While the Df may be Nikon’s latest full frame DSLR, it has been designed to evoke an earlier era of Nikon film SLRs. The nostalgic reference is deliberate and intended to re-ignite photographers’ passions for traditional image-making, with the benefit of today’s technology.

The design changes are more than cosmetic however, and two aspects will immediately appeal to pros. There is a collapsible, retractable lens coupling lever, which means the Df is compatible with over 400 Nikon lenses, including vintage pre-Ai Nikkor lenses (pre-1977). Many of the early manual-focus wide-angle primes, in particular, were pin-sharp and very fast. Photographers will be able to dust them off once again and re-deploy these classics, or try beachcombing on TradeMe for bargain glassware from the good old days.

The other alarming feature that has technology bystanders gasping for air is that the Df ships with the self same sensor and processor as the top-of-the-line D4, for half the price. There’s no cheaper way to buy that sort of performance—shoot publishable pictures at 50,000 ISO with clean, rich tones, and a wide dynamic range under a diverse array of lighting situations.

The Df also feels a little like cameras used to feel with a smaller body and the integration of an elegant machined mechanical control system atop the camera for setting the shutter speed, exposure compensation and ISO. The constant visibility and tactile interaction of these settings highlights one of the Df’s selling points—engagement. Nikon calls this ‘Pure Photography’ to reinforce a direct connection between photographers and their cameras, inspiring them to be more deliberate with each frame.

Bob Krist, a regular National Geographic Traveller, Smithsonian and Islands contributor, says he immediately felt connected back to his earlier days of shooting within a few hours of using the Df. “It just felt comfortable like a pair of broken-in hiking boots,” says Krist. “It was so refreshing to look down and see those shutter speeds and stuff like that, but the results were totally modern, contemporary and fantastic.”

The Df is designed to travel. Despite its rugged, weatherproof magnesium alloy body, the Df is the lightest and most compact among Nikon’s full-frame DSLR offerings.

For those photographers attracted to the Df for its precision features, the glass pentaprism optical viewfinder’s 100 per cent frame coverage means you’ll have clarity of view and coverage when shooting.

With the absence of any video-recording functions, the Df is designed for photographers who want to be dedicated to one medium. “It’s a great camera, and it’s finally put the division of stills and video work back into my life. Now I can use the perfect camera for still work, and use a dedicated video camera for my video work. No more compromises in handling for either undertaking.”

It isn’t all old-school in terms of look and feel. The back of the camera will be familiar to modern Nikon users. The 80-millimetre HD LCD display operates in Live View shooting mode, and there is a port for WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adaptor for transferring images wirelessly.

The special edition AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G prime lens was specifically designed as a compact and lightweight Df kit-lens utilising an aspherical lens element for sharp rendering and beautiful blur characteristics.

The Df offers a chance to use old lenses, it’s small enough to take everywhere, powerful enough to produce professional quality, yet equipped with the very latest imaging technologies. Refocus and reconnect with the pure joy of making photographs.

See more at: www.nikon.co.nz