The new Nikon Df DSLR is a strange-yet-significant step forward for Nikon.
In a sense, it is to the digital class of photographers what Leica was to the rangefinder era.
It is a camera, pure and simple, and a truly remarkable one at that.
If youre a professional or an aspiring hobbyist, well explain why this camera matters to both of you.
Well also very clearly define its drawbacks.
The Nikon Df is retro in spirit.
The retro inspiration also recalls a time when cameras werent so bulky and overloaded with internal naughty bits.
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That professional-grade counterpart is the detail that has most photographers excited.
The Nikon Df features the same sensor as the top-of-the-lineNikon D4 a 16.2-megapixel FX-format sensor.
The Df basically takes the guts of Nikons $6,000 pro camera and fits them into this retro-inspired compact.
In short dont get hung up on megapixels.
The size and build quality of the sensor is what is truly important.
Then theres what the Nikon Df doesnt do video.
There is no functionality built into the Nikon Df for video recording of any kind.
Personally, I own a Nikon D600 body that has nice video capabilities.
Some photography purists just dont do video and likely never will.
This camera is targeted directly at that kind of photographer.
Nikon also built a new system into the Nikon Df that might attract long-time Nikon users.
Namely, the ability to meter for Nikons legacy pre-AI lenses.
It was built in the 1960s, and has no automatic functionality with any Nikon digital camera.
The Nikon D4 is still the top-of-the-line camera with the greatest level of functionality available.
As for ground-breaking, the Df is a step forward by taking a temporary and necessary step back.
The D800, D600, D700 and D4 are too similar to really be offering something unique.
The Nikon Df might complicate things further, but it is its own unique beast.
Photographers are split on the Nikon Df so far.
Its available for pre-order nowfor around $2750, body only.
Nikon Df Digital SLR | Gallery
