The much rumored and highly anticipated news from Nikon is now official: The Df—an advanced-level D-SLR blending a classic, vintage-inspired design with the performance of a modern FX-format camera—has just been unveiled. For longtime Nikon users such as ourselves, the introduction is welcomed with open arms. While the aesthetic draw is obvious, the capability of the lightweight, mid-size body is really something we’ve been after for some time. Sharing the same 16.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and impressively wide ISO range (up to 204,800) as Nikon’s flagship D4, the Df offers the ability to produce superior quality images in challenging lighting conditions with a much less bulky, more agile body. Nikon even went so far as to use their older, non-italicized logo on this classic looking beauty.
To achieve such impressive image-capturing abilities in a much more compact body—the Df is, in fact, the smallest and lightest FX-format camera Nikon makes—the Df does away with video, among other functionality. The decision to drop video gets at the camera’s true identity and intended audience—passionate photographers looking for a more calculated, tactile-based photo-taking experience. While analog ISO, shutter speed, exposure and aperture controls, along with legacy lens compatibility—including full-aperture metering—reflect this nostalgic sensibility, the ability to shoot at up to 5.5 frames-per-second and review images on a high-res 3.2″ LCD display reminds us of the joys of modern photography.
Of course, the new Df is compatible with all AF, AF-S, FX, DX and AF-D NIKKOR lenses as well as classic AI and non-AI NIKKOR glass—previously incompatible with most modern Nikon D-SLRs. In the off chance you’re looking for something more, today Nikon also releases a new, special edition AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens. Like the Df, the new 50mm lens combines a classic look with superior contemporary optics.
We haven’t gotten hands-on with this beauty yet, but once we do we’ll certainly follow-up with a more detailed review. Available in either black or silver, the all-new magnesium alloy-bodied Nikon Df, will be hitting shelves later this month. Price for body-only is expected to run around $2750, and $3,000 with special edition AF-S NIKKOR 50mm lens (which will also sell separately for $280). Visit Nikon for more specifics.
Images courtesy of Nikon