Nikon 1525 Nikon Df 16.2 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR 16.2MP SLR Camera Body with 3.2-Inch LCD (Black)

Folks, Well, my Nikon Df just arrived from Amazon today and I was taken back a bit on the build & quality right away. I still have my F-FTN, FE's, FE2's FG's and F6 and lined them all up with my new Df. Apples and oranges for sure, the Df in no way compares to any of my early Nikons from the 60's and 70's, in quality, build and will later, comment on the fit & function end when I have run it out a bit with all my Nikkor/Nikon lenses. For the $2900+ - dollars, the build was a bit of a let down but mixing the past with the present might be an offset, to a point. maybe! I also have the D700 and D800 models and have been spoiled by both in their build, function and quality, far superior in every way (MAYBE) but that said, I will not put this new child down or up until I have had some time to become familiar with it's unique form, fit and function. In closing at this moment, there is much to like and little to dislike, I'll be back with more soon and my advise would be to visit your local camera store and put one in your hands with a Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VR, a Nikon Chubby-Stubby 200mm f2 VR or what ever lens you might have or want attached. You might just fall in love or...! V/R The PhotogDog **Update** 12-4-13 Threw a saddle on it and gave it a good ride! "Great Camera, glad I have it and will be using it along with my other Nikons. First impressions are not always my best ones but after using the Df for almost 2 days now have warmed up a bunch... The controls are mostly dual function and very easy to use, nice! The weight is right on at 1 lb. 11.4 oz. (Very close to my old F-FTN @ 1 lb. 15.2 oz. The balance is a bit off with the larger lenses but I mount my lens to my tri or mono pods anyway, so that is a non-issue. My Df is the all black model, very stealth in appearance and professional looking. Later on I might pick up the special edition chrome model (second hand of course) to have a pair because I like the looks of them both. I did the same with all my older nikons of the 60's & 70's, what the heck, I like Nikon cameras... The feel and look at first was a bit plasticity to me but after reviewing the build specs, I now know that the Nikon Team put together two very strong materials for a sound and sturdy camera body. I have tested the Df with my later vintage Nikkor lenses; AF-S 200MM F2 VR, AF-S 70-200MM F2.8 VR, AF-S 50MM F1.4, AF 50MM F1.8 and lastly for now, my AF 14MM F2.8D ED. All performed perfectly as expected with outstanding results. All the shots taken were outstanding (in my humble opinion) and in a way, have a bit of a look all their own based on a few comparison shots from my D700 and D800. Hard to put a finger on it this early in the game but I like the way they came out very much, interesting! I will be testing my early vintage 1960 and 70's Nikkor lenses later this month and will provide more feedback about how it went with them then. I must admit that this camera brought back feelings like a school kid with their first camera, put a smile on my face, ya it did and at 70 years young, that is saying something! I believe that this little Df is and will continue to be, "A Nice Blast from the Past", finding a place in our hearts, minds and of course, a tool well worth the effort to produce and use to further our love for photography. Like everything else, this Nikon will not be for everyone but for this old 70 yr-ole guy, I will enjoy the Df to it's fullest. As you may notice, I have left most the techie talk to the techie types, they do a better job of it than I can, anyway. I presented this Df Camera from more of a personal perspective and will reflect on more of the pros than the cons. Please note that this camera does not do Audio/Video (GREAT, get a video cam or use your cell phone). Does not have a built-in flash (GREAT, use the little Nikon SB400, it is a better flash than any built-in). Has no provision for a battery grip ( That is O.K. too, if back up power is needed, spare batteries, they cost less than a grip and this Df does not need a battery grip to increase it's frame rate per second, how bout that!). You have both manual controls on the top deck where they belong and all the presets menus, buttons of the modern Digitals on the back side and inside where they belong (A very good thing, I think!! The view finder is great, bright and has everything there that I need. Live View, Info, Review and Menu etc. are on the LCD, where they belong... Speaking of the LCD Screen, my one gripe would be, "No Provision for screen protection, Nikon Team, you missed this one, might think about it with the Df II update! Bottom line to date, I am very happy with my Df. Yes I would recommend this camera for the new to the Art of Photography folks and students (very uncomplicated camera with ease of use and the instructor can see at a glance what you are up to ;-) ). I would also recommend this to Amateurs as well as the Pro Photogs. Some times we we take life to serious and need to lighten up a bit with a new toy that performs very well, looks good and feels great in the hands. Oh Ya, "IT TAKES GREAT PICTURES TOO" and will make you look better than you really are :-) a good thing also!! If the cost is a factor, O.K., I understand... Remember, "You Can't Take It With You!" and I am doing my very best to spend my kids inheritance!! Ouch, did I say that? Yep, I did... If you like it, get it! If not have someone (your kids maybe) get it for you for Christmas or your birthday, you deserve it ya know, Hmmmmm! Oh yes, I moved my 1st 4 Star Rating to a Strong 5 Stars!! More later... R/The PhotogDog ***My last Update 3-6-2014 is listed in the comments here on my review... enjoy!! ;-)

This is a camera that defies reason. Having said that, there are a few very definite and logical reasons why this camera is an attractive purchase. And why I bought one. First, it offers an excellent image sensor and that's the heart of any digital camera. It is the same sensor that Nikon employs in its flagship DSLR, the Nikon D4. It's a 16.2 MP sensor that also offers extraordinary low light performance. Since the D4 retails at around $6,000, the Df offers access to Nikon's, arguably, best sensor at less than half the price of the D4. Nikon does offer cameras with higher megapixel ratings, but their low light performance does not match the performance of the D4's. Period. So, when considering the Df, the first question that must be answered is whether low light performance is more important than sensor MP count. If it's MP count, then the Nikon D600 and D800 series cameras offer more. But if it's low light performance, particularly holding detail in shadows in low light situations, then either the D4 or the Df is the answer. For me, the D4 was out of the question because of price - and I simply don't need all the other features of the D4, the frame rate, high buffer capacity, I don't need video, etc. And I didn't want the bulk of the D4. The other potential deal changer is the lack of a pop-up flash on the Df. To be honest, I wish it had one. I like using the pop-up flash on my other Nikon digital cameras; most often using it in the "commander" mode to trigger remote flashes. Now, I have to mount a flash unit to the accessory shoe and use that as the commander. It works just as well, it's just a little bulky with the mounted flash unit. This was almost a deal killer for me, but when I really thought about the number of times that I used the pop-up flash on my other cameras, I decided I could live without it. The "final" consideration regarding the Df is its size and weight. When I received mine, I was surprised at how small it was - even smaller than the pictures seemed to indicate. That's not to say that it's too small; rather it fits very nicely to hand and is much more comfortable to use than the larger Nikons. That's a big plus. I also have a Leica and, while the Df is not as small and nimble to use as the Leica, it comes close. A really big plus. So those are the major considerations: sensor performance, lack of a pop-up flash and its great compact, unobtrusive size. Everything else, when comparing the Df to other Nikon cameras, is not nearly as relevant. Except for one very important thing. And what prompted me to order one when it was first announced. Its style. This camera takes me back to the time that I fell in love with photography in the first instance; the days of the Nikon F film cameras, particularly the F3HP. Everything I've written above really doesn't matter. This is a camera that is purchased on an emotional basis, not an intellectual one; with the heart, rather than the mind. When I hold it, the controls fall into place perfectly. Muscle memory from decades ago causes my fingers to fall perfectly onto the controls. This camera frees me from the technical aspects of photography to focus on the creative aspects. This camera is perfect. Now if I could only figure out where to load the film...

I finally took the plunge and bought one of these, so I figure I might as well give my 2 cents. Also I read a gazillion reviews before buying it and there are a few things I don't recall seeing mentioned that I thought others might want to know about. I opened it last night and used it for a while walking around near dusk with the 24-70 2.8. Here are my first impressions: (1) It feels solid and the small size is nice when in "walkaround mode" like I was doing yesterday. When I picked up my big one this morning it felt awkward in comparison. (2) The images are great and the high ISO performance seems to be everything they say it is. I don't think it will let me upload a sample photo but here is a link for one I took last night when it was getting dark, ISO 5000. Tough to argue with that noise level. [...] (3) A number of people expressed concern or dislike about "balance" with a modern zoom lens. I was trying to understand what they were talking about but honestly I really don't get it. To me it felt fine with this lens attached. Maybe they meant if you wanted to hold it in one hand, which I never do anyway unless I have to reach for a very unusual angle I can't get to otherwise. Seems to me best to use two hands at all times for maximum stability. (4) One annoyance - which I have yet to determine how much of an annoyance it is - is that the clips where you would attach the neck strap are angled toward the front like you would see on an old SLR. I like to use a handstrap for those occasions when I do have to go one-handed and because of the angle of the clip the handstrap doesn't really stay on very well. I think I might be able to tinker with it so that it works better. Although I never used a handstrap with my old SLR it was never an issue. (5) As a lot of people have mentioned, there is only in SD card slot. Although I personally have never experienced a card failure I've heard enough horror stories to be wary about relying on just the one card for a paid shoot. I thought about this and decided on the balance I could live with it, since I will be using the camera either for personal/walkaround/street purposes - or as a second body for event purposes. In the latter case I would have the big one with the 70 - 200 2.8 as my main camera and the Df in a holster with the wide angle. So worst case scenario it's not like I would lose everything. (5) There is no 1/750 shutter speed, which is a setting I use a lot. For most action I use 1/1000 but if I have to cheat I go down to 1/750. With the Df I would have to go down to 1/500 - but my thinking is that with the great high ISO performance it's kind of a wash. (6) The styling is relevant and irrelevant at the same time. Personally I like the new/retro fusion idea in cars and I think it's fine but not a big deal one way or the other in a camera. I've heard about people getting dirty looks from "serious photographers" when carrying this but I really don't worry about that sort of thing. There might be a bit of an advantage with respect to the general public in that people sometimes have strange reactions when you point a big camera with a grip and big lens and lens hood at them. This one might be more subtle and less likely to produce the annoying response that I must have a really expensive camera, implying that is why my pictures are better than the average person's. (7) The autofocus might have had a bit of trouble last night at dusk. Will need to experiment more. (8) For me at least changing shutter speed with the dial on top is much faster and more intuitive than the other way. (9) I guess everyone uses the camera differently and for different purposes but for me being free of the built-in flash and video are like having a weight lifted from my shoulders. I never use either of those features and it's great not to have to see them or deal with extra weight or settings. (10) On the balance I really like the camera. It's a solid machine that feels great in your hands, similar to the way the old ones did. I think it will be great as both a walkaround/street camera for personal day-to-day use and as a "sidearm" for professional event use.

The Df is a unique DSLR full frame camera that is a retro style camera. The manual dials are well-built, the Df has a great 16mp sensor that performs well in low light. The Df supports most of Nikon's F mount lenses from 1958 to present time. That also includes the non AI-S lenses. There are a few downsides to consider. The most notable downside is there is no video recording with this camera at all. The autofocus system is from Nikon's entry-level full frame D600/610 that has 39 autofocus points, but are mostly in the middle of the sensor and not well distributed. The other is it uses a different battery than the ones used in the D600/610, the D750/780, and the D800/810/850. That means if you own the other camera models and want to use the same batteries for the Df, that will not be an option. Lastly, the grip on the Df is not as deep as the camera models I listed previously. With the downsides listed, why buy this camera? It is meant to be a fun camera. If you own older D lenses or older with an aperture ring on the lens, you, an use the Df like a fully manual camera without the need of film. It is wonderful how well this camera has for images with the sensor coming from Nikon's then D4 flagship camera. This camera was too expensive when released in 2013. In 2024/2025, a used Df is within consumer's reach and should consider this camera.

I really wanted to like this camera. Unfortunately I don't. I purchased it as a way of getting the superb D4 sensor in a less expensive body. Let's start with what I do like about it. The camera looks great (looks aren't everything as we'll talk about in a moment), the image quality is great and it performs very well in low light and at high ISO. The battery life is fantastic. The little optional wifi adapter is sanely priced and works as well as any wifi-enabled camera I've used. Unfortunately that's where the magic ends. The huge flaw in this camera is the tiny 39 point autofocus point array. The old 39 points array is insanely small for modern 24x36 full-frame sensor camera. It might be passable for APS-C, but I found myself missing many, many moments with my subjects as I have to focus and recompose constantly. My subjects don't ever seem to be covered by the small AF point array in this camera. Maybe I'm spoiled by my experience with the D700/D3/D4, but after nearly a full year of use I am still not comfortable using AF in this camera. Comfort. That's another problem. The camera is not comfortable in my hands. I use a mixture of prime and fast zoom lenses. I purchased an after market vertical grip in an attempt to make vertical image shooting with the 24-70mm AF-S possible (not comfortable... POSSIBLE) for me. I simply could not hold a vertical shot steady without the vertical grip. It even has problems when using small manual focus prime lenses. The focusing screen is not optimized for manual focus lenses. I've tried adding a magnifying eyepiece and that helps a little bit. I don't know. I wanted this camera to be both a stylish and functional throwback to my first days in photography. It got the stylish part right. I plan to sell it.

I mostly shoot film and I have a ton of manual Nikon primes. So, I wanted a camera that I could work like a manual camera. So, before this I tried the X-Pro 2 and I really liked that camera. It felt great in my hands and was a lot of fun to shoot. However, I was never really happy with the images. They felt flat and the JPEG colors looked a little cartoony. I felt the same way about the X100S. I think this camera is the opposite. It feels not great in hand. It feels kind of cheap, empty, and plasticy- like a really hard, plastic. The top and bottom metal plates just feel weird with such cheap plastic sandwiched between them. I bought a third paty grip for it though and it's made such a difference ergonomically! It really feels like a much better camera and much more solid with the grip which adds a bit of weight to it. The images it makes are AMAZING. The colors are perfect and the photos have the kind of depth and pop that you rarely see outside of film. It's the first digital camera I've used where I was as happy with the image quality as I was with film. I've only used the x100s, Xpro2, d750, d810, and a Canon EOS 5d m3, but these images beat those hands down imo. Those other cameras all great, but they only really take pictures. This camera makes something else. It adds a little bit of magic to the camera. The images have a bit more pop, a bit more life. I feel like the standard j-pegs look a lot like Portra 400, which is one of my favorite color films. I've also seen them resemble Kodachrome when taken with lenses much better than my own! At first I wasn't sure if I was going to keep it because of how it feels, but I've really fallen for shooting with this camera. I would definitely recommend the third part grip though. I also wouldn't worry about having "only" 16mp. I've blown some of these photos up plenty big. Megapixels aren't the only to poster sized prints if that's what you really want to do.

No, auto focus is not lighting fast, but I don't use the DF for sports and action. The color is great in both vivid, neutral, standard and portrait. Black and whites are crisp with great contrast (of coarse this is all subject to the quality of the lenses one uses. The body is light, maybe a little bit lighter than the D750. The grip is fine if you remember how it felt to hold a film camera body than this feels a little better than that. I have average size hands for a man and I enjoy the feel and fit. I use a hand strap for a secure feeling. I had no problem with the mode selector, although I could see someone having a problem in cold weather with thick gloves. While the body is light it is well made and does not feel like cheap plastic or toy like. I would not make it my primary camera or my working camera. I also use a D810. In my opinion, it's fun to use for walking around and family photos. The image quality is dreamy (reminiscent of the pics from the D700). I love mine. I got it from Camera West and it is in excellent condition with less than 3,000 shutter count.

Great balance, weight and feature set. Outstanding low light sensors allow cranking up of the ISO to 6400 indoors and still have best resolution ever from a digital camera I have ever used. Wish it was a little less costly as I think the price point is too high for the masses and also wish there was a way to transfer wirelessly the photos to my iPad. The Nikon Wireless Mobil Adapter does not support iPads.

Its a great camera.