Nikon introduced the Df DSLR camera, hyping it as a "classic-styled" machine. But do we really need a classic, or just something more functional for the working shooter out there? After all, if all you want is a pretty camera or collector's item to sit in a drawer or showcase, then buy a Leica. What's more, the sensor on the Df is smaller even than on the D600/D610 - or, for that matter, the D5300 (albeit, the D5300 is APS-C, not full-frame). And get a load of that price. Might as well buy a Nikon D800.

Anyway, here's the 411 on the new camera, per Nikon. If you're really in the market for this sort of thing.

Although, you do have to admit, it does look enticing...

Nikon Df:

·         Classic Nikon design cues, with solid build and mechanical controls

o   Sophisticated physical/mechanical controls for settings and adjustments

·         Imaging and low-light performance inherited from Nikon’s flagship D4 D-SLR

o   Large 36 x 23.9mm, 16.2 MP FX-Format CMOS sensor

o   EXPEED 3 image processing engine propels image quality to the next level

o   Exceptionally wide ISO range from 100-12,800, expandable to 204,800 for superb low-light performance

·         Nikon’s thinnest and lightest FX-format D-SLR

·         39-point AF system with nine cross-type sensors and continuous burst shooting up to 5.5 fps ensures precision and clarity when capturing moving subjects

·         2016-Pixel Matrix Metering and Scene Recognition System ensure proper camera settings for every shooting scenario

·         Easy to create with a 3.2-inch LCD display and glass optical viewfinder

·         Wi-Fi connectivity available with use of optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter, allowing for instant download and sharing to smart devices or remote firing of the camera

·         Reaching back into the NIKKOR lens legacy, the Df is compatible with current AF, AF-S, DX and AF-D lenses, but also works with classic Ai and non-Ai NIKKOR glass

·         Full compatibility with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and WR remote systems

·         Available in late November 2013, in classic silver and black color schemes at a suggested retail price (SRP) of $2,749.95 (body only). A kit will also be available with the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8 Special Edition Lens for $2,999.95 (SRP)

Sony introduced two new Alpha cameras today: the α7 and α7R. Sony notes that they are the world’s smallest full-frame interchangeable lens mirrorless digitals for pro and advanced amateur. However, and someone please explain this to me, what pro would ever want face recognition in a serious camera? Lots more features of a similar ilk, many obviously geared toward JPEG capture. Again, in a pro camera? And lest you think that I'm misreading their intent, here it is from Sony:

"Highly anticipated by professional photographers and imaging enthusiasts alike, the two new cameras offer an unmatched combination of creativity, customizability and portability."

Sony's not alone in this - catering to the masses with features no one would spend this kind of money on just for the bragging rights to be called a pro by virtue of an expensive camera. (Now that I re-read this, it makes no sense to me either.) But hey, it sure beats calling yourself a "photographer" when all you've got to show for it are pictures off a cell phone. 

My minor quips aside, these two cameras look to be a serious contender in a field where the DSLR reigns supreme as the tool for professional digital imaging. They might even herald the downfall of the almighty DSLR as we know it, as we constantly follow a narrowing path leading toward smaller and lighter cameras and lenses, leaving medium format to hold the fort for the big guns. I might even be tempted to grab up one of these new Sony cams myself, although I would have been much happier had they also featured a built-in GPS.

The new Sony cams support Wi-Fi and NFC. Huh? If you're not familiar with the tech (I didn't know it had a name till moments ago), NFC stands for Near Field Communications. It's for the touchy-feely types who can't take the time to hit a few keys to transmit pictures but instead prefer to run clear across town so they can tap someone else's device with their own. And still keep it rated "G."

Anyway, here's the official spiel from Sony, from their website:

"The α7R model features a 36.4 effective megapixel 35mm Exmor® CMOS sensor – the highest resolution sensor in the history of Sony’s α line – with no optical low pass filter for added resolving power and increased image detail.  The α7 model boasts an impressive 24.3 effective megapixel 35mm Exmor® CMOS sensor and an innovative fast Hybrid AF system.

"Each camera is equipped with advanced imaging features including a powerful new  BIONZ® X processor; fast AF capabilities; a clear, bright XGA OLED Tru-finder, full HD 60p video recording, Wi-Fi® and NFC connection, dust-and moisture- resistance and more." 

For more, visit the Sony Store.

More Sony news, in their words:

Sony’s Action Cam Selfie Sweepstakes:  Post a “selfie” photo or video of a crazy, extreme moment to either Instagram or Twitter using #ActionCamSelfie hashtag, and be entered to win one of 5 Sony Action Cams.  Read the Sony blog for more details on contest rules.

You may have heard the brouhaha over sensor splatter on the D600 full-frame sensor. Well, sadly I had the same problem, and when it wouldn't go away on its own but instead got steadily worse, like many of you, I sent my D600 into Nikon. They cleaned the sensor, replaced the culprit - a faulty shutter mechanism, and returned the camera in a very timely manner. It wasn't long before I spotted some spots on the sensor - of the same type. Well, my warranty period is over, so I guess I'll have to live with it and deal with it on my own.

Fast forward - well, not that fast, maybe a week or two, and Nikon introduces the D610 - the full-frame replacement for the D600. They didn't say it - but everyone else did - to deal with the backlash. The new camera is $100 cheaper, but also sports a new shutter mechanism that delivers 6 fps - that's a whopping (he says facetiously) half frame faster than the original. I reviewed the specs line for line. These were the only two differences. They had an opportunity to make some other improvements, but blew it.

Next thing I know, they're introducing the D5300 APS-C (cropped) sensor DSLR - or as we like to say these days, HD-SLR, to denote the camera's ability to shoot hi-def video. I read the press release, and I have to say, interesting little camera with a not so little price tag. Back in the day of film cameras, something like this would have run you maybe $300, give or take. The D5300 is more than twice that, at around $800 MSRP. But, hey, progress, the times we live in, the cost of living - they go hand-in-hand.

Point is, just looking at the specs, this is an impressive bit of photo tech. One feature that I can really appreciate (which is why I carry my little Sony DSC-HX20V around) is the built-in GPS. The other I'm still on the fence about and that is built-in Wi-Fi. Still, nice to have, whether it works or not.

Also impressive is the 24.2 MP resolution. Like the D610/D600, plenty of real estate for cropping. And at 5 fps, plenty of steam to capture driving action. 

Many of you will likely be excited by the camera's HD video recording. I'm not a big HD video buff, but the numbers are certainly there, with HD at up to 60 fps and a vari-angle LCD monitor as icing on the cake. My biggest complaint regarding HD-SLRs is that they still fall short of a dedicated video camera in many respects. One more important piece of information: at HD resolution, you can only shoot for 20 minutes non-stop. So what do you do at minute 21? Tell competing skiers to take a break, tell the Bar Mizvah boy to go and count his blessings (code for moola)? 

Still, you have to admit that today's digital SLR is mind-blowing when you think about everything it offers. And the Nikon D5300 is up there with the best of them in that price class. As least on paper. Haven't gotten my hands on one yet to come to any verifiable conclusions. And I'm just hoping that Nikon has gotten that sensor splatter out of its system - or, more to the point, its DSLR systems.