The tripod shown in the video is the brand new *Freewell T1* - www.freewellgear.com/en/tripod/1228-the-real-travel-tripod.html?affp=47998 announced yesterday. It is the most sophisticated tripod of this size that I have used so far. The review will be available this week.
Likewise I really enjoy the zf. My biggest upside surprise was using the subject tracking as a manual focus assist. Combined with one of the Voigtlander z mount lens, a real treat. Hope the subject detection mf assist spreads to other z bodies.
Great review once again and I thought you brought up a lot of quirks that others have not mentioned. Looking forwards to the Z6iii, hopefully it can fix the quirks and do better video.
Interesting observation about the auto iso in video. I only use manual mode for video on my Z5 (so I can control aperture and exposure) so hadn’t noticed if this is true for all Z cameras.
while it does loose a little retro feel with other lenses, I feel that the aesthetic of most of the primes is pretty basic with black so it does’t look too off. Moreso if they kept the old gold from the f mount
That is a very complicated question, since they are not direct competitors. It I wanted maximal performance, I would get A7 IV, if I wanted something more experience oriented, I would get the Zf.
Hi Hybrid Shooter, I enjoyed this review! I have a question regarding this camera and the S5II vs the A7IV. Both the Zf and the S5II have 24 MP, where the A7IV has 33 MP. How does the photo quality compare regarding noise? I saw many A7IV photos on flickr and I find no noise. On the other hand I found Z6II photos that do have noise. However, I do not know which modifications were applied and the pictures are never in the same location. I expected the A7IV to have more noise, because of the higher MP count, but maybe that is not true. I am looking for a camera that shoots with as less noise as possible in, for example, a dark street.
Hi Hybrid Shooter - really enjoy all your videos, so happy to see you reviewing the Zf here. In your opinion, how does this compare to the Fuji X-T5 experience? Thanks in advance.
I like the look of the camera more than actually using it haha. I don't have a film or photography background, so I'm not the target audience. Looks very stylish though.
@@TheHybridShooter My camera is not retro at all, still I love that most of my lenses have aperture ring. On my 100-400 I don't care, I almost always shoot "wide open" with it, especially when I have 1.4 TC on it.
The Fuji system is not good for program auto cameras. The Nikon system is way better when you learn it. It came along with the Nikon FA 40 years ago. Also the F4 had this layout. Aperture rings, yes, could be nice, but tbh if you want proper analog experience I’d pair this with a vintage manual lens. And this is a huge advantage of the Zf over Fuji, as the Zf fits all vintage lenses natively
I really enjoyed this video and found it very informative. You gave a very clear overview of what this camera offers, including its drawbacks, and it really appeals to me. The only aspects that it left me curious about concern focusing, specifically eye autofocus tracking as well as focus peaking, subject detection, and focus guidance with manual focus lenses. From what I have seen, the Zf's ability to set a focus point and confirm focus even with MF cameras makes it the best mirrorless camera ever made for MF lenses, which appeals tremendously to me as a portrait photographer and videographer. Your experience with those features would have been helpful to hear about, not to take away from the rest of the presentation. My family also traces its origins on my father's side to your beautiful area, so that was wonderful to see.
Thank you! Unfortunately, I only had the review unit for limited amount of time, so I wasn't able to go very in-depth. I'm no familiar with that feature, so there is nothing that I can tell you about that.
Very beautiful camera. This style is closer to me than what some other companies do. The quality of the 40mm lens does not match the camera at all. The price for the set is so high...
This is all very good reviews, but why call 24 MP backside illuminated sensor ' nothing special '? That many mega pixels were good enough for most advertising/editorial work only a few years ago, and I don't think we really need any more than 24 MP in most situations.
Because every other FF camera in this category has been equipped with 24MP BSI sensor since 2018. I’m not saying that it is bad, but definitely not special.
You don´t have to go into the menu to change auto / manual ISO. You can use a programable button and change it on the fly - just push the button and with the front dial change Auto / manual ISO. With the back dial, you can change the ISO value.
If 24 mps keeps prices down, I hope manufacturers stick with the sensor. It's enough resolution for any normal user, and there is no shortage of high megapixel cameras for heavy cropping, for those prepared to pay the price.
Basically no manufacturer has offered any significant sensor innovation in this class since 2018 and that is not OK. I have to disagree, it is time to move on, even with reasonable price increase. You will still be able to buy last-gen camera to save money.
@@TheHybridShooter Fair enough, but it would be good to see capable £1k+ cameras on the market, rather than 2k, 3k+. That would mean sacrificing one aspect of development, and a 24 mp sensor offers the least compromise. It means users might not have to uprate computers and storage, as well as saving money on the camera.
@@borderlands6606 You can already have something like the S5 II in that price range. I still disagree, sensor development has been sacrificed for the past 6 years in this category. Further lack of development is not sustainable.
@@TheHybridShooter Lumix is the only full-frame budget camera maker offering advanced hybrid functionality, I agree. Technological advances also have to acknowledge a shrinking market and financial climate. Time will tell whether 4k-6k enthusiast camera bodies are sustainable.
@@borderlands6606 Not really, it probably offers the best value, but it is not the only option below 2K, I have made a video about that a couple of months ago. The market is continuously moving in “high-end or nothing” direction, because it is very difficult to make money on cameras below 2K after the supply chain crisis. Time has already told…
As a camera, the Zf is better than the Zfc, but as far as the retro design goes, the Zfc is closer to "accurate" than the Zf because it is smaller and both are bigger than the original FE/FM series bodies were.
I have z9 and z6, d750. Image quality has barely moved since my D800. All sony sensors are within half a stop of DR. Their have been subtle enhancement like no pink tine when lifting shadows, but that is very extreme l7fting. Noise is better on those 24 megapixel cameras I would say than the 45 megapixel one and a bit easier for technique as 45 megapixel sensor are less forgiving for shutter speed. I would say that image quality is nit dependent on megapixel but on what is more important for the user.
@@danielvilliers612 45 MP Nikon cameras have native base ISO 64, which is why they actually have less noise at the base ISO, but slightly more noise at higher ISO values. Other high-res sensors have the same ISO performance as 24 MP sensors after downsampling. Shutters speed isn't really a concern with high-res cameras anymore, latest IBIS systems can deal with that extremely well.
I'd say "done almost right". Fujifilm X-T5 can be "done right", regarding the analog dials, and aperture ring on lenses. That PASM mess selector combined with the analog-style dials is a bit of a miss. And the other one is having a f number LCD, but no mark aperture ring on Nikkor lenses, as Sony has. But probably in the future. Other than that, the body is quite sizeable. Beyond these, though, nothing important missing: it's a great looking camera, great build quality, metal on top and top dials, secondary card slot, additional grip, excellent pricing with discounts at start, cheapest Nikon full-frame camera that has latest features (before the Nikon Z6 III will come), and great appreciation on the market. Thought, I don't know why they didn't release a silver metal version too. It would have been a blast.
I disagree, combination of PSAM dial and exposure dials actually isn't "messy" at all. It may even be more convenient than choosing exposure modes by setting dials on Auto with Fuji. More vintage style lenses would definitely be very welcome.
Auto ISO can be assigned to a custom button. I just posted a tutorial on my YT channel on how to do it. Great review - this camera is not for everyone. For the folks that it does appeal to (primarily manual shooters), it's fantastic!!
I don't understand why people make such a big deal about the joystick, when you can either select directly on the screen, or use the fabulous 3D tracking.
Because if you are a left eye shooter you can't use the screen as a focus point selector without moving your face away from the camera, this can lose you the shot or introduce camera shake. Without the joystick you would need to use the Dpad which removes the ability to customise 4 of the dpad switches for anything else.
The tripod shown in the video is the brand new *Freewell T1* - www.freewellgear.com/en/tripod/1228-the-real-travel-tripod.html?affp=47998 announced yesterday. It is the most sophisticated tripod of this size that I have used so far. The review will be available this week.
Likewise I really enjoy the zf. My biggest upside surprise was using the subject tracking as a manual focus assist. Combined with one of the Voigtlander z mount lens, a real treat. Hope the subject detection mf assist spreads to other z bodies.
Great review once again and I thought you brought up a lot of quirks that others have not mentioned. Looking forwards to the Z6iii, hopefully it can fix the quirks and do better video.
Thank you! So am I, Z6 III should be a solid hybrid DLSM.
@@TheHybridShooter I think sigma's I series lenses would be perfect for this camera. Unfortunately they're not supported (yet)
Interesting observation about the auto iso in video. I only use manual mode for video on my Z5 (so I can control aperture and exposure) so hadn’t noticed if this is true for all Z cameras.
All Nikon cameras do that, even DSLRs.
Thanks for this video, I liked it.
I have good memories of visiting Bratislava which are reminded every time I see your videos. Good job
I own the Nikon Zfc and I think its a fine camera. This newer Nikon Zf would be epic 👍🏾
Great review! Very objective.
Thank you!
how the soft shutter release feels? usually as i see people use it with an extra button above it
Great camera. Thank you for your video. (Although i will keep my fujis 😊)
It's really appealing for a "fun camera" compared to the commercial work horses.
while it does loose a little retro feel with other lenses, I feel that the aesthetic of most of the primes is pretty basic with black so it does’t look too off. Moreso if they kept the old gold from the f mount
Curious, if you were to start photography now and you had the choice between A7iv and ZF? Thanks!
That is a very complicated question, since they are not direct competitors. It I wanted maximal performance, I would get A7 IV, if I wanted something more experience oriented, I would get the Zf.
Great review, most appreciated, thank you! Subscribed.
Hi Hybrid Shooter, I enjoyed this review! I have a question regarding this camera and the S5II vs the A7IV. Both the Zf and the S5II have 24 MP, where the A7IV has 33 MP. How does the photo quality compare regarding noise? I saw many A7IV photos on flickr and I find no noise. On the other hand I found Z6II photos that do have noise. However, I do not know which modifications were applied and the pictures are never in the same location. I expected the A7IV to have more noise, because of the higher MP count, but maybe that is not true. I am looking for a camera that shoots with as less noise as possible in, for example, a dark street.
All Sony made FF BSI sensors used in those cameras have the same ISO performance after downsampling, regardless of the resolution.
Hi nice combo z24, z40 & z85 i have 50 1.8s and 85 1.8s and I wonder about 24 1.8s or 35 1.8s best regards from Poland 🙂
Hi Hybrid Shooter - really enjoy all your videos, so happy to see you reviewing the Zf here. In your opinion, how does this compare to the Fuji X-T5 experience? Thanks in advance.
Thank you, the experience is pretty similar. Zf maybe goes a bit further with the retro aspect, whilst the X-T5 is a bit more on the pragmatic side.
@@TheHybridShooter Thank you so much!
Love my ZF, sold my Fuji X-T4 and I couldn’t be happier.
Tell me why please, there are no film simulations at the zf 😀
I like the look of the camera more than actually using it haha. I don't have a film or photography background, so I'm not the target audience. Looks very stylish though.
Great video. Can't wait for Z6 III.
Thank you!
It is strange that Nikon release a retro camera and have almost no lenses with aperture ring. All Fuji lenses have aperture ring.
Nikon's approach is very different, the Z f also has a PSAM dial, so they are not so serious about dedicated exposure dials.
@@TheHybridShooter My camera is not retro at all, still I love that most of my lenses have aperture ring. On my 100-400 I don't care, I almost always shoot "wide open" with it, especially when I have 1.4 TC on it.
The Fuji system is not good for program auto cameras. The Nikon system is way better when you learn it. It came along with the Nikon FA 40 years ago. Also the F4 had this layout.
Aperture rings, yes, could be nice, but tbh if you want proper analog experience I’d pair this with a vintage manual lens. And this is a huge advantage of the Zf over Fuji, as the Zf fits all vintage lenses natively
@@tor2919it also have that new manual focus with subject detection.
I really enjoyed this video and found it very informative. You gave a very clear overview of what this camera offers, including its drawbacks, and it really appeals to me. The only aspects that it left me curious about concern focusing, specifically eye autofocus tracking as well as focus peaking, subject detection, and focus guidance with manual focus lenses. From what I have seen, the Zf's ability to set a focus point and confirm focus even with MF cameras makes it the best mirrorless camera ever made for MF lenses, which appeals tremendously to me as a portrait photographer and videographer. Your experience with those features would have been helpful to hear about, not to take away from the rest of the presentation.
My family also traces its origins on my father's side to your beautiful area, so that was wonderful to see.
Thank you! Unfortunately, I only had the review unit for limited amount of time, so I wasn't able to go very in-depth. I'm no familiar with that feature, so there is nothing that I can tell you about that.
Why the Z 40 mm?
It is a kit lens for the Zf.
It' no interesting focal length for me!
@@eisenschweinchen5354 OK
Very beautiful camera. This style is closer to me than what some other companies do. The quality of the 40mm lens does not match the camera at all. The price for the set is so high...
Ahoj Bratislava!!!
Ahoj!
This is all very good reviews, but why call 24 MP backside illuminated sensor ' nothing special '? That many mega pixels were good enough for most advertising/editorial work only a few years ago, and I don't think we really need any more than 24 MP in most situations.
Because every other FF camera in this category has been equipped with 24MP BSI sensor since 2018. I’m not saying that it is bad, but definitely not special.
You don´t have to go into the menu to change auto / manual ISO. You can use a programable button and change it on the fly - just push the button and with the front dial change Auto / manual ISO. With the back dial, you can change the ISO value.
If 24 mps keeps prices down, I hope manufacturers stick with the sensor. It's enough resolution for any normal user, and there is no shortage of high megapixel cameras for heavy cropping, for those prepared to pay the price.
Basically no manufacturer has offered any significant sensor innovation in this class since 2018 and that is not OK. I have to disagree, it is time to move on, even with reasonable price increase. You will still be able to buy last-gen camera to save money.
@@TheHybridShooter Fair enough, but it would be good to see capable £1k+ cameras on the market, rather than 2k, 3k+. That would mean sacrificing one aspect of development, and a 24 mp sensor offers the least compromise. It means users might not have to uprate computers and storage, as well as saving money on the camera.
@@borderlands6606 You can already have something like the S5 II in that price range. I still disagree, sensor development has been sacrificed for the past 6 years in this category. Further lack of development is not sustainable.
@@TheHybridShooter Lumix is the only full-frame budget camera maker offering advanced hybrid functionality, I agree. Technological advances also have to acknowledge a shrinking market and financial climate. Time will tell whether 4k-6k enthusiast camera bodies are sustainable.
@@borderlands6606 Not really, it probably offers the best value, but it is not the only option below 2K, I have made a video about that a couple of months ago.
The market is continuously moving in “high-end or nothing” direction, because it is very difficult to make money on cameras below 2K after the supply chain crisis. Time has already told…
As a camera, the Zf is better than the Zfc, but as far as the retro design goes, the Zfc is closer to "accurate" than the Zf because it is smaller and both are bigger than the original FE/FM series bodies were.
Output from this camera is amazing.
It the usual 24 MP FF output, I would reserve "amazing" designation for high-res cameras.
I have z9 and z6, d750. Image quality has barely moved since my D800. All sony sensors are within half a stop of DR. Their have been subtle enhancement like no pink tine when lifting shadows, but that is very extreme l7fting. Noise is better on those 24 megapixel cameras I would say than the 45 megapixel one and a bit easier for technique as 45 megapixel sensor are less forgiving for shutter speed. I would say that image quality is nit dependent on megapixel but on what is more important for the user.
@@danielvilliers612 45 MP Nikon cameras have native base ISO 64, which is why they actually have less noise at the base ISO, but slightly more noise at higher ISO values. Other high-res sensors have the same ISO performance as 24 MP sensors after downsampling. Shutters speed isn't really a concern with high-res cameras anymore, latest IBIS systems can deal with that extremely well.
real time lut will complete this cam, I guess I'd go with the s5ii because of that feature
There are much better options than real time LUT.
you forgot to test continuous AF when you walk towards the camera 😭
I didn't forget, there just wasn't anybody to assist, so I wasn't able to conduct the walking test.
I'd say "done almost right". Fujifilm X-T5 can be "done right", regarding the analog dials, and aperture ring on lenses.
That PASM mess selector combined with the analog-style dials is a bit of a miss. And the other one is having a f number LCD, but no mark aperture ring on Nikkor lenses, as Sony has. But probably in the future. Other than that, the body is quite sizeable.
Beyond these, though, nothing important missing: it's a great looking camera, great build quality, metal on top and top dials, secondary card slot, additional grip, excellent pricing with discounts at start, cheapest Nikon full-frame camera that has latest features (before the Nikon Z6 III will come), and great appreciation on the market.
Thought, I don't know why they didn't release a silver metal version too. It would have been a blast.
I disagree, combination of PSAM dial and exposure dials actually isn't "messy" at all. It may even be more convenient than choosing exposure modes by setting dials on Auto with Fuji. More vintage style lenses would definitely be very welcome.
Auto ISO can be assigned to a custom button. I just posted a tutorial on my YT channel on how to do it.
Great review - this camera is not for everyone. For the folks that it does appeal to (primarily manual shooters), it's fantastic!!
Thank you! Sure, it is possible, but still a worse solution than having Auto ISO option on the dial or in the ISO "list".
not close to Sony or Fujifilm, but a great video.
I don't understand why people make such a big deal about the joystick, when you can either select directly on the screen, or use the fabulous 3D tracking.
Because if you are a left eye shooter you can't use the screen as a focus point selector without moving your face away from the camera, this can lose you the shot or introduce camera shake. Without the joystick you would need to use the Dpad which removes the ability to customise 4 of the dpad switches for anything else.
Nikon on the Fijifilm bandwagon
You mean fujifilm copied those Nikon fm2 etc.
What ! Made in Thailand ? Goodbye 👋 Nikon Zf.
Copy fuji
No. This is a very different take on retro DSLM theme.
Came out of tiktok? Find Nikon F3, Nikon EM, Nikon FE2 and so on. Cameras from the 80s. Fuji...
Controversial phrase) Nikon has a longer history of camera manufacturing and Nikon Zf looks more like Nikon FM2 then Fuji X-T series.
Must be too young to know about camera history.