Dream camera. Review of the most unusual DSLR of the year Nikon Df

Nikon Df is a very unusual camera. It's not about appearance, because retro-style cameras are now very common. True, Nikon still did not have such a camera, although some emphasis on this topic already found in the company's compacts.

But Nikon Df can be called the first neoclassical full-frame camera. In addition, the camera does not have the ability to shoot video, although LiveView mode is still provided. As we have already said, the Df is equipped with a surprisingly small battery, the range of exposure compensation adjustments is very modest, and the minimum shutter speed is limited to 1/4000 of a second, while almost all full-frame cameras (the only exception here is the unique full-frame compact Sony DSC-RX1) allow shoot with shutter speeds up to 1/8000 of a second, which is very useful when shooting on a sunny afternoon with fast lenses at the maximum open aperture. On the other hand, the sensitivity level is limited to the same level as the top-end D4 - 204,800 units in ISO equivalent, and, in fact, the matrix is ​​the same as that of the older camera.

⇡ Technical characteristics declared by the manufacturer

Nikon Df
Image sensor	36.0x23.9mm CMOS sensor (Nikon FX format) Total number of pixels: 16.6 MP
Effective number of points, MP	16,2
Image saving format	NEF (RAW): 12-bit or 14-bit (lossless compressed, compressed or uncompressed), JPEG
Lens mount	Nikon F mount (with AF interface and AF contacts)
Frame size in pixels	4928x3280(L), 3696x2456(M), 2464x1640(S)
Sensitivity, units in ISO equivalent	From 50 to 204,800
Shutter speed range, s	1/4000 to 4, bulb, long exposure
Exposure metering	Matrix, center-weighted, spot
Exposure compensation	-3 to +3 EV in 1/3 EV steps
Built-in flash	No
Self-timer, s	2, 5, 10, 20
Storage device	SD (Secure Digital) and UHS-I compatible with SDHC and SDXC memory cards
LCD display	8.0 cm (3.2 inches), 921k dots resolution
Interfaces	HDMI, USB 2.0, remote control connector remote control
Nutrition	Li-ion battery EN-EL14a, 8.9 Wh
Dimensions (WxHxD), mm	143.5x110x66.5
Weight, g	765 with battery and memory card, but without protective cover; 710 camera body only

⇡ Delivery set

There is only one delivery option - a silver camera with black rubberized pads, complemented by an AF-S NIKKOR 50mm ƒ/1.8 lens. The kit also includes a battery, Charger, USB cable, shoulder strap, hot shoe, eyepiece and bayonet covers, and a disk with additional software and a user manual.

⇡ Appearance and ease of use

The design motifs for the exterior of the camera are entirely borrowed from old Nikon film cameras. Nikon Df is so similar to a rare example with flea markets and auctions of photographic equipment, that inexperienced photography enthusiasts may well mistake the owner for a retrograde. Sophisticated photographers often ask to show the camera in more detail. In general, opinions and assessments are different, but the camera definitely attracts attention.

Like all full-frame cameras produced by Nikon, the Df model is assembled at the company's Japanese plant. Of course, we can’t say that this somehow affects the build quality, but it’s still nice. By the way, the build quality is really very high - there’s nothing to complain about. The only disappointment is the rubber pads - I really wanted the camera to be covered with leather. Although rubber has its advantages, because thanks to it the camera slips less in your hands. The camera really doesn't fit very comfortably in the hand, but not because of the material of the pads, but because of the catastrophically small handle. And if with a complete “fifty kopeck” a small handle is not a problem, then with a large “telephoto” it is very difficult to work with the camera, especially if you take into account the control features, which we will touch on a little lower.

On the front there is a bayonet mount, a pair of keys (Fn and Pv), a sync port hidden by a screw-in plug, a red LED indicator for the automatic shutter timer, and a front control dial. Unlike other advanced DSLRs equipped with two disks, the Nikon Df has a front disk located not horizontally, but vertically. Nikon used something similar not long ago in the advanced compact P7100, but a year later in the P7700 model a similar disk was replaced by a more familiar and convenient one. So, the front control dial is hard, and it is also very difficult to place your finger on it comfortably. With a light lens, of course, everything goes well, but with a heavy one, rotating the disk turns into hard labor. Separately, it is worth noting the absence of an IR receiver, so for wireless control you will have to use additional options. For example, a WR-R10 remote control controller and a WR-T10 remote control, or a Wi-Fi adapter and a smartphone.

On the rear, most of the surface is occupied by the screen. Above it are the viewfinder, as well as keys for switching to view and delete modes. To the left of the display are five multifunction buttons, and to the right are the autoexposure and autofocus lock keys and the rear control dial. Just below there is a three-position lever for selecting the metering mode, an 8-position round multifunction key with a lever for locking the selection of the focus point, as well as keys for switching to LiveView mode and displaying information on the screen.

Right side surface is empty, and on the left there are three rubber doors that hide the connectors for connecting a wired remote control, as well as HDMI and USB cables. In addition, there is a bracketing key and a button responsible for selecting a zone and changing the autofocus operating mode, supplemented by a focus mode selection lever (manual/automatic).

When viewed from above, the Nikon Df is very reminiscent of classic film cameras, both in terms of visual design and in terms of control principles. To the left of the “hot shoe” there is a “double-deck” dial for selecting the sensitivity level in steps of a third of a stop and introducing exposure compensation in the same step, but in a fairly fast range of -3...+3 EV. Both dials are equipped with a micro-lock button, but the dial for introducing exposure compensation in the Df, unlike the advanced compacts of the P7000 series, is not equipped with an indicator to remind you of the introduced correction. To the right of the “hot shoe” there is a dial for changing the shutter speed, supplemented by a lever for selecting the drive mode, a power button with a cable connector, a tiny segment screen, next to which the backlight activation key is nestled, and a dial for selecting the exposure pair setting mode, which must be lifted to shift. Well, how can you not remember the old film camera? After all, even the principles of management send us back to the past. It is worth noting that the design responsible for turning on the power does not have a lever as such - it is just a ring, so if your finger is wet, it can simply slip. In general, not very convenient.

At the bottom there is a tripod mount connector and a compartment cover for the battery and... memory card. Of course, when installed on a tripod, it will not always be possible to get a memory card. Such a solution is incredibly rare for a DSLR; it is found only in the most affordable Canon cameras (models 1100D/100D). Moreover, the Nikon Df has only one memory card slot, and it is not XQD, as in the case of the top full-frame Nikon, but a regular SD, fortunately with support for UHS-I cards.

Until now I have never written a review of a camera from a competing manufacturer, but the new Nikon announcement simply does not allow you to pass it by. The new Nikon Df fulfills the desires of many photographers for digital SLR cameras. Hand on heart, if it weren’t for the Canon optics fleet, I would gladly switch to this particular camera. Judge for yourself: full frame, durable and lightweight magnesium body, weatherproof, shutter life of 150,000 operations, modern electronic components and of course retro design from film cameras with big amount additional controls. And another important advantage is the lack of video functions; of course, this may seem controversial to some, but for me video is an absolutely unnecessary function in the camera.

Appearance of Nikon Df

Of course, the first thing that attracts attention about this camera is the body. Unlike most modern SLR cameras, which are similar to each other, this has a very unusual design that is inherent in film cameras of the last century. Chopped shapes, an abundance of wheels, a small information screen on top, plus the ability to choose the camera in all-black or two-tone silver-black. By the way, the kit will include an AF-S 50mm f/1.8G NIKKOR lens in a special retro version, but more on that later.

The overall design of the camera entailed global changes in governing bodies. They are made as analog as possible, i.e. All main exposure parameters can be set mechanically using special wheels, and not through the menu, as is usually done now. All settings for shooting modes and parameters are moved to the top.

On the left is a dual control dial for ISO and exposure compensation. The wheels are fixed separately with different buttons and the likelihood of accidentally changing the setting is zero. However, this approach also has a disadvantage; when shooting through the viewfinder, changing the ISO without looking at the camera itself will not be so easy. Through the menu you can select the auto ISO mode, in which the sensitivity value set on the disk will be considered the minimum possible.

The hot shoe is located in the middle; traditionally, a plug is included in the kit. There is no built-in flash in the camera, which can also be considered a plus, because... There is no benefit from it when shooting.

On the right side there is a camera power ring, combined with the shutter button. The shooting mode dial has only four settings: manual, aperture priority, shutter priority and program. As you can see, there are no script modes, much less an auto mode. Below them is a small screen displaying shooting parameters, battery charge and the number of frames remaining on the flash drive. There is also a button to turn on the backlight. The most interesting thing is the shutter speed dial, again with a lock. You can either set the required value on it, or select the 1/3 step setting and set it in a more familiar way, using the wheel. The shutter speed dial is combined with a shutter mode switch - normal, high-speed shooting, delayed shutter, quiet mode and mirror pre-raise.

At the back, everything is more traditional, the main space is occupied by a large display with a diagonal of 8 cm and a resolution of 921 thousand dots. The screen is covered with reinforced glass, so there is no need to worry about scratches. Unlike video shooting, LiveView mode is present. The buttons are familiar, there is a four-position focus point selection controller. Something unusual is the exposure metering mode switch with three modes: spot, matrix and center-weighted. The viewfinder is made on the basis of a pentaprism with 100% frame coverage. Some disadvantage is the inability to change the focusing screen, which would be convenient when shooting with lenses without autofocus.

On the left side of the camera there are already standard USB, HDMI and a connector for connecting additional equipment. At the bottom there is a tripod socket and a combined battery and SD memory card compartment.

As mentioned above, the case is made of magnesium alloy and is protected from adverse weather conditions at the Nikon D800 level.

Specifications

Despite the fact that Nikon Df is the most compact and lightweight SLR camera 35mm format, its technical side is excellent. The camera uses a 16 megapixel full-frame sensor from Nikon D4 in conjunction with the Expeed 3 processor. On the one hand, this ensures high detail and quality of images at high ISOs, on the other hand, it allows you to maintain an acceptable RAW file size. A purely marketing ploy - the ability to raise the ISO value to 204800, naturally the image quality will be extremely low, but the highest sensitivity threshold among camera manufacturers has been reached!

The high-quality shutter mechanism allows you to take pictures at 5.5 frames per second. The declared service life is 150,000 cycles. The minimum shutter speed has been slightly reduced relative to older models, its value is 1/4000 sec. The Nikon Df is equipped with the already familiar 39-point Multi-CAM 4800 autofocus module (9 cross-type points). A 2016-pixel RGB sensor is responsible for exposure metering. Possibility of connecting additional GPS and Wi-Fi module. Full list characteristics you can find in.

As you can see, the technical characteristics are at the level modern models, however, one feature that makes the Nikon Df stand out is its compatibility with non-AI NIKKOR lenses. The folding lever on the mount allows you to use even very old NIKKOR lenses without AI. Additional setup in the camera menu, allows you to manually set the parameters of the lens used and perform exposure metering. By the way, the so-called “screwdriver” is also present, so the camera works without problems with lenses without a built-in focusing motor.

At the end, a few words about the price of the new product. In the US, the recommended price for the camera is $2,750. A set of Nikon DF and a special version will also go on sale AF-S lens 50mm f/1.8G NIKKOR. The lens is optically completely similar to the regular Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G NIKKOR, the only difference is external design. This set will cost $3000, and the lens separately will cost $279.

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Finally we get to medium format cameras. Getting here is not easy because... Either you end up in the territory of eccentric film producers or you go into sky-high prices.

IN in this case The second option was chosen, but we will consider the first one a little later. Let me say right away that the camera is not mine, but I would really like to have one.
The price of such a camera is not exactly bitey, but it can swallow you alive.

Mamiya DF+ with Leaf Credo 40 digital back

What is a medium format camera

Cameras are divided according to the size of the photosensitive element (film or digital sensor).

small format- 24x36mm (film type 135, digital sensor 24x36mm and sensor options with crop factor from 35mm),
medium format- 6 x 4.5cm, 6 x 6cm, 6 x 7cm, 6 x 9cm, etc. (film type 120 and 220, corresponding sensor sizes and their crop options),
large format- 9 x 12cm, 4 x 5 inches, 13x18 cm, 8x10 inches, etc. (sheet film, scanning digital backs).

What do you get when you change your camera from 35mm to medium format?

The most important thing you get is high image detail And high color accuracy. First - thanks larger size sensor, large pixel and high-quality optics.

Quality of modern lenses Schneider Kreuznach simply amazing! And was it worth doubting... The company is no less ancient and eminent (famous for the quality of its products) than Carl Zeiss.

And the second is thanks to the 16bit ADC (on 35mm DSLRs it’s still 14bit) and the type of CCD sensor (on 35mm cameras it’s been CMOS for a long time).

What do you lose when you change your camera from 35mm to medium format?

1. The first and most noticeable thing is money. Medium format cameras are significantly more expensive than 35mm cameras. Medium format cameras are larger, all the elements of these cameras are also larger and, accordingly, more expensive.

There are, of course, old-style medium format film cameras. For example, or They also have their own relish, but modern medium format cameras, firstly, are equipped with very modern lenses High Quality, and the old ones - by what was relevant during the years of production of old cameras. This way we lose some of the benefits of the format. Secondly, old cameras are not efficient if you shoot on film and, in addition to the photographer, also depend on the film, developing and printing. The quality of the image with modern medium format cameras shooting on a digital back depends only on the photographer. Essentially, you avoid all those intermediate processes of developing and printing, which in the case of shooting on film you have to trust to other people.

2. Efficiency of shooting. The shooting speed on a modern medium format camera is approximately 1 frame per second. For reportage high-speed shooting, 1 fps is not enough. On the other hand, with the proper skill, earlier.

3. The ability to constantly hold the camera in your hands. Most digital medium format cameras are heavy. Their weight is approximately 2.8 kg. fully assembled. Get a tripod.
Only cameras with a shaft viewfinder, which are free of a pentaprism, can be called lightweight. For example, Sinar/Rollei Hy6. Even with a digital back, it can weigh less than a 35mm DSLR with a battery grip. But such cameras as a complete set can be very expensive, more than a million rubles (from 35,000 USD).

Myths and legends about medium format cameras

1. For that kind of money, a camera should shoot itself and every frame should be a masterpiece.

For that kind of money you will get exactly what is described in the advantages of medium format above. The camera itself doesn’t shoot anything, much less choose the subject. The beauty of the frame depends on the photographer, not from the camera. Only the technical side of shooting depends on the camera. For example, can you then print your masterpiece the size of a photo wallpaper, if necessary.

2. A camera for that kind of money should be universal.

This is wrong. Like any highly specialized equipment, a medium format camera is designed for professional-level shooting quality and convenience. For example, these cameras are not designed for high-speed shooting and video shooting. Both suggest low quality for which the camera was not designed. For such filming, you need a reportage rapid-fire camera or video camera.

update: On this moment There is a medium format camera Pentax 645Z with the ability to shoot video, but the quality of video recording in this camera is very low and cannot be seriously considered. Pentax 645Z video capabilities test by Arkady Shapoval

Medium format cameras are not intended for hunting photography. Those. For medium format they do not produce huge super telephoto lenses, such as for 35mm cameras. Otherwise the weight would not be liftable at all. Even a 35mm camera with a 500-600mm lens is no longer intended for carrying (the weight of only a 600mm lens is 4kg), but only for transportation.
What can we say about 300-600mm medium format lenses? The weight of a 600mm lens can be about 6kg.

So get ready for thoughtful, high-quality shots.

3. A camera for that kind of money should be light.

A modern medium format camera includes two independent elements: a camera and a digital back. I have already written why medium format cameras are generally not light. Glass in a pentaprism. If you buy an even more expensive one with a mine viewfinder, you can have a lightweight camera. But besides the camera there is also a digital back. This is essentially an entire microcomputer the size of a Rubik's cube. It has a built-in large sensor, a high-performance processor, a bunch of electronics and a fan (maybe passive cooling) so that it all doesn’t overheat. It is relatively heavy.

If you want a lightweight camera with low image quality and its own disadvantages, then there are now many mirrorless cameras and digital point-and-shoot cameras on sale for every taste. And your smartphone is always at hand. All cameras with decent image quality are neither light nor small. For now.
Now medium format cameras with CMOS sensors from Sony(Pentax 645Z, Mamiya Leaf Credo 50, Hasseblad H5Dc and Phase One IQ250). What this means for users is still unclear. The track of CMOS sensors is “curve”, as can be seen on 35mm cameras.

It’s also worth paying attention to the fact that many fashion photographers shoot with digital medium format cameras and don’t complain. There are many women among them.

You notice the weight of the camera mainly at the moment of transition from a light camera to a heavier one, and then you get used to it.

4. Such an expensive camera should have a very complex menu with a bunch of functions.

But here it’s just the opposite. The controls are very simple. The digital back screen itself is touch-sensitive. There are only four icons on it (camera settings, ISO, white balance and backdrop settings). There are very few subsections within these icons and all are intuitive.
Zooming in and out of photos when viewing occurs in the same way as on a smartphone. But here you slide your finger up or down along the screen. If you move your finger across the screen, the image shifts to the side where you drag it. Press twice quickly to increase to 100%.
You can view the histogram and overexposure.

Sample pictures

I took a lot of test shots from this place and I know what the details from this place can look like on different lenses. Including top-end Zeiss. The Mamiya DF+ camera with a Leaf Credo 40 digital back had a standard (read “whale”) lens Mamiya (Schneider Kreuznach) AF 80/2.8 LS D. The detail is amazing. But this is only 40 megapixels!

The frame is reduced to 4000 pixels in width. originals below

Original pictures

Nikon D800 fell and is "resting"

How to work with Leaf Credo digital backdrop

Translation from English: Evtifeev D.S.
Pictures: from the official Credo Quick Guide and complete guide Mamiya 645DF+ & Credo.

At the moment, the Credo family of digital backs includes models: 40, 60, 80 (40, 60.5 and 80 megapixels, respectively).
The dynamic range of these digital backs is 12.5 stops.
All backs support USB 3.0 and FireWire connections.

All three digital backs are equipped with a 3.2" LCD touch screen with a resolution of 1.15 megapixels and four touch buttons along the edges of the screen.
Credo digital backs use a CompactFlash memory card.

Credo digital backs use the 3S data integrity verification system. Every time you insert a memory card they check the integrity of your data. This option can be disabled.

Most memory cards are sold already formatted. But it is recommended to reformat the memory card in the digital back. For example, my 32 GB Transcend memory card did not work without reformatting.

Digital back equipment

Credo digital backdrop
- charger for two batteries for the Credo digital back
- 12 V power supply. (Attention! there are no special inscriptions on it that it is for the backdrop, and the connector is standard. Do not confuse it with another)
- two batteries 7.2 V 3400 mAh
- USB 3.0 cable (3 meters)
- FireWire 800-800 cable (4.5m)
- software Capture One 8 (bonus)
- neutral patches
- LCC calibration plate
- wipes for cleaning optics
- wipes for cleaning the digital back
- instructions for “quick start”
- (only for Credo 40 and Credo 50)
- USB Drive (?)

Leaf Credo digital back menu

Start menu after “loading” the backdrop.

Home Key - Returns you to this screen from deep within the child menus.
“Gallery” key - takes you to viewing pictures from any other menu.
Back key - takes you back one screen (to the previous one)
Dynamic Menu key - additional options, different depending on which menu you are in

As you can see, there are few settings. Let's go through them in more detail.

Digital back settings

Camera settings

User selection (A, B, C - to quickly load your settings if someone else is using the camera besides you)
- exposure mode selection (P, AV, Tv, M, X)
- selection of autofocus area (auto, center, left, right)
- selection of exposure metering type (average, center-weighted, spot)

Custom Functions

Function type (A, B, C)
- exposure step (1/3, ½, 1)
- when changing lenses (last aperture value, minimum, maximum aperture)
- sleep timer (15sec, 30sec, 60sec, disabled)

Additionally

Battery type (alkaline, NiCd, NiMh, Li-ion)
- bracketing (3 exposures, 5, 7)
- front rear wheel (change functions - changes aperture/changes shutter speed)
- does the rear wheel work in P mode (yes, no)
- direction of wheel rotation (clockwise - decrease, clockwise - increase)

AEL/AFL button (change button functions - auto exposure lock/auto focus lock)
- shutter button (functions of the AE and AF buttons when the shutter button is pressed halfway. AF - activate autofocus, AF & AE - activate autofocus and auto exposure lock, only release the shutter using the shutter button.)
- setting the function of the AEL button (locking the exposure for only one frame, locking the exposure until the AEL button is pressed again, locking the exposure while the AEL button is pressed)

AFL Settings

Functions of the AFL button (one press to lock focus, work as a shutter button, lock autofocus until the next press)
- AEL button (pressing for 2 seconds automatically sets: shutter speed, aperture, does nothing)
- autofocus illumination (on/off). Usually turns off if a flash is installed that itself has an AF illuminator.

Flash Sync

Flash synchronization can be first or second curtain. Installed through this menu.
- sound signal (when an object is in focus, by pressing any button, disabled)

Shutter in Tv/Av/P modes

This menu is only relevant for the Mamiya 645DF+ camera with a lens with a central shutter.

Shutter operation:

- central (only the central shutter works at shutter speeds from 1-1/1600 sec)

Attention: On the LCD screen of the Mamiya 645DF+ you will see an LS (center) or FS (focal) icon depending on which shutter you are using.

Shutter in M/X modes

This menu is relevant for the camera Mamiya 645DF+ when using a lens with a central shutter.

In mode X(flash sync) locks shutter speeds to the range of 1/60-1/125, regardless of what type of shutter is currently running.

For both modes, you can choose the type of shutter that will work:
- mixed (the central one operates at shutter speeds from 1 sec to 1/1600 sec. Longer and shorter shutter speeds are processed by the focal length shutter. The central shutter operates with flash at all shutter speeds.
- central (only the central shutter works at shutter speeds from 1-1/1600 sec). Synchronization at all its shutter speeds.
- focal (only the focal shutter works at shutter speeds from 1 min. to 1/4000 sec. Flash synchronization is possible from 1/60 sec. - 1/125 sec.)

Autofocus in this menu can be configured for accuracy or speed.

In this menu you can select the current set of settings (A, B, C) or return them to the factory settings.

Power management

Turn off the display after (5sec, 20sec, 1min, 5min, always on)
- charging the battery when working with the cord (slow, fast, no charging). Allows you to keep your laptop battery charged when you remove it from being connected to it.
- auto shutdown (1min, 5min, 30min, 2hours)

Formatting a memory card (fat16 or fat32 depending on the card capacity)
- disk check (yes/no)
- saving to... (car, memory card, via firewire to computer)

File format. Both options are RAW. (IIQ L - full format lossless, IIQ S - smaller size, lossy).
- camera mode (normal, RZ67PROIID - only for RZ67 PRO II D camera)
- shutter delay (the sensor turns off when not in use. When shooting, it wakes up. Options: normal or zero.). Zero should only be used for technical filming (apparently, in this mode the sensor does not turn off at all).
- image orientation (0, 80, 120, 270 degrees). Causes the backdrop to mark all captured images as being taken at this rotation angle. Otherwise, it focuses on the built-in level.

Auto preview (on/off)
- display (adjust brightness, turn off display after...)

Installing new firmware

Changing ISO and White Balance

Viewing pictures

Click the "Gallery" button to switch to photo viewing mode
- Use the swipe gesture to move around the gallery

Single click on the picture selects the photo
- Double clicking on the picture enlarges the image 100%
- Increase by an arbitrary scale (from 6% to 400%) using the right bar (finger, up - increase, down - decrease)

Navigate through the photo using the bottom bar and left bar (from icon to icon).

In this mode, you can also select all pictures at once and click the “Trash” icon to delete all pictures. If you change your mind, you can also deselect all pictures using the corresponding icon (several pictures on the icon)

Grid mode. You can turn on the grid mode and select the grid mode that suits you. Available options: " Golden ratio", 3x3, 3x4, central cross, rectangle, "Fibonacci spiral". You can also select the line type that will be used to display the grid. The grid is needed to check whether your shot matches the classic composition schemes.

It aroused interest not only because of the design or controls, but also because the engineers used a matrix from the top-end D4 in the device. This 16-megapixel sensor is one of the best not only from Nikon, but also among all reportage cameras. And here it is installed in a camera that is more than half the price of the original D4. Strong move.

What is interesting about this sensor? It does not have a record (in this regard it is the leader), but it has very decent detail, and the dynamic range is also good. This sensor also boasts phenomenal performance at high ISOs, which competitors from both Nikon and other manufacturers cannot match. Up to ISO 1600 there is no need to talk about any noise. At values ​​of 3200 and 6400 you can see something, but only if you specifically look at 100% magnification. There is more noise at ISO 12,800, but photographs with this value still need not be processed - it can be considered working. At ISO 25,600 the situation is, of course, worse, but if you shoot in RAW and then do some magic in the converter, you can get a pretty decent photo even with this sensitivity.

What’s nice is that as ISO increases, photos do not experience a catastrophic drop in detail. It decreases, but the pictures do not turn into mush, which makes it possible to refine them. Let's say, if a photo with a sensitivity of 51,200, where color noise is already very annoying, is converted to b/w or sepia, then the result will be quite a decent option for posting on the Internet or even printing 10x15. Which is almost incredible given the ISO value.

However, other technical components no longer cause such delight. In addition to the unique matrix, which was created for reporting, the engineers spared the top-end 51-point focusing system, and used a module from the D7000 and . Of course, it cannot be called bad: 39 points, of which nine are cross-type, and seven remain operational even with an aperture of f/8, but it is inferior in focusing speed and accuracy. Although, given the purpose and essence of the cameras, it should be the other way around. Another problem is that all 39 points are grouped near the center of the frame, so if the subject is on the edge, you have to focus and reframe. If it cost 50-60 thousand rubles, there would be no complaints, but for its price the requirements are different.

The exposure metering module with 2016 points was even more disappointing. This is the level of cameras not even of the average, but of the lowest price category. The point here is not even in the number of points, but in real work module. In simple conditions everything is fine, but once the light becomes non-standard, the pictures often turn out either underexposed or with knocked out colors. This is not at all pleasing and forces you to shoot in RAW in order to be able to correct the situation later. The uncompressed format will also be useful when correcting automatic white balance, which also cannot boast of flawless work.

There are no particular complaints about the viewfinder or the display. The first one is very large and gives 100% coverage. The second one, when viewed, shows a bright and clear picture with large viewing angles. The display fades a little in bright sunlight, but this is not a problem. All the same, any sane user will aim using the viewfinder.

From the mechanical era, there remains a small protrusion on the mount, a rheostat, which clings to the notch on the lens and allows the camera to read the manually set aperture value (for models with digital contacts this is not relevant, but the notch still remains). However, this protrusion did not appear on the lenses themselves immediately. It is not present on models that are today called non-Ai. When installing such a lens on a modern DSLR, there is no room left for a rheostat. Installing a lens may break the rheostat itself or damage the lens. In the most extreme cases, the lens may become jammed on the bayonet mount, making it impossible to remove it without disassembling it.

Fans of manual photography modify non-Ai lenses with a file, and with a file in the literal sense, because on the lens ring you need to grind out a place for the rheostat. However, you won't have to deal with this anymore. The company's engineers came up with a new rheostat design, which, if necessary, can be recessed into the body, so you can install everything on this camera without exception. Nikon lenses. In addition, exposure metering and focus confirmation will work with any optics. So the model turns out to be one of the most convenient for working with old manual lenses. It seems to us that this did not happen by chance. Retro design really encourages the use of vintage lenses - with them the camera looks interesting.

We usually end our review of the technical capabilities of devices with a detailed story about the quality and features of video shooting. However, this time he won’t be there - for the simple reason that he doesn’t know how to shoot video. At all. Frankly, it was difficult to imagine that in 2013 someone would decide to release a device (and at such a price) without video capabilities at all, but Nikon engineers surprised us here too. It is difficult to say whether this will somehow affect the sales of the camera or, on the contrary, will create the image of a real camera in which there is no place for “pampering”.

Working with the camera

It is not surprising that she has almost no electronic assistants. The engineers left a modest set of effects, but they only work in editing mode. That is, you can’t take pictures with effects right away; they can be applied later during post-processing. By the way, the camera’s processing capabilities are really great. Various operations can be done without a computer on the display of the device itself. This will help save time, because this initial processing can be done, for example, on the way from the shoot.

There are not many electronic functions. There is automatic HDR stitching, but only from two frames. We didn't like the result; the D3300 and the EXPEED 4 processor went far in this regard. The camera also has automatic vignetting correction, as well as the proprietary D-Lighting shadow function. As always, they only work in JPEG.

Among the functions that will delight advanced photographers, we note Nikon’s proprietary AutoISO system, which we are talking about and which has not undergone significant changes, multiple exposure with the possibility of wide settings, interval shooting, which will come in very handy for fans of time-lapse, as well as autofocus adjustment of lenses. Although it can work well with manual optics, the engineers also did not forget about autofocus.

Many people are disappointed by the main menu. Given the vintage appearance of the camera and the unusual characteristics of its characteristics, the menu, in terms of design and arrangement of elements, is used exactly the same as in all Nikon DSLRs. This menu has already become boring to many, and I would like something new, but it also has a plus - experienced owners of Nikon cameras have already learned the location of the elements and immediately, without studying the instructions, find even non-obvious items.

conclusions

One of the most controversial cameras on the market. It is beautiful, interesting, has a phenomenal matrix and image quality, original ergonomics, but at the same time it contains a number of problems, all the more surprising at a cost of just over 90 thousand rubles. The most important thing is not clear - the target audience of this device. It is clear that the potential buyer must be wealthy and experienced in photography, but there is no clear opinion about what he can shoot.

Someone positions it as a professional reporting device, fortunately the matrix and buffer size allow it, but why then does it have 39, and not 51 focus points, why the minimum shutter speed of 1/4000 and only one memory card? - a camera for amateurs? But why then such advanced but complex ergonomics, which only an experienced photographer can navigate. Or maybe it's special model for lovers of film cameras and old manual lenses? But why is it so expensive then, because manual technicians for the most part use old lenses to get great picture"for inexpensive."

At the same time, one cannot fail to note the presence of the so-called wow factor. With all the awareness high price Despite all the shortcomings, I still want to buy this device. It warms the soul with the mere fact of ownership and makes you want to take photographs without thinking about money. Remember, as the advertisement said: “...emotions are priceless.” The device is unlikely to expect great success with this approach, but it will have its own audience, there is no doubt about it.

Downgrade is observed both in the metering system and in the range of available shutter speeds. Nikon Df has a 2016-point RGB exposure sensor, and the minimum shutter speed is only 1/4000 sec. In film cameras, shutter speeds, of course, were longer, but still the modern professional standard is 1/8000 s.

Nikon Df offers only basic shooting modes located on an external selector. No story presets, instant creative filters, or the like. Nevertheless, there is an opportunity to add color to the pictures, although this can only be done after the fact when processing the pictures inside the camera in playback mode. There are also special shooting modes such as HDR stitching, multiple exposure from two to ten frames, interval shooting and an expansion function dynamic range(Active D-Lighting).

When you first meet technical characteristics camera, even before its official announcement, the lack of a video recording mode caught my eye. For some of the audience, this drawback will be critical, but Nikon is quite consciously positioning the camera as a tool exclusively for photography. If you are both a photographer and a cameraman, then this camera is definitely not for you. And you can shoot a household-grade video on a smartphone, which is always at hand, unlike an expensive DSLR. Remember: Leica cameras also cannot shoot video, and a more or less decent video mode in Fujifilm mirrorless cameras appeared quite recently.

You shouldn't have expected built-in Wi-Fi to appear in the Nikon Df either. But, again, the opportunity wireless communication There is. To do this, just purchase the WU-1a adapter and use the free mobile application for your smartphone or tablet. The adapter fits into a dedicated port on the left side of the camera and is not waterproof. Instead of a Wi-Fi module, you can install a GPS receiver, which will provide photos with location data at the time of shooting.

Nikon Df offers the possibility of full use of old optics with a mechanical aperture drive. On the mount you can see a small pin, just necessary for mechanical connection with the aperture ring. That's how advanced Nikon DSLRs determine the aperture number and use it to calculate exposure. This design element is present in all advanced DSLRs at a level not lower than the Nikon D7100. The Nikon Df comes in two versions - without a lens and paired with the AF-S Nikkor 50mm F1.8G. “Fifty Dollars” was released along with the camera and differs from its analogue in the line only in appearance for better visual compatibility with the camera. From an optical point of view there are no differences.

Test photos, battery life

First, let's look at test shooting across the entire ISO range. Let us remind you that sensitivity can be adjusted in steps of 1/3 EV, including on the dial selector, but for comparison we traditionally present photographs taken in steps of 1 step.