[Press Release] Kamera Nikon Df, Full Frame Full Retro

Akhirnya Nikon akan merilis kamera DSLR Full Frame FX terbaru mereka yang dinamakan Nikon Df  – Digital Fussion (rumor terkait ini dapat dilihat disini). Fusion ini artinya adalah gabungan teknologi modern dibalut desain retro klasik. Kamera ini diposisikan terletak diantara Nikon D610 dan Nikon D800 yang juga merupakan kamera Full Frame, tetapi dengan keunikan desainnya yang berbeda dari kamera Nikon DSLR selama ini. Desain mengadopsi gaya retro yang terinspirasi oleh Nikon FM.

Hal menonjol dari kamera ini adalah seabrek manual kontrol yang ditanamkan di bagian atas Body yang datar, dari setting shutter speed, exposure compesation hingga ISO memiliki dedicated dial/kontrol. Nikon Df adalah kamera DSLR full frame yang paling ringan dan paling kecil ukurannya saat ini, tentunya dengan mengabaikan kamera full frame dari sistem mirrorless.

Meski kamera Nikon Df ini memiliki range harga yang mirip dengan kamera Full Frame kompetitor yaitu Sony A7, tetapi sepertinya mentarget segmen pasar yang berbeda. Selain ukurannya yang jauh lebih besar dari Sony A7, kamera ini membidik kelompok fotografer purist, yaitu fotografer yang menginginkan tools murni untuk fotografi dan tidak distract oleh fitur tambahan seperti video. Tentunya dengan berbagai kelebihan-kelebihan lainnya seperti dedicated manual kontrol tadi.

Yang menarik adalah next move dari Canon, setelah Fuji, Sony, Panasonic, Olympus dan sekarang Nikon berlomba-lomba membuat kamera bergaya retro dengan basic mirrorless atau DSLR, apakah Canon akan mengikuti langkah tersebut ? Jika Canon mau membuat desain yang seperti ini, saya yakin akan laku keras hehe, maaf agak OOT.

Harga Nikon Df adalah $2,996.95 dengan lensa kit AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition. Sedangkan untuk body only adalah $2,746.96.

*) Saat ini belum rilis secara resmi, kami tampilkan gambarnya dan spesifikasi terlebih dahulu, preview dan press release segera menyusul.

Spesifikasi Kamera Nikon Df

• Body magnesium alloy
• Sensor 16.2Mp FX-format 36.0 x 23.9mm CMOS  (sama dengan kamera Nikon D4)
• Processor EXPEED 3
• 39-points AF,  9 cross-type AF points (sama dengan D610)
• 100–12,800 (expandable down to 50 and up to 204,800)
• Maksimum shutter speed 1/4000s
• Basic control sama dengan Nikon D610
• Lensa non-Ai bisa digunakan
• Interlock lever
• Continuous shooting 5.5 frames / sec
• Shutter speed, ISO dan exposure compesation masing-masing memiliki dedicated dial / analog control
• Built-in HDR dan Active D-Lighting
• LCD 3.2-inch 921K-dot
• Baterai EN-EL14a (bisa hingga ~1400 exposures)
• WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter untuk instant photo sharing Wi-Fi
• Tanpa fitur Video
• Tanpa pop-up flash
• Flash sync speed 1/200s

Hands On, Preview, First Impression Nikon Df

• Website dan sample official dari Nikon (Nikon.com, Nikon Imaging, PDF brochure, Sample images)
• First impression oleh DPReview. “Nikon Df adalah kamera DSLR full-frame terkecil, tapi terasa tebal, solid dan kuat. Menawarkan tingkat weather-sealed yang sama seperti D800, dan kombinasi magnesium alloy dan karet tebal yang melapisi body memberikan rasa kualitas tinggi sepadan dengan harga kamera. Yang kami khawatirkan tentang Df adalah Nikon mungkin terlalu jauh ke belakang demi kosmetik, tanpa benar-benar menambah manfaat praktis saat pemotretan.”
• Review oleh Pocket Lint. “Kamera ini pasti akan menarik bagi mereka yang ingin bergaya old-school. Kami berharap ukurannya lebih kecil, sesuatu yang sedikit lebih praktis untuk digunakan – semua mode dial cepat adalah hal yang harus kita biasakan dengan ekstensif sebelum mahir menggunakannya.” 
• First look hands-on review oleh Amateur Photographer. “Dengan optival viewfinder yang menggunakan pentaprism, terliat terang dan jelas, 100% sudut pandang, saya mendapatkan bahwa fokus manual semudah saat menggunakan D4 atau D800, dan rubber viewfinder yang melingkar membuat mata nyaman. Kamera ini memberikan kualitas gambar yang luar biasa dalam kondisi low-light dengan kinerja noise yang sangat baik, tetapi dalam hal resolusi kedua Sony Alpha 7 dan 7R berpotensi akan lebih baik.”
• Hands on oleh Techradar. “Dengan menjaga jumlah piksel Nikon Df turun menjadi 16MP daripada dipaksakan 24 atau 36-megapiksel Nikon memberikan penekanan pada kemampuannya di kondisi low-light. Hal ini membuat kamera menjadi serbaguna, mampu memotret di berbagai kondisi.”

Gambar Kamera Nikon Df

Press Release Nikon Df

FALL IN LOVE AGAIN: NEW Df D-SLR IS UNDENIABLY A NIKON WITH LEGENDARY PERFORMANCE AND TIMELESS DESIGN 

MELVILLE, NY (November 4, 2013) The new Nikon Df is a modern classic designed for those who have felt a connection to their camera, who revel in the idea of going out to photograph an unfamiliar location, and who know the effort and ultimate satisfaction that is part of getting the shot. Announced today, the Nikon Df is a unique, advanced-level D-SLR that harmonizes Nikon heritage and modern performance in a lightweight and very capable FX-format camera. The new Df pays homage to the enduring style and controls of Nikon’s distinguished “F” series of 35mm film cameras, yet features technology similar to Nikon’s professional flagship D4 D-SLR. Released alongside the similarly styled AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition lens, Nikon’s newest FX-format D-SLR presents a versatile and reliable option to help passionate photographers truly achieve their creative vision.

“Nikon cameras have played an important role in documenting world history for the better part of 50 years, and have earned their position as a reliable tool that pros and enthusiasts can count on. The  Nikon Dfrepresents much more than a storied legacy of cameras; it’s more about giving the user a chance to truly enjoy the experience of taking amazing images,” said Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “The design is unwavering, and the features are the latest in Nikon imaging technology. The Dfbrings together the best of yesterday and today for advanced full frame photographers.”

A Classically Styled, Thoroughly Modern Masterpiece
From a robust feel, to mechanical dials and finely detailed craftsmanship, the Df embodies the very best of Nikon’s photographic legacy. The classically styled camera recalls design cues such as a recognizable pentaprism and top cover, which is now constructed of durable, lightweight magnesium alloy. The top of the camera features elegant yet sophisticated mechanical controls for settings, letting users feel the tactile reassurance of adjustments, such as a familiar click stop for shutter speed adjustment. Additional dedicated dials also control ISO, exposure compensation, release mode and exposure mode, while modern controls are also easily accessible. The intuitive control layout allows for quick and confident setting adjustment, yet retains a solid operational experience that “feels like a Nikon camera.”

The Df has been designed with an emphasis on familiar intricate details made famous from previous generations, including the leather-textured top and grip, along with the body mounted shutter button with a threaded release port. The design also recalls the slenderness of the previous generation’s cameras, making this the smallest and lightest FX-format camera in Nikon’s lineup.

It isn’t all about good looks though, as this enduring design is coupled with legendary performance to create a very capable and extremely appealing FX-format offering for professionals and enthusiasts.  The 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor of the Df is inherited from Nikon’s professional flagship D-SLR, the D4. The large 36 x 23.9mm CMOS sensor is praised for its ability to produce amazing image quality in a wide variety of lighting conditions. Whether shooting landscapes, wildlife or weddings, the frames captured with the Df exhibit amazing clarity, accurate color and a broad dynamic range. In addition, Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED 3 image processing engine helps propel image quality, yielding images with a natural color and depth, all while enhancing subtle and nuanced tones.

Additionally, like the professional Nikon D4, the Df performs well in a wide variety of challenging lighting conditions with an exceptionally wide ISO range from 100 to 12,800, expandable to a staggering ISO 204,800. The combination of low noise and wide range make this an appealing camera to take on the challenges faced by photojournalists and event photographers, as well as those who enjoy the pursuit of extracting otherwise impossible images using natural light.

 A Feature Set for Passionate Photographers
The Nikon Df is engineered to enhance the experience of taking photos and represents a culmination of decades of experience and feedback from photographers in the field, the studio and the sidelines. From its proven AF system to modern connectivity and legacy lens compatibility, the Df contains the century’s best photographic features for an enjoyable all-day shooting experience.

• AF System: The convenience and precision of Nikon’s 39-point AF system is proof-positive of the benefits of modern technology. With 39 selectable AF points throughout the frame for precise focus, the Df also features nine cross-type sensors, and seven AF points capable of working down to f/8. Users can also choose from a variety of AF area modes to match their shooting style: 9-point, 21-point, 39-point, 39-point with 3D Tracking and Auto Area AF.
• Get the shot with 2016-Pixel 3D Matrix Metering and Scene Recognition System: This Nikon system analyzes each shooting scenario and determines proper camera settings, resulting in even exposures, accurate white balance and precise AF. To capture action sports, wildlife and other fast moving subjects, the Df has a continuous burst shooting rate of up to 5.5 frames-per-second (fps).
• Compose with a 3.2-inch LCD Display and Glass Pentaprism Viewfinder: Users can easily compose through the high-resolution LCD screen or the bright optical viewfinder. The LCD screen has 921K-dot resolution, making it easy for users to adjust additional settings, review images or compose using Live View. Using the glass optical viewfinder, users will enjoy 100 percent accuracy and a bright field of view. What’s more, the shooting data presented through the viewfinder has also been updated and digitized.
• Connect and Share Instantly: Another modern touch allows users to connect and share their images instantly using the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter1. By connecting to a mobile device, users can download and share images or remotely fire the camera.
• Features for Creativity:  Photographing dramatic monochrome or vivid landscapes is easier with Nikon’s Picture Controls, which allow for the customization of color, saturation and tone. The Df also features built-in High Dynamic Range (HDR) to combine multiple shots with enhanced tonal range, and two to five-frame auto-bracketing. For maximum control, images can also be captured in JPEG, TIFF or RAW file formats.
• Support for a Storied NIKKOR Legacy: In addition to being compatible with all current AF, AF-S, DX and AF-D NIKKOR lenses, the Df is also compatible with classic Ai and non-Ai NIKKOR glass. Thanks to a new metering coupling lever located on the bayonet, the user has the ability to once again enjoy their lens collections with renewed functionality. Full-aperture metering is also supported.
• Accessory System Support: The Df is compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (CLS), letting users take advantage of i-TTL exposure or fire multiple units remotely using a Speedlight commander. To remotely trigger the shutter, the camera also supports the new WR remote system, as well as the threaded AR-3 cable release, which screws in to the shutter button in the traditional style.

A Classic FX-Format Special Edition NIKKOR Prime
The new AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition lens is the result of classic NIKKOR styling combined with today’s optics to create the ideal focal length companion lens for the Df. The design honors original NIKKOR Ai lenses, with colors, texture, and an aluminum mounting ring that is mated to the style of the Df. This lens is ideal for everyday portraiture, landscapes and casual photography, but offers a wide aperture and seven-blade diaphragm for natural image blur and a dramatic depth of field. Despite the timeless design, the 50mm f/1.8G is created with modern AF-S design benefits to give photographers rapid response, quiet operation and excellent sharpness and clarity throughout the frame.
                                                                                
Price and Availability
The Nikon Df will be available in late November 2013, invoking classic Nikon silver and black color schemes. The suggested retail price (SRP) of the Df (body only) will be $2,749.95*, while the Df and 50mm f/1.8 Special Edition lens kit will have a SRP of $2,999.95*. The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens will be sold separately for a SRP of $279.95*. For an additional flair of nostalgic style, Nikon is also offering black or brown leather carrying cases, the CF-DC6B and CF-DC6S (pricing and availability to be announced).