@@moostomp sure! Can you recommend a Fuji with a full frame sensor, with full frame speed auto focus, that’s still compact, with a retro body and brass dials, that’s under $2k?
@@cammackeyBrass dials don't take better photos! Here in europe its the almost the same price as a Sony A7Cii. I have handled the camera and it looks great, heavy, but that flippy screen. How is it a game changer Fuji, Olympus, Panasonic, Leica have had similar designs for years. There's nothing game changing it's still a digital camera with a retro style and a flippy screen.
Just switched from the XT5 to the ZF for wedding photography and so far I’m really happy! Autofocus is amazing and the colors are great too! RAW files in Lightroom are beautiful. Build quality is way better than the XT5.
It probably has the best IBIS out there. Rated for 8 stops and the unique thing is that the IBIS always centers around the focus point which is unique and useful.
@@chrisbrockhurst my pleasure. yeah, I’m surprised that Nikon packed so much into this $2000 camera. You also get 4k 10 bit video without a crop up to 30fps, the ability to shoot in log for those that like to do a lot of editing, which I think is more than enough for most people. If you want more pro level video in the Nikon ecosystem, you can get internal 8k raw on a Z8. Nikon is really stepping it up.
Absolutely agree! I've owned all the Fuji's, came from Nikon DSLR's....now back with Nikon and the ZF.....build quality is second to none! IQ is special too......beautiful files.
I switched from Fuji to this camera. Yes while the flip screen feels out of place in this design, the combination of that and the great ibis means I can cover my video needs with it and make it my only camera.
I used to shoot film on cameras without a grip, and I feel like people today have forgotten how to properly hold a camera. A grip isn’t necessary because you support the camera with your left hand and control the shutter with your right.
you didn't mention the amazing MF features like focus confirmation and Eye focus confirmation with MF lenses that have electronic contacts, you should give those a try 😉
Shot with my ZF for about 5 months now and im absolutely loving it. Hilarious enough I took it with me to Monterey car week and shot at laguna seca and it held up! Switched between a 70-200 2.8 and 50m 1.8 and the new 28-400 super zoom and they all performed fantastically. With a neewer grip its fantastically nice to hold. Im used to shooting with older film cameras since I was younger and always two hand my cameras anyways with one on the body and one under the lense for support. I find most people complaining about ergos are those who have gotten lazy with dslr or sony cameras doing the whole "one handed shooting" thing thats been trendy recently but really is just an awful way to shoot. Overall been pleasantly surprised with this camera and I forsee it serving me for many years to come.
Nikon Zf is a lovely camera with great build quality especially with the option of individual leather skin colors. I would like to buy one in the future even if i am happy with my Nikon Z5.
Yep. I bought the TechArt M to Z Adapter and have so much fun with my old F Glass on the ZF that has been waiting 10 years to get resurrected as well as new M mount lenses (Like the Ttartisan 50mm 1.4 APSH aka poormans summilux)
can you back button focus with it? this would be a deal breaker for me and I don't know if the back buttons can be remapped but also if in a position to use for back button focus
Saw your thoughts on the screen and I can agree in ways, but mostly disagree. I know quite a few photographers who shot solely film, up until the ZF, who are now shooting with the ZF. One of the reasons they are doing so is they turn the screen completely around and ignore it. They also will shoot as much with the dials as possible, limiting their speed, but forcing them to be more involved with the image they are shooting. I have had quite a few brands and many different cameras and I still find myself trying to chimp at the photos after I take them, rather than making sure they are what I want as I shoot, only to see the screen flipped around so I can't see it. Then I remember why I flipped the screen around and the idea that I am forcing myself to slow down, and focus on the process. It also forces you to treat it more as a film camera in that way. I'm nowhere near as spray and pray with this camera, even though I could be easily since the AF, IBIS, etc. are easily the best I've used. Otherwise I would have brought a different camera for the fun photography like my Z7II, or in the past my Fuji or Sony cameras. It also forces you to treat it more as a film camera in that way. Still a wonderful video, and great thoughts!
You are chimping, just in the moment. Not sure why so many forget that with a mirrorless camera what we see is what we get. So there is no need to chimp.
Nikon would now have the opportunity to offer film simulations, which offer significantly more options than Fujifilm. The Z6 III introduced the flexible color picture profile and the imaging cloud. Here you can create and share picture recipes. Nikon now just needs to release the firmware update for the Zf and other Z cameras. Nikon has made a lot of changes in the last year, while Fujifilm has moved me to leave the X system. I wanted to buy the X-T5 last fall. And then the Zf just came out. I had both cameras in my hand at the Photopia trade fair in Hamburg and immediately fell in love with the Zf. I was very disappointed with the X-T5 in terms of workmanship and quality. After I made an autofocus comparison, the Fujifilm topic was finally over for me.
Some of the best sooc jpegs I’ve seen from any review on the ZF. the colour photos look to be coming from the same profile. Can you confirm, and if different, which Nikon style/profile did you use. Cheers!
appreciate that. maybe its just the way i shoot, i typically underexpose. Nothing special in terms of colour, i did play about with the film sims you can install but hardly any were shot like that. They crush the blacks pretty heavily
@@chrisbrockhurst thanks! So you are not sure which in camera Nikon profile you used examples Auto, Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Flat Monochrome, Deep Tone Monochrome, Portrait, Rich Tone Portrait, Landscape, Flat? Anyhow loved the review!
I sold my a7iv to get the Zf. I just don’t like the skin tones from Sony. There is some weird unevenness to it. The Nikon colors are 👌! Also, Nikon files look better in LR than the Sony raw files. If you shoot Sony, Capture One is superior.
@@m4rcin847 Some people like to shoot others like to move sliders in post production for hours. I'm in the former group. I like the way Nikon raw files look straight out of camera and I don't have to do a ton of manipulations in post to get the colors where I want them to be. Also, in camera settings won't fix color science and one finds displeasing.
@@Daniel_Zalman You making a preset and one click is all you need for a group of photos. If you need hours for that you doing something very wrong. And yes, in camera setting can change how colours appear in RAWs, drastically. Anyway, Im glad that Nikon is still going strong and pretty much destroyed overrated Fujifilm with that camera. Instant future classic.
@@Jgheileri was just thinking that you will get good results with every lense on the Zf. With adapters you can use nearly everything on this body and you can even use eye detection trough a lot of old lenses which is awesome
@@chrisbrockhurst I'll second that Chris, great video, which profile did you use, Standard, did you shift any of the WB settings and which color grip is that, walnut or oak? Beautiful looking setup!!!
I don't know why many people call this camera "A Retro Camera". I consider this camera a very "Modern Camera" that has a retro look. And this is quite different.
We expecting it to pick up more traffic ? Currently a lot of sales going on these bad boys. I’ve snagged a near mint second hand one with the 40mm f2 for $2500 AUD
Planning to get a used XT3 cause I finally got the money to do so, but before that I went and tried to try some Fuji cameras, XT5, XH2, XS20, and since there was Nikon booth not far from there I decided to pickup the ZF and the Z6iii and damn, the handling, the weight is nice, and yes the ZF feel DENSE. Technically I could go for a ZF rather than the XT3, but the reason I plan to get the XT3 is the features and the bargain price for a used one now is very nice. So, maybe in the future, I'd get a ZF.
Nice overview, Chris. Actually, it's "Zed-f" here in Canada as well. Canadian RUclipsrs who pronounce it "Zee-f" are just trying to cater to the U.S. viewers. I'd love to see you do a follow-up video on the great manual focusing aids once you've fully tested them out, especially with vintage lenses as well as those that have chipped contacts.
I considered it for street photography (my Z 8 is huge), but the lack of a joystick is a deal breaker for me. I'll probably get a Z 7ii or maybe even a Z 6iii.
Nikon Service centre literally ‘pushed’ me into upgrading my 10 year old trusted Df. After a couple of times going around the world with me the sensor on the Df finally caved in and the quote to repair was $3,600(AUD)😳. So, Zf upgrade it was. And wow! I mean WOW!!! Everything the Df should have been, and more. Viewfinder is amazing and bright. Resolution upgrade from the Df’s 16k megapixels to 24.5k megapixels is noticeable but download speeds are great. Only drawback is that I can no longer use some AF-D lenses (like my 50mm f1.4) as it won’t auto focus. But with an adapter my AF-S lens kit (12-24 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8 and 85 f1.4) works just fine. Given its build I have no doubt the Zf will take all the knocks my Df did over 10 years of loyal service and general wear and tear. In sum, Nikon smashed it out of the ballpark with the ZF.😊
My latest camera was Panasonic GX8, than i switch to mobile photography for 4 years. I was looking for retro FF like Nikon DF for long time and than Nikon released ZF... My dream came true after all these years.
Fujifilm makes film and thus has the expertise to create film simulations. The Fujifilm ones are not just colour curves. The behavior changes with exposure and other things. It is really hard to 100% replicate in post.
Really hesitating between this one and the z6III will mostly be for video, I know the z6 is better but man that design is awesome, especially for me who’s still shooting film
Now, for the fun, I'd love to compare this camera with the Coolpix A. Is it that much better as far as jpeg colors or BW go ?.. The A had already the excellent Nikon jpeg color science...
@@Som09mer Yes, and only 16 mpx, but the color science was already there and I think they might have done a better job than Ricoh (GR I & II) and Fuji (X70), their competition at the time.
Curious how you "get over the weight" of a lighter camera as soon as you add a lens that brings it to the same weight as a Zf. Try thinking dude....and all you have to do is buy a grip on sale for a whopping $17 and gee....because of the way Nikon designed the body the customer gets to pick the grip they like rather an entire segment of people be excluded from a grip that's either too big or too small for their hands.....amazing what thinking brings to the table when evaluating objectively...
I tried to like this camera, I really did. I own the Nikon FM2, FE2 and current gen Fuji & Sony digital cameras but I can’t really make the switch. This ZF body is just too chunky and the ergo is still off and heavy with the additional grip. Not enough lenses that are light & compact, weather sealed, autofocus, with aperture rings. Nikon doesn’t have any plans to release compact lenses like this in their road map. So it just leaves me scratching my head. I’m definitely not going to use their massive heavy big lenses with this body. I do like the dials, the autofocus is super fast and colors seem better than Sony. Also hope they can better implement the color profile shortcuts. It keeps resetting white balance which also doesn’t make sense for presets. Unfortunately with the reasons above, I can’t purchase this. It’s impossible to please 100% of people. Not everyone is going to be on board with the current state but I’m really glad people are buying the ZF and I hope the have a plans for the future for compact quality lenses and better ergo with the ZF II.
Yeah right... Fake story I guess😂 But have you even tried to rent it at least? Use it for a week or so..... Trust me... Whole worlds of difference compared to getting reviews and impressions from RUclipsrs
I wish Nikon would let users set the file quality separately between the normal photo mode and BW mode Would love to set JPEG only to the BW mode and RAW on the normal photo mode.
So many things you got wrong... The screen and Video features It is a camera that's really decent for video, since it can shoot 125 minutes without stopping, 10 bit , Log, etc. So the screen type is really the best choice for it. Plus, on the back of the screen it has the same texture like the rest of the body, so it's looking great if you flip it around and only use the EVF. Also, the screen in PERFECT for shooting stills. For example, if you wanna shoot Vertical, from Low or High angle (over crowds of people), it's perfect that you can flip it and see on. On my Z6II it's not possible, and I really struggle with this. Many people choose it for travel, as it is enjoyable and portable. So again, perfect screen type.
One of the most beautiful cameras, extremely good workmanship. I love Nikon. However: Manual operation is not as intuitive and easy as with Fuji, there is a lack of useful retro lenses and without the grip shown in the video (looks perfect) it is absolutely not comfortable to hold or operate. The next version will take this into account and will be a top camera ... for sure. Nevertheless: good price-performance ratio at the moment.
I've been shooting the zf since it came out. It may be my favorite camera body ever. I just wish they offered a nicer compact version of the 40/2. I'm not too sure why you would chose the x100 over this tbh.
Let’s be honest; that flippy screen can be controversial. But when you’re taking photos it’s nice to have that direct view without being sidelined. But I still rather prefer to protect the screen and not babysit my gear. It’s this or a more robust a7R5 screen that mirrors the best of both worlds
The ZF has the older Z6-II sensor, not the new half-stacked that you find in the Z6-3., which i own and is a fine piece of performance Tech.... Also, having to buy a grip, to enjoy a camera in 2024, is just a mis-step that is redefined as "retro". They should have included the Grip, as they made this Camera too heavy to enjoy shooting, if you dont have a Grip added..., and they realized this at the factory...
@@nickthaskater no, but when you’re doing a review, generally you’d want to review the vanilla version of the thing, just makes it feel like he couldn’t even get through reviewing without changing the grip
@@estefaniaalmarte6924 I have an xt5 and a Z8. I love both but think the ZF 2 will work out some of the quirks of the Zf and justify getting rid of the Fujifilm.
@@estefaniaalmarte6924 I have the Fujifilm XT5 and the Z8. I have most of what I do covered but it would be nice to consolidate systems . The Zf is heavier and full frame lens are heavier then the the X system. The weight is a big downside for travel and street photography. So the Zf would have to be close to perfect for me to make the move and would end up being a third body. Most important I still need some long lenses to fill out my Nikon stable and I could use the money for those items.
That would look terrible. Shiny brings more attention to them, and the dials are not the main design element, they're an accent to the camera....which is mostly matte finish...
I think the best retro-digital camera made by Nikon is/was the Nikon DF: optical viefinder, analog controls, backward compatibility with AIS lenses, D lenses, Zeiss legacy lenses, all of them just manual aperture lenses, as it should be, combined with the excellent Nikon D4 sensor. Just having an optical viewfinder makes the experience worth it. This is more in the line with Fuji's XT series, great digital mirrorless cameras, but the analog experience is an optical viewfinder and actually manual focusing without magnification or peaking... and no video, no touch screen either. I think not having lenses with actual aperture rings kills the experience a bit.
Maybe the next ZF will be the one! Compared for ex., to a Fujifilm X-T5, the ZF has excellent built and finish quality, very very good image quality also, probably the best on Nikon. But it is a "huge" camera and also heavy. The controls are not great also. That PASM mode makes no sense at all. The camera "removes" the selected option of the dials if you're in a different priority PASM mode... No joystick also. It is like Nikon did this on purpose, so this body wouldn't be their best one...
I had to return it. The shutter button is in an awkward position even worse with a grip. I didn’t think I’d miss a joystick with the touchscreen but it’s so much slower. It’s very uncomfortable to use and it took me out of it. Most of the controls are too far away from your fingers. I love the colors and look tho. I get the retro look but ergonomics are very bad and I didn’t think it was that big of a deal but the things it misses are major. Switched to an Xpro 3 bc the experience of shooting and ergonomics are so much nicer. Which is to be expected bc it’s not a retro inspired camera contrary to popular belief.
@@chrisbrockhurst definitely! I feel like a lot of reviews glaze over the ergonomics for an enthusiast camera even though people are buying these for the experience. By the time it starts annoying you you’re out of your return window.
the zf is THE camera people have been waiting for forever.. only it doesnt have a fashionable brand name on it. if this same exact camera had "Fuji" or "Sony" (you know, the companies that pay out the a$$ to "influencers for ads) written on it, it would be the best thing since sliced bread.
@@heyitsgerard Personally i hate branding. on anything. call me wierd but even on my guitars (which are high end gibsons, fenders, martins). I think it takes away from what the device is. its a tool. I think people put too much stock into Company x vs y. Thats where this weird shilling and cheerleader mentality comes from. Its like 'oh i own a fuji camera, that is now part of my personality'
Just got mine last week. I’m going to sell my Fuji XH2s along with the 90f2 , 56f1.2 , sigma 16 1.4 , viltrox 27 1.2, and the mitakon 35 .95 I’m so sold on the new releases from Nikon but I’m sort of lost of what lenses to get . ( I have the 40 f2 and viltrox 20 f2.8 ) 11 years of shooting Fuji just down the drain like that hahaha I’m only keeping my x100v. Would love some recommendations on lens choices !
If it was 32 or 40 megapixels I would buy it with all due respect 24 megapixels doesn't give you much ability to crop and cropping really is extra lenses that you don't have to carry when you think about it. One of the reasons I like 40 megapixel cameras is you can crop in and still get a 20 megapixel file at 50% crop and 24 megapixels is not cool in 2024 and like I said, megapixels equals less lenses that you need to carry and that is something that RUclips is when you reviewing cameras. I wish they would talk about now. I'm too busy as a photographer to be running a RUclips channel but it's something that you guys just never mentioned and I just don't think 24 megapixels is sufficient no matter how good the camera is. The other thing that I would not be able to adapt to is the screen that does not tilt down. What were they thinking? Videographers are not going to buy this as a video camera. It was done by Nikon to design a screen that flips outwards when it's actually a Photography camera the actual photos of this camera are brilliant. I will acknowledge that not a problem but the economics and the screen are just plain dumb.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
1000% a game changer camera in our industry. The meeting point of technology and artistry.
^ HES TO BLAME FOR THE DIALS
Just get a fuji
@@moostomp why?
@@moostomp sure! Can you recommend a Fuji with a full frame sensor, with full frame speed auto focus, that’s still compact, with a retro body and brass dials, that’s under $2k?
@@cammackeyBrass dials don't take better photos! Here in europe its the almost the same price as a Sony A7Cii. I have handled the camera and it looks great, heavy, but that flippy screen. How is it a game changer Fuji, Olympus, Panasonic, Leica have had similar designs for years. There's nothing game changing it's still a digital camera with a retro style and a flippy screen.
The ZF is a revolutionary camera, proud owner here... Former Fuji fanboi
Just switched from the XT5 to the ZF for wedding photography and so far I’m really happy! Autofocus is amazing and the colors are great too! RAW files in Lightroom are beautiful. Build quality is way better than the XT5.
great to hear!!
Mee too i like it nikon zf
Can you replicate Fuji's film sims in any meaningful way?
@@Liljoozycopy the camera profile from fuji's raw?
It probably has the best IBIS out there. Rated for 8 stops and the unique thing is that the IBIS always centers around the focus point which is unique and useful.
Didn’t know this, thanks for sharing
@@chrisbrockhurst my pleasure. yeah, I’m surprised that Nikon packed so much into this $2000 camera. You also get 4k 10 bit video without a crop up to 30fps, the ability to shoot in log for those that like to do a lot of editing, which I think is more than enough for most people. If you want more pro level video in the Nikon ecosystem, you can get internal 8k raw on a Z8. Nikon is really stepping it up.
@@Daniel_ZalmanZf video ability is just underrated
Absolutely agree! I've owned all the Fuji's, came from Nikon DSLR's....now back with Nikon and the ZF.....build quality is second to none! IQ is special too......beautiful files.
I switched from Fuji to this camera. Yes while the flip screen feels out of place in this design, the combination of that and the great ibis means I can cover my video needs with it and make it my only camera.
great to hear!
Also protects the screen which is a major thing. I hate exposed screens
@@ghostgums Like there are no other good Ibis cameras on the market. You just need another fashion Item, that's all.
@@m4rcin847 Another full frame Nikon camera with 10 bit video at this price point?
No. You made an assumption.
@@ghostgums Z6III with proper grip, without that gramps body and additional features? If You can afford Zf, Z6 is not that much more.
I used to shoot film on cameras without a grip, and I feel like people today have forgotten how to properly hold a camera. A grip isn’t necessary because you support the camera with your left hand and control the shutter with your right.
I call it cradling the baby 😂
Yup.
If Nikon supports this model with a range of lenses it could become a market leader in vintage class. Aggressive pricing certainly helps
fingers crossed
Does the zf not use the same lenses as their other mirrorless cameras?? Or are you just talking about the lens design?
For real I want some z lenses with actual aperture rings.
Yes, but when the hell are they going to do that?
you didn't mention the amazing MF features like focus confirmation and Eye focus confirmation with MF lenses that have electronic contacts, you should give those a try 😉
yeh im just learning of this after watching a different video. Split focus too!
@chrisbrockhurst this camera has a lot of small features that go unnoticed i think they have a manual for it that's over nine hundred pages long lol
Planning to buy one for Christmas! Thanks for the great review.
Top drawer overview and right on the button. All I needed to know and nothing more - no padding, no fluff. I subscribed.
appreciate you 🙏🏼
I love your praise of the ZF because I like my camera soooo much. Thank you!!!
thanks for watching
Shot with my ZF for about 5 months now and im absolutely loving it. Hilarious enough I took it with me to Monterey car week and shot at laguna seca and it held up! Switched between a 70-200 2.8 and 50m 1.8 and the new 28-400 super zoom and they all performed fantastically. With a neewer grip its fantastically nice to hold. Im used to shooting with older film cameras since I was younger and always two hand my cameras anyways with one on the body and one under the lense for support. I find most people complaining about ergos are those who have gotten lazy with dslr or sony cameras doing the whole "one handed shooting" thing thats been trendy recently but really is just an awful way to shoot. Overall been pleasantly surprised with this camera and I forsee it serving me for many years to come.
Nikon Zf is a lovely camera with great build quality especially with the option of individual leather skin colors. I would like to buy one in the future even if i am happy with my Nikon Z5.
The SOOC is fantastic quality and using Snapbridge is so easy to share straight away
Agreed
Best money I have spent in a while
May i know which grip are you using, thank you
Would love to hear your thoughts comparing this to the Sony A7CR/II. You seemed very happy with the A7C + 2.8/35, is this a replacement setup?
Absolutely not, using both still!
Yep. I bought the TechArt M to Z Adapter and have so much fun with my old F Glass on the ZF that has been waiting 10 years to get resurrected as well as new M mount lenses (Like the Ttartisan 50mm 1.4 APSH aka poormans summilux)
can you back button focus with it? this would be a deal breaker for me and I don't know if the back buttons can be remapped but also if in a position to use for back button focus
Saw your thoughts on the screen and I can agree in ways, but mostly disagree. I know quite a few photographers who shot solely film, up until the ZF, who are now shooting with the ZF. One of the reasons they are doing so is they turn the screen completely around and ignore it. They also will shoot as much with the dials as possible, limiting their speed, but forcing them to be more involved with the image they are shooting. I have had quite a few brands and many different cameras and I still find myself trying to chimp at the photos after I take them, rather than making sure they are what I want as I shoot, only to see the screen flipped around so I can't see it. Then I remember why I flipped the screen around and the idea that I am forcing myself to slow down, and focus on the process. It also forces you to treat it more as a film camera in that way. I'm nowhere near as spray and pray with this camera, even though I could be easily since the AF, IBIS, etc. are easily the best I've used. Otherwise I would have brought a different camera for the fun photography like my Z7II, or in the past my Fuji or Sony cameras. It also forces you to treat it more as a film camera in that way.
Still a wonderful video, and great thoughts!
Thanks for sharing, love that we all have such different ways of doing the same thing
You are chimping, just in the moment. Not sure why so many forget that with a mirrorless camera what we see is what we get. So there is no need to chimp.
Hi ... great video! 👍🏼 Which lens hood do you use on the lens?
Good video. Do you have a link to the wooden grip? I like the look of the brass knobs with the wood.
Very tempted. Thanks for the deep dive, mate.
Thanks for watching!
You’ve convinced me. What color profiles were you displaying for your jpegs?
what Grip for Nikon you have? how i can find it on amazon maby? thank you
Which bw setting do you use?
Also tell me how to sand it so I don’t mess it up! lol
Nikon would now have the opportunity to offer film simulations, which offer significantly more options than Fujifilm. The Z6 III introduced the flexible color picture profile and the imaging cloud. Here you can create and share picture recipes. Nikon now just needs to release the firmware update for the Zf and other Z cameras. Nikon has made a lot of changes in the last year, while Fujifilm has moved me to leave the X system. I wanted to buy the X-T5 last fall. And then the Zf just came out. I had both cameras in my hand at the Photopia trade fair in Hamburg and immediately fell in love with the Zf. I was very disappointed with the X-T5 in terms of workmanship and quality. After I made an autofocus comparison, the Fujifilm topic was finally over for me.
What did you shoot the video on for this review? Really like the look.
Thankyou! Helios 44-2 on the FX3
love the Zf
samsies
Where did you get the soft shutter release that matches so perfectly with the brass?
Amazon
Some of the best sooc jpegs I’ve seen from any review on the ZF. the colour photos look to be coming from the same profile. Can you confirm, and if different, which Nikon style/profile did you use. Cheers!
appreciate that. maybe its just the way i shoot, i typically underexpose. Nothing special in terms of colour, i did play about with the film sims you can install but hardly any were shot like that. They crush the blacks pretty heavily
@@chrisbrockhurst thanks! So you are not sure which in camera Nikon profile you used examples Auto, Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Flat Monochrome, Deep Tone Monochrome, Portrait, Rich Tone Portrait, Landscape, Flat? Anyhow loved the review!
@@harryv2297I think a lot of people use rich tone portrait?
may i ask if you were using the deep tone monochrome on those b&w jpegs? thank you!
Yeh I have played around with that and some of the black and white were shot in that setting
regarding the sound, as an owner of an FE2 (electronic cousin to the FM2), it does sound very similar when I had both side by side in person
YES. love to hear this, thanks for sharing. I wonder if the body has anything to do with how bassy the sound is?
My five year old grandson had a go with FM2 then Nikon ZF. He said 'its heavy Bampi'! (Children use this in Wales for Grandad)
I sold my a7iv to get the Zf. I just don’t like the skin tones from Sony. There is some weird unevenness to it. The Nikon colors are 👌! Also, Nikon files look better in LR than the Sony raw files. If you shoot Sony, Capture One is superior.
Not the first person to mention capture one for Sony! More people need to know about this
I hear the same about Fuji.
Switching system because of colours is the most ridiculous reason to do it. Like post production didnt exist. Or in camera settings.
@@m4rcin847 Some people like to shoot others like to move sliders in post production for hours. I'm in the former group. I like the way Nikon raw files look straight out of camera and I don't have to do a ton of manipulations in post to get the colors where I want them to be. Also, in camera settings won't fix color science and one finds displeasing.
@@Daniel_Zalman You making a preset and one click is all you need for a group of photos. If you need hours for that you doing something very wrong. And yes, in camera setting can change how colours appear in RAWs, drastically. Anyway, Im glad that Nikon is still going strong and pretty much destroyed overrated Fujifilm with that camera. Instant future classic.
I'm trying to decide between the Canon R8 and the Nikon ZF for family photography (lots of moving toddlers). Any thoughts?
You getting a very good IBIS with the Nikon…the R8 has none
Easy choice
@@TaiJason37what if the RF lens has ibis
@@Jgheileri was just thinking that you will get good results with every lense on the Zf. With adapters you can use nearly everything on this body and you can even use eye detection trough a lot of old lenses which is awesome
Hi Chris, nice video...and those are some nice sooc jpg. Are you using a tweak color profile?
thankyou! No tweaks to any of the profiles. As is on the camera
@@chrisbrockhurst I'll second that Chris, great video, which profile did you use, Standard, did you shift any of the WB settings and which color grip is that, walnut or oak? Beautiful looking setup!!!
I don't know why many people call this camera "A Retro Camera". I consider this camera a very "Modern Camera" that has a retro look. And this is quite different.
How you got the Brass dial? Sand down?
4:57
Oh man! didnt know whole europe is UK!😂
Great video Chris! Nikon Ze Ef is really good camera!
thanks for watching!
We expecting it to pick up more traffic ? Currently a lot of sales going on these bad boys. I’ve snagged a near mint second hand one with the 40mm f2 for $2500 AUD
thats a great price
Planning to get a used XT3 cause I finally got the money to do so, but before that I went and tried to try some Fuji cameras, XT5, XH2, XS20, and since there was Nikon booth not far from there I decided to pickup the ZF and the Z6iii and damn, the handling, the weight is nice, and yes the ZF feel DENSE.
Technically I could go for a ZF rather than the XT3, but the reason I plan to get the XT3 is the features and the bargain price for a used one now is very nice. So, maybe in the future, I'd get a ZF.
Buy once, cry once. But the XT3 will still make great images. But image quality between the two? It’s a noticeable difference in favour of the Zf.
Does anyone know what vr performance I will get with the zf with fz adapter and G lenses without vr?
I was thinking to take Z fc in pair to my Z5. To have more versatility in crop factors within the same lenses.
Nice overview, Chris. Actually, it's "Zed-f" here in Canada as well. Canadian RUclipsrs who pronounce it "Zee-f" are just trying to cater to the U.S. viewers. I'd love to see you do a follow-up video on the great manual focusing aids once you've fully tested them out, especially with vintage lenses as well as those that have chipped contacts.
everything is cams fault! lol.
Great video bro and thanks for the cameos
Appreciate you Terry
Terry was the worst parts in this video!
@@cammackey lmfao!!!!
@@TerryWarfield 😂😂😂
I considered it for street photography (my Z 8 is huge), but the lack of a joystick is a deal breaker for me. I'll probably get a Z 7ii or maybe even a Z 6iii.
Love this camera. ❤
Nikon Service centre literally ‘pushed’ me into upgrading my 10 year old trusted Df. After a couple of times going around the world with me the sensor on the Df finally caved in and the quote to repair was $3,600(AUD)😳. So, Zf upgrade it was. And wow! I mean WOW!!! Everything the Df should have been, and more. Viewfinder is amazing and bright. Resolution upgrade from the Df’s 16k megapixels to 24.5k megapixels is noticeable but download speeds are great. Only drawback is that I can no longer use some AF-D lenses (like my 50mm f1.4) as it won’t auto focus. But with an adapter my AF-S lens kit (12-24 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8 and 85 f1.4) works just fine. Given its build I have no doubt the Zf will take all the knocks my Df did over 10 years of loyal service and general wear and tear. In sum, Nikon smashed it out of the ballpark with the ZF.😊
My latest camera was Panasonic GX8, than i switch to mobile photography for 4 years. I was looking for retro FF like Nikon DF for long time and than Nikon released ZF...
My dream came true after all these years.
Great review, Chris. Hope you can reach out to Voigtlander and test out their manual focus lenses. Like the Voigtlander 40mm F1.2 or the 50mm F1.
i tried the Heliar Classic 50mm before and loved that thing
Fujifilm makes film and thus has the expertise to create film simulations. The Fujifilm ones are not just colour curves. The behavior changes with exposure and other things. It is really hard to 100% replicate in post.
Agreed, Nikon should be able to do the same in their own way though
Really hesitating between this one and the z6III will mostly be for video, I know the z6 is better but man that design is awesome, especially for me who’s still shooting film
It's interesting in my home country of Australia. There are so many of these ZF for sale which concerns me.
Loved the review. ❤
Thanks for watching
Seems like that 40mm F2 is a popular lens on there..
its a stunning little lens for what it is, the build quality it has and its price. Definitely a no brainer if you're getting this camera
When artistry meets technology this is a move 🙌🏾
Never shit a Nikon but I just may do it
Now, for the fun, I'd love to compare this camera with the Coolpix A. Is it that much better as far as jpeg colors or BW go ?.. The A had already the excellent Nikon jpeg color science...
Isn't this like 10 years old?
@@Som09mer Yes, and only 16 mpx, but the color science was already there and I think they might have done a better job than Ricoh (GR I & II) and Fuji (X70), their competition at the time.
I use the little nipple button near the grip for ISO. Perfect choice.
Good tip
Had it for a short while. But couldn’t get over the weight and not enough of a grip. Colors and af speed were good though.
Curious how you "get over the weight" of a lighter camera as soon as you add a lens that brings it to the same weight as a Zf. Try thinking dude....and all you have to do is buy a grip on sale for a whopping $17 and gee....because of the way Nikon designed the body the customer gets to pick the grip they like rather an entire segment of people be excluded from a grip that's either too big or too small for their hands.....amazing what thinking brings to the table when evaluating objectively...
The knobs probably didn’t come brass because they wanted it to wear down naturally from use but ya know…we’re gone find a shortcut lol
I tried to like this camera, I really did. I own the Nikon FM2, FE2 and current gen Fuji & Sony digital cameras but I can’t really make the switch. This ZF body is just too chunky and the ergo is still off and heavy with the additional grip. Not enough lenses that are light & compact, weather sealed, autofocus, with aperture rings. Nikon doesn’t have any plans to release compact lenses like this in their road map. So it just leaves me scratching my head. I’m definitely not going to use their massive heavy big lenses with this body.
I do like the dials, the autofocus is super fast and colors seem better than Sony. Also hope they can better implement the color profile shortcuts. It keeps resetting white balance which also doesn’t make sense for presets.
Unfortunately with the reasons above, I can’t purchase this. It’s impossible to please 100% of people. Not everyone is going to be on board with the current state but I’m really glad people are buying the ZF and I hope the have a plans for the future for compact quality lenses and better ergo with the ZF II.
Yeah right... Fake story I guess😂 But have you even tried to rent it at least? Use it for a week or so..... Trust me... Whole worlds of difference compared to getting reviews and impressions from RUclipsrs
I wish Nikon would let users set the file quality separately between the normal photo mode and BW mode Would love to set JPEG only to the BW mode and RAW on the normal photo mode.
So many things you got wrong...
The screen and Video features
It is a camera that's really decent for video, since it can shoot 125 minutes without stopping, 10 bit , Log, etc. So the screen type is really the best choice for it. Plus, on the back of the screen it has the same texture like the rest of the body, so it's looking great if you flip it around and only use the EVF.
Also, the screen in PERFECT for shooting stills. For example, if you wanna shoot Vertical, from Low or High angle (over crowds of people), it's perfect that you can flip it and see on. On my Z6II it's not possible, and I really struggle with this.
Many people choose it for travel, as it is enjoyable and portable. So again, perfect screen type.
Each to their own. Saying I got it wrong would be incorrect, I’m voicing my opinion.
Where you buy the brass dials ?
One of the most beautiful cameras, extremely good workmanship. I love Nikon. However: Manual operation is not as intuitive and easy as with Fuji, there is a lack of useful retro lenses and without the grip shown in the video (looks perfect) it is absolutely not comfortable to hold or operate.
The next version will take this into account and will be a top camera ... for sure. Nevertheless: good price-performance ratio at the moment.
Totally agree
just going to walk around with this and my fm2 everywhere :P
I've been shooting the zf since it came out. It may be my favorite camera body ever. I just wish they offered a nicer compact version of the 40/2. I'm not too sure why you would chose the x100 over this tbh.
Well one big thing is you can actually get this, Fuji is still back ordered for months
Let’s be honest; that flippy screen can be controversial. But when you’re taking photos it’s nice to have that direct view without being sidelined. But I still rather prefer to protect the screen and not babysit my gear. It’s this or a more robust a7R5 screen that mirrors the best of both worlds
The ZF has the older Z6-II sensor, not the new half-stacked that you find in the Z6-3., which i own and is a fine piece of performance Tech.... Also, having to buy a grip, to enjoy a camera in 2024, is just a mis-step that is redefined as "retro". They should have included the Grip, as they made this Camera too heavy to enjoy shooting, if you dont have a Grip added..., and they realized this at the factory...
grip isnt going to be for everyone, just my preference
so much brass knob ! i like it !
Here’s why I love the Zf, and oh here’s the half dozen things I immediately changed on it, doesn’t really give the impression that they got it right…
Adding a base plate and a grip is hardly earth shattering.
@@nickthaskater no, but when you’re doing a review, generally you’d want to review the vanilla version of the thing, just makes it feel like he couldn’t even get through reviewing without changing the grip
I'm holding off on the ZF for the ZF 2
Why is that?
@@estefaniaalmarte6924 I have an xt5 and a Z8. I love both but think the ZF 2 will work out some of the quirks of the Zf and justify getting rid of the Fujifilm.
@@estefaniaalmarte6924 I have the Fujifilm XT5 and the Z8. I have most of what I do covered but it would be nice to consolidate systems . The Zf is heavier and full frame lens are heavier then the the X system. The weight is a big downside for travel and street photography. So the Zf would have to be close to perfect for me to make the move and would end up being a third body. Most important I still need some long lenses to fill out my Nikon stable and I could use the money for those items.
You can still buff those dials and poilish them
That would look terrible. Shiny brings more attention to them, and the dials are not the main design element, they're an accent to the camera....which is mostly matte finish...
I love that Nikon put the Screen like this in the Camera ... to hide it!
When it comes to photography camera screen. I think nikon z8 and fuji xt5 si the best screen especially for portrait photo.It’s Only my opinion.
I do wish it had the same screen as the Z8.
I think the best retro-digital camera made by Nikon is/was the Nikon DF: optical viefinder, analog controls, backward compatibility with AIS lenses, D lenses, Zeiss legacy lenses, all of them just manual aperture lenses, as it should be, combined with the excellent Nikon D4 sensor. Just having an optical viewfinder makes the experience worth it. This is more in the line with Fuji's XT series, great digital mirrorless cameras, but the analog experience is an optical viewfinder and actually manual focusing without magnification or peaking... and no video, no touch screen either. I think not having lenses with actual aperture rings kills the experience a bit.
Maybe the next ZF will be the one! Compared for ex., to a Fujifilm X-T5, the ZF has excellent built and finish quality, very very good image quality also, probably the best on Nikon. But it is a "huge" camera and also heavy. The controls are not great also. That PASM mode makes no sense at all. The camera "removes" the selected option of the dials if you're in a different priority PASM mode... No joystick also. It is like Nikon did this on purpose, so this body wouldn't be their best one...
I had to return it. The shutter button is in an awkward position even worse with a grip. I didn’t think I’d miss a joystick with the touchscreen but it’s so much slower. It’s very uncomfortable to use and it took me out of it. Most of the controls are too far away from your fingers. I love the colors and look tho. I get the retro look but ergonomics are very bad and I didn’t think it was that big of a deal but the things it misses are major. Switched to an Xpro 3 bc the experience of shooting and ergonomics are so much nicer. Which is to be expected bc it’s not a retro inspired camera contrary to popular belief.
makes sense for you, its not going to be for everyone! i'd love to see an Xpro4 soon, interested to see what that would look like
@@chrisbrockhurst definitely! I feel like a lot of reviews glaze over the ergonomics for an enthusiast camera even though people are buying these for the experience. By the time it starts annoying you you’re out of your return window.
Tbh the colors incl. bw look quite meh to me. They should have put the d700 sensor in that thing
Qualitywise, Yes. It Has the largest retro ecosystem ever. But for experience: Fuji xpro3 (soon xpro5) and xt5 better
Nothing can beat micro prism, split prism simulation for restro style
Why nikon dont add manual focus assist other than green box or focus peacing?
yes.
Been debating if I wanna sell all my Fuji gear and switch back to Nikon
I did. I sweated it for a week. Now I have the Zf and im loving it. Outperfoms my XT5 in every way.
you honestly wouldn't regret it
I did it. I’m glad. The Nikon AF with this processor is fantastic.
see if you can rent it out for a few shoots first
I owned this camera, loved the body - but.... I ultimately returned it and snagged a Fuji xt-50.
how come?
Black PD anchors look very stealthy on the Zf
Yeh!! Way nicer then the red
It's the best camera period.
the zf is THE camera people have been waiting for forever.. only it doesnt have a fashionable brand name on it. if this same exact camera had "Fuji" or "Sony" (you know, the companies that pay out the a$$ to "influencers for ads) written on it, it would be the best thing since sliced bread.
If Sony decided to release a retro designed camera, I would hope they use the Minolta/Konica branding just for kicks
@@heyitsgerard Personally i hate branding. on anything. call me wierd but even on my guitars (which are high end gibsons, fenders, martins). I think it takes away from what the device is. its a tool. I think people put too much stock into Company x vs y. Thats where this weird shilling and cheerleader mentality comes from. Its like 'oh i own a fuji camera, that is now part of my personality'
Just got mine last week. I’m going to sell my Fuji XH2s along with the 90f2 , 56f1.2 , sigma 16 1.4 , viltrox 27 1.2, and the mitakon 35 .95
I’m so sold on the new releases from Nikon but I’m sort of lost of what lenses to get . ( I have the 40 f2 and viltrox 20 f2.8 )
11 years of shooting Fuji just down the drain like that hahaha I’m only keeping my x100v.
Would love some recommendations on lens choices !
Nikon Z 28mm SE fits really good on Zf.
Fuji X100V is a hard camera to let go of! Stick with the 40mm for now, its on mine most of the time
Yo Nikon, have RED apply their magic to stills LUTs. Boom.
Need a 40mp model i like to crop
maybe in the future?
Pixel peeper
well since u have choice of 2 .. its a 50/50 chance
At this point it's not "What is the best camera to get:", it is "What is the camera that I can get:"
pretty much this
tilt screen >>> flip screen
for stills, agree.
If it was 32 or 40 megapixels I would buy it with all due respect 24 megapixels doesn't give you much ability to crop and cropping really is extra lenses that you don't have to carry when you think about it. One of the reasons I like 40 megapixel cameras is you can crop in and still get a 20 megapixel file at 50% crop and 24 megapixels is not cool in 2024 and like I said, megapixels equals less lenses that you need to carry and that is something that RUclips is when you reviewing cameras. I wish they would talk about now. I'm too busy as a photographer to be running a RUclips channel but it's something that you guys just never mentioned and I just don't think 24 megapixels is sufficient no matter how good the camera is. The other thing that I would not be able to adapt to is the screen that does not tilt down. What were they thinking? Videographers are not going to buy this as a video camera. It was done by Nikon to design a screen that flips outwards when it's actually a Photography camera the actual photos of this camera are brilliant. I will acknowledge that not a problem but the economics and the screen are just plain dumb.
Nikon is a meme camera in the internet.
it does look heavy
it is, but thats a good thing
so basically, ZF wants to be what Fuji has already been for a long time
Fuji has a full frame camera with good autofocus?
Yes and it needs a 50 meg sensor !
Maybe in the next one?
You have more than 50 meg with this camera. Use Pixelshift and you get 95 meg.