Key Features
Dec 20 2013
Announced
16 megapixels
Resolution
| Brand | Nikon |
| Sensor Type | Full frame |
| Sensor | CMOS |
| Weight | 760g |
| MSRP | $2749USD |
Other similar cameras
Nikon D610
Released Oct 08 2013 | 24MP resolution
Nikon D4
Released Jan 06 2012 | 16MP resolution
Nikon D5
Released Jan 05 2016 | 21MP resolution
Overview of the Df
In an age where sleek smartphones and advanced mirrorless cameras reign supreme, the Nikon Df offers something different. This classic-looking shooter pays homage to the golden era of photography while still providing cutting-edge technology. With its 16.2MP full-frame sensor, 39-point autofocus, and ISO range of 100-12800, the Nikon Df is more than just a pretty face. But does its performance live up to its nostalgic appeal? Let's find out in this Nikon Df review.
Nikon Df Pros and Cons
Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon Df camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!
Pros
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Nikon Df
| Weather sealed | |
| Dimensions | 144 x 110 x 67mm |
| Weight | 760g |
| Thickness | 67mm |
Weather Sealing
The Nikon Df camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the Df is an excellent choice.
Design and Handling
Main design features
| View Finder | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Screen Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen Resolution | 921k dots |
| Body type | Mid-size SLR |
Suitable for:
| Photography | Above Avg. |
| Videography | Above Avg. |
| Travel | Above Avg. |
LCD Screen
This camera has a fixed type 3.20" screen, with a display resolution of 921k dots. This makes the Nikon Df not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.
Viewfinder
Df includes a optical (pentaprism) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.7x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
Image Quality
Nikon Df has a 16MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Nikon Df has a native ISO range of 100 - 12800 which can be boosted to 50 - 204800. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.
Key Features
Dec 20 2013
Announced
100 - 12800
ISO Range
| Sensor | Full frame |
| Extended ISO | 50 - 204800 |
| Max resolution | 4928 x 3280 pixels |
DXO Sensor Scores
Overall
89 / 102
Color Depth
24.6 / 26.5
Dynamic Range
13.1 / 14.8
Low Light ISO
3279 / 4505
DXO mark sensor scores
The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon Df camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also above average, allowing it to retain medium amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is average, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Df is above average
Crop Factor
Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.
Size comparison
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1x
Full frame equivalent
24mm
This camera: Full frame
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
| Storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card |
| Battery Life | 1400 shots |
| Battery Model | EN-EL14,EN-EL14a |
| HDMI | |
| USD | |
| Wireless Connectivity |
Storage
The Nikon Df supports SD/SDHC/SDXC card with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.
Battery
The Nikon Df uses the EN-EL14,EN-EL14a model of battery pack. This is rated for 1400 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.
Photography Features
Flash
The Nikon Df does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.
Shutter
The Nikon Df boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.
With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.
Autofocus
The Nikon Df includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 39 number of focus points.
While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.
Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.
On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.
FAQ
The Nikon Df features a CMOS sensor
Yes the Df does have weather sealing.
The Nikon Df was announced on Dec 20 2013
No the Df does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.
The Df has a native ISO range of 100-12800, which can be expanded to ISO 50-204800 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.
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