Nikon Zf: Nikon’s full frame retro camera
Sep 20, 2023
Udi Tirosh
Udi Tirosh is an entrepreneur, photography inventor, journalist, educator, and writer based in Israel. With over 25 years of experience in the photo-video industry, Udi has built and sold several photography-related brands. Udi has a double degree in mass media communications and computer science.
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Nikon just announced the Nikon Zf, a full-frame retro camera. This is not a surprise considering that the crop-sensor Nikon Zfc has been here for a while. At first glance, this is an impressive camera, even if you throw away the stylish look. (And it is stylish!): 24.5MP, full-frame, BSI CMOS Sensor; Fast AF; 4K/60p 10bit video; and, yes, six optional colors.
24.5 MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor
According to Nikon the 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor is a pretty good all-rounder, and has good low-light performance (ISO 100-64000), impressive readout speeds (14 fps mechanical, 30 fps electronic), and high dynamic range. Additionally, the Zf features pixel shift tech that combines multiple exposures to create a single 96MP file.
EXPEED 7 Image Processor
I know that you are going to compare this camera to the Nikon Z 6II, so here is one big difference: the Z6II has dual EXPEED 6 image processor chips, and the Zf has a single EXPEED 7 processor.
According to Nikon, this processor is “X10 faster than previous generations”, so hopefully, it is X5 faster than a dual EXPEED 6 configuration. It is, however, the same processing engine used in Nikon Z9 and Nikon Z8, so you should. Ultimately, that would mean faster AF, faster processing, and faster FPS rates.
Improved AF
This seems to be the case with every new release from every manufacturer, and this is how it should be. This time, Nikon boasts of using deep learning technology for object recognition (Basically, this is A.I. without staying A.I.). Along with this enhancement, the Nikon Zf also has 3D Tracking, which “locks onto fast, erratically-moving subjects that move parallel and perpendicular to the camera”.
Of course, you get all the standard features you would expect from a $1,996.95 in 2023:
- Locking focus on common subjects: people, cats, dogs, birds, bicycles, motorbikes, cars, aircraft and trains
- Eye detection AF: The Z f automatically locks onto the eyes of people, pets, and birds, even when they’re extremely small in the frame. For the first time, the feature is also available for manual focus lenses, automatically magnifying the area around the eyes so you can quickly confirm sharp focus.
- High Continous FPS count: 14 fps continuous shooting with the Nikon Zf mechanical shutter. Or 30 fps using the electronic shutter.
Interstingly, the Mechanical shutter has been tested to 200,000 cycles.
Low light performance
In terms of ISO, the Nikon Zf features ISO 100-64,000 for stills with low noise across the entire range. ISO 100-51,200 for video. No word on native ISO for log yet.
According to Nikon, you can get good auto focus down to 10EV, which is pretty dark.
Nikon Zf other features
- 8.0 stops of 5-axis VR image stabilization
- Dedicated Black & White Mode
- In-camera Skin Softening (YIYKES)
- Pixel Shift for 96MP images (requires Nikon’s NX Studio).
- Fully Articulating Touchscreen
World’s first focus-point stabilization
The Z f applies stabilization to the area around the active focus point, wherever it is in the frame, providing precise correction right where you need it.
Nikon Df video features
The new Nikon DF shoots up to 4K/60p, 1080p/120, and the 4K is downsampled from the full sensor 6K resolution. I am very interested to see how this performs.
It also supports Internal 10-bit H.265 in SDR/N-Log/HLG.
And lastly, it supports a wide array of “pro monitor” features to help you shoot.
Retro style
If you are familiar with the Zf line, you know what to expect here. The camera looks like the old cameras from the ’80s and ’70s, with a black finish and leather-like highlights.
There are knobs and buttons to access many of the camera settings without the need actually to go into a menu. This includes a dedicated switch for toggling between color and black-and-white capture.
Nikon Zf vs Nikon Z6II vs Nikon Zfc
If you are considering the Nikon Zf, here is a chart that can help. It shows the Nion Zf in the middle. On either side, you get the Nikon Z6II if you prefer a non-retro camera, and the Nion Zfc if you prefer crop factor. I am only including the important differences.
| camera | Nikon Z fc | Nikon Zf | Nikon Z6 II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 959 | 1999 | 1995 |
| Sensor resolution | 5568 x 3712 | 6048 x 4032 | 6048 x 4024 |
| Effective pixels | 21 megapixels | 25 megapixels | 25 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 22 megapixels | 25 megapixels | 25 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) | Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) | Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
| Processor | Expeed 6 | Expeed 7 | Dual Expeed 6 |
| ISO | Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 100-204800) | 100-64,000 for stills, 100-51,200 for video | Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800) |
| Image stabilization | No | Sensor-shift | Sensor-shift |
| Crop sensor | x1.5 | X1 | X1 |
| Articulated LCD | Fully articulated | Fully articulated | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ | 3.2″ | 3.2″ |
| Continuous drive | 14 FPS | 14 FPS mechanical, 30 FPS electronic | 14 FPS |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.265 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p | 3840 x 2160 @ 60p | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 445 g | 710 g | 705 g |
| Size | 135 x 94 x 44 mm | 144 x 103 x 49 mm | 134 x 101 x 70 mm |
Reviews
Some people already have this camera in their hands for a while, and hurrah for us, already shared a review:
Gerald Undone on the Nikon Zf
Chris and Jordan
Udi Tirosh
Udi Tirosh is an entrepreneur, photography inventor, journalist, educator, and writer based in Israel. With over 25 years of experience in the photo-video industry, Udi has built and sold several photography-related brands. Udi has a double degree in mass media communications and computer science.
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47 responses to “Nikon Zf: Nikon’s full frame retro camera”
Thanks but I’ll hold onto my Zfc for now. It’s my casual shooter and Purse Cam because of the fully articulated screen. For a full frame that I might more likely use for real work, I prefer the design and grip of traditional DSLR styling like my Z5 and Z8. I know that there are people chomping at the bit for this full frame model. Good for Nikon though on coming out with this cam.
I get one, I love dials and find menu extremely difficult to navigate. I am old.
I love the look and dial, but not the specs. You are 2 years late Nikon
Gmom Nelms
Fuji X camera owners gasps (insert sarcasm here)
Tuazon Rei More like yawn.
Tuazon Rei no aperture ring, no ty.
Tuazon Rei I have Fujifilm X, but well done to Nikon! If I was considering full frame, I would seriously consider the Zf. Only drawback is lack of aperture ring, but otherwise a very attractive buy.
Tuazon Rei There’s room for many camera manufacturers. If another team does things well, it is good for competition. Let’s embrace progress and the recognition that there is a market for retro cameras.
Tuazon Rei Nikon owners who owned a FM camera back in the seventies gasps over Fuji (insert sarcasm here)
André Østbye Marhaug *FE
Alexis Basson I’m not a fan of the micro SD card either, but the camera overall looks great with some good features
I’m pretty happy with my film Nikon FM3a
The 35mm that Fujifilm should have made.
Can Ais lens fit on it?
Bowles Chan with ftz afapter
Is it made by Nikon or Third party?
Media: https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.1997-6/83640226_953860661742958_8297483048391664602_n.png?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=ac3552&_nc_ohc=pP3ZzTuS8RcAX9OtBo5&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&edm=AOerShkEAAAA&oh=00_AfCOo6khuTe5Zl59C6LGqS-5OcSHvDpFXsw6kgC7wnL9jQ&oe=6511E7F7
FTZ is not necessary. A cheap dumb adapter will do.
Bowles Chan who do you think?!
Sean VM true, unless you need optimized AF-S operation.
PhotosBy ArtSilva – Well, yeah… but that’s not what the OP asked and is a completely different context.
I have an X-T2, it provides the tactility I need. This looks less appealing than the Df.
Matt Byrne Why? 🤔
Johannes Granseth the Df just had a better looking body, maybe because the mirror box allowed it to elaborate on the old SLR look better.
Would have to have f mount, to open up the full manual experience
Chris Jones Just use the FTZ adapter 😊
Just use a dumb adapter if you want the manual experience, but digital is still digital.
Sean VM The sensor is digital, but it is still possible to focus manually, rotate an aperture ring and set iso and shutter speeds therefore taking the image in a fully analog method…..considering the back catalogue of exceptional glass that was produced using the f mount, maybe a df2 should be a consideration. After all wasn’t this model meant to mimic the fm2?
Nice retro LCD screen and nice native lenses with aperture ring.
fujifil x100v mk2 would be great but they need to buy bulk full frame sensor or stacked current sensor q1 2024
Philip Anthony Fuji will never make fullframe cameras
Robert Gonzales I don’t think they need to. Their medium format cameras are quite small, and look very interesting for people that need high mp and high detail images
fujifilm x100v mk2 would be great but they need to buy bulk full frame sensor or stacked current sensor q1 2024
The problem is glass.
Sean VM I am sure their engineers could design one. I’d assume they would use a stacked sensor. only time will tell. I am sure fuji can invest in R and D they have had a fantastic last couple of yeas. I am highly invested in fuji and viltrox glass for x mount but i have started using an old em1 mkii and I am really impressed.
It looks ugly.
Counterpoint: I think it’s gorgeous.
e Fuji continua a fare scuola
Looks about as ergonomic as a brick.
Jeff Laitila have you ever used a film camera?
Lisbon’s Carlos André Viana yes. Both 35mm and medium format.
Jeff Laitila so, this ‘brick” is going to sell like hot bread
Lisbon’s Carlos André Viana not saying it won’t. There are a lot of hipsters out there.
Actually in my opinion PASM was a mistake. I don’t need vintage look but I like these controls. But it won’t be a deciding factor
Wie Fuji :-)
Too late….. a need more retro lenses.
Finally, the mirrorless version of my Nikon FE I have been wishing for for twelve years or so