Want, not need: the new Nikon Df

It’s the new Nikon Df, due to be released tomorrow. Full-frame, a sweet retro-look, and compatability with the Nikon lenses I already have. I could rationalize to myself that I “need” it, but realistically have to admit that it’s what I want because it a SHINY NEW THING!

I’m not sure this is the sweet spot. I think a consumer/prosumer DX sensor with the retro look would have been a better matchup in the market against, for instance, the Fuji X100 and X100S. If this had the DX sensor and a built-in flash, and were priced at about half the expected $2800 for body plus 50mm f1.8 lense, I think it’d sell many more copies.

But it’s really a professional-level sensor and feature set and I’m not sure the gee-whiz factor will be that strong a selling point among working pros. But there’s probably a reason why I’m a political consultant, not a camera company strategist.

But for now, it’s the shiny new thing I want.

And actually, it’s the black version that I’m lusting over. Because matte black is the new shiny.