Digital FM2? The Full-Frame Race Is On — Nikon to Announce 35mm Retro Camera

By on 15 Comments

Some were hinting Nikon’s just opened new factory in Laos isn’t for the proclaimed purpose of assembling yet even more DSLRs. According to Nikon Rumors world’s number two camera maker is about to announce a retro style full-frame “hybrid” camera within the next few weeks. As said again and again on THEME, prices for full-frame sensors have come down so dramatically, at the latest since the arrival of Sony’s compact A7(R) the 35mm full-frame equivalence will be new standard digital format. The full-frame race is on.

Sony, your party is not over, it’s just getting even more exciting for us photographers. Expect something like the Olympus OM-Ds with prominent pentaprism, a modern-day FM2 (offers on eBay) with a completely remastered heart and mind.

The retro full-frame’s name? Nikon Df.

Better expect something like a digital FM2
Better expect something like a digital FM2 (click for eBay offers).
Specs according to Nikon Rumors:

  • Nikon FM2-like design
  • 16.2MP 36mm x 23,9mm full-frame sensor (same sensor as in the Nikon D4)
  • Standard F mount
  • Pentaprism viewfinder (meaning the camera will not be mirrorless)
  • The camera will meter even with non-AI lenses down to full aperture
  • The camera will ship with a new special edition Nikkor 50mm F1.8G lens to match the look/design of the body
  • The camera will have physical controls and excellent build quality (which explains the 765g weight)
  • Expeed 3 processor
  • Nikon calls it a “hybrid” camera
  • SD memory card
  • 2016-pixel RGB image sensor
  • 9-cell framing grid display
  • 3D color matrix metering II
  • Native ISO range: from 100 to 12,800 (incl. ISO 50 and ISO 108,200)
  • 5.5 fps for up to 100 shots
  • 3.2″ LCD screen
  • EN-EL14 battery
  • Dimensions: 143,5 x 110 x 66,5mm
  • Weight: 765g
  • The announcement most likely will take place in the next one to three weeks

So they’re betting on the “old” mirror technology for for overall feel, handling and speeds.

Smaller size and same sensor of D4 means the camera will not only be a killer for street and travel photography. If Nikon prices it competitively, say around the $2k barrier, they have a real revolution in their hand.

A revised, modernized D800 with a D4 sensor, how sweet. Add the most likely state-of-the-art innards, fine optics and big name behind it.

The full-frame revolution rolls on.