Now that most of the noise has died down and the Df has found a stabile audience, perhaps it's time to re-evaluate the Df as it now faces competition from newer models.
IQ - This camera has the best IQ over the widest possible ISO range of ANY Nikon DSLR made and achieves this in a small and quiet body. Only the D4s is of this caliber, and I wouldn't buy that over the Df because the huge size is a deal breaker for me (and many others).
D750 vs. Df - The d750 is my "new" favorite, but it does not replace the Df. It still isn't as good at high ISO and just doesn't offer the kind of handling connection that the Df offers to its fans. On the other hand I do suggest the D750 over the D810 as it does too many things better for more applications, while the D810 really only enjoys a single advantage that serves a smaller group.
FOCUS - A year later I now know that my Df rarely missed focus, but that is based on my usage. I also had no trouble with a D600 AF and even my D5100, D5200, and D5300 got the job done. I've used the Df at events with no troubles, but I was a pro doing fashion shows, I'd want a D4s for the speed and focus combined. In that venue I'd put up with the size of the D4s. As for manual focus, as people like Bjorn Rorslett and Thom Hogan made clear, the Df will net more keepers. Images DO snap into focus better with the Df, but people who don't do much MF won't see much difference. It's a small, but welcome upgrade.
ERGONOMICS - I think a lot of people don't understand that proper ergonomics are not written in stone, especially when it comes to using an artistic tool. This is where the Df generates considerable controversey, as many of the elements of the Df that are a hindrance to some shooters, are of benefit to others. But if you examine the nay-sayers on this topic, you'll notice the majority are not owners, thus never really learned the camera. Still, if the grip of the Df seems lacking, adding a case or the new Nikon designed grip may be all you need.
SUMMARY - So the question is this? Would I buy a Df today in the wake of cameras like the D750 and D810? The answer is YES, but there are some qualifications. My Df is my personal camera. I don't use it for jobs very often. I treat it like a expensive watch. It's in my "B" kit with its own lenses and flash. My D800 is the hammer. It's used for jobs more and I treat it like a tool and nothing more. I can use it smoothly, but I have minimal connection to it because it somehow feels like less of a "camera" to me. As Df owners keep pointing out, the Df helps that accomplish a different level of shooting. It's not always a BETTER level, but different means a lot these days. Until the next Df is released, this is a unique camera and pure enjoyment to use. But if everyone else felt the same way, it would be...A D750 or D810, just another great DSLR from Nikon.
And that's the whole point of the Df; to offer a different shooting experience to SOME. Nikon's somewhat pretentious marketing campaign was actually right on the money. The faster modern car is not always the better car for everyone. Some of us enjoy the shape of MGs, Challengers and old Thunderbirds, along with the specifics of their handling and feel. Sometimes you just love the way something can work with you that defies mere specification. As a writer, sailor and photographer, I know this all too well.
Cheers and happy shooting!
Robert
IQ - This camera has the best IQ over the widest possible ISO range of ANY Nikon DSLR made and achieves this in a small and quiet body. Only the D4s is of this caliber, and I wouldn't buy that over the Df because the huge size is a deal breaker for me (and many others).
D750 vs. Df - The d750 is my "new" favorite, but it does not replace the Df. It still isn't as good at high ISO and just doesn't offer the kind of handling connection that the Df offers to its fans. On the other hand I do suggest the D750 over the D810 as it does too many things better for more applications, while the D810 really only enjoys a single advantage that serves a smaller group.
FOCUS - A year later I now know that my Df rarely missed focus, but that is based on my usage. I also had no trouble with a D600 AF and even my D5100, D5200, and D5300 got the job done. I've used the Df at events with no troubles, but I was a pro doing fashion shows, I'd want a D4s for the speed and focus combined. In that venue I'd put up with the size of the D4s. As for manual focus, as people like Bjorn Rorslett and Thom Hogan made clear, the Df will net more keepers. Images DO snap into focus better with the Df, but people who don't do much MF won't see much difference. It's a small, but welcome upgrade.
ERGONOMICS - I think a lot of people don't understand that proper ergonomics are not written in stone, especially when it comes to using an artistic tool. This is where the Df generates considerable controversey, as many of the elements of the Df that are a hindrance to some shooters, are of benefit to others. But if you examine the nay-sayers on this topic, you'll notice the majority are not owners, thus never really learned the camera. Still, if the grip of the Df seems lacking, adding a case or the new Nikon designed grip may be all you need.
SUMMARY - So the question is this? Would I buy a Df today in the wake of cameras like the D750 and D810? The answer is YES, but there are some qualifications. My Df is my personal camera. I don't use it for jobs very often. I treat it like a expensive watch. It's in my "B" kit with its own lenses and flash. My D800 is the hammer. It's used for jobs more and I treat it like a tool and nothing more. I can use it smoothly, but I have minimal connection to it because it somehow feels like less of a "camera" to me. As Df owners keep pointing out, the Df helps that accomplish a different level of shooting. It's not always a BETTER level, but different means a lot these days. Until the next Df is released, this is a unique camera and pure enjoyment to use. But if everyone else felt the same way, it would be...A D750 or D810, just another great DSLR from Nikon.
And that's the whole point of the Df; to offer a different shooting experience to SOME. Nikon's somewhat pretentious marketing campaign was actually right on the money. The faster modern car is not always the better car for everyone. Some of us enjoy the shape of MGs, Challengers and old Thunderbirds, along with the specifics of their handling and feel. Sometimes you just love the way something can work with you that defies mere specification. As a writer, sailor and photographer, I know this all too well.
Cheers and happy shooting!
Robert
