BebuLamar

The Df is the most like the FE. It's significantly larger although only 1/4 lbs heavier. It has similar controls as on the FE. The major difference in controls is that the Df has a mode dial to support S and P mode which the FE doesn't. The Df needs the front sub command dial to support G type lenses which the FE doesn't. The Df also has the main command dial so that you can set shutter speed in 1/3 stop as well as long shutter speed longer than 4 seconds. Both the ISO and EC on the Df are easier to use but then you don't need to change the ISO on the FE as often. The Df can use all the lenses usable on the FE including Pre AI lenses (The newer FE2 isn't compatible with Pre AI lenses.)

wapiti Loc: round rock, texas

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

I loved my FM and FE, but found no Nikon DSLR to compare. Yes everyone said the DF was the one - but it was very expensive. Then I found the Fujis! Go look at the Fuji XT-20. I think you will find your digital FE!

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I agree with several others that the Nikon Df is the modern DSLR that will give you the most similar "feel and function".

Personally I LOVE the retro styling and design of the Df.

However, the Df is extremely expensive for a 16MP DSLR. You have to REALLY want the retro design to justify spending more than $2700 for a Df.

There are newer, more capable DSLRs available nearly half the price (24MP D750 or D610, ~$1500)... Or waaaayy more capable DSLRs available for close to the same price (36MP D810 ~$2800, 46MP D850 ~$3600).

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

That is what I said. Enjoy.

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

I just sold my my FM2 to KEH for 225.00.
The camera had been in a box for years. I marveled at how well is was built.
Not even sure when I used it. I had many other Nikons. Hope somebody gets good use out of it.
I had other Nikon film cameras but they weren't interested.

photonaut Loc: Albuquerque, New Mexico USA

Having used Nikons since 1976, I also have been looking for a camera that functions and feels more like my Nikon F3s and FM2s and FE2. I still have Nikons that I use mainly for photo jobs, a D750 and D7100.

However, I have found two cameras that I really enjoy because they "feel" to me like my beloved older Nikons. One is the Df and the other is a Fujifilm XT-2. They are so much fun to use that one or both of those travel with me on every photo outing these days.

Part of the reason the XT-2 is so nice is that it is metal, the lenses have aperture stops and there are dials that let me do everything I normally need to do without going into digital menus.

Like I said, FUN!

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

That, as others have said, is the Df. But it is ridiculously pricey, and sadly, for some of us, does not record ANY video. It is a dSLR, in a market that is moving to mirrorless cameras. I'd look at Nikon's Z6 ($1000 less than a Df and far more capable) and (Z7 $100 more than a Df and far more capable) instead. Both use full frame sensors. With the Nikon F to Z adapter, you can use old Nikon F mount lenses on these new cameras with a new lens mount.

Fujifilm makes some APS-C sensor bodies that are very classic in design — buttons, dials, and physical controls are located in familiar places. They make excellent lenses for them as well. The XT-20, XT-2, and especially the XT-3 are worth a long look.

The Panasonic Lumix GH5 and *especially* the G9 are worth a long look, too. As an old Nikon F3 user, I love my Lumix GH4 cameras. Ergonomically, they're the best I've ever owned, OR used, and the size is similar to the Nikon FE.

The Nikon FE had dimensions of 3.52 in. H, 5.6 in. W, 2.26 in. D and weighed 21 oz. The Lumix G9 is 3.82 in. H x 5.39 in. W x 3.62 in. D and weighs 23.2 oz. (It has a nice, beefy grip, and while you don't need an auto winder, a battery grip is available.) The G9 is a Micro 4/3 sensor camera, which means native lenses are 1/3 to 1/4 the weight of their full frame equivalents. So... heavier body, but you pack a much lighter overall kit with a lot more recording capability than film gear! Over 100 lenses are available for Panasonic and Olympus Micro 4/3 cameras. About a third of them are very fine professional grade glass (Panasonic Leica, Panasonic GX, or Olympus Pro).

If you want full frame Panasonic, the Lumix S1 and S1R are worth a look.

Also look at the Sony A7R III and A9. They're extremely capable, but the menus may bother you a bit. Sony makes most of the digital camera sensors in the industry, and has edged into the #2 market share position ahead of Nikon and behind Canon, so they're doing many things right.

Canon has its M series mirrorless, an APS-C sensor line that is just so-so, IMHO. Their R and RP full frame mirrorless are a very decent first effort. Like the Nikon Mirrorless, Canon has adapters to mount their old lenses on both the M and R/RP series cameras.

So... There are MANY excellent cameras on the market now. Check out reviews at sites like https://www.dpreview.com, to get an idea of what experts think about each. THERE IS NO PERFECT CAMERA. There is only the best one FOR YOU, given your current circumstances.

Consider, in no particular order:

> Image quality
> Sensor size
> Lens selection availability and weight
> Body size and weight
> Body ergonomics and control usability/placement
> Menu organization and simplicity
> Storage Media used (CF Card? SD/SDHC/SDXC? XQD? Other?)
> Dual or single memory card slot?
> Video features (if you want one camera that does it all)
> Audio for video features (If you want to record great sound in the camera)
> Tripod socket location
> Connectivity (USB2? USB3? USB-C?) (HDMI out? A/V out? Headphone? External Microphone?
> Battery life

Some here will fixate on one or more of these qualities, but that's silly. A usable camera has many attributes that enhance your experience. Rent to try, BEFORE you buy, and find one that "feels" right for you.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

that's why I now own two Df's

hookedupin2005 Loc: Northwestern New Mexico

The P1000 is not a DSLR... The OP asked for a comparison to a DSLR.

BebuLamar

But there are people who think a mirrorless is closer to the FE than a DSLR like the Df.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Given the trends, I’d much rather have a camera with a lens line that has a big future. The Df is ancient, as digital tech goes. The F mount is, too. I loved my FTn, FM, and F3s, but that’s PAST tense.

For me, the mirror isn’t nearly as important as ergonomics and usability and versatility.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

There are people who believe that man has never landed on the moon, too. Doesn't mean they have a clue. Like Davey, I love my Df not for the pixel count (although images have been fantastic ) or because its Expeed is getting a tad long in the tooth. I love it because it looks and feels like my FE-series cameras did, works very much like they did, and gives me a film-camera feel with digital images. That's what the OP said he/she wanted.

Diamond41 Loc: St. Louis, MO

thanks to all that responded. I will check the Df out along with others. Thank you again.