I've been waiting on the Zf for years and will be getting it. I sold my Df earlier this year but I've always loved the images it made. It feels like (other than the fully-articulating screen) they've addressed every shortcoming of the Df and made a worthy successor.
I also finally sold my Df after nearly ten years of use (it finally broke and wasn't economical to fix). I have my Zf ordered and can't wait for it to arrive!
You won't be regretting it. I took it on a behind the scenes shoot the day it arrived without learning anything about it and got some of the best shots I've ever got. Fast and didn't falter once. Although I would definitely get a UHS 2 SD card otherwise it may struggle with the 50 and 60 fps modes. Strangely the small micro SD UHS 1 card had no issues with these modes...I have no idea why?? Also I'd definitely add the small rig grip.
I have played with the new zf, holding it kinda sucks to honest and it’s oddly feels too wide. Too brickish. I had a DF as well and definitely regret selling it. The df still has the only native mount for all of Nikons lens catalog save for the lenses for this new mount. The fz does not have a screw drive or adapter to access these lenses. It’s a nice camera but other Nikon bodies are smaller and more hand holdable. This camera is not video centric, so if video is your gig, beyond casual shooting, consider another camera that’s more designed for that function
People are too focused on the retro thing , imho. The camera is a great low light performer, has 8 stops of ibis, has a near 100 mp pixel shift function and is as fast as a d500. For 2000 bucks.
Fully agree! This is not a pro camera. This is a fun, cool camera that it uses for street, vacation and candid family photos that just so happens to have pro features. I really wish reviewers stop comparing this camera to pro/prosumer cameras. I don’t think Nikon is trying to reach that market. That’ll be for the z6iii.
@@RejeRushbut seems like this is going to be for the most part the z6iii features just with better card slots 🤷♂️ so basically this personal camera in the ZF could easily do some pro work if you needed it too so I don’t really get your issue.. not all pro work is the same and has the same needs and these features the ZF has can definitely do certain types of pro work easily
@@theflyest203 So yes there are plenty of cameras that could satisfy a person and their professional use case. What I’d like to clarify is that just because one can use it professionally doesn’t mean that’s the market it’s targeting. Also, I do believe the z6iii will have better ergonomics and more functionality ,especially for video, that would warrant it being compared to a Sony a7iv or Canon R6ii. The zf in comparison is a fun, stylistic camera, to repeat, that just so happens to have pro features.
He shouldn’t have been comparing the ZF to Fujifilm. Fuji doesn’t have a full frame mirrorless. The GFX is medium format, and the X cameras are crop sensor. Completely different markets.
The Zf also has all the autofocus capabilities of the Z8 and Z9, which are extremely useful in event photography. The full frame sensor outpunches APS-C in low light. (The PASM control is useful but seems to be greatly annoying to you; sorry.) Good overview; cheers.
I think it's important to remember that Nikon had both fully manual exposure triangle controls (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) AND a PSAM dial back in 1988 on the F4. So this setup actually goes way back for them to the 35mm era. It takes a bit of retraining from Fujifilm's way of doing it, but once you get used to it, it works quite logically.
Right…. This camera is so Nikon, it’s weird that people are complaining about the PSAM dial or even ISO operation. Both of those are implemented in the Nikon way. The Nikon FA for example was probably one of the very first Nikon bodies to offer program, aperture priority, and shutter priority on the same body in 1983 and had a very similar PASM dial. I wonder if the complaints are from Fuji users who are wish Nikon would have made a Fuji clone rather than draw inspiration from their own classic film bodies?
@@thisisbenji90 Stubborn conformance to poor ergonomics for the sake of heritage is nothing to be proud of. The camera is simply a tool. A tool that is intuitive to use should be the primary goal of good design rather than forcing users into arbitrary design mistakes that were made ages ago.
Leica camera is heavy, hefty, robust but doesn't have grip at all. Yet I don't see people complaining about it. I think the reason is because you have to use two hands to use the rangefinder focusing. In autofocus camera however, people tend to only use one hand to operate it so it's a matter of habit, in my opinion. I bet when you do manual focusing with the ZF you will find the lack of grip less of a bother. Overall I think optional grip is better choice in a camera like this. One more thing, what if you adapt E mount lenses that have aperture ring to Nikon ZF? Z mount is the most versatile mount there is and there's smart E to Z adapter and I'm curious about the performance.
I agree, that's a good point, people love to complain, yet Leicas and older cameras didn't have a grip yet people used them, lol... I mean, people wanted retro, and that's what they got plus a lot more stuff, can it be better, yes, but, unfortunately sometimes these people that design these things don't take enough feedback OR they do this on purpose so that you buy the enxt one lol
Andrew...geez man! I thought I had cured my gear acquisition syndrome. I've watched every review on the camera and have resisted buying it. You're at the top of my trust list when it comes to RU-vid and I now can blame you when I buy this! lol! This camera excites me....yeah yeah I know people say cameras are just tools but I'm in the group of photographers who enjoys using cameras. However, I was hoping you were going to cover the manual focus eye detect and focus confirmation feature. That intrigues me! I could see myself using the Voigtlander Z mount 40 1.2 with this as a nice street setup.
Haha. I've been protected from the gear acquisition syndrome myself for the last couple years. This has definitely been a relapse. ;) I need to spend more time with the focusing system. I just haven't photographed humans all that much with it yet. Certainly more to come in that regard.
Hi, thanks for your review. I bought it and love it, the small grip with the 40mm is not an issue. On the other hand, I do not understand why WE have to go through the menu when we use auto ISO and want to choose the ISO. The C position should be Auto and when we leave it we get the ISO control.
This is exactly the camera I wanted and so far I’m very glad using it. The small rig grip helps a lot for the ergonomics but it makes the camera a bit more heavy but light enough so I can have it around my neck.
I think the PSAM dial is a good move; kind of gives you both options. And, while I must admit I yet havent used the Nikon ZF personally, I reckon it will be a lot faster for a lot of people than the fuji way.
I’m happy that they didn’t include a bulky grip on the ZF, I’d actually prefer it if they eliminated the grip completely, but I’m still happy with the current small grip. I personally think that If you want to replicate a retro dna then replicate it properly, there are plenty of non-retro models with grips that have the same features and specs as the ZF, for those that want a grip and a modern posture where you hold the grip and the bottom of a heavy lens to compose a shot, those can always go to the modern ones like the z6 or z7 etc but for those that want retro experience, to compose a shot while holding the body and having a small lens that you don’t need to support, have no other option to go to from the current lines, but thankfully they did this one right, I personally think that having a grip on a retro body just wouldn’t feel or look right, would make it look like a centaur. The way it is now feels similar to Leica M and hasselblad 500cm/907x in a way. Honestly if they had a bigger grip on it, it would’ve cancelled the deal for me and I wouldn’t have bought it
Nikon has been more kaizen than Fuji as of late so I would be hopeful that firmware could fix some concerns. I was just in the process of switching back to Fuji from Nikon but now I think I might keep my voit 40mm and use this for full manual work. I still want APSC for travel. The lens size for anything over 200mm is really a pain for international travel. The other benefit would be night shots. So glad they left this at 24mp. It will be a great low light option. Now if voit would kindly make a small 28mm FX z mount lens I would be all set.
I'm fortunate to have both the Nikon Zf and a Fuji X-T5. From a user experience point of view, the Fuji is still miles ahead in regards to dials. The ISO dial on the Zf is very poorly implemented, which is unfortunate since this camera has a lot of potential. Once you start using the mode switch from Nikon, you actually realise how that doesn't feel natural on a vintage design camera 😕 My impression is that Nikon released this camera without polishing their system for that. I hope they can at least fix the ISO issue on future updates, since a huge part of the community got very confused with that implementation.
Agree with you on the Zf convoluted auto ISO implementation. Hope Nikon improves the ISO implementation for auto ISO via firmware. But on the PASM, it's great for action.
@@josephinevera9966 For daylight, both perform fantastic image quality wise, so it all comes down to how you like to use it. Lately I’ve been using the XT5 a lot more because I can keep my ISO down and it feels better in my hands, lightweight, compact, the film simulations are just fantastic and I don’t need to spend hours behind a computer editing pictures. For interior or any low light photography that I need com crank up my ISO, the ZF will perform much better and the image quality is far superior, especially if coupled with a decent prime or the 24-70 f2.8. However, you have to take in consideration that it’s a full frame sensor, so naturally the noise will be much lower. Generally speaking, I don’t think it’s about image quality anymore, they will both produce sharp images as all other brands. It’s about the experience of using the camera on different situations.
Thank you Andrew. I don't think the camera needs an inbuilt grip. The option to get the SmallRig grip or the one from Nikon will do. I think an inbuilt (non-removable) grip will make it too bulky.
I don't fully agree, it doesn't need a full grip, it needs a better designed one of the same size, similar to the Fuji X-T series, they don't have substantial grips by any means, but they're much more ergonomic by default without making the camera bulkier
This looks perfect. I rarely use digital (occasionally pick up my wifes 5dII) but enjoy auto ISO. The PASM dial is no problem for me as i shoot Nikon FM3a, Mamiya7 and Hasselblad 500CM. If there was ever a full frame digital camera made for me, then this is it. The only gripe I have is the fully articulated screen. For me, this particular camera should have just had the pull out type. Mode dial is fine.
How you said it’s gonna be the perfect companion for the X100V.. I just got mine in the mail yesterday. Now I’m just waiting for ZF to ship out with the 40mm. Literally the best camera combo you could ever have. Two amazing systems.
longtime Leica M / Fuji G/X shooter here. I had the Df back in the day and always loved it despite its flaws and low resolution. a few weeks with the Zf now, and I basically haven't touched my other cameras: the Zf is a wonderful jack-of-all trades, and I'm actually really loving the small-ish 24mp files. they print surprisingly well, but are easy on the hard drives. pair it with one of the Voigtländer Z primes and it's just a gem - it feels almost as substantial, weighty and tactile as an M. obviously not autofocus, but the focus confirmation square works great with the chipped lenses. and they have beautiful aperture rings! well done review and nice sample images, as always!
This is what im hoping for if i make the switch to a Zf, i currently use leica M and also own a Df and a D4 as my digital cameras. And im currently thinking about selling the M240 to finance the Zf. I realize in some ways it will be a different experience from the M and wont replace it in some regards. But i feel the fun of adapting lenses, both new and old will give me a lot, as well as a fun day to day documenting camera. I also shoot analog, so the slower analog experience i will get from that too. I hope my thoughts about how it wil fit into my kit now is going to be the right choice , but future will tell. The only thing i am not too keen on is the Z adaptor for my F lenses, just wish they also had more native lenses with apurture ring. Other than that it seems fantastic :)
@@MikeLikesChannel sure, but resolution isn't the be-all for a good photograph. a constant need for mega cropping is generally a sign of poorly composure and a tool being used incorrectly - not something to be constantly relied on: for instance, the Leica Q3 is a brilliant 28mm camera, but as a faux 50mm it isn't fooling anyone. most pros were shooting with, at most, 30-ish MP bodies until the mid 2010s, and good photographers were still making great images with those bodies! It looks like you love that wonderful old first-gen X100 (I agree!), and am still so pleased when I see work that greats like Fred Herzog made with some of those early-generation X-bodies, or images that more contemporary artists like Matt Black have made with the even smaller-sensor, lower-res Panasonic bodies. the Zf is no X2D, but it's a wonderful tool for such a wide range of photography at such a nice price that I find it hard to complain about! :) as far as the Zf specifically, there are a few specific reasons I dig its comparatively lo-res architecture. 1. the malleability and dynamic range of these 24mp files is clearly superior to the latest-gen 40mp APS-C files, and absolutely obliterates the last-gen 26mp files - where the Fuji files are a bit crunchy and brittle, the Nikon's are supple and dynamic. 2. they even compare favorably against higher-res full-frame bodies: I did a whole bunch of side-by-side shots and prints from the Zf and my Leica M10-R + an A7RIV I had in my studio, and not even considering the price differentials, the Zf files look pretty damn great at normal magnifications - sometimes second to the Leica, but more often than not my favorite of the 3. rich tonality, lovely colors. 3. the smaller file size makes them easy to digest and work with. I certainly wouldn't say no to a 40MP+ Zf! (I'd bet good money it'll come in a couple of years, too.) but these relatively lightweight files are a breath of fresh air considering their general wonderfulness + the handsome, tactile experience of the body. I think of it the same way I'd think of rationalizing a car purchase: if I can get good performance and better gas mileage out of an efficient 4-cyl, there's a pretty good argument about picking that over a more powerful 6-cyl. on the margins, the 6 might be torquier and a little silkier, but in the long run, I'm spending a lot less for 95% of the goodness - and in most situations, you either don't notice or don't actually need the extra power. some people might need that 6, but more often than not, not so much. the Zf is no resolution-king GFX or speed demon Z8, but for my money, it's just a total banger and great at what it does.
Nice review, we appreciate you giving your thoughts on this! While the dials were a little odd to me at first, there are a few things I really like: 1. Can change to auto or shutter priority quickly if the case arises. Compared to checking if all dials are in the correct setting as needed. 2. If auto ISO is enabled then the ISO dial can control the max ISO setting (if it's higher than the electronic max setting). Since I'm most often utilizing auto ISO anyways, I could now use the ISO dial to quickly change the max ISO as conditions change. On my Fuji cameras I usually only use the dial to go between the base and auto, then swap between the 3 auto iso settings to change max.
Wow, I didn't know you could use the dial to change max ISO in auto ISO mode! I wanted this for so long, I didn't realise it was possible on this camera.
Hey Andrew, guess what I’ve got sat on my desk! Albeit in stone grey because I’m shallow and it’s pretty. For manual photography it works so well with the voigtlander 40mm f1.2 on the front.
Also, for better or for worse, check out the 1983 35mm Nikon FA. Boom, there’s your PSAM heritage… I would have preferred Fuji’s implementation too though.
I'm salivating. Zf is such a beauty. I just LOVE old school designs where you can physically turn knobs. Full frame retro + finally good autofocus (as reviewers say). Flip screen. I don't like too small cameras and Zf is in perfect size, isn't too intimidating when using in street photography but isn't also some small toy. Nikon will sell these like hot cakes, I'm sure. They have also many color options, I will buy something that isn't black.
Yeah I agree. XT5 is full manual and more straight forward in use. I really want this camera but have picked it up in store twice and not really meshed with the feel. Haven’t been compelled to rush and buy it. I can get it for a reasonable price and think it’s pretty good value. There is some awesome lens’s for it and being able to adapt to any manual lens is great though. I could see myself with a grip and a manual prime 35 or 40 or 50 colander etc and enjoying it. Plus can adapt some of my old F lens’s for fun. Just ergonomics feel weird. I looked at an XH-2S and love it. I’ll keep using my XT-4 and wait for future xh-3s I think.
APS-C doesnt bother me on Fuji as much as the Xtrans color science. Both together is a little bit painful and it's interesting to see that GFX suffers from neither of those things.
Excellent video (as usual.) It looks like a great camera (the APS-C version as well.) IF Nikon had offered this in 2014, I'd still be a Nikonian and NPS member. Clearly it wants to be a digital FM2. (and I LOVED my FM2n bodies more even than my later F100 and DSLRs!) As it is, in spite all of their ads now making it seem like they've just INVENTED the "Mirrorless in a Vintage Film Style Body" concept, I'm well happy with the Fuji system that has been offering me exactly what I want since 2014 when I sold all of my Nikons. The ONLY thing I miss about Nikon is their CLS flashes. For the few times I NEED flash though now, Godox has my back. So as lovely as this is and as happy as I am for folks who still have a full stable of Nikkor glass, I won't be jumping ship back to the the N side. Too little...a decade late.
I agree with you on the seeming lunacy of the PASM switch along with the dials. Makes me wonder if Nikon Engineers were obliged to use an underlying software-menu program that simply couldn’t be revised enough for such a complete design departure.
The optional smallrig grip was announced together with the camera. Why do reviewers keep ignoring it and slashing the camera for the lack of a grip? It's idiotic especially since the camera was designed to imitate the fm series
wait! you switched from the fuji system to Canon yet you value the aesthetic of the retro camera and value a flip screen, was the XT5 not floating your boat nor the Xh2s with its flippy screen? one thing NIKON have missed by a long way is having retro lens designs along the lines opf the 40mm se but with a higher quality feel and a broader range of focal lengths as thats one thing fuji has got spot on, it may not have the AF system they promised but as a system with depth it is great. The Zf though looks great, can do so much but as a photo 1st retro piece that flippy screen is pants, thats where the XT5 wins hands down, we dont want to be looking off to the side waist-level shooting, it also widens the size of the view for discreet shooting in that situation, a tilt touch screen would of been much better and more along the lines of a top-down viewfinder. I have ordered one though as Nikon UK have a 30 day trial, if don't like can return so might as well give it a wurl.
This has become a very tempting camera as I too want to adapt older lenses and have the full frame sensor size most will benefit from. Those early model gotchas you go over probably can be ignored and lived with as I;ll likely put the mode switch to M and not touch it again. Very compelling camera with the processor of Z8/9 along with the wonderful 24mpix sensor.
Nice review, Andrew. I’m keeping my Fujis - I’m enjoying both the X-S20 and the X-T5. I do agree the autofocus on Fuji is not quite as good. The Zf is nice looking though! Cool hat!
Great summary. There is no C1/C2/C3, etc. setting switch, but at least when you switch from photo to video, many functions can be completely independent. The plot twist is many of the menu options in the Video tab are on the default of "Same as photo mode" and if switched, then they break and be come independent. This way you can keep the settings tied together or you can break them apart in whatever way you would like.
I sure miss C1/C2/C3 of the OM, or U1/U2 ... of the Z6/Z7 .. which results in missed opportunities. Great camera for those that like form... Great around the neck.
Summed up my own thoughts pretty well, a good first effort but needs refinement on both the camera and lens front, don't see it replacing my x-pro 3 just yet! A set of nikons own "fujicrons" would go a long way to completing the package.
I currently have a Z6II for photography and the lack of fully articulated screen bothers me. I like the lack of grip on the Zf because I do night urban photography and want to be able to fit it in a hoodie pocket. As someone who had been shooting Nikon since before digital, this really appealed to me. I did cancel my pre-order only because, as a hobbyist, I couldn't justify getting another camera.
Great summary of Zf reviews floating around in RU-vid, Andrew. I'm getting my Zf today and will be heading to NZ in a couple weeks to play with it. Super excited.
Great review! Regarding the grip, I wish the camera was actually flat with no grip at all. Prior to release Nikon negotiated with Smallrig (based on the grip they made for the Zfc) for them to develop a grip even before the release of the camera - this cost me £30 in the UK. I love it that I have the ability to have the camera with and without a grip - you can't do this with a built in grip. I also wish Nikon would release Z lenses with aperture rings! I don't agree about the Mode setting option - on the Nikon it is a simple rotation of the switch, on the Fujifilm it requires setting three different dials. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but I think Nikon may be good with their solution - Fujifilm is good too - they are just different solutions to the same issue, and I don't see one being better than the other.
Nice review and yes I’m very interested in purchasing one as well. I’m already in the Nikon system so makes complete sense and whilst I still own my X100v it would be nice to have a retro camera that I can also use my Nikon lenses with. I’m also going to look at the new Voigtlander Z lenses which incorporate an aperture ring for that more immersive feel 😍
I am virtually in the same boat, but decided to sell my X100V (and D500) and keep my X-T5, Z7ii and this. But I also have a RX1R-ii and a GRIII, so there was just way too much redundancy and clutter to my workflow. I really see the ZF as a versatile camera, whether I use it for street or travel photography or whether I stick the 180-600mm on it I think it will perform. Cannot wait to get my hands on one!
Great review; thank you Andrew. I bought a Nikon ZF from B&H the day it was announced. I agree that the grip is a problem -- I purchased the Smallrig add-on grip but that doesn't help much, to be honest. I think another 3rd party might be able to create a deeper grip for the camera and it will sell well. Overall the IQ is good using the 35 1.8 S and 28 2.8 Z lenses, and I use the Nikon adapter to mount F mount lenses and M43 lenses as well (try the Jena 35!). The camera needs small lenses to compliment its ergonomics. Sure you could put a 24-70 2.8 or 70-200 2.8 or even the 200-500 on this body, but it will be awkward and ergonomically silly. If you want to shoot your premo lenses that are larger than 40mm, look elsewhere. Finally I own the Sony RX1R camera and have used it for a over decade now, and the IQ from the Sony is a lot better than this camera and the ergonomics are better, too. I hope Sony will develop an RX1R III camera to compete against Nikon ZF and Leica Q2 (I tried the 28mm Leica for awhile but sold it because it felt like a Panasonic camera to me).
I am planning on getting a ZF but it definitely doesn’t replace my Fujifilm XT3 . I will keep my Fujifilm and I will be my main work horse. To many things Nikon left out of ZF however I have a lot of old Nikon AIS lenses for my film camera that will find a home on the Nikon. Really liked your review and I think you clearly covered all the issues with this camera. My Fujifilm isn’t going anywhere. However maybe now Fujifilm will update the manual focus system because it’s absolutely my biggest problem with using manual focus glass.
If someone wants old-style photography, they buy Nikon Zf, and if someone wants modern-style photography, they buy for exaple Nikon Z6. Combining two different things in one camera is a mistake. If something is for everything, it is for nothing. I support the approach to the topic represented of Nikon and Fuji, they understand the expectations of buyers well.
First time viewer, GREAT review. I agree 100% with your wishlist. I understand why Nikon created the small grip (to maintain the vintage look), but I would need a bigger grip (hopefully this can satisfied with a L-plate that incorporates an integral grip). I also agree 100% that the PSAM settings should be replaced with "A" on the shutter speed dial, aperture dial and ISO dial. Lastly, I agree 100% that the 40 mm lens needs an aperture dial. I am currently a Sony user because of their complete set of FANTASTIC f1.4 prime lenses, all with aperture dials. I love the Nikon cameras, but there is no other camera system that has the array of fast autofocus prime lenses that Sony does. Heck, even the new Sony zoom lenses have aperture rings. The feel of the Sony cameras is suboptimal, but the results are by far and away the best, especially when combining a fast prime with the A7R5's autofocus system and a 61 MP sensor. I lust after the Zf and Z8, but I it is all about the lenses, and that is where Sony currently has an insurmountable advantage.
Nice review. My only question is, why would people expect so many things from a camera that is supposed to be retro? lol... This isn't the Z6III, this isn't supposed to be used for a lot of the things people are thinking of using it for, can they? Yes, they can, should they? Maybe not lol... but that's partly Nikon's fault, they should have had a tilting screen instead of a flippy screen, I don't know why I would want to vlog with this...? But anyway, I think it is a great camera, they might fix a few things via firmware.. and hopefully they will release a better one next time. Cheers!
With that logic, why make digital at all? How non-retro is acceptable? There's a continuum and everyone will have their opinion about what is or is not appropriate. This is just my opinion. But I could be wrong. :)
flippy screen give you chance close a screen and feel more retro style shooting and stop checking what you got on photo, enjoy get home and then look all results
I’m experiencing a problem with my Nikon Zf where the image on the LCD screen appears choppy or laggy, almost like it’s displaying at a low frame rate. This happens in manual mode with settings like 1/200 or 1/160, f/2.8, and ISO 1000-1600, both with and without a flash. The final photos come out fine, but the live view on the LCD is not smooth. I’ve checked the firmware, and it’s up to date. Does anyone know how to fix this?
If there was a menu option that could set the "Lockable Blue C & 3rd Step settings on the SS and ISO dial" to become Auto when in M mode (or P mode) on the PASAM dial. . . . This camera would be an instant hit with the complainers and I would already own one.
Nikon need to get a grip! With this camera esp. The addition of the expeed7 dual processor (with improved AF) makes this a great action camera but it's missing the grip needed for action. Of course you can add an aftermarket grip but it would be better with a restyled body keeping the top dial functionality but adding a Z6ii style grip. I wish Fuji also would add an X-T line model with a grip - or an X-H/S model with top-dials, same difference really.
Great information Thanks! This camera is the most compelling reason yet for Nikon to introduce an FTZ adapter with a screw drive for the millions of excellent old D lenses. I just do not understand what is holding Nikon (or some 3rd party) from doing that.
I had one pre-ordered and was excited to get it. But then i had the chance to actually hold and trial use one at a dealer event. Just like you report, i found the lack of grip, more slippery fake leather body covering, and no thumb rest/ridge completely off putting. Even though i too love the feel of the Fuji X-Pro feel in my hands. Also agree about the ‘confusion’ generated by the control logic. Weird. I cancelled my pre order.
I was enticed to look at this camera because of using a Voightlander lens. I can't get past how good those lenses are! That gives you the aperture ring. I am a Fuji shooter, but I want FF, so this is getting a hard look.
I'm sure the Zf is a good camera, but my interests are photo first, not video. So I'll stick with my Fuji X-T5 and Fuji lenses. To me, it's the perfect camera system for my neds, urban settings and travel. A side note, I don't understand their PASM switch. Makes no sense to me.
The PASM makes the Zf an all rounder. I am a birder and I don't have time to turn 2 dials to get from A to S modes or vice versa. You can go slow or you can shoot it fast like a Nikon Z8 (although at a slower fps rate).
I used one today. The grip is really terrible. A zoom on this camera would be very difficult. I tried four lenses: the 28, 40, 35, and 50. The only lenses that look good on it are the 28 and 40. The 35 and the 50 are very big on the camera and make the camera even harder to hold. The camera itself is really beautiful. It's also very well made. I was going to buy one but after spending several hours shooting it, I am less excited about it. If they made more lenses that more like the 28 and 40 I might consider it.
I don't ever use zoom lenses. I have actually never owned one and I'm 63 years old. I also don't like accessorizing the a camera. It was fine with the 28 and 40 as far as holding the camera. I felt like the camera was very front heavy with the 35 and 50. If they made a 50 F2 and 35 F2 similar to those I might be interested. The 40mm was OK, although it's a bit cheaply made. The 28 doesn't justify spending $2,000 on a camera. It's a lens for a $900 camera. I could live with it but it's not a lens I would be excited about getting. It's a good lens for its price range is the best I can say about it. I also thought the 35 and 50 didn't match the camera aesthetically. When you buy a camera like this a lot of the reasons you buy it is because of how it looks. Those lenses don't really match the look of the camera. I don't really need another camera. I have both GR's, an X-T5, an X100V, and a Q2. I mostly use the Fuji cameras. However this one was tempting because I used Nikon cameras when I shot 35mm film for decades. It's a beautiful camera but the lenses don't work for me. However, if they made some lenses that look like the 28 and 40 that had metal lens mounts and filter rings and were optically a bit better, I might be interested. In the end a camera is only as good as the lens on it.@@BoiseTDI
Heyyy I think they left the Mode button in order to be able to switch the modes only by changing one thing instead of changing aperture and shutter speed both... but I understand you and I also like the Fuji Style - but maybe you can get used to it ;)
I think his point is you shoot this camera like an old style film camera with the weight balanced in your left hand (cradle style) and use the right hand to adjust the controls while you are shooting. That’s the way us film shooters handle a camera without a big ugly grip.
@@Johnny-Aloha True, but it doesn't have to be big and ugly, per the X-Pro 3. Just a couple of friction points so it doesn't slip around so easy. It's not the end of the world though. Just being nitpicky
To me this is a camera for the "photography" purist, and the custom setting features in other cameras wouldn't work with this physical design. I do agree with you on the Auto settings and why they didn't do what Fuji did with their "A" settings on the dials. Being a shooter of the Nikon FE for my first fifteen years of photography, this is a camera I would like to have someday.... oh and Thank You Andrew for referring this design as a modern Nikon "FE" rather than it harking back to the FM2 that everyone else keeps saying, that always bugs me. The Zfc looks more like the FM body but the Zf is definitely paying homage to the FE/FE2. Great review.
At the end of the day, all settings are just digital anyway, so whether it's a tactile knob that sets them or a spinny dial, it doesn't matter. I agree that this is all about the purity of the shooting experience, but if a camera CAN give you the ability to override named dials, it SHOULD, for those edge cases where you need it. For hybrid shooters, it's just vital for when we have to change shooting modes fast and not have to change three dials just to move from stills to video. This is professional use, not just a nice to have. It's the difference between losing shots when you're a one-man video and photo crew, which I often am. For those who shoot just stills, I totally agree with you. And I appreciate your other comments as well and for watching. Cheers!
I was a diehard Auto-on-the-dials user, but I got used to the PASM switch in about a week, and it's second nature for me now. Think of it like the P-R-N-D-3/2/1 settings on an automatic transmission shifter: to move your vehicle forward, you only have to put the shifter to "D" and your feet are already on the pedals and hands are on the wheel ready to go. You don't want to always have to center the steering wheel and put the AC on auto to be able to put the car into Drive :) It took more effort to understand Nikon's strange thought process around Auto ISO than it did to get on board with PASM.
I've been using mine for almost a week now. I have to comment on some of the talking points - as I do not think most reviews truthfully reflect some of the facts. 2:05 The build is not robust. The bottom plate is plastic. The back around the D-pad is plastic and feels hollow and cheap. The control dials are plastic and feel cheap and stiff. The viewfinder bump is plastic, when you knock your finger on the Nikon logo, it feels hollow and cheap. The mechanic shutter slap vibrates hard throughout the entire body, it's not dampened at all and quite loud. The threaded shutter button is cosmetic only, it will not accept a threaded cable release. The Z f also does not accept a regular cable release (only the ML-L7 Bluetooth remote). The included SE lenses are fully plastic, not even the lens mount is metal. The build quality is really lackluster and you can tell Nikon cut a lot of corners to keep their cost down and their profit margin up. Comparing other retro cameras, the much cheaper 2016 Olympus Pen F had a MUCH higher build quality. Overall, the build quality is the most disappointing aspect about this camera. It doesn't feel and look the part on closer inspection. I would advise anyone to closely inspect a copy of the camera BEFORE buying it. Had I known how lackluster the build quality is, I would have not bought it. Other issues I am not fond off: The sensor readout speed is abysmal, the default setting of electronic first curtain shutter easily renders banding in artificial light. Set it to fully mechanical shutter mode. The optional Smallrig grip is utterly required, even with the feather-weight plastic SE lenses the camera is really difficult to hold comfortably. Since the entire bottom plate is plastic, the Smallrig grip adds additional protection. I am still waiting for mine to arrive. Other comments: 16:17 That is a non-issue. You can customize a button for that. Since I don't change white-balance settings all the time, I re-configured the button underneath the lens mount to browse through the auto-focus modes with the control wheels while holding it down. Overall, it's a nice camera. It's just too expensive for what it is and the build quality does not live up to its expectations. Nikon should have gone all in with a better build with more metal and less plastic or better feeling plastic and raised the price by a bit to compensate. A wasted opportunity.
I appreciate your perspective. As to the build being robust or not, keep in mind me and other reviewers are comparing it to the Zfc, where it's 100x better. But you make a good point.
@@webersteve1547From Nikon: "The magnesium-alloy body has an elegant glossy finish for a more authentic look and feel, and the dials, shutter-release button, and power switch are made of brass for a high-quality feel. "
@@webersteve1547 Only the large ISO and shutter speed dials as well as the exposure compensation dial is brass. The control wheels are plastic. The hinge of the display is plastic. The bottom plate is plastic. The viewfinder bump is plastic. The rear is plastic. Overall, in my opinion the plastic dominates the camera feel. That's the very disappointing bit.
I wish they would have made vintage inspired lenses from the old film slr era similar to the nikkor 28 f2.8 or 50 f1.8. Metal build quality to match the aesthetic and usability. It’s like Nikon went 50% of the way creating this camera but then completely disregarded the glass that would complete the user experience with the camera. Go-to-market could have been such a better experience. I mean come on. So many years of Fuji and Leica market research that Nikon could have done to get this release right!!
Sony incorporates an aperture ring in all of their top tier primes and some of their zooms. I don't understand why Nikon would release a "special edition" of a 40mm f/2 lens and not include an aperature ring. To me, the retro stuff is mostly cosmetic. And, if you are going to use anything heavier than an f/1.8 or f/2 prime, you will need a grip, because that grip looks so insubstantial to the point of being useless. I like the quality of the raw files (i looked at the samples from dpreview), especially at ISOs above 2000. The noise is really unobstrusive and well controlled in the shadows. My Sony a7IV is also very good in low light, but zoomed at 100% the larger pixels of the Nikon show their worth. I still think that 24 megapixels is the sweet spot street/journalistic/candid/event photography.
Thank you Andrew! I watched this before and after my purchase. I succumbed and purchased a demo copy of the Zf. I loved the X-T5 but did not love dealing with 40 megapixels, which I never need since my work is shared via the internet, so I returned it and will wait for the next Fuji that appeals to my style of shooting. For now, my XH2s, X-T30 ii and X-e2 (dedicated to manual lenses) fills most of my needs. I just missed Nikon after selling my D750 and yearned for that full frame look. No kids, disposable income...what can I say?
Thanks for the video and your input Andrew. I’ve been watching all the Zf reviews and have been swayed back and fourth on whether to get it or not. Coming from an X-Pro2, I love the vintage look and feel of the Fuji so this has really intrigued me. But the lack of that aperture ring on the lenses is a real letdown. I will probably wait and see if Sigma will release their Contemporary primes for the Z mount. If they do, I’ll be grabbing the Zf. Non of the other negatives you mentioned bother me. I see this as an alternative to the Leica Q2 but without being stuck with a 28mm field of view. And for half the price.
mode dials are pretty old in nikon cameras (nikon F4? around that period to say something), and how come is easier to go on putting each thing automatic than setting just one dial? if the idea is to have a retro experience this design look like a very specific experience, in the other hand i agree that not having the aperture ring in the lens kills most of the filmicky experience any ways, at this point it makes more sense to me to stick to my nikon fm, or my f2 or my Original nikon f and have an authentic analog experience and as for digital... a digital camera that is not pretending to be what is not
They killed the camera with that flip screen. They made it look like a photographic camera and then they place a video flip screen instead a tilt screen in the back for photographers. Ridiculous concept. :\
High price ? are you joking ? the fuji pro 3 is an APC camera and cost the same in europa !! how much do you want to pay for a full frame camera ? don't really understand what this dude is talking about! I think this is the best value full frame camera on the market ! build quality , autofocus and lenses quality .. bit confused by this review ..
Coming from a D5100 and then a D850, I do not care much about the filippy screen. It's nice to have, but it's not the deciding factor for me on purchasing Zf. For me, it's processor, mirrorless continuous AF, price, style I would have bought a used or refurbished Z7II if Zf had've had Expeed 7 for about the same amount of money or less. I was in the market for a mirrorless, not DSLR since D850 is still one of the best DSLRs. I want a mirrorless for the AF system for videos. I probably would not have bought Zf for more than $2200 MSRP. Style is the last reason I bought this.
I hope there will be a real, true and functional rangefinder OVF FF with EVF hybrid camera that come with Sony A7RV 4 ways screen and the design isn't retro but forward modern and futuristic looking yet tactile and fun! If Sony want to go into the retro train, I hope this is what they do instead sell it for the nostalgia! Zeiss ZX1 has the classic dials and ring but isn't retro design which is nice! By the way if I want to shoot with all these manual tilt shift lens,, should I get them with Sony A7RV with the practical 4 ways screen or Nikon ZF for the classic dial experiences? I shoot video with Panasonic HC-X1500 camcorder mainly but when I want low light or specialised video scenes, I do want to shoot with the camera?
Nice review! Yes, it is a bit overpriced. I will wait for a while and then buy it. All the cameras I bought in recent years at launch had some issues, so this time I will wait.
Nikon missed the mark... for the second time (Df was the 1st). At least for me. Mind you, i've used Nikon for a long time. Switched to Canon EOS due to financial reasons in the mid 90's (new Nikon equipment back than was expensive AF). And over the years I've learned to hate Canon with passion. And I've hated Sony already over non-photography issues. So... die hard Fuji fan now, sorry...
This is my dream camera except for the grip. For context sake, I don’t shoot videos. I shoot weddings /events and portraits only. Lowlight performance is excellent. Pair this body with 20mm 1.8, 50mm 1.8 & 135mm 1.8 Z lenses. OMG, shooting is going to be fun, except for the rope around my neck because of the grip.
Yeh, after the last few years on Sony & then a Z6 & Z7, I can definitely say I prefer the physical knobs of my FA & FM2. And I’m finding I shoot more video than stills (or rather, people actually watch my videos more than they want to look at my stills), so the ability to shoot this high quality video with AF & tracking AND my fast Z prime S lenses, oh yes please. 24mpx was actually fine for stills before I had the z7 so I guess I’m the target audience for this one. Pixel-Shift for archival slide & neg transfers. Plus, ORANGE GRIPS! Nice review, good level o detail.
While the ZF has a lot of great new features it is not the perfect camera for my needs. The ZF is a very good choice for RU-vidr content creators though as you mention! I am still waiting for the Z6iii. I also would still prefer the Z6ii (mark2) to the ZF. Why? Pros and Cons of ZF as follows ... PROS of ZF = fully articulating screen for RU-vidrs and self-vloggers, Expeed 7 which Nikon claims as faster than dual Expeed 6 of z6ii. ZF has superior AF focusing system to lock on subjects similar to Z8. The workaround for a z6ii missing a fully rotating screen, can be to add a small 5 inch monitor on top and front rotate (however this makes it less convenient). Not an issue if a person does not do much video or self-vlogging. Nikon says a lot of people like the tilt up screen as videographers. CONS of ZF = (where Nikon ZF needs more improvement): too tiny a grip, however you can get a third-party grip add on, ... and all those dials on top, they don't really appeal to me as a pro portrait shooter, I just need A and S dials which are there (and can be activated instead of using top dials there is an override setting marked in green on dials). I miss the top LCD of the Z6ii, which is convenient to see settings. Big con = is the micro SD and one SD slot, I would prefer the card slots of Z6ii. (the biggest reason this might not appeal to some shooters who do a lot of video). There is no U1, U2, U3 custom settings to make it easier to switch from flash strobe photo to ambient or LED video. The other Z6, Z7, Z5 cameras have this. However, this camera is not for me. I have a Z5 and will sell it and upgrade soon, and I would choose the Z6ii over the ZF, as a portrait and product shooter, due to the advantages in the z6ii, that they left out of the ZF. However, if the Z6iii is announced early next year can I wait? They will put the best features of ZF or Z8 (of better AF focusing and maybe rotating screen) into a Z6iii (mark 3) and also keep Z6ii's better features in button layout and top LCD.
I think it’s sad that we have to think about being safe on the streets with our cameras. Some guy got robbed / shot in the face here locally for his camera 😞 sad / awful times
