The Truth Behind Nikon ZF: Hands-on Review

Dave & Evelyn Review the Nikon ZF vintage-inspired full-frame mirrorless camera. Is this camera the perfect blend of iconic style with modern performance? Watch to find out!

Instagram:
Dave Paul: @tcstvdave
Evelyn Drake: @tcstvev
Main: @thecamerastore

#Nikon #NikonZF #TheCameraStore

[BeingWolfy]

I'm with Evelyn on the Micro SD choice. It's a "backup", so you can leave it in there most of the time and not even remove it. The Micro SD doesn't bother me at all.

[RandumbTech]

I think the Micro SD is a BRILLIANT move. It is purely for backup only. By not having another SD card slot, you can keep the size tidy.

[thomaschamberlin]

I think of the micro SD card as internal memory. I will never take that card out. It is there for if I forget my SD card for me. Even if you use it for backup, it still stays in the camera and gets re-formatted and only the SD card gets pulled and downloaded on the card reader. So I think it is brilliant.

[alyoshakaramazov]

Micro SD is used in many applications now, such as GoPro and other high performance ruggedized cameras. Loosing them is not an issue. So it is a great choice. My first Nikon was and FM2: I'm in the queue for a Zf. I also note that Zf is F2 spelled backwards, sort of, and I used F2 bodies for many years.

[johnfretz]

I love the retro aesthetics. It's the camera I wish Fuji would have made. 

I'm in Evelyn's camps as well. I think the Micro SD card is just fine. The smaller size keeps the camera body slim, and the second card avoids a lot of the complaints other cameras have received on launch, of just having one card.

[starbase]

I think the micro SD slot is great. It's a backup in case you need it. And if you don't of the time), you can almost forget about the card being there in the first place.

[Harryontwowheels]

I already fell in love with the camera and pre-ordered it. Basically a „shut up and take my money moment“ for me :D

[RM-hyso]

I want this camera and I have never used Nikon cameras. I think Nikon has made the perfect retro camera that doesn’t skimp on too many features. The body is also rugged with significant weather proofing. The Zf definitely ticks all the boxes for me, including the 24MP. Higher resolution sensors tend to get too noisy for my taste.

If I had to start again, this would definitely be my street/travel camera and I would be using Nikon. I like it that much even without trying it out!
The black and white setting is genius!
Great job Nikon!

Unfortunately I have a Sony system, and buying this camera would be only justified if I sold one of my camera bodies and used one of those excellent FE to Nikon Z adapters.

[AndreiDimaReviews]

I like the micro SD as a backup because it keeps the body smaller. Nice video!

[danivar]

I think the Micro SD route is a great idea. I would look at it as an expandable internal drive that I never/rarely remove from the camera, and the write speed limitations vs CFExpress makes sense in a camera that's not targeted at sports and action – a very sensible differentiator from a future Z6 III camera that likely will have similar specs otherwise.

[KyleClements]

It's cool to see the black and white switch.
One of the things I love about mirrorless is how I can shoot in black and white raw+jpeg, so I see in black and white while I'm shooting, but all that colour information is still there in the file if I decide I want it later.
If I didn't already have a perfectly good Z5 and Z6, I'd be on the preorder list for this camera.

[spiffhappens]

I preordered this beauty and currently have the Zfc and Z6ii plus several Z lenses. Can't wait to have a photo adventure with the Zf. Thanks for the informative and FUN video.

[Willymaze]

If Nikon was pushed on updating their first two mirrorless models shortly after just to put a secondary memory slot it is because it had a negative impact on sales and adoption rate, and this is clearly a professional camera and an upgrade from the Z6 II (of course there will be a Z6 III) disguised as an enthusiast/hobbyist model.
Personally I prefer to have 2 slots even for personal everyday stuff and it's a nice to have.

[chrismacdonald.]

I’ve pre ordered. Let’s hope availability is a little better than the X100V! I’ll update you when it arrives, after the release date…

[RaymondParkerPhoto]

At first, I was like Dave; not a big fan of the Micro SD idea. Now, I'm with Evelyn; it's not a biggy. They obviously had to keep the size down. I hope those cards and battery all in the same place won't cause undue thermal issues. I'll know soon enough when mine arrives and I put it through its paces. As someone who started my career with an original FM, I can't wait to open the box.

[canyoneagle]

I've preordered mine...
As close to my perfect camera as it gets these days. Remove the video stuff, and it would be even closer.
I shoot full manual mode with adapted lenses. This will be a fun camera, and will look great on the shelf next to my FM2 and F2AS :)

[weiyang]

Fujifilm got me interested in photography all over again, but it was my FE2 where it all started. Ordering this camera was an easy choice.

[kevintaylor]

Lenses with aperature rings would complete this asthetic.

[yophotodude]

When I first heard about the slots, I was a bit put off, but the more I thought about it, the more I came around to it.

The GoPro 10 shoots 5.6K and 4K120 to a v30 microSD card. The Z f should be able to handle that. I don’t think it’s possible in the Z 6II to max out a UHS-II card with 14 fps RAW stills. This camera just doesn’t need CFE performance.

As for the size of the microSD card, I’m not planning to ever take it out unless it’s an emergency.

If I use it as a backup, then I’ll shoot raw to the SD card and JPEG to the backup slot. I can use JPEGs in an emergency. And for overflow, I’ll make sure I have enough SD cards, and clear them off where overflow becomes an emergency situation.

If that happens, I can plug the camera into USB-C and download that way. The microSD card never has to come out.

I’m going to put a 512GB card in there and basically forget about it.

[kennethmull]

I have a question for you, I own the Z8 and the Z72 has become my secondary camera for everything but birding. I love the old style of the ZF and was considering replacing the Z72 with the ZF, your thoughts.