Nikon DF review. Full-frame DSLR in a fashionable retro style. Nikon Df. Review from reader Radozhiva

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Finally we get to medium format cameras. Getting here is not easy because... Either you end up in the territory of eccentric film producers or you go into sky-high prices.

IN in this case The second option was chosen, but we will consider the first one a little later. Let me say right away that the camera is not mine, but I would really like to have one.
The price of such a camera is not exactly bitey, but it can swallow you alive.

Mamiya DF+ with Leaf Credo 40 digital back

What is a medium format camera

Cameras are divided according to the size of the photosensitive element (film or digital sensor).

small format- 24x36mm (film type 135, digital sensor 24x36mm and sensor options with crop factor from 35mm),
medium format- 6 x 4.5cm, 6 x 6cm, 6 x 7cm, 6 x 9cm, etc. (film type 120 and 220, corresponding sensor sizes and their crop options),
large format- 9 x 12cm, 4 x 5 inches, 13x18 cm, 8x10 inches, etc. (sheet film, scanning digital backs).

What do you get when you change your camera from 35mm to medium format?

The most important thing you get is high image detail And high accuracy color rendering. First - thanks larger size sensor, large pixel and high-quality optics.

Quality of modern lenses Schneider Kreuznach simply amazing! And was it worth doubting... The company is no less ancient and eminent (famous for the quality of its products) than Carl Zeiss.

And the second is thanks to the 16bit ADC (on 35mm DSLRs it’s still 14bit) and the type of CCD sensor (on 35mm cameras it’s been CMOS for a long time).

What do you lose when you change your camera from 35mm to medium format?

1. The first and most noticeable thing is money. Medium format cameras are significantly more expensive than 35mm cameras. Medium format cameras are larger, all the elements of these cameras are also larger and, accordingly, more expensive.

There are, of course, old-style medium format film cameras. For example, or They also have their own taste, but modern medium format cameras, firstly, are equipped with modern lenses of very high quality, and old ones - with those that were relevant during the years of production of old cameras. This way we lose some of the benefits of the format. Secondly, old cameras are not efficient if you shoot on film and, in addition to the photographer, also depend on the film, developing and printing. The quality of the image with modern medium format cameras shooting on a digital back depends only on the photographer. Essentially, you avoid all those intermediate processes of developing and printing, which in the case of shooting on film you have to trust to other people.

2. Efficiency of shooting. The shooting speed on a modern medium format camera is approximately 1 frame per second. For reportage high-speed shooting, 1 fps is not enough. On the other hand, with the proper skill, earlier.

3. The ability to constantly hold the camera in your hands. Most digital medium format cameras are heavy. Their weight is approximately 2.8 kg. fully assembled. Get a tripod.
Only cameras with a shaft viewfinder, which are free of a pentaprism, can be called lightweight. For example, Sinar/Rollei Hy6. Even with a digital back, it can weigh less than a 35mm DSLR with a battery grip. But such cameras as a complete set can be very expensive, more than a million rubles (from 35,000 USD).

Myths and legends about medium format cameras

1. For that kind of money, a camera should shoot itself and every frame should be a masterpiece.

For that kind of money, you get exactly what is described in the advantages of medium format above. The camera itself doesn’t shoot anything, much less choose the subject. The beauty of the frame depends on the photographer, not from the camera. Only the technical side of shooting depends on the camera. For example, can you then print your masterpiece the size of a photo wallpaper, if necessary.

2. A camera for that kind of money should be universal.

This is wrong. Like any highly specialized equipment, a medium format camera is designed for professional-level shooting quality and convenience. For example, these cameras are not designed for high-speed shooting and video shooting. Both suggest low quality for which the camera was not designed. For such filming, you need a reportage rapid-fire camera or video camera.

update: On this moment There is a medium format camera Pentax 645Z with the ability to shoot video, but the quality of video recording in this camera is very low and cannot be seriously considered. Pentax 645Z video capabilities test by Arkady Shapoval

Medium format cameras are not intended for hunting photography. Those. For medium format they do not produce huge super telephoto lenses, such as for 35mm cameras. Otherwise the weight would not be liftable at all. Even a 35mm camera with a 500-600mm lens is no longer intended for carrying (the weight of only a 600mm lens is 4kg), but only for transportation.
What can we say about 300-600mm medium format lenses? The weight of a 600mm lens can be about 6kg.

So get ready for thoughtful, high-quality shots.

3. A camera for that kind of money should be light.

A modern medium format camera includes two independent elements: a camera and a digital back. I have already written why medium format cameras are generally not light. Glass in a pentaprism. If you buy an even more expensive one with a mine viewfinder, you can have a lightweight camera. But besides the camera there is also a digital back. This is essentially an entire microcomputer the size of a Rubik's cube. It has a built-in large sensor, a high-performance processor, a bunch of electronics and a fan (maybe passive cooling) so that it all doesn’t overheat. It is relatively heavy.

If you want a lightweight camera with low image quality and its own disadvantages, then there are now many mirrorless cameras and digital point-and-shoot cameras on sale for every taste. And your smartphone is always at hand. All cameras with decent image quality are neither light nor small. For now.
Now medium format cameras with CMOS sensors from Sony(Pentax 645Z, Mamiya Leaf Credo 50, Hasseblad H5Dc and Phase One IQ250). What this means for users is still unclear. The track of CMOS sensors is “curve”, as can be seen on 35mm cameras.

It’s also worth paying attention to the fact that many fashion photographers shoot with digital medium format cameras and don’t complain. There are many women among them.

You notice the weight of the camera mainly at the moment of transition from a light camera to a heavier one, and then you get used to it.

4. Such an expensive camera should have a very complex menu with a bunch of functions.

But here it’s just the opposite. The controls are very simple. The digital back screen itself is touch-sensitive. There are only four icons on it (camera settings, ISO, white balance and backdrop settings). There are very few subsections within these icons and all are intuitive.
Zooming in and out of photos when viewing occurs in the same way as on a smartphone. But here you slide your finger up or down along the screen. If you move your finger across the screen, the image shifts to the side where you drag it. Press twice quickly to increase to 100%.
You can view the histogram and overexposure.

Sample pictures

I took a lot of test shots from this place and I know what the details from this place can look like on different lenses. Including top-end Zeiss. The Mamiya DF+ camera with a Leaf Credo 40 digital back had a standard (read “whale”) lens Mamiya (Schneider Kreuznach) AF 80/2.8 LS D. The detail is amazing. But this is only 40 megapixels!

The frame is reduced to 4000 pixels in width. originals below

Original pictures

Nikon D800 fell and is "resting"

How to work with Leaf Credo digital backdrop

Translation from English: Evtifeev D.S.
Pictures: from the official Credo Quick Guide and complete guide Mamiya 645DF+ & Credo.

At the moment, the Credo family of digital backs includes models: 40, 60, 80 (40, 60.5 and 80 megapixels, respectively).
The dynamic range of these digital backs is 12.5 stops.
All backs support USB 3.0 and FireWire connections.

All three digital backs are equipped with a 3.2" LCD touch screen with a resolution of 1.15 megapixels and four touch buttons along the edges of the screen.
Credo digital backs use a CompactFlash memory card.

Credo digital backs use the 3S data integrity verification system. Every time you insert a memory card they check the integrity of your data. This option can be disabled.

Most memory cards are sold already formatted. But it is recommended to reformat the memory card in the digital back. For example, my 32 GB Transcend memory card did not work without reformatting.

Digital back equipment

Credo digital backdrop
- Charger for two batteries for the Credo digital back
- 12 V power supply. (Attention! there are no special inscriptions on it that it is for the backdrop, and the connector is standard. Do not confuse it with another)
- two batteries 7.2 V 3400 mAh
- USB 3.0 cable (3 meters)
- FireWire 800-800 cable (4.5m)
- software Capture One 8 (bonus)
- neutral patches
- LCC calibration plate
- wipes for cleaning optics
- wipes for cleaning the digital back
- instructions for “quick start”
- (only for Credo 40 and Credo 50)
- USB Drive (?)

Leaf Credo digital back menu

Start menu after “loading” the backdrop.

Home Key - Returns you to this screen from deep within the child menus.
“Gallery” key - takes you to viewing pictures from any other menu.
Back key - takes you back one screen (to the previous one)
Dynamic Menu key - additional options, different depending on which menu you are in

As you can see, there are few settings. Let's go through them in more detail.

Digital back settings

Camera settings

User selection (A, B, C - to quickly load your settings if someone else is using the camera besides you)
- exposure mode selection (P, AV, Tv, M, X)
- selection of autofocus area (auto, center, left, right)
- selection of exposure metering type (average, center-weighted, spot)

Custom Functions

Function type (A, B, C)
- exposure step (1/3, ½, 1)
- when changing lenses (last aperture value, minimum, maximum aperture)
- sleep timer (15sec, 30sec, 60sec, disabled)

Additionally

Battery type (alkaline, NiCd, NiMh, Li-ion)
- bracketing (3 exposures, 5, 7)
- front rear wheel (change functions - changes aperture/changes shutter speed)
- does the rear wheel work in P mode (yes, no)
- direction of wheel rotation (clockwise - decrease, clockwise - increase)

AEL/AFL button (change button functions - auto exposure lock/auto focus lock)
- shutter button (functions of the AE and AF buttons when the shutter button is pressed halfway. AF - activate autofocus, AF & AE - activate autofocus and auto exposure lock, only release the shutter using the shutter button.)
- setting the function of the AEL button (locking the exposure for only one frame, locking the exposure until the AEL button is pressed again, locking the exposure while the AEL button is pressed)

AFL Settings

Functions of the AFL button (one press to lock focus, work as a shutter button, lock autofocus until the next press)
- AEL button (pressing for 2 seconds automatically sets: shutter speed, aperture, does nothing)
- autofocus illumination (on/off). Usually turns off if a flash is installed that itself has an AF illuminator.

Flash Sync

Flash synchronization can be first or second curtain. Installed through this menu.
- sound signal (when an object is in focus, by pressing any button, disabled)

Shutter in Tv/Av/P modes

This menu is only relevant for the Mamiya 645DF+ camera with a lens with a central shutter.

Shutter operation:

- central (only the central shutter works at shutter speeds from 1-1/1600 sec)

Attention: On the LCD screen of the Mamiya 645DF+ you will see an LS (center) or FS (focal) icon depending on which shutter you are using.

Shutter in M/X modes

This menu is relevant for the camera Mamiya 645DF+ when using a lens with a central shutter.

In mode X(flash sync) locks shutter speeds to the range of 1/60-1/125, regardless of what type of shutter is currently running.

For both modes, you can choose the type of shutter that will work:
- mixed (the central one operates at shutter speeds from 1 sec to 1/1600 sec. Longer and shorter shutter speeds are processed by the focal length shutter. The central shutter operates with flash at all shutter speeds.
- central (only the central shutter works at shutter speeds from 1-1/1600 sec). Synchronization at all its shutter speeds.
- focal (only the focal shutter works at shutter speeds from 1 min. to 1/4000 sec. Flash synchronization is possible from 1/60 sec. - 1/125 sec.)

Autofocus in this menu can be configured for accuracy or speed.

In this menu you can select the current set of settings (A, B, C) or return them to the factory settings.

Power management

Turn off the display after (5sec, 20sec, 1min, 5min, always on)
- charging the battery when working with the cord (slow, fast, no charging). Allows you to keep your laptop battery charged when you remove it from being connected to it.
- auto shutdown (1min, 5min, 30min, 2hours)

Formatting a memory card (fat16 or fat32 depending on the card capacity)
- disk check (yes/no)
- saving to... (car, memory card, via firewire to computer)

File format. Both options are RAW. (IIQ L - full format lossless, IIQ S - smaller size, lossy).
- camera mode (normal, RZ67PROIID - only for RZ67 PRO II D camera)
- shutter delay (the sensor turns off when not in use. When shooting, it wakes up. Options: normal or zero.). Zero should only be used for technical filming(apparently, in this mode the sensor does not turn off at all).
- image orientation (0, 80, 120, 270 degrees). Causes the backdrop to mark all captured images as being taken at this rotation angle. Otherwise, it focuses on the built-in level.

Auto preview (on/off)
- display (adjust brightness, turn off display after...)

Installing new firmware

Changing ISO and White Balance

Viewing pictures

Click the "Gallery" button to switch to photo viewing mode
- Use the swipe gesture to move around the gallery

Single click on the picture selects the photo
- Double clicking on the picture enlarges the image 100%
- Increase by an arbitrary scale (from 6% to 400%) using the right bar (finger, up - increase, down - decrease)

Navigate through the photo using the bottom bar and left bar (from icon to icon).

In this mode, you can also select all pictures at once and click the “Trash” icon to delete all pictures. If you change your mind, you can also deselect all pictures using the corresponding icon (several pictures on the icon)

Grid mode. You can turn on the grid mode and select the grid mode that suits you. Available options: " Golden ratio", 3x3, 3x4, central cross, rectangle, "Fibonacci spiral". You can also select the line type that will be used to display the grid. The grid is needed to check whether the photo matches yours classical schemes compositions.

The new Nikon Df is a 16.2 megapixel full-frame SLR camera that aims to combine the qualities of older Nikon cameras and Newest technologies other digital SLR cameras in the Nikon D line. The camera is available with a special version of the AF-S Nikkor 50mm f1.8G lens, which has the same optical characteristics as the standard 50mm f/1.8G lens. The case is offered in black or silver, the recommended price is RUB 119,990. with a 50mm f/1.8G lens (only available as a kit), there are currently no plans to release the camera without a lens, although this may vary by country. The new Df is available for sale from November 28, 2013.

PropertiesNikon DF

Nikon Df is stylized as a classic film reflex camera Designed to be inspired by the nostalgia of the Nikon FM-2, the Nikon features manual controls, including a larger photo mode control panel, and a small mode switch located at the top right that is normally locked and must be pulled up to unlock. This camera was created to give the feeling of a real camera, a camera for real photographers that brings joy to the photographic process, which is not affected by electronic controls. As Nikon says, the Nikon Df is designed for “True Photography”.

It is also possible to maximize the capabilities of existing non-Ai lenses, and can also work with many Ai lenses made since 1959, with which the camera is made compatible by darkening the lens aperture in the Ai lens metering. This is achieved thanks to a new retractable mechanical lens mount that is positioned around the mount, and to take advantage of manual focus lenses there is a new manual focus mode that can disable AF points. There are only 3 Ai lenses that are not compatible with this camera.

The camera features an electronic gyroscope, as well as updated aspect ratios of 16:9 and 1:1, with the latter available in preview mode. The camera body has a vertical Nikon logo, which is stylized as previous versions of Nikon film DSLRs. In addition, it is the smallest and lightest camera in the FX series (a series of full-frame cameras), weighing only 710g without battery, or 765g with battery and memory card.

The camera body is made of magnesium alloy, which is sealed against atmospheric phenomena to the same standard as Nikon D800/D800E (drip protection, dust protection), and is offered in two colors: black and silver or completely black. The estimated number of shutter cycles is 150,000 cycles, which is the same estimated number as the Nikon D600/D610.

Main characteristics

  • 3.2-inch screen, 921k dots tempered glass screen
  • ISO100-12800, increases to 50-204800
  • Exposure compensation, ISO control dial, shooting mode dial
  • 5.5fps continuous shooting, 150,000 cycles, 30sec - 1/4000 shutter speed
  • Silent shutter mode (according to Nikon, the shutter sound is excellent)
  • 39 focus points, 9 cross, -1EV, f/8 compatible
  • 3 image processing options
  • PASM control dial (top, right)
  • Shutter speed regulator, step-by-step setup 1/3 allows you to adjust the shutter speed using the adjustment dial on the rear panel
  • Water and dust protection at the same level as D800/D800E
  • 1400 shots per EN-EL14a battery charge (single shot mode)
  • Magnesium alloy is used for the top of the case, back and bottom
  • Pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage, same as D4/D800
  • HDMI output support
  • Compatible with WU-1a ( wireless network), WR-1, WR-R10 (radio control)

Operating Nikon DF

The appearance of this digital camera indicates that its creators were inspired by the retro style of Nikon cameras, from the metal control dials, switches and control buttons, to the shutter release and the central screw hole for connecting the shutter release cable in manual mode, which was popular on film DSLR cameras. Nikon has designed the Df to be as compact as possible, while still featuring a generously sized rubberized grip on the back with a rounded shape that allows for excellent thumb control of the camera. The control wheels front and rear are well positioned so that the index and bigger fingers They were easy to reach, which makes long-term use of the camera very convenient. The front control wheel is positioned vertically, which differs from the usual location of this switch on other Nikon DSLRs, and this should not in any way affect the ease of use.

The optical pentaprism viewfinder provides 100% coverage, the same as the Nikon D4 and D800/D800E, and there is also a round eyepiece with diopter correction.

The rear panel has the standard Nikon set of buttons that you'll find on other DSLRs. Nikon cameras such as the D610 and D800 and others, in addition to this there is also an autofocus button found on the D800/E and D4, which helps users who would like to fine-tune the focus or use manual focus.

While you can adjust shutter speed and exposure compensation using the top-mounted control dial, there is a traditional control wheel on the back, as well as a front control wheel, so for those who have previously used any other digital Nikon camera, operating this camera will be familiar.

The Nikon Df Camera Menu is the standard Nikon menu found on other Nikon DSLR cameras, with options clearly organized and a traditional MyMenu tab where you can place your most commonly used options for quick and easy access to your favorite settings. There is also a set of settings for Ai lens support, with which you can tell the camera that you are using a non-CPU lens such as an older one Nikon lens. Picture control buttons allow you to adjust clarity, contrast, brightness, saturation and color.

The bottom of the camera has a battery latch and a memory card compartment, although the camera only has one SD card slot, unlike the D600/D610 which have 2 SD card slots, and some will be disappointed that There is no access to the memory card from the side. The camera's battery life is 1,400 shots thanks to improved electronic controls; this unit uses the same battery as the Nikon D5300.

Speed

We took several series of shots to test the camera's performance, time from start to first shot, time between shots, focusing speed, etc. To ensure the accuracy and correctness of the results, we took the arithmetic average from several series, which makes it easy to compare the data obtained with the performance of other cameras.

Nikon Df
Shutter speed <0.05
Wide Angle Focus/Shutter Speed 0.15
Time from switching on to first photo 0.45
Time between shots without flash 0.5
Continuous shooting -JPEG(pictures before stopping) 5.5 fps(100 pictures)
Continuous shooting- RAW 5.5 frames per second(27 pictures)

The camera's focusing and shutter speed was simply excellent, and the time between shots was also very good. In continuous shooting, the camera takes 100 pictures in JPEG format at a speed of 5.5 frames per second, or 27 pictures in raw format, before stopping.

Shooting testing

The camera performed well, with pleasant skin tones, correct color gamut and low noise in low light. The 50mm f/1.8G lens focused reliably even in low light, whether using the optical viewfinder or in preview mode.

Lens

The camera produces high-definition images with good exposure and excellent color rendition. The included 50mm f/1.8 G lens provides excellent clarity and has shown remarkable flare resistance, even without the included lens hood. This camera accepts many lenses from both Nikon and other manufacturers, and prime lenses perform exceptionally well. Focus is confident and fast.

Noise at different ISOs

The camera showed low noise levels at ISO50, which remained at the same level up to ISO1600 and ISO3200. Noise reduction is quite low (at default settings) compared to other DSLR cameras, meaning fidelity remains high even when photographing at sensitivities above ISO6400 and ISO12800. Detail drops off somewhat at ISO25600, and noise gets quite strong at ISO51200. Photos taken at ISO102400 still have the right to life, although we would recommend avoiding working at ISO204800. At high ISOs, we set the noise reduction settings to 'Medium', with the existing options being 'High', 'Medium', 'Low' and 'Off'. Dynamic range is reduced when shooting at Low Noise Reduction 1, which is equivalent to ISO50.

White balance

Auto White Balance (AWB) produces warm colors under artificial incandescent lighting, and the results are even better if you select the appropriate lighting settings. AWB under fluorescent lighting gives the image a slightly bluish tint, and if you select this type of lighting in the settings, you get a slight red tone. So, for best results, we'd recommend using a custom white balance setting and adjusting it as needed, or you can take photos in raw format and adjust later.

Dynamic range is good, and with the D-Lighting option it expands when shooting JPEG images.

Conclusions on the Nikon Df camera

For those who will be using this camera in low light, such as at weddings, music festivals, concerts or night photography, the Nikon Df will provide excellent noise reduction thanks to the 16.2 megapixel sensor taken from the Nikon D4, although this camera is significantly cheaper . Plus, for those who like direct access to control shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation, this camera will give you the feel of a real camera, without the overly digital (and often overly complex) features of most modern DSLRs. However, for those who would like to shoot video, or are more limited in budget, the Nikon D610 is more suitable, since the Nikon Df does not have a video mode, despite the fact that the D610 is also 40,000 rubles cheaper. We'll be doing a more detailed review of the Nikon Df soon when the production version of this camera goes on sale.

Pros of Nikon Df

  • Excellent noise reduction
  • Excellent battery life
  • Exceptional image quality
  • 2 years warranty
  • Complete instructions on 375 pages
  • Wide, bright optical viewfinder
  • Support for older Nikon lenses
  • Manual control

Cons of Nikon Df

  • No video mode
  • The body material at the gripping point is plastic, not rubber.
  • Bottom memory card slot / just one slot
  • High price
  • No flash

Until now I have never written a review of a camera from a competing manufacturer, but the new Nikon announcement simply does not allow you to pass it by. The new Nikon Df fulfills the desires of many photographers for digital SLR cameras. Hand on heart, if it weren’t for the Canon optics fleet, I would gladly switch to this particular camera. Judge for yourself: full frame, durable and lightweight magnesium body, weatherproof, shutter life of 150,000 operations, modern electronic components and, of course, retro design from film cameras with a large number of additional controls. And another important advantage is the lack of video functions; of course, this may seem controversial to some, but for me video is an absolutely unnecessary function in the camera.

Appearance of Nikon Df

Of course, the first thing that attracts attention about this camera is the body. Unlike most modern SLR cameras, which are similar to each other, this has a very unusual design that is inherent in film cameras of the last century. Chopped shapes, an abundance of wheels, a small information screen on top, plus the ability to choose the camera in all-black or two-tone silver-black. By the way, the kit will include an AF-S 50mm f/1.8G NIKKOR lens in a special retro version, but more on that later.

The overall design of the camera entailed global changes in the controls. They are made as analog as possible, i.e. All main exposure parameters can be set mechanically using special wheels, and not through the menu, as is usually done now. All settings for shooting modes and parameters are moved to the top.

On the left is a dual control dial for ISO and exposure compensation. The wheels are fixed separately with different buttons and the likelihood of accidentally changing the setting is zero. However, this approach also has a disadvantage; when shooting through the viewfinder, changing the ISO without looking at the camera itself will not be so easy. Through the menu you can select the auto ISO mode, in which the sensitivity value set on the disk will be considered the minimum possible.

The hot shoe is located in the middle; traditionally, a plug is included in the kit. There is no built-in flash in the camera, which can also be considered a plus, because... There is no benefit from it when shooting.

On the right side there is a camera power ring, combined with the shutter button. The shooting mode dial has only four settings: manual, aperture priority, shutter priority and program. As you can see, there are no script modes, much less an auto mode. Below them is a small screen displaying shooting parameters, battery charge and the number of frames remaining on the flash drive. There is also a button to turn on the backlight. The most interesting thing is the shutter speed dial, again with a lock. You can either set the required value on it, or select the 1/3 step setting and set it in a more familiar way, using the wheel. The shutter speed dial is combined with a shutter mode switch - normal, high-speed shooting, delayed shutter, quiet mode and mirror pre-raise.

At the back, everything is more traditional, the main space is occupied by a large display with a diagonal of 8 cm and a resolution of 921 thousand dots. The screen is covered with reinforced glass, so there is no need to worry about scratches. Unlike video shooting, LiveView mode is present. The buttons are familiar, there is a four-position focus point selection controller. Something unusual is the exposure metering mode switch with three modes: spot, matrix and center-weighted. The viewfinder is made on the basis of a pentaprism with 100% frame coverage. Some disadvantage is the inability to change the focusing screen, which would be convenient when shooting with lenses without autofocus.

On the left side of the camera there are already standard USB, HDMI and a connector for connecting additional equipment. At the bottom there is a tripod socket and a combined battery and SD memory card compartment.

As mentioned above, the body is made of magnesium alloy and has weather protection on par with the Nikon D800.

Specifications

Despite the fact that Nikon Df is the most compact and lightest 35mm SLR camera, its technical side is excellent. The camera uses a 16 megapixel full-frame sensor from Nikon D4 in conjunction with the Expeed 3 processor. On the one hand, this ensures high detail and quality of images at high ISOs, on the other hand, it allows you to maintain an acceptable RAW file size. A purely marketing ploy - the ability to raise the ISO value to 204800, naturally the image quality will be extremely low, but the highest sensitivity threshold among camera manufacturers has been reached!

The high-quality shutter mechanism allows you to take pictures at 5.5 frames per second. The declared service life is 150,000 cycles. The minimum shutter speed has been slightly reduced relative to older models, its value is 1/4000 sec. The Nikon Df is equipped with the already familiar 39-point Multi-CAM 4800 autofocus module (9 cross-type points). A 2016-pixel RGB sensor is responsible for exposure metering. Possibility of connecting additional GPS and Wi-Fi module. A complete list of characteristics can be found in.

As you can see, the technical characteristics are at the level of modern models, but there is one feature that sets Nikon Df apart - it is compatible with NIKKOR lenses without AI. The folding lever on the mount allows you to use even very old NIKKOR lenses without AI. An additional setting in the camera menu allows you to manually set the parameters of the lens used and perform exposure metering. By the way, the so-called “screwdriver” is also present, so the camera works without problems with lenses without a built-in focusing motor.

At the end, a few words about the price of the new product. In the US, the recommended price for the camera is $2,750. A set of Nikon DF and a special version of the AF-S 50mm f/1.8G NIKKOR lens will also go on sale. The lens is optically completely similar to the regular Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G NIKKOR, the only difference is in the external design. This set will cost $3000, and the lens separately will cost $279.

Classics never go out of date. For the photo market in the last couple of years, this statement is more relevant than ever: one after another, different manufacturers are releasing cameras with a retro style, with a classic design, with pseudo-mechanical controls... But until recently, such new products appeared mainly among compacts and mirrorless cameras. The first modern retro-DSLR was Nikon Df, introduced in November 2013. A large and solid camera with convenient manual controls and a design in the best traditions of Nikon DSLRs is not just a photographer’s tool, it is already an element of image. It was created specifically for those who are familiar with the legendary Nikon film DSLRs.

This particular model ended up in our test studio today. We will dedicate our big test to her in the “Week with an Expert” format. Every day we will publish new parts of this test, talking about shooting with this interesting camera. Stay in touch and stay tuned for updates!

Today I propose to take a closer look at this new product, understand its functions and characteristics. Let's start, as always, with the matrix. Nikon Df has something to be proud of here: it inherited its matrix from the flagship Nikon D4 DSLR. This is a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor with dimensions of 24x36 mm. Thus, Nikon Df is today one of the smallest megapixel modern full-frame cameras. But what may seem like a disadvantage to a novice photographer, an experienced photographer would rather see as an advantage: fewer pixels mean larger pixels, larger pixel size means higher image quality at high ISOs. Is this really so - we will check very soon!

The hero of our Df test borrowed the Expeed 3 processor from the Nikon D610, which was released a little earlier. He also inherited the autofocus system, consisting of 39 points, nine of which are cross-shaped. The Multi-CAM4800 autofocus sensor has a sensitivity down to -1EV.

The continuous shooting speed is stated at 5.5 fps. Moreover, the shutter mechanism is designed for 150,000 guaranteed operations. The minimum shutter speed required by the shutter is 1/4000 s. Synchronization speed with external flashes is 1/200 s.

It is noteworthy that Nikon Df became one of the first real cameras in recent years: it cannot shoot video. This is unlikely to be attributed to the miscalculations of marketers or the disadvantages of the camera. I am more than sure that people who buy such cameras either do not use the video recording function at all, or use other devices for this.

We've almost figured out the contents of the camera, let's move on to the body. Most of the body is made of lightweight and durable magnesium alloy. Sensitive electronics are protected from weather and dust by seals installed at the joints of parts, as well as under buttons and other controls.

The Nikon Df also has a couple of interesting features that make this DSLR a true modern classic. It is compatible with retro accessories. For example, you can use a real mechanical cable release instead of an electronic one. There is a corresponding connector in the shutter button. But that's not all: Nikon Df is compatible with all optics equipped with an F mount, including non-Ai lenses produced before 1977. To work with such optics, the camera bayonet is equipped with a folding tab for connecting to the lens aperture. Well, we will have the opportunity to check the work with old optics during our test!

Needless to say, the Nikon Df viewfinder is excellent for manual focusing? In size it is inferior only to some heroes of the last century such as Nikon F3. Among modern cameras, cameras such as the Nikon D4 or Nikon D800 can boast a similarly sized viewfinder with a magnification of x0.7 and 100% coverage of the frame area. Naturally, there is a real pentaprism inside the viewfinder, and not a pentamirror as in cheaper models.

Despite the seemingly small battery (the Nikon Df uses an EN-EL14a battery with a capacity of 1230 mAh), the camera is capable of taking up to 1400 frames on a single charge - a lot even by modern standards!

A special camera needs a special lens: apparently, this is the thinking at Nikon. Nikon Df will be sold with a special version of the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8 lens, made in retro style. It was in this configuration that the camera came to us for testing.

Stay in touch. Very soon we will publish the second part of the test, entirely devoted to a description of the controls of this unusual camera.

The Nikon Df DSLR has undoubtedly become one of the most interesting new products of the past year. It also made a splash with its announcement procedure: before the official announcement of the release of the new product, the public was skillfully warmed up by a whole series of teaser videos, completely cinematic (or car-like).

The very announcement of the new camera in Moscow for the press and partners also took place quite pompously, in the very heart of the capital - in the State Historical Museum.

Main features of Nikon Df

Nikon Df Specifications

Class Full frame DSLR camera
Matrix CMOS, FX (35.9x24 mm), 16.2 MP (4928x3280)
Viewfinder Optical mirror with pentaprism;
displays 100% of the full frame; diopter adjustment
Photo format RAW/NEF (uncompressed, lossless or compressed), TIFF (RGB), JPEG (super fine quality possible), JPEG+RAW/NEF
Video format -
Shutter speed range 1/4000-30 in 1/3 stop increments, V and T
(when installed with a disk 1/4000-4 s
step 1 step, B and T)
Sync speed 1/200 s
(1/250 s synchronization possible)
Continuous shooting 5.5 fps (high speed mode);
1-5 fps (low speed mode);
Focusing TTL AF with phase detection, 39 points;
frame-by-frame, continuous, incl. predictive; manual;
in Live View mode - TTL AF with contrast detection across the entire field of the frame, single-frame, continuous, face priority or tracking; manual
Photosensitivity ISO 100-12,800, expandable to ISO 50 and 204,800
Screen 3.2 inches (8 cm), 921k dots
Memory 1 slot, SD, SDHC, SDXC cards
Interfaces USB 2.0, mini-HDMI (type C); connector for connecting wireless flash controllers, remote control, GPS receiver; PC sync contact
Dimensions and weight 143.5 × 110 × 66.5 mm
OK. 710 g (body), 765 g (with battery and memory card)

Appearance

Nikon Df first of all differs from all other DSLRs, including those from other manufacturers, in its sharply different design concept. That's why we start with it.

When you pick up the camera, the first thing that attracts your attention is the part of the control interface concentrated on the top panel. It is thanks to her that the camera, when viewed from the front or from above, makes the hearts of old-school photographers, who began their journey in photography “under the old regime”, in the already distant “pure film” times, beat faster. When developing the upper controls (and the pentaprism casing that adds charm), solutions were used that were tested in their time on the legendary F3 and FM film DSLRs. Metal, notches... One gets the feeling that when developing this camera, audio designers were also involved, providing the necessary, “authentic” volume and timbre to the characteristic clicks that accompany the rotation of the disks.

The left (from the prism when viewed from above) pair of coaxial locking disks is used to enter photosensitivity and exposure compensation. The right dial sets the shutter speed (it is also fixed, but only in a position that allows you to select the shutter speed digitally, in 1/3-step increments using a “twist”), and the lever at its base selects the “film advance” mode, among which there is also a shooting with preliminary raising of the mirror. The “collar” of the shutter button (into which, by the way, you can screw the most ordinary, mechanical release cable) turns the camera on and off, and another small dial on the right selects the exposure mode: no scene programs, nothing superfluous, only M, A, S and P Another rotating disk is located on the front right, under the shutter button; approximately where the focus dial was located on Contax rangefinder cameras. But here this dial controls the selection of aperture on modern lenses that do not have an aperture ring. There is also a toothed “twist” at the back at the top right, under the thumb of the right hand. All this looks very convenient and clear. For “beloved” parameters, there is also a small LCD display on the right side of the top panel.

Of course, Nikon Df also has a variety of buttons, without which the full functioning of a modern digital camera is impossible. On the back we have buttons for changing the mode of displaying information on the LCD screen and turning on the Live View mode, a three-position dial switch for exposure metering mode (as expected, you can choose from matrix, center-weighted and spot metering) and a multifunctional joypad with an “OK” button in the center, with which allows you to navigate through menu options and select different focusing points. At the top right, next to the gear “twist”, there are a pair of buttons that control one the focus and exposure memory, and the other the autofocus launch. At the top left are two regular buttons for switching to view and delete mode.

The large 8cm LCD screen is fixedly mounted on the rear panel. It has a fairly high resolution and is protected by reinforced glass. It can display information about the longitudinal and lateral tilts of the camera from a biaxial virtual horizon (data about the lateral tilt is also displayed in the viewfinder). A shooting mode with sighting on the screen, that is, Live View, is also possible; in this case, contrast detection autofocus is activated. To the left of the screen is a standard set of “numeric” buttons.

If you look at the camera from the front, at the bottom left of the lens you will find two buttons, one of which is the aperture repeater by default, and the “position” of the second, Fn, is selected by the photographer at his discretion. To the right of the lens at the base of the bayonet there is a lever for switching between automatic and manual focusing and, of course, a button for unlocking the bayonet lock.

General appearance The camera has two main options: completely black and with silver top and bottom panels and a sub-bayonet box. In principle, the all-black version in appearance, especially from a distance, differs little from the vast majority of other SLR cameras and does not attract much attention, which may be important for, for example, street photographers. A camera with silver elements looks much more stylish, but that is precisely why it attracts glances, not all of which can be dictated by admiration or white envy.

Internal content

From a mechanical point of view, the Nikon Df is quite durable: the top, bottom and rear panels of the body are made of magnesium alloy. The joints of parts, covers of compartments and connectors, buttons and disks are sealed to protect against adverse conditions at the level of the D800 camera, that is, quite reliably.

The optical viewfinder system occupies a considerable amount of space inside the body. It is optical, traditional for DSLRs, prismatic, displays 100% of the frame. In terms of the size of the observed field, it is equivalent to cameras D4, D800, D600/D610. The old film Nikon F3 with a standard DE-2 viewfinder had a larger field, but it was still quite good.

One of the most important points is that the Nikon Df camera is equipped with an excellent full-frame 16-megapixel CMOS matrix from the top model Nikon D4 and an EXPEED 3 graphics processor taken from it. The autofocus system uses a 39-zone focusing module Multi-CAM 4800 - the same as used on D600/D610 cameras. When using non-autofocus lenses with an aperture of at least f/5.6, the electronic rangefinder is fully functional. A shutter with a guaranteed trouble-free life of 150 thousand cycles is clearly not from D4; it allows continuous shooting at speeds up to 5.5 fps.

The new camera has a Nikon-like rich set of additional functions. There is a “quiet shutter” mode for unobtrusive, low-noise continuous shooting. It is possible to shoot in DX mode, that is, “cropped”. In HDR mode, the camera automatically takes two photos with up to 3 stops of exposure difference. There is also a well-deserved “active D-Lighting” function. The built-in processing menu allows you to remove red-eye, process RAWs, enhance colors, apply a “star” filter and skylight. Optical distortions can be quickly corrected.

An extremely important feature of the new product must be recognized as its high energy efficiency: a fully charged EN-EL14a battery in time-lapse shooting mode should, according to the manufacturer, last for 1400 pictures; agree, this dramatically reduces the need for a battery grip (as a carrier of an additional power source). We cannot yet confirm or refute this statement, but we must testify that about 900 frames we shot did not lead to battery depletion.

Optics

On Nikon Df, indeed, as promised, you can install all lenses with an F mount, including very old ones that do not have an Ai-lead (they can be used in M ​​and A modes, which, however, will be quite enough for owners of such optics). That is why, as you can see, among the optics taken for testing, we also had an ancient, but quite good high-aperture “fifty kopeck”.

If you take the camera and look at the mount from the front, at the top right, just behind the polished mounting surface, you will notice a small metal guide. It is necessary to transmit aperture information to the camera from non-autofocus lenses equipped with the Ai-S system. This information is transmitted mechanically: a metal bracket mounted on the lens aperture ring, resembling a crown in profile, engages with it and moves depending on the set aperture. To put a prehistoric lens on the camera without fear of it jamming, this leash can be moved to the side (the last camera that had a similar option was the film Nikon F5, which was discontinued about 10 years ago).

The camera memory can store data for up to nine lenses without a built-in processor. If there is a lens on the camera (and in its memory!) without an Ai-link, when shooting you will first need to rotate the aperture ring under the shutter button to select the appropriate aperture based on the exposure metering data, and then set the selected value with the lens aperture ring: direct mechanical connection on the camera with such a lens it won’t even be at the “jumping aperture” level.

It’s easier to say what you absolutely cannot put on the Nikon Df: lenses from the forgotten APS system IX-Nikkor, the rarest autofocus monsters produced for the F3AF, and, of course, the “babies” from the compact mirrorless Nikon 1 system. When installing cropped DX lenses, the camera automatically switches to DX mode, and a frame bordering the cropped frame will appear in the viewfinder.

Practitioners' opinion

Instead of theorizing about the ergonomic features of the new product, we preferred to record the opinion of two professional photographers about the new camera: Vladimir Morozov and Elena Volkova. Their experience allows them not only to evaluate the new camera in general, but also as a tool, suitable or not suitable for solving specific problems.

Opinion of Elena Volkova:

I work in different directions, I do subject matter, industrial photography, I photograph people. It’s not uncommon to have to hold a camera with a large lens in your hands for several hours in a row.

At the same time, as you can see, I myself am not large in shape, and my hands are miniature [laughs]. So this is what I will say: although the camera itself is relatively small, it was uncomfortable for me to work with it right away. You put a 28-70/2.8 zoom on the camera, and that’s it, your hands begin to fall off - the handle is small, and it’s inconvenient to hold the camera with your right hand with the center of gravity shifted too far forward. But I worked with Canon, Nikon, and even PhaseOne cameras.

The release button, for my taste, is not very conveniently located. And the aperture ring seemed completely inconvenient to me; It is much more convenient to control the aperture on the lens itself.

I didn’t shoot much with them, just a few hundred frames. The picture at high sensitivities seemed noisy to me already at 1600 ISO. It looks like black and white grain. But I am completely indifferent to the lack of a video recording function.

Yes, it was probably made for prime lenses, for old optics. But not for me: the camera looks interesting, but I won’t buy it for myself. It is not suitable for solving my problems, and I don’t like it for its usability.

Vladimir Morozov on the line:

As soon as the Df goes on sale, I will definitely buy it.

Yes, the camera is small and not very comfortable in the hands, especially with large lenses; You can’t carry it “with one right hand”, like a regular DSLR with a large handle. A large professional zoom or discrete zoom will literally turn the camera out of the right hand. It is clearly intended for those who shoot slowly, from time to time bringing the camera hanging from the neck strap to the eye. Or for those who shoot on a tripod: that is, people like me.

I am quite satisfied with the picture quality that the camera produces, both in terms of color rendition (no problems even with difficult light, like the D4) and in terms of resolution. I do a lot of commercial work for online display, and that's where the Df comes in handy: it doesn't require extreme resolution for the "finished product," so it will allow me to save the life of my main workhorse, the Hasselblad H4D. In addition, calculation of the diffraction limit for a full-frame 16-megapixel matrix shows that the “hole” can be safely closed up to f/12.4 (and for the “eight hundred” - only up to f/8.2!), which is very important in close-up subject matter filming

I especially liked the quality of shooting at high ISOs: 800, 1600, and in some cases 3200 ISO are quite “working”. High-quality large pixels of the matrix provide excellent color (including shades that are difficult for digital) and texture elaboration, which is clearly visible in JPEGs (look carefully at the photo of cardboard glasses; this is just a “camera” JPEG), and RAW processing allows you to get maximum quality.

Among the shortcomings, I would like to note an interesting effect: on the one hand, the camera is specially designed for the possibility of using old non-autofocus optics, on the other hand, getting into focus in low light is not so easy, there are no auxiliary devices in the viewfinder field such as micropyramids or wedges, and the electronic rangefinder is not always convenient.

And the fact that Nikon Df does not allow you to shoot video is indifferent to me. If I suddenly needed this feature, I personally would rent a Canon EOS 1DC specially made for video. What’s more important to me is that the pictures are written to a single SD card; however, this is not the biggest problem these days.

P.S.

Despite the apparent polarity of opinions, both professionals agree on one thing: Nikon Df should not be carried in your hands, it is fundamentally not for that. Actually, based on this thesis, you should make a decision about whether to buy such a camera or not.

The camera should be on a tripod (or attached to a large lens mounted on a tripod) or hung around your neck. You only need to take it in your hands to turn the adjustment dials and, bringing the viewfinder eyepiece to your eye, press the shutter. Without missing a spontaneous shot: with a moderate “rate of fire” for today’s times, the camera startup time is only 0.14 s, and the shutter delay after pressing the shutter is 0.052 s.

I guess I won't be too far from the truth if I say that the Nikon Df may be of interest, in particular, to those looking at the Fujifilm X series cameras: excellent retro design and relatively compact size, but the Df is a full-fledged with a DSLR and not a rangefinder, which is important for many.

ISO

To test the camera's capabilities at different light sensitivity values, we took photographs with cookies (however, other test photographs from this side are also indicative).

You can view the crop of this photo at 100% size. To compare frames with different ISOs, click on the photo below; A selection of crops from this section of this photo, taken at different ISO values, will open, collected into one image.

You can download full-size photos from the link given in the last chapter “Test photos”).

Flaws

The ideal, as we know, is unattainable. The Nikon Df camera is not without its shortcomings.

First of all, we note once again that it does not have a video recording function in any form. It was announced that this is a fundamental conceptual decision of the developers. At the same time, the “brains” of the D4 camera support shooting, albeit not the most sophisticated, but still Full HD video. Perhaps this option is reserved for the model under the tentative designation Df-2. Or maybe not: there is a well-founded opinion that for full-fledged professional high-quality video shooting, the combination of characteristics is suitable for two very specific models of DSLRs from another manufacturer, which need to be purchased (or rented) for “videography” classes.

Since the camera is deeply stylized as retro, one can only regret that it does not have a removable pentaprism. A mine viewfinder for shooting from chest level (in the absence of a folding screen) would, I think, be appreciated by all street photographers.

And when working with old non-autofocus lenses, especially if they do not have a particularly large aperture, there is a very lack of opportunity to change the focusing screen to an old-mode one, with Doden optical wedges or at least with micropyramids, which make “catching focus” much easier when manually focusing. It is clear that these ideas are extremely difficult to implement technologically (yes, the technological complexity of modern devices sometimes makes it impossible to implement the simplest technical solutions), but nothing can stop us from expressing regret about some of the functional limitations of the retro design of the new product.

The “grasping” part of Nikon Df, D800 and D4 cameras. The difference is clear and compelling; The desire to get a clip-on or clip-on external grip, and at the same time the ability to hold the camera in your hand for a long time and confidently, is quite understandable..

And one more point, clearly illustrated by the picture above: despite the significant declared battery life and the absence of a direct need for a battery grip, the ability to attach an external grip to the camera, which increases the convenience of holding the camera in your hands, obviously would not hurt. Modern technologies do not interfere with this, and the appearance of such a handle would clearly expand the circle of those who could purchase it. It is clear that with such a handle, Nikon Df will most likely lose the right to be called Nikon’s most compact autofocus SLR, but compactness is not the key to happiness: ergonomics and the notorious “usability” are also very important.

Final conclusions

The most high-profile new product of 2013 is a controversial camera, causing controversy and giving rise to conflicting opinions. That is, of course, very interesting!

If you like slow, quiet, thoughtful shooting, if you want a tool that allows you to use any Nikkor lens created over the last six decades, and at the same time you prefer discrete optics to zooms, if you don’t hold the camera in your right hand from morning to evening, but you raise it to your eye only to press the button; if you consider a DSLR to be a camera and not a video camera, the choice in favor of the Df is obvious.

If you need sporty "speed of fire", if you run around the studio all day with a camera in your hands, and especially if you even partially consider the camera as a tool for video shooting, the Nikon Df is not made for you.

But to finally understand whether you need this camera, even taking into account the known features and limitations, you need to pick it up, twist it, click the dials, and bring it to your eye not only with a light standard fifty-kopeck piece, but also with a large aperture zoom. It is quite possible that you will like it right away. Or maybe not: the choice is yours.

Nikon Russia presents a service program for Nikon professional equipment. When purchasing professional equipment from dealers with the status"Professional Nikon Dealer" you get 1 year warranty and 3 years of service.

Test photos

Full size files of the test photos below (JPEG + RAW/NEF). Traffic 190 MB.

Lens AF-S Nikkor 24-70 mm f/2.8G ED, F=62 mm, 1/4000 s, f/4, 3200 ISO.

Nikkor Ai-S 50mm f/1.4 lens, 1/125 sec, f/4, 3200 ISO.

Lens AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, F=38mm, 1/500s, f/4, 800 ISO.

PC-E Micro Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D lens, 1/200 sec, f/15, 100 ISO.

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