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Nikon Df Comparison Review

The Nikon Df is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera that was officially introduced in November 2013 and is equipped with a full frame sensor. It offers a resolution of 16.2 megapixel.

camera

Is the Nikon Df a good camera? The Df has a Camera Elo of 1870. This rating puts the Df among the top 40 percent of all digital single lens reflex cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (full frame cameras), the Df ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 3-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
Nikon Df
Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses
16.2 MP, Full Frame Sensor
no Video
ISO 100 - 12 800 (50 - 204 800)
Optical viewfinder
3.2 LCD, 921k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5.5 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body
1400 shots per battery charge
144 x 110 x 67 mm, 760 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Nikon Df vis-à-vis a credit card. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Nikon Df vs credit card front
Df versus credit card top view
Df and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Nikon Df alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 Y Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D850 146 mm 124 mm 79 mm 1005 g 1840 Y Jul 2017 3,299 amazon.com
3.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 Y Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D600 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D800 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 Y Feb 2012 2,999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D800E 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 Y Feb 2012 3,299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Nikon Df was launched in the US market at a price of $2,749. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Check Df offers at
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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Nikon Df features a full frame sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Nikon Df among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality.

Nikon Df sensor measures

For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of alternative cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280none24.613.1327989
2.
 
Nikon D850 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.414.82660100
3.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
4.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
5.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
6.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
7.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
8.
 
Nikon D600 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.2298094
9.
 
Nikon D800 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.314.4285395
10.
 
Nikon D800E Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.614.3297996
11.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
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It should be noted that unlike many modern cameras, the Df does not provide the possibility to capture videos.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the Df has an optical viewfinder that provides a field of view of 100% and a magnification of 0.70x. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Nikon Df along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon Dfoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
2.
 
Nikon D850optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n n
3.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
4.
 
Nikon D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
5.
 
Nikon D810optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Nikon D610optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
8.
 
Nikon D600optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D800optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D800Eoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One useful feature of the Df is a presence of a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon Df and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon DfY- / ---mini2.0---
2.
 
Nikon D850Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
3.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
4.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
5.
 
Nikon D810Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
6.
 
Nikon D610Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D600Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D800Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
10.
 
Nikon D800EYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
11.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
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Further information on the features and operation of the Df can be found in the free online Nikon Df Manual or on the Nikon support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the Df. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D8504.5/5+ +5/589/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2017 3,299 amazon.com
3.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D6004/5+ +..87/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D8005/5+ +..82/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 2,999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D800E......84/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 3,299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Nikon Df FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the Df.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Nikon Df based on?

The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Nikon Df to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Nikon equipped the Df with the EXPEED 3 image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Nikon Df?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 50-204800.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Nikon Df?

Nikon mentions a shutter rating of 150 000 actuations for the Df. This number represents a Mean Time before Failure, that is an average value. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust the expected shutter life of the Df over, say, three years, one would have to take about 150 pictures each and every day.

How do I find the shutter count on my Nikon Df?

Nikon embeds the number of shutter actuations in image metadata. You can check the number of shots that your Df has taken up to now by uploading a recent image to the free online shutter count finder app.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Nikon Df?

No, the Nikon Df has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Nikon Df for flash photography?

The Df's flash sync speed is 1/250 sec.

Does the Nikon Df support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?

Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).

Which battery does the Nikon Df use?

The camera gets its power from the EN-EL14 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Is there a vertical grip available for the Nikon Df?

Nikon does not offer an optional battery grip, but third party suppliers do (see here on ebay).

Camera to camera comparisons

If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Nikon Df
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date November 2013
    Launch Price USD 2 749
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 860 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 928 x 3 280 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 7.29 μm
    Pixel Density 1.88 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12 800 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 204 800 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 3
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 89
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 24.6
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.1
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3279
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.2 inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5.5 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy150 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed body
    Battery Type EN-EL14 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)1400 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 144 x 110 x 67 mm
    (5.7 x 4.3 x 2.6 in)
    Camera Weight 760 g (26.8 oz)

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