Nikon D800 vs Nikon Df

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D800 and Nikon Df. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D800 were released 2012 and Nikon Df was released 2013. That is a 1 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D800 2012
Nikon Df 2013

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon FX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Since both cameras have a Full frame sensor there will be no crop factor.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D800 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon Df 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Nikon D800 has a 36,3 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon Df has 16 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D800 36,3 MP
36152320 pixels
7360 x 4912
Nikon Df 16 MP
16163840 pixels
4928 x 3280

Nikon D800 has a 124 % larger resolution than Nikon Df. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D800 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon Df. Nikon D800 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 25600 while Nikon Df has 100 to 12800.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D800 100-25600
Nikon Df 100-12800

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D800
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Df

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D800 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds and Nikon Df can shoot up to 5,5 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D800 6
Nikon Df 5,5

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Nikon D800. Unfortunately Nikon Df does not support recording movies and movie clips.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D800 weighs 900 gr (equal to 1.98 lb) which is 18% heavier than Nikon Df and its 760 gr (or 1.68 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D800 900 gr
1.98 lb
Nikon Df 760 gr
1.68 lb

Nikon D800 vs Nikon Df Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D800 and Nikon Df, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Nikon D800
Nikon Df
Name Nikon D800 Nikon Df
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D800
Nikon Df
Release Year 2012 2013
Release Date 2012-02-07 2013-11-05
MSRP 2999 USD 2749 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D800
Nikon Df
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D800
Nikon Df
Sensor Size Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 7360 x 4912 pixels 4928 x 3280 pixels
Megapixels 36,3 MP 16 MP
Image Processor EXPEED 3 EXPEED 3
Image
Nikon D800
Nikon Df
ISO Range 100 - 25600 100 - 12800
White Balance Presets 12 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus
Nikon D800
Nikon Df
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 51 39
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier FX (Full frame)
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
FX (Full frame)
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Nikon D800
Nikon Df
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 3,2” 3,2”
Screen dots 921000 921000
Touch screen No No
Screen type TFT Color LCD with 170 degrees wide-viewing angle TFT LCD
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7× 0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Nikon D800
Nikon Df
Frames per second 6 fps 5,5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash Yes No
Built-in Flash Range 12 meters N/A
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes No
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Average
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) +/- 3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D800
Nikon Df
Video recording Yes No
Video format MPEG4
H.264
N/A
Video resolution 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
N/A
Built-in Microphone Yes No
Built-in Speakers Yes No
Storage
Nikon D800
Nikon Df
Memory Card Compact Flash
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
Nikon D800
Nikon Df
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port Yes No
Headphone Port Yes No
Wireless Yes
Optional with Nikon Wireless Transmitter for D800 (WT-4A)
Yes
Optional via WU-1a wireless mobile adapter
Remote Control Yes (Optional, wired or wireless) Yes (Cable release, wireless remote)
GPS Yes
Optional with GP-1
Yes
Optional with GP-1 or GP-1A
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D800
Nikon Df
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
EN-EL14/EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 900 shots 1400 shots
Width 146 mm 144 mm
Height 123 mm 110 mm
Depth 82 mm 67 mm
Weight 900 gram 760 gram