Today, we’re diving into the Nikon Zf, a full-frame camera that’s turning heads with its retro vibe. But before you hit that buy button, let’s break down the details.
Nikon Zf Body
Kicking off with the body, the Nikon Zf pays homage to the classic Nikon FM2. It’s got those cool top dials, a sturdy metal feel, and well-placed buttons that scream vintage. However, there’s a grip issue – it lacks the comfort we’d want. To fix that, you might need an accessory. The PASM switch makes mode switching a breeze, covering everything from photos to movies and even black & white.
Nikon Zf Sensor
Under the hood, you’ve got a 24.5MP sensor, the same one as the Z6ii, and the ExSpeed7 Processor. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasts 3.69 million dots, providing a bright and clear view. The 3.2-inch touchscreen is a nice touch, but it flips instead of articulating – a minor compromise.
ISO Range
ISO ranges from 100 to 64000, and when it comes to speed, it can shoot 11 fps in RAW and 14 fps in JPEG – not the fastest in the game, but respectable.
Autofocus
Autofocus is on the menu, and while it’s not as top-tier as the Z8, it gets the job done. It tracks subjects like planes, animals, cars, birds, and humans quite well, but expect a few misses here and there.
Dual Card Slot
Dual card slots are in, but here’s the catch – a mix of micro and SD cards. This results in slower write and transfer speeds, which might be a letdown for some users.
Nikon Zf Battery life
The Nikon Zf battery life is kind of not that good by today’s standards though, about 380 shots.
Now this is not terrible and not a deal breaker, but with comparable cameras, like for example the Fuji XT5 with is 500+ shots
IBIS
The in-body image stabilization (IBIS) offers an impressive 8 stops, providing stability for your shots. Additionally, the pixel shift feature pushes the envelope, delivering an astonishing 96MP.
Video Capabilities
For the videographers out there, the Nikon Zf doesn’t disappoint. It captures 4K in 10-bit 4:2:2, but there’s a crop at 4K60. If you’re into slow-motion, 1080p at 120fps is on the table. However, be wary of heavy rolling shutter issues.
Conclusion
All these features come with a price tag of $2000, making it a competitive choice in the market.
So, who should consider the Nikon Zf? If you’re infatuated with that retro aesthetic and demand full-frame capabilities, this might be the camera for you. It excels in photography, but the ergonomic grip might be a deal-breaker for serious videographers. The screen’s inconsistencies and the grip quandary might raise questions, but overall, it’s an enjoyable experience. It also feels like Nikon is trying to cannibalize the X100v hype and get some people who want to get the “Fuji style” cameras
