 |
I shall start with the bad points which are relatively few and can consequently be passed through quickly. First, the worst of these is the relatively low-definition sensor - 16mpx, which is my reason for only awarding four stars (low, anyway, when compared to my other DSLR - a D800 - which is 36mpx). It means that I shall have to retain my relatively heavy and bulky D800 for the highest-definition work. Second, there is no snap-on 'safety' cover over the monitor, which leaves this vulnerable to damage. Third, the Mode Selection rotary button on the top plate (selects the metering mode - manual/aperture priority/shutter priority/programmed) is quite small and has to be lifted to change the selected mode: this needs to be a little larger and - more to the point - fitted with a detent, rather than the 'lift and turn' locking. A locking button by the side ('push to release' - in the same manner as the ISO and exposure manual adjustment knobs on the other side of the top plate) could also be included, although if the detent is firm enough such additional locking button should not be necessary. And finally - the battery level check: this would be significantly improved if a more detailed display on the menu were available, in much the same manner as on the D800: this also shows both 'state of charge, 'battery life' (i.e. whether the battery is brand new or just about defunct, or somewhere in between, NOT 'state of charge'), and number of frames shot on that battery since last charge: most useful. And now to the good points. It is the 'full frame' - i.e. FX - format (meaning that 'angle of view'/frame coverage is virtually identical to 35mm), and of course accepts most all of the older Nikkor lenses as well as the modern auto-focus 'auto everything' ones. And it looks and handles like an older Nikon film camera, and is of a similar size, weight and 'feel' to the F2 and F3 models of the 1970s and 1980s that I still use. I prefer to remain with film for my 'serious' work but digital does have its uses, and with the Df I have a camera that again feels like a 'proper' Nikon. Having the manual shutter speed and ISO setting controls on the top plate - rather than having to use two wheel dials after numerous pressings of menu controls and having to read the settings on the monitor (not always easy in the wrong light) - makes the handling so much quicker and easier, especially if using in manual metering mode (which I mostly do), and the camera is an absolute delight overall to use. The shutter release button can be singled out for special praise: it is in the perfect place for instinctive handling, is comfortable in use, and feels very precise with the release point, as with my F2 (I always seem to be fumbling for the F3's release point - not so precise as the F2). The camera can even be used single-handed. The ISO rating can be 'wound up' to 102,400 (although of course quality suffers significantly), but one can photograph the proverbial 'black cat in a coal cellar'. For interior and low light work, the 'auto' setting on colour temperature is generally fairly accurate, although on occasions if using flash the manual selection for this can provide a marginally better colour balance. Overall, the Df is a lovely camera to use, and for those who prefer to manage their camera settings rather than just let the microprocessor run things, it is in a class of its own.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
It is both manual and auto
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Outstanding camera
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best-selling in Digital Cameras
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Digital Cameras
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
