Df: the concept behind the "f"
Using its large, metallic mechanical dials, photographers will rediscover a more direct connection with their camera. This is Nikon's smallest, lightest FX-format body, yet it delivers the same exceptional image quality as the D4 - from low to extremely high ISO. The Df represents a fusion between tactile precision mechanics and the exquisite image quality of the flagship camera D4, stimulating artistic sensibilities and inspiring photographers to new levels of creativity beyond previous limitations of time, place and volume of available light. This is Nikon's proposal to passionate photographers: rediscover the fulfillment of measured, deliberate photography, and create your pictures one frame at a time.
Direct, purposeful camera operation to inspire photographers
The Df is a new proposal from Nikon, offering a creative approach to photography. One of photography's fundamental tenets is to search the environment for meaning and then find the right combination of shutter speed and f-stop to appropriately convey it. From the first modern camera nearly a century ago until the recent past, mechanical dials were the favored interface for discovering such combinations, and manipulating them was a skill that became second nature to countless photographers. When Nikon began designing the Df, mechanical operation was the natural choice since it provides the photographer with the tactile pleasure of shooting with precision mechanics. Constant visibility and access to key camera settings reinforces the direct connection between photographers and their cameras, inspiring them to be more deliberate with each frame. In addition, the Df delivers the same image quality as the D4, Nikon‘s flagship D-SLR, but from a significantly lighter and more compact body. Photographers can expect versatile image quality from ISO 100 to ISO 12800 - all without a large, cumbersome camera body. This significantly expands creative opportunities, while opening up completely new ones. This camera fuses the D4 image quality with tactile precision mechanics for pure photography. With your fingers on the controls, you can think about photography differently, and explore your creative intentions more profoundly. With the Df, you are the photographer, not the camera.
FX format with 16.2-megapixel resolution: for photographers who roam
The Df is designed to travel. Photographers will take this compact, lightweight camera to more locations, and will enjoy discovering more photographic opportunities. The Df delivers the exceptional image quality that discerning photographers demand across an impressively wide ISO range. The idea to match an FX-format image sensor with 16.2 effective megapixels is the result of careful calculation: resolution, high ISO noise, dynamic range, tonal gradation, and color reproduction were all considered for the sake of offering the most well-balanced performance possible. Using the same image sensor as the D4, the Df benefits from a large pixel pitch of 7.3µm, and is designed to collect the maximum amount of light in any situation. Combined with the sensor's low noise emitting circuitry, image-degrading noise is kept to a minimum even before image processing. As a result, photographers can benefit from exceptionally high image quality while taking advantage of the clean, rich tones, and wide dynamic range under a diverse array of lighting situations. An additional benefit is an easier-to-use file size. Not only does the Df deliver superb, commercially usable image quality for prints as large as A3, its 16.3 effective megapixels gives you files that are ideal for fast image processing, buffering and data management. For many passionate photographers, these are real-world benefits.
Dedicated to high-quality still photography
The Df is designed for photographers who want to concentrate solely on the art of photography. This dedication to still photography led to the removal of the movie-making components of the camera, including the operation knob and button, the microphone terminal and the speaker. The result is a smaller, lighter and more mobile camera body. Photographers can now carry the Df more naturally over longer durations, which allows them to concentrate their energy and effort on composition and creativity. Having fewer buttons and dials also simplifies operations and allows the photographer's focus to remain on capturing still images. Every camera in the Nikon lineup has its role. The role of the Df is to further the art of photography.
Tactile precision mechanics to inspire photographers
The large mechanical dials on the top deck are carved from solid metal in order to allow more direct and purposeful exposure control. Photographers have easy access to a diverse array of innovative features, helping them create one-of-a-kind images. That's what the Df is built for: helping photographers relay their ideas more intuitively via mechanical dials, and then using cutting-edge innovations to produce the results they envisioned. With the Df, each frame becomes meaningful again.
Tactile precision mechanics: one-of-a-kind images, all under your direct control
The large mechanical dials that dominate the top of the Df are where photographers will rediscover the pleasure of camera operations and the photographic process. Instead of considering the exposure over the LCD monitor, the camera's top deck makes ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, and exposure compensation value constantly visible and accessible, inspiring photographers to more physically direct the camera's settings. By transmitting one's photographic intentions through the Df's controls, the connection between photographer and camera is now more fulfilling than ever. In casual shooting situations, you can bypass the controls and let the Df's programmed auto mode do all the exposure calculations. However, with the Df in their grasp, passionate photographers will find their hands drawn to the mechanical dials and be inspired to craft their own pictures.
Intuitive simplicity: the key to distilling your creativity
Setting the Df to your intended exposure is intuitively simple. Each dial is dedicated to its single purpose: ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. Aperture can be set via the sub-command dial, or by the aperture ring of NIKKOR lenses, with the exception of G- and E-type lenses*. At a quick glance, you can check all current settings, as well as see how far you can adjust them. Settings can be altered directly from the dials whenever you feel the need. With this sense of reassurance, you can better contemplate your composition and exposure. When you want to control shutter speed more finely than in one EV steps, the shutter speed dial can be set to 1/3 STEP and controlled using the main command dial.
*Aperture control is also possible with PC-E lenses, which have aperture rings.
Precision design: the feel of elite operation
Thorough attention to every detail: the Df feels right in your hands. Its sturdy build is designed to be with you wherever you go. A quality leather-tone finish envelops its reassuring metal body contours such as its handgrip. Every mechanical dial is carved from solid metal, each indicator engraved and painted across the top. The fine notches that encircle the dial offer controlled grip, each rotation providing a pleasing and reassuring click as it responds to the photographer's intention. With each operation, the camera delivers the tactile sensation Nikon craftsmanship is known for.
Intimacy with your subject: glass pentaprism optical viewfinder with approx. 100% frame coverage
A quintessential element of SLR photography is looking through the clear optical viewfinder to feel intimacy with the subject. In order to truly optimize the large FX-format viewfinder image, the Df offers approx. 100% frame coverage, because how you position each element in the frame is crucial. The approx. 0.7x magnification* enhances the confirmation of every visual element in the frame, including the viewfinder information display. The large, bright viewfinder image and focusing screen are carefully designed to aid visual confirmation of precise focusing in both manual and autofocus modes. In addition, grid lines can optionally be placed across the viewfinder for accurate orientation.
*50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, -1.0 m-1
Cutting-edge innovation to further support intuitive camera operation
The Df's intuitive camera operation is not only limited to metallic mechanical dials for defining exposure. The operability is also intuitive at various stages that are critical to the picture-taking process. Thorough attention has been paid to the visibility of detailed camera setting information, the quality of playback images, the camera leveling information and the composition support, as well as menu access during viewfinder shooting, live view and playback. The seamless fusion of mechanical operations and digital innovation combines for a fluid, intuitive form of control.
Approx. 921k-dot, wide-viewing angle, 8-cm/3.2-in. LCD monitor with reinforced glass that reduces the surface reflection of each part to deliver clear visibility with its integrated structure of glass and panel
Whether in bright sunlight or dim interiors, it is critical for photographers to easily check images and camera information through the camera's LCD. The Df's large, high-definition LCD monitor comparable to the D4 has a wide viewing angle, delivering clear visibility with less surface reflection thanks to the integrated glass and panel structure. The extended color reproduction range ensures better image reviewing. During live view shooting, you can magnify images up to approx. 15x (by length comparison) to achieve the exact focus. The playback zoom can magnify large-size FX-format images up to approx. 30x (by length comparison) for quick and accurate focus confirmation. Scratch- and shock-resistant reinforced glass is employed for the monitor surface. The LCD's text and background colors switch as your location's ambient light changes, so that you can view camera information more clearly.
Varied information display options during live view and viewfinder shooting
In live view shooting, the Df has a new 9-cell framing grid display in addition to the 16-cell framing grid for better 3:2 aspect ratio composition, as well as 16:9 and 1:1 aspect ratios for post-shoot trimming. Virtual horizon displays the rolling and pitching directions on the LCD monitor, while the rolling direction can be seen in the viewfinder.
Exposure preview (exposure mode M only)
In exposure mode M, pressing the preview (Pv) button lets you preview how the current shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity settings affect exposure.
"i" button for quick and direct access to various functions
The convenient "i" button on the back of the camera body allows direct access to menu settings. Simply press the button to change settings and modes both during optical viewfinder shooting and live view shooting - all without digging deep into the menu. Pressing this button during playback prompts a variety of retouch menu options to appear on the monitor, allowing you to edit images using features like Trim and Perspective control right after shooting.
Compatible with non-AI NIKKOR lenses: exposure meter coupling also available by manual matching of the camera aperture setting to the lens
In addition to the great satisfaction of taking pictures with the latest state-of-the-art NIKKOR lenses, the Df offers another profound pleasure: compatibility with vintage NIKKORs. Its lens mount was designed with a collapsible exposure-meter-coupling lever to accept almost all NIKKOR lenses, including non-AI lenses. You can register up to nine non-AI lenses in advance, adding lens information such as focal length and open aperture values. When in use, simply attach the pre-registered non-AI lens, select the corresponding lens number from the menu and then choose "non-AI lens" from the exposure meter-coupling options. By matching the aperture value set with the lens aperture ring to the camera via the command dial, you can enjoy full-aperture metering with vintage NIKKORs and obtain more accurate results (compatible only with A or M exposure mode). Relish the creative potential that becomes possible when you combine vintage lenses with the latest digital technology.
A fusion of D4 image quality and lightweight mobility
Designed to travel, the Df has the smallest and lightest body among Nikon FX-format models, and in pursuit of pleasurable operability, the camera body was designed with sharp angles on its exterior to accommodate the large mechanical dials. Photographers can easily take the camera anywhere and use it comfortably for longer periods of time. On top of that, the Df incorporates the same FX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 3 image-processing engine as the D4. Expect exceptionally versatile image quality - from ISO 100 to 12800.
Authentic Nikon SLR design: the most portable of the FX-format D-SLRs
On the outside, the Df has all the attributes of tradition and authenticity. For some, the camera body's smaller size and sharper angles may evoke the era of earlier Nikon film SLRs especially when paired with the newly designed AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G (Special Edition) and its matching aesthetic. However, others will see this unique hybrid as a new creature in its own right. Hold it in your hands and relish the tactile satisfaction of a well-balanced D-SLR camera that is the smallest and lightest in the Nikon FX format. Now picture yourself concentrating more on shooting in a wider variety of places, for more hours, with less of the strain associated with large, heavy cameras. This is what the Df can do for you.
The quartet of true potential: NIKKOR, the Nikon FX-format image sensor and the EXPEED 3 image-processing engine of the D4, and Picture Control
The Df's advantages are not merely skin-deep. When it comes to image quality, it rivals the performance-proven professional D4, Nikon's flagship D-SLR. At the heart of the Df lie the powerful FX-format image sensor (more than 2x larger than that for DX format) and the EXPEED 3 image-processing engine - just like the D4. Paired with sharp and innovative NIKKOR lenses, the Df delivers images using 16.2 effective megapixels that are both stunningly versatile and easier to work with all around. By applying the Picture Control technology during image processing, the tones are smooth, the colors are rich and accurate, and each image has the depth you expect from the FX format. And, in the same way that the D4 has astounded the world's top working professionals, the Df's state-of-the-art sensor and engine also work together to minimize noise throughout the wide ISO range. The Df offers a TIFF recording option for uncompressed files as well as RAW and JPEG. With its D4 image quality and a new level of FX-format portability, the Df opens up entirely new photographic opportunities.
The power to change your photography: flagship-quality images and ISO range in a more portable size
Exceptional versatility is where the Df's imaging potential excels. Regardless of the scene's volume of light, the Df is ready and will not let you down. In situations where light is scarce and a tripod is not available, the camera's superb high ISO performance allows you to use faster shutter speeds for handheld shooting and still produce clean, sharp, richly detailed and pleasingly saturated images with little noise. Moreover, when shooting with low ISOs under abundant or even harsh lighting with strong contrasts, the Df still delivers subtle tones, crisp edges and fine details in both highlight and shadow areas without narrowing the dynamic range. The camera's portability and capable management of diverse lighting situations can liberate photographers and spark their imagination, both within the camera's standard ISO range of 100 to 12800, or when further expanded to the equivalent of ISO 50 and ISO 204800.
Photographic flexibility: Picture Control System, Active D-Lighting and HDR
Your images will now appear as you imagined them with Nikon's original Picture Control System. The Df has six built-in options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, and Landscape. Select one to match your intention or the scene's conditions and render a unique yet natural photographic look. Each option further allows you to adjust parameters such as sharpening, contrast, and brightness. It is also possible to save the parameters of adjusted files as Custom Picture Controls so that you can return to the exact photographic style you desire whenever you like. When taking pictures of high-contrast subject matter, Active D-Lighting helps preserve details in both highlights and shadows while maintaining the image's natural photographic appearance. Exclusive to digital photography, HDR (High Dynamic Range) combines two images taken at different exposures within up to 3 EV differentials with one shutter release, to produce a single image that covers a wider dynamic range.
Note: Tripod use is recommended for HDR shooting.
NIKKOR lenses: reliable image integrity and edge-to-edge sharpness
Every NIKKOR lens delivers superb optical performance, but the optical characteristics of each lens type can vary. The Df is designed to closely communicate with whatever NIKKOR lens is attached in order to maintain integrity and compensate for any possible imaging disparities. The camera's built-in lateral chromatic aberration reduction reduces image distortion and color fringes at the edges of the frame for images that are sharp from edge to edge. Instead of simply eliminating the colors of chromatic aberration, Nikon's method compensates for the differences in the resolving index for each color, giving you true image integrity. Moreover, because lateral chromatic aberrations are corrected regardless of lens type – whether telephoto, wide-angle, fisheye, non-CPU or other types of NIKKOR lenses – this feature contributes substantially to the sharper images that you demand. The Df also comes equipped with auto distortion control to compensate for barrel distortions caused by wide-angle lenses and pincushion distortions caused by telephoto lenses when G- or D-type lenses are used*1. Vignette control reduces the drop in brightness at the edges caused by some lenses*2.
*1PC, fisheye, and certain other lenses excluded.
*2DX and PC lenses excluded.
