“Upgrade” Df to Z6?

With the Black Friday deals everywhere, the Z6 has caught my eye as a potential “upgrade” to the Df. I’m an enthusiast, and don’t make a living via photography. But, I do like nice machines and the technical aspect of photography.

The main reason why I’d consider the Z6 is better autofocus coverage across the frame and performance (the Df is notorious for hunting in even modest lighting). The second reason is that I wouldn’t mind getting into a little bit of family videography; currently I’m using my iPhone and an old Nikon V2 camera for some shallower depth of field videos using the N1’s 32mm lens.



collection wise, it’s clear I should opt for the FTZ adapter because of my collection of F mount lenses:

1) f1.4 primes including the 35, 58, and 85mm focal lengths

2) 70-200 2.8 VR (version 1)

3) several af-d lenses that are really my absolute favourite but understand I will lose AF ability in a Z ecosystem - this includes the 20mm f2.8 and the 105mm f2.0 (absolute favourite by far)

4) also have a manual focus Zeiss Milvus ZF2 50mm f1.4

My main uncertainties include:

1) Sensor capability - the Df is known to take great lower light photos with minimal noise - I think it was rumored to share the D4’s sensor though it was never actually confirmed if that’s the case. This is very important to me because I do a lot of low light, high ISO photography often without flash. I haven’t seen comparisons between Z6 and the Df in terms of shots at ISO 1600, 3200, and up to 12,800.



2) Size and portability - the Df is already Nikon’s smallest full frame camera. I’ve seen static measurements and comparisons versus the Z6, but the question is whether actually handling a Z6 makes that much of a difference. I’d also consider the Z6 with the 24-70 f4 kit lens because I don’t have a midrange zoom and it would be useful to have on a family vacation. So I’m wondering if the Z6 plus the kit zoom (and one of my existing primes) would be a better choice going on a family cruise, versus the Df and three primes.

3) is it truly an upgrade - I find that, overall, the Df renders photos that Is different to other cameras I’ve used and seen outputs from, when capturing photos of the same subject. I just can’t describe it. Maybe it’s psychological, but I have seen others talk about the Df in a similar vein!

Note - I actually find the Df’s lower megapixel count to potentially be more aligned with the way I shoot, because I don’t do prints and just share photos with family members overseas via Instagram and Facebook.

looking for any / all feedback about what your thoughts may be on this. Stick with Df or upgrade to Z6? Or wait if you think prices for the Z6 might go down further around Boxing Day?

fuoriclasse said:

With the Black Friday deals everywhere, the Z6 has caught my eye as a potential “upgrade” to the Df. I’m an enthusiast, and don’t make a living via photography. But, I do like nice machines and the technical aspect of photography.

The main reason why I’d consider the Z6 is better autofocus coverage across the frame and performance (the Df is notorious for hunting in even modest lighting). The second reason is that I wouldn’t mind getting into a little bit of family videography; currently I’m using my iPhone and an old Nikon V2 camera for some shallower depth of field videos using the N1’s 32mm lens.

collection wise, it’s clear I should opt for the FTZ adapter because of my collection of F mount lenses:

1) f1.4 primes including the 35, 58, and 85mm focal lengths

2) 70-200 2.8 VR (version 1)

3) several af-d lenses that are really my absolute favourite but understand I will lose AF ability in a Z ecosystem - this includes the 20mm f2.8 and the 105mm f2.0 (absolute favourite by far)

4) also have a manual focus Zeiss Milvus ZF2 50mm f1.4

My main uncertainties include:

1) Sensor capability - the Df is known to take great lower light photos with minimal noise - I think it was rumored to share the D4’s sensor though it was never actually confirmed if that’s the case. This is very important to me because I do a lot of low light, high ISO photography often without flash. I haven’t seen comparisons between Z6 and the Df in terms of shots at ISO 1600, 3200, and up to 12,800.

2) Size and portability - the Df is already Nikon’s smallest full frame camera. I’ve seen static measurements and comparisons versus the Z6, but the question is whether actually handling a Z6 makes that much of a difference. I’d also consider the Z6 with the 24-70 f4 kit lens because I don’t have a midrange zoom and it would be useful to have on a family vacation. So I’m wondering if the Z6 plus the kit zoom (and one of my existing primes) would be a better choice going on a family cruise, versus the Df and three primes.

3) is it truly an upgrade - I find that, overall, the Df renders photos that Is different to other cameras I’ve used and seen outputs from, when capturing photos of the same subject. I just can’t describe it. Maybe it’s psychological, but I have seen others talk about the Df in a similar vein!

Note - I actually find the Df’s lower megapixel count to potentially be more aligned with the way I shoot, because I don’t do prints and just share photos with family members overseas via Instagram and Facebook.

looking for any / all feedback about what your thoughts may be on this. Stick with Df or upgrade to Z6? Or wait if you think prices for the Z6 might go down further around Boxing Day?

Click to expand...

I have both Z6 and Df. I also have the 105/2 DC lens and now use it on the Z as manual focus only.

1. The Z6 is at least as clean as the Df at high iso.

2. I've done some traveling with the Z6 and 24-70/4 kit lens. It's a very comfortable combo and am happy to travel with it in situations where previously I would have chosen the Df.

3. I would say I still sometimes like the rendering of the Df images better than any other Nikon I've shot, both Z's included. But I'm never unhappy with the Z images. It's just that the Df does seem to uniquely manage colors especially at high iso.

I still enjoy shooting with the Df at times. I was shooting with the Df, 35mm ART, and a SB400 flash at a party not long ago. It was inconspicuous in a retro sort of way, with great image results.

I have found the Z6 very satisfying to shoot. With electronic front curtain, the shutter is also quieter than the Df. But I chose to keep my Df just because there is nothing else like it and I still enjoy shooting with it.

fuoriclasse said:

With the Black Friday deals everywhere, the Z6 has caught my eye as a potential “upgrade” to the Df. I’m an enthusiast, and don’t make a living via photography. But, I do like nice machines and the technical aspect of photography.

The main reason why I’d consider the Z6 is better autofocus coverage across the frame and performance (the Df is notorious for hunting in even modest lighting). The second reason is that I wouldn’t mind getting into a little bit of family videography; currently I’m using my iPhone and an old Nikon V2 camera for some shallower depth of field videos using the N1’s 32mm lens.

collection wise, it’s clear I should opt for the FTZ adapter because of my collection of F mount lenses:

1) f1.4 primes including the 35, 58, and 85mm focal lengths

2) 70-200 2.8 VR (version 1)

3) several af-d lenses that are really my absolute favourite but understand I will lose AF ability in a Z ecosystem - this includes the 20mm f2.8 and the 105mm f2.0 (absolute favourite by far)

4) also have a manual focus Zeiss Milvus ZF2 50mm f1.4

My main uncertainties include:

1) Sensor capability - the Df is known to take great lower light photos with minimal noise - I think it was rumored to share the D4’s sensor though it was never actually confirmed if that’s the case. This is very important to me because I do a lot of low light, high ISO photography often without flash. I haven’t seen comparisons between Z6 and the Df in terms of shots at ISO 1600, 3200, and up to 12,800.

2) Size and portability - the Df is already Nikon’s smallest full frame camera. I’ve seen static measurements and comparisons versus the Z6, but the question is whether actually handling a Z6 makes that much of a difference. I’d also consider the Z6 with the 24-70 f4 kit lens because I don’t have a midrange zoom and it would be useful to have on a family vacation. So I’m wondering if the Z6 plus the kit zoom (and one of my existing primes) would be a better choice going on a family cruise, versus the Df and three primes.

3) is it truly an upgrade - I find that, overall, the Df renders photos that Is different to other cameras I’ve used and seen outputs from, when capturing photos of the same subject. I just can’t describe it. Maybe it’s psychological, but I have seen others talk about the Df in a similar vein!

Note - I actually find the Df’s lower megapixel count to potentially be more aligned with the way I shoot, because I don’t do prints and just share photos with family members overseas via Instagram and Facebook.

looking for any / all feedback about what your thoughts may be on this. Stick with Df or upgrade to Z6? Or wait if you think prices for the Z6 might go down further around Boxing Day?

Click to expand...

I have both the Df and a Z6. They are quite different animals. The Z6 is smaller than the Df, but if you are planning to mainly use F mount lenses, that smaller size is negated by adding the FTZ adapter. I'm not a big fan of using F lenses on the Z6 because of the size and balance of the camera with the FTZ adapter added. I use the Z6 mostly with the tiny old Nikkor rangefinder lenses from the 1940's & 50's and it excels at that. I find the Df is a better fit for my F mount lenses, especially since most of my F mount lenses are the classic non-AI lenses from the 1960's and 70's. As you mentioned, getting AF on the Z6 requires AFS F-mount lenses or some of the new Z mount lenses. The Df will AF all the AFS F-mount lenses as well as the AF-D F-mount lenses.

Best, -Tim

IMO, the main strength for the Z6 and Z7, and mirrorless in general, is the new lenses. The fact that we no longer need to have a long flange distance for the clearance of the mirror leads to a lot of new, improved lenses. If you are going to buy a few key lenses in the native Z mount and use some of your old F-mount lenses, you can take full advantage of mirrorless. If you are mainly going to use old F-mount lenses, I suggest you stick with DSLRs.

Hi,

I see the Df and Z6 as being complementary rather than competitive. I have all these AI and AF-D lenses and they belong on the Df (mostly primes). The Z6 winds up smaller and lighter with Z mount zooms. The Df tracks motion, like motorsports better. The Z6 does video and audio.

That is enough to begin with. As you think on it, I am sure you can come up with more that will tell you to have both.

Stan

Thanks to all for their input. I think it’s very clear to me that beyond “gear acquisition syndrome” (another DP review classic terminology!), I really don’t have any significant reason to go with the Z6 at this stage given my typical usage of a digital camera. Re Videos - I think I can manage with my iPhone at this stage.

I love using the 105 DC too much. And I might just need to add the 135 DC lens too one day. While I do shoot Manual Focus, I do think that the Df works very well with these AF-D lenses.

I also have both and at the moment I plan on keeping both.

The Df sensor is my very favorite to post process. Love the skin tones. I use 85 1 4D, Dc105 f2D and 58 1.4G with Ai105 f2.5 almost exclusively on Df.

Nikon will most likely not make another one and mine is in perfect condition . Z6 sensor seems to be just another Sony sensor.

tommiejeep said:

I also have both and at the moment I plan on keeping both.

The Df sensor is my very favorite to post process. Love the skin tones. I use 85 1 4D, Dc105 f2D and 58 1.4G with Ai105 f2.5 almost exclusively on Df.

Nikon will most likely not make another one and mine is in perfect condition . Z6 sensor seems to be just another Sony sensor.

Click to expand...

Completely agree that the Df really "sings" when paired with the 85 f1.4D and the 105 f2.5 AI lenses.

Best, -Tim

Hi,

Yes, the two DC lenses are rather unique. Even when not using the DC function, it is unclear to me that the 105 G replacement is worth going for if one already has the older 105 DC. And, Nikon has not released a replacement for the 135 DC yet.

Stan

Think you've had the answer from the replies above. People don't sell their Df.

Me neither. The Df is a keeper. In the year since I've had the Z6 I've hardly used the Df, but that's because I've had far less time for photography than anticipated and the time I do have is mainly dedicated to seeing what the Z6 will produce.

However, it should be said that the Z6 is an excellent camera and the EVF (from someone who until now didn't like EVFs) is stellar. And the 24-70 f4 kit lens is an excellent match for it.

I sold my DF to help fund my Z6. I do the DF at times. It's my favorite DSLR, ever.

But the Z6 is just so awesome to travel/shoot with. Mirrorless spoiled boy now.

As silly as this may sound (complete silent mode, IBIS & reviewing images in the viewfinder) sold me.

Just get the Z6 then do your own test. Then sell one or keep both. Don't think DF's are worth much on used market.

Thanks for the additional comments everyone. I am not planning on selling the Df, so if I get the Z6 it would be in addition. Cash isn’t tight but I don’t want to waste it on a camera that doesn’t actually stand head and shoulders above my Df, which for my purposes, it doesn’t.

I don’t really need IBIS (I think) given that I shoot with short primes nearly all the time. I also tend to underexpose more often than not (via high shutter speeds) and post-process to bring out mid tones and highlights as I like dark moody images - so unless I’m misunderstanding the usefulness of IBIS, does it really apply to my situation?

I sold a D610 to acquire the Z6, and I'm a little surprised to report that I don't have regrets. But I don't think I would have parted with a Df. In an ideal world where money were no object, I would own both and would have AF-D primes for the Df and native Z lenses for the Z6.

In pure image quality rendering especially skin tones i will say from experience Z6 is not an upgrade on Df. I had a Df ,sold it for a Z6, regretted it for 5 months and ended up buying another Df. Now i m happy.

May actually sell the Z6.