Hasta La Gadget!

Do you feel the itch to pick up a brand new DSLR camera, but are not quite sure just which particular model that you would like to settle on? Nikon might help make your choice with the release of their Nikon Df, which is a Nikon FX-format digital SLR camera. Just what will the Nikon Df bring the the table? We are talking about the clever combination of an intuitive, worry-free dial operation alongside superior image quality over a broad range of sensitivities. All of it will arrive in the smallest and lightest FX-format body, which would make the camera extremely portable – good news for those who are always on the move and yet cannot but help themselves from shooting plenty of photos.

There is also the presence of large metal mechanical dials that are located right at the top of the camera in order to enable direct, intuitive operation, where it offers tactile pleasure of shooting with precision mechanics so that shutterbugs are able to feel the joy of creating images which reflect their individual intent. Not only that, the Nikon Df will also provide a system which paves the way for users to focus on shooting with the security that comes from visual confirmation of ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, and exposure compensation values, not to mention the convenience of direct adjustment of settings regardless of the moment, even when the camera happens to be turned off.

The Nikon Df will rely on a similar FX-format CMOS sensor, boasting an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels, alongside the EXPEED 3 image-processing engine that can be found in the D4 flagship model. You will find that the Nikon Df offers stable, superior image quality under a wide range of lighting conditions. It will also be able to support a broad range of standard sensitivities, from ISO 100-12800, with additional reduction to the equivalent of ISO 50 and expansion to the equivalent of ISO 204800 when necessary.Each purchase comes with the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G(Special Edition) kit lens that will further maximize the portability of the Df. Any takers?

Press Release
[ Nikon announces the all new Df camera copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

It wasn’t too long ago that Nikon announced their new full-frame camera in the form of the Nikon Df. Given that there aren’t too many full-frame cameras at the moment that are small enough to be carried around (Sony’s A7 and A7R do come to mind), we would have expected many photographers to hop on board the bandwagon, especially given Nikon’s history and reputation when it came to cameras. Unfortunately that does not appear to be the case, at least according to the folks at Nikon Rumors who claims that according to their sources who are retailers, it seems that based on pre-orders of the Nikon Df, the camera is not as hot as one might think.

The retailers are apparently trying to compare pre-orders of the Nikon Df against the Nikon D800, the model which apparently the weather sealing of the camera is based on. According to the retailers, it seems that demand for the Df is not as hot as when the D800 launched. Could the Nikon Df end up being somewhat of a dud like the Nikon 1 series of mirrorless cameras? Or could it be that photographers are waiting for reviews and feedback of the camera first before deciding if they should go ahead with their purchase? Given that this is something of a new system, unlike the D800 which had its predecessors, we can understand the apprehension and we guess we will just have to wait and see what the official numbers have to say. In the meantime what do you guys think? Is the Nikon Df worth picking up?

Nikon Df Demand Apparently Not As Hot As The D800 original content from Ubergizmo.

Nikon has introduced a new full-frame camera, and it’s no slouch on paper; with a 39-point AF system, with nine cross-type sensors, burst mode of 5.5 frames per second, a 16.2 megapixel FX0format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 3 image processing, the Nikon Df will keep up with the big boys in terms of image quality. But its most noteworthy feature, and the one Nikon is playing up, is its retro good looks that call to mind Nikon’s classic “F” series 35mm film cameras.

Nikon’s new DSLR is its smallest and lightest with a full-frame sensor, which is a similar refrain to what we’ve been hearing from camera makers lately. Sony only just recently introduced its own full-frame smallish cameras, the A7 and A7R. Where those were mirrorless cameras, this is a true DSLR, however, which explains why it’s a slightly bigger and bulkier affair.

The body-only version of the Df comes in at just shy of $2,800, which is a pretty penny to spend on a camera, but it’s also quite close to the sticker price of the higher-end Sony A7R. Retro cameras in general seem to be commanding a premium, with Fujifilm seeking $1,300 for its fixed-lens X100s, for instance. All of these share a similar rangefinder-style design with ample manual controls on the face.

Nikon’s camera seems to aim for high-end pros more than the others, calling out to old-school photogs with its pyramid viewfinder hump and dedicated dials for just about everything, including ISO, exposure compensation, shutter speed, release mode and exposure mode. It has a threaded shutter release button for use with soft shutter releases and shutter release cables, too, and it works with Nikon’s existing speedlights, FX and DX lenses. It’s shipping with a new AF-S Nikkor 50 mm f/1.8G lens, which should appeal to photographers looking for a classic rangefinder experience in both body and optics.

Camera makers know that the smartphone is eating away at their market share in the general consumer category – the heyday of the pocket camera is gone. The Nikon Df is a prime example of what happens when dedicated camera manufacturers look to their past to find out what they might be able to offer camera buyers that is both special and unique. That also happens to be something they appear willing to pay a premium for.

Standalone cameras won’t die, but they’ll become the province of hobbyists, enthusiasts and specialists, and it’s actually very impressive to see manufacturers like Nikon dip back into their roots to capitalize on that trend, rather than simply ridding the consumer market to extinction.