Old cam, new tricks
what do you get if you mix vintage camera looks with modern digital slr tech? the super-expensive nikon df…
The “f” in Df stands for fusion. In this case, the fusion between the Nikon Df’s retro 35mm cam-style design and its cutting-edge tech: there’s a 16.2-meg full-frame CMO S sensor and EXPEE D 3 image processor tucked beneath that magnesium alloy facade.
The top-notch specs don’t stop there, either. There’s also a 39-point autofocus system and a 5.5fps burst rate that deliver undeniably great still pictures; sharp as a tack and packed with detail, they remain clear even as you edge up the ISO range. The Df features an adaptor that lets you attach vintage Nikon lenses as well as its latest range of digital ones (see left), making it ideal for those that like to experiment without relying on filters.
Want to do something other than take quality stills and you hit some problems, though. The Nikon Df doesn’t shoot video – at all. It’s an odd omission for a modern camera, especially one costing over three grand. It also shys away from adding Wi-Fi or GPS.
In keeping with the retro design, most of the controls are metallic with traditional lock buttons and reassuring mechanical clicks. Plus, there’s an optical viewfinder with 100% coverage as well as the 3.2-inch LCD.
Long-time Nikon fans will snap at the chance to put old lenses to work on a brand new digital cam, especially one that looks this good, but few will stomach that price tag. $3,200, myNikonlife.com.au