Nikon Zf First Look! | Is it just a full frame Zfc?!
Nikon Singapore contacted me and offered a first look at the unannounced Nikon Zf! Escorted by one of their representatives, I had 3 hours with my hands on the new retro-themed full frame mirrorless camera.
Nikon Zf with the Smallrig grip installed. The grip comes with an Arca-Swiss base.
How does it perform? Is it just a full frame Zfc? Can it do any new tricks? With the very limited time I had, I explored the Nikon Zf’s capabilities and walked away with some sample jpegs and videos.
Sensor, ISO & Tilt Screen
The Zf uses Nikon’s latest EXPEED 7 image processor. It has a 24 MP full frame sensor.
Unlike its predecessor, the Zfc, this is a full frame camera in a retro-style body.
ISO goes from 100 to 64000.
The LCD screen can be rotated and tilted in the same way as the Zfc.
Monochrome Mode
One of the standout features of the Zf is the new Monochrome Photo Mode, accessible via a switch right next to the photo/video mode. This enables quick switching to B&W mode.
In my opinion, this shows the emphasis that Nikon has taken with this camera. The Nikon Zf is an enthusiast camera aimed at photographers who love the black and white style of photography.
Pre-release Capture, Skin Softening, Portrait Impression Balance
The Zf also comes with pre-release capture, skin softening, portrait impression balance as seen in the Z8 & Z9.
Pixel-Shift
The Nikon Zf also has pixel-shift shooting, which unfortunately I didn’t manage to test. Pixel shift is a method in digital cameras for producing a super resolution image. The method works by taking several images, after each such capture moving ("shifting") the sensor to a new position.
Memory
It also 2 card slots, a SD slot and a micro SD slot. The battery has to removed in order to access the micro SD slot. Speaking of battery, I’m glad that the Zf uses the same EN-EL15 battery as the Z5,Z6,Z7, Z8.
Touch Fn
Another really cool new feature is the Touch Fn, which allows you to use a variety of functions on the touch LCD while looking through the viewfinder. I’ve always wanted to be a move focus in this manner, and I hope that this feature comes to Nikon’s other cameras in a software update.
8 Stop Focus Point Vibration Reduction
Also new to the Zf is the 8 stop focus point VR. The Nikon Rep with me explains that stabilisation is further improved by factoring the focus point with Vibration Reduction.
3D Tracking
3D Tracking is available on the camera, and while I didn’t have much time to play with it, here I am running around in video mode with the camera on Follow focus for your entertainment.
Video
Speaking of video, camera does 4k60p, full HD 120p video with 24 bit audio, 125mins video recording.
Shutter
The Zf has a mechanical shutter with an estimated life of 200k actuations. It has dust and drip resistance equivalent to the Z8.
Weight
It’s approximately 710g with battery and cards.
Smallrig Grip
Smallrig has a grip with acra-swiss plate available for the Zf.
Conclusions
At this time, I do not yet know when the camera will go on sale in Singapore, and at what price. I did enjoy my time with the camera, my favourite feature being the black and white mode. For some reason, it feels good to shoot B&W in camera. Tones are well controlled and contrasty, and it feels pleasing. I’m still not sure about the ergonomics of the camera as it’s quite blockish and uncomfortable to hold. I also love having two card slots in the camera, and since it’s not easy to remove the Micro SD card, perhaps it can be kept permanently installed in the camera and function like an internal memory.
I do have my concerns with the camera, as after some time of shooting in 33℃ weather, I got the camera hot warning, but since the copy I had was a preproduction unit, this might be something to be fixed by the time the camera is released. Additionally, the Smallrig grip seems to partially obstruct my fingers while turning the aperture dial.
Despite these observations, the NIKON ZF is a joy to use and with the full-frame capabilities and added features, I’m considering replacing my ZFC with this once it’s available.
Images of the NIKON ZF
Sample Images from the camera
I didn’t have much time with the camera, and it was too rushed to get some proper shots but here are some Nikon Zf sample images I managed to get. All images are captured in JPEG and lightly processed as RAW files can’t be read by Adobe at this time. Note that these are preproduction samples which may differ from the final product:
