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I have subscribed to Matts Nikon Z course and love it, learnt so much. Best part you can download the Videos so you can go back and refresh. Have just subscribed👍👍 to his Macro course as well, cheers mate. thanks Matt
I think I’m going to get one as a 40th birthday gift to myself. I switched from Nikon to Sony for digital in 2015 and this is the first camera from them that has interested me. I’m also a huge fan of retro/retro inspired cameras and still shoot with my FE2 so I understand I’m in a niche audience. The only things I don’t care for is that 700g weight and the swivel screen (although the fact that you can just cover the screen completely is neat).
Hi Matt , on Nikon Rumors rear image of the Zf a “w” can be seen next to the “ video, photo,”settings near the prism and I believe it’s a setting for Black and White which is going to be appreciated by a lot of people. Also in the specs there is something that hasn’t been mentioned and that is “ Pixel Shift “ which if it can be done hand held and in camera it would be fantastic. Thank you very much for all your very informative and interesting videos. Cheers
If it can auto shoot B&W images, that would overcome the challenge and niche that monochrome camera's sit in - and could be a forward thinking product that takes on Leica in the monochrome zone.
As street photographer who's been waiting for this Zf for a while now, my expectations are very simple. Give me a camera that is made for Photographers. Does it look cool? Hell yeah - I know it does! Does it take more than 1 frame per second? brilliant Does it have an auto-focus system? well, that's good to have, for people who need it, but I wouldn't care if it didn't. Does it have 2 memory slots? great - if not, no problem that's not a deal breaker anyway. Does it take videos? I don't care either way. Does the battery last for 300~400 frames? that's plenty enough. Plus, I'd be more than happy to carry 2 spare batteries in an exchange for having a cool-looking compact but powerful photography camera. Does it have more than 21 Megapickles? great - not many photographers need more than that anyway so please don't clog my hard drives And for the lenses, I'd be super happy with the 24mm, 26mm, 28mm, and 40mm compact lenses that are already released. They are compact and sharp. Does it have a photographer-friendly LCD screen? done deal - shut up and take my money NOW! Does it have a stupid LCD screen like Zfc? Oh, it does!!!! What a shame! Okay then, bye bye Nikon! I've waited long enough to get a suitable Nikon camera but now is time to move to Leica! I need a camera for PHOTOGRAPHY! In my opinion as a Nikon shooter, all camera manufacturers except Leica, are failing Photographers and only focusing on Videographers and content creators. But what they need to realise is that not everyone's an Insta Influencer...
@@Renzsu- no manual lenses for me, but I'm sure the Zf will be interesting for those who love these Voigts. Two more compact primes along the 28/40 would be great indeed, not just for this Zf. Something around 18mm perhaps, and a 90mm? Compact, about 450/500 bucks max, f2.8.
As a current m43 shooter on an Olympus OM5 with my old D200 still on the shelf I can second that with a small body, the lenses and flash really need to be small as well to have reasonable ergonomics - hence the pro orientated m43 bodies like the OM-1 and Panasonic GH6 are the same size as many FF bodies to ensure a propper grip and balance. So IMO Nikon really need to put out some more (retro styled) compact lenses like the 26 mm and 40 mm. Personally I can do with a bit of vignetting and soft corners in order to reduce the size and weight of the lenses and in particular on the classic portrait focal lengths.
No grip is zero trouble for how I use these cameras. I still shoot my F3 and F2 film cameras. A small 35mm or 50mm lens for street and family 99% of the time and no big zoom ever. A Grip just isn't needed at all and makes the camera larger than what I want it to be. When I do shoot my 200-500mm it is on my D850 with a grip. So it really just depends what your uses are.
I'm most excited about the battery. Shortcoming of the Zfc is the different battery. I can take multiple cameras on a trip without having to need multiple types of chargers taking up space in my luggage. Especially for foreign travel when you need power adapters as well. I'm in based on what has leaked. Cheers.
Well said...totally agree with your points. A camera for smaller lenses (I can see the 40mm SE combo as a great start). Two slight personal preferences would be a tilt screen and some more retro styled lenses with aperture rings. Maybe give Sigma licence for I-series lenses...
For this camera to truly be a success, Nikon needs a dedicated retro line, not just a single retro style camera. They should pair this with a line of small, AIS-style prime lenses with physical aperture rings. 28 2.8 35 f2, 50 1.8 and an 85 f2. To save on cost, these lenses could even be based on the older AIS lens optical formulas, tweaked to work on mirrorless. This would give shooters a retro style set up that maintains balance, offers that old school look vintage lenses create, and appeal to both older and newer shooters. Without the accompanying lenses, this will just go the way of the DF before it. We know Nikon can do it. But will they?
Id be curious to know if the Zf is weather sealed. All in all though it looks very interesting. I might get a z8 or z9 as my main camera and the Zf as a backup.
Thanks for sharing Matt. For me it is about simplicity. I don't wanna feel like an airline pilot going through a checklist every time I use the camera. IMO they are retro look cameras. A fashion statement, nothing else. Why do I need video and all the other features which are just superfluous. I would like to see a 'retro' camera which does not only look like the older ones, lets say FM2/FE2, but is simple and not overloaded with features and buttons. If they would make such a camera, which I don't think they will do, I might be interested. Until then, I rather use my F3. Which never gets in the way and just lets me take pictures. And as always this is IMHO and YMMV.
"...you wonder if you should put a value on the specs of a camera..." One thing to consider - look at used prices for the Df compared to, say, the D600. Zf has a better chance of value retention (relatively!). It's interesting, this thing for nostalgia. The boxy design is not as ergonomic - especially when total weight (and weight distribution) are factored - as a Z6/7/8/9, but one thing I like in the old film cameras (and Leica M digital, etc), is that the key controls are physical and can be glanced at, and turned. (Fuji have done a nice job with this). But it's a personal preference I guess. Will be interesting to see this camera when it lands.
I'll have to see the final specs but honestly what really appeals to me about the Df is it's ability to take even pre-ai f-mount glass but then my 'new' camera is a Rolleicord III (Type 2). What I really want to see is an F to Z adapter with a built in focus motor for my AF-D lenses.
Yeah-not much retro-look selection in the Z mount, yet, nor is there much choice within the range of AF-S-equipped D lenses (I've heard they exist, but have yet to see one IRL), so keeping the aesthetic will mostly mean MF shooting, for now (FTZ doesn't support screw AF, as I understand it, but does support the AE capabilities that AF-D has over AI/AIS).
700g is close to the old Df - and lets hope it can shoot in a similar way to that camera - I still own and use one regularly and enjoy that it has no video, and I use my IPhone for video. This could be a camera for me in the future.
I'm okay with any storage format as long as it is fast enough, and has a second redundant stick. The form factor matters less than redundancy and build quality. I'm old enough to remember when CF cards crapped out on me.
Two steps forward, one step back? Or in this case, one step forward, two steps back? To go from the Z6II with CF-B / SD to SD / microSD seems like it is done purely to placate the noisy people who want two card slots, who will be noisy regardless. If Nikon is trying to be like all other camera companies at the same time, they should pull a Leica move and re-release the FM2. At least it will shut up people who complain about battery life... 🤣
I don't understand why the step backwards in technology with the micro card. Unless it's because people will be using this for street photography and Nikon thinks that someone might need a card in an emergency and micro SD cards are everywhere whereas a full size SD card may not be. But most places that sell micro cards sell the ones that come with an adapter. I'm using a micro card inside and adapter right now. My card filled up while I was on vacation and I didn't have a way to download all my pictures so I couldn't reformat my camera. I'm going to wait to see what the z6 III and z7 III will have in them. I'll pass on the zf for now.
I use a gfx50r with small voigtlander lenses for street photography. This camera looks great other than sensor resolution. If it was around 45mp, it would be perfect. It would be crying out for a small 35mm f2 lens similar to the zeiss sonnar on the sony rx1r
This camera would pair beautifully with Voightlander Z lenses to give the full analogue photo experience. For Nikon lenses, a bigger grip would definitely be needed even for the Macro 105mm weighing 630gms. So a 3rd party grip that can be taken on and off might be a reasonable compromise. Great video Matt. I look forward to the full review.
Might look into this when it's released but it would have to feel right in my hand. I love my Z5 & Z6 that just feel right in my hands and they give me awesome results
If the grip isn't there, I expect SmallRig will market a combo grip/L bracket as they did for the Zfc. Having that made it so much easier to use and it has been my main camera ever since.
Voigtländers for that. Plus I'm quite amazed seeing people adapting all kind of (vintage ) lenses to their Zfc's. Looks totally bad with the adapter in between in my opinion, real clunky and ugly, but that doesn't seem to bother those who like to experiment with those old lenses. Good on them.
I had a Nikon j5 which used micro SD cards, 20mp RAW files. Indeed you couldn't do very long bursts with it at higher FPS, but if you were using short bursts, 3-5 frames, then another short burst, etc, you could go on for a quite long time. I expect this ZF to be somewhat similar, and I think that does the job for many people, apart from the gearheads/specfreaks on the forums and in comment sections. I think those who really need long, fast bursts won't go for a retro camera to begin with, for other reasons (handling, with large lenses to be used, etc.) The same goes for the concern about big, heavy lenses. If planning to use big (and expensive) telephoto lenses and primes, wouldn't one go for a upcoming z6 III, or even a z8? Those cameras match those lenses. It might serve as a second 'fun' body for z8/z9 folks with those large lenses and budgets, but wouldn't they rather bring a suitable fun lens or two instead of mounting a Z 50mm 1.2? I think cameras like the ZF (or Zfc) appeal to other users. People, who never plan to buy huge lenses, be it because of price or simply size/weight (or both.) Something like the 24-70mm f4, 14-30mm f4, 17-25mm f2.8, 28-70mm f2.8, or the 70-180mm 2.8 are more likely fits here, along with the 28/40mm primes and the 26mm 2.8 and 50mm 2.8 MC. If anything think Nikon might rather add more lenses in that range, like adding a wider and a longer compact prime to the 20/40mm and perhaps something along the line of the AF-P 70-300E. You probably don't want to handhold even some of those lenses for hours on end with such a Zf body, but again, are those users doing that? Hour long non-stop shooting? With the specs rumored so far I think this will be a very interesting camera for a different crowd than the z6/7III (or Z8//9 folks) and I think that's a good thing as it makes the Z appeal to a wider range of people. More so if the price of US$1999 is correct, and goes down to $1700/1800 after a while in the usual promotions. This Zf indicates as well that the z6III will be more expensive (perhaps more in the US$2500 launch price of the competition?) but that indicates a bump in tech compared to this Zf (which I see more as a 'z5 II with Zfc treatment'). Not only do I look forward to that bump in tech of the z6III series (whatever it might be) but I like what Nikon is doing here - the Zf will be a quite different camera than the Z6III, not just something 'specced down'. I really like the way Nikon is going, how they are kitting out the Z line into a system which appeals to many different kind of users. As usual with Nikon it takes some time, but I think it's worthwhile. Never regretted going into the Z system with the z7 first gen - which is still going strong and a much better camera than made by the internet - and it's getting better and better.
Subscribed years ago. Which is something I don't do a lot. But I don't regret it with your channel. I'm not sure I'm interested in this camera. For my next camera I hope to get a bit more than 24MP. It does have Expeed 7 which is promising. But it seems to me that releasing this camera instead of the Z6 III (and Z7 III as well of course) is Nikon's way of "milking" the Z8 a bit more. People who’d consider the Z8 (which I think includes Z7 and even Z6 users) might not consider a retro styled body so easily. Nikon’s forcing you to choose: spend more and get the Z8, or get a retro styled body that’s better than your Z6, but may not be as practical, especially with heavier lenses. If they’d release a Z6/7 III now, that would hurt Z8 sales more than this camera. Don't get me wrong, it's good to see Nikon working on new products, including retro models. It's just that... I think I'm still a Z6/7 III guy at heart. But that also means an A7 IV guy. I don't think I'll go there, but Nikon doesn't seem to provide something similar in terms of performance and general concept at that price level. But we wait and see what this will be when it's released.
I have a z50 for 3 years now and just started doing street photography using old canon FD manual focus lenses and satisfied with the image quality but All these alleged specs are kinda tempting to upgrade.
Nikon user here. I am a little disappointed at how many buttons are on the back of the camera. My love for FM/FE cameras, one of the reasons is how simple they are. You can do pretty much everything on the touch screen. The back side of the Zf looks to clutter to me.
I'm very excited about this. I'm so curious about controls - coming from Fuji to Nikon Z, it's taken me a long time to get used to a modal ISO control. Regardless of the dials on the X series cameras, I really appreciated that with the X-T4 you could assign ISO to the front dial, SS to the rear, and aperture to the lens. I'm hoping that's feasible with this camera - having to hold a button to change ISO I find to be much less efficient. The main thing I'm excited about though is that flippy screen! That alone will have me purchasing this as soon as I'm able to.
Great to hear! FYI, all nikon mirrorless are highly customisable. Your excitement about the flippy screen demonstrates how hard it is to design a camera, other commenters are saying that is a deal breaker for them!
Yes, I wouldn't buy it because of the flippy screen, I like the normal tilting screen, flippy screen moves the image to the side (always confusing) and makes the process of taking a quick picture slower.
@@mattgranger I know! It's so polarizing. I've been using the Z6ii for all of my commercial work for the past 4 months or so and have been so so happy once I got used to the controls. Still no way to assign ISO directly to a dial but I've gotten used to it!
@@rem792 I totally hear you - I felt exactly the same way coming from my old X-T2s to the X-T4. It felt very awkward at first, it was hard to be quick with it, and having it off to the side made composing feel off. But if you're working with the camera professionally day-in and day-out, I can all but guarantee that you will get used to it within a few months. You may really appreciate how incredibly easy it is to use the camera far above your head, down on the ground, around objects - it really opens up so many possibilities that I didn't realize were there until I went back to a regular screen. It can be slower at first as well, but that too fades with use and eventually you'll be lightning quick with it.
I think this is going to be a great secondary camera, if one for example wants to go out and just take photos with something different than the camera wich is used for work, well that will be refreshing. At this point I can't imageine using this as a main camera because of the obvious ergonomic limitations. One thing I'd be happy to see is a matching ftz adaptor with af drive, so all of the great AF-D lenses could be used with full functionality. That would be a very nice retro setup!
I might buy this next year when the chrome version comes out. I will just pair them with the AIS lens as that would be most appropriate and I have such a weakness for the all metal build. For modern lenses I already have the Z8.
Anyone who thinks the Zf will be anything like the Z8 or Z9 for $2k is crazy. I mean I could see them including the Expeed 7 as that would make sense, but it will be limited (via firmware) and so you'll probably end up with a Z6-like experience, maybe slightly more accurate focus tracking (for people) but not as fast as the Z8. That would be crazy because it would basically mean the end of many potential Z8 sales as most people would be OK with a 24MP sensor for $2,000. I think Nikon will reuse what they can from the Z6 II, may even just use the same Expeed 6's with an improved sensor but whatever the Zf and Z6 III end up being, it will not be like the Z8. Nikon carefully segments their cameras so that one does not impede on another and they're not dumb enough to release a 24MP "Z8" for $2000. (As a side note, my suspicion for a Z6 III is a 24-26MP camera with a watered-down but still good Z8 performance, and a Z7 III will be all about resolution (61MP)). Regarding the battery, I really don't think they will be able to fit the 15 battery in there, if it doesn't have a grip. My guess is it may use a smaller EN25-style battery (like found in Z APSC cameras) but perhaps an improved one or one with more amperage, although this does beg the question ,if they include an Expeed 7, and did this, what would the battery life be like, because even the 15c's it's not the best, but it's also not horrible -- it's mediocre in comparison to larger batteries with more capacity like the 18D's obviously). Now maybe with a lower-res (and possibly slower) sensor than the Z8, they might be able to balance it out so that a EN25 could provide at least something like 250-350 shots per charge, as i think the Expeed 7 is probably a slightly more efficient design in terms of power-to-performance than dual Expeed 6's, but it may lead to a shorter battery life, but it they disable certain functions on the processor, that might help save some power). If they give it dual card slots in some fashion, that will tick a box for many people, even if it's micro SD (better than single SD card slots, but in reality, if you use quality cards, this shouldn't be a huge issue even in a single card slot system as long as you're not doing paid work -- that's risky. But even SD+micro SD is appreciated and probably a step above what the competition would offer in such a body, although dual SD like on the Z5, might make sense.) I am glad to see Nikon put 3D tracking back into their cameras (if this is true). I think that does significantly help the ML bodies when tracking subjects as it does in the Z8 and Z9 (I can see a huge difference between my Z8 and my Z6 II in this regard; that being said I sold the Z6 II to help pay for the Z8 but I had them both side by side for about a month).
I’d like to see Nikon make a price appropriate complete camera as you are suggesting they might well have done, but at the same time create one that is particularly good with manual focus lenses (ie viewfinder functionality/ focus aids etc), and also offer the ability to create in camera nostalgic film like profiles like Fujis. I don’t think a switch enabling vanilla b/w mode jpgs, is good enough…. Can we add contrast changes, grain, dynamic range, vignetting adjustments to the said b/w mode. I think the b/w mode switch should actually be a nostalgic mode, with both colour and mono creativity options…. I’m sure the rest Nikon will get right as a user of the zfc, but to really compete with fuji, or complete the job with a throwback design, it would be a missed opportunity to not add nostalgic film simulations and customizations.
IBIS, and the EN EL 15s will make for very thick body, so i'm a bit concerned that the heft of the thing might detract for its use case as an svelte EDC rig for shooting street and opportunistic snapping when photography isn't you primary activity
For me a selling point would be an ZtoF adapter for with built in motor for older type D lenses and anyway if it’s going to be retro camera older type AI lenses are in my mind which btw with an adapter it’s going to look hideous anyway so don’t know what to think.
I do miss the old style cameras. Occasionally I have the urge to shoot my Canon AE-1 Program. This camera would be great for travel photography where I don’t want to walk around with a huge Z9.
Superb video as usual. Would be eager to have full metering etc with AI an Ais lenses, in line with a Df. My Z9 is a dud there and the manual lenses are not at all usable with the current ZFC adapter. Your thoughts?
The rumor on EN-EL15, if true, it's a very good indication. Over the years, Nikon seems to always maintain three tiers of batteries (from EN-EL 4-3-9 of early DSLR days, to 18-15-14 of late DSLR days, to 18-15-25 of today). I think Nikon's choice for battery for a given camera, may give us a little insight in Nikon's mysterious product planning, or maybe I'm just reading the tea leaf here... ;-) Having EN-EL15, it placed Zf solidly within Full-Frame Z range of cameras. Having EN-EL-15, certainly makes me feel like this is more of mainstream (not a pet project like Df). If past history is any indication at all, staying with top two battery tiers, camera is more likely getting Firmware update in the future. Having Expeed 7 is also a good sign. At least this means that they are not just wrap Z6II with a new skin and try to squeeze more revenue out of existing design; perhaps this is an indication of what's to come for Z6III (finger cross, maybe we'll get 30MP sensor for Z6III?). It would be interesting to see how the inteneded usage of MicroSD is together with SD. Certainly making shooting RAW+JPEG bit restrictive; given typical slower speed of MicroSD. I wonder if they are experimenting with internal-stripping/double-buffing scheme to "artificially" increase MicroSD write speed. There are buffing scheme one can do to minimize the slower writing speed of MicroSD, but just with cost.
Hi Matt, thank you for this valuable video. For my non-professional, no video, travel, street and very minor bird photography, would this be a good all-arounder? I've been on the fence with the z6ii but now confused if I should wait. Also, would this then cripple sales for the 6ii? I'm not clear on what the advantage then would be for the 6ii.
I have clung to my D750 as my backup camera because I like the way it renders the image files. If they could give me that I would love to have the IBIS and improved autofocus in that second camera. It will be this one or the Z6iii.
@@handel1111If we have to be honest here, all Nikon dslr's and especially the lenses are most ugliest lenses on the market amongst Canon & Sony (except the telephoto ones) D750 no matter ugly or not was my most comfortable body to hold on. Z9, z8, z6... nothing is as comfortable as it yet. Of course I hope you know all that is subjective 🍻
Since I shoot BIF and sports that SD card will be a major drawback. With the buffer being a major expense I would guess that it would also slow down the FPS. Not sure if the sensor is the same as on the z6/6ii or an improvement but if it’s an approvement what’s the likelihood of Nikon this sensor and then another new design for the z6iii? If it’s a new sensor I’m guessing the z6iii would use that and not a 33MEG sensor. With the Olympics happening in the middle of next year, what’s the chance that Nikon will introduce a low-end FF camera before? That would mean my z6 is 6 years old and the z6ii is 4 years old. It doesn’t make financial sense for me to buy the z6ii because in my thinking it will be replaced in a year and I’’ be left with a 4-year-old camera. At this point, I doubt I’ll be buying any nikon specific camera equipment until I get an idea of a Moden replacement for the z6 series.
My friend, I dont mean to be rude, but this question makes me think that buying the Z8 may be overkill for you. If you don't know what focal lengths work for what you want to shoot, you could consider buying an entry level camera and a super zoom lens, then see what focal ranges work for you. If you stick with photography, then you can step up to a more advanced kit.
Question is, will it bring in 'new' future Z series customers who loved Nikons previous cameras but who got burnt during the sudden drop everything you have already for our latest full frame mirrorless systems on these new incomparable mounts era? Im still burnt on N1 lens failing due to nylon aperture gears which they wont fix, whats next? How long will this mount last before they forget us again? Sony atleast took us from E mount to FE. Translation/TLDR id love to give Nikon another try and this might be the ticket to it (unlike the Zfc which is an obvious deadend due to unsupported lens series)
Btw…the video isn’t a wobbly video that he is showing…he is shaking the camera so you can hear the ibis bumping around. Why isn’t anyone turn up the volume and thinking about that?
Thanks so much. As soon as the eBegging starts ... Oh please subscribe ... I know to immediately shut off and tune out. Thanks for letting me know right up front to get the hell out of here.
To really make the Zf the same as the old Df, it wouldn’t have the video and get the same stacked sensor as in the Z9. The Df didn’t have video and had the same sensor found in the D3.
I don't understand why nobody is making the vintage cameras with the film simulations (like Fuji) or some kind of creative profile options? It's an enthusiast camera why not add this cool option?
My z30 has 30 'creative picture controls' apart from 'standard, neutral, vivid, landscape' etc. It's there. They can't name them after film simulations because of copyright issues I guess. In addition there are JPEG 'film styles' available on the net, which can be downloaded and put on to the camera. Personally I don't use it, all this can be done in post processing, but if someone wants it it's actually there.
And you think Nikon does not do it then what is their picture control thing that Nikon has. I know with Fujifilm you can apply simulation to raw in Capture 1 or other editing software. But PC and their website gives you far more recipe for those simulations then I can find for Fujifilm camera. I do own Fujifilm GFX
So how long before it will be safe after the debuggers (sorry first adopters) have ironed out all the hidden problems? Maybe safe as a Xmas present to myself?
I don’t agree that this is to be an all rounder camera. As you well said, when coupled with the new Z lenses other than the small plastic ones like the 28, 26 or 40mm ones, the body will not make sense ergonomically. It just doesn’t make sense. The people that buy this will buy this are either old guys like us who has nostalgia of the old cameras but want the newer aids or younger folk who love the old aesthetics and think they look cool. I keep hammering this in I know, but old guys like us still have very good f mount lenses and the younger folk love the cool ‘defects’ of the old lenses which give a fresh look against the clinically excellent results from the newer lenses, so an F mount retro camera that keeps everything relatively small would have been a niche product I know, as this should be, but it all makes sense to use the smaller old lenses. This camera shouldn’t be a revenue maker for Nikon but a showcase of their appreciation to their dedicated clients and expertise of their product. A limited numbered series would make this a desirable thing indeed.
Fuji, Sony and Canon all have the latest tech in their APSC line up, especially for video shooters. Nikon has Zfc as their most advanced APSC in that range. It is no more than a tweeked and cosmetically altered Z50. It is already 2 years old as a model and 4 years old as a technology. Also, it is 4 years behind its competition as well because cameras released around the same time as the Zfc were already ahead of it in its segment. My guess is that the Nikon is poised to release an update to the Zfc. They should, if they want to play catch up in the APSC segment. Also, releasing one more FF camera just on the heels of the Z8 could easily cannibalize those sales or atleast, take the limelight away from the Z8. The Z8 is already on the backfoot because of a few niggles. I hope that this is an updated Zfc with the same look but updated technology. I hope that the ZF is a more future consideration for Nikon.
I think I would like a camera like this, but.... I remember you not being someone who really didn't engage in rumors. Just curious if you think these rumors are somehow fairly accurate?
None of these specs make sense. The Nikon Df is still selling for $2749usd new. It was regarded as their retro version of the D4. With this in mind, I think the Nikon “Zf” will closely reflect the Z8 in photo spec only and in price.
I think the Z6III is a more important camera for Nikon than the Zf. The Z6 is almost 5 years old, the Z6II was an interim camera to fix the two biggest physical mistakes of the Z6. The Z6III with the Expeed7 processor is critical. Are they waiting to have a 26mp stacked sensor that can do open gate 6K video? It seems that the Z6III will sell 10 times as much as the Zf, because most photographers tend to like a camera they can hold. There's a reason this body style has been around since the mid 1980s with the Maxxum 7000, T90, and N8008. If NIkon can release both the Zf and Z6III in 2023, then great. But if the Z6III will be at least 6 months later, I'm confused about the priorities. They have effectively upgraded the Z7II. The Zf, with the Expeed7 processor, will mainly irritate Z6II users who know something better has to be close.
Why will it irritate them? Can't wait? If one has a z6 first gen, does it matter so much if it comes out now or if it's the biggie early May 2024? Same question for z6II? And if you still have a d750, does that make a difference? The potential Zf customer has no camera with Nikon so far, however. Perhaps better to gather to such a new group first, instead of an iteration for an existing group? Dunno, but I think the guys at Nikon are taking all this into consideration. I see this Zf more like a 'retro z5 II' btw. The price indicates that the z6III will go up in price, and hence specced higher (whatever those will be). I take that as a good sign. And worthwhile. And yes, Nikon certainly knows that the z6 series is important. I just don't think they are stupid. So if it's not raining z6III's and z7III's and z70's and z90's perhaps there's a reason for it?
@@marcusbraun8889 It will irritate them because their almost replacement camera just came out, with the faster processor and improved AF that they want, but in a stupid body that nobody can hold. There are now three viable options in the Z6II/Z6III price range [$2000-2500]. The D750 users wonders if they should stick with Nikon. The potential Zf customer has a Zfc. Nikon has been stupid in the past. Exhibit A: the Df. Exhibit B: the Z6/Z7 with a single card slot. The Z7III has been replaced. A Z6III and Z70/Z90 are needed, they know it. The challenge is who Nikon is listening to? The few loud voices on RU-vid? The Asian market only?
well the z6iii and z7iii are certainly coming. It seems that Nikon is taking its time because they might introduce a new sensor , at least for the z7iii. Also regarding the recall issues on the z8, nikon is probably taking its time so it doesnt happen with those 2 new boddies. Also considering that the z6ii and z7ii were a bit disapointing in some aspects, Nikon probably wants the mark 3 versions to be a good step up. Id say q1 2024 and we will see them
@@ThatNorma I think the Z7III has been eliminated by the Z8. But my confidence in predicting Nikon's moves has gone way down, so I'd only bet $1 on that. There is very little significant that the Z7III could do compared to the Z8 [61mp vs 46mp is insignificant]. If the Z6III has the same sensor as the Z6, that will seem disappointing in some aspects. The big move would be to make that a stacked sensor, with a lower resolution than the Z8 [26mp], while keeping the price at $2500 or lower.
@@UnconventionalReasoning i dont think so mate. Like i said before the z6ii and z7ii are the 2 best selling body of nikon in mirrorless cameras. Also the difference goes far beyond megapixels, AA filter, mechanical shutter, better dynamic range, lighter body, etc, but above all, nikon does not have a competitor for the sony A7RV, and they need to have a camera on the 3/3.2k range price. Nikon cant expect us landscape photographers to simply pocket out another 700 euros for the z8. Lastly regarding the megapixels, yes it does matter, theres a reason landscape photographers grab a sony a7rv, a gfx100s, phase one etc. Megapixels matter for landscape especially for those who crop a lot like I do and whoever makes large prints. After 1 year of top z8 sales I dont see why nikon wouldnt release a z7iii, theres clearly a market and price gap for it
I don't think it's going to be a good selling camera. If it were no larger or heavier than ZFC then I would have bought one. But being bigger and as heavy as Z6ii while not having a grip makes no sense. Taking into account that the price is going to be $300 more than Z6ii, the latter is a lot better buy.
A flip out video screen and no focus thumb stick? I’ll pass. I’d rather have a fixed screen. I guess maybe they’re thinking manual focusing. Which is great but then come out with a set of SMALL manual lenses.
Should have gone back to basics. No screen on the back for “chimping”. Just clean and simple analog style dials. No need for video, as for enthusiasts that appreciate this style of camera- photography is what matters. For the on/off switch they should have integrated this with the advance lever like the way it worked with the FM-3A and then keep it in place like a thumb-rest on the Leica M10-D (an ergonomic solution). Make the camera for enthusiasts in a limited run using premium materials will ensure this camera will be sought after and never lose value-- like the FM-3A film camera or most Leica film cameras and select Leica M digital cameras. These things add a lot of value to the brand. If someone wants video then grab another Z camera- nothing special from any other CaNikon commodity mirrorless camera.
I still don't understand the complaint about lack of a grip with large lenses. Large lenses have existed for a long time. If you handed someone a Fm2 with a 300mm F4, they'd rave about what a great camera it is. Hand them a Zfc with the same lens (adapted, obviously) and they'd just gripe about the lack of a grip. Same ergonomics, but you make it digital and people's attitude shifts completely. But what I really wish Nikon would do is literally just put a digital sensor in an FM2 and sell me that., f-mount and all. I really liked the experience of shooting those old film camera. The only problem with them was the film. Just fix that, and leave the rest of it alone. I realize that wouldn't work for a pro. But as a hobbyist, that's what I want.
I don't care about video on any camera. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that cameras have video for people that want it, but for me, I'm only interested in photography. Video, for me, is using my iPhone 14 Pro Max lol.
@@jsurfin1- I think you might be wrong with the 'most'. You're thinking from your point of view only. Nikon needs to sell cameras in numbers to make money. So cameras must appeal to numbers. While some people are in for the retro film approach and don't need video and flippy screen such a camera can appeal to lifestyle/hipster people as well. But they might want that flippy screen. And that's right where it might become viable for Nikon. They then turn it into a z5 II with grip, and a z3 without viewfinder. And that way the same tech in different bodies will appeal to even more people - making it worthwhile/profitable for Nikon.
