with my new Nikon Df.

As soon as I stumbled on this "new" camera from Nikon a few months ago, I immediately fell in love with its classic good looks. Not only is its design and look distinctively different from all of the other mid-to-high priced DSLR's out there, it took me back to "the good old days" at college, where I first learned how to shoot a 35mm single lens reflex film camera while working on the student newspaper, borrowing the photo editor's Nikkormat FTn or my co-Editor-in-Chief's Canon FTb.

Following graduation and during my 20's to 40's I used a combination of Nikon and Canon 35mm SLRs, until I purchased my first digital camera in 2000.

My new Nikon Df does exactly what Nikon promises: it helped me re-discover (and appreciate) the art and science of photography, with amazing results. The look of the camera initially caught my attention, but using it over the past few weeks -- as well as actually studying the manual as a "refresher" photography course -- helped me recall the knowledge I gained years ago necessary to properly operate the mainly manual old SLRs I owned in the past.

Having upgraded from a D7000, which for me was a great camera, my initial experience with an FX camera has been very positive. Using Nikon's AF-S 24-85mm f/3.5 and 70-200 f/4 lenses, as well as the special edition 50mm that came with the Df's kit, I've started taking some very memorable and pleasing photos.

I very much like the look and feel of the various knobs and buttons on this camera, and haven't had any problem twisting and setting the controls, even when shooting exterior photos of my apartment building this morning barehanded in 35-degree weather.

For me, reading the manual and practicing with my new Df has been a fun and educational experience. And based on the results I've been getting with my practice photos, a very rewarding experience, as well.

In my opinion, Nikon hit one out of the park in bringing out a "retro" camera that looks distinctively different from all of the other DSLRs, but that also borrows technology from its top-of-the line models that resulted in a camera that's a perfect step-up from their mid-priced cameras.

I don't at all miss the inability to take videos with my Df, since I only used this feature on my D7000 two or three times, plus I have the options of taking videos on my iPhone, iPad or GoPro Hero if I want to shoot motion. And besides, I wanted a camera to take stills, and not videos.

Overall, this is a really fun, high-quality DSLR, and I'm very happy that someone at Nikon was able to bring this concept to market. I recommend this camera to anyone who wants a beautiful, high-quality camera that is rewarding to operate and produces outstanding results.

I'm very grateful that I accidentally stumbled on Nikon Df on Nikon's web site.

Reignited My Passion for Still Photography!

Over the years my passion has been photography and I have had many new amazing cameras. My first serious cameras were a Leica IIIf and an Exacta VXIIa. These were followed by many Nikon cameras, including the F3 (used intensely for 30 years without a problem!). the F4s, F100, D100, D300, V1, P7000 and others. When I first saw the Df and learned about its features I felt as if it had been designed specifically for me and I purchased it on November 29, 2013. I got the silver body kit as its heritage styling radiated a classic ambiance that I could not resist. I have been able to use the Df with all my old Nikkor lenses as never before and I also bought a new16-35 zoom that is razor sharp. Over the past year I have taken all types of photos, from a spyder’s eye to mountain waterfalls and the moon. I will not go into all the technical specifications here, because more importantly I have enjoyed this camera immensely every time I use it. The Df’s ability to take indoor pictures where the lighting is practically non-existent and yet obtain outstanding color and dynamic range with low noise exceeded my hopes by far. I can sum up this camera in one word – WOW! I should mention that people around me think the Df, with its brown vintage styled case and strap, is an old film camera and this makes it even more fun for me.

Classic elegance with high-tech performance

I have been a film shooter for over 20 years. I loved my nikon F2.  I waited so long for a digital camera to start feeling and operating like the classics. I started using a Leica M9, M8 and Fuji x series cameras just because they were cameras that helped me concentrate on the image and not the tech. 

I love the size of the DF, its not too small but not too big. I love that my battery has lasted me more than a week on one charge. I don't rapid shoot but I do shoot every day. I have a 32 gig card which showed it had room for about 840 raw images or so and now I am down to 640 shots left in a week. so I have been conservative in regards to shooting but then again, I am a street shooter. I imagine for events you could possibly kill a battery a day and for the newb's who shoot 2k pics in a day, I would suggest buying an extra battery.

the only thing i would want to change about the camera... 
1) needs dual card slots. SD's are fine with me. 
2) I think we could get rid of the MASP dial and instead op for a slightly bigger lcd screen that can show the light meter. 
3) needs an AF assist beam
4) aperture wheel should protrude a bit further so you can get a more positive grip on it when changing the aperture. 
5) no matter what the "pro's" say, I think this should qualify for NPS

none of which I mentioned is a deal breaker to me. I would rather own this Nikon than any other on the market. they really did well here. I will sell my D3s, d700, F3 and F100 so i can purchase a second body and a few more lenses. Thanks Nikon for doing it right!

Nikon DF, the perfect nikon camera

i'm mostly a travel and family photographer. my silver df usually has a 24/ 2.8 mounted. i't's hard to believe that this is an fx camera due to it's size.

it's light weight makes it perfect for traveling. i just love the looks and the great pics that it takes.

it would be perfect for me if it shot video also.

i love it

I've had my Df for a few weeks now and have used it in three shoots totally over 3000 exposures.  That said, I'm not a DSLR fan and before getting the Df shot almost exclusively with my Leica M Monochrom rangefinder camera and either a 35mm or 50mm prime Leica lens.  The Df appealed to me because it pulls on the same emotional strings as the Leica does, adding real dials and a high-quality viewfinder from the 1970s to modern digital imaging.

The Df for the most part gave me what I expected it to, but not quite.  The dials are beautiful, but unlike with a film camera you just don't use them that much.  With my Nikon FM I have to adjust shutter speed and aperture for almost every shot, not to mention focus.  With the Df (and fairly with an FE or F3 as well) its frequently just focus and shoot, and with modern AF glass even that step is removed.  Modern lenses also lack aperture rings, so while I usually keep the same aperture for a while (either wide-open or f/8 most of the time), making that adjustment is done with a modern control wheel on modern lenses.

The biggest change of course is ISO, which on the Df goes into the stratosphere with good results, and can be set to automatic, which no film except for certain C41 black and white films could do in the old days.  The result is that while it looks kind of like an old film camera, in use its still a modern DSLR and doesn't quite feel the same as the FM did or put my mind in the same place.

Okay, emotional stuff aside, taken as a modern DSLR this is as good as it gets for travel photography with prime lenses, and not the best for sports or action or for using modern zoom lenses, at least not the heavy ones.  It all comes down to the grip.  The grip on the Df is very small, reminding me of the FA body from the early 1980s.  Modern DSLRs like the cheaper D610 and new D750 have nice beefy grips that make it much easier to work with a front-heavy lens.

Since am mostly into travel photography and usually don't bring a zoom lens with me, the Df is still the best current DSLR for my needs.  I will typically travel with just the AF-S 58mm f/1.4G on the camera and AF 24mm f/2.8D in a pocket, and used with those two lightweight prime lenses the Df is a travel photographer's dream.  It balances well, is fast to operate, and produces stunning image quality in almost any light up to an including almost none.

I don't like the included AF-S 50mm f/1.8G lens very much.  Its optically excellent and extremely sharp, but I'm more into character at longer focal lengths and care more about the quality of bokeh and 3d plasticity than I do about ultimate sharpness.  For most photographers raised on zoom lenses, the 50mm f/1.8 will be a revelation.  If I had it to do over again I'd get the body only, but the kit lens is cheap enough that its worth having if for nothing else than if I travel someplace where I worry about theft or damage.  

I'm still very excited about my Df and plan on keeping for quite a long time.  Like my M Monochrom, its more than sum of its specifications.

Fantastic camera with a few minor flaws

I wanted to upgrade from my D7100 to full frame this past summer, and did not want to buy the D610. I felt it had little more to offer than the camera size. I tested both the D800 and then in spite of some blogs, the Df. I found the Df to be superior from a light sensor standpoint so I bought it.

The D800 and D810 are great cameras, but I take stills 98% of the time. I could use my D7100 for the once in a blue moon video. So my choice to take the Df on was a functional one. I have not regretted it, and my online photo traffic has quadrupled since I bought the camera. It is just amazing!

If You Take Stills, This is a GREAT Camera

To help the reader assess whether the following opinions are of any value to them personally, I will begin with a little personal background, shooting style, equipment preferences, etc. First off, I am a passionate photography hobbyist, not a professional. Furthermore, I would only rate my skill level and talent as average at best. Of the thousands of photos I shoot over the course of a year, I can sincerely say that I am pleased with only a small percentage. For that small percentage that somehow magically transcend the reality of the moment, however, I find the pursuit of beauty and emotion through the lens of a camera to be immensely gratifying.

My first camera as a teenager was a totally manual Pentax K1000 with two prime lenses: a 50mm f/2 and a 135mm f/2.8. As a kid who had to mow lawns and do other yard work to pay for film and processing for every exposed frame, I quickly learned to make every shot count. To this day, I still prefer to shoot manual (with the exception of auto ISO when not using off-camera flash/strobes) unless I am in rapidly changing lighting conditions. In this case, I shoot in aperture priority mode to prevent missing shots that would otherwise require too much time to manually adjust both shutter speed and aperture to remain within ISO limits. Also, I still shoot to make every shot count by carefully planning composition and lighting before releasing the shutter. Moreover, I still prefer to only shoot with primes. At this point in my journey, I am disciplining myself to get by with only two primes: a Nikkor 24mm f/2.8 and a Nikkor 105mm f/2. In a pinch, I may allow myself to grab my 50mm f/1.8 for lower light or a shallower DOF. Lastly, I thoroughly enjoy the creativity and challenge of working with manual off-camera flash.

As for my shooting preferences, my favorite subjects includes nature, landscape, architecture, events, quirky details like an array of bolts on a bridge trellis, street scenes, and portraits. I am very active and mobile on foot, bicycle, and motorcycle and strongly prefer that my equipment not get in my way and restrict my mobility and thus restrict my photography. I want the flexibility of throwing my camera bag in my motorcycle top case, strapping a tripod to the seat and heading across town to catch some nighttime city skyline shots one day and the next day hiking a few miles to the top of a local mountain with a light stand, shoot-through umbrella and speedlight to shoot some portraits of family and friends.

Of all the above personal preferences and style, I can unequivocally say that the Nikon Df has far exceeded my expectations and fulfilled my every desire in a camera. In fact, given my preference for mobility, I feel that the Df has liberated me to expand my photography even further. As an example, I just recently returned from a week in NYC during which my only transportation was subway and foot. Over the week, I traversed Manhattan and Brooklyn several times with my shoulder strap across my chest and my Df on my hip, oftentimes literally crushed by a mass of humanity on a packed subway. I would have never conceived of carrying my other camera, a D700, in such conditions. Comparatively, the D700 feels like a ponderous brick that I would have grown weary of toting within a day. Not so with the Df.

If you can relate to any of the above preferences and styles, you may find the following impressions of the Df helpful:

Image Quality: What can I say? It has the same sensor as the D4. The colors are deep and rich and the images have crazy detail. With these amateur eyes, I can't really discern a difference in image quality between my D700 until ISO exceeds 4,000. Above that, however, the Df smokes the D700. Actually, in my opinion, shots from the Df are quite usable even at ISO 12,800. To paraphrase another reviewer, taking a shot in a dimly lit room with the Df and then reviewing the shot in the LCD monitor makes it look like someone just turned the lights on. It is really that impressive. All I can say is that image quality and especially the low-light capabilities of the Df rocks. It is quite amazing. As for megapixels/resolution? I don't need more. I have no plans to print a billboard size photo. Actually, I prefer the lower file sizes due to lower storage requirements and lower processing demands on my Mac or Linux machines.

Auto Focus: I don't typically shoot sporting events with erratically moving athletes or shoot rapidly moving wildlife, so I haven't pushed the Df to its continuous focus limits. For continuously focusing on a person walking across a room or a car approaching on a city street, I have found that the camera keeps up perfectly well, even with a 'D' type lens with a screw-drive type focusing mechanism. As for missing an auto-focus assist lamp, for any photo that I would consider taking with ambient-light only, I have had no focusing issues. The only time I have had an issue auto-focusing is when using off-camera flash in very dim conditions. In this case, I simply increase the ambient light until I can focus. No big deal in my opinion.

Ergonomics: I'm a male with a small skeletal frame standing 5' 9.5” with a BMI of 20. The Df fits my frame and hands perfectly. If you have ham-sized hands, you may struggle. The camera is compact with a lot of controls crammed into very little real estate. Coming from a D700, I went through an adjustment period to become accustomed to operating the camera due to the drastically different layout. Most challenging for me was learning how to most effectively work the sub-comand dial with my right index finger while staying clear of the camera strap. The more I use the camera, though, the more comfortable I have become with it. Even with larger heavier lenses, a 105mm f/2 in this case, the camera feels perfectly balanced in my opinion, unlike the opinions of some other reviewers. Ergonomically, I can't say that I would recommend that anything be changed. Otherwise, it would compromise the size, weight and aesthetics that I find so appealing about the Df.

Controls: I'll openly admit that all the dials and buttons on the Df delight me. When I interact with the physical world, I like to feel in control, or at least have the illusion that I am in more control. Yes, this is more psychological than practical. But it is the psychological motivation, after all, not the practical motivation, that inspires me to pick up this camera and want to carry it everywhere every day. I have not been this inspired and motivated since my K1000. The ISO and Exposure Compensation dials on the top left? Spot on. The Shutter Speed, Release Mode and Exposure Mode dials on the top right? Spot on. I have found all the dials easy and pleasing to use. They feel solid, have great tactile feedback and reassuring clicks. I'll stress, though, that I enjoy interacting with the physical world and especially enjoy operating machines. Besides photography, my next passion is operating sport motorcycles. Mastering the motor skills, dexterity, and lightning fast mental spacial computations required to operate a motorcycle smoothly, quickly, proficiently and safely are extremely rewarding for me. For some of the same reasons, I find operating the Df (just another machine) very rewarding. If on the other hand, you are the type of person who does not enjoy operating machines and are only motivated by the ends and not necessarily the means by which to reach the ends, perhaps the Df is not for you. Another analogy: if you think the journey is of lesser importance than the destination when traveling, then perhaps the Df is not for you. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Different strokes for different folks.

Sundry Impressions: - I find the single batter and SD card slot compartment quite clever unlike some reviewers. The SD card feels less substantial than the Compact Flash card with the D700, but I'm getting used to it. At least my Mac has an SD slot rather than requiring a separate USB CF card reader on my Mac as with the D700. - There is no LCD protector as with the D700, or my prior D90. Instead, you'll need to purchase some polycarbonate film LCD screen protectors to stick on your LCD screen. Well worth the money since I already have some scratches on the polycarbonate protective film that would have otherwise been on my LCD. - My preferred carrying method is a shoulder strap across my chest with my camera near my right hip at the ready. When carrying like this, I find that I inadvertently rotate the metering selector dial. I never noticed this with my D700, but I was not nearly as mobile with my D700. - Live view: I hardly use it, but I am impressed with the artificial horizon feature for leveling the camera on a tripod. - Auto ISO: I like the additional option of allowing minimum ISO to be determined by lens focal length. I also like the additional option of decreasing or increasing minimum shutter speed by a stop or two to account for your hand steadiness on a given day. This is a bonus over the D700. - Battery life: As other reviewers have noted, it is phenomenal. A few days of relatively heavy shooting between charges. Of course my limited use of Live View extends battery life. - Aesthetics: The camera is beautiful. I can sit and marvel at its beauty just as I can marvel at the beauty of an MV Augusta or Ducati motorcycle. I'll not hesitate to admit that its beauty, along with its image quality, size and weight was a major factor in my purchase decision.

If you have not deduced this by now, I am very pleased with my Nikon Df. Having dropped nearly three grand on a camera body, you may not think that I am frugal. In reality, though, I am very frugal. My wife would even present a strong argument that I am downright cheap. My frugality notwithstanding, I have not experienced one second of post-purchase regret after purchasing the Df. The more I use it, the more I enjoy it.

Outstanding!!

The main reasons I got the Df is for image quality, low light capabilities and the looks of the camera. Other reasons that I like the Df. I just love the JPEGs that come out of the camera. The Df begs you to take photos. The camera is smaller and lighter than my D800E. Holding the Df is a pleasure and reminds me of the days of manual cameras. The build quality is great and feels solid in your hands when holding the camera. There is no popup flash on the Df which I really like. The shutter is quieter than my D800E. Basically this is my go to camera. Some of nits, which bug me, about the camera, 1) small LCD screen. If you have eyesight or reading problems the screen is just too small. 2) 1/4000 is the fastest shutter speed for a camera that cost this much, why? 3) I understand this is a retro camera, however it is digital right, video would have been nice. Not a show stopper, however, nice to have unless you are carrying another camera for video work. 4) The SD card is located near the battery. Why is not on the side like other Nikon Dxxx series camera's? Even with all this nits I still love the camera for some reason and why I gave it 5 stars. I like shooting with it more than my D800E. I have had the camera for nearly two months now.

Nikon Df DSLR with AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition Lens, Black

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