Nikon's new Zf blends a body and control layout from the F-series film SLRs of the past with modern Nikon Z8 and Z9 DNA to produce a 24MP Z-mount full-frame mirrorless camera. But how does this blend of past and present hold up in the real world?
Recent Videos
DPReview’s Richard Butler got his hands on the latest Nikon and provides a first look at the Zf's BSI CMOS sensor, shooting modes, 3D Tracking autofocus, multi-shot high resolution mode and more.
Learn more about the camera in our Nikon Zf initial review, where you can browse through sample images we took and read our breakdown of what's new and how it compares to other cameras on the market.
I used to use a Df, I used it exclusively with AF-D primes (20, 35 & 50mm) and it was an excellent low-light street camera and with the small AF-D primes was quite unobtrusive. I used AF-D primes rather than AF-S primes (even though they were supposedly not as good) as they generally were much smaller and had an aperture rings on them, which I liked
I really enjoyed using it, however having only 16mp, the picture were less detailed than those taken with my D610. When the Leica M10 came out I sold all my Nikon kit and went down the Leica rabbit hole with their lovely tiny fast little lenses, but this is the first Nikon mirrorless camera that I have been attracted to, if only they made some small (and I mean small) fast primes with aperture rings I might jump ship again! 😁
Ok, so I heard this is the Fuji killer. Although I am a big fan of full frame, the one Trump card the Fuji still has is its film simulations mode. Because this red-green color blind photographer don't like post processing all that much.
I guess it must really hurt to be forced to spend an extra US$2K for a screen. Granted, I too have preferences — which vary according to the shooting scenario — but I’ve yet to find a rear screen that’s a genuine dealbreaker.
Chris & Jordan were good, but Richards style of presentation is nicer, as it concentrates on the gear, rather than the personality of the presenter. I hope that in addition to these short "first look" videos, we are going to get some longer in-depth videos later.
I'm not a fan of the retro camera design, but with an extra L-grip this could be nice camera. I love the flippy screen. And it would be nice to have the Z 28/2.8 kit as an option as well, or a two lens kit of both the 40 and the 28.
If I didn't know better, I'd have guessed its a 35mm film camera from about 1980. I understand the argument that there's no particular reason why modern camera designs should hark back to yesteryear - but I have to admit, this is indeed a beautifully crafted machine - and one which I would have no difficulty using 5 minutes after taking it out of the box. There's something about it which says "you know me already."
Reminds me of my FE2 years ago. Love the analogue ergonomics, and the price point is competitive, but >700g for a camera of only 24mpx? Surely a smaller lighter body was feasible? I went mirror-less to get away from heavyweight DSLRs and Nikon seem to be trending up toward heavier bodies.
And how about a high rez option - same camera, high rez sensor? I wouldn't buy a Z8 or a Z9 to get higher rez - they're just too big and heavy for my preferences and interests.
Nice design but this is way too big to be popular. But actually, there's really no reason to get a full-frame 35mm camera anymore, even for professional photographers. No one is going to care about the image quality difference between full frame and APS-C. APS-C is the max anyone should need to go, but really the Nikon Z mount is just huge.
Some truth to that, which I say as a Fuji X shooter. However there's finally a competent full framer that looks like a real camera (vs a PASM video camera) and isn't ludicrous in price-and from what I've seen it's going to exceed by a considerable margin what my already capable X-H1s can do in low light. Since I shoot a lot of concerts in low light, that really matters.
I'm finding that I spend enough time in the margins where FF really is more proficient; and that coupled with my fairly regularly disappointing mid-pack AF from five years ago, means that this camera is really catching my eye.
Oh, and there are/will be third party lenses for Z mount. Versus Canon, that seals the deal for me. However I feel like Panasonic deserves an honorable mention, because I was thinking if I had to go two grand PASM video camera, then I might as well go full frame vs the $2500 X-H2. Both of which have tons of video features I'll frankly never use.
The Nikon 1 system had some good ideas.. but in world where micro four thirds is fighting for its life due to a smaller sensor size than its rivals, how well would a similarly priced system with an even smaller sensor fare in today's market?
I don't mean the above as a dig at m43 either, I shoot it from time to time and it turns out that some of the best photos I've ever taken wound up being on m43.
Smaller formats were popular back when smartphone cameras weren't good and FF cameras were neither cheap nor small. Now it feels like the median is FF, and you go up to medium format if you want resolution, and step down to APSC if you want reach ... or just a more casually priced/sized setup.
I'm a Canon shooter, but I love this body. Looks like a camera that would just be immensely enjoyable to shoot, the specs be damned. I'm sure it will be 'good enough' for most things. Yeah, not your first choice for sports and birding, but for everything else...just enjoy the old school (sorta) experience with modern conveniences.
Like riding a supple old school steel bicycle but with the mod cons of today's shifting and braking and wheels and tires. Like my '78 Motobecane Le Champion road bike, with modern day SRAM Rival 10 speed group. All the snappy steel frame goodness, none of the (let's be real with ourselves) 'vintage' aka craptacular downtube friction shifting and single pivot speed modulators that can't hold a candle to modern dual pivot calipers when you actually need to stop.
I use blackrapid strap via tripid hole, no camera strip on the corner. It gets in the way too much. I switch between portrait and landscape for a photosession. Easy to unclip too.
I very rarely use straps now, wriststraps are an exception. For travel, clip on backpack strap. They do get in the way and in tight spaces you may wreck your camera by bumping into something...
I generally use a strap (or tether) of some sort, but often don’t. Historically, and of course anecdotally, I’ve never dropped a naked camera. Only cameras with a strap attached but, for whatever reason, unsecured to my person have slipped from my grasp. I will add too, again anecdotally, that I’ve dropped more lenses than camera bodies.
I believe in straps…sometimes. Unless I’m shooting overhead – in such cases the camera is always safetied – it’s more of a carrying convenience than a security blanket. I’m certainly not bothered enough to be lecturing others about their choice. Particularly people using a camera in a video who might have concerns about an errant strap spoiling a shot. (I see the same criticism directed at Chris Niccolls regularly.) I accept that sometimes production choices are made for reasons of expediency and aesthetics. Plus, “you do you”.
@spaqin when carrying a camera on a backpack I secure the camera (or cameras) in a Peak Design Capture Clip attached to the shoulder strap. I tether the camera using a retractable tool leash.
Hmmm... I don't think this can autofocus their old 'D' lenses, or read aperture from their old manual focus lenses? Missed opportunity IMO. It would have been a reason for a wider group of people to buy this. Instead I think this is more for people who care more about looks or attention.
I am very sure Nikon (or any company) has extensive market research to understand which feature would attract wider group or buyers. Social media noise created by a small group of vocal people doesn't really convert to actual market size.
Exactly. Besides, the OP is not even a potential buyer. We all know what he uses. He just came here to b@sh Nikon.
Just to give you an idea what this guy is, the following is one of his latest posts:
"I've never seen a camera company on a roll with so much #winning like this before in my life. The A7IV was the tipping point where all of the hard work from prior years came together.
Not sure what all the fuss about the EVF and LCD is about? Those monitors are tools for composing and focusing, you're not meant to have a home theater 4k experience from them."
This is what DPR has been dealing with in the last few years.
@Rajeshb Exactly, they got bitten multiple times already. Its predecessor the DF is the prime example. They said no video, retro style for all the whiners who were telling them that a large part of the market did not want video etc.... The people always complaining about non 40 year old lens not working natively on their Z cameras must be a very small quantity, as you know, you can't defeat time.
@Rajeshb, every company has tons and tons of research (DUH), it doesn't mean they're going to make the right decisions. Otherwise, all companies would always be going up and up and up and up but we know that's not the case. Nikon's share has been sliding down compared to five years ago. So I don't follow or agree with you.
@Tweets_Core, how do you know I'm not a potential buyer? Or are you making assumptions? If the features were right, it's possible I would have made a purchase.
@blse59....you don't need to agree with me. The point is Nikon doesn't agree with you.
Yes, even after tons of research companies make mistake. But still between market research of a company and opinion of one keyboard expert, I know which one is more credible.
You can use any manual focus lens on any mirrorless body. No need to read aperture nor is any communication between lens and body needed for A S and M modes, with functional metering. So in terms of the functionality the Df had re. AI and pre-AI lenses, it's baked into all the Nikon bodies by default including this Zf.
@Rajeshb, and does it matter that Nikon doesn't agree with me? I'm not submitting my opinion for theirs or anyone else's consideration which is what you are projecting onto me. These are MY opinions only. Their market share has been sliding down slowly over the years and it's going to slip down further and it doesn't affect me at all. They can do whatever they want.
It's because of people who project and make assumptions like you that people need to included page long disclaimers making a simple comment. Not very intelligent at all.
On the one hand, this is, literally, sadomasochistic, in any ergonomic sense.
On the other hand, there will still be a housing/grip left, as in non-sticky/non-gummy/non-desintegrated, 50 years from now....:))
Btw, are there any leather casings offered by Nikon already, or is that a thing from the past?
I certainly adore my MegaGear leather casing for the Panasonic FZ82, just for the expanded grip.
OTOH, I still haven't seen anyone offering aftermarket/3D-printed dummy grips for similar small and/or brick-shape camera's, if only to extend the grip on the bottom to 4 fingers, instead of 2-3. Odd, marketwise.
*If* you want to bash Nikon, try harder! You can bash all the ergonomical chaotic, boxy & brick-esque Sony A6x00 series, which are painful, both from ergonomics & design.
Form follows function, something, you might have never heard, because you're too young...for ever used a film 35mm SLR...
I enjoy my fat asz pro dslr cameras & I cant see myself ever using something so tiny. I bought the a7riii for some stills & some video & that has horrible ergonomics, I cant imagine how much worse this zf will be. your pointer finger & thumb with be so close together holding this ,my hand would cramp in no time.
so, I guess no use talking about z6iii. and I hate sony ergonomics so much I cant see myself moving over. there are so many small stupid things with sony's design, it boggles the mind
takes like 7 seconds to format each card. with nikon, its not even 1 second. and why when I set it to record to both slots and there is only 1 card in, cant it be smart enough to keep recording to one?'
w/ nikon, I take one out, it doesnt cry or stop me from shooting, it just champions on recording to one. at least give a feffing prompt & let me continue, but no! I have to lose shots, run & get a card cause the dam thing is incompetent.I love it for some things but many stupid small things
extender is one thing but the thickness of the grip was horrible. f4 and f5 to the rescue. I had 3 f5 back in the day. supreme feel and ergonomics. the dslr today took a lot of the design ques of the f5. d1 looked like an f5
I still dont understand the stupid design of the mirrorless cameras that dont have the buttons to the left of the screen. extremely useful then stupid custom buttons all over the button.
wait, WB, ah thats top left and uh focus mode...eh, where did I set that crep, ah, its the garbage pail button and mmmm where the hell is that other one..yea its over there somewhere. instead of grouping things intelligently with marked buttons..like mmmWB, you now have no labeling. some really stupid people who design these things.
Funny, the focus seemed to breathe/pulse from time to time and I legit thought this was shot on a pre-phase detect Panasonic. Was kinda surprised to see at the end it was on a Sony.
What? The original A9 is not even available anymore. If you buy it used you'll spend 2k at least. This new Nikon camera costs that brand new. Or you can just buy the A9M2 which will run you $4,500. Let's be serious here, ok?
Believe it or not, the brand doesn't matter to me, and, I just bought an A9 new from Sony Australia (for AUD2.5K), so we seem to have an issue with facts here.
A camera that's less nice looking but performs better in every metric for less money? Yes please. More native lens options? Less please.
@Leo Nardo No! The only issue we have is this craving amongst some people to feel the need to mention how much better Sony cameras are, in every article about a non-Sony camera.
As someone wrote about this phenomenon a long time ago; it is kind of sad.
Imagine how nice it would be, agreeing with the article, no criticism, no discussion of potentially preferable alternatives.
There's constant use of tables to compare similar product, highlighting the better or worse functionality in particular, but huge criticism at the mention of the possibly the best competition to this product.
And I did praise the product, twice, because I'm a Nikon guy.
The A9II is a $4500 sports specific cam. The Zf is a $2k all rounder. And other than burst speed and maybe buffer depth, I'd increasingly take that bet about how much better the A9II is or is not versus a new Nikon. Yes, including autofocus. The first A9 is an older Sony-and has the ergos to prove it. I'd keep shooting my Fujis before switching to it, 'full frame' be damned.
Meanwhile, you can adapt all that FE glass right onto your Nikon-and the adapter is only 3mm thick so not a big deal in terms of added bulk.
We can play the comparison game all day long if we are going to compare some special discount in one country on a discontinued unit...in other words, a deal no one else has access to. May as well throw in some used models as well.
Even then, for some people the Zf would be a better choice than an A9. If you don't need the speed of the stacked sensor readout, then the Zf becomes the more appealing option.
See, the flawed logic again. The Nikon brand loyalist, so intent on finding an issue with what I've said
Full price is $2750, that's still (slightly) cheaper than this Nikon.
That's a new Sony A9 from Sony Australia, not a store, especially not a grey import store, a current 24mp mirror-less that compares directly to this Nikon.
I'd argue the Sony is better in some aspects, the Nikon better at others, but the pros and cons would be nitpicking. Both would AF great and that's the main thing.
Now, on to the matter at hand.. Stacked sensors, especially six year old ones, do have a little less dynamic range than non stacked, as the tradeoff for superfast readout.
I'd trust the Nikon WR before a Sony made during the height of their 'I set my Sony down in the dew from my drink a month ago, and now it's dead' kerfuffle. Also, I tend to think Nikon's new Expeed 7 processor is probably a lot faster than the several generations back BionZ. Nikon has likely better battery life in addition to modern USB connectivity, greater dynamic range.
I feel like the Sony is better at lens selection. It's 5fps mechanical and 20fps electronic.. uhh, that's a lot slower than Nikon's 14fps mechanical and 30 fps electronic.
So I'm not sure why a six year old camera from Sony that you can still kinda get in the grey market (heh, good luck with a USA warranty on that, Bub..) is better.
So many assumptions there since we haven't seen the Zf in action yet.
I prefer stacked to bsi because I'm silent mode the bsi exhibits all kinds of wobbles. If I'm shooting mechanical I just need 1fps.
If bsi is your thing, any old camera from the last 5 years will do, they all have great DR, even the now ancient 7R2.
I have two Z7's, both part dead from shooting in humid climates, my D4S is strong though, so I'm not putting more trust in Nikon mirror-less WR over Sony. That's my opinion as it was yours.
Again, wishy washy facts as they're all opinions and assumptions.
And USA warranty, doesn't matter, I'm not American.
AGAIN, nice camera, I'm a Nikon shooter with dozens of F mount lenses, it's a handsome body, but my A9 will deliver the goods at least money (my original point).
Bolton - Leonardo - You both forget that all these E-Mount lenses can be easily put on any Z-Series camera. All it takes is a simple €160,- (appr. $120) ETZ mount adapter from Meike. So in the end Nikon can adapt more lenses than Sony can themselves. Without any degredation in AF performance.
The facts I stated about speed, USB connectivity etc. were not wishy washy opinions. They're facts. Your opinion about BSI seems more wobbly than the facts I stated above.
I'd still rather native adapt F mount lenses to a Nikon body than have my knuckles hit the lens like on every Sony I ever shot. Plus Nikon ergos and menus.. yeah, look me in the eye and try to tell me that six year old Sony menus make their camera as easy to use as a new Nikon..:-D So you got a great deal on a six year old camera. Good for you. Sounds like kinda a one off, versus the new camera that anyone can buy.
I got a minty fresh used X-H1 for six hundred bucks, and it's also faster than the Z9, save for 2fps in e-shutter mode.
Hey Leo, you can play this game al you want. The truth is Nikon Zf buyers are NOT Sony A9 buyers. Two distinct group of people all together. You're comparing apples to oranges.
We walked the streets of New York City with the new Nikon Zf in tow. Peruse our sample gallery for color and monochrome mode samples from this retro-inspired mirrorless camera.
The Nikon Zf's retro-inspired styling may be getting all the attention, but what's it like to shoot with? DPReview's Richard Butler spends a day on the streets of New York to find out if this digital beauty lives up to the legacy of the beloved F-series film SLRs.
The LowePro PhotoSport Outdoor is a camera pack for photographers who also need a well-designed daypack for hiking and other outdoor use. If that sounds like you, the PhotoSport Outdoor may be a great choice, but as with any hybrid product, there are a few tradeoffs.
The Sony a7C II refreshes the compact full-frame with a 33MP sensor, the addition of a front control dial, a dedicated 'AI' processor, 10-bit 4K/60p video and more. It's a definite improvement, but it helps if you value its compact form.
Why is the Peak Design Everyday Backpack so widely used? A snazzy design? Exceptional utility? A combination of both? After testing one, it's clear why this bag deserves every accolade it's received.
The new Wacom One 12 pen display, now in its second generation, offers photographers an affordable option to the mouse or trackpad, making processing images easy and efficient by editing directly on the screen.
For photographers who need advanced photo editing options, Pixelmator Pro for macOS offers layer-based editing, machine learning-powered adjustment and selection tools, and features such as Denoise and Super Resolution. It's also affordable.
If you want a compact camera that produces great quality photos without the hassle of changing lenses, there are plenty of choices available for every budget. Read on to find out which portable enthusiast compacts are our favorites.
What's the best camera for travel? Good travel cameras should be small, versatile, and offer good image quality. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for travel and recommended the best.
What’s the best camera for around $2000? This price point gives you access to some of the most all-round capable cameras available. Excellent image quality, powerful autofocus and great looking video are the least you can expect. We've picked the models that really stand out.
Above $2500 cameras tend to become increasingly specialized, making it difficult to select a 'best' option. We case our eye over the options costing more than $2500 but less than $4000, to find the best all-rounder.
At last, people who don’t want to pay a premium for Apple’s Pro models can capture high-resolution 24MP and 48MP photos using the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. Is the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens or the ability to capture Raw images worth the savings for photographers?
Kodak's Super 8 Camera is a hybrid of old and new: it shoots movies using Super 8 motion picture film but incorporates digital elements like a flip-out LCD screen and audio capture. Eight years after we first saw the camera at CES 2016, Kodak is finally bringing it to market.
In this supplement to his recently completed 10-part series on landscape photography, photographer Erez Marom explores how the compositional skills developed for capturing landscapes can be extended to other areas of photography.
If you want a compact camera that produces great quality photos without the hassle of changing lenses, there are plenty of choices available for every budget. Read on to find out which portable enthusiast compacts are our favorites.
Sony, the Associated Press and 'Photo Mechanic' maker Camera Bits have run a month-long field-test to evaluate capture authentication and a subsequent workflow.
A color-accurate monitor is an essential piece of the digital creator's toolkit. In this guide, we'll go over everything you need to know about how color calibration actually works so you can understand the process and improve your workflow.
What's the best camera for travel? Good travel cameras should be small, versatile, and offer good image quality. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for travel and recommended the best.
It's that time of year again: When people get up way too early to rush out to big box stores and climb over each other to buy $99 TVs. We've saved you the trip, highlighting the best photo-related deals that can be ordered from the comfort of your own home.
The LowePro PhotoSport Outdoor is a camera pack for photographers who also need a well-designed daypack for hiking and other outdoor use. If that sounds like you, the PhotoSport Outdoor may be a great choice, but as with any hybrid product, there are a few tradeoffs.
Sigma's latest 70-200mm F2.8 offering promises to blend solid build, reasonably light weight and impressive image quality into a relatively affordable package. See how it stacks up in our initial impressions.
The Sony a9 III is heralded as a revolutionary camera, but is all the hype warranted? DPReview's Richard Butler and Dale Baskin break down what's actually new and worth paying attention to.
What’s the best camera for around $2000? This price point gives you access to some of the most all-round capable cameras available. Excellent image quality, powerful autofocus and great looking video are the least you can expect. We've picked the models that really stand out.
DJI's Air 3 and Mini 4 Pro are two of the most popular drones on the market, but there are important differences between the two. In this article, we'll help figure out which of these two popular drones is right for you.
The Sony a7C II refreshes the compact full-frame with a 33MP sensor, the addition of a front control dial, a dedicated 'AI' processor, 10-bit 4K/60p video and more. It's a definite improvement, but it helps if you value its compact form.
Above $2500 cameras tend to become increasingly specialized, making it difficult to select a 'best' option. We case our eye over the options costing more than $2500 but less than $4000, to find the best all-rounder.
The iPhone 15 Pro allows users to capture 48MP photos in HEIF or JPEG format in addition to Raw files, while new lens coatings claim to cut down lens flare. How do the cameras in Apple's latest flagship look in everyday circumstances? Check out our gallery to find out.
Global shutters, that can read all their pixels at exactly the same moment have been the valued by videographers for some time, but this approach has benefits for photographers, too.
We had an opportunity to shoot a pre-production a9 III camera with global shutter following Sony's announcement this week. This gallery includes images captured with the new 300mm F2.8 GM OSS telephoto lens and some high-speed flash photos.
The Sony a9 III is a ground-breaking full-frame mirrorless camera that brings global shutter to deliver unforeseen high-speed capture, flash sync and capabilities not seen before. We delve a little further into the a9III to find out what makes it tick.
The "Big Four" Fashion Weeks – New York, London, Milan and Paris - have wrapped for 2023 but it's never too early to start planning for next season. If shooting Fashion Week is on your bucket list, read on. We'll tell you what opportunities are available for photographers and provide some tips to get you started.
Sony has announced the a9 III: the first full-frame camera to use a global shutter sensor. This gives it the ability to shoot at up to 120 fps with flash sync up to 1/80,000 sec and zero rolling shutter.
What’s the best camera for around $1500? These midrange cameras should have capable autofocus systems, lots of direct controls and the latest sensors offering great image quality. We recommend our favorite options.
First developed in the mid-1800s, salt prints may be considered an obscure 'alternative' photographic process. But all the more reason to make your own. Here's how.
Around $1000 is increasingly becoming the entry point for modern interchangeable lens cameras. We look at what you can get for your money, and which we think is best.
Canon has announced a new RF 24-105mm F2.8 zoom lens, extending the range for fast mid-range zooms from 70mm to 105mm. Its hybrid design also means it includes a feature not seen on an RF lens before: a manual aperture ring.
Comments