Lol, I'd done 79 frames on it to test each of the features and recorded some video. True, I'd not used it for a year but if you come back in a year I'll have a another video for you 😜 Check my insta for some photos 👍
Love your videos on the Zf. I am familiar with film photography from my earlier years when I owned a Nikon FE. I want to purchase a Zf to get into digital photography as a hobby. I can only afford one leans to start. What lens would you recommend? I can bundle a Nikon 24-70mm f/4 Lens or a Nikon 40mm f/2.
Owww difficult choice. Depends what you like shooting, the 40 prime is amazing and I love shooting with a prime like this. But if you like doing a bit of landscape and general then go for the zoom 👍
I got my sunset orange Zf yesterday, it’s a mirrorless in DSLR body. Heavy, big, click sound like Df and same dials, great auto focus accuracy and speed. Hate that flip out screen, be happy to pay a couple hundred dollars more for a Z8 screen. Limited lens selection to match the retro characteristics. Voightlander works good if you’re ok with manual focus. For old guy like me, it brings back memory, but not sure new users will like the ergonomics. Conclusion, I like it as a novelty collection siting next to my Nikon film and DSLR, but not gonna be used often.
If you like old times, you must like the flip screen, that screen allows you to close the screen and simulate the film era. The thing I dont like is that the screen doesnt match with de body at all, by 2 or 3 mm.
@@RobertFalconer1967 It is a mirrorless one in the body of an SLR, since it looks much more like these than a DSLR. I don't understand what you mean about it being a mirrorless in the body of a DSLR and how that is specified... DSLRs were the way they were because they needed to be bigger, mirrorless are the same but usually (already not all) smaller. I also don't understand what this has to do with what I told you about the screen, which is true.
Nice colour choice 👍🏻 expensive shelf ornament 😳🤣 The screen is the same as the Zfc and yes the Z8 is better but ..... it's not a deal breaker, still better than most 👍🏻
Thanks for the first impression video. Well done and informative. Received my Zf on10/15. First impression for me ... about the same weight as my Z6ii. Much better build and quite a bit heavier than my Zfc. Feels good in my hands. Also got the SmallRig grip which I will probably use more than I first thought. Definitely recommend the grip. Will use the grip with my heavier and longer Z lenses. I've already set it up for back button focus. Looking forward to many photo adventures with it. Reminds me of the fun days I had many years ago with my first SLR. Opening the box was a "Back to the Future" moment for me.
:-) Cable release does not work ... seen some photos of a cable release screwed on { only for decorative purposes said the owner ! lol } .. PS : love my ZF !! so much to learn.. PPS : my Godox TT685n flash does not work with it .. maybe its some setting .. but i will just use the SB700 instead ...
It's not a cable release apparently but a soft shutter button adapter. Never thought about that before someone mentioned it and now I've got to try one 🤦♂️😂. Strange the flash doesn't work with it 🤔
Terry, one more quick question. If I have a brand new memory card, do I have to format it first before using? Both manuals that come with the Zf do not mention having to format it first that I can find. The manual does mention how to do it however.
Generally you don't as most (all that I've had) memory cards come pre formatted. But I always do it to make sure the camera is happy with the memory card and there is no excuse for it messing up.
just got mine the other day with the 24-120 F4 S lens.. your video on controls was helpful.. i'll be bringing this to Amsterdam, and look forward to comparing it to my Q2
@@TerryLivesey i can tell you already, i'm loving the flexibility of having a really useful lens range, but the trade-off in size is real consideration. I'll certainly report back with my opinion after really digging into the raw files
Nice setup. Same as me although I have the 50 1.8 for more compact use. The 24-120 works sooo well on this, far better than the Z6. I would 100% add the grip if you're using that lens.
@@justaperson-l3f the Japanese exclusive grip looks gorgeous but impossible to get. The small rig grip is really nice in the hand actually...did you not receive your free one with the camera? Should have been included for free for first few months.
Really nice overview / review! Not sure if others mentioned this here, but the old shutter cable release won’t work with the threaded hole. But you can screw in one of those “soft release” buttons, that’s about it.
@@zakiradi450It work fine with old charger, this C battery was already available for Z6II and Z7II before Z8. To be noted that non-official seems to not work anymore at all. I have some Patona batteries type C that work well with Z6/Z7II, they charge in Z7II or the on the old charger, but Zf refuse to work with them. There is now also SmallRig battery that I would expect to work with Zf as it works with Z8.
I think it needs to be an 'a' or above to work in the camera properly which was from the D850 onwards. Not sure about the older chargers as I don't have any anymore 🤦♂️
Terry - thanks for the informative video. Loving this camera. I took the ZF out and used the 3D tracking AF - but a few times the camera reset to single-point AF. It was very frustrating in the moment. I had to stop what I was doing to search through the menu system to put it back on 3D Tracking. I don't normally shoot Nikon so I am not totally comfortable yet with the menu system. Any ideas? Am I somehow unknowingly knocking it back to single-point AF?
In India. Received it with Grip, charger and 2 batteries. However, 40 f2 they don't have "SE" launched in India so the look of the lens doesn't match the camera. Loving ZF overall though. Thanks for highlighting some really minute things that still do make a difference.
Given the sensor is not locked off when the camera is turned off do you know if that's a problem for wet sensor cleaning? Should the the camera be turned on for sensor cleaning like the Fuji x cameras need to be?
Again very informative review. Have you discovered a delay setting (DLY) or a workaround? I normally have this in my 'i' menu, handy for long exposures.
No as I'm not sure this is needed anymore in the mirrorless cameras as it doesn't have camera shake from the mirror moving. I could be wrong and I'm sure someone will tell me that but if you use a self timer to stop actual camera shake then the rest should be fine 👍🏻
I just don't understand the bit about "you need the grip" in the least. If you hand someone an FM2, they'll tell you it's one of the best film cameras ever made, even though it has no grip at all. If you hand someone a Zfc, they're like "OMG... how do I hold this? It has no grip!" It's the exact same form factor as the FM2. I've owned both at the same time. They're virtually identical. I just got my Zf and it has the same grip as my Minolta X-700, and Nikon F3, but... same thing... people saying it needs more of a grip. Something about replacing the film with a digital sensor changes everything in people's brains, and think they need a big grip, when they do not think this about film cameras with the exact same layout. Why does this happen?
So my view on this is that technology and design improve with time. When the FM2 was created it was a marvel but our understanding of ergonomics and design have improved significantly or else we'd all still be driving a Ford model T. I use a camera most of the day and I'm use to having that extra grip because cameras (pro ones) have evolved to have them because of the benefits and as a pro I want that with the Zf as well, but Nikon have honoured the old style and been able to give everyone the choice 👍🏻 btw I bought the handle for the Zfc as well 😂
I used to shoot with an FM2 as a secondary body to my F3 (back in the day). Ya, lol the FM2 needed a grip (motor drive) and so does the Zf if you’re using it for over an hour. Maybe not for a casual shot or two here & there, with a pancake lens. But anything more - yes, grip.
Getting back into photography after some time off. I have a ZF on pre-order with the 24-70 F4 S. A small rig grip is waiting to go on it. What couple of other Z lenses would you recommend? Thanks.
You're gonna love it. As for lenses it depends on your budget and what type of photography you like doing 🤷♂️ A longer zoom is always good, I use the 70-200 but it's a cost 😳 and then it's prime lenses for me as I just love the wide apertures and fixed length.
@@TerryLiveseyI’ve now put the focusing onto the AF-ON button so that the shutter button is just for taking the photo. Way better, and in AF-S mode it only takes the one picture.
@@stefanusadrian8398 No, in position C you can set auto only in the menu, in other position of the ISO dial it set the value whatever is in the menu. Strangely, if the dial is rotated to ISO 400 by example, it stays in auto mode (if it is set in the menu), only when auto is disabled in menu, the dial is then active. Seems the AUTO in menu is bypassing the dial. I use mainly auto iso, so not an issue for me but I would have thought that the dial take over to the menu when not in C position.
No, I wanted that as well, especially in manual mode but you can set it to 'C' and set the 'FN' button to 'ISO' and use the back dial to change the ISO on the fly which is what I'm use to on the Pro cameras anyway.
So you have not shot anything with it yet. Got it. It is not a review. It is a read out of the specs. Good click bait though.
Lol, I'd done 79 frames on it to test each of the features and recorded some video. True, I'd not used it for a year but if you come back in a year I'll have a another video for you 😜 Check my insta for some photos 👍
LOL DONT CALL IT A STUPID REVIEW THEN. DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT A REVIEW IS OR ARE YOU JUST COPY PASTING OTHER CHANNELS LOL
Ok - shutter release screw thread is for soft release button NOT a release cable.
Oh wow cool idea thanks for the heads up on that 👍😁. It's also very sensitive 😳
Love your videos on the Zf. I am familiar with film photography from my earlier years when I owned a Nikon FE. I want to purchase a Zf to get into digital photography as a hobby. I can only afford one leans to start. What lens would you recommend? I can bundle a Nikon 24-70mm f/4 Lens or a Nikon 40mm f/2.
Owww difficult choice. Depends what you like shooting, the 40 prime is amazing and I love shooting with a prime like this. But if you like doing a bit of landscape and general then go for the zoom 👍
Thank you so much.
I got my sunset orange Zf yesterday, it’s a mirrorless in DSLR body. Heavy, big, click sound like Df and same dials, great auto focus accuracy and speed. Hate that flip out screen, be happy to pay a couple hundred dollars more for a Z8 screen. Limited lens selection to match the retro characteristics. Voightlander works good if you’re ok with manual focus. For old guy like me, it brings back memory, but not sure new users will like the ergonomics. Conclusion, I like it as a novelty collection siting next to my Nikon film and DSLR, but not gonna be used often.
If you like old times, you must like the flip screen, that screen allows you to close the screen and simulate the film era. The thing I dont like is that the screen doesnt match with de body at all, by 2 or 3 mm.
Minor correction: It's a mirrorless in an SLR body. DSLRs never looked like the Zf.
@@RobertFalconer1967 It is a mirrorless one in the body of an SLR, since it looks much more like these than a DSLR.
I don't understand what you mean about it being a mirrorless in the body of a DSLR and how that is specified... DSLRs were the way they were because they needed to be bigger, mirrorless are the same but usually (already not all) smaller. I also don't understand what this has to do with what I told you about the screen, which is true.
Nice colour choice 👍🏻 expensive shelf ornament 😳🤣 The screen is the same as the Zfc and yes the Z8 is better but ..... it's not a deal breaker, still better than most 👍🏻
@@MeTheDroidor Huh?
Nice video. Is there a certain date set by Nikon on which people can review AF etc? First we got unpacking videos, now first reviews...
🤣 it's all down to time we have to play with it and getting things out in an order that makes sense.
Thanks for the first impression video. Well done and informative. Received my Zf on10/15. First impression for me ... about the same weight as my Z6ii. Much better build and quite a bit heavier than my Zfc. Feels good in my hands. Also got the SmallRig grip which I will probably use more than I first thought. Definitely recommend the grip. Will use the grip with my heavier and longer Z lenses. I've already set it up for back button focus. Looking forward to many photo adventures with it. Reminds me of the fun days I had many years ago with my first SLR. Opening the box was a "Back to the Future" moment for me.
It's amazing how it can reignite the passion for photography 😁 enjoy 😊
:-) Cable release does not work ... seen some photos of a cable release screwed on { only for decorative purposes said the owner ! lol } .. PS : love my ZF !! so much to learn.. PPS : my Godox TT685n flash does not work with it .. maybe its some setting .. but i will just use the SB700 instead ...
Shutter release button
It's not a cable release apparently but a soft shutter button adapter. Never thought about that before someone mentioned it and now I've got to try one 🤦♂️😂. Strange the flash doesn't work with it 🤔
That Damn side hinged flippy, flappy, conspicuous, obtrusive, slow damn rear screen though 😩
I pulled mine off the z30 (not this one though 😳) not found the screen to be slow though 🤔
I have the Zf with the Voigtländer 1.2/40mm. Stunning combo and perfect fit. The looks is super retro as in the old days. Top quality and super sharp.
I have been tempted by a 40mm, I'll have to have a look at that one for the retro styling 😝
Terry, one more quick question. If I have a brand new memory card, do I have to format it first before using? Both manuals that come with the Zf do not mention having to format it first that I can find. The manual does mention how to do it however.
Generally you don't as most (all that I've had) memory cards come pre formatted. But I always do it to make sure the camera is happy with the memory card and there is no excuse for it messing up.
Excellent. Thanks for helping out a newbie. We didn't have memory cards in the days of my Nikon FE. We had film😊
just got mine the other day with the 24-120 F4 S lens.. your video on controls was helpful.. i'll be bringing this to Amsterdam, and look forward to comparing it to my Q2
Good choice 😁 and let me know what you think against the Q2 😳
@@TerryLivesey i can tell you already, i'm loving the flexibility of having a really useful lens range, but the trade-off in size is real consideration. I'll certainly report back with my opinion after really digging into the raw files
Nice setup. Same as me although I have the 50 1.8 for more compact use. The 24-120 works sooo well on this, far better than the Z6.
I would 100% add the grip if you're using that lens.
@@exert2020 i could see how a grip would be useful, i was waiting to see what Nikon would offer, otherwise there's already a 3rd party one out there
@@justaperson-l3f the Japanese exclusive grip looks gorgeous but impossible to get. The small rig grip is really nice in the hand actually...did you not receive your free one with the camera? Should have been included for free for first few months.
Really nice overview / review! Not sure if others mentioned this here, but the old shutter cable release won’t work with the threaded hole. But you can screw in one of those “soft release” buttons, that’s about it.
Apparently others did mention this 🙂
Already bought a soft release 😁
The batter is the same for the D800, D600, D7000, etc etc. So you can use the chargee for these DSLRs if you still got them.
It's actually the C battery. Latest version from Z8. Not sure older chargers support. But, this is my entry into Nikon so don't know much.
@@zakiradi450It work fine with old charger, this C battery was already available for Z6II and Z7II before Z8. To be noted that non-official seems to not work anymore at all. I have some Patona batteries type C that work well with Z6/Z7II, they charge in Z7II or the on the old charger, but Zf refuse to work with them. There is now also SmallRig battery that I would expect to work with Zf as it works with Z8.
I think it needs to be an 'a' or above to work in the camera properly which was from the D850 onwards. Not sure about the older chargers as I don't have any anymore 🤦♂️
......cable release mate, you could block it open for very long exposures, simple and great.
Terry - thanks for the informative video. Loving this camera. I took the ZF out and used the 3D tracking AF - but a few times the camera reset to single-point AF. It was very frustrating in the moment. I had to stop what I was doing to search through the menu system to put it back on 3D Tracking. I don't normally shoot Nikon so I am not totally comfortable yet with the menu system. Any ideas? Am I somehow unknowingly knocking it back to single-point AF?
Glad you liked the video 😊. Owww not had that in the little test I tried but will have a better play with it this weekend and see if I can replicate 👍
In India. Received it with Grip, charger and 2 batteries. However, 40 f2 they don't have "SE" launched in India so the look of the lens doesn't match the camera. Loving ZF overall though. Thanks for highlighting some really minute things that still do make a difference.
Enjoy 😊
Given the sensor is not locked off when the camera is turned off do you know if that's a problem for wet sensor cleaning? Should the the camera be turned on for sensor cleaning like the Fuji x cameras need to be?
Never really thought about, but we just clean all the mirrorless whilst the camera is off 😳
Again very informative review. Have you discovered a delay setting (DLY) or a workaround? I normally have this in my 'i' menu, handy for long exposures.
No as I'm not sure this is needed anymore in the mirrorless cameras as it doesn't have camera shake from the mirror moving. I could be wrong and I'm sure someone will tell me that but if you use a self timer to stop actual camera shake then the rest should be fine 👍🏻
I also added the ISO to the front function button. Pressing this button and turning the front dial flips between Auto and Manual ISO!
Thank for that info, didn't even think to try that 👍
I just don't understand the bit about "you need the grip" in the least. If you hand someone an FM2, they'll tell you it's one of the best film cameras ever made, even though it has no grip at all. If you hand someone a Zfc, they're like "OMG... how do I hold this? It has no grip!"
It's the exact same form factor as the FM2. I've owned both at the same time. They're virtually identical.
I just got my Zf and it has the same grip as my Minolta X-700, and Nikon F3, but... same thing... people saying it needs more of a grip. Something about replacing the film with a digital sensor changes everything in people's brains, and think they need a big grip, when they do not think this about film cameras with the exact same layout. Why does this happen?
So my view on this is that technology and design improve with time. When the FM2 was created it was a marvel but our understanding of ergonomics and design have improved significantly or else we'd all still be driving a Ford model T. I use a camera most of the day and I'm use to having that extra grip because cameras (pro ones) have evolved to have them because of the benefits and as a pro I want that with the Zf as well, but Nikon have honoured the old style and been able to give everyone the choice 👍🏻 btw I bought the handle for the Zfc as well 😂
I used to shoot with an FM2 as a secondary body to my F3 (back in the day). Ya, lol the FM2 needed a grip (motor drive) and so does the Zf if you’re using it for over an hour. Maybe not for a casual shot or two here & there, with a pancake lens. But anything more - yes, grip.
I put ISO in the i-menu. Let me change between ISO Auto off and on
owww I will have to try that 👍🏻
Getting back into photography after some time off. I have a ZF on pre-order with the 24-70 F4 S. A small rig grip is waiting to go on it. What couple of other Z lenses would you recommend? Thanks.
Z 35 1.8 S
You're gonna love it. As for lenses it depends on your budget and what type of photography you like doing 🤷♂️ A longer zoom is always good, I use the 70-200 but it's a cost 😳 and then it's prime lenses for me as I just love the wide apertures and fixed length.
Can u test overheating for 4k@30 fps, 10 bit 422 for 125 mins as i am interested in video....
Thanks in advance...
Yep sure can, thanks for the idea 👍
@@TerryLivesey as the body is magnesium alloy and also being a big camera, expect not to overheat..
Will be waiting for your test
I’m sure they tested it already 😬
I find the shutter button to be a little too sensitive. I wonder if they could alter this in an update?
Ha I did notice that too but it's made me relax a bit more so I don't trigger it 🤣
@@TerryLiveseyI’ve now put the focusing onto the AF-ON button so that the shutter button is just for taking the photo. Way better, and in AF-S mode it only takes the one picture.
You can separate photo and video settings.
Yes on most but not the storage folder 😭 unless there is a new firmware update (but manual says they can only be the same)
Is it true that there is no User Setting memory in body like z6 z7 etc?
If you mean the U1-U3 banks of Z6/Z7, yes, there is not in the Zf, it is like the Zfc.
@@dronason1040 could we set auto iso via top iso dial?
@@stefanusadrian8398 No, in position C you can set auto only in the menu, in other position of the ISO dial it set the value whatever is in the menu. Strangely, if the dial is rotated to ISO 400 by example, it stays in auto mode (if it is set in the menu), only when auto is disabled in menu, the dial is then active. Seems the AUTO in menu is bypassing the dial. I use mainly auto iso, so not an issue for me but I would have thought that the dial take over to the menu when not in C position.
No, I wanted that as well, especially in manual mode but you can set it to 'C' and set the 'FN' button to 'ISO' and use the back dial to change the ISO on the fly which is what I'm use to on the Pro cameras anyway.
Great video, thanks.
Glad you liked it!
@@TerryLiveseyThank you. It’s my first mirrorless camera so I’m getting to grips with all the focus modes.