dhelix33 Loc: Live in Raleigh, NC - Grew up in Teaneck, NJ

When I purchased the Nikon Df FX camera in March of 2015, the dealer I purchased my camera from let me know the Df I bought was only taken out of the box to capture an image on the end of February 2015, before shipping to me - and that it had never had a lens attached or any images captured with it (BRAVO!). They picked up the Nikon Df body to test some lenses back in November 2015 - but ended up using a different body instead. I waited for 10 days to get my hands on the camera, it was delivered the day after I flew out of town on an engineering project - when I returned home it was kinda be like Christmas again :-)

Prior to acquiring the Df, my love for full frame ambient and low-light handheld captures made my Nikon D700 the workhorse.

Although a superb camera, the Nikon D800 was not a direct upgrade for my D700 - related to functionality scale-up. Understanding that although the Df was not a direct upgrade of the D700, it is in terms of functional capability scale-up. The D700 and Df both were built with the same sensor as the current flagship Nikons (Nikon D3 for the D700, and Nikon D4 for the Df). While being less expensive and lighter than these flagship cameras, in the case of the Df, as mentioned, has the same sensor as the Nikon D4 (the D4 was released on the market at around $5,000). There are a number of key differences between the D700 and Df. The first (and I think) the most important, is the difference in sensor quality and resolution.

The Nikon D700 has a 12 MP sensor, while the Nikon Df has a 16 MP sensor. There is a difference in pixel-level quality and high-ISO performance with the 12 or 16 MP sensors - perfectly suited for my love of full frame ambient and low light handheld captures. Image processing capability also gets a boost with the EXPEED 3 processor installed in the Df as opposed to the EXPEED 2 processor installed in the D700. The EXPEED 3 is a sophisticated system that is designed to analyze and process images at faster speeds and precision.

The weight of the Df camera is so refreshing. Although the Df has a smaller battery than the D700, it can shoot more images - up to 1400 compared to 1000 on the D700 on one full charge. The body build of the Nikon Df has top and bottom magnesium alloy plates, while the D700 has a full magnesium alloy body. If built with an entire magnesium body, it would have added to the weight of the Df camera - Speaking of weight, the Nikon Df is about 300 grams lighter than the D700 (over 1/2 a pound). An added plus is that current and retro F mount Nikkor glass fits the Df.

Video capability is not part of the Df design. The Df is designed for photographers who want to concentrate solely on the art of photography. This is what led me to be a still photographer - the art of the craft. Personally, I want to thank Nikon engineers for this non-video design with the Df - as much a philosophical point as anything else. This is a camera for serious still photography - or 'pure photography' - not videos clips.

One of the first shooting paces I took the Nikon Df through was seeing its capability for ambient and low-light photography. I was able to capture quality images with the 12 MP sensor D700 handheld at 1/15 sec - intrigued to see if that capability will carry over to the Df with a 16 MP sensor. I can only imagine what it would be like attempting similar low-light captures with a Nikon D800 and its 36 MP sensor.

For me, I now have a Nikon DSLR built like an old school camera (call it vanity :-), with engraved and knurled solid metal dials, alloy top and bottom plates and capable of taking a real cable release. The design is masterful (in my humble opinion): solid metal dials as well as two electronic command dials like other Nikon DSLRs. This device has been a joy to work with since I purchased it!.

Just 4 2day -
The Davenport Projex

NOTE: I have posted samples of low light images captured with my Df.

The first image posted on the street in my neighborhood at night was actually the very first image captured with my Nikon Df after setup (handheld with the ISO pushed up):
Lens: Nikkor 50mm ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/30
Focal Length: 50mm
Aperture: ƒ/2.8
ISO Speed: 12800

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rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Greg, I'm glad you happy with your Df. Like yourself, I've been using a D700. I found its low light capabilities to be quite good. So, recently, when it came time to seriously think about adding another camera to my team, I looked to the D800e. This camera, contrary to your statement, is a direct upgrade to my D700. But, then, I was looking for a camera which worked similarly to the D700, but provided a substantially higher resolution. That the D800e did incredibly well. To each his own, I guess.
--Bob

Rongnongno Loc: FL

I always found the df too expensive for what it is...

A D800e (which I own) is much better suited for many other reasons.

The df was panned, with good reasons when it came out for its weird settings and many had a single conclusion: This camera offers nothing new but a 'cool' factor for a hefty price.

That said, you are happy with it (as many other earlier UHH adopters of this camera) and that is all that counts in the end.

Enjoy.

dhelix33 Loc: Live in Raleigh, NC - Grew up in Teaneck, NJ

Bob -

Although the first camera I grab out of my bag is the DF - I also still depend on my D700. In reference to your statement that the D800e being a direct update the D700 - let me reiterate. The D800e is a numeric upgrade to the D700. However, the D800e with a 36.8 MP is not a direct upgrade from the D700 in terms of functionality scale-up. As I mentioned, the Df was designed with the same sensor as the D4 - it is the smaller 16.2 MP sensor that meets my need for low light captures, as well as the prints I provide to clients - purchasing such a large MP camera did not meet my need. I normally do not sell prints to clients larger than 11x17 or 16x20, the installed sensors in the D700 and Df provide superb print resolution at those sizes. I can understand the need for your having such a large MP sensor to print poster size images.

Greg.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Very nice pictures.
I love my Df and while I have other cameras, it is the one I use the most.
There are a number of Df users on UHH. Most of the negative comments on UHH about the Df come from people who have never owned or even used a Df. Those who do own a Df have only positive comments.

dhelix33 Loc: Live in Raleigh, NC - Grew up in Teaneck, NJ

Ever since the Nikon Df was released there have been people that have trashed it, and people like myself who embraced it. In my case I specifically waited post D800 series release - because acquiring a higher sequenced numeric Nikon model with a huge sensor is not what I wanted. This happens too many times with folks that purchase cameras - there are people that own camera A, and when camera B comes out they feel they need to defend their choice by attacking someone who decided that Camera B met their need - not camera A.

In terms of my purchasing the Df, I did not buy it because it was “better” - I did not buy it because it was “cool”. I did the research and the design specifically met my need. In fact, I shared this information with photographers for photographers to see my experience in low light with the device - not beat up on the cameras someone else chose. In addition - WHO CARES what cameras someone buys? Ultimately it is the result of the image that a photographer wants to deliver that matters. Always has been and always will be.

Quixdraw Loc: x

No one runs down the DF except those that don't have one. I am delighted with it and reach for it before my D 750. I have been using it since mid summer '14 and it has always exceeded performance expectations. It was worth every hard earned penny.

dhelix33 Loc: Live in Raleigh, NC - Grew up in Teaneck, NJ

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

After reading your initial post, and the subsequent replies to posts made to your post, it seems that your original could have been more to the point of

I just got my Df and love it. Here's some photos that reflect the kind of photography I like to do.

In you explanation you stated that the D800 has an improved chip for processing Xpeed 3, the D700 Xpeed 2. The D800 has a 36 MP sensor. The D700 14MP sensor. It would seem that the D800 is definitely a step up from the D700. Your reference to a huge sensor is interesting as the 700, 800, and Df all have the same size sensor, FX.

Seems like a lot of extraneous verbiage, that could possibly lead some to the assumption that you are trying to convince yourself, and us, that the camera you bought was every bit the camera you wanted and performs exactly as you expected.

If you like it, great. Let's share some photos from it and admire what you can do with it, which you have. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your photography.
--Bob

dhelix33 Loc: Live in Raleigh, NC - Grew up in Teaneck, NJ

dhelix33 Loc: Live in Raleigh, NC - Grew up in Teaneck, NJ

After reading your initial post, and the subsequent replies to posts made to your post, it seems that your original could have been more to the point of

I just got my Df and love it. Here's some photos that reflect the kind of photography I like to do.

*G: So you are a writing critic too?


In you explanation you stated that the D800 has an improved chip for processing Xpeed 3, the D700 Xpeed 2.

*G: I stated, "Image processing capability also gets a boost with the EXPEED 3 processor installed in the Df as opposed to the EXPEED 2 processor installed in the D700."


The D800 has a 36 MP sensor. The D700 14MP sensor. It would seem that the D800 is definitely a step up from the D700. Your reference to a huge sensor is interesting as the 700, 800, and Df all have the same size sensor, FX.

*G: Size referenced is related to sensor MP capacity as opposed to physical frame size, which I am sure you know.


Seems like a lot of extraneous verbiage, that could possibly lead some to the assumption that you are trying to convince yourself, and us, that the camera you bought was every bit the camera you wanted and performs exactly as you expected.

*G: Convince myself? It is a waste of time responding to condescending comments. This conversation is over.


If you like it, great. Let's share some photos from it and admire what you can do with it, which you have. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your photography.
--Bob

dhelix33 Loc: Live in Raleigh, NC - Grew up in Teaneck, NJ

PLEASE NOTE -

I incorrectly stated the dealer acquired the Df I bought in November 2015. Actually, it was November 2014 - I purchased the camera in March 2015.

G

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Deja vu...

dhelix33 Loc: Live in Raleigh, NC - Grew up in Teaneck, NJ

I do appreciate the people who made comments that added value to this post.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

I use a 700, 800E, and a Df. Each has a purpose; but if I could only keep one, it would be the Df.
That is simply my personal preference.