It's Official, the Df is Nikon's Latest Full Frame DSLR

It's Official, the Df is Nikon's Latest Full Frame DSLR

The Nikon Df is finally official, after a full day of leaked information and a the past week with information basically already out there. That said, it's all technically speculation until the official release happens. Nikon has finally pulled the curtain back and revealed their latest full frame DSLR.

Because we've offered quite a bit of opinion and news over the past day, we'll leave this release fully to Nikon. Below is their language on the new camera.

Nikon on the development of the Df:

"In recent years, the digital SLR 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 digital SLR 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.

Nikon-df-silv-lens

"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."

FEATURES:

1) 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. Aperture setting is applied and adjusted using the sub-command dial. The aperture ring on lenses other than G-, E-type or PC-E lenses can also be used.
  • 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 digital SLR 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% 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% 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.
    *With 50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, -1.0 m-1.

Nikon-50mm-lens

Nikon-df-black-lens

2) 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.

3) A camera that is both strong and the smallest and lightest in the history of Nikon FX-format digital SLR cameras

The Df measures approximately 143.5 x 110.0 x 66.5 mm (W x H x D) and weighs approximately 710 g*, making it the smallest and lightest in the history of Nikon FX-format digital SLR 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.

*Camera body only.

4) 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 f/8, making accurate autofocusing possible even when a telephoto lens with a maximum aperture of f/4 is used with a 2x teleconverter for a combined maximum aperture of f/8.
    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 s*1, a release time lag of roughly 0.052 s*1, 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.
    *1Measured in accordance with CIPA guidelines.
    *2Interface standards.
  • 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 Li-ion Battery EN-EL14a supplied with the camera is used, approximately 1,400* still images can be captured.
    *Measured in accordance with CIPA standards.

 
5)Use of non-AI NIKKOR lenses

Not only is the Df capable of capturing high-quality images using the latest NIKKOR lenses optimized for digital SLR cameras, it is the first Nikon digital SLR 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.

That last point is probably the one that you should listen to. What it means is that ALL Nikon lenses ever made, including the original Nikkor-S Auto 58mm f/1.4, will work with this body. That's something that I never thought I would see.

What are your thoughts? Interested? Or are you like Lee Morris, who isn't certain he can like the camera for anything more than its looks?

UPDATE:
You can now pre-order the new Nikon Df and new 50mm lens here:

Nikon Df DSLR CAMERA with 50mm F1.8 LENS (BLACK)
Nikon Df DSLR CAMERA with 50mm F1.8 LENS (Silver)
Nikon Df DSLR CAMERA BODY (BLACK)
Nikon Df DSLR CAMERA BODY (Silver)
Nikon SPECIAL EDITION AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G AF-S LENS

Jaron Schneider's picture

Jaron Schneider is an Fstoppers Contributor and an internationally published writer and cinematographer from San Francisco, California. His clients include Maurice Lacroix, HD Supply, SmugMug, the USAF Thunderbirds and a host of industry professionals.

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62 Comments

I think that technologically speaking, what this camera can do is fantastic... bring phenomenal image quality in a tiny body compatible with any Nikon lens ever created.... but whether it's a practical tool that young and upcoming professionals will be able to use and integrate within their workflow is a completely different question. I can't see who this camera will appeal to other than the older nostalgic folk who miss the good ol' film days. It's too big to be a portable solution to a dSLR, not quite the workhorse that a dSLR is.

But hey, maybe i'll be proven wrong the minute I hold one of these in my hands! Who knows.

I am very much an eye candy kind of guy and this is a thing of beauty.

I love my D3s but it's weight takes the fun out of shooting. I see myself taking this little beauty everywhere and by no means will it replace my work horse but it will be the trusted assistant.

I'm a wedding shooter and I see this mounting a 35mm all day and my 70-200 on my main body.

But this camera isn't very tiny. It's Taller than a D600, basically the same width, and 2/3rds the depth. That being said, I'm sure it will be good to hold in the hands and we will all want one ha

Technologically speaking, it's actually quite silly. This camera has the major disadvantage of a modern
DSLR (size and weight of camera and lenses) but none of the advantages
(fast handling, video, etc.).

I don't see the point of this, even for existing Nikon users. You may as well buy a D610 which is cheaper and has easier controls.

And for people who want something retro, a Fuji system makes infinitely more sense, because the bodies and lenses are so much smaller and less expensive.

Benjamin, you're spot on. I was hoping it would be like a Fuji x100s but with FF, but that's not the case. And the price is the real crime here. That hurts.

Tiny?

sadly no video

What part of PURE PHOTOGRAPHY you don't get?!?!?

I know someone'd say that, but I do miss the video feature on my D80 (bought about 3 month before the D90 came out). This camera with video would be sweeet

well, there's no such thing as pure photography these days anymore, so "nikon, what part of current market you don't get?" people expect those video features. professionals more than ever, I don't know many photographers who are not shooting video as well. BUT, professionals would stick with their trusted cameras, no matter what they look like..

the whole principle of praising a manufacturer for not including features that doesn´t cost much.. and then selling that crap for 2750 $
that´s what people don´t get....you clown.

Video is actually a lot of fun once you start getting more into it. It's amazing to have a theater quality video camera for free (after you buy it for stills) in your hands for short clips.

I have the D-800 and use all my old manual lenses that I have had for over 30 years, so what's the fuss....Don't understand that after coming out with this marvel, now they expect to make a big comeback with half the pixels...? Someone please explain

Depends how you like to shoot. Personally I've never liked those little wheels for aperture and shutter. With this body and my Ai lenses, I can shoot the same way I've been shooting since I got my first Nikon F Photomic back in 1974.

This camera isn't for you. It's for me...

So here goes your D700 replacement. LOL :D

That's actually not too far off. D3/D700 had same sensor. D4/thisthing also have the same sensor.

Yah! But not this luxurious retro style camera. How I hoped that they just made a successor for the D700. With its specs it have, it could have been a great contender of the 5D MkIII.
I am still using D700's as I really don't like the D800's high mega pixel sensor. And no way I'm gonna go for D600 neither i can buy D4 as it is out of my budget. I need to upgrade but still waiting for the perfect camera for my target price range.

I have the same opinion. I own 2 d700, I love the specs on the DF camera but the body will not work on weddings. I know that you can lower the megapixel count on the d800 to 20 megapixels. But I want thet sensor...

This like is almost there. 1/8000 would be nice, 24 or 36 mp would be nice, 10 fps would be nice, a really deep frame buffer would be nice. THis would be a perfect lifetime camera. Something that is not disposable. I would love a grip with an extra battery. I would get this. Or a first body for events. Or i might wait for DF 2 next year :)

Considering that retro-look is en vogue at the moment this camera seems a logical consequence to secure some market share otherwise lost to the likes of Fuji.

Apart from that rationale it's a niche product actually being a bit pointless considering the small number of users owning old lenses.

Cite :" The densely packed 39 focus points ..."

Hilarious. How Nikon turns an obvious shortcoming into something desirable ... at least on paper.

"Hilarious. How Nikon turns an obvious shortcoming into something desirable ... at least on paper."
Doesn't mean shìt when you're shooting with Ai optics...

no pop-up flash?

...no video...2750$ ... a camera for morons...

I'd buy a used one from a hipster for $1000.00 in a year or so from now :)

That's it. Hipsters gonna love it.

... and this too can be yours, for only $2,749.00...

http://gallery.photo.net/photo...

it's basically a lighter body (not bad) with wheels instead of buttons and menus.. why not ? I love clack clack more than push push.. a good upgrade if you have a old dslr.

Because the handling sucks. Because it has no video. Because it looks ugly.

yes ok there are personal preferences as always, in my case for example that would not be an issue, I film with blackmagic, I love how it looks and I never had handling problems with similar bodies in the last 30 years... and Nikon already offers a vast choice of alternatives.

as dpreview wrote it´s handling sucks..... so much about the knobs and dials.

Nikon is stupid. Sorry but that´s the truth.
While there are sure many Photographer who don´t shoot Video it´s an truly stupid idea to remove that feature from a todays camera.
Alone from a business point of view it makes no sense.
Even if only 20% shoot video you still don´t get these customers to buy this model.
As a business man myself i want to attract as many possible customers as i can with my product.
I try to piss off a great deal of them.

And I wanted a camera with only aperture, shutter speed and white balance settings ahah :) (I didn't mentioned ISO because it should always be 100)

It will sell like hotcakes with Ashton Kutcher promoting these.

Excellent observation, Deter! I agree!

In fact even the online reviewer are VERY critical about the DF.... bad sign for nikon.
DigtitalFrankenstein is the new acronym for this camera.

Very nice, i´m a canon guy but looks good with a 50mm, too bad that is going to be expensive for us here in Brazil. Gaeta, Sergio Photojournalist at http://www.amazingfotos.com.br

"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."

Why is everyone so angry? I remember a year or so ago a lot of people asking for a smaller D4 without video, . . . here ya go! Well almost here ya go, a little bit "cooler" and a few less features, but basically that is what you have, and for less than half the price. If you want more MP then buy a D600 or D800. I am sure we are less than a year away from a D4S, another reason for people to get bent out of shape.
But back to my original question, Why So Angry?

the D4 is expensive because it is fast.
not because the sensor is superior.
this camera is not fast. so peopel shoudl stop comparing it to the D4.
it´s a good 16MP sensor not more not less.
the buttons and dials are only for the looks they add nothing to it.
as dpreview wrote they make it actually worse to work with the camera.
DF = DigitalFail

D4 is fast, yes, i know, it is what i shoot with, but this this camera has the same great low light capabilities, same sensor, same focal system for less than half the cost of the D4, as far as the dial, once you are used to their locations, and how they work, it aint going to make difference. Shooting sports in M or A, I rarely change my shutter speed or aperture, for the most part when I am dialed in, i might make a jump from f/2(f/2.8) to f/4(f/5.6), but they are far a few in between, and shouldn't be an issue for most. You want 11/fps, spent a little over $3000 more, and buy the D4. But even then, why are people so ANGRY? what is that all about? Is there something in the Nikon lineup that you aren't seeing that you need? Is someone else providing it? That is what I DONT get for the most part.

That something is a small bodied fast FX that is affordable. It's provided by Canon in the form of 5D mk3. (which is less capable than a D800 overall imo, but better placed because of reasonable resolution and probably better AF)

I've resigned to getting the D800 to replace my D700. D800 is awesome and versatile, but I'm rebuilding my 3570K PC from scratch with a 4770K and probably getting a stack of cards just to use it. PITA.

I think 2 groups of people are complaining:
1) people who compare it to D610 - and its legit. Its more expensive with less features than that camera.
2) people like me waiting for a true D700 replacement. D4's sensor is a step in the right direction but the AF module and the price is just disappointing. You just can't use high ISO if you camera can't focus... so the D4 sensor pretty much got disabled...

Get the D610 then, same focusing, better sensor (DR/low Light), higher res, and less than a third of the D4. But if you like the Retro looks and have the monies, go buy it. The pragmatist in me won't consider the Df.

Because its a nice camera, But the price is totally nuts for what your getting. Almost 3 grand for this camera is crazy.

I don't get it either. Lot of whining and crying over silly camera.

I see plenty of people complaining about the lack of video, the high price tag, the fact that it isn't designed like a normal, modern DSLR. I think this camera is not for you. It's not meant to be a second body for weddings. It's not designed to shoot corporate videos with your slider. This, is a pleasure camera.

I own a C300, every Canon L series lens you can think of. A 5D2, 1D4 and plenty of other toys. I own a tripod that probably costs more than all your kit put together. You know what I don't have? A camera I like to walk around with. A camera I want to take on vacation. I have an iPhone camera for every day snaps. I have a pro camera for work. But I have nothing for me at the moment. I hate lugging around my pro kit on vacation or when walking down the street. Too big, too heavy, bulky.

I have been waiting for something Leica-like for a long time. I can't justify spending $10K on a camera and lenses for fun. I can do 3K. Sorry many of you can't.

A 5D or D800 with big proper lenses is a bit like a pick-up truck or a van. Great for work, but not so nice to go for a spin on the weekend. This camera is a Porsche. I want a Porsche. I want it to look good. I want it to be a bit different than my Monday-Friday camera.

I'll give the DF a chance in store. If it feels good in my hand and the sample shots are nice, I will probably get one. With just a 50mm lens.

This camera isn't for everyone. It wasn't designed for everyone. I see a lot of comments that are similar to people who hate Apple for making beautiful things that cost more than ugly things. You can drive your Pontiac Aztek, I'll pay a bit more for an Audi.

Thank you for writing this! Totally agree

words right out of my mouth

Then this sounds precisely why the camera wouldn't be for you - it's not light and portable and the glass is the same glass as your dSLR's. Eye candy, light weight, portable, great image quality already exists - Fuji's done it with the X series...for cheaper.

IMHO, This is more for the nostalgic folk that haven't made the switch to digital with a bunch of old glass sitting around who want something worthy of the old Nikon film cameras in a familiar body.

That being said I'm in a similar boat to you - I'd love to get an idea of how it feels in hand but I just don't see how it fits in a pro shooter's repertoire.

I still feel like this is way too much for a "walk around/travel camera". You still have to bring more lenses and the body is about the same size as other dslrs. I don't get why you just wouldn't bring your 5D2 and a 50mm lenses instead of going out and buying another camera, like this one. I feel like for a "walk around" camera, getting an "Audi" instead of something that gets the job done and is more usable seems to be the better route. That being said, I have a Fuji x100 and love it.

this camera is nothing 'Leica-like'.

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