Nikon Zf Initial Review: Retro on the Outside, the FUTURE Within!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 มิ.ย. 2024
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Ever since the lovely but entry level Nikon Zfc was announced, Chris has been begging Nikon for a full frame version. It's finally arrived in the form of the Zf, a compact full frame mirrorless camera with retro-inspired handling! Is this just a Z6 II with a different control layout, or a sneak peak at the new technologies coming to Nikon mirrorless? Chris and Jordan have answers.
Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store
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0:00 - Intro
1:06 - Design and handling
3:31 - Displays
4:37 - Autofocus
5:35 - Stabilization
7:40 - Low light shooting
9:48 - Vintage lenses
10:57 - Image quality
11:47 - Storage
12:33 - Burst rates
13:31 - Video performance
15:30 - Should you buy it? - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
Nikon and Fuji have been killing it lately. I’m jealous.
Canon sux donkeyballz
- Lumix G9m2 was nailed it on PDAF after years of waiting.
- Fuji XS20 bumped up their battery life.
- Nikon DF as mirrorless!? Let's gooooo 🎉
Killing themselves. No new tech that is relevant beyond the academic level. AF in the D4 / D500 was more than good enough for even the die hard professional wildlife photographer. As was the rest of the camera. I use a Z6 for vintage mf lenses because focus peaking is nice to have. Beyond that, al my work and income is with the aforementioned bodies. Anyway, we can all "shoot like a pro" these days, thanks to ai and magic cameras. If only people could hear editors sigh and moan when the so- maiden batch of hdr super images hits them. Oh well.
What are they killing? Their own butts!? They've copied their stablemate Fujifilm retro design. There's nothing really new here, even the IBIS attached to the AF point is a gimmick - if you think about it.
@@stevenjohnson4283 because fujifilm invented the film SLR right? 🤡🤡🤡
Zf is absolutely beautiful. Good job Nikon. Remind me of the good old Nikon FM, FE and F ❤
The all-important questions is: would you buy one? LOL
I knew you guys frickin' had it
Lol
This camera is a joke... the lack of a tilt screen makes it junk for “photographers” and the lack of 4K60 no crop makes it junk for “videographers”... it’s an abomination to mankind
Great, don't buy it. It'll make it easier for me to get one! @@hikertrashfilms
@@hikertrashfilmswho else got 4k60 no crop at 2000＄ ？
@@hikertrashfilmswould love to hear the long list of cameras under $2k that do uncropped full frame 4k60. Do you not understand price points? Take your time.
It looks like a very carefully thought out camera designed to appeal to Nikon enthusiasts. It certainly looks like my idea of a fun camera. The autofocus from the Z8&9 will have a lot of people thinking about trading up.
Especially for idiots.
I’m not a Nikon enthusiast, but I do have a ton of Fuji. But this thing is actually making me think of selling my Fuji gear and get this one instead.
@@tonygeronimojr.4863I don’t own any Fuji cameras: what features are the Fuji cameras missing compared to the Nikon?
The thing that excites me most is that this camera sets a precedent. It means that nikon is willing to trickle down tech from their flagships to their mid range bodies. I’m almost 100% certain that a z6iii style body will come out in the near future with much more advanced features
Does z camera have non cpu database for Nikon ai lenses with the adapter? I miss that Nikon does not release new Nikon F dslr anymore 😢. Hopefully you can review the Voigtlander 55mm f1.2 Nikon f mount lens in the near future 😊
Finally, will 100% buy this. Just waiting for the chrome body release.
Finally! Nikon finally came up with a compelling reason to look at them in the mirrorless space! So good to see.
I am extremely happy to have it. Nikon FZ made me return to strong, vintage but high tech camera system at the same time from smartphone photography since 2017. My previous camera was Panasonic GX8 but long time ago...
I started photography with Nikon D50 that so very old camera of DSLR world and ZF will be my last. Because old and new merged in this machine which i was dreaming for long time...
I've been waiting literally two years for this camera to release - ever since Zfc came out. I'm buying this DAY ONE!! It'll be so amazing to use all my pre-AI and AI-S lenses with it.
Too little too late 😪
@@michael-4k4000For who? Because it seems like you are proclaiming this on behalf of everyone.
Just someone who moved to no update canon or Sony.
@@danielvilliers612 nope. Have a z6ll, z7, Z9, and a Z50.... but nice try....
Me too. I still use my D750 for my paid work and wanted a retro camera and small lenses for some street photography. This is lovely and can be paired with the 26, 28, 40mm lenses which are pretty compact. Hopefully Nikon releases a few more compact primes 35, 50 mm.
Additionally I am still hoping for an updated Zfc. I'm a motorcycle traveller and would love the Zfc for ts size.
I like the new features Nikon brought out. As a vintage lens shooter I like that focus assist feature that locks the zoom on the eyes. Holding my breath hoping Canon comes out with something like soon.
Same! That assist feature for mf glass is so cool.
That feature is cool indeed! Does it work in video too?
we have this manual focus eye focus on Fuji cameras sins 2014 :)
@@muzsielod88 Where? As soon as I switch to manual focus face detection is off and inaccessible.
@@kamilpotato3764fan boys are going to fan boys.
The best hands-on video of the ZF I've seen, great work guys 👍
Look forward to the in-depth review
Even though Nikon entered the mirrorless market a little late... unlike Canon they're actually making some exciting cameras! Good for all the Nikon shooters out there! Especially with 3rd party lenses making their way to the Z Mount
even as a fujifilm user, I'm so glad nikon retried their whole "retro digital camera" once more for their full frame sensor category after the disaster called the Df.
The Df wasn't a horrible idea but the execution was. Fujifilm still was the winner in terms of the whole retro style digital camera.
I call the Zf an absolute win
Nikon had their first mirrorless in 2011 and those had some great features, the sensor size and price didn't work out well for them
No need to diss Canon, Canon was the only FF mirrorless competitor that force Sony to do better.
Yes and no. The Canon R7 is a very exciting camera, and Nikon has not given APS-C much attention. Yes, they have the ZFc, which looks neat, but it doesn't even have IBIS.
I like to call them a conservative grampa in IKEA store, "wait and see" strategy always been in their card ever since 😂
...and yes, I used Nikon 😊
Have to say,the retro from Nikon makes everyone happy!🎉🎉🎉
After using Nikon for 25 years, switched to Sony mirrorless, attempted switching back to Nikon when Z came out, tried Z6 ii, didn’t like it, sold all of them including two lenses never opened, but Nikon is alway in a special place in heart, so preordered a Hermes orange color Df yesterday, no matter I use it or not, it will sit next to my 1978 F2, 1983 FG and 2013 Df to witness my life. I have an orange color shutter release button waiting for it.
Have you received and tested your zf? I would like to know your opinion on it after you used the Nikon z 6ii and you didn’t like it.
I’m about to change to mirrorless and I’m between 6ii and zf.
Jordan and Chris , I love the way you shoot this review the scene with kind of natural lighting on Chris face and contrast of whole scene. Loving this vibe with street noise in the background, it’s so calming somehow.
i started on FM2 over a decade ago . and this is exactly the camera i needed all my 15 years of Photography. Can't wait to try this beauty
Pre-order is in. I've been rocking the aging Z6 for several years and will not wait any longer. Gimme that 3D AF now!
I'm so happy that peta pixel picked you up! You bring across so much information with so much entertainment!
Picked up the techart Sony E to Nikon Z adapter like a month ago in anticipation. Going to stick a sigma 65mm “i” series lens on this thing and skip into the sunset.
I've been waiting for this for so long. This is more or less my dream camera. I'm so glad it's finally here!
Before evening watching this video I just want to say thank god this is real and not just a rumor anymore, the hype has been built and this is what people want.
You two guys are the best in the business. Honest and no nonsense review thanks for the content
Good to see that they don’t just have a “hey look at me!” product in this price range, but also that they are innovating with things like linking the AF point to the VR, and pixel shift. Plus of course, AF wise this is going to blow the Z6/7 cameras out of the water. I think it will sell pretty well. And I think the Z6 II will have to be replaced before long.
As a Nikon F3hp owner, this Zf makes me Very happy.
Nikon won me over with this... Fuji has let me down so many times (no X100V available for ages, Quality issues and more and more plastic bodies and no sign of an X-Pro4 on the horizon, and don't get me started on Kaizen and missing Fuji-Sims on older Bodies with the same sensor than newer models) that I now switched to the ZF and I am soooooo happy with it! Fantastic value for the money!
I don't know but this is the 1st video I'm getting tht classic dpreview walk and talk shoot review vibe and I'm here for it
Finally an enthusiast body with 3D-tracking amd it sounds like the camera focuses really well. And 8-stops of IBIS?! And multi-shot! I don't think I'm going to wait for a Z6iii anymore. This alone makes this body very tempting. Really excited for a full review.
As a current Nikon user, I love this. I used to shoot the F and F2 film cameras so the dials et al will be very nostalgic for sure.
I was not expecting this to be quite such a compelling option. I am really going to have to consider this one
Great test for Nikon. Old tech and Flattery for Fuji. Used the F series in the 90s but loved the Canon in the 80s. Fascinated by Fuji at present. Thanks Peta. Best review yet for Zf...
Love that punch in focus to the eyes automatically for manual lens.
I'm impressed. It looks really fun, cool, and very functional at the same time.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the camera...was just waiting for this THANK YOU NIKON
Nice video as always! I think the micro SD card slot is a fantastic compromise to get two card slots in a relatively compact camera. Nikon didn't leave any must have on the table based on my own personal preferences. 😍
For an everyday street cam, micro SD back up is super smart. Eliminate the fear of SD card failure without slot 1 & 2 being identical. I honestly hate when I forget to set my card priorities after switching them in a crazy situation I needed to keep shooting on the video card
Man, this video looks great! I freaking love the colors!
The style and timing of yiur videos has been develooing and it is in a very high entertainment and information level. Bravo. This camera looks mouthwatering as well. So many impressive high specs, an affordable price and killer looks, whats not to like? :)
Duuuuude this thing is freaking SWEET.
I think Nikon will do well with this Zf camera. It is very capable and at the same time, is such a beautiful camera to use. Definately a must have for the camera enthusiast. I can't wait to get one.
Beautiful. I chose Fujifilm before as one of the deciding factor was design of the body and dials. I won't jump ship, but if I were in the market for a new camera, I think this would be it. Great video guys!
I did it :P, I was on a XT2 and went to a Z6. I don't regret it, I only miss the tilted screen for some portraits. But I love being full frame, the battery life is much better, I also love Cf cards a lot more than SDs, never had cards issues like on the XT2. And z lenses are just incredible, and quite affordable. (I did like the fuji 16 1.4 and 52 1.2 but still not as good)
@@chromaticvisuelle what matters most, is that you are happy with it! I also do have this itch to upgrade to full frame, but I'm too invested in lenses and I like those you mentioned, as well as smaller F2 versions. I'm also on X-T2 currently, but planning to get X-Pro3. Had the X-Pro2, but it didn't work with Voigtlander lenses I have. Again, the best camera is the one that makes us happy, and for me it is something retro styled.
What lenses you have with your Nikon setup?
Same here. I’m a Fuji user and love my. -Pro2 because of the retro looks and dials. But this new Nikon is really tempting me to go back to Full frame. The one thing missing is some Nikon lenses with aperture rings. That 40mm f2 should have a souring to complete the retro user experience.
@@eZaY47 For sure, if you are happy with your system, keep it ;)
I'm a bit of a weirdo, I always buy second hand so I don't lose too much value, I already switched 3 times :D. From a Nikon dslr to a sony mirrorless (a6300 then a7rii) to the Fuji and now back to Nikon. I had the fuji 16 1.4, 23 1.4, 35 1.4 and 52 1.2. I like almost all of them but still a bit pricey for apsc lenses with slow autofocus.
Now I have the very practical z 24-70 f4 (with the crop mode to get a bit more reach), I had the z 40 f2, excellent as well but I kept an old Minolta 50 1.7 which is enough at that focal, and I'm looking at the z 35 1.8. and 105 1.8
@@domtomas1178 I agree. And also the fact that 28 and 40 special edition lenses are made of plastic. Seems they were made just for the looks. I feel the same for Zfc - made just to follow some trend. But for the Zf they are on the right track - a lot of metal, engraved markings on dials. I hope they also develop retro styled lenses in the same manner - metal and glass, clicky aperture rings, engraved markings. Beautiful and functional! I wish Nikon the best of luck to balance this out.
That styling certainly brings back memories. For people with a few different camera systems, including Nikon, this raises an interesting question regarding whether to let go of the Fuji XT series (especially since Fuji seems to have forgotten some of their best series, such as the X-Pro line). Also, I think the MicroSD inclusion is pretty clever. You could just leave it in the body, use it as backup, and not have the single card worries.
Which Xt? the XT-5, or XT-30? The xt5 is cheaper and blows the pants off this camera.
@@Adrian-wd4rn LOL an apsc camera vs a full frame one, one that has z9 autofocus and the other... One feels like a toy, the other one like a true vintage metal build of machinery.
The photo of Chris' is amazing. As soon as it flashed up it made me take notice. Thought it was a picture of a cool movie poster at first. Well done.
Nikon finally has my attention. Love the design and features of this camera!
Well after almost 50 years we finally have a digital version of the Nikon FM/FE. Love it. Nikon tried before but this is it.
Wow. I've got a Z6 II right now that I mostly love, but the AF improvements alone make this seriously tempting. Thank God they haven't rolled out a version with the 45MP sensor from the Z7 series or my wallet may have been in for some serious pain.
Ignore the megapixel hype. 24MP is more than we ever need.
@@TL-xw6fh
Exactly, I want that minimum 33MP till about that 45MP in this. Only 60MP isn’t really needed, but welcome. But in this beautiful shape! I want every pixel used in future 8K screens. And I do shoot landscape and like to retain details far away.
Looks like a camera that I can replace my old D200 with! Have been looking at the Fuji X-series, but I think this is the camera I want.
Great pre-production review, guys! This turned out to be much more impressive than the rumours implied it would be.
Excellent review guys!
Super cool ! This is tempting. The eye detect manual focus lens is a very nifty trick.... and I love the style, being an OG photographer. Tempting !
Nikon - fantastic job! You’ve made something fantastic.
Glad you said it, Chris! I was just typing about the lack of custom buttons. It looks like there is only 1 or 2 custom buttons? The best part about Fuji bodies, is the fact that once you’ve set your custom buttons, and using your dials, you never need to go into the menu. I can’t remember next time I had to change anything in the menu on my XT5.
Anyway, happily stand corrected if there are hidden buttons somewhere, because this camera looks amazing!
I think that every good body (canon, sony, Fuji, pentax etc...) Makes the menu overrated once everything is set but these body's take it a step further indeed by allready labeling the most buttons.
I agree, also the fact that there's no dedicated aperture ring is a little disappointing, still looks like a great camera, I'm glad Nikon doesn't just have boring lumps as options anymore
You two are perhaps greatest reason people still are interested in cameras.
Retro look, full frame sensor and plenty new features... this is awesome
Fantastic review, as always 👍🏻
Thanks guys 😊
This reminds me of my very first “real” camera, the Nikon FM2…tempting!
Damn, I want this camera!
The music at the end is so relaxing 😎
I rarely get excited over new cameras, now I'm very excited. My next camera for sure.
I just watch the videos the hear Chris say .... BUT !!
Only channel I like for camera reviews, amazing work.
I have the Zfc and I instantly loved it. Tough screen focus and micro SD cards might just have sold me on this to upgrade plus the full frame benefits. I didn't think I would use the dials on the Zfc when I bought it but I have only ever used the dials once to change shutter speed.
Usually I’m excited by Sony stuff, but Z8 and Zf releases from Nikon have really struck a note with me. Gimme Zf with some Voightlander lenses and some Nikon primes and im happy.
I plan to buy the nikon ZF and use it with the small Voigtlander and Zeiss manual prime lenses that I already have for Sony cameras, lol
The future looks bright!!
Lots of exciting features and design
I have hold out long enough, this is the camera I want from Nikon, I will definitely buy one and use it with all my older Nikon manual glass.
Beautiful camera! Great information
Very cool camera (it's about time), love the classic look and looking forward to a chrome version.
Yes! This is what I've been waiting for! Been a long wait but the Zf is FINALLY here.
Carrying around my FE while watching this!
Love the switch to do B&W. 😍 Maybe Nikon will make it a Zf Monochrome one day, like the Leica M. 😍😍😍
I've been whining at Nikon to *not* create a Zf, and to make a Z6III instead. I lose. Good thing I won't need a new camera for several years...
Chris's explanation of VR on the Zf was easy to understand.
Good to see. Maybe this will receive a little more positivity than what the Df received when it came out. Would be nice if Nikon produced a rangefinder style camera to compete with Fujifilm.
The DF was a crap camera, which felt like a cash grab. Yes, it had the D4 sensor but that was the only good thing about the camera. This camera I am hoping will be better, it is smaller, which is a big plus and from the looks of it, Nikon have gone down the right path with the camera. My only grip is the flip screen which I don't think suits the camera.
@@MichaelLaing71 I wouldn't say the Df is a crap camera. I do agree with the flip screen.
@@4mooncheeseyeah he df wasn't crap, it was more "half baked", needed some more time to figure some of the issues out that they seemed to have finally done with the ZF
@@CianMcsweeney I agree. The Zf seems like a significant in what it has to offer compared to the Df. Hopefully Nikon can continue to make the right decisions for future models.
Why would nikon, who barely ever had a history with range finder style cameras, release a rangefinder style camera?
Can’t wait to get mine, already have the grip that came in today. Perfect combination to go with my Z8 for a second body and as my everyday camera. Way to go Nikon. Now only if I had the funds right now to get the 135 that they also just released. Wish list :)
An attractive model most likely I will consider purchasing.
I like that the screen can be stowed so it looks more like a film camera from the back. Tempting. Very tempting.
Superb review. Thank you.
I love using touch screen as my auto focusing control
As a long time Fuji user this has got me intrigued . Not ready to upgrade, but in a few years it'll be interesting to see what people think of this.
I find the colours from the Z8 video absolutely beautiful! It is a good change from Lumix colours that Jordan normally uses.
This might actually be a reason to upgrade from my d7200. Especially considering around 50% of my shooting is analog with my F3 and FE and film cost getting ridiculous
I'm thinking of upgrading too and still keeping my current DSLR. My heart is fluttering.
Ive always dreamed of having digital mirrorless version of my old FM2. I think I want one.
They did it. I can't believe they did it.
As an old school FE shooter as well I am happy this camera is now reality with soooooo much more I could wish for.
So this means the Z6/Z7 III’s will have the trickle down AF too. Great news!
Great video! I'm gonna check one out as a 2nd body to my Z9. I still have my first camera, a FM I bought in the 70's as a kid mowing lawns. I am looking forward to experiencing a touch of it again. I like the wrist strap you have on it, what is it??? Thanks for another fun and informative guys!
Omg this camera is worth getting just for the B&W selector switch alone! I’ve been crying out for vintage/retro/‘street’ cameras to have this toggle for ever
Seriously, this little feature is so cool! It’s not "necessary", but it totally makes sense for a camera like this. I love the bold decision.
Pen f has the same thing…
A new toy? 1. Nikon ZF has no handgrip, which is terrible for big lenses and good for shaking... But it looks so cool... Have you tried to change the memory card when the camera is on a tripod? Have you ever wondered why the small memory card is so unreliable? But it is so cool? When you want to change from Photo to video you have to change also the Video setting. For every Hybrid shooter a nightmare! But it is so cool! No user settings and no different settings for the video! Have you ever wanted to change the User setting quickly because you want to change to slow motion or to shoot a bird? But is so cool! Recording of videos on only one memory card like all the other Nikon cameras? But it is so cool! The Sony has 33 Megapixels.... But it is so cool! I would never buy any Full-frame Nikon because you are obligated to pay at least for 2 flashcards $600, and a full articulating display has only the Nikon Zf. Even better the Sony has 3 dials instead of 2 dials like all the normal Nikon have... A good image stabilization from the Nikon Z cameras is only for Nikon Z lenses. If you buy any Nikon camera in a different country or on the gray market you don't get a warranty. So I love rater to have a hot camera than a cool camera!
Damn, Nikon is killing it lately!
Stayed up all night for this! Finally!
Thanks for another nice video guys! What about the flimsy battery door, did they fix it?
Most beautiful camera of digital era.
Not sure if the Z8 colors was this good or if it's because the previous video was shot on a lackluster iPhone but the video colors really look beautiful
When you see how bad recording on iPhone is, you cannot unsee it. Everything looks better than mobile phone videos. :)
Agree, I really liked the colors too! That was one of the first things that stood out to me (rather than what Chris said actually).
Nikon's colour is famous for being punchy even at default setting. Their JPEG is pleasant and time saver for bulk editing.
Great camera. You guys are hilarious. Still waiting to see what else comes out, but this one is a real contender.
Just took back my Sony a6700 for this camera and couldn’t be happier. Plus it’s my first full frame and now I see why the format is so popular.
I think the Zf is what the Z5 II will have and the Z6 III will have a 33-36 megapixel sensor, possibly a stacked sensor. And Nikon will either drop the Z7 lineup or the Z7 III will become the high resolution 60 megapixel camera.
I really hope you're right. For me, 36 Mpx has ever been a sweet spot.
@@Gynra I love my D800e (is that retro now?).
@@stevemawer848 I had a D800 years ago. I wanted a D800e but the local shop didn't sell it as it was classed as a "professional" camera. I later upgraded to a D810 and then a D850. Of the three of them, I liked the D810 the most.
Nobody really needs 60mp. 45mp is more than enough and would be far less noise in high iso over 60mp.
my current dream kit would be a Z8 for all the heavy duty work and the Zf for covering everything else like street/family/backup body/etc- this is a perfect first nikon mirrorless or the perfect compliment to existing setups for Nikon users. ALSO no one is talking about it but if you get the orange version its a nice little nod to the Nikonos V =)
Looks like a great non-pro body, or a nice backup or 3rd camera for pros. The only thing bothering me is the 4k60 is cropped and the micro-SD slot, but I understand that comprises have to be made when you're making a small camera like this. It's definitely tempting, and the price is great.
This is my next camera ❤🙌🏻
Very nice indeed! Sony should be taking a close look at this
That manual focus assist is great, if that becomes standard on Z mount going forward it would seriously tempt me when they release a Z50ii or Z70
Nice to see that Chris got his wish.
Looks like they integrated some nifty technology too, but to me as a Df owner what would make this really compelling is some kind of Z to F adapter that had a built in focus motor. The neat thing about the Df is that it can drive pretty much any DSLR lens Nikon had ever made, and that includes all the motorless "d" lenses. There are some nice ones in that range that this camera won't be able to focus.
It also would have been nice to have a higher resolution viewfinder on a camera that pits itself as one that's meant to replicate that vintage experience. I know Fuji sold plenty of cameras without them, but still.
I said the same above. When the Z was introduced, I complained about the lack of such an adapter and the Nikon fanboys over at DPR attacked me. I too own a Df and if Nikon wants to maintain its roots it should make such an adapter. There's a lot of untapped capabilities here. The the longest flange distance of all mirrorless systems, Nikon Z can be the ultimate universal system capable of support all other system analog or digital. I'm waiting for this adapter. I own every system from 1" to FF DSLR and mirrorless with just one exception, the Z. I'm waiting Nikon, make this adapter.
A higher resolution ZfR with a highest rez viewfinder would be something I'm interested in. The add on grip is nice. I would use it but an battery grip that maintains the vintage look would also be welcomed. I have a 300 f2.8 Ai-s lens!
Maaaan as a Panasonic shooter and ex Canon shooter this thing looks lovely!
got a Zfc and looking forward to upgrading