Nikon Zf Long-Term Review: Beauty is Skin Deep
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Chelsea & Tony Northrup review the Nikon Zf: A gorgeous retro-styled camera available in many different colors. The Nikon Z f is a full-frame mirrorless camera with 24 megapixels, 4k/30 video (full-width) and 4k/60 video (1.5X crop).
Tony & Chelsea compare The Nikon Zf to the Fujifilm X-T5, Fuji X-Pro3 and Fujifilm X-T4, factoring in sensor size, lens availability, and controls. The Nikon Zf wins for having a bigger full-frame sensor, but the Fuji mirrorless cameras have much better controls and a bigger retro-styled lens selection.
In electronic shutter mode, it takes photos at up to 30 frames per second - amazing! In mechanical shutter mode, it still shoots at an amazing 14 frames per second. However, the autofocus can't keep up. AF performance was one of our biggest complaints. When photographing a person running (such as sports), it got less than half the shots in focus. Even in good light, it frequently missed focusing on still subjects. In good light, it needed the distracting green AF assist light to perform reasonably, and if you turn the light off, it often completely failed to autofocus in low-light conditions.
0:00 Introduction
1:23 Nikon Zf specs
3:20 Design & Handling
4:29 How People React to the Nikon Zf
5:47 Nikon Zf vs Fujifilm Cameras
8:46 Nikon Zf with vintage lenses
9:07 Alternative retro-styled cameras
10:18 Nikon Zf autofocus test
10:58 Nikon Zf sports test
12:05 Nikon Zf PixelShift test
12:29 SnapBridge / WiFi app test
13:58 Summary
15:11 Outtakes - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
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As a long time Fuji user .. let me just say .. the Nikon ZF is far superior than my fuji cameras .. first thing I noticed was the image quality is much better .. auto focus way better than my Fuji.. Nikon files in LR are a dream to work with .. I only agree with ergonomics from this review.. the camera is much heavier than my Fuji which makes it harder to grip .. I purchased a small rig grip which makes it somewhat better .. But I Love The ZF 💯
I own a fujifilm xt30 and a zf, I agree that zf's full frame and colors are superior. But fujifilm does good right out of the camera shots so im still keeping it. :)
Totally agree as someone whos shot both. You can get way more from the ZF files than any Fuji APSC body.
I dunno, as someone who's owned a bunch of fujis and a ZF I think you guys missed the mark on this review. Sure, the x100 series is a better compact point and shoot experience but the ZF has better image quality, better AF, and is hands down the best vintage lens adapting camera ever due to the manual focus assist tools like the subject detect with dumb adapters and green confirmation on Z mount manual lenses. I feel like you didn't really spend the time getting to know the ZF's quirks. Also that hefty metal feeling body and mechanical shutter sound, much more satisfying to use than a Fuji. Granted, the ZF surely is not for everyone, but it is a unique camera that has it's place in the market.
As a user of the Nikon Zf and a former user of Fujifilm x-t 3, x-pro 3 and x-h1, I believe the Nikon Zf is way better than these 3 Fujifilm cameras. Way better. Low light performance is very good, autofocus is very good, image output is very good and the build is so much better than Fujifilm. It replaces all these cameras and even if the lenses are bigger (full frame) except the 28mm f2,8 and 40mm f2, Z lenses are fantastic. If you enjoy using vintage lenses or just manual lenses, the Zf is a marvel. You did not mention the ability to use face and eye detection with manual lenses, which helps you to focus properly. The viewfinder is better as well. Try to properly manually focus with an x-pro 3 and a Nikon Zf and you will see what I mean. This camera has the look of a vintage film camera with the guts of a modern mirrorless camera. Sometimes I enjoy your reviews, but this one is absolutely useless. It does not bring anything new and will make people misguided. (p.s sorry for the english mistakes)
Hi kalexka.
You are very out of date, by several years. The X-T3 and X-H1 were released in 2018 and the X-Pro3 in 2019. 6 and 5 years ago respectively.
You aren't making a fair comparison. The latest X-T5, X-T50 and X100 VI are light years (pun intended) ahead of those cameras.
Plus the three Fujis I've referenced have terrific 40 Mp sensors. Your argument is made of straw. Doesn't stand up.
@@kaneclements7761 Actually, everything kalexka said is spot on.
Everything you’re saying is accurate, but not super applicable. The Zf is a professional camera in a vintage body, whereas these Fuji’s are high end consumer/enthusiast cameras vintage looking bodies.
I shoot full frame Sony’s for portraits and weddings, but I take Fuji X100VI when I travel or go out. The Zf and my Sony’s are substantially more capable than my Fuji, but when I’m not shooting professionally, I enjoy the controls and the size much more.
I think this review is more of a “Want a fun vintage camera? The Fuji is better for that.” The Zf is a professional camera pretending to be fun and vintage.
@@I922sParkCir I would more or less agree with this assessment.
Spot on
No fuji APSC camera produces better results than nikon zf.
It's about both the sensor and the lens working together.
@@TonyAndChelsea Even with lens & sensor combinations, Nikon zf still blows away any fujifilm APSC camera. Fufifilm APSC cameras can't produce the results like the portrait you took of Chelsea with the nikon zf attached to Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 . The IQ of nikon mirrors-less cameras are better than FujiFilm APSC cameras.
Even though I don't agree with some of the conclusion I watch most of your reviews. I hope Nikon USA stop being petty & send you gear to review.
@@TonyAndChelsea And ktcool4660 comment is still relevant. There is NO combo of Fuji products that touches the Zf.
@@TonyAndChelsea shove the Voigtländer 50mm ƒ/1.0 (or any of their fast primes) on the Zf and then tell us about the sensor and lens working together.
@@TonyAndChelseaAnd Nikon’s Z lenses aren’t any good?
If it was just about their crop lenses, yeah ok they don’t have many. And the ones they do have aren’t exactly exciting, except maybe the 24mm f/1.7. But they do have many FX lenses, and they are pretty much all excellent.
“Long term review” and you talk anout leather colours. Sheesh.
Love my Nikon ZF, ISO dial works great once you learn how they implemented it. Most of the negative reviews are people who didn’t take the time to understand it and just wanted the Fuji implementation. I think it’s one of the best auto ISO setups in manual of any camera. Use M set it to auto and the max ISO in the menu to 200 (the lowest). The dial is now the max ISO selection and the camera will always use the lowest it can up to that dial setting as the ceiling. It works fantastic.
I own a Z8 as well, it’s the better professional ergonomics if you need that, the ZF is the more fun camera for me though and it’s excellent all around.
I just wish it behaves the same way in Aperture Priority. And better if in Aperture Priority, the shutter dial also acts as the minimum shutter.
I think you missed the point
Switching in and out of auto ISO will be a pain with the Z f and its implementation of the ISO/shutter speed dials in conjunction with the mode dials. And if you need to use the screen and the menu to change your settings (specify value or let camera decide aperture, shutter spend, and ISO), then it's inferior to Fujifilm's
With a Fuji, you can switch from shutter priority with auto ISO, to aperture priority with fixed ISO, and back, without ever looking at the screen
And finally, frankly, if you have to explain how it works, and what setting you need to set to make it behave the way you want, then it's not as intuitive as Fuji's implementation, which is basically "set the settings you care about, and leave it on A for the settings you're happy to let the camera decide", all using the three dials
@@quangpham4372 I actually own a Fuji X100s and a Zf and far prefer the setup on the Nikon. It's only confusing if you can't take 5 minutes to learn the system. Nikon should have explained what they made in the manual better than they did, but once you know it's simple and there is no menu diving. I leave auto ISO on, min 200 and in M/S modes the ISO dial is the max ISO setting. The camera logic uses the lowest possible. So set 800 on the dial, that's the highest it will go in M/S for example. Switch to A/P modes and the ISO dial is now the minimum ISO in use. Once you understand that and set it up one time you never have to touch the menu's for ISO again. It's not rocket science.
You don't have to switch in and out of auto ISO, you just leave it set.
The Fuji involves a lot more spinning dials vs the Zf PASM switch. I can easily flip that switch and use the front and rear finger wheels just like any other camera, switch back to M and all my dial settings are preserved. With Fuji that means spinning dials around constantly to do that which is inefficient and annoying once you've used the Nikon implementation.
I do not want the Fuji dial setup on my Nikon.
@@enshongmiranda Just set the Red Rec button as ISO and then spin the dial to C in Aperture priority, now when you hold the red button the front finger wheel turns auto on and off and the rear adjusts ISO or the Auto ISO range if you have it on. It's super easy that way. This camera basically has all situations covered once you learn the techniques to change things. Everyone keeps saying "menu diving, doom, horror!" but that just tells me they have no idea how to use the camera. Nikon really has a better setup than Fuji, but it's not for iPhone simple types.
I love the ZF
Man this review is way off. I own both x100vi and the ZF. The ZF is a far superior camera. Better in low light, better auto focus even with the cheap 40mm f2 which btw it actually resolves, I love the V but that could never be my only camera. "They produce better result" what a fallacy.
I own the X100s and have used that for a long time. No way in hell would I pick any of the X100's over a Zf. Zf is better in every way I can think of save the hybrid viewfinder which is pretty cool. No way better results, the Zf produces fantastic looking images. And the X100 line is a bit smaller, but none of these fit in a pocket. So you need a strap of some kind which makes the slightly smaller Fuji's size irrelevant.
Man this is not a neutral review , it sounds like the ZF Is crap, no positive things , think you are way off with the findings
@@RetroPanic no wonder why they don't get a pre production model from Nikon to review! Even Jared Polin who hammered Nikon for ages gets a pre production body because his reviews are real solid and objective!
I want a Nikon ZF so bad but I’m just a regular person who can’t afford a 2,000 dollar camera 😂
i have the zfc and i dream of owning the zf every day i also have the 40mm f2 btw.😩
The Nikon ZF is awesome, period.
It is. It's the best overall camera on the market right now for the price point.
Good to hear the portion of the Zf review. But I felt like you pushing the Fuji Film way to o much. It seemed more like a sales ad.
΄'When the light gets lower, the autofocus starts to fall apart'' was the biggest highlight from this review about a camera that is able to focus down to -10 EV by a youtube channel that has 1,63M followers. 🤣
The EV numbers are absolute nonsense... It consistently struggled to AF in a wide variety of indoor situations.
@@TonyAndChelsea This is strange as I tried mine out with the Z8 and a 50 1.8S and it was focusing in near total darkness. Maybe something is off with the one you have? I used it last month for street photography in Peru at night and it never skipped a beat in low light.
Lmao😂
It's crazy that you don't mention the subject detection in manual focus mode when it's the first camera ever to do this. You would think a good reviewer would mention such a monumental incorporation of manual focus options. Also, no mention of the grip available. It's hard to take this as a serious review. I was in the Fuji system for 2 years and used 1.2 lenses. The Fujis had much worse AF and the low light capabilities cannot touch the Zf in any way. If you want superior IQ, the Zf is a no brainer. If you want the worst AF in the game and are a hipster, Fuji is your camera.
9 month review and no mention of these two important features 🤦♂️
Subject detect in manual focus is useless with non-chipped lenses, which are the only lenses I would actually want to full-time MF on a Zf. And grips don't change where the shutter release is. If Nikon provided "motor drive" contacts so the shutter release could move forward with the grip, then grips would actually be useful. Unfortunately, they didn't, so my Zf remains gripless.
@@FawfulDied I believe my comment said they NEVER mentioned the features. Not whether the features work for you. My comment still stands and is still valid. A good review would mention them whether they work for them or not, but this is definitely not a good review channel. It's a showcase channel. 9 months.......9 months.
@@JETFoto806 You said it was monumental. I say it's a nothingburger. I have never used subject detect in MF to take a photo in the eight months I've owned my Zf.
@@FawfulDied and AGAIN, NOBODY cares what you do with your camera. The fact they omitted a feature that MANY find useful, is trash. AGAIN, NOBODY cares what YOU think. They are supposedly "professional" but purposely omit features on a Nikon camera cuz their little feelings got hurt in the past. This is NOT about YOU. Stop making it about YOU and YOUR opinions.
Talk about damning the ZF with faint praise - it really feels that these guys just don’t know how to use the camera. Sure, some of the controls on the ZF could be more intuitive, and it certainly benefits from an additional grip, but it has amazing performance at the price point - most of what you get in a Z8/Z9 at a fraction of the price. The autofocus is incredible, capable of capturing birds in flight - they either had a duff unit or just don’t know how to operate it. Claiming that an APS-C sensor on a Fuji can give you better low light performance and background blur is just hilarious (and comparing what lenses?!) Clearly they really want you to buy Fuji instead...
Better results with a X100??? Pretty sure you're kidding, Mr. Northrup...
He’s serious. He’s pandering to Fuji because Nikon hurt his feelings. Just like Jared Polin. They’re cut from the same cloth except I would take Fro’s advice over these two if I had to choose between them.
I bought a Nikon Z f after not shooting for about 30 years and it's been a blast. I have not had the focusing issues discussed in this video and overall I think low light performance is great. The only thing I really miss is an additional function button. Honestly, I felt like y'all were looking for things to bash on Nikon and that makes me kind of sad.
I'm happy with the direction Nikon is going currently and I really hope they keep it up as I really don't want to have to deal with Canon and Sony. Canon just pisses me off and I vowed to boycott all Sony products after the rootkit debacle of 2005. Since I'm not a pro photographer I guess I can afford to be a little petty. 🤣😉
Which brand do you not know much about? Fuji or Nikon? Because unless you’re smoking something fine, you can’t say a current Fuji “produces better results than the Zf”.
With the faster matching retro primes that are available. The context I give is important.
@@TonyAndChelsea "produces better results" requires more specific metrics, because if we're simply talking IQ, the opposite is, in fact, true. And since context matters, there's too much emphasis here on superfluous things, such as "you're gonna want one of the colors" (which is an assumption). Meanwhile, no discussion of industry firsts, such as Autofocus Point Sensor Stabilization; or full autofocus tracking assistance with dual-confirmation in manual focus mode; or the best FF IBIS in the business right now (even better than the Z9 and Z8).
And as much as I love Fujifilm's X-Series, the fact is both systems work a bit differently. Sure, I too love that Fujifilm has aperture rings on the lens and that you can just set anything to 'A' and go. But Nikon has put PSAM switches on cameras all the way back to the FA and F4, so not only is it well in keeping with their own design history, but it's also necessary because Z lenses up to this point don't have dedicated, clickable aperture rings (at least not yet). Meanwhile, all of that aside, let's also not forget that the Zf has better DR and high ISO performance, better build quality, real brass dials on the top, and much much better autofocus performance (that absolutely does not fall apart in low light).
@@TonyAndChelsea but mentioning the dedicated B&W switch, subject detection in manual focus and the Smallrig grip to help ergonomics was not important. 9 months. Wow.
@@JETFoto806 dedicated B/W switch? Really?
Subject detection in manual focus is useless with non-CPU lenses and the grips don't fix the shutter button position.
@@TonyAndChelsea The faster matching retro primes (28, 23, 33, 56 F1.4s) are much heavier, expensive, slower than the ones on Z. F1.4 gives F2.1 equi bokeh, for so much more hassle! The DR of the files are NOT light dependent. The FUJI files just don't match Nikon's files. You have to sell Fuji? Man, go make a Fuji video.
ISO works best in ZF. You can limit the maximum ISO with the dial and let the camera decide the rest. I pair it with the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 Classic and the 50mm f/1, both Leica mounts with a Techart autofocus adapter. It works and looks great.
I'm a long time owner of the Fuji X100s and the Nikon Zf is a better camera (than any of the X100 line) and provides a better "retro" experience. I would rather a Zf all day every day then the new X100VI. Yes the Zf takes some time to learn because it's highly capable and customizable. You have most of the Z8/9 performance inside, which is amazing. Once you learn the details with how Nikon setup ISO and some others you realize you have all the analog setup you want and the PASM setup built in so you can use each style of control depending on the situation. Nikon's Auto ISO does not need menu diving. The only people who claim this have not spent time learning the cameras systems. It's actually an excellent way of using it because it puts the ISO dial in use when in Auto, unlike Fuji who sets it to A and it's now a useless piece of the camera controls. With Nikon you set Auto ON and set the minimum to 200 and your ISO dial is now a ISO range adjustment. This means for M shooters you essentially never touch that menu again. Another tip is to set the rec button (because you aren't using it for stills) to ISO and you can spin the dial to C and use the traditional Nikon ISO setup with the finger front and rear dials, hold the red button down and front spin with turn auto on/off, rear will adjust the ISO value or max ISO, simple and easy. No menu diving required. This is far better than Fuji once you take the small amount of time to learn. With Fuji you'll be spinning those dials like a Vegas casino trying to get back and forth from A/S priority because you have to reset the dials each time, with Nikon it's one flip of the PASM switch, shoot in P/A/S, flip back and settings are right where you left them. Want P mode? quick flip, want that on Fuji, bunch of dial spinning, same to go back. No thanks. I know it's simple but it's not efficient.
I think we have different philosophies about what retro, fun cameras are supposed to be. What I enjoy is simple, minimalist, and getting back to basics. What you've described is making something that could be simple exceptionally and unnecessarily complex.
Please keep in mind that I use a lot of complex cameras, but I just don't believe the market the Zf is targeting is the same as something like an a1 or Z9.
@@TonyAndChelseaI own multiple systems myself and I can absolutely relate to the sometimes madness that comes with trying to switch back and forth between all these menu laden cameras in today's market. It only gets worse and I feel for you guys as you probably have some moments of "where in the heck did they hide that". I can see from that perspective the appeal of the Fuji line being "simple" up front. Please understand the frustration of some of us when we see claims that you are forced to use menus to turn auto ISO on and off as we know that's not true. This comments section is probably gold for some TH-cam shorts tips and tricks for the Nikon Zf for ways to make those adjustments! Take care both of you!
Nikon ZF Review and you are ranting against it comparing it to Fuji! Looks like you did this video just to list its defects rather than review it! All Fuji shooters here reported a superior quality, contrary to what you say!
Auto ISO works fine for me on the z f. I set Auto ISO as a limit using the dial. So if I set 6400 on the dial it will be auto ISO UP TO 6400 depending on exposure. This way I can easily flip down to a lower or higher ISO as needed with the dial, and I use it this way most of the time. However this only works down to ISO 200 (Yes I thought this is odd). To go lower, I have to turn off Auto ISO, now this still works fine for me, I set the dial to C and toggle Auto ISO off, now I can go to and stay in ISO 100 for landscapes where I don't need it any higher.
The only downsides for me is the front dial is a little difficult to reach (I use the Smalrig grip), and the camera is heavy. I'd argue those two things are part of the design. Now with the Z6 III out, if these things bother you, the Z6 III is the camera for you or the Z6 II. I think the Fuji camera's are over rated. The film simulations are cool, but I edit in RAW anyways 99% of the time. Fuji's subject detect auto focus isn't that good compared to the other big 3 camera makers.
That's amazing. All we need now is the shutter speed dial to set the auto ISO min shutter speed and we'd have the perfect tactile controls.
Shame Nikon's new lenses don't have real aperture rings
@@sjc9832 Nikon would be wise to remake some AI-S lenses with electronic contacts in Z mount. I don't even care if they're autofocus, just give me a Nikon version of the Voightlanders.
Love my Nikon Zf , no issues with Nikon glass and Viltrox has some awesome lens that are just perfect for the Zline.
This video bit nit picky
I love my zf with the 40mm f2. I am looking for Voigtländer lenses to add to the gear.
I submit that most people do not know how to use cameras that have a large range of usable ISO. The actual value of ISO doesn’t matter as long as you are below the point where image quality starts to fall apart. The ISO dial can be set up to control MAXIMUM ISO when in auto-ISO which is exactly what you want. That’s the beauty of the ISO dial.
This allows you to go manual for shutter and aperture. THESE are the things you want creative control over. I don’t know why anyone would operate in A, P or S modes if M and a large range of usable auto-ISO are available.
3-D eye detection is phenomenal. Mine never misses.
Excellent larger grips are available. You can have a more compact camera with small lenses and an excellent grip with larger lenses.
Actually, both the ISO and Shutter Speed dials set the „preferred“ value. If you have maximum ISO set, the ISO dial also acts as a maximum value. If you are in auto ISO and you set the value on the dial to a value in the range below your maximum value, it will try to stay on the manually set value for as long as possible. Same thing happens with the shutter speed. It will stay on the value for as long as possible. If it is not possible to stay at that value, the camera chooses a different one but it will tell you by the blinking value in the display. Actually all but one reviewers on TH-cam missed that…
What I was describing is a little different. If you go in the menu and set auto-ISO on and then set maximum ISO to, for example, 200, then if the ISO dial is set to a higher value, the camera treats the dial setting as the maximum. This is (badly) documented in the manual. This feature has been there since the Df.
In any case, I almost always keep my Zf in M with auto ISO and ISO dial set to something like 3200 or 6400. I set aperture and shutter to whatever I think is right for the shot. Then I just check to make sure exposure is correct (ISO hasn’t maxed out).
I have NEVER seen a reviewer figure out this excellent option.
@@kentjoosten8149 This is my setup as well.
This is how I use mine because it's in M mode 99% of the time. Nearly every single reviewer missed this which just tells me they didn't take time to learn the camera and then just griped about it not being a Fuji setup. Which means Nikon's manual sucks and they didn't take time to learn. I figured this out the first day I used mine. The Auto ISO setup in M is actually nearly perfect on the Zf.
@@kentjoosten8149 ok, yes. This is if the ISO value on the dial is above the maximum. If it is below, it is like a „soft overwrite“, meaning that you overwrite the auto ISO with the selected value until the camera decides that it is impossible to take a proper exposure on that value.
This is the way Nikon digital cameras have worked all the time. Even my old D3000 does it this way. Minolta also did it this way. It is just different from all the other brands but you need the time to investigate that.
Voigtländer lenses with electronic connections might be perfect for this camera.
I can attest that they are.
Also give a unique look to the shots.
@@AlexWhitman-ep1sk Unfortunately the in my opinion most interesting Voigtlander lens, the Nokton 50mm f1.2, is not available in Z mount. However the Sony E version can be adapted via the Megadap ETZ21 or the Leica M version via the TT Artisan 6 bit adapter. In both cases the nice Nikon Zf manual focusing aids will be available with the Nokton.
Those lens look like the way to go. I bet Nikon will release more muffin lens. That 35mmF1.4 might be nice on the ZF too.
They definitely are!
No mention of the black and white switch. One day I will buy one. One day very soon. Love the look of the ZF.
Why not just do a video tat compare ZF with any Fujifilm latest camera, compare the autofocus😂😂
I have Nikon Zf since November 2023. I found it focusing better than Nikon Z6 II. So, I just sold my old Nikon Z6 II.
It depends very much on which lens is used.
It makes almost all pictures in focus on 24-70 2.8 S. But it makes 50/50 in focus on 85mm 1.2S.
But for me it's slightly better than Z6 II.
Now I'd better choose Nikon Z6 III because of better ergonomics.
But I will keep my Zf for now because it's new and it's a Birthday gift from my wife :)
Yeah I agree with this. Enjoy it!
That's a nice birthday gift.
This review is the opposite review that I would give. ZF is so much better than the other camera they’re comparing it with. Be honest or perhaps that’s your perspective
The AF test does not track with my results at all. Perhaps it's a settings issue?
Another video where looks like you guys do not fully understand the purpose of the camera and criticize it. This video is not a review, but a comparison between Fuji and Nikon.
But, they have 2 completely different products, intended for different people. Yet you insist to compare them like they are competitors, which makes no sense since one is APS-C and the other is full frame. The Zf is clearly intended for people who are already Nikon shooters and have various full frame lenses, but want a different 2nd body. With this in mind, it makes perfect sense to keep the PSAM dial, as all Nikon cameras have it and people are used to it.
"The dial on the modern one is fake". Maybe because it is not a dial at all, but a grip to lock or unlock the lens to the body? Since it´s a tiny lens, there´s no where else to grip.
You will have to learn how to set autofocus (3D, wide area and face recognition) ;)
What kind of nonsense is this! My Zf works like a champ I use a Plena lens on it and it kills.
I just got the Zf as a gift from my dad, like two weeks ago. and I see this review, I was floored, did I buy the wrong camera? My experience had been great so far as an amateur (ergonomics are the only issue I find) so how could it be this? Then I saw the comments, I suppose I'm in the clear. I love my Zf and have a Small Rig grip for it so the ergonomics issue is also mostly resolved. I'm happy.
Yeah most people will be happy with this camera (or any camera they get). Our objective with all camera reviews is to help people find the very best camera for them; that's why we always compare them against the closest competitors. Once you've selected an option, it's time to stop watching reviews and start studying photography. Enjoy!
@@TonyAndChelsea Why the insult ? Own up, YOU blew it on this review!
I’m fortunate to have both the Zf and the Fujifilm XT5 and I’m seriously considering selling all my Fujifilm gear… the Zf is that good! Totally missed the mark in this review. Sounds like they have a grudge with Nikon?
Maybe comments like yours will finally make them consider it.
Nice Fuji advert it did not take long to see you do not like the camera. Which is fine just got fed up with Fuji this Fuji that. May be the title should have been a comparison between Fuji and Nikon.
Love my zf. I wish the ISO dial worked like my Fuji’s, but it’s whatever. I’m holding out a firmware update will fix that.
That would be terrible to lose the way auto ISO works in manual if they crippled it with the Fuji setup. If you use M, set auto on and to minimum (200). Your ISO dial is now the max ISO selection and the camera will always use the lowest ISO possible. It makes it so you never need to mess with that menu again in M mode and keeps the dial in functional use. If you want to adjust auto ISO values on the fuji after dialing to A it's going to be a lot more cumbersome.
That's unfortunate that Tony's Zf had connection problems with the Snapbridge app. My Zf connects to Snapbridge just fine. Even my Nikon D750 connects to Snapbridge. I do use an Android phone, I don't know if that makes a difference.
I really enjoy shooting with the Zf, even with larger lenses, like the Tamron 35-150 f2-2.8. I have gotten used to the neewer grip and it works well. Side note: the Neewer grip with the red Nikon SLR stripe on my Zf and a red shutter button gives it a nice Nkon SLR film camera look. Love it.
Snapbridge on iOS is terrible. Android is better, but depending on your phone it can randomly lose connection.
I used a D5600 and now a D780 and both connect and transfer to the Snapbridge app on my iPhone 12 just fine.
SnapBridge has always worked fine for my Z5, Z8 and Zf for downloading but the auto download (8 megapixel) in real time can be hit or miss. I don’t really use that feature though since it just blows up your photos library and prefer to review in the camera back screen for potential keepers, flag them with a rating and then SnapBridge can filter and just download the files with rating which keeps everything concise and reliable for me. I rarely pull cards out of my cameras and use wireless download.
Just got back from a corssfit competition in Athens with the ZF (and Z9)
The lighting conditions were ok to poor , and I was far so I used the 180-600 , tough conditions for any camera , and the camera did really really well ! It suprised me , so I am not sure about your AF complains.
And all X100 which are cheaper , are too old while the100V and VI , are overpriced to the moon.
The ZF is a great option.
BTW , I owned the Xt4 , xt3 , and still own Xt2.
Fuji's AF is poor , not sure about latest Gens , but any Fuji below recent has terrible AF .
Have to add my vote for the Zf. Had it since February and am extremely pleased with it. The only downside for me is the ergonomics which are truly terrible, even with a grip. But it's otherwise a pleasure to use and the image quality is fantastic (doing mainly landscapes and street). It's true that the retro lens options are very limited, but the two they have, the 28mm f/2.8 and 40mm f/2, are both fantastic lenses, especially for the price. Thanks for the review, I was waiting for this one, but I can't say it inspired any regret in me. ;) Otherwise I love your channel, podcasts, work!
Thank you!
@@TonyAndChelsea I have to say, I started my photography journey about 18 months ago with a used D610 - thanks to your Buying Guide. Your videos (among others) have opened up a whole new world of experience and enjoyment for me, for which I am truly grateful.
Watching the ads was more insightful.
In a certain way the Nikon Zf is my most universal camera. I can use the Nikon Z lenses, my old F mount glass and via the Megadap ETZ21 also my Sony glass. I also love the look and feel of it. My only issue with it is that the shutter release button is too sensitive. Sometimes I take two pictures instead of one (no bracketing, single exposure mode).
Old retro lens adapted to this camera should be fun!
try using a soft shutter release for the multi frame issue
I always found the Zf controls to be unintuitive. If you want to give me manual control over a setting, let me have it - I don't need PSAM if you have dedicated dials. It just never made sense.
If you want to turn off auto iso you can just hold down the record button and rotate the front dial. It’s been like this on like every digital Nikon camera ever
I wanted to like it but the weight, overall size and to thin a grip made it hard to keep,it. The screen and files were lovely though.
Off topic , but is there a way to turn off HDR playback? All resolutions in the gear icon have HDR included, and it’s awful on my device. At 0:17 Tony’s shirt is so bright, for example, that it’s painful to look at.
Chelsea I have to say that you look evil in the TH-cam thumbnail lol
How to get cancelled again.
When I noticed this review in my feed I was interested and decided to watch out of simple curiosity and I'm considering buying a Zf. I currently own a Nikon Z5 along with some Nikon film cameras after which the Zf is modeled. There is one thing I noticed during this review which I need to point out to you. The ribbed thin silver ring which you mistook for the aperture ring isn't an aperture ring. It's there to give you something on which to grip when attaching or removing a lens. It doesn't rotate independently or in sync with the aperture rings on Nikon Ai or Ai-s lenses. This is an issue when using small lenses. My thinest lens is a Voigtlander 20mm f3.5 slii. It's about the same thickness as my FTZ adapter and if it didn't have this same ribbed ring, I'd be forced to used the focus or aperture ring to attach and remove the lens. Since the lens is so thin there's simply nowhere else to grip when attaching trhe lens. Thanks for posting this video.
I also had a Z5 and upgraded to the Zf. Best decision. Z5 is a great camera for Zf is next level. Love the Zf. I use it for street, portraits/studio work, theatre photography.
You too won’t regret the upgrade if you do it my friend. 📸👍🏾
Thanks Tony & Chelsea, nice video!! I tried out a Zf, although as Tony points out, the exposure triangle is not as straight forward as on an X-T5, X100V, etc. So the Zf went back to B&H. The exposure triangle can be adjusted on these Fuji cameras without turning on the camera., plus Nikon does not have any Z-Mount lenses with a dedicated aperture dial. Fuji works well in this regard, while Nikon works best for PASM shooters. I will be keeping my X-T5 and upgrading my Z6 II to a Z6 III (different use cases).
When Tony pulled open the LCD screen I had a momentary heart palpitation thinking he just exposed the film.
😂
Flawed or not, I would still love one.
This video is just one big advertisement for their sponsor, disguised as a half-hearted (and very subjective) attempt at a review of the Zf. As a Zf, Z8 and Z9 owner, I assure you the Zf will far outperform any Fuji APS-C camera.
1. Why would you buy used from KEH to save $50 on a $2000 item.
2. This review missed the mark by 100 miles.
3. There is no way you guys used this camera for 9 months considering all the things you didn’t talk about.
The thing I like about Fujifilm's version of these physical controls is that I actually mostly only ever shoot on aperture priority, riding the aperture ring on the lens and the exposure comp dial, and let the camera handle everything else. But if I really need to set a specific shutter speed, I just adjust the shutter speed dial from A to whatever speed. It's super intuitive. I think having a dedicate PASM switch defeats the purpose of all the physical dials. I like setting everything to auto, and only fiddling around with the setting a care about. If I'm messing around with the aperture ring, clearly I'm in aperture priority mode. If I have a dedicated shutter speed set, I'm in shutter priority mode. I don't need another button or switch to do that.
EDIT: Okay, so Tony covers all of this later in the video I guess. 100% agreed.
I wonder what Vahagraphy has to say about this Zf review. LOL Go get ‘em boy!!!!
hahaha naw man. only if Tony promises to make a response video 😂😂😂 then i’m in. lol . I love my Zf and i’ve made a few videos on my channel using different lenses . more to come on the Zf .
I wonder does Fuji have some kind of patent for that control(Auto/Manual), and does not license it to others?
Your tepid evaluation of the image quality of the 24 megapixel sensor is not going to get you any friends at Nikon corporate. Nikon image equality is not run-of-the-mill. I do however agree that the lens options are just not there for this camera. Nikon definitely needs to release primes with real aperture rings and an old school appearance to match the camera. I don't have confidence that they will though.
The fact that you're selling Fuji equipment through your sponsorship with KEH is a little off-putting in a review of another brand's camera.
Still a fun review
If you take Voigtländer manual lenses it‘s probably the perfect fit…the autofocus box also helps during manual focusing :)
What a weird comment 😅
@@fofopho In what way? Nikon image quality is much better than they portray it to be. Uncool to sell a product while comparing it to the main product. You disagree? Give your thoughts rather than just some vague criticism
Set your record button to ISO and in photo mode it will work exactly like every Nikon ISO button. You can quickly go in and out of auto ISO and manually adjust with the wheels when not in auto ISO. I have the X-T5, X-H2, Nikon FE and ZF. The ZF is a far superior camera for stills. I still prefer my X-H2 for video. I have several videos on my channel using both however and love them both lol.
are there sd cards with 2 memory chips that function redundant like dual card slot ?
Not that i know of
You guys are out of your minds? ZF>Fuji. All day everyday.
Thanks for the review. For what it's worth, I've used the Nikon SnapBridge app's geotagging feature for over 7 years with my old D7500, and it has always worked just fine. It's odd that it has such trouble with the Zf.
Please review the canon r8 with 200-800 vs the 800 f11
The app works really well, though its performance might depend on your phone. I have a Google Pixel 7, and while I'm shooting, it continuously transfers 4K pictures to my phone on the background and then automatically uploads them to Google Photos. So, after a day with the camera, I have all the pictures in the cloud without any additional setup. For the last 10 years I was using Sony A7(i,iiii,iv), this Nikon app was the first that does the job.
Yeah I've heard it works better on Android... But most people do use iPhone.
@@TonyAndChelsea In the US only. Don't forget about the rest of the world where Android is mostly more popular. Having said that all camera apps suck, and this one is no exception. :)
Best thing about this camera is it is always in stock. Unlike Fujifilm - which will forever remain a third rate japanese/made-in-china camera brand.
awesome video, but not loving the HDR overriding my screen brightness ☹️
the silver ring on old Nikon lenses was not an aperture ring! it was never supposed to move
The Fuji app is nice if you want to quickly upload pics onto social media. Just change the frequency. Fast for smaller files.
It's on 5GHz.
Dope vid and camera! I always use y'all code when I shop on KEH. 😁
Thank you!!
Hey Nikon, can you guys make a Yellow Zf, it's my favourite color, you guys have it now for the Zfc, please make it soon, maybe a silver body too!
Manual focus confirm with eye detect is possible on every lens: Use a NEEWER FE/E to Z Adapter and add any Adapter (F to E, M to E .. whatever) and you get manual focus assist with eye detect and focus confirmation for every lens adaptable to Sony E mount. The second adapter can be anything, no need for electronic contacts. This makes the Nikon ZF the best manual focus and vintage lens camera by far! Bad review, by the way, quite disappointing...
Whoa... HDR! No one's putting out reviews in HDR! Finally get to put my QD-OLED monitor to good use!
Terrific review! I wondered about the handling in comparison to Fuji, then again I am one of those folks who doesnt like retro cameras to begin with.
Snapbridge is absolutely terrible. I pull images from my Z8 to my iPhone almost daily... yet it almost always takes 2-3 connection attempts, and sometimes drops mid transfer. Background auto-download never works (though I'd want full-res images [11 MP JPEG Small for me], not the tiny 2MP preview file that they require for this). I do however get the location data most of the time, once I set to auto-link backgound and high.
But to be fair, I haven't found a camera manufacturer that makes a good phone app yet....
I wonder if this is actually a good use of R&D money for Nijon. I somehow cant imagine that.
Tony turned and attempted turning the lens the wrong way several time. 😂
I have been a Nikon user from D5100 to D850 then to Zf. But I recently got an X1D, a 645Z and a GFX50S and they all turn the other way which throw me off on both groups sometimes.
So my Zf is almost psychic autofocusing in the dark. It sees eyes that I can't. I wonder if it's because I'm using Sony lenses on it instead of native Nikon.
Nope, my Nikon lenses focus fine in low light. I suspect they left the lens cap on :) (or at f16)
Same, best camera I've ever used in low light. Not sure what's up with the one they have.
Have been wanting to hear your review on this ZF. I had it preordered and was very exited about it…until i had the chance to actually hold it. The poor grip and the wacky way Nikon opted to do the key controls adjustment….That’s just too much frustration to have to take on.
Sorry we didn't get this published earlier
@@TonyAndChelseaNo problem, its very helpful as i keep wondering if i was too harsh in my own critique of it. So, it is good to hear your experience with it. Helps me realize i gotta shift my focus to one of the other Nikon FF options (already have a # of Nikon Z lenses).
It looks gorgeous. 👍😊🇮🇪
Agreed!
Tony… just a few minutes in and by now I’m already disappointed. 24MP a good size for social media? Wtf? Social media is maybe a few megapixel. Not much more than that. By the tone of your voice I can already tell you’ve made up your mind and the facts don’t really matter. Reminds me of your ridiculous Z9 FW2.0 review.
I’d forgotten how beautiful Chelsea‘s green eyes are…
Congrats for uploading in HDR, very rarely seen on youtube :)
It is fair to mention that Fujifilm models are APS-C, especially when telling people about alternatives. An average person might not already know products from different brands.
They do mentiom that difference.
I’m thinking you’re gunna have to make an actual video comparing fuji and the Zf, cause your comment section isn’t gunna believe apsc performs better than a fun styled z6. 100-400 shootout. Who’s the more fun retro bird shooter
I wouldnt even wedge my door with the Fuji X100VI, the Nikons much more appealing although I think its too heavy for holidays. Im buying up last stocks of Olympus PEN camera bits for travel
Once I got over the dopamine rush of how cool it looks and tried one out, I was struck by how complicated the handling was. I found that I had to overthink how to change settings, and had to be careful where I put my fingers. For example, that function button on the front-it’s so easy to accidentally trigger, since that’s literally where you have to hold the camera. And the camera appears small but it’s heavy and dense. If you add the grip it’s over 800 grams. Nikon sensors are great though, and if you’re a professional shooting quickly-sports, action, fashion portraits, Nikon has great options and autofocus now, and the big 1.2 primes and heavy 2.8 zooms make sense. I shoot street and travel, and the Sony A7iv (switching from Fuji) will be smaller and lighter than the Zf (and for that matter the Z6iii). Plus, Sony and Sigma make lines of small and light primes that have good image quality and won’t weigh my 70 year old body down during 8 hours of walking or hiking. And since I only shoot raw and post process, I can adjust the colors to fit my style. P.S. Those thousands of us who watch your channel appreciate that you sometimes zig when others zag.
ALL THIS.
yes im beginning to appreciate Sony A7 bodies as the least worst option out there
@@jukeboxjohnnie Nikon has now surpassed Sony in almost every way that matters.
@@jukeboxjohnnie Sony has no top screens which is a deal breaker for me. They also scatter features over different models without having good all around bodies like Nikon has with the Z8/Z6iii and Zf if you like dials. Sony has nothing like the Z8 in its lineup that has very few weak spots. They have cameras that can match Z8 in certain features but none of them have it all.
Can’t wait for the livestreams sto start again!!
8:48 Nikon makes no motorized FTZ adapter to drive the fantastic AF-D lenses. Sony made not less than 4 motorized adapters to autofocus all Minolta A-mount lenses ever made (except the xi lenses), I mean it is doable. Fortunately Techart made its Z adapter and you can have AF with any small manual lenses. This FTZ adapter is OK only for the Nikon lenses made for DSLRs
Actually, Tony is right that the modern Fujifilm cameras with F1.4 lenses produce exactly the same image quality as the Zf with F2 lenses. The ZF, however, with F1.4 lenses, definitely outperforms any Fuji camera with F1.4 lenses, the difference is exactly 1 stop of less noise and shallower DoF, no magic here, pure physics. On the other hand, these two plastic-mounted, fake-feeling retroish styled Nikon 28, 40 mm lenses are a shame, while Fujifilm has fantastic joy to use and take in the hands lenses both F1.4 as well as small F2 versions. Actually, I pick neither Zf nor Fuji: I evaluated the Zf, Zfc and Fuji options agains LUMIX S9, and I went for the Panasonic S9 and the absolutely gorgeous Sigma i series prime lenses (17, 20, 24, 35, 45, 50, 65, 90 mm). They kick even fuji lenses out of the water especially on a FF camera like the S9.
I shoot a LOT with vintage lenses. The Fuji leaves me frustrated for creativity.
Tony do you think there's an actual software limitation that prevents Nikon from putting an A on their physical dials and they refuse to touch that part of their code base or do you think it's a corporate philisphical issue? I shoot Sony but I've also used Nikon to shoot weddings and Nikon is so infuriating to use. It seems like their cameras code base is built around the auto ISO menu tree and they refuse to budge on it. Hopefully the purchase/merge with Red will bring some fresh perspective.
I just read that back to myself and realized those two options are essentially the same. If they had the will to do make the change then the effort required wouldn't matter.
I think their code base is VERY difficult to modify and the PASM is hard-coded and deeply integrated. I think they considered Fuji's more obvious approach and just decided it wasn't worth the reprogramming effort... Though it seems simple enough to me to have the software virtually change modes depending on which dials are set to A. The Fuji cameras seem to do this; they still show PASM modes in the software even though they don't have a physical PASM dial.
@@TonyAndChelsea I agree it seems like it should be fairly simple because the settings are really just logic and that's every programmer's, bread and butter. The lack of will is a concern.
🎶 IF you like retro styling AND you want interchangeable lenses, c'mon Fuji, let me know!🎶
I like my ZF - don't like the colors though; that orange is particularly hideous. The camera works great in low light and with manual lenses. I do enjoy using my Fuji cameras more, but I prefer the image quality out of the ZF.
Flip out screen is a deal killer for any _real_ street photographer!
The fake aperture ring is just silly. Why not make it work? People say Leica and Fuji are vanity but a fake aperture is vanity as hell.
On AI-S it's actually a non moving part to help take the lens off, not the aperture ring. I didn't bother with the SE lenses and bought the 40 and 28 on the recent sale or $225 each. The regular ones look fine on the Zf. I have actual Nikkor AI-S lenses if I want the aperture ring and full manual experience of yesterday. It would be amazing if Nikon made a revamped AI-S with contacts for Exif data. For now that's Voightlander. There's also a ton of pretty decent manual lenses for Nikon Z that have aperture rings, but not autofocus. They match up with this camera extremely well.
This vid just annoyed me from the start lol. Fuji Fuji Fuji, I mean are you being sponsored by Fuji here ??? Secondly Fuji is better in low light ??? I'm thinking your expertise is in question here.
This camera obviously isn't for those who stick to Auto Everything lol Creativity is lost by some. Even the XH2 is poor in comparison. Worst vid I've seen.
We have never been sponsored by a camera manufacturer. APS-C sensors outperform full-frame sensors when the lens is more than one stop faster, which is an option in the Fuji X mount but not with the two retro Z lenses.
@@TonyAndChelsea But you are not limited to the Z mount. Just throw on a Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AI-s or for that matter a Voigtländer VM 50mm f/1.0.
@mathiash5000 yes if I were to buy the ZF I'm looking at pairing it up with at least one decent voigtlander Z mount lens. The VM 50.1.0 is very pricey though even though it's the brightest Voightlander do.
Thanks for your replies on this.
@@TonyAndChelsea but you do trash companies that have hurt your feelings. Saying any Fuji camera delivers better IQ than the Zf is an outright fallacy. Anyone with an ounce of experience would know that.
They sounds like getting paid
And who uses a 70-200 one handed ....that poor mount .
Trying not to nit-pick, but the lens control ring isn't "fake" - it's functional. You can program to aperture if you like, or exp comp, ISO etc. The Fuji is very cool but there's no waaay I'd choose that over the Zf. Agreed about ISO controls / override, I'd prefer the dial to deactivate Auto ISO once it's moved off of C. I use the movie record button in stills mode to toggle Auto ISO on/off, easy enough for now.
Please name your orange Zf "Wilson" and talk to it like Tom Hanks did in Cast Away 🗣🏀😆
We're talking about the fake ring that does not move and is fake.
There's a fake ring, too!!!
@@TonyAndChelsea It's not there to fool anyone, it's meant for decoration and it looks fine.
How did you set your movie record button to do that? I can’t find the auto iso in the menus.
@@thingsdoneframed set movie record button to control ISO and use the front command dial to toggle Auto ISO on/off
i igree the x100 have much better controls. i dont understand the annoying controls of the ZF, and the lack of buttons.