Photography News 04

Camera review

ISO 100

ISO 200

ISO 400

ISO performance

With the same sensor and processor as the D4, the Df offers the same ISO range, reaching 204,800 equivalent. It promises much, and delivers. Df files are supported in the very latest update to Lightroom, version 5.3, so we converted Raw files using this and without any noise reduction applied. ISO 800 is indistinguishable from ISO 100, and although slight grain enters the equation at ISO 1600, it’s barely noticeable. The effect on detail is still small at ISO 12,800, and there’s no effect on colour whatsoever. Noise is more significant in the expanded settings, but with noise reduction in Lightroom, you can just about squeeze up to the Hi 2 setting, equivalent to 51,200. If you go any further than this though, you really are pushing your luck.

ISO 800

ISO 1600

ISO 3200

ISO 12,800

ISO 51,200

ISO 204,800

Df vs D610

The specs of the Df and the D610 make for similar reading, despite the fact that the D610 is currently £1250 cheaper. In fact, the D610 has a number of features that the Df doesn’t – a higher pixel count, dual SD slots, built-in flash with wireless command control and movie recording. But how do the two cameras compare when it comes to the images they produce? We compared resolution and ISO performance in Raw files. At the lower end of the ISO sensitivity scale, there’s very little between the Df and the D610; both are exceptionally good at controlling noise. When you reach ISO 1600, the Df starts to edge ahead – noise has less impact on the fine detail, and more contrast is retained. When you push up into the top levels, the difference becomes really noticeable – the top native settings differ by 1EV, yet deliver very similar performance, and even then, images from the Df still have slightly more definition. This remains true into the expanded settings, and the Df goes 3EV higher up to 204,800. In short, the Df offers significantly better performance in low light. Since the Df has two-thirds the number of pixels as the D610, you’d expect poorer resolution of detail. In practice, the difference isn’t huge unless you’re examining images closely, although if you are then it’s clear that the D610’s higher-resolution sensor has the advantage. It also makes a difference when it comes to printing – prints from the Df can be a little more than 16 inches along the longest side at 300ppi, while you can go up to 20 inches with the D610. The advantage of the lower pixel count is smaller file sizes by a third – D610 Raw files are about 30MB, and Df Raws are around 20MB. This makes a big difference in processing times.

With a top speed of 5.5 frames-per-second, the Df beats the D800, but is just short of the D610’s six frames-per-second. This can of course be combined with continuous AF, and we tried this by seeing how well it kept in focus a London bus coming towards the camera. The Df had no problem at all maintaining focus, and each shot was sharp. Shooting both Raw and JPEG files to class 10 SD cards, the speed was maintained for 21 shots before the camera paused. Continuous AF and drive

The verdict

NIKONDF

I’d find it even harder to justify the price of the Df when there are two Nikon full- frame options that are currently cheaper. The D610 costs £1200 less, yet it has the same focusing system and processor, the sensor has a higher resolution, and you get video recording too. Just about the only area in which the D610 falls behind the Df is in its low-light performance. Cold hard logic therefore seems to be against the Df if it would stretch your budget – but after using it, I’m not sure it’s as simple as that and, while my head might have more to say, there’s always the chance that my heart could shout loud enough to drown it out.

My heart says the Nikon Df is a fantastic camera, but if I was about to part with nearly £3000 for one, my head would probably have more to say. There’s no doubt that it’s enjoyable to use, and the results are superb, especially in low light where it excels. But a long hard look at the camera reveals a series of small niggles – things like having only one SD slot in the bottom, using the focusing system of the cheaper D610 alongside the sensor and ISO capabilities of the D4, minor issues with fiddly dials. They each take the edge off slightly, and are even harder to overlook when you take into account the high asking price.

23/25

FEATURES A unique mix HANDLING

23/25

PROS Low-light performance, dial controls, compact and light CONS Price, one SD slot Fantastic camera, but the price is a sticking point Really enjoyable to use PERFORMANCE 24/25 Fantastic all round, especially in low light VALUE FOR MONEY 21/25 Two Nikon full-frame bodies are cheaper OVERALL 91/100

DF ISO 12,800

D610 ISO 12,800

Photography News | Issue 4