Nikon Df Digital SLR Camera Wins the Camera GP 2014 Camera of the Year and Readers Award
AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G wins the Lens of the Year

May 20, 2014

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that its Df digital SLR camera is the recipient of two Camera GP (Grand Prix) Japan 2014 awards, Camera of the Year and Readers Award. The best still cameras released in Japan between April 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014 have been selected for the Camera GP Japan 2014 Awards (sponsored by the Camera Journal Press Club).

In addition, the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G is the recipient of the Lens of the Year award, bringing the total number of awards received by Nikon to three.

The Df was selected as the Camera GP Japan 2014 Camera of the Year award, which is presented to the best still camera released on the Japanese market between April 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014, as well as the Readers Award, which is selected through voting by general users. Since the Readers Award was established in 2008, a total of six Nikon digital SLR cameras have received it, and Nikon has been recognized with the award four years in a row since the Nikon D7000 received in 2011, proving the overwhelming popularity of Nikon cameras with camera lovers. The Df is also the recipient of the TIPA Awards 2014 Best Premium Camera award.
In addition, the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G is the recipient of the Lens of the Year award, which recognizes the most outstanding lens.

The Df combines intuitive dial operation with the feel of a precision instrument, which make using the camera fun, as well as superior image quality in the smallest and lightest body in the history of Nikon FX-format digital SLR cameras, which makes the camera extremely portable. The large, metal mechanical dials adopted for the Df enable simple operation with immediate visual verification of settings and like in a precision body design. In addition, the camera is equipped with a Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor and the EXPEED 3 image-processing engine, and offers an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels. What's more, as a metering coupling lever that can be raised and lowered has been adopted for the Df, non-AI lenses can also be used. The combination of older NIKKOR lenses and a camera incorporating the latest digital technologies allows users to enjoy capturing photographs exhibiting a wide variety of forms of expression.

The AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G is a fast, normal fixed focal length (prime) lens compatible with Nikon FX-format digital SLR cameras that offers outstanding reproduction capability of point light sources and beautiful blur characteristics from maximum aperture. With shooting of night landscapes and the like, point light sources are rendered as sharp points, with no distortion or fringing, all the way to the edges of the frame, even at maximum aperture. In addition, beautiful blur characteristics that change gradually as the distance from the focus position increases enable capture of impressive photos of humans or objects that exhibit a natural sense of depth.

Reasons for Nikon Df selection

Remarks from the Camera GP Japan 2014 Executive Committee regarding Camera of the Year selection

"In this digital age when priority is given to making cameras more efficient and improving their specifications, the Df is extremely successful at proposing a return to a time when photography took a little longer and users enjoyed manual operation of these precision devices. While the longing for the "good old days" and reversion to the past that the Df represents have been criticized, the camera has been well received because it proposes a shooting style that allows users to relax and concentrate on photography for a fresh new sense not often experienced in this modern age. What's more, the superior operation and basic performance afforded by the "retro" design, and the camera's support for older NIKKOR lenses speak not only to fans of conventional film cameras, but to a new class of users for whom this camera represents a gateway to digital cameras. Intentions behind development of the Df are clear and its contribution to photography is great, characteristics rarely seen with digital cameras released in recent years, making it suitable for selection as Camera of the Year."

A sample of comments from general users regarding Camera GP Japan 2014 Readers Award selection

The Df brings the responsive feel of the manual focus SLR age to the modern digital age.
Operation, rendering capability, and style, all while preserving analog operation, are very appealing.
The distinct concept that allows users to experience and enjoy the essence of photography is wonderful.
The Df is less an electronic device and more a "photographic device" that makes users want to release the shutter with full consideration of each shot. I want to apply shutter speed, aperture, and sensitivity settings with careful consideration. The great flexibility offered by the camera, especially in terms of the wide range of sensitivities that can be used without concern, is very good. Not equipping this camera with movie recording functions was definitely a good move. Nikon is to be praised for the great open-mindedness and flexibility they have shown in developing and releasing this camera.

Reasons for AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G selection

Remarks from the Camera GP Japan 2014 Executive Committee regarding Lens of the Year selection

"This lens represents a modern version of Noct NIKKOR lenses by offering excellent rendering of distant points as points at maximum aperture, and beautiful blur characteristics in close-ups. Differences in rendering resulting from changes in aperture setting or shooting distance exhibited by this single lens are also appealing. It is an ambitious lens that makes mastering it enjoyable by daring to be unique at a time when size and balance are emphasized. This lens clearly reflects the intent and exacting nature of its developers."

Awards | Camera / Camera Lens