Nikon Zf Review by Ken Rockwell

Nikon Zf Review by Ken Rockwell

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[linkbox]

Believe the hype, the camera is awesome. Ken just doesn’t like this kind of camera lol

[castlev]

The remote trigger on the shutter might be fake, but the reason the screw hole was kept was to still use a custom soft button, which Nikon even used to sell for the Df.

[turingcs]

You can customize the ZF to completely bypass the top dials. I control ISO and shutter speed using the i button menu and never had to use the retro-style dials on top. I am neutral to retro style but I upgraded from Z6 to ZF because of the improved autofocus system: 1 AI tracking of people, pets, cars, planes; 2. new 3D tracking. 3. Autofocus sensitivity under low light (-10EV vs -4EV) and 4. image stabilization (8EV vs. 5EV). ZF uses Expeed 7 processor, which is ~10x faster than Expeed 6 in Z6/Z6II. My only gripe about ZF is that it's difficult to get the SD card out once you put on the smallrig grip. I have to use a USB cable to import photos to my PC. Nikon Wireless Transfer app didn't work for me.

[robertoafetian]

This is a Great Camera! I'm using it professionally since oct'23 and no regret at all! Architecture images that I made with this camera are excellent as well as corporate portraits. AF is perfect for people and all the buttons are customizable. You can't go wrong with this camera! ( just buy a Smallrig grip, to improve the camera ergonomics ).

[kalimarus]

I own the Zf and love it, but I wanted the top dials experience. I own a Z5 and D750 as well. I honestly never use the U modes on my Z5 but I can see the value. For me this camera reminds me of when I first started with a Nikon N2000 film camera. I enjoy setting up the camera via the top dials in M mode and have the rear LCD flipped so it’s not present most of the time. This isn’t the most efficient way to use a camera in 2024 but I do enjoy it and also use manual lenses still. People also still drive a handful of cars with a manual transmission for that experience or use record players, this is in the same vein for me.

For auto ISO users, I use M and set auto on and max to 200. The camera will prioritize low ISO so the dial then becomes an max ISO range adjustment. For example set dial to 800 and you have 100-800 set, with it prioritizing the lowest usable iso. This works great for me. This works in M/S but A/P will have it as min iso so be aware if those are modes you use often. It has a plethora of ways to address certain settings if you take the time to learn.

That said the front and rear thumb/finger dials and grip will never be as optimized as the other Z bodies due to its replication of a film era camera. But those bodies won’t tempt you to pick it up off the shelf and use it like the Zf can.

Ken thanks for years of reviews and keeping it real for what people actually need in a practical sense for good photography. I love the Zf personally but can’t disagree with any of your review from a practical sense, especially from a professionals viewpoint. But I think this camera was targeted right at the non-professional guy like me.

Everyone who wants expeed 7 in a Z6 frame be patient it’ll be here soon. The ergonomics will probably drive you nuts with the ZF if you don’t like the dials experience.

[markwiemels]

I mostly felt this way, about the ergonomics, when I first got the camera, but after some use I find it’s not bad.

[jonafoto]

I've always seen your written reviews without realizing you had a Youtube channel but I gotta say I love your direct/no bullshit review style hahah.

[victorlim]

Been waiting for this review, Ken. Best body currently for manual focus lenses. Eye tracking with manual focus lenses is amazing.

[richvi-po]

LOL - trashing the dials at the top because they're not modern when the intent of this camera is to provide a retro feel and look. Sure, it's a niche market and not meant for those who want a modern camera feel. I have a Z8, Z6ii, Z7 and a Zf. I absolutely needed the Smallrig grip, but now I'm off to the races with the Zf and I absolutely love it. It's not a Z8....we know that. But I have absolutely no buyers remorse with the Zf even with the Z6iii now out. Image quality is fantastic, I like having a flippy screen option and the eye autofocus actually works great despite what this video says. Auto - ISO? I just reprogram the video record button to ISO and use the command dials which is very little difference than my other Z cameras. The problem with this review is that it doesn't start with Nikon's intention for this camera. Calling it a poser camera is ridiculous and misses the point of the launch believe Ken would make this comment (poser 40mm f2 lens, sure). In my opinion, Nikon nailed it with this very little difference in my workflow and button assignment with the Zf vs the other Z cameras which makes it easy to switch between. The missing joystick is THE biggest issue I have with this camera. Take this review with a grain of salt. This is a great camera. If you have the funds for a Z8, buy that of course. Want the best ergonomics at a lower price, buy a Z6ii or Z7ii. Want a fun camera that performs better than a Z6ii but not at a Z8 level, the Zf is a fantastic choice. It keeps the same great Z6ii dynamic range (better than Z6iii) with better cAF than the Z6ii at a better price than the Z6iii. It's a pretty sweet option. And that's not to mention the quick B&W switch that I love.

[mjr]

I find the AF way better than Z6. Please explain your views.

[perseuslegend]

Thanks for the review, although I'm confused about your complaints. Simply put, I think this camera is not for you. It seems that you don't need a retro-style camera at all. Changing the shutter speed dial doesn't make any sense, unless again, what you need is a different camera altogether.
The shutter speed dial to me is crucial. When doing street photography, with a flick of the mode selector I'm in manual mode, with the shutter speed dial already set on a lower shutter so I can get the motion trail I need (and, in case, rapidly adjust it thanks to that very dial). With another flick, I'm back right on to the higher shutter speed for a most common shooting experience.

The Zf is mainly aimed at street photographer, hence not only the style, but also the dials. There are also other factor that goes into the customization of the body which add a lot to the street shooter needs.
All in all, I don't think your review this time around was particularly fair (and I generally like your reviews).
Just my 2 c.

[AndrejsZavadskis]

I feel shutter through body when shooting with mechanic shutter.
Pixel shift don't work on Zf with flash or radio trigger (studio).
Auto ISO is not controlled with dials
Size still bigger that FM
Not ergonomic to use with big lenses (like 50mm 1.2)
Nikon has a limited selection of lenses for the ZF mount.
Old sensor from Z6 (2018 year)

[inorogNL]

Eye af tracking with manual lenses, I like it alot.

[babyboy]

This camera brought me back to Nikon. It’s INCREDIBLE. Believe all hype. It’s real. This is a beast. And built like a tank. And the images are amazing.

[just_A_Hack]

I always appreciate your thoughts Ken. My one question for you is do you think we will see build quality, as far as the metal and brass being used on the zf, ever coming back? I can see the negative on being heavier, but I really miss that feel of the camera. I love the x-t5, but it just doesn't feel like it is going to hold up as well. Maybe that is a me problem where I need to wrap my mind around the fact that heavy doesn't always mean more durable, but there is something I like about the feel of the zf.

[johnvienna]

Eh? Given that it has dials for shutter speed and aperture... what does the PASM switch do? Don't you just set the settings, like on Fuji?... I don't get the function of the PASM...

[Classic.Cameras]

As poser as it is, I would still take this camera 1000X over the FujiFilm X100VI. That is ultimate poser hipster youngling. This Zf at least has the option to switch lenses and is full frame.

[hpwan]

so the Df might still be the best option to use the old Nikon AI (and even Pre-AI) on digital body? 🤔🤔

[NetvoTV]

If I want to get the Nikon 28-400mm, is it too big for everyday use on a Zf? Do people use the dedicated shutter and ISO dials on the Zf or just get it for the look and end up just use the front and rear dials more which means the Z6III will make more sense with the better grip and even better EVF even let say you just want to use a small lens on it? Also what camera and lenses you carry or you just use phone while travel and everyday hangout and situations?

I shoot for fun, art, contest and gig if possible tho I haven't done yet, my plan is to get that lens with Zf ith the 28-400mm and a Sony Xperia 1 VI phone (26, 24, 48, 85-170, 2X macro) to be always with me waterproof and macro camera, down the line I might get the 14-30 and Voigtländer 50mm F1 if I want to maximize what I can get from wider shots and also when I need boleh which is rare time but that manual lens and aesthetic of the lens is nice! And I love Yellow colour, hope Nikon will make a Yellow colour Zf like they did with the new colour entries on the Zf! 💛

[touchedbylight]

I have the zf and I love it, absolutely love using those dials!