Nikon Zf Review

Have you heard that Nikon recently launched a powerful new full-frame mirrorless camera? That’s right! The all-new Nikon Zf is finally in stores and has taken the photography industry by storm. It’s an intermediate-level camera targeting semi-professional and enthusiast-level photographers.

In this Nikon Zf review, we’ll start with a basic camera overview. Then, we’ll examine its design/handling performance, break down its photo and video capabilities, recommend our favorite compatible Nikon Z lenses to shoot with, and more. Additionally, thanks to innovative websites like MPB, buying a used mirrorless camera has never been cheaper and easier.

Who is MPB? They are a trustworthy and reliable online platform selling used photography and videography gear at unbeatable prices. Better yet, every one of their cameras and lenses is hand-inspected by professional product specialists with years of experience and backed by a six-month warranty, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.

We strongly encourage you to consider MPB because of its one-of-a-kind online platform. It’s an amazing tool that has helped us save thousands of dollars buying, selling, and trading in high-quality photography equipment over the years, and it can help you do the same. With that in mind, let’s dive in and discover everything there is to know about the Nikon Zf!

Check out the video above by PetaPixel to learn more about the pros and cons of the Nikon Zf.

Nikon Zf: Overview
Nikon Zf: Design & Handling
Nikon Zf: Imaging Capabilities
Nikon Zf: Video Capabilities
Recommended Lenses for the Nikon Zf
Final Thoughts on the Nikon Zf

Nikon Zf: Overview

The Nikon Zf release date was October 2023, making it the newest camera in Nikon’s Z mirrorless camera lineup. It shares the same excellent 24.5-megapixel BSI-CMOS Sensor as the popular Nikon Z6 II but has an upgraded Expeed 7 image processing engine.

The upgraded image processor is 10x speedier than its predecessor, which makes the camera faster, boosts its autofocus performance, and helps reduce noise. Speaking of AF, the ZF uses machine learning and AI technology to recognize and track subjects like never before.

Furthermore, for photographers who want to make a style statement during shooting, the Zf is available in six fun and stylish colors besides black: Indigo Blue, Stone Grey, Bordeaux Red, Sepia Brown, Sunset Orange, and Moss Green.

Now, here’s an in-depth look at the Nikon Zf specs and key features:

Camera Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: 24.5MP Full-Frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
ISO: 100 - 64,000 (expandable to 50 - 204,800)
Lens Mount: Nikon Z Mount
Speed: 30.0 fps
Autofocus: 273 focus points
Video: 4K/60p & 1080p/120p
Size/Weight: 144 x 103 x 49 mm / 710 grams
Battery Life: 380 shots
Stabilization: Yes
Touchscreen: Yes
Weather-Sealed: Yes
Used Nikon Zf Price: $1,949 - $1,969

Nikon Zf: Design & Handling

The Nikon Zf has a retro design that closely resembles the look and feel of some of Nikon’s early film cameras. On the top of the camera, you will find three exposure control dials (shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation) and a small display that shows your selected aperture.

In contrast, the camera's back is extremely clutter-free, with only a few buttons (five of which are customizable), a four-way controller, a large electronic viewfinder, and a fully articulating touchscreen LCD.

Ergonomically, the camera feels good in the hands and has a small (but comfortable) grip. You can control all the dials and buttons with one hand, while the menu system is straightforward and super easy to navigate.

Learn More:

Nikon Zf: Imaging Capabilities

Photos captured on the Nikon Zf are generated from the camera's 24.5MP sensor. They boast strong detail retention, terrific sharpness, and vibrant colors. New photographers can capture gorgeous JPEGs using one of the Zf’s auto or semi-automatic modes. On the other hand, more experienced shooters can use the manual mode to take RAW files with high dynamic range (ideal for editing).

One of the Zf’s biggest strengths is its low-light performance. It excels in this area due to its BSI sensor, selective noise processing, focus-point image stabilization, and the widest native ISO range of any Nikon Z camera (100 - 64,000 for photos and 100 - 51,200 for videos).

Other headline-worthy imaging capabilities include a unique black-and-white mode, a 96MP ultra-high resolution mode, and 30 fps burst shooting. These state-of-the-art modes and features grant you more freedom as a photographer, allow you to connect with your inner creativity, and help make your pictures stand out.

Nikon Zf: Video Capabilities

When you switch the Nikon Zf to video mode, it’s like having a tiny, high-powered cinema camera in the palms of your hands. It records stunning 4K/30p video oversampled from a 6K space, making the video quality superior to standard 4K footage. It also has 4K/60p and 1080p/120p slow-motion video frame rates.

Professional content creators are raving about the Zf’s 10-bit video, which you can record in SDR, N-Log, or HLG gamma curves. They also love the 125-minute recording time limit, front-facing screen, and ingenious audio controls.

Another huge difference-maker for video production is 5-axis Sensor-Shift image stabilization. It adds up to eight stops of exposure to your content and enables incredibly smooth handheld videos without using a gimbal. This is a game-changer for run-and-gun creators like YouTubers, vloggers, and documentary filmmakers.

Recommended Lenses for the Nikon Zf

Here’s a quick list of some of the best Nikon Z Mount lenses for photo and video to pair with the Nikon Zf.

Final Thoughts on the Nikon Zf

Thanks to its recent release date, the Nikon Zf boasts advanced camera technology that produces high-quality content and makes it extremely easy to use. These qualities make it perfect for beginner and intermediate photographers who want to upgrade from an entry-level camera.

It's important to note that since the Zf is so new, very few used Nikon Zf camera bodies are currently on the second-hand market. However, if you are looking for the best deal, you can save up to $50 by shopping at MPB!

Do you want to compare the Nikon Zf full frame camera with its competitors before pulling the trigger? Check out the links below to learn more about other trending Nikon Z mirrorless cameras on shelves today.

Disclaimer: A quick heads-up: If you snag something through our affiliate links or check out our sponsored content, we might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. But fear not, we're all about recommending stuff we're truly stoked about!