Kolor-Pikker
Member
>using DPR as a metric for anythingHere's a grab from dpr today.
This tells a very interesting story. To start with, I've never seen a camera getting as much attention as this at dpr, approaching 50%. Secondly, there's not a single Canon camera on that list. Even the relatively new 70D has fallen off. But even more importantly, the Sony A7 isn't there either, while almost the entire Nikon mid range of DSLR bodies is present among the Top 10.
>implying actual photographers visit DPR
The only thing that's popular on DPR is whatever generates controversy on forums and interests casuals.
Unfortunately, this "long time" has already passed, and Nikon is behind the curve. This really doesn't look like a strong late-2013 effort. Same exact thing early 2012 and we'd be having a different conversation.The huge interest for the Df can have many reasons:
- Many photographers have been asking for something similar to this for a long time.
I'm not sure if that's as impressive as it's supposed to sound.- It retains compatibility with all Nikkor lenses from the last 60+ years.
Depending on whether it's a collector's item or practical tool, this may or may not be a good thing.- The looks of the camera attract people.
In this case 2-in-1 refers to selling a needlessly marked-up product and getting away with it too. Hasselblad could learn a thing or two.- In spite of being retro, and in contrast to the wishes of many "pure" enthusiasts on fora like this, it also retains the functionality of a D610 (with the exception of video), making it more or less a 2-in-one camera.
But "middle class" photo enthusiasts are a discerning group of people that won't waste money on something that ultimately won't provide better end-results, the group that can drop $7,000 on a digital body is a group of people with a completely different mindset. If I only had $3000 to spend on shopping for a camera, I would not want "exclusive features", but the best bang for buck.- As opposed to a Leica or a Lunar, it's within reach for very many "middle class" photo enthusiasts while still having unique, "exclusive" properties. For those with F-mount lenses, which can be counted by the millions, it's almost a bargain seen in that context.
If I wanted a small 16mp retro-ish styled camera today, I'd get an EM-1, because besides the smaller sensor, it blows the Df away in every other aspect, and only costs $1,400 too; or perhaps the even-smaller EM5 for $1000? I'd have plenty left over for all the lenses I could ever need.
In my opinion, this has nothing to do with the camera as a successful photographic device, but as a successful product. The Sony A7r, conversely, has had almost no mainstream exposure, and yet all photographers to whom it matters knows that it's coming.In the meantime, the Df has climbed to the 16th and 18th position on Amazon's Top 20 list
Add to this the enormous PR effect when mainstream media start writing about this "cool looking, perfect retro Christmas gift to the photographer who has everything he needs", and I see a very smart move from Nikon here. This camera might be a commercial success even before the first body has been delivered to a customer :thumbup:
Just saying that from the perspective of the dirty plebeian rabble such as myself, $3000 can buy a lot of camera, and the Df doesn't compete well according to the metrics I'd use to contemplate a purchase.