Nikon DF - Gimmick Or Not?
Discussion
It is a long time since I owned an SLR. My last was a Nikon FM2 when I did my photography A-Level, 28 years ago! Since then I've only used compacts. I'm thinking of buying my first DSLR and the Nikon DF appeals, because of the layout of the controls.
Do you think that the DF is a valid camera for someone who knows what they want to do, or are there better options in the same price range?
Do you think that the DF is a valid camera for someone who knows what they want to do, or are there better options in the same price range?
Whilst Mr Rockwell needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, this was quite funny: 'The Df a real metal camera with real metal dials instead of the plastic turds that ordinary people have come to accept as cameras.'
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/df.htm
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/df.htm
I think it depends on what you want to do.
The DF is a bit of an oddball compared to the rest of the Nikon range and I can understand why many don't get it.
Yes the D800 is maybe technically better on paper (more MP, faster AF etc...) but that isn't the point of the DF. The rest of the cameras Nikon makes are just tools to get a job done. I believe the DF is supposed to inspire people, especially those that have used the old Nikon film cameras. Yes it might be technically inferior to other things at the same price but I've no doubt you'll end up making better photos with it than you would any other camera in the Nikon range.
It's a camera you want to learn about, explore its limits. It's a camera that makes you think about what you're shooting.
Manufactures are learning that not everyone just wants a tool to get the job done, they need something else. Fuji is way ahead in this game, just look at the X-series. Gorgeous looking cameras which you just want to make photos with.
People often see cameras as just tools and if that is all you want then there are plenty to choose from.
The DF is a bit of an oddball compared to the rest of the Nikon range and I can understand why many don't get it.
Yes the D800 is maybe technically better on paper (more MP, faster AF etc...) but that isn't the point of the DF. The rest of the cameras Nikon makes are just tools to get a job done. I believe the DF is supposed to inspire people, especially those that have used the old Nikon film cameras. Yes it might be technically inferior to other things at the same price but I've no doubt you'll end up making better photos with it than you would any other camera in the Nikon range.
It's a camera you want to learn about, explore its limits. It's a camera that makes you think about what you're shooting.
Manufactures are learning that not everyone just wants a tool to get the job done, they need something else. Fuji is way ahead in this game, just look at the X-series. Gorgeous looking cameras which you just want to make photos with.
People often see cameras as just tools and if that is all you want then there are plenty to choose from.
I'm wanting to upgrade my camera so have been looking at different options and spent some time investigating the DF. I was initially drawn to it by the smaller size/weight considering its FF image quality but soon ruled it out once I learnt about what it's missing. This video was pretty good for explaining it's main strengths/weaknesses (if you've got 30 mins).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1e5zEojxPg
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1e5zEojxPg
Lynchie999 said:
... get the Sony A7 .. best of the lot!
Paired with your choice of slow kit 28-70, f4 24-70, two primes (35 2.8/55 1.8) and a 70-200 f4.Sony are making some awesome cameras at the moment, but they really need to flesh out their lens line-up.
(yes, yes, adapters, legacy glass, etc. It's still not the same)
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