Nikon Zf Camera Review

Oh boy have I been looking forward to this one.

Find it here (Amazon affiliate link - thanks for the support):

All pictures taken by me on a Nikon Zf camera.

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Music:
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

[christopherfrost]

Seems I had lenses on my mind just a little TOO much when recording the audio...!

[AdamAllen]

I made the rare move to pre-purchase a camera (the Zf), and I've been loving every minute of using it. Nikon really dialed things up for the build quality on this one. Thanks for the review!

[SamGrimes]

I've had my Zf for just over a month and honestly, it's completely removed my desire to look at any other camera. It's a joy to hold, it's reliable, the files are great. I hope to keep it for a very long time!

[theronsan]

The camera is interesting but in my opinion Nikon needs to make more Z-mount lenses in the same style as the camera, and the lenses needs an aperture ring.

[pseudoryx]

The missing physical joystick is compensated by the return of touchscreen AF control: the screen becomes the "joystick" when you are shooting through viewfinder. You also did not touch on the eye focus acquisition feature for manual focus: the camera automatically detects the eyes to help you confirm focus. You still did a diligent review and probably came in blind to avoid getting influenced by other reviews, but it could be better if you check the manual or Nikon's product release page to make sure these extra features are also getting covered.

[Ilueworks]

I have found that with heavier or larger lenses I support all of the weight with my left hand on the lens and it is actually more comfortable than when I support all of the weight with my right hand while using smaller lenses.

[cristianblazquez]

I have a Nikon ZF, I'm in love with it. Purchase one of this is one of the best decisions I've ever made. Good review!

[benbunch]

I think while the odds of a “black and white emergency’ are low, I do think there’s something to be said for getting yourself in a mindset of whatever mode you are shooting in and physically flipping that is really useful. And the emergency might be getting yourself OUT of black and white when you see something interesting in color.

But I think there’s something just inherently cool about going “I am going to shoot black and white today” and flipping that switch. I can’t imagine just switching my film sim mode in the menu in my Fuji having quite the same mental impact for me.

[jpdj]

Sharpening - when you use SOOC JPEG, in the raw processing, the camera uses a Picture Control. In it you will find "Quick Sharpening" and "Sharpening", "Mid-range sharpening", "Clarity". And then Contrast, Brightness, Saturation, Hue (and more).
You can create your own variant, save it to card and load it up to another camera.
Also, in NX Studio you have access to the Picture Controls and here you can create and modify them too. The ones you use in NX Studio should be compatible with the Picture Control files in the camera.

[thenorth]

just wish Nikon would release a silver version of ZF in the near future

[fjphoto]

It's an under-reported feature - eye focus tracking in manual focus mode.

[stkuj]

Nikon hit it out of the park with the Zf! Def on my radar... among the many other cameras and lenses to buy ;)

[TCinSoCal]

Picked up a Zf in early November and have been loving it! I made a video about my time shooting it side by side with the X-T5. The metering from the Zf is spectacular. The build feels amazing. AF is on par with X-H2S & A7IV .. we’ve BEEN WAITING for this!! ..I’m enjoying the 40 f2 but would really like Nikon to make some retro/metal lenses to match it. Thank you for this video.

[keithanderson]

Just bought mine online. It should be here in two days. Can’t wait! I think between this and the Z7III when it comes out will be an amazing duo for me!

[daveinportland]

Always one of my favorite creators of content. God bless you and yours sir.

[AmstedamVallon]

Recently got this camera about a month after finally getting a Fuji X100V. Easy to say, I have barely touched the X100V since. Despite the size, I still want to carry the ZF with me everywhere I go. It's truly a dream camera come true. Retro full frame that is a power house on the inside. What more can you ask for? Bravo Nikon, bravo.

[davidjb]

I have had my Zf for several months now and it has really displaced my other bodies for general use (Z6II, D500, Df). I also found that because of the weight, the grip is a bit thin, so I added the SmallRig grip, and it makes all the difference. Not sure that will ever come off that body now. The manual focus assist with lenses that have the CPU is a bit of a game changer as it gives you focus point confirmation and the subject detection works as well. I am not aware of any of camera that does that. Honestly, though, I don't understand why everyone insists that we need to have 30 to 40 frames per second and AI-backed autofocus that is infallible in order to shoot sports. I have done so with my Z6II, and I think the Zf will actually do better because the autofocus system seems a cut above to me. I will find out in the next few months. Also, now 24 megapixels is just OK for image quality? Just because more megapixels are available doesn't mean they are required to produce quality images. This notion that the manufacturers put in our heads that more is always better has gotten out of control. But, I guess if the buying public wants to purchase capability they don't really need or are unlikely to ever use, who am I to disagree? Great content as usual.

[RussandLoz]

I've just got mine today in blue! Also got the smallrig grip to help which I find essential but what a powerhouse!

[AndreiDimaReviews]

Nice review! I love the Nikon ZF, I think Nikon made a good decision to release a full frame retro looking camera.

[weiyang]

This is my main camera now. Such a joy to shoot manually. Unless Nikon releases a rangefinder version, it probably won't ever be replaced. Though I'd might be tempted to keep both!