Nikon Df combines classic design with modern technology

Posted by Chris Roubis on 5th, Nov, 2013

Nikon has announces the Df, which combines the design and controls from its classic film cameras with the modern technology of a digital SLR. The Df’s body resembles that of Nikon’s F-series 35mm cameras, complete with dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation. Inside, the Df borrows the full-frame CMOS sensor from the D4 and the autofocus system from the D610. One thing you won’t find on the Df is a movie mode.

The Df will be available in your choice of silver/black or black starting in late November, for a price of $2749 (body only) or $2999 / £2749 (with 50mm F1.8 lens).

Read our First Impressions Review for more

Jump to:

Press Release
Specifications

Press Release:

FALL IN LOVE AGAIN: NEW Df D-SLR IS UNDENIABLY A NIKON WITH LEGENDARY PERFORMANCE AND TIMELESS DESIGN

Photo Pros and Enthusiasts Alike Will Embrace the Lightweight FX-Format Df D-SLR, Which Strikes the Ideal Balance of Classic Iconic Style and Advanced Imaging Technology

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.

“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.”

A Classically Styled, Thoroughly Modern Masterpiece
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.”

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.

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.

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.

A Feature Set for Passionate Photographers
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.

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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

A Classic FX-Format Special Edition NIKKOR Prime
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.

Price and Availability
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).

Nikon Df specifications

Price
MSRP	$2749.95 (body only), $2999.95 / £2749.99 (with 50mm F1.8 lens)
Body type
Body type	Mid-size SLR
Body material	Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution	4928 x 3280
Other resolutions	FX: 3696 x 2456, 2464 x 1640; DX crop: 3200 x 2128, 2400 x 1592, 1600 x 1064
Image ratio w:h	3:2
Effective pixels	16 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	17 megapixels
Sensor size	Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Processor	Expeed 3
Color space	sRGB, AdobeRGB
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
ISO	Auto, 100 – 12800
White balance presets	12
Custom white balance	Yes (4 spots)
Image stabilization	No
Uncompressed format	RAW + TIFF
JPEG quality levels	Fine, normal, basic
File format	JPEG (EXIF 2.3) RAW (NEF) TIFF
Optics & Focus
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi-area Center Selective single-point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	No
Number of focus points	39
Lens mount	Nikon F mount
Focal length multiplier	1×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3.20″
Screen dots	921,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	TFT-LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage	100%
Viewfinder magnification	0.7×
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/4000 sec
Exposure modes	Program Auto Shutter Priority Aperture Priority Manual
Built-in flash	No
External flash	Yes (via hot shoe or PC sync)
Flash modes	Auto FP High-speed sync, front-curtain sync, rear-curtain sync, redeye reduction,
Flash X sync speed	1/250 sec
Drive modes	Single-frame Continuous high Continuous low Mirror-up Quiet shutter Self-timer
Continuous drive	Yes (5.5 fps)
Self-timer	Yes (2, 5, 10, or 20 secs)
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Spot
Exposure compensation	±3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	±3 (2, 3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	Yes (2 or 3 shots in 1/3 or 1/2-stop intervals)
Videography features
Microphone	None
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	Yes (mini-HDMI)
Wireless	Optional
Wireless notes	via WU-1a wireless mobile adapter
Remote control	Yes (Cable release, wireless remote)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	EN-EL14/EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	1400
Weight (inc. batteries)	760 g (1.68 lb / 26.81 oz)
Dimensions	144 x 110 x 67 mm (5.67 x 4.33 x 2.64″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	No
GPS	None
GPS notes	via GP-1 or GP-1A adapter

Comments

VERY NICE, well done, congratulations Nikon!!
Cute design, especially the silver one!
Best sensor, fair size and weigth, I think this camera will win many friends!!
Maybe I will get one beside my D4.

yep: pay more for less!!!

Only Nikon can make retro camera like this, Canon on the other hand would have a hard time selling their retro cameras if they decided to make one. There are so many mature Nikon fans around the world that would die for something like this. The price reflected what Nikon targets this camera to, older, more economically capable persons that used the Nikon F series cameras when young. I, for one used a Nikon F3/T and would be very interested to get my hands on one when price drops a bit after a year or two. Obviously, I think Nikon does not expect this camera to be a hot seller but something that brings back old memories!

Is this camera with oil or without oil?

1st oil change service included in price tag – 🙂

DF = dust free , doesn’t focus,downright fugly,dumb founded

Pentax should have done this ages ago!
But now they should put out similar camera, fast. And half the price:)

this camera will be a success!
But the price is a bit high to me.

This camera makes everything made by Canon look like a booger. Strike that, make that a plastic booger.

These controls are not retro, moving away from direct input buttons should never have happened in the first place. This Nikon will inspire competitors to do the same. It’s a great camera, though looks a little bulky. The lens does not sport an aperture ring, this is an over sight that hopefully will be corrected.

2750$ for the body, for a camera that has nothing to realy offer else than the look. Nikon will never learn. So, good luck with that.

don’t worry, the fanboys are already making a line for it!

EVEN ignoring no f ring!!!

sheep be sheep

While I’m undecided on the styling, the function is what matters most to me. I’m curious to see what others have to say about how this camera works in the real world.
However, once again, Nikon has shown its greedy colors. I was excited about this camera, but the price tag is ridiculous, even with the sooper-dooper sensor. Until the price becomes reasonable (<$2000), I’ll stick with my other full frame Nikon, the F100.

760grams!! Does that include the lens and/or battery?? My neck hurts just reading the PR!

Plenty of critics on this camera but didn’t they notice the “retro” design is the very reason for this camera’s existence? It was never intended to be a camera for everyone, nor a showcase for technical innovation. It is a futile exercise comparing this with other current cameras because none of them have a resemblance to the FM. This one does.
I love the fact that the camera doesn’t do video – I don’t do video. If I did video I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing it with this form factor – it wouldn’t feel right. I am definitely old-school.
There IS a market for classic designs, and the FM cameras were much loved by many. How big that market is Nikon are about to find out.

If you don’t get it, don’t get it. Simple.

Nobody will compete with you on that, those who do not want video, and I am among them, are happy to see a camera made for photographers only. But, please, not at that price.

I’ll buy it – However I will wait for the price to come down.
This camera is a bit overly priced and should have been set in between D800 and D610.

Its a no-brainer that you currently get more bang for the bucks with the D800 then with this retrostyle camera. Though it will fit perfectly as a backup to the D800.

If you want to challenge Sony’s A7 today, you need to sell the kit for the same price as Sony A7 body only. And this camera has nothing, no video, low pixel sensor, no tilt screen, 1/4000th, a 39 point AF foreseen for an APSC system and that covers not all of the surface of the FF sensor. All that remains is the retro look, but on the end, that serves to nobody in photoshooting comfort. Compare what A7 offers for 1690$ for the body, and then compare what this body offers for 1050$ higher, and you will ask yourself if you should laugh or if you should cry.

I m waiting for the same kind of stuff from Ricoh / Pentax
soon ….

There is something awkward about the Nikon DF. It strikes me much like the old Alpa Reflex. Fuji seems to have done a better job with retro type design esthetics. I guess the idea was a digital version of the F4 or perhaps the FM, but it just comes across as a little ugly.

Fuji has done the intuitive “classic” design right and it improves usability in my opinion.

Nikon tried but the lack of Aperture control on modern AF lenses makes this only a half herated attempt…

This retro crap is hijacking the advance in contemporary design, looking forward to the day people are done with this nostalgia phase…

Imagine this thing 5 years from now, buyers are left with an old older-looking camera.

Does it matter? All todays camera’s become obsolete in time….

Imagine that everyone was seeing the wole world in the same way, how boring that was. Now, I just wait to get a new build 1959 Buick, with a groovy V8 and 650hp. Come on, when the new ideas reach the end, we start at the beginning, all is in rotation in the universe, it is all that was, al that is, and all it will be. It’s just peridocity, period. We wanted retro look, we got it, we wanted a cheap priced camera, we………euuuuhhhh, sorrrry, i miss something. Forget it?

Let me fix the Nikon Press Release
Today Nikon is proud to present a tool for fools who have more money than sense and a vain ego to match.

Now we know why you will never end up as a CEO or marketing director… But as a plumber you will probably do well.

He’s clearly too honest to be a plumber but I guess that goes for most CEO’s as well these days (always been true of marketing directors). Needs to be a SEC watchdog.

Maybe they will put a rosewood grip and offer a LV carrying case with it, when the day comes they find out it doesn’t sells. Nice try to get rid of the unsold D4 sensors, but they made a misstake once more as it seems. Looks like an old VW with a Bentley engine, unfortunately they remained with the VW commands and wiring. So, good luck with that then.

There are many plumbers in this world that are more clever and intelligent than CEO’s that are not able to hit a nail into a wall. It is not the 2000$ suit and the tie that make something better out of any human. Often it is the opposed.

and people laughed at Hasselblad! 😀

It all boils down to the same question. Why would i buy this???

BECAUSE IT’S A NIKON! 😀

Yup. We’ll see how big this group of stalwart fans is. 🙂

Reminds me bodybuilding jokes. One says that if the day comes that someone spreads around the idea that cows.h.i.t. builds muscle, bodybuilders will take over all the cleaning of the cow stables free of charge.

Now, do not treat all Nikon users like those bodybuilders, some are smarter than you think they are, what makes them different from bodybuilders.

Do you need to open the part with the rear lcd when you put the film in?

I would be interested @ $2000.

Buy Sony A7, a lot much more for a lot much less, and, you can use just any lens with an adapter on it, try that with this one, you’ll see. Compare what is comparable, here, all you can compare is the look, for all the rest, you can burry it right away.

It looks insanely bloated. There’s a comparison pic on Steve Huff’s blog: the Sony and the Leica have such clean lines, and then there’s the Nikon bloatfest.

Worst of all, you are paying $3000 for a camera with broken autofocus intended for APS-C. I have the Nikon Multi-CAM 4800 autofocus module in my current Nikon DSLR, and I know first-hand that it doesn’t work at all. What an insult. Why carry a DSLR if the autofocus isn’t even competitive with an Olympus PEN.

And don’t get me started about that dreaded 50mm f/1.8G. I own it. It doesn’t get sharp until f/2.8. The bokeh and rendering is horrible. I very much prefer my Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4. One would expect the full frame lens to be 4x better but it isn’t, it’s inferior.

I think I’m done with Nikon. It’s just insult after insult. Abandoning DX, then forcing us to the broken D600 which is absolutely terrible in every aspect, and then this bloated attempt to compete with Sony/Olympus and Fuji. It’s a poorly skinned D600 🙁

You miss one point, this is a camera for Nikon suckers, so, pass away. There is nothing at all to compare on this camera with any other gear at all, except Nikon D600-610, and that is not a reference anyway.

For me – not that pretty. I expected something more slim. This camera looks like a toy. I appreciate they tried hard and they almost achieved it. I hoped there will be no plastic or at least not that much (especially on the back). They desperately wanted to fit all that electronics and LCD in a small body. In the result we’ve got a camera that looks like some chairman’s armchair.

Well it’s very nostalgic, very beautiful, very expensive. But it kind of reminds me of the last gasp of those huge American cars in the 1970s. Some old stalwarts were still buying them but most people were starting to buy smaller Japanese cars.
At this price point it likely isn’t a significant camera. It’s not for the masses after all so it’s not as though it’s trying to start a trend. But if you think about the Sony A7, it makes it really obvious who’s throwing their weight behind a new and different future and who’s stuck in the past.
You’d have to really be into the whole Nikon history thing to want this. It makes me a bit sad that Nikon are wasting time and talent on this behemoth.

I don’t know. Changing the ISO and EC sure look like a pain in the posterior.

the posterior, ohooh, je vois, Monsieur is a gentleman with distinguished langauge. We call that a pain int he a… The whole camera is a pain in the posterieur.

what is this camera for.It is not d800 mp or D4 powerful or d610 price.
it is full of controls that no space size to hold it easy.

beautiful 🙂

and from a technical perspective:
– Dudes, D4 16 MP (beautiful BIG Pixels!), I am more a Pixelboy, the HD, excuse!
– AF, also great – even though I haven’t understood the fuss about an AF System, I just focus manualy and press the shutter – see what comes out 😉
– It must have a great (expensive) measuring system all together, have to read on more
– the idea of keeping video out opens some interesting doors, think about it. Would have to be a totally different then, or can some “wiring” be left out?
///

2 typos in my post: more the Pixelboy THAN HD; Would have to be a totally different SENSOR then, …
28

if NIK prepares a camera with this price tag we can be certain to get something for our money. if we can settle with less technology our options go down to a pinhole camera, or a mobile phone for that matter. sure there is competition out there which is a beautiful thing. and ALL these cameras are way cheap, even the D800E, for what they offer, think of the design/production cycle (from labor to marketing) and that everyone involved with their skills, hearts and energy deserve a fair wage.
also +1 to Sony, they surely deserve a invention price for what they contribute to modern photography!

“if NIK prepares a camera with this price tag we can be certain to get something for our money”

are you involved in any religion?

What I really dislike is the way they left the two control dials on it, and the one at the front looks like a joke with its leatherette patch.

If you wanted to build a retro camera with dials they should have left it at that but it looks like they hedged their bets and put all their usual controls on it – even a LCD on top! – maybe they were scared we wouldn’t buy a properly “pure” camera or maybe they thought people new to cameras wouldn’t know what dials are for and just want to look “cool”.

Consequently I think it looks like a joke….

Needs more knobs.

What a bummer ! Another 39 AF point FF…I was hopeful of a 51 point AF looking at the AF-ON button in those teaser videos..

Hipster camera..610 is cheaper with video

I think I should give up hope on a Nikon FF that does 6fps with 51 AF system that costs $3000 or lower..I already gave up hope on the D400

Don’t give up yet! Wait for the D620. So do I (-:

Too large, too heavy, too expensive. No video.

Not competitive to Sony A7/A7R. Not even close.

Yep. Except Sony A7 can’t use any lenses whatsoever, because it is incompatible with anything

With the Sony Alpha adapter there are plenty of lenses to use. You can buy the SOny A7, adapter and lens for the price of the DF.

You people haven’t even seen the photographs yet. If it has anything like the D4 sensor in it, then I can guarantee you it will utterly destroy the Sony stuff in low-light situations. It won’t even be close.

With sony alpha adapter…. have you seen how BIG that adapter is?

Its clumsy and it will totally unbalance your A7. Also how many lenses do fit on the A7 without an adapter and what are their maximum apertures?

Want to use your old Nikon or Canon lenses? Good luck with metering, AF and aperture settings getting to work the way they should!

That whole teaser campaign added to the disappointment factor. What a waste of time. Nikon, you are not getting my money.

It’s so fugly I kinda liking it!

At least now we will have the chance to see what the sensor of the D4 can do, when DPR reviews the DF.

I’m not sure how this camera has FM2 look. I have FM2 and it doesn’t have that messy look (so many buttons), instead it has clean and simple look. btw, I paid 1/10th of what this thing costs.
Not sure why would anyone want this instead of D800 or even D610 (for -$1000). anyone want to enlighten me?

fatty moron maybe

For lower resolution sensor
For a body that pretend its small
For disabled video functionality to ease your humble human mind

You paid 1/10th? Did you never buy film?

Interesting. It looks like it’s going to be a polarising camera……… Not for me. Still not small, plus I’m not invested in Nikon glass. And 16mpx in an era where 24mpx is almost standard? Yes, yes, I know it’s potentially better for light collection, but that much better at the expense of resolution? I guess it depends on your uses……

I wonder if Canon will follow. And Pentax – some of their forum members have been calling for a small bodied retro DSLR for years.

Though I agree that 24MP is todays standard – 16 MP is not bad considering 9 out of 10 pictures end up on a display and not as a print.

This is really quite sad. Nikon have decided to go backwards in a feeble attempt to stop the trend of sharing photos on mobile phone apps? Photos were meant to be shared!! This is the beginning of the demise of the digital camera as we know it……

If you mean its lacking WiFi I totally agree.
That should have been implemented in this camera.

Beautiful design – but otherwise not a single technical improvement. Nevertheless, I’d buy the camera immediately – if it would cost around 1500 euros. 3000 – no way!

Where is the parallel printer interface for PictBridge?

It looks like the camera which made from 3 different cameras of different time. Photoeclecticism. Bad work of designer. Set-off. No style, not conceptual.
Even new Fuji, Sony A7 or Panasoniс are more stylish.

Is it real to switch this camera by one arm?

You will know the who DF owners are by their hand pain due to the small grip and wrist braces due to no vertical grip. Retro is cool if it causes pain.

Now if they can just bring back Kodachrome . . . (just kidding).

Alas, great looking and functional retro Nikon, but….still no eyepiece blind!

Does it have built in focusing screen? Otherwise all manual lenses would be useless and what the retro camera without focusing screen?

Now we know why cameras have video. It’s obviously very expensive to remove it.

Before the Fuji X-Series, and the more recent m43 cameras, my “ideal” digital camera was a theoretical Nikon F2 with a full frame digital back (or equivalent). This DF comes closest, but sadly not close enough, and is about 8 years late. There are 3 critical variables for exposure. Is it really that hard to make physical, easy to set and verify controls for each, and do it in a smaller (FM2) form factor?

This body with G lenses is absurd, and focusing manually with old glass will still be a pain.

I’ll save my $3K and buy more Fuji glass and maybe an OM-D M1 with the new Pro zoom. They might not quite be the cameras I’ve always wanted, but they are a better value for me and i’ll have lots of fun with them. And my old Nikkor glass will still get used.

Beautiful! Amazing design just perfect! Would love to have one.

This is the D700 replacement, folks. Nikon photographers who have been cruising along with D700’s up until now finally have their replacement camera. It even looks stylish and sexy too.

Perhaps wedding photographers will look at the omission of video capture as a bonus, since I mean, that way none of their clients will ask them to videos and stills. They’ll be off the hook so they can focus more on the stills.

Maybe they will also look at the omission of a vertical grip as a bonus too, since frankly, who really wants to have to spend an extra $350 on a vertical grip? You don’t really need one. The idea of this camera was obviously to keep the size down, and once you put a big grip on it, that kind of defeats the purpose anyway. It’s not like the F2 had an available vertical grip.

The way I look at it, this is the camera that so many D700 pros have been waiting for over the last few years. I’m sure this will keep people from switching to the 5D MK III.

Source Article from http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/11/05/nikon-df-combines-classic-design-with-modern-technology