Nikon has announced the Df, a compact full-frame digital SLR with styling reminiscent of a 1970s film camera. And while the camera looks like a Nikon F2 it’s decidedly digital, with the same full-frame CMOS sensor as the D4 and the Nikon D610’s 39-point AF system. The compact DSLR is Nikon’s smallest and lightest full frame camera yet, measuring 144 x 110 x 67mm (W x H x D) and weighing 760g.
The retro styling is matched by old-school controls with separate thumbwheels on the top deck for ISO, exposure compensation, shutter speed and exposure mode (PASM). Also on top is a simple mono LCD which displays key shooting information and battery status.
The camera appears more modern from behind with a large 3.2in (81mm), 921,000-dot LCD the first sign that this is indeed a digital camera. A conventional four-way keypad with a central “OK’ button controls the active AF point and is used to navigate and select menu options. A three-way switch above lets you choose the metering mode – centre-weighted matrix or spot. There’s a live view button on the bottom right of the LCD but, strangely, no option to record video. You won’t find built-in Wi-Fi either, though the camera is compatible with the optional WU-1a adaptor, allowing images to be transmitted from the Df to a compatible smartphone or tablet.
The Df is compatible with all current Nikon F-mount lenses (AF, AF-S, DX and AF-D) and, uniquely for a modern Nikon DSLR, is also compatible with 50 year old pre-Ai lenses.
Nikon says the camera body is constructed of magnesium-alloy and weather sealed to the same degree as the D800 and D800E. It comes in two colour choices: two-tone silver and plain black.
The Nikon Df was expected to be released in Australia near the end of November. Pricing is expected to be $3199 (body only) or $3499 with a 50mm f/1.8 lens.
