Nikon Df: Retro DSLR packed with full-frame performance

With its new Df DSLR, Nikon has become the latest camera maker to embrace a retro-styled model to try and jumpstart dwindling camera sales. The Nikon Df, harkening back to Nikon’s flagship “F”-Series” pro SLRs is now available for pre-order, and the specs are head-turning. Instead of being merely a cool looking piece of “camera porn”, the Df is packed with the top-of-the-line 16.2MP full-frame sensor from the much more expensive Nikon D4, and cranks along at a very respectable 5.5fps — although its total lack of video will remind you that this beauty isn’t for everyone.

Classic design, modern control

The Nikon Df looks remarkably like a Nikon F-series camera, from the severely-angled pentaprism to the retro-styled controls. As you’d expect, the classic styling doesn’t completely take over the camera’s actual operation. Rear controls are typical of Nikon’s smaller DSLRs — without the video recording buttons of course.

And the retro styling isn’t just skin deep: You can use the Df with your classic lenses as well. The camera includes the mechanical linkage needed to take advantage of Nikon’s pre-AI (older than 1977) lenses.

Controls on top of the Df harken back to the early days of SLRs, with dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. Aperture can either be controlled in the now-standard way using the sub-command dial, or with the ring on lenses equipped with one. A novel spot white balance feature allows the photographer to easily get a white balance setting off a gray card or other neutral object.

Value-priced ultra-low-light performance

Until now, the only way to get the industry-leading low-light performance of the Nikon D4’s large-pixel, full-frame sensor was to shell out nearly $6000 for the 3-pound flagship. With the Df, Nikon has cut that cost — and weight — in half. Of course you won’t get the blazing frame rate or video capabilities of the Nikon D4, but if you’re looking for the ultimate camera for street or event photography, or for classic photojournalism, and can live without video, the Nikon Df may be the right camera for you. The Df features the same EXPEED 3 ASIC and Multi-CAM 4800 AF unit found in many of Nikon’s other high-end DSLRs, so you won’t be sacrificing shooting performance, either.

Interestingly, Nikon chose not to use the more modern, higher-resolution, sensor found in the Nikon D610 or the one in the Nikon D800 — which are both lower cost and offer more resolution and more features. The Df gains substantially in low light by using the sensor from the Nikon D4, but I’m sure many photographers would have preferred that it use one of the newer designs. I suspect one reason for the choice might be the more forgiving nature of the D4 sensor when used with older lenses – like those encouraged by the retro design and marketing of the Df.

As for the lack of video, it’s in keeping with the retro design of the camera, but it might also be related to the relatively-small capacity of the camera’s battery. The Df’s EN-EL14a battery is said to be good for up to 1400 exposures but at 1030 mAh it’s about half the size of the D4?s 2000 mAh power unit. The combination of a full-frame sensor and HD video might have cut down battery life enough that Nikon decided not to make this an option.

New AF-S 50mm f/1.8G lens to match

For the full retro experience, purchasers of the Nikon Df can grab it with the new Nikon 50mm f/1.8G “Special Edition” lens to complete their street photography kit. The lens, like the camera, combines some retro features like a knurled focus ring and full-time manual focus override with an AF-S focusing motor and modern coatings. With an f/1.8 aperture, paired with the ultra-sensitive Nikon Df you’ll be able to shoot in as close to dark as anyone. The Nikon Df plus lens kit is priced at $3000, $250 more than the body only.

The Nikon Df isn’t for most photographers. $2750 is a lot for a 16MP camera — especially one that doesn’t shoot video — if you’re not either jonesing for the retro styling or need ultimate low-light performance in a compact 1.6 pound package. If you do want to recapture the glory days of SLR film photography, especially in the street or at events, then the Nikon Df might be a great addition to your gear bag.

The Nikon Df is available for pre-order now, in either a classic silver and black or all black, with shipments expected in time for the holidays.

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Article source: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/nikon-coolpix-aw110-orange/4505-6501_7-35599831.html

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Nikon Df: Retro DSLR packed with full-frame performance