Off Brand: Nikon Announces the Df

[neuroanatomist]

Next up, Sony jumps on the retro bandwagon, with their new line of 4K HDTVs...

Just look at all those buttons and dials!! ;D

 

[GuyF]

Sample images 4 and 5 here: http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/df/sample.htm were taken at the Edinburgh Fringe festival in August.

I was there and saw this photographer with an old Nikon and thought, wow, someone still shooting with film but when I saw him look at the results on the rear screen I realised what was going on and howled, "Die, hipster, die!!". The crowd applauded when I knocked him out with a single punch - most thought we were some sort of street theatre group. Ah, memories....

 

[Promature]

Next up, Sony jumps on the retro bandwagon, with their new line of 4K HDTVs...

Just look at all those dials!! ;D

Careful watch you wish for. If the PPI of an iPad were scaled to that TV, it probably would be a 4k HDTV.

 

[neuroanatomist]

Careful watch you wish for. If the PPI of an iPad were scaled to that TV, it probably would be a 4k HDTV.

But it wouldn't have all that cool retro wood paneling, now, would it?

 

[Promature]

Careful watch you wish for. If the PPI of an iPad were scaled to that TV, it probably would be a 4k HDTV.

But it wouldn't have all that cool retro wood paneling, now, would it?

I told you to be careful:

 

[neuroanatomist]

Careful watch you wish for. If the PPI of an iPad were scaled to that TV, it probably would be a 4k HDTV.

But it wouldn't have all that cool retro wood paneling, now, would it?

I told you to be careful:

Fair enough. If only I liked the design of the Df, I might be tempted to get a wooden iPad case (although those cases are far too sleek and curvy to be a good match for the Df).

Now, this one.......

 

[Promature]

Fair enough. If only I liked the design of the Df, I might be tempted to get a wooden iPad case (although those cases are far too sleek and curvy to be a good match for the Df).

Now, this one.......

Yesssssss!

 

[Canon 14-24]

A shame the Canon rumors site has to provide off brand posts to compensate for the lackluster year of announcements and releases...!

Where are the announcements for the:

Canon 14-24 !!!
Canon 17-50 !!!
Canon 35 1.4 II / 1.2 !!!
Canon 50 1.4 II / 1.4 IS !!!
Canon 135 1.8 IS / 2.0 II !!!
Canon 100-400 II / 70-400 II !!!

Canon 5DX or 3D high megapixel FF version !!!

Oh well probably more new kit STM lens and rebel announcements...

 

[skullyspice]

I like the idea. If Canon made one that looked like the F1N I would be interested but only if the insides were also cutting edge. There is something to be said for style. I just bought my sixth F1N with motor drive. I dont shoot nearly as much film as I used to but you cant beat the look and sound of that camera.

 

[Dylan777]

Careful watch you wish for. If the PPI of an iPad were scaled to that TV, it probably would be a 4k HDTV.

But it wouldn't have all that cool retro wood paneling, now, would it?

I told you to be careful:

Fair enough. If only I liked the design of the Df, I might be tempted to get a wooden iPad case (although those cases are far too sleek and curvy to be a good match for the Df).

Now, this one.......

Neuro,
Believe it or not, my 5yrs daughter wants to dress-up her new Ipad Air everything in pink. I think these types of accessories will create a lot of money :

 

[ishdakuteb]

Um, can't really compare Df to D610, Df doesn't have D610 guts, it's got D4 guts at less than half the price.

You seem to be one of those folks for whom "sensor" is synonymous with "camera." Do you make camera purchase decisions based solely on DxOMark Sensor Scores? FYI, there's more inside a camera than the sensor. Let's look, shall we?

D4 Df D610 Like D4? Like D610?
Sensor 16 MP 16 MP 24 MP ✓
AF points 51 (15 cross) 39 (9 cross) 39 (9 cross) ✓
AF sensitivity -2 EV -1 EV -1 EV ✓
Metering sensor 91,000 pixel 2,016 pixel 2,016 pixel ✓
Max shutter 1/8000 s 1/4000 s 1/4000 s ✓
X-sync 1/250 s 1/200 s 1/200 s ✓
Exposure Comp ±5 EV ±3 EV ±3 EV ✓

Look at that list, and explain how the 'guts' of the Df are more like the D4 than the D600/610...

Allow me to repeat my earlier statement, with a few modifications: What Nikon has done here is analogous to taking a modern, powerful, fuel-efficient engine, (the D4 sensor), handicapping that engine with a three speed transmission (the D600/610 AF sensor, metering sensor, shutter assembly, etc.)...putting it into a Subaru Brat...and slapping on a Mercedes price sticker.

Beautifully composed.

aggree and love the last statement of "allow me to reapeat..." about the mercedes price? i am not sure if there was anything to do with "made in japan" that nikon chose to label right on the top of its camera?

 

[duydaniel]

Um, can't really compare Df to D610, Df doesn't have D610 guts, it's got D4 guts at less than half the price.

You seem to be one of those folks for whom "sensor" is synonymous with "camera." Do you make camera purchase decisions based solely on DxOMark Sensor Scores? FYI, there's more inside a camera than the sensor. Let's look, shall we?

D4 Df D610 Like D4? Like D610?
Sensor 16 MP 16 MP 24 MP ✓
AF points 51 (15 cross) 39 (9 cross) 39 (9 cross) ✓
AF sensitivity -2 EV -1 EV -1 EV ✓
Metering sensor 91,000 pixel 2,016 pixel 2,016 pixel ✓
Max shutter 1/8000 s 1/4000 s 1/4000 s ✓
X-sync 1/250 s 1/200 s 1/200 s ✓
Exposure Comp ±5 EV ±3 EV ±3 EV ✓

Look at that list, and explain how the 'guts' of the Df are more like the D4 than the D600/610...

Allow me to repeat my earlier statement, with a few modifications: What Nikon has done here is analogous to taking a modern, powerful, fuel-efficient engine, (the D4 sensor), handicapping that engine with a three speed transmission (the D600/610 AF sensor, metering sensor, shutter assembly, etc.)...putting it into a Subaru Brat...and slapping on a Mercedes price sticker.

The D610 has ±5 EV
The Df also goes as high as D4 in ISO 200k

 

[neuroanatomist]

The D610 has ±5 EV

Thanks for the correction, I was looking at the D600 specs. Good to know they did something besides fix the oil splattering with the D610 "upgrade".

 

[V8Beast]

If I were a Nikon afficionado, for the same price, why would I buy a Df over a D800?

Exactly what I was wondering. For $250 more, I'd rather buy a D800. Small, mirrorless bodies still aren't for me, but if I was in the market for one of these gizmos, I can't see any reason to buy a Df over a Sony A7R. With the Sony, you get a far better sensor, and more importantly, you can adapt it to work with Canon glass.

 

[scrup]

Are you listening Canon? Give us something to discuss else we will just feature your competitors on a Canon website. We are desperate for real content to keep visitors returning to this site.

 

[Etienne]

If I were a Nikon afficionado, for the same price, why would I buy a Df over a D800?

Exactly what I was wondering. For $250 more, I'd rather buy a D800. Small, mirrorless bodies still aren't for me, but if I was in the market for one of these gizmos, I can't see any reason to buy a Df over a Sony A7R. With the Sony, you get a far better sensor, and more importantly, you can adapt it to work with Canon glass.

+1 ... Sony A7R ... I'm not a high MP user or landscape specialist, but this camera looks cool! and only 407g. It is begging for good lens options.

 

[wockawocka]

A camera like this is all about the sensor. You can measure IQ based on that. It's Nikons flagship sensor, everything else connected is just fluff compared.

It's for people walking with their dog in the woods and sitting in a Luxembourg cafe. That's what the DF is for. Much akin to the Hasselblad Lunar. Which is for rich Arabs sitting in a Cafe in Luxembourg.

 

[distant.star]

This camera is also probably the best street photography camera that exists.

This is NOT the best street photography camera that exists. I might concede that it might be the best street photography camera for YOU. First, it doesn't "exist" and will not exist until November 28 when you can buy one and actually test out your theories.

Second, it is not a camera I would even consider for street photography.

Finally, there are as many styles and tools of street photography as there are street photographers. So, beware of making generalized claims about street photography. Any opinion you hold is not universally shared.

 

[neuroanatomist]

This is the second non-Canon camera product announcement on a "Canon" website in as many months (previous being Sony.)

That kind of says it all about where Canon's at with its product development, doesn't it?

Indeed.

It says that Canon isn't announcing any developments in a dying market (mirrorless) or a long-dead market (over-priced film dSLRs, albeit with modified innards).

It also says Canon's dSLR lineup is selling well, such that they're not forced to bring out niche products due to an inability to outsell the market leader in the mainstream arena (since Canon is that leader).

 

[ewg963]

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<p><strong>Yes, this is a Canon site


</strong>I realize this is a Canon site. However, every so often a camera announcement from another brand is important. This is one of those announcements. Nikon has introduced a small full frame photographers camera. Everything about it is for the photographer, there isn’t even a video feature.</p>
<p>I get a lot of questions from photographers asking why Canon seems to care more about the videographer than the photographer now. I have no good answers, just a hope that Canon will introduce some serious gear just for photographers.</p>
<p><strong>FALL IN LOVE AGAIN: NEW Df D-SLR IS UNDENIABLY A NIKON WITH LEGENDARY PERFORMANCE AND TIMELESS DESIGN</strong>


MELVILLE, NY (November 4, 2013) The new Nikon Df is a modern classic designed for those who have felt a connection to their camera, who revel in the idea of going out to photograph an unfamiliar location, and who know the effort and ultimate satisfaction that is part of getting the shot. Announced today, the Nikon Df is a unique, advanced-level D-SLR that harmonizes Nikon heritage and modern performance in a lightweight and very capable FX-format camera. The new Df pays homage to the enduring style and controls of Nikon’s distinguished “F” series of 35mm film cameras, yet features technology similar to Nikon’s professional flagship D4 D-SLR. Released alongside the similarly styled AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition lens, Nikon’s newest FX-format D-SLR presents a versatile and reliable option to help passionate photographers truly achieve their creative vision.</p>
<p>“Nikon cameras have played an important role in documenting world history for the better part of 50 years, and have earned their position as a reliable tool that pros and enthusiasts can count on. The Nikon Df represents much more than a storied legacy of cameras; it’s more about giving the user a chance to truly enjoy the experience of taking amazing images,” said Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “The design is unwavering, and the features are the latest in Nikon imaging technology. The Df brings together the best of yesterday and today for advanced full frame photographers.”</p>
<p><strong>Nikon Df DSLR Body: <a href=\"http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1013090-REG/nikon_1525_df_dslr_camera_black.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296\" target=\"_blank\">Black</a> | <a href=\"http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1013089-REG/nikon_1526_df_dslr_camera_silver.htmlBI2466/KBID/3296\" target=\"_blank\">Silver</a> | Nikon Df DSLR w/50 f/1.8: <a href=\"http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1013094-REG/nikon_1527_df_dslr_camera_with.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296\" target=\"_blank\">Black</a> | <a href=\"http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1013093-REG/nikon_1528_df_dslr_camera_with.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296\" target=\"_blank\">Silver</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Nikon 50 f/1.8G Lens: <a href=\"http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1013096-REG/nikon_2214_af_s_nikkor_50mm_f_1_8g.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296\" target=\"_blank\">Black</a></strong></p>
<p><!--more--></p>
<p><strong>A Classically Styled, Thoroughly Modern Masterpiece</strong></p>
<p>From a robust feel, to mechanical dials and finely detailed craftsmanship, the Df embodies the very best of Nikon’s photographic legacy. The classically styled camera recalls design cues such as a recognizable pentaprism and top cover, which is now constructed of durable, lightweight magnesium alloy. The top of the camera features elegant yet sophisticated mechanical controls for settings, letting users feel the tactile reassurance of adjustments, such as a familiar click stop for shutter speed adjustment. Additional dedicated dials also control ISO, exposure compensation, release mode and exposure mode, while modern controls are also easily accessible. The intuitive control layout allows for quick and confident setting adjustment, yet retains a solid operational experience that “feels like a Nikon camera.”</p>
<p>The Df has been designed with an emphasis on familiar intricate details made famous from previous generations, including the leather-textured top and grip, along with the body mounted shutter button with a threaded release port. The design also recalls the slenderness of the previous generation’s cameras, making this the smallest and lightest FX-format camera in Nikon’s lineup.</p>
<p>It isn’t all about good looks though, as this enduring design is coupled with legendary performance to create a very capable and extremely appealing FX-format offering for professionals and enthusiasts. The 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor of the Df is inherited from Nikon’s professional flagship D-SLR, the D4. The large 36 x 23.9mm CMOS sensor is praised for its ability to produce amazing image quality in a wide variety of lighting conditions. Whether shooting landscapes, wildlife or weddings, the frames captured with the Df exhibit amazing clarity, accurate color and a broad dynamic range. In addition, Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED 3 image processing engine helps propel image quality, yielding images with a natural color and depth, all while enhancing subtle and nuanced tones.</p>
<p>Additionally, like the professional Nikon D4, the Df performs well in a wide variety of challenging lighting conditions with an exceptionally wide ISO range from 100 to 12,800, expandable to a staggering ISO 204,800. The combination of low noise and wide range make this an appealing camera to take on the challenges faced by photojournalists and event photographers, as well as those who enjoy the pursuit of extracting otherwise impossible images using natural light.</p>
<p><strong>A Feature Set for Passionate Photographers</strong></p>
<p>The Nikon Df is engineered to enhance the experience of taking photos and represents a culmination of decades of experience and feedback from photographers in the field, the studio and the sidelines. From its proven AF system to modern connectivity and legacy lens compatibility, the Df contains the century’s best photographic features for an enjoyable all-day shooting experience.</p>
<p>AF System: The convenience and precision of Nikon’s 39-point AF system is proof-positive of the benefits of modern technology. With 39 selectable AF points throughout the frame for precise focus, the Df also features nine cross-type sensors, and seven AF points capable of working down to f/8. Users can also choose from a variety of AF area modes to match their shooting style: 9-point, 21-point, 39-point, 39-point with 3D Tracking and Auto Area AF.</p>
<p>Get the shot with 2016-Pixel 3D Matrix Metering and Scene Recognition System: This Nikon system analyzes each shooting scenario and determines proper camera settings, resulting in even exposures, accurate white balance and precise AF. To capture action sports, wildlife and other fast moving subjects, the Df has a continuous burst shooting rate of up to 5.5 frames-per-second (fps).</p>
<p>Compose with a 3.2-inch LCD Display and Glass Pentaprism Viewfinder: Users can easily compose through the high-resolution LCD screen or the bright optical viewfinder. The LCD screen has 921K-dot resolution, making it easy for users to adjust additional settings, review images or compose using Live View. Using the glass optical viewfinder, users will enjoy 100 percent accuracy and a bright field of view. What’s more, the shooting data presented through the viewfinder has also been updated and digitized.</p>
<p>Connect and Share Instantly: Another modern touch allows users to connect and share their images instantly using the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter1. By connecting to a mobile device, users can download and share images or remotely fire the camera.</p>
<p>Features for Creativity: Photographing dramatic monochrome or vivid landscapes is easier with Nikon’s Picture Controls, which allow for the customization of color, saturation and tone. The Df also features built-in High Dynamic Range (HDR) to combine multiple shots with enhanced tonal range, and two to five-frame auto-bracketing. For maximum control, images can also be captured in JPEG, TIFF or RAW file formats.</p>
<p>Support for a Storied NIKKOR Legacy: In addition to being compatible with all current AF, AF-S, DX and AF-D NIKKOR lenses, the Df is also compatible with classic Ai and non-Ai NIKKOR glass. Thanks to a new metering coupling lever located on the bayonet, the user has the ability to once again enjoy their lens collections with renewed functionality. Full-aperture metering is also supported.</p>
<p>Accessory System Support: The Df is compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (CLS), letting users take advantage of i-TTL exposure or fire multiple units remotely using a Speedlight commander. To remotely trigger the shutter, the camera also supports the new WR remote system, as well as the threaded AR-3 cable release, which screws in to the shutter button in the traditional style.</p>
<p>A Classic FX-Format Special Edition NIKKOR Prime</p>
<p>The new AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition lens is the result of classic NIKKOR styling combined with today’s optics to create the ideal focal length companion lens for the Df. The design honors original NIKKOR Ai lenses, with colors, texture, and an aluminum mounting ring that is mated to the style of the Df. This lens is ideal for everyday portraiture, landscapes and casual photography, but offers a wide aperture and seven-blade diaphragm for natural image blur and a dramatic depth of field. Despite the timeless design, the 50mm f/1.8G is created with modern AF-S design benefits to give photographers rapid response, quiet operation and excellent sharpness and clarity throughout the frame.</p>
<p><strong>Price and Availability


</strong>The Nikon Df will be available in late November 2013, invoking classic Nikon silver and black color schemes. The suggested retail price (SRP) of the Df (body only) will be $2,749.95*, while the Df and 50mm f/1.8 Special Edition lens kit will have a SRP of $2,999.95*. The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens will be sold separately for a SRP of $279.95*. For an additional flair of nostalgic style, Nikon is also offering black or brown leather carrying cases, the CF-DC6B and CF-DC6S (pricing and availability to be announced).</p>
<p><strong>Nikon Df DSLR Body: <a href=\"http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1013090-REG/nikon_1525_df_dslr_camera_black.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296\" target=\"_blank\">Black</a> | <a href=\"http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1013089-REG/nikon_1526_df_dslr_camera_silver.htmlBI2466/KBID/3296\" target=\"_blank\">Silver</a> | Nikon Df DSLR w/50 f/1.8: <a href=\"http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1013094-REG/nikon_1527_df_dslr_camera_with.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296\" target=\"_blank\">Black</a> | <a href=\"http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1013093-REG/nikon_1528_df_dslr_camera_with.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296\" target=\"_blank\">Silver</a> | Nikon 50 f/1.8G Lens: <a href=\"http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1013096-REG/nikon_2214_af_s_nikkor_50mm_f_1_8g.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296\" target=\"_blank\">Black</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>

Yep that would be kinda nice to just have a camera for stills only...we'll see