You Can't satisfy everyone... and that's extra true when it comes to a niche camera like this. Check out my Z Setup Guide - updated for the Zf: geni.us/ZFguide
Do you have any explanation as to why the body only version is more expensive than an X-T5 with a lens kit (either one) in the UK yet it's the other way around in the US? When you convert from UK Pounds into US Dollars the ZF body costs $2813.75 V $2630.16 (when converted from £ to $) for the most expensive X-T5 with kit lens, thats a $900 difference.
Just a guess,@@acmdv , it could be simply that the UK (Europe) is a different market than the US (and presumably Canada), so different market forces apply, hence a different price. How is it with cars?
@@kristjang.arngrimsson7060 Most of the cars sold in Europe are made here, even the Japanese cars as they have factories all over Europe. I'm wondering if Nikon are trying to pull a fast one over here or it could be yet another consequence of Brexit.
Only thing I can think of is that the price is set when the camera is released - maybe the exchange rate shifted since then - but I have no idea. @@acmdv
The reason why an articulating is very useful that I’m surprised hardly anyone mentions is that when you are using the camera on a tripod set at a level other than eye level you can turn the screen to compose your shot horizontally or vertically without kneeling on the ground or contorting your back and or neck to look through the viewfinder. As a landscape photographer I will not purchase a camera without a fully articulating screen.
@@earledward5763 - well, you can do that with a flip-out kind of LCD screen, too, it doesn't need to turn all the way firward/180 degrees for that purpose. In fact a simple flip as on z6/7 out is faster/easier for that purpose, as it's one movement, while fully articulated you first have to move it out and then swivel it. No biggie in my book, but some think it's a deal breaker.
Wouldn't it be cool if it had a special mode which would simulate the FE analog viewfinder display ... the green needle on the left showing the shutter speed setting, the floating needle that shows the select shutter speed when in auto mode, and especially a simulated split screen focusing prism to use as a manual focusing aid. It could all be done with software. Something that truly captures the simplicity of the Nikon FE shooting experience with manual focusing.
Two days ago I got to play around with the new Nikon ZF for the first time at Photopia in Hamburg and wanted to share some thoughts as well. First off, I think the camera looks amazing and Nikon nailed the retro aesthetic. Picking it up I was surprised at how substantial of a camera it is. It feels dense, very solid, and really high end. Just holding it, it has a more premium feel then even the “pro” bodies like the Z8 or Z9 imho because of the all metal construction. The dials feel really good also - much better than the ones from the ZFc and even my analog cameras. Even compared to the Fuji cameras the ZF is a significant step up in quality and feel. The only thing I was concerned about was the the “vlog” style screen but I was pleasantly surprised by its build quality also - it’s not flimsy at all. However, it is not a small camera and even with the 40mm lens or my adapted 55mm f/1.2 one handed shooting isn’t really an option without the accessory grip, which in my eyes is a must if you plan on using any heavy glass. Since I still only shoot with my DSLR and analog cameras only and haven’t been convinced by mirrorless camera tech quite yet, I wanted to test out the EVF experience as well as the auto and manual focus features. Starting off with the EVF my thoughts on it are “good, not great”. Its large and bright, however I do still notice pixels when looking through it and especially when panning I still get distracted because its not 100% fluid. Its not laggy by any means, but its no optical system either. The Z8 viewfinder is leaps and bounds ahead in that regard. That being said, it’s perfectly usable and absolutely fine - it just didn't wow me at all. The autofocus on the other hand is something else. Its fast, accurate and reliable from what I could see. Significantly better than what I’ve experienced with the earlier Z cameras. The eye tracking works wonderful and sticks very well - it works as advertised and coming from a DSLR its quite the game changer. I was very curious how it would work when adapting old glass, so I put on my 55 and have to say that the eye tracking feature that lets you punch into the eye without having to pan manually makes manual focus fast and accurate. I loved that feature. Focus peaking also works well enough, however I wasn’t convinced that its accurate enough for critical focus with very shallow depth of field lenses. Finally some more random thoughts that came to mind: The shutter noise is very pleasant. Not important by any means, but it just has a very satisfying tone to it. Especially when shooting in burst mode. The shutter button feels amazing. Quite different to a normal shutter release, but with very nice haptics. The lack of buttons on the body would be something Id need to adjust to coming from a DSLR where I never open a menu for anything. All in all. Great camera.
@@christianpetersen1782 Absolutely! But peaking is super useful for wider angle lenses or at more reasonable apertures, so it's still nice to have. And the ok to zoom in and out trick works too of course
@@tolga1cool "it has a more premium feel then even the “pro” bodies like the Z8 or Z9 imho because of the all metal construction". Our senses are often faulty.
Thanks for the detailed description! The more I look at this camera the more I want it! One tip for the viewfinder: on the z6 if you half press the shutter button, for some reason the live view becomes much more fluid. I don't know if it is the same on the zf, but I think because both camera share the same viewfinder, I think it is the same in performance as well.
@@UnconventionalReasoning it does though. All metal with really solid dials makes it feel much more premium than the other bodies. It also feels much more dense. Just grab one and play with it. You'll get what I mean
This is my favorite Nikon camera at the moment. Sony has the A7C2 and A7CR but by Nikon adding that micro sd I think it got ahead plus the design is beautifully done.
The lens choice is very limited to consider this a walk around street and travel can. The New G lenses from Sony or even the GM lenses are small in size and weight. Need more f2 Lenses from nikon.
Matt, I would love to see how well the Zf works with Voightlander Z mount lenses. Especially the Voightlander 50mm f1.0. Many thanks for another thoughtful video. 👏
Thanks for breaking it down! Considering Nikon Z sensors are one of the best options for adapting M mount lenses, I think the ZF is going to be pretty solid with Voigtlander/Leica manual lenses. Smallish form factor, rugged, great focus assist, and low level of corner smearing with adapted stuff. Id really love to see it with a m mount small 35/50mm :) Also It would be great if you can compare high iso performance (im guessing z6ii levels?). Cheers!
I love the previos F , not having 2 cards was my deal breaker. I dont care that it has a micro sd, it has two cards. Exackly what i needed . Love the retro style. 24mp is perfect, would have love 30mp. $2k is a great value
I would be very tempted but the cost of replicating all my Fuji lenses in the Z system is the deal breaker - plus I do like the aperture rings on the Fujinon lenses tbh. Still, as someone who goes back with Nikon film cameras a long way I am super happy that they have had a run of successful releases. Maybe one day when the Zf camera and Z lenses are available second hand at prices I can justify…..
I’m in the same position as you. Used to be a Nikon shooter, then switched to Fuji and love the old-school style of shooting. But I’m seriously thinking about switching back to Nikon with this Zf camera. If I sell the Fuji stuff, I could buy the Zf instead with the 24-70 mm f/2.8 and the 85mm f/1.8. That’d be a dream kit and yes, as much as I love Fuji, I do think FF renders images with more “depth” then APSC. Difficult choice….
Sort of in the same boat. Why not use a Fuji to Nikon adapter? Yeah OK you'll be in crop mode, but means you can gradually move systems. A sneaky bonus is you get to keep using lenses with an apature ring. I've been tempted to therfore look into Sony FF lenses in the long run.
The specs of the Zf are just totally perfect for me, retro design included! And the micro SD cardslot is just genius IMO. When I'll get my Zf, I'll buy a SD micro card with 1TB and leave it in forever. It'd be exactly like having internal memory! I never take the second card out of my other cameras anyway. Could you do some sports shooting while testing it, Matt? Thanks
couldnt agree more. the only box i wish was ticked for me was a joystick for focus point control but if thats the only loss ill take it! the micro SD is very much underrated because you can literally put massive, cheap storage and leave it in the camera like an internal drive for sure- having a en-el15 battery and two slots in something this size is really brilliant.
Not a fan of the Floppy screen but not a deal breaker either. I will buy this camera with the 40mm and be very happy. Add it to my kit as a street shooter and back up.
Great take on this new camera. For decades I shot canon, from film into DSLR’s. About 8 years ago now I switched to Olympus micro four-thirds, mirrorless. As canon nor Nikon were moving forward. As I have aged, we will leave it at that, I really appreciated the reduced size and weight of all my equipment overall. Currently using an OM-1, since Olympus has sold out to OM Solutions. Still very happy with the micro four-thirds mirrorless but, concerned for the future. The Nikon Zf has a lot of features that Olympus has had for years, won’t go into specifics. The main difference is Nikon being full frame obviously. I am a serious amateur with a website and belong to several photography clubs in our community. Not a “Pro”, because I don’t sell my work. I like everything I am seeing, love the retro look, like the dials without having to dive into a menu, size is right. My concern is I do quite a bit of outdoor, wildlife and action photography. I have had my Olympus - OM cameras in some very harsh conditions from Africa, to ice cold conditions, to extreme wet conditions, etc, etc, with never a failure. Olympus was one of the first to do in camera 5 axis IS, which is a deal breaker for me not having to use a tripod all the time. As a matter of fact I seldom use one since switching. Now Nikon and others have adopted these systems and are great. Sounds like Nikon has really updated their in camera IS system. This is the first camera in awhile I really have some interest in. 24mg full frame really is not an issue for me, especially since it will handle higher ISO’s better. Would really like to see a toggle switch for focus point adjustment instead of taking eye off the viewfinder and using a touchscreen. Price point for price point very much in the range I am comfortable with. Big thing is I am heavily invested in Olympus lens and equipment which would mean a complete swap over. Time will tell as more real world use comes out. I have never shot with Nikon and that really is not an issue. If you understand photography and the basics of it, one should be able to pick up any camera no matter it’s cost or name brand and get good results. If you come from film days like I have where you had nothing automatic and you had to calculate everything, then todays cameras are dream machines. One just has to decide how they are going to use the camera and choose accordingly. Again, great take on this new model.
As an Olympus user for many years, I love that system for all it's benefits, but I got the FF bug a few years ago, when they brought relatively cheap options, so I bought a Z5 Nikon, and my Olympus gear has been gathering dust ever since. The image quality and low light etc., is just superb, and that's with the basic model and the 'kit' range 'Z' mount lenses, I would think that a Zf with it's better AF and other improvements and the 'S' series premium lenses, would be amazing.
To me there are Three features that define the potential of this camera: 8 stops of vibration reduction can be a game changer, the pixel shift feature, if well executed could make it a superior landscape camera that punches waaaay above its price point and several pros/reviewers have commented favorably on how the image quality, as expressed by looking at prints is close to 45 megapixel images shot on a z72. This might be the best deal in photography.
The problem with that is taking this camera out into the wild is a potential disaster waiting to happen. The ergonomics of this will slip out of your hand like a frog. You'll have to keep it around your neck like the One Ring, otherwise it will go walking off on its own (lol). For actual working professionals there are better options that won't fight you to get the shots. No custom options on the dial being replaced by actual exposure dials means you can't actually use this camera in a professional capacity at all, since you will need to change between different sets of settings fairly often out in the wild, and especially for HDR photography to get the best look. This camera doesn't have U1, U2, or U3 functionality, but Nikon cameras made in 2012 and 2013 still had those features? Not only that, but ONE CARD SLOT? Intolerable. This should have stayed on the side of the camera rather than at the battery door, like with the old Nikon F-mount DSLRs, but covered by the faux leather. You don't really need most of the stuff you just mentioned if you're not shite at photography. Again, working professionals don't need 8-stops of vibration reduction, as great as it sounds. Pixel shift is pretty damn cool though, so I guess we'll just have to wait for a Z8-ii or something.
I'm a Fuji shooter and despite having a good set of lenses covering nearly everything you might ever need, I am seriously attracted to this camera - even though it would involve selling all my Fuji kit to justify owning it. I can't quite put my finger on why it is so attractive but looking at the glass options, the 14-30f4, 28f2.8, 40f2 and 105mm would be my initial set up and in all honesty probably cover the range I need the most. I like the retro style cameras (obviously) because after 40+ years of leisure and some pro photography dials me more to me than wheels.
For is big omission is lack of joystick and "A" position on shutter and Iso dial. Secondly I don't think lineup of lenses with retro styling will be sufficient.
And so had Nikon. My good old Nikon D5300, which is 15+ years old...has fully articulated display and that's why I love it and am still keeping it.@@kevc.2958
I beg to differ. Investing in a new lens system is expensive and the learning curve of Sony's menus is also very steep. The tilt and flip cannot be used for shooting videos of yourself and that's exactly why I need fully articulated display.@@kamilpotato3764
Call me a Nikon fanboy if you want, but I think this is the most charming digital camera in years (certainly in 'full frame' format) and if I had the money I would chose this over anything comparable. I think it's got more charm than any of the Fujis simply because it's not mimicking another brand, and the 'crop factor' is really a digital mindset. To have a analogue camera aesthetic with a true analogue image size feels more genuine some how, like the Leica Ms. If Nikon or a third party don't make a retro battery grip for it to help with ergonomics for bigger lenses then they are insane. Then again, I'd also like them to make an M mount digital rangefinder, so what the hell do I know?
Can't say I have a deal breaker. The Zf is aimed exactly at my hobbyist heart. The one drawback I see (besides no blackout free evf, which is fair at this price) is they didn't rethink the retro dials and get rid of the PSAM dial, like Fujifilm. Nitpicky, I know.
I certainly could use it, as my everyday camera with the 26mm 2.8 on it. For that kind of camera I don't need a full grip and the flippy screen is certainly no deal breaker (use a z30 as well) albeit I prefer the z6/7/8/9 kind of screen. However, it makes more sense economically to wait a while and see what Nikon brings to the table with the z6 III and hopefully z7 III and replace my current main body - the z7 first gen - with one of those (or a z8) and then relegate the z7 to everyday cam use. So it's going to be down to what comes up as replacement for my z7 and then it will be wallet/reason/impulse decision if I get the Zf as evereyday cam or relegate the z7 first gen. Impulse might win over reason here, life's supposed to be fun, too! ☺
… Appreciate you Matt. I am increasingly suspicious of mainstream reviewers being nothing more than cheap salesmen, but this seemed a fair review. It would be good to see a pre-AI Nikon lens compared on a ZF and a DF. Comparison of images and ergonomics!
I had my first Nikon DSLR in 2008 with the D300, it took me seven years before thinking I needed an upgrade and bought the full frame D610 in 2015. It’s now eight years and I’m thinking I need another upgrade and the ZF looks a really good step up. I was looking at the Z9 but the RRP put me off,plus the weight etc etc then the ZF gets released and WOW what a great camera for the money. I can see a backlog of orders though. I’m thinking of sticking with my older 80-400 AFS with the FTZii but may hire a ZF with the FTZii first to see how it performs
I think Nikon hit it out of the park with the zf. When people first talked about wanting one I figured it would be just like a z6 II in a retro body with one card slot. Instead we got a z6 III in a retro body with 2 card slots. And they didn't dumb it down. This camera even has a couple of things that the z8 and z9 don't have. At least not yet. I think this camera is geared more for street photographers, travel and for people who want to jump on the nostalgia ship. Trends have a way of coming back around. Bell bottoms came back not once but twice. If I was buying a camera solely for street photography this would be the camera. But I need a full size grip and no screen blackout in my next camera. I don't think the z6 III or z7 III will have a stacked sensor so it's looking like I'm going to have to save up for a z8. I still think Nikon needs to follow up with the z6 III and a d500 replacement. We need an apsc version in a z8 body.
This is a very useful review, thank you. Everyone is referring to the retro style, but I haven't seen anyone talk about the SLR shooting experience, the way we did in the 80s. That is why I will probably buy this camera and look forward to using it with just the dials. But where are the Nikon lenses with aperture rings? Using the front wheel for aperture doesn't fit with the SLR experience. I look forward to your review with third party lenses, hopefully you can talk about Voigtlander and Zeis. I'm also interested to see how info is presented in the viewfinder.
It looks really interesting, deff a blow to what Fuji has been doing. But, I wish it was smaller. As in as small as a classic Nikon FE or Fujifilm X-T1/2/3
So I preordered this as I won’t get charged for it until it is shipped because it is a new Nikon product (always back ordered into oblivion). But my personal rational is this: I shoot work with a d850 and d810 ten pair currently. Got about five lenses for that setup. And I have a Fuji x100v I do for casual stuff I really wanted to get into the zmount in a seamless more cost effective way but did not like the z6 or even z7 bodies. I honestly fancy the z9 but need it to drop in price so I will wait for its successor more likely. But what I think I am going to do is take advantage of the fuji x100v hype and sell for its bloated resale value to fund this. Though it is bigger than the V it will get me the feel I enjoy with the fuji, a full frame, and a gateway to the z system. The V is like 1700 used now which is insane. But if the V successor had ibis or something and maybe a xt5 sensor it might make me reconsider. So many choices
The Expeed6 came with the Z6/Z7 in Sept 2018. The Expeed7 came with the Z9 in Dec 2021 The cost of the Expeed7 today is probably comparable to the cost of the Expeed6 in 2018. The Z6 was $2k USD.
many time people in the comments look for low hanging fruits to complain about just to hate. they were not even gonna buy the product any way. "fully articulate screen" is one of those. people know is definitely not a deal breaker as some people want it to make it sound.
I mostly shot wildlife, which means using my Sigma 150-600 on an old D810. I’m looking to update my camera for something with better auto focus and can handle higher iso. If it’s smaller and lighter, even better. That’s my bugbears with the D810. I’d like to see how this works for wildlife and lowlight those but the lack of the grip with a big lens is my concern. It’s £2300 in the UK at the moment. It’s tempting but there’s still some doubts about whether it is for me. If it had been closer to the z6II styling, that would have worked better for me. To the £2300, I still need to add a ztf adapter and potentially a grip.
This camera was designed for the enthusiast that likes the feel of their old film cameras. I really don't think it's designed for the working professional. That's what the Z6ll, Z8 and Z9 are for.
I must say the flippy screen is super annoying in actual use (for composing low-angle horizontally oriented shots; low-angle verticals are actually better with this type of screen) but I might just buy this one anyway for the other ergonomics and specs.
Everyone - including ridiculous Froknowsphoto - complaining about the Zf not being a modern design Z6III just doesn't get it. I pre-ordered my Z f in Bordeaux Red from Nikon this week with the 40mm f2 SE. I was looking for a camera of this kind in full frame FOR A VERY LONG TIME. Thank you Nikon.
Nice video Matt but could you clarify one point please? You state that the Nikon Zf is able to put a shield over the sensor to protect it when changing lenses. i know the Z8 and Z9 can do this but according to other, reputable Nikon experts, the Zf does NOT have this function. This feature could be a deal-breaker for some people so your comments would be most welcome.
Hi Matt, my Zf camera will be shipped to me on, or around October 12th. Just in time to go in my travel bag for my November Brisbane, Noosa, Melbourne, Sydney trip. I bought a Z6 mk2 last month because I like using it, and that will not change with the Zf. I have the Z8 as my main camera. I have a reason for owning each camera. I don't think about what features are missing. Rather, how I can make best use of the features that are available to me. I will likely take the Zf with me when I go out at night to restaurants or to the Sydney opera house.
That is me! I have a Fujifilm XT4 and I absolutely hate the articulating screen. I don't do video so i prefer the quickness of a tilt screen for photography. I will never purchase another camera with an articulating screen.
Granger. I’m proud of you. Just a stranger on the internet. I’m proud of you, man. Keep it all up. Get strong and stay strong. Also, man I need to quell my GAS lol
Thanks Matt for another helpful video. You mentioned @8:58 that you can close the shutter on the Zf to change lenses. How does that feature work? The Nikon videos made no mention of it. Also, is there a way to program U1-U3 settings? Thanks.
This ZF to me is a good compromise for what it offers and price point? expeed 7, 3 D tracking and that B&W dial are features that are very inviting? I'm seriously looking at getting one as a backup for my Z8. Think I'll stick the 40mm permanently on this ZF. That micro SD is a good redundant back up too...
Matt, thanks again for a reasonable and thoughtful review. There is no perfect camera, it's all about tradeoffs and Nikon clearly knocked it out of the park for a lot of people, including potentially myself. Keep up the good work!
The one thing really annoying me is the absence of a second function button. But it will do wonders with my vintage lenses thanks to the new manual focus system
It's a cool camera and reminds me of the FE2's I had decades ago, but my deal breaker is that it looks like I can't control it electronically via a Camranger or something like that.
I am very interested in the Zf but one thing I'm wondering about is will there be any possible overheating issues because this is the smallest body so far that uses the high performance expeed 7 processer and I know my Z8 sometimes can get pretty warm depending on what it is doing so if you can test that then that would be interesting to me
@@vincentc7818 10MP is still plenty, even for small prints. In the end it's the quality of glass. A crap glass on a 61MP sensor will yield worse results than top of the line glass on a 10-24mp sensor.
The reason why an articulating is very useful that I’m surprised hardly anyone mentions is that when you are using the camera on a tripod set at a level other than eye level you can turn the screen to compose your shot without kneeling on the ground or contorting your back and or neck to look through the viewfinder. As a landscape photographer I will not purchase a camera that without a fully articulating screen.
Great video Matt, thank you. I am curious about the subject detection in MF. I am considering ordering a Zf and pairing it with the Voigtlander 50mm f1.0 Nokton. Curious how well the subject detection with zoom feature works for grabbing focus. Have you tried this? Thoughts?
I started my professional career with Nikon F cameras. It seems appropriate that I get a couple of Nikon ZF bodies and then search for those old manual lenses I loved. I've been using Canon digital since the 10D but may put the current kit on the block it the ZF delivers what I expect.
What is your experience using it in complete manual mode using the EVF ? I would like to see about adapting Nikon f manual lens and other vintage lens to it via third party adapters.
Many thanks for the great introduction to the Zf. I'd like to see a test of the "mini sd" card. How does this impact shooting in real world situations? Many thanks.
I'm just wondering, that at 9:00 you're talking about the sensor shield, but I could not find any option in the menus to get it working. How did you manage to do that?
Thanks Matt. Great video as usual. Z f is nice and probably many people will buy it. I am Nikon shooter , but the UK price £2299. Is crazy. Usually Nikon stuff here costs similar amount in £ to USD. I don’t understand why in this case is different. Z6 is at £2069.00. I already have Z7 & Z7II - great stuff.
Nice video Matt as always. A nice looking camera but I'm another where the real deal breaker is the swing out screen because you can't easily use L brackets with them. I don't have a full frame Nikon mirrorless yet and am waiting on the Z7ii to be updated. But if they put that type of screen in it, I'll have to settle on a Z7ii or just keep using my D810 forever.
I would love to see a review of the black and white mode in one of your reviews. My favorite genre is street photos and processing my NEF files into black and white, particularly with a Tri-X filter, because I just love the classic grainy, photojournalist look. It would be great to get your impressions of the b/w mode, how it works, etc. How does it save the b/w images - are they monochrome NEFs? are they saved as HEIC or jpgs?
Thanks for the details, would you rather use the ZF or D780 for professional work? Taking in to account ergonomics and overall AF, tracking etc. It looks great for a take everywhere camera but in terms of usability, with anything bigger than the Z 24-70 F4 it seems a bit of a handful. Thanks!
Matt, appreciate your thoughtful commentary, but after experiencing the Df, I think ultimately the Zf isn't a professional camera, it is a novelty. With all it's capabilities the retro shape and form ergonomics I just don't think will work in the long run. If Nikon wants to make a vintage camera, then just make one that is basic like the old film cameras, except with a digital sensor. By adding all the bells and whistles you really need a more ergonomically friendly platform. Many people will buy the camera, but how many will still be using it in two years? Just my 2 cents.
I'll take the 24 MP full frame size pixels for their low light performance. I'd like to see how it performs at high ISO. Two micro SDs would have been the way to go. My 3 year old laptop won't even accept full size SD.
This Zf is tempting but I prefer the ergonomics of a z5. Going to stay with my z5 until the z5ii is released. i am hoping the z5ii gets the BSI sensor, stays with Dual SD slots and newer processor for better AF.
Hi, do you know if they fixed the common problem of previous z models not showing the true depth of field when the camera 's aperture is smaller than f:5.6. thanks!
the screen folded back makes it look even more like my old FM2 ! i do love the retro feel here. i really like the form factor & with the 40mm lens, you can fit in any bag. this camera is on my shopping list for next year to go travelling with.
I'd love to get a ZF style camera, although I'd prefer a higher MP sensor. If they bring out one with 45mps at some stage, I'd be super-tempted as I really like the dials, and the small size.
As an old fashion photo only shooter, I prefer tilt screen like on Z9 over flip screen, but it’s tolerable. The complain about lack of grip is understandable, but for traditional shooter like me holding camera with left hand underneath the camera it’s just like using my F2. Just preordered a Hermes orange color Zf.
Thanks for all your Nikon wisdom, Matt! I’m thinking of trading in my D850 (backup to my Z9 ) so that I have a smaller camera for backup mirrorless that will work better on a gimbal for video b-roll shoots and for a travel camera. What do you think? And what lens would you recommend for general b-roll corporate, industrial video to start - kit 40mm or a zoom?
Thanks for your insights Matt! I've seen a few comments that nikon updated the colour science with the z8/z9 relative to the z6/z7. Where does the zf sit?
The articulated screen is important to get young user into the system. I like the articulated screen. As Nikon did not have it and no serious APS-C camera and lenses I moved to Fuji. This camera is very attractive for me and thick all the boxes. The 4K 60p cropped is in all FF sensors around 24MPx made by Sony. Panasonic, Nikon and Sony has it. Only Canon with their Canon EOS R6 Mark Ii, who produce their own sensor, has a full sensor read out for 4K 60p. Using the DX crop window makes it difficult with wide angle lenses. Also the lack of DX lenses is killing for Nikon.
The reason why an articulating is very useful that I’m surprised hardly anyone mentions is that when you are using the camera on a tripod set at a level other than eye level you can turn the screen to compose your shot without kneeling on the ground or contorting your back and or neck to look through the viewfinder. As a landscape photographer I will not purchase a camera without a fully articulating screen.
I don't mind the screen at all. I loved the screen on the xpro-3, being able to hide the screen and just shoot like film is a fun way to shoot. If you really need to chimp you can use the evf as well. If anything a version of the xpro3 screen that would just swivel when opened with the hinge on the bottom would be awesome.
Matt, Great reflection on these pros and cons. I took the dive on release day and pre-ordered it. All things equal, had they announced a Z6iii and the zf at the same time, i probably would opt for the 6iii for the better grip. But i DO love the flip out lcd (yes, for stills shooting!), and value the IS/vr improvements and Nikon’s ever evolving color science, so full speed ahead! ;-)
My guess is that Z6iii will have different sensor than Z6ii with approximately 30+ MP resolution at slightly higher price point than Zf. Zf with expeed 7 and 10bit internal video looks very capable camera at 2k $ which is of great value.
What I‘m missing in general: - lenses with more metal and less plastic => third party manufacturers or Fuji can do it - all lenses with an aperture ring => see above - an adapter which supports older F-mount AF lenses
looks very nice, thinking about finally upgrading from my om-d em10 mk II have been wanting to switch to full frame for a while and having great auto focus would be great
Screen type - zero need for a flippy and for me it’s a big negative. But - I’m happy Nikon is offering them on entry level and prosumer bodies AS LONG as they keep the tilt screens on the higher end bodies. I think a flippy makes perfect sense on the Zf, Zfc, and Z30. This Zf is everything I’m looking forward to in the Z6III, other than cards and screen type. Maybe a res jump to 33? Also hoping the Z6III is compatible with the MB-N11.
Hi Matt. I am from Hong Kong. I like watching your TH-cam channel because I am also a Nikon user. May I ask who send you Z f for doing testing recently? Is it Nikon Hong Kong? It's because up to now I still can't see any local Hong Kong TH-camrs upload any Nikon Z f hands on video on TH-cam, thanks!😊
At 9:01 you clearly show the camera being with a closed sensor as a dust shield, but I cannot find any place in the setup to enable this feature, how did you enable the Zf to enable dust shield mode upon power-down?
This was a freak accident. It was just a closed shutter that happened to be down. I checked the source footage and I had slowed it down for this - sorry it’s misleading
@@mattgranger no problem, but you even in your words say it, oh well, would love that feature, I am a bit more concerned on cleaning the sensor on this Z as it does not lock on power down, Have you tried a swab sensor clean yet. No matter how careful, dust bunnies show up over time.
Spec-wise the Zf pretty much hit everything I hoped for in the Z8 - better AF, 10-bit video internal and fully articulating screen at half the Z8's price. I looove the look of the retro body and they've done it really well, but the only thing holding me off is the grip and button layout and how it would function from a practical, all day use standpoint vs Nikon's regular bodies. Thinking it's probably a case of waiting for the Z6iii as a working photographer that hopefully has similar specs but I feel in my soul the Zf will likely suck me in with some kind of impulse buy at some point
I was asked if I could make b&w studio portraits. I have Nikon Z5 but I got this idea that the Zf would be perfect for b&w studio shots :) Not sure if I'll purchase it because I also want to do action photography in the future and I'm used to function buttons and joystick of Z5.
I'm not so sure the joystick would be a big deal for action. You kind of just use a custom area of focus and let auto AF or 3D AF rip they work really well and you always have the option of just scrubbing across the screen with your finger as a substitute. Everyone shoots differently though so whatever works for you. I haven't been doing much action with the Z8 but I rarely have to use the joystick after setting up large custom focus boxes.
Thinking about different options for a retro styled camera, I think Nikon could have added the possibility of a retro styled battery grip which also includes a couple of CF Express slots and maybe another stacked module underneath the grip to offer GPS and/or a wireless transceiver, a bit like the accessories once available for the F range of SLR's. I wish Nikon would stick to one design for a battery grip though, which could be moved between camera bodies as needed.
I think the solution to the fully articulating screen vs flip up screen debate is this: Make a fully articulating back panel. Have the screen fixed to that with a hinge so that it can flip up. Now you have a camera with a flip up screen. But if you want to use a fully articulating system, simply flip out the back panel and the screen flips out with it. That should satisfy both the camps, I hope. Ofcourse, the display panel technology then needs to change for a slimmer display to compensate for the increased thickness that an articulating back panel may add. sAMOLED, maybe? The screen then should be replaceable as sAMOLED displays have a shorter lifespan than standard LCDs. An OLED panel may also be a better display as it would allow true video HDR and expanded colours to be visibile. We moved from black and white photography to colour photography as technology advanced. However, colour photography and legacy display tech (including print) werent able to to display the full gamut of colours that are visible to our eyes. Neither were they able to display the full dynamic range and contrast that our eyes can see. That has changed with the advent of the new generation of display tech. Screens with a truly wide dynamic range are now practically mainstream. These can display more colours than the standard RGB colour space. Yet, somehow photography isnt keeping pace with these technological developments even though the sensors can capture the required dynamic range and colour range. Just like one can choose to shoot in colour or in monochrome. One should be able to choose to shoot in a wider colour space and a wider dynamic range. True that in post processing we can choose to process RAW images into (true) wider dynamic ranges and wider colour spaces. But it shouldnt have to be that long a process. For those of us who shoot mostly in JPEG, in camera (true) wide dynamic range and wider colour gamut should be available. It is high time for that. Come on! Sony manufactures many of these latest tech display panels. Sony produces/markets movies made in HDR and WCG. But for their photography division, they are not changing the paradigm. Maybe Nikon could? These companies are stuck in a time warp. It will take smart phone manufacturers to change the paradigm and for these people to play catch up!
You Can't satisfy everyone... and that's extra true when it comes to a niche camera like this. Check out my Z Setup Guide - updated for the Zf: geni.us/ZFguide
Do you have any explanation as to why the body only version is more expensive than an X-T5 with a lens kit (either one) in the UK yet it's the other way around in the US? When you convert from UK Pounds into US Dollars the ZF body costs $2813.75 V $2630.16 (when converted from £ to $) for the most expensive X-T5 with kit lens, thats a $900 difference.
ZF doesn’t have sensor shield but you indicate it has at 9:01.
Just a guess,@@acmdv , it could be simply that the UK (Europe) is a different market than the US (and presumably Canada), so different market forces apply, hence a different price. How is it with cars?
@@kristjang.arngrimsson7060 Most of the cars sold in Europe are made here, even the Japanese cars as they have factories all over Europe. I'm wondering if Nikon are trying to pull a fast one over here or it could be yet another consequence of Brexit.
Only thing I can think of is that the price is set when the camera is released - maybe the exchange rate shifted since then - but I have no idea. @@acmdv
Now, Nikon needs to start making smaller metal-body lenses with an aperture ring to go with this camera, similar to the Fuji's 35mm F2, 23mm F2, etc.
Thank goodness for Voigtlander
I love the articulated screen. This camera is everything I wished for. Controls on top just like my FA film camera. Perfect!
Enjoy! Nice to hear from someone who likes the screen 👍🏼
FA was my first Nikon body back in the days. Still works, still sitting in my cabinet. 👍🏻
The reason why an articulating is very useful that I’m surprised hardly anyone mentions is that when you are using the camera on a tripod set at a level other than eye level you can turn the screen to compose your shot horizontally or vertically without kneeling on the ground or contorting your back and or neck to look through the viewfinder. As a landscape photographer I will not purchase a camera without a fully articulating screen.
@@earledward5763 - well, you can do that with a flip-out kind of LCD screen, too, it doesn't need to turn all the way firward/180 degrees for that purpose.
In fact a simple flip as on z6/7 out is faster/easier for that purpose, as it's one movement, while fully articulated you first have to move it out and then swivel it. No biggie in my book, but some think it's a deal breaker.
Good part about it is you can turn it so the screen faces the back of the camera so it protects the screen while not in use.@@marcusbraun8889
Wouldn't it be cool if it had a special mode which would simulate the FE analog viewfinder display ... the green needle on the left showing the shutter speed setting, the floating needle that shows the select shutter speed when in auto mode, and especially a simulated split screen focusing prism to use as a manual focusing aid. It could all be done with software. Something that truly captures the simplicity of the Nikon FE shooting experience with manual focusing.
Two days ago I got to play around with the new Nikon ZF for the first time at Photopia in Hamburg and wanted to share some thoughts as well. First off, I think the camera looks amazing and Nikon nailed the retro aesthetic. Picking it up I was surprised at how substantial of a camera it is. It feels dense, very solid, and really high end. Just holding it, it has a more premium feel then even the “pro” bodies like the Z8 or Z9 imho because of the all metal construction. The dials feel really good also - much better than the ones from the ZFc and even my analog cameras. Even compared to the Fuji cameras the ZF is a significant step up in quality and feel. The only thing I was concerned about was the the “vlog” style screen but I was pleasantly surprised by its build quality also - it’s not flimsy at all. However, it is not a small camera and even with the 40mm lens or my adapted 55mm f/1.2 one handed shooting isn’t really an option without the accessory grip, which in my eyes is a must if you plan on using any heavy glass.
Since I still only shoot with my DSLR and analog cameras only and haven’t been convinced by mirrorless camera tech quite yet, I wanted to test out the EVF experience as well as the auto and manual focus features. Starting off with the EVF my thoughts on it are “good, not great”. Its large and bright, however I do still notice pixels when looking through it and especially when panning I still get distracted because its not 100% fluid. Its not laggy by any means, but its no optical system either. The Z8 viewfinder is leaps and bounds ahead in that regard. That being said, it’s perfectly usable and absolutely fine - it just didn't wow me at all.
The autofocus on the other hand is something else. Its fast, accurate and reliable from what I could see. Significantly better than what I’ve experienced with the earlier Z cameras. The eye tracking works wonderful and sticks very well - it works as advertised and coming from a DSLR its quite the game changer. I was very curious how it would work when adapting old glass, so I put on my 55 and have to say that the eye tracking feature that lets you punch into the eye without having to pan manually makes manual focus fast and accurate. I loved that feature. Focus peaking also works well enough, however I wasn’t convinced that its accurate enough for critical focus with very shallow depth of field lenses.
Finally some more random thoughts that came to mind: The shutter noise is very pleasant. Not important by any means, but it just has a very satisfying tone to it. Especially when shooting in burst mode. The shutter button feels amazing. Quite different to a normal shutter release, but with very nice haptics. The lack of buttons on the body would be something Id need to adjust to coming from a DSLR where I never open a menu for anything.
All in all. Great camera.
For manual focus I set the OK button to zoom to 200% on the Z7. I think you can do the same on the Zf so I don’t need focus peaking.
@@christianpetersen1782 Absolutely! But peaking is super useful for wider angle lenses or at more reasonable apertures, so it's still nice to have. And the ok to zoom in and out trick works too of course
@@tolga1cool "it has a more premium feel then even the “pro” bodies like the Z8 or Z9 imho because of the all metal construction". Our senses are often faulty.
Thanks for the detailed description! The more I look at this camera the more I want it! One tip for the viewfinder: on the z6 if you half press the shutter button, for some reason the live view becomes much more fluid. I don't know if it is the same on the zf, but I think because both camera share the same viewfinder, I think it is the same in performance as well.
@@UnconventionalReasoning it does though. All metal with really solid dials makes it feel much more premium than the other bodies. It also feels much more dense. Just grab one and play with it. You'll get what I mean
This is my favorite Nikon camera at the moment. Sony has the A7C2 and A7CR but by Nikon adding that micro sd I think it got ahead plus the design is beautifully done.
The lens choice is very limited to consider this a walk around street and travel can. The New G lenses from Sony or even the GM lenses are small in size and weight. Need more f2 Lenses from nikon.
it also lacks custom controls that my 2013 Nikon D610 has.@@zakiradi450
Matt, I would love to see how well the Zf works with Voightlander Z mount lenses. Especially the Voightlander 50mm f1.0. Many thanks for another thoughtful video. 👏
Definitely I want to mount my f-mount 58|1.4 and the 40|2. Is there another f mount adapter to Z that is slimmer and lighter
Thanks for breaking it down! Considering Nikon Z sensors are one of the best options for adapting M mount lenses, I think the ZF is going to be pretty solid with Voigtlander/Leica manual lenses. Smallish form factor, rugged, great focus assist, and low level of corner smearing with adapted stuff. Id really love to see it with a m mount small 35/50mm :) Also It would be great if you can compare high iso performance (im guessing z6ii levels?). Cheers!
From what I've gathered it's slightly better than the z6II due to the faster processor. (For example max native iso is 64000 instead of 51200)
It’s better for manual focus with the eye detect manual focus assist.
Its bigger and heavier than the Z6!
Voigtlander makes some lenses for native z mount (40mm 1.2, 50mm f1.0)
@@joebledea These are the ones I've looked at in considering a move from my Fuji X-Pro 2. The contemplation continues.
I love the previos F , not having 2 cards was my deal breaker. I dont care that it has a micro sd, it has two cards. Exackly what i needed . Love the retro style. 24mp is perfect, would have love 30mp. $2k is a great value
4k 60fps it’s amazing for me as a wildlife photographer, thank you so much for sharing your opinion about this amazing camera 👌👌👌
I would be very tempted but the cost of replicating all my Fuji lenses in the Z system is the deal breaker - plus I do like the aperture rings on the Fujinon lenses tbh.
Still, as someone who goes back with Nikon film cameras a long way I am super happy that they have had a run of successful releases. Maybe one day when the Zf camera and Z lenses are available second hand at prices I can justify…..
I’m in the same position as you. Used to be a Nikon shooter, then switched to Fuji and love the old-school style of shooting. But I’m seriously thinking about switching back to Nikon with this Zf camera. If I sell the Fuji stuff, I could buy the Zf instead with the 24-70 mm f/2.8 and the 85mm f/1.8. That’d be a dream kit and yes, as much as I love Fuji, I do think FF renders images with more “depth” then APSC. Difficult choice….
Sort of in the same boat.
Why not use a Fuji to Nikon adapter?
Yeah OK you'll be in crop mode, but means you can gradually move systems.
A sneaky bonus is you get to keep using lenses with an apature ring.
I've been tempted to therfore look into Sony FF lenses in the long run.
The specs of the Zf are just totally perfect for me, retro design included! And the micro SD cardslot is just genius IMO. When I'll get my Zf, I'll buy a SD micro card with 1TB and leave it in forever. It'd be exactly like having internal memory! I never take the second card out of my other cameras anyway.
Could you do some sports shooting while testing it, Matt? Thanks
Wait it's microSD only?
couldnt agree more. the only box i wish was ticked for me was a joystick for focus point control but if thats the only loss ill take it! the micro SD is very much underrated because you can literally put massive, cheap storage and leave it in the camera like an internal drive for sure- having a en-el15 battery and two slots in something this size is really brilliant.
@@WarriorsPhotoSD+ microSD/TF
@@zegzbrutal OHHH!😁
the bigger is your is your card, the bigger is your lost when it failed !
Not a fan of the Floppy screen but not a deal breaker either. I will buy this camera with the 40mm and be very happy. Add it to my kit as a street shooter and back up.
Great take on this new camera. For decades I shot canon, from film into DSLR’s. About 8 years ago now I switched to Olympus micro four-thirds, mirrorless. As canon nor Nikon were moving forward. As I have aged, we will leave it at that, I really appreciated the reduced size and weight of all my equipment overall. Currently using an OM-1, since Olympus has sold out to OM Solutions. Still very happy with the micro four-thirds mirrorless but, concerned for the future. The Nikon Zf has a lot of features that Olympus has had for years, won’t go into specifics. The main difference is Nikon being full frame obviously. I am a serious amateur with a website and belong to several photography clubs in our community. Not a “Pro”, because I don’t sell my work. I like everything I am seeing, love the retro look, like the dials without having to dive into a menu, size is right. My concern is I do quite a bit of outdoor, wildlife and action photography. I have had my Olympus - OM cameras in some very harsh conditions from Africa, to ice cold conditions, to extreme wet conditions, etc, etc, with never a failure. Olympus was one of the first to do in camera 5 axis IS, which is a deal breaker for me not having to use a tripod all the time. As a matter of fact I seldom use one since switching. Now Nikon and others have adopted these systems and are great. Sounds like Nikon has really updated their in camera IS system. This is the first camera in awhile I really have some interest in. 24mg full frame really is not an issue for me, especially since it will handle higher ISO’s better. Would really like to see a toggle switch for focus point adjustment instead of taking eye off the viewfinder and using a touchscreen. Price point for price point very much in the range I am comfortable with. Big thing is I am heavily invested in Olympus lens and equipment which would mean a complete swap over. Time will tell as more real world use comes out. I have never shot with Nikon and that really is not an issue. If you understand photography and the basics of it, one should be able to pick up any camera no matter it’s cost or name brand and get good results. If you come from film days like I have where you had nothing automatic and you had to calculate everything, then todays cameras are dream machines. One just has to decide how they are going to use the camera and choose accordingly. Again, great take on this new model.
As an Olympus user for many years, I love that system for all it's benefits, but I got the FF bug a few years ago, when they brought relatively cheap options, so I bought a Z5 Nikon, and my Olympus gear has been gathering dust ever since.
The image quality and low light etc., is just superb, and that's with the basic model and the 'kit' range 'Z' mount lenses, I would think that a Zf with it's better AF and other improvements and the 'S' series premium lenses, would be amazing.
To me there are Three features that define the potential of this camera: 8 stops of vibration reduction can be a game changer, the pixel shift feature, if well executed could make it a superior landscape camera that punches waaaay above its price point and several pros/reviewers have commented favorably on how the image quality, as expressed by looking at prints is close to 45 megapixel images shot on a z72. This might be the best deal in photography.
The problem with that is taking this camera out into the wild is a potential disaster waiting to happen. The ergonomics of this will slip out of your hand like a frog. You'll have to keep it around your neck like the One Ring, otherwise it will go walking off on its own (lol). For actual working professionals there are better options that won't fight you to get the shots. No custom options on the dial being replaced by actual exposure dials means you can't actually use this camera in a professional capacity at all, since you will need to change between different sets of settings fairly often out in the wild, and especially for HDR photography to get the best look. This camera doesn't have U1, U2, or U3 functionality, but Nikon cameras made in 2012 and 2013 still had those features? Not only that, but ONE CARD SLOT? Intolerable. This should have stayed on the side of the camera rather than at the battery door, like with the old Nikon F-mount DSLRs, but covered by the faux leather. You don't really need most of the stuff you just mentioned if you're not shite at photography. Again, working professionals don't need 8-stops of vibration reduction, as great as it sounds. Pixel shift is pretty damn cool though, so I guess we'll just have to wait for a Z8-ii or something.
I'm a Fuji shooter and despite having a good set of lenses covering nearly everything you might ever need, I am seriously attracted to this camera - even though it would involve selling all my Fuji kit to justify owning it. I can't quite put my finger on why it is so attractive but looking at the glass options, the 14-30f4, 28f2.8, 40f2 and 105mm would be my initial set up and in all honesty probably cover the range I need the most. I like the retro style cameras (obviously) because after 40+ years of leisure and some pro photography dials me more to me than wheels.
For is big omission is lack of joystick and "A" position on shutter and Iso dial. Secondly I don't think lineup of lenses with retro styling will be sufficient.
The build quality and feel compared to Fuji is phenomenal. Although certain buttons and dials don’t feel ergonomic, the overall feel is great
For me...The fact that it has a fully articulated display ... makes it a must buy. Elsewise...I would have upgraded to Z5 long ago.
other brands have fully articulated display ages ago
Hybrid solution from Sony is best idea. Tilt and flip at the same time.
And so had Nikon. My good old Nikon D5300, which is 15+ years old...has fully articulated display and that's why I love it and am still keeping it.@@kevc.2958
I beg to differ. Investing in a new lens system is expensive and the learning curve of Sony's menus is also very steep. The tilt and flip cannot be used for shooting videos of yourself and that's exactly why I need fully articulated display.@@kamilpotato3764
That’s the reason why I won’t buy it - I have a flips screen and I really miss the tilt screen :/
My first Nikon and I haven't been this excited about a camera since my A9
Welcome to the team mate :)
Call me a Nikon fanboy if you want, but I think this is the most charming digital camera in years (certainly in 'full frame' format) and if I had the money I would chose this over anything comparable. I think it's got more charm than any of the Fujis simply because it's not mimicking another brand, and the 'crop factor' is really a digital mindset. To have a analogue camera aesthetic with a true analogue image size feels more genuine some how, like the Leica Ms. If Nikon or a third party don't make a retro battery grip for it to help with ergonomics for bigger lenses then they are insane. Then again, I'd also like them to make an M mount digital rangefinder, so what the hell do I know?
Matt you are the best teacher ever
Can't say I have a deal breaker. The Zf is aimed exactly at my hobbyist heart. The one drawback I see (besides no blackout free evf, which is fair at this price) is they didn't rethink the retro dials and get rid of the PSAM dial, like Fujifilm. Nitpicky, I know.
I certainly could use it, as my everyday camera with the 26mm 2.8 on it. For that kind of camera I don't need a full grip and the flippy screen is certainly no deal breaker (use a z30 as well) albeit I prefer the z6/7/8/9 kind of screen.
However, it makes more sense economically to wait a while and see what Nikon brings to the table with the z6 III and hopefully z7 III and replace my current main body - the z7 first gen - with one of those (or a z8) and then relegate the z7 to everyday cam use.
So it's going to be down to what comes up as replacement for my z7 and then it will be wallet/reason/impulse decision if I get the Zf as evereyday cam or relegate the z7 first gen. Impulse might win over reason here, life's supposed to be fun, too! ☺
… Appreciate you Matt. I am increasingly suspicious of mainstream reviewers being nothing more than cheap salesmen, but this seemed a fair review. It would be good to see a pre-AI Nikon lens compared on a ZF and a DF. Comparison of images and ergonomics!
Thats true most of them are salesman now. Thats why almost no one does tutorials or image quality camparisons anymore.
Thank you for talking about the battery. Other reviews hardly mention it. Great to know that Nikon hasn't compromised.
I had my first Nikon DSLR in 2008 with the D300, it took me seven years before thinking I needed an upgrade and bought the full frame D610 in 2015. It’s now eight years and I’m thinking I need another upgrade and the ZF looks a really good step up. I was looking at the Z9 but the RRP put me off,plus the weight etc etc then the ZF gets released and WOW what a great camera for the money. I can see a backlog of orders though. I’m thinking of sticking with my older 80-400 AFS with the FTZii but may hire a ZF with the FTZii first to see how it performs
I think Nikon hit it out of the park with the zf. When people first talked about wanting one I figured it would be just like a z6 II in a retro body with one card slot. Instead we got a z6 III in a retro body with 2 card slots. And they didn't dumb it down. This camera even has a couple of things that the z8 and z9 don't have. At least not yet. I think this camera is geared more for street photographers, travel and for people who want to jump on the nostalgia ship. Trends have a way of coming back around. Bell bottoms came back not once but twice. If I was buying a camera solely for street photography this would be the camera. But I need a full size grip and no screen blackout in my next camera. I don't think the z6 III or z7 III will have a stacked sensor so it's looking like I'm going to have to save up for a z8. I still think Nikon needs to follow up with the z6 III and a d500 replacement. We need an apsc version in a z8 body.
This is a very useful review, thank you. Everyone is referring to the retro style, but I haven't seen anyone talk about the SLR shooting experience, the way we did in the 80s. That is why I will probably buy this camera and look forward to using it with just the dials. But where are the Nikon lenses with aperture rings? Using the front wheel for aperture doesn't fit with the SLR experience. I look forward to your review with third party lenses, hopefully you can talk about Voigtlander and Zeis. I'm also interested to see how info is presented in the viewfinder.
It looks really interesting, deff a blow to what Fuji has been doing. But, I wish it was smaller. As in as small as a classic Nikon FE or Fujifilm X-T1/2/3
So I preordered this as I won’t get charged for it until it is shipped because it is a new Nikon product (always back ordered into oblivion). But my personal rational is this:
I shoot work with a d850 and d810 ten pair currently. Got about five lenses for that setup. And I have a Fuji x100v I do for casual stuff
I really wanted to get into the zmount in a seamless more cost effective way but did not like the z6 or even z7 bodies. I honestly fancy the z9 but need it to drop in price so I will wait for its successor more likely.
But what I think I am going to do is take advantage of the fuji x100v hype and sell for its bloated resale value to fund this.
Though it is bigger than the V it will get me the feel I enjoy with the fuji, a full frame, and a gateway to the z system. The V is like 1700 used now which is insane.
But if the V successor had ibis or something and maybe a xt5 sensor it might make me reconsider. So many choices
I think Expeed 7 will have to be in every new Z camera moving forward, regardless of price, because that’s what Canon and Sony are doing.
The Expeed6 came with the Z6/Z7 in Sept 2018.
The Expeed7 came with the Z9 in Dec 2021
The cost of the Expeed7 today is probably comparable to the cost of the Expeed6 in 2018. The Z6 was $2k USD.
they will probably do that anyway. it costs a lot to have multiple chip production lines.
I would like to know about it's weather proofing/sealing. High winds, blow dust and rain. That sort of thing.
many time people in the comments look for low hanging fruits to complain about just to hate. they were not even gonna buy the product any way. "fully articulate screen" is one of those. people know is definitely not a deal breaker as some people want it to make it sound.
09:00: how did you get the shutter down Matt? I can't see this option in the camera.
Honestly I don't know! haha, it was quite some time ago and I dont have a camera on hand.
I mostly shot wildlife, which means using my Sigma 150-600 on an old D810. I’m looking to update my camera for something with better auto focus and can handle higher iso. If it’s smaller and lighter, even better. That’s my bugbears with the D810.
I’d like to see how this works for wildlife and lowlight those but the lack of the grip with a big lens is my concern.
It’s £2300 in the UK at the moment. It’s tempting but there’s still some doubts about whether it is for me. If it had been closer to the z6II styling, that would have worked better for me.
To the £2300, I still need to add a ztf adapter and potentially a grip.
I think if you put big lenses on this body it will not be a pleasant shooting experience.
This camera was designed for the enthusiast that likes the feel of their old film cameras. I really don't think it's designed for the working professional. That's what the Z6ll, Z8 and Z9 are for.
spot on
I must say the flippy screen is super annoying in actual use (for composing low-angle horizontally oriented shots; low-angle verticals are actually better with this type of screen) but I might just buy this one anyway for the other ergonomics and specs.
I worry about the durability of that screen… how long until the hinge breaks with being flipped and folded many times each day?
Everyone - including ridiculous Froknowsphoto - complaining about the Zf not being a modern design Z6III just doesn't get it.
I pre-ordered my Z f in Bordeaux Red from Nikon this week with the 40mm f2 SE. I was looking for a camera of this kind in full frame FOR A VERY LONG TIME. Thank you Nikon.
I would have liked a silver Zf.
You're not alone
as if that will make u a better photographer
@@FeRoOOo71 *He is just trying to share his preference. What's your problem?*
@@aayazahmed5389 u just buy gear and never go out taking pictures
@@FeRoOOo71ass
Nice video Matt but could you clarify one point please? You state that the Nikon Zf is able to put a shield over the sensor to protect it when changing lenses. i know the Z8 and Z9 can do this but according to other, reputable Nikon experts, the Zf does NOT have this function. This feature could be a deal-breaker for some people so your comments would be most welcome.
Hi Matt, my Zf camera will be shipped to me on, or around October 12th. Just in time to go in my travel bag for my November Brisbane, Noosa, Melbourne, Sydney trip. I bought a Z6 mk2 last month because I like using it, and that will not change with the Zf. I have the Z8 as my main camera. I have a reason for owning each camera.
I don't think about what features are missing. Rather, how I can make best use of the features that are available to me. I will likely take the Zf with me when I go out at night to restaurants or to the Sydney opera house.
That is me! I have a Fujifilm XT4 and I absolutely hate the articulating screen. I don't do video so i prefer the quickness of a tilt screen for photography. I will never purchase another camera with an articulating screen.
Granger. I’m proud of you. Just a stranger on the internet. I’m proud of you, man. Keep it all up. Get strong and stay strong. Also, man I need to quell my GAS lol
Wow. Thank you. Thats nice to read. Cheers 👍🏼
Thanks Matt for another helpful video. You mentioned @8:58 that you can close the shutter on the Zf to change lenses. How does that feature work? The Nikon videos made no mention of it. Also, is there a way to program U1-U3 settings? Thanks.
second this
I thought it didn't have a sensor shield like mechanism, is it a setting you turn on or off in the menus ? Thanks Matt
This ZF to me is a good compromise for what it offers and price point? expeed 7, 3 D tracking and that B&W dial are features that are very inviting? I'm seriously looking at getting one as a backup for my Z8. Think I'll stick the 40mm permanently on this ZF. That micro SD is a good redundant back up too...
Matt, thanks again for a reasonable and thoughtful review. There is no perfect camera, it's all about tradeoffs and Nikon clearly knocked it out of the park for a lot of people, including potentially myself. Keep up the good work!
The one thing really annoying me is the absence of a second function button. But it will do wonders with my vintage lenses thanks to the new manual focus system
It's a cool camera and reminds me of the FE2's I had decades ago, but my deal breaker is that it looks like I can't control it electronically via a Camranger or something like that.
I am very interested in the Zf but one thing I'm wondering about is will there be any possible overheating issues because this is the smallest body so far that uses the high performance expeed 7 processer and I know my Z8 sometimes can get pretty warm depending on what it is doing so if you can test that then that would be interesting to me
I am considering the a7cii or ZF. How do their autofocus and general handling compare ? You could even make it one of your next subject 🙂
Same considerations as you have, between A7C2 & ZF.
Struggle in ZF has 2500 pixel when using APSC lens it left 1000 pixel only........😂
@@vincentc7818 10MP is still plenty, even for small prints. In the end it's the quality of glass. A crap glass on a 61MP sensor will yield worse results than top of the line glass on a 10-24mp sensor.
The reason why an articulating is very useful that I’m surprised hardly anyone mentions is that when you are using the camera on a tripod set at a level other than eye level you can turn the screen to compose your shot without kneeling on the ground or contorting your back and or neck to look through the viewfinder. As a landscape photographer I will not purchase a camera that without a fully articulating screen.
Great video Matt, thank you. I am curious about the subject detection in MF. I am considering ordering a Zf and pairing it with the Voigtlander 50mm f1.0 Nokton. Curious how well the subject detection with zoom feature works for grabbing focus. Have you tried this? Thoughts?
Check out my previous video - I show that.
Pre-ordered. It's got pretty much most of my wish list. I wish it was ~33mp, but I can live with 24.5mp.
I started my professional career with Nikon F cameras. It seems appropriate that I get a couple of Nikon ZF bodies and then search for those old manual lenses I loved.
I've been using Canon digital since the 10D but may put the current kit on the block it the ZF delivers what I expect.
What is your experience using it in complete manual mode using the EVF ? I would like to see about adapting Nikon f manual lens and other vintage lens to it via third party adapters.
Many thanks for the great introduction to the Zf. I'd like to see a test of the "mini sd" card. How does this impact shooting in real world situations? Many thanks.
I've been thinking of moving away from my xt3 and this has looked really good
I'm just wondering, that at 9:00 you're talking about the sensor shield, but I could not find any option in the menus to get it working. How did you manage to do that?
A thought- are the internals that of the Z6iii that everyone seems to have wanted next?
My thought: the z6 III will go up in price a bit and hence be higher in specs.
Whatever those might be...
Thanks Matt. Great video as usual. Z f is nice and probably many people will buy it.
I am Nikon shooter , but the UK price £2299. Is crazy. Usually Nikon stuff here costs similar amount in £ to USD. I don’t understand why in this case is different. Z6 is at £2069.00. I already have Z7 & Z7II - great stuff.
Nice video Matt as always. A nice looking camera but I'm another where the real deal breaker is the swing out screen because you can't easily use L brackets with them. I don't have a full frame Nikon mirrorless yet and am waiting on the Z7ii to be updated. But if they put that type of screen in it, I'll have to settle on a Z7ii or just keep using my D810 forever.
I would love to see a review of the black and white mode in one of your reviews. My favorite genre is street photos and processing my NEF files into black and white, particularly with a Tri-X filter, because I just love the classic grainy, photojournalist look. It would be great to get your impressions of the b/w mode, how it works, etc. How does it save the b/w images - are they monochrome NEFs? are they saved as HEIC or jpgs?
No mono raw 👍🏼
Thanks for the details, would you rather use the ZF or D780 for professional work? Taking in to account ergonomics and overall AF, tracking etc. It looks great for a take everywhere camera but in terms of usability, with anything bigger than the Z 24-70 F4 it seems a bit of a handful. Thanks!
Me, I’d choose the Zf. Depends what lenses you own I guess.
I hope these sell well and Nikon releases more portable SE lenses. Coming from Fuji, this is my only con.
I do not know it's still on a preorder. I can be more certain in the end of October.
Great video Matt, I will definitely upgrade from ZFc! Just a question, what watch are you wearing in the video. Thanks
Does this model have customizable user settings (U1, U2, U3)?
Matt, appreciate your thoughtful commentary, but after experiencing the Df, I think ultimately the Zf isn't a professional camera, it is a novelty. With all it's capabilities the retro shape and form ergonomics I just don't think will work in the long run. If Nikon wants to make a vintage camera, then just make one that is basic like the old film cameras, except with a digital sensor. By adding all the bells and whistles you really need a more ergonomically friendly platform. Many people will buy the camera, but how many will still be using it in two years? Just my 2 cents.
Hi Matt, do you know why electronic shutter is only up to 1/8000th ?
I'll take the 24 MP full frame size pixels for their low light performance. I'd like to see how it performs at high ISO.
Two micro SDs would have been the way to go. My 3 year old laptop won't even accept full size SD.
I'd buy camera and 40mm today but it's only available in black. I wanna see color versions in person.
This Zf is tempting but I prefer the ergonomics of a z5. Going to stay with my z5 until the z5ii is released. i am hoping the z5ii gets the BSI sensor, stays with Dual SD slots and newer processor for better AF.
Hi, do you know if they fixed the common problem of previous z models not showing the true depth of field when the camera 's aperture is smaller than f:5.6. thanks!
the screen folded back makes it look even more like my old FM2 ! i do love the retro feel here. i really like the form factor & with the 40mm lens, you can fit in any bag. this camera is on my shopping list for next year to go travelling with.
I'd love to get a ZF style camera, although I'd prefer a higher MP sensor. If they bring out one with 45mps at some stage, I'd be super-tempted as I really like the dials, and the small size.
With the latest firmware, you have three slo mo video selections that you use for great slow motion video!
As an old fashion photo only shooter, I prefer tilt screen like on Z9 over flip screen, but it’s tolerable. The complain about lack of grip is understandable, but for traditional shooter like me holding camera with left hand underneath the camera it’s just like using my F2. Just preordered a Hermes orange color Zf.
Thanks for all your Nikon wisdom, Matt! I’m thinking of trading in my D850 (backup to my Z9 ) so that I have a smaller camera for backup mirrorless that will work better on a gimbal for video b-roll shoots and for a travel camera. What do you think? And what lens would you recommend for general b-roll corporate, industrial video to start - kit 40mm or a zoom?
I got it and I love it. Great companion to my D850.
Thanks for your insights Matt! I've seen a few comments that nikon updated the colour science with the z8/z9 relative to the z6/z7.
Where does the zf sit?
I really want to get the zf. But my budget is very limited. I think ill get second hand z7. Priced around 1500s with low shutter count
The articulated screen is important to get young user into the system. I like the articulated screen. As Nikon did not have it and no serious APS-C camera and lenses I moved to Fuji. This camera is very attractive for me and thick all the boxes. The 4K 60p cropped is in all FF sensors around 24MPx made by Sony. Panasonic, Nikon and Sony has it. Only Canon with their Canon EOS R6 Mark Ii, who produce their own sensor, has a full sensor read out for 4K 60p. Using the DX crop window makes it difficult with wide angle lenses. Also the lack of DX lenses is killing for Nikon.
The reason why an articulating is very useful that I’m surprised hardly anyone mentions is that when you are using the camera on a tripod set at a level other than eye level you can turn the screen to compose your shot without kneeling on the ground or contorting your back and or neck to look through the viewfinder. As a landscape photographer I will not purchase a camera without a fully articulating screen.
@@earledward5763 Good to hear that you like that type of screen and it useful in your usecase.
I don't mind the screen at all. I loved the screen on the xpro-3, being able to hide the screen and just shoot like film is a fun way to shoot. If you really need to chimp you can use the evf as well. If anything a version of the xpro3 screen that would just swivel when opened with the hinge on the bottom would be awesome.
Thanks for the great review
The retro style takes me back to my Asahi Pentax Spotmatic II days.
Matt,
Great reflection on these pros and cons. I took the dive on release day and pre-ordered it. All things equal, had they announced a Z6iii and the zf at the same time, i probably would opt for the 6iii for the better grip. But i DO love the flip out lcd (yes, for stills shooting!), and value the IS/vr improvements and Nikon’s ever evolving color science, so full speed ahead! ;-)
My guess is that Z6iii will have different sensor than Z6ii with approximately 30+ MP resolution at slightly higher price point than Zf. Zf with expeed 7 and 10bit internal video looks very capable camera at 2k $ which is of great value.
I think Nikon chooses to use 24.5MP sensor is an ingenious move as most 35mm film have resolution about 24-28MP.
What I‘m missing in general:
- lenses with more metal and less plastic => third party manufacturers or Fuji can do it
- all lenses with an aperture ring => see above
- an adapter which supports older F-mount AF lenses
looks very nice, thinking about finally upgrading from my om-d em10 mk II have been wanting to switch to full frame for a while and having great auto focus would be great
Personally I'm still most tempted by the D780 because of my AF-D lenses.
Screen type - zero need for a flippy and for me it’s a big negative. But - I’m happy Nikon is offering them on entry level and prosumer bodies AS LONG as they keep the tilt screens on the higher end bodies. I think a flippy makes perfect sense on the Zf, Zfc, and Z30.
This Zf is everything I’m looking forward to in the Z6III, other than cards and screen type. Maybe a res jump to 33? Also hoping the Z6III is compatible with the MB-N11.
Hi Matt. I am from Hong Kong. I like watching your TH-cam channel because I am also a Nikon user. May I ask who send you Z f for doing testing recently? Is it Nikon Hong Kong? It's because up to now I still can't see any local Hong Kong TH-camrs upload any Nikon Z f hands on video on TH-cam, thanks!😊
I think if I can get used to using that AF-E AF-L button to back button focus, it's gonna be a killer at shows.
Speaking of the Hasselblad X2D, what would be your best adapted lens? For portraits
At 9:01 you clearly show the camera being with a closed sensor as a dust shield, but I cannot find any place in the setup to enable this feature, how did you enable the Zf to enable dust shield mode upon power-down?
This was a freak accident. It was just a closed shutter that happened to be down. I checked the source footage and I had slowed it down for this - sorry it’s misleading
@@mattgranger no problem, but you even in your words say it, oh well, would love that feature, I am a bit more concerned on cleaning the sensor on this Z as it does not lock on power down, Have you tried a swab sensor clean yet. No matter how careful, dust bunnies show up over time.
Yes I misspoke. I don’t own a Zf. But I don’t do sensor cleans myself.
Spec-wise the Zf pretty much hit everything I hoped for in the Z8 - better AF, 10-bit video internal and fully articulating screen at half the Z8's price. I looove the look of the retro body and they've done it really well, but the only thing holding me off is the grip and button layout and how it would function from a practical, all day use standpoint vs Nikon's regular bodies.
Thinking it's probably a case of waiting for the Z6iii as a working photographer that hopefully has similar specs but I feel in my soul the Zf will likely suck me in with some kind of impulse buy at some point
Got mine and am f*cking happy!
Congrats!!
I guess you’re in Europe?
Actually in California. Adorama and body only. Cheers!
I was asked if I could make b&w studio portraits. I have Nikon Z5 but I got this idea that the Zf would be perfect for b&w studio shots :) Not sure if I'll purchase it because I also want to do action photography in the future and I'm used to function buttons and joystick of Z5.
I'm not so sure the joystick would be a big deal for action. You kind of just use a custom area of focus and let auto AF or 3D AF rip they work really well and you always have the option of just scrubbing across the screen with your finger as a substitute. Everyone shoots differently though so whatever works for you. I haven't been doing much action with the Z8 but I rarely have to use the joystick after setting up large custom focus boxes.
Thinking about different options for a retro styled camera, I think Nikon could have added the possibility of a retro styled battery grip which also includes a couple of CF Express slots and maybe another stacked module underneath the grip to offer GPS and/or a wireless transceiver, a bit like the accessories once available for the F range of SLR's. I wish Nikon would stick to one design for a battery grip though, which could be moved between camera bodies as needed.
I think the solution to the fully articulating screen vs flip up screen debate is this:
Make a fully articulating back panel. Have the screen fixed to that with a hinge so that it can flip up.
Now you have a camera with a flip up screen. But if you want to use a fully articulating system, simply flip out the back panel and the screen flips out with it. That should satisfy both the camps, I hope.
Ofcourse, the display panel technology then needs to change for a slimmer display to compensate for the increased thickness that an articulating back panel may add. sAMOLED, maybe?
The screen then should be replaceable as sAMOLED displays have a shorter lifespan than standard LCDs.
An OLED panel may also be a better display as it would allow true video HDR and expanded colours to be visibile.
We moved from black and white photography to colour photography as technology advanced. However, colour photography and legacy display tech (including print) werent able to to display the full gamut of colours that are visible to our eyes. Neither were they able to display the full dynamic range and contrast that our eyes can see.
That has changed with the advent of the new generation of display tech. Screens with a truly wide dynamic range are now practically mainstream. These can display more colours than the standard RGB colour space.
Yet, somehow photography isnt keeping pace with these technological developments even though the sensors can capture the required dynamic range and colour range.
Just like one can choose to shoot in colour or in monochrome. One should be able to choose to shoot in a wider colour space and a wider dynamic range.
True that in post processing we can choose to process RAW images into (true) wider dynamic ranges and wider colour spaces. But it shouldnt have to be that long a process. For those of us who shoot mostly in JPEG, in camera (true) wide dynamic range and wider colour gamut should be available. It is high time for that.
Come on! Sony manufactures many of these latest tech display panels. Sony produces/markets movies made in HDR and WCG. But for their photography division, they are not changing the paradigm. Maybe Nikon could?
These companies are stuck in a time warp. It will take smart phone manufacturers to change the paradigm and for these people to play catch up!