Nikon Df: return of the ?F? mount

Since we have followed the recent introductions of most of the DSLRs by Canikon, we cannot ignore the Nikon Df, the newly unveiled full frame (or FX format) camera with retro look. Apart from the much publicised looks, does it bring any qualitative change to the user?

Nikon Df

According to Nikon, the Df stands for ‘digital fusion’–the merging of modern technology and the looks of the classic film SLRs. The internet has been abuzz with rumours of the ‘digital FM2′ over the last few weeks. The FM2, of course, was one of the Nikon film cameras that gave the feeling of sturdiness and many a photographer has won his daily bread by using it. Now, Nikon has decided to come up with a similar-looking body but 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 may resemble the FM or FE camera bodies, but it is a totally different beast which can match or better the performances of high end DSLRs available today.

At the launch, the Df does not have the ability to record video, which has been a feature taken for granted in all the recent DSLRs. It also doesn’t have a built in flash. Apart from a few misses like these, the Df has all the features we want in top-end camera. It has quick access dials at the top for shutter adjustments as in the case of film SLRs like FM, FE and F3. At the place of the film rewind crank sits the dial to adjust ISO value.

The ‘F’ mount returns

The F mount is the original lens mount created by Nikon, way back in 1959. In terms of lens compatibility, Nikon has been doing a great job through out its history. It has been said that the company inherited this great tradition from the legendary German camera manufacturer, Leica.

The company has been offering backward compatibility for lenses and cameras, meaning a large number of the Nikon cameras and lenses are mutually compatible, although some features may not work. With the Df camera, Nikon allows the use of even the Non-AI (Automatic Indexing) lenses, which cannot be mounted on any other DSLR built until now.

The pricing

This is the most inexplicable aspect regarding Nikon Df. What does Nikon think when it priced the new camera at Rs 183,950 (Body only) when the company sells the much better specified D800 (36 MP) for Rs 179,950 (Body only)? The D800 has been in the market for nearly two years. But there are several top shutterbugs who think that it is the best DSLR ever made. It even has the video feature. (Internationally, the price of the Df is slightly lower than that of the D800, but perilously close.) And, what about the D600/D610 (Rs125,950/Rs129,950), featuring full frame 24 MP sensors? So, it is obvious that Nikon is not trying to sell it to customers who are looking for cheaper options. The earlier rumours had suggested that it might be the most affordable FX DSLR ever, as it did not even have a very common feature like video recording.

Who should consider buying it?

The Df is the smallest and lightest FX-format body made by Nikon. It can be a great tool for no-nonsense photographers who want a portable body that is no slouch in terms of still performance. For others, who are willing to pay the price Nikon is charging for Df, there are better options available in the market.

Here is a link to the sample images from the camera: http://bit.ly/1b0eOEK

Nokia Lumia 1020/1520 to support RAW!

Nokia, the ousted king of the smartphone world, has come up with another innovation: users of the the Nokia Lumia 1020 and Lumia 1520 can save their photos as lossless RAW files (in DNG format), according to the company. Most of the point and shoot cameras do not support the format.

Juha Alakarhu, head of imaging technologies, Nokia, gives a rather good definition to the format: Shooting RAW is like shooting with negative film. After capturing the negatives, you use them to develop the image yourself using an external darkroom. Actually, JPEG files are processed by the in camera or phone processor. RAW is the sensor data which can be edited in compatible programmes to get the best result.

Light painting

Here is an interesting website which teaches ‘light painting’: http://bit.ly/oK5c5D. The video called ‘Light Goes On’ on the site is a little gem!

Quote of the week:

The New Nikon Df leads Nikons innovation of providing advanced imaging capabilities, without having to compromise on the form factor. The Df is made for Photo enthusiasts who want to expand their creative horizon with a camera that offers high image quality of an FX-Format and superb portability.

-Hiroshi Takashina, Managing Director, Nikon India

Nikon Df: return of the ?F? mount