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Review on πŸ“· Nikon Df 16.2 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera with AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition Lens - Silver by Seth Singh

Revainrating 5 out of 5

A bit quirky but very flexible, very reliable and takes great pictures.

Both silver and black models are available (along with other full-frame Nikon cameras). As a longtime Nikon photographer, I grew to like the Df more and more. I like the variety of lenses I can use on the camera and using older (high quality) lenses doesn't degrade the image quality that much. Most top-of-the-line manual focus lenses (along with early autofocus lenses), like AIS, don't have the "resolution" of a 16-megapixel sensor. In fact, I've found that any lens I can't get "sharp enough" on a D800 series body, ends up working fine on Df. This allowed me to use old lenses that were just collecting dust, fit more lenses in my bag (due to the lack of autofocus motors), and do some creative things I'd been able to do with a higher-end sensor resolution would not have thought. The controls are easy to use even in the dark. The ISO ring sometimes gives me problems, but all other controls are easy to use with gloves. They also seem to work well in cold weather (although battery drain has accelerated somewhat); I've used Df in temperatures as low as -21F. Although I wish it was based on the D800 series or D4 series firmware (instead of the D600), everything still works very well in the field. The only thing that worries me a lot is the missing viewfinder shutter. . Nikon offers you this small plastic part with a quick release that has to be attached to the eyepiece. However, I use a DK-17 magnification eyepiece and that plastic cap often pulls the rubber grommet off the eyepiece. This can be when I'm taking the camera out of my pocket (if it's stuck) or during installation in the field when I'm about to hit the cover. In any case, it's a real pain in cold weather as it's almost impossible to reattach the rubber pad while wearing warm gloves. I suspect that over time I would have had the same problem if I hadn't used DK-17 as it appears to be a design issue. Oh, unless you want all your pictures on one card I wouldn't buy either. big. I bought 32GB cards for my first Df and after realizing, since each card contains over 800 RAW images I only bought 16GB cards for my second Df case. Maybe it's just me, but I don't like the idea of having a lot of pictures on one card, especially since there's only one card slot. If you've never used older Nikon film cameras like the FM, FE, and FA series models, some of the controls may feel clunky or awkward. Once you've used these cameras (including the early "F" models), it will be like visiting an old friend you haven't seen in years. :) If you have never used older Nikon film cameras like the FM, FE and FA series models, some of the controls may feel clunky or awkward. Once you've used these cameras (including the early "F" models), it will be like visiting an old friend you haven't seen in years. :) If you've never used older Nikon film cameras like the FM, FE, and FA series models, some of the controls may feel clunky or awkward. Once you've used these cameras (including the early "F" models), it will be like visiting an old friend you haven't seen in years. :) :) If you've never used older Nikon film cameras like the FM, FE, and FA series models, some of the controls may feel clunky or awkward. Once you've used these cameras (including the early "F" models), it will be like visiting an old friend you haven't seen in years. :) :) If you've never used older Nikon film cameras like the FM, FE, and FA series models, some of the controls may feel clunky or awkward. Once you've used these cameras (including the early "F" models), it will be like visiting an old friend you haven't seen in years. :)

Pros
  • Magnesium alloy body with mechanical exposure control
Cons
  • Crumpled