The Nikon Df has come full circle. Again in 2013 it launched as a newfangled retrospective on the Nikon FM and FE – two of the finest movie cameras of yesteryear – however with the stills imaging energy of the then-flagship Nikon D4. I say stills energy as a result of, fairly remarkably, the Large N determined to omit video performance on the Nikon Df fully.
Now, in 2024, this as soon as cutting-edge hunk of nostalgia has quietly change into a contemporary basic. A up to date classic digital camera, if you’ll. However if you wish to decide one up, you will definitely should pay for it; It is commonplace to seek out used Nikon Dfs for over $1,200 / £1,200. That is physique solely and never all that far off the worth of some used Nikon Zfs!
What’s extra, I’ve seen mint-in-box Dfs with a lens or two go for rather more. And when you’re after the limited-edition gold Nikon Df you’ll be able to anticipate to pay effectively over $2,000 / £2,000.
So what provides? Why do some folks nonetheless think about this retro DSLR – imitating an excellent retro-er SLR – one of many finest Nikon cameras? Possibly the specs can provide some perception…
What’s the Nikon Df?
The Large N launched the Nikon Df and its particular version Nikon Af-S 50mm f/1.8G lens in November 2013. Df is an acronym for ‘digital fusion’ and was designed to bridge the hole between movie and digital. Beneath its FM/FE-inspired veneer, the Df boasted the then-flagship D4’s sensor and imaging processor. And but, solely having a 16MP sensor, single card slot and an entire absence of video divided followers.
However what everybody might definitely agree on was the Df’s retro-inspired beauty. In an age of, let’s face it, fairly ugly-looking DSLRs (by mirrorless requirements) the Df harkened again to a time when tech had a extra timeless aesthetic. Its chunky mechanical dials have been steel and its angular physique was a marked departure from bubbly-looking DSLRs.
And but, regardless of launching as Nikon’s smallest and lightest full-frame DSLR physique, in the present day it all of a sudden looks as if a giant ol’ hunk of a digital camera that is – dare I say it – misplaced a bit of of its retro sheen, made all of the extra apparent following the discharge of the comparatively svelt Nikon Zf and its rather more correct film-era kind issue.
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However, I nonetheless suppose the Df is an enthralling digital camera, a contemporary basic, and probably a fantastic purchase for the photography-focused fanatic.
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The Nikon Df’s retro shutter button even has provision for an aftermarket shutter button (Picture credit score: Future)
The dials are steel, giving them an genuine clicky and premium really feel (Picture credit score: Future)
Utilizing bodily dials helps to decelerate the method of picture making, including to the retro-cool vibe (Picture credit score: Future)
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Nikon Df specs
Sensor
16.2-Mp FX CMOS sensor
Picture processor
EXPEED 3
AF factors
39 factors (9 cross-type)
ISO
100-12,800 (50-204,800 exp)
Max shutter velocity
1/4000 sec
Viewfinder
0.70x magnification
Storage
1 x SD card slot
LCD
3.2in (921,000 dots)
Max burst
5.5fps
Weight
710g (25 oz)
Why has the Nikon Df held its value?
The years have been type to the Nikon Df – its used worth definitely sits a lot larger than its D800 and D4 friends. And I feel I’ve a reasonably good thought why.
Predominantly, it is really a one-of-a-kind digital camera. In any case, it is Nikon’s solely retro-themed digital digital camera with an optical viewfinder and the one Nikon DSLR to suit really retro non-AI glass. How cool is that?
The steel dials really feel premium, sturdy and have a timeless allure. And with the absence of video, what may need appeared like an oversight when the Df was first launched is now a flippin’ cool function. That is an unapologetic images machine, by and thru.
What folks love about movie cameras is their purity. They’re unbelievable machines constructed for one goal, and one goal solely, capturing pictures. The Nikon Df, then, is probably the purist digital digital camera in existence.
Nikon got down to construct a digital homage to the SLR movie cameras of yore. Trying again, it nailed it on the first time of asking.
