Nikon Df review

Nikon Df Image Quality

With no video capture facility, the Df really needs to hit the ball out of the park for photo quality. Fortunately, that’s exactly what it does. Our test shots were beautifully exposed and packed with crisp detail. Shooting RAW and processing in Adobe Lightroom gave an extra few ounces of precision to details. Noise levels were the lowest we’ve ever seen, with almost a one-stop advantage over the D610. The 24-megapixel D610 or 36-megapixel D800 might be better choices for big prints, but for us the Df comes top for image quality.

Processing RAW files in Lightroom gives the best results, but there’s not much wrong with the Df’s JPEG output

The sharp lines and smooth gradients in this JPEG are pretty much faultless

A fast lens in front of a full-frame sensor is a winning combination for narrow depth-of-field effects

The same combination comes up trumps in low light, allowing us to freeze motion with a fast shutter speed without the image succumbing to noise

Even the maximum native ISO 12800 setting looks remarkably clean

It’s only by ISO 51,200 that noise becomes intrusive

Nikon Df Conclusion

In the UK the Df is available only in kit form with a 50mm f/1.8 lens. This lens has had a cosmetic makeover to reflect the Df’s retro design, and it’s a good match with its relatively low weight and capable low-light performance.

However, the Df isn’t our top choice of camera for low-light photography, due to its less-than-spectacular autofocus performance. It’s not particularly small or light, either. We love all those dials and levers, and we’re quite taken by the retro appearance. Ultimately, though, the D610 seems like the smarter choice with its more comfortable handgrip, integrated flash, autofocus assist lamp and video capabilities. The fact that it’s little more than half the price leaves the Df high and dry.