I am one of those who has switched from the Fuji XT5 to the Nikon ZF. Prior to doing so, I was using my XT5 primarily with manual focus modern and vintage Voigtlander lenses because of the autofocus performance of the XT5. After some frustration during the summer attempting to use the autofocus of the XT5 for equestrian events that my granddaughter was competing in, I decided to acquire a ZF with a 24-120 zoom. I used this combo for a fall camping trip and a family birthday party and realized how much I had missed good autofocus capability. I decided to sell all my Fuji gear and invest totally in a Nikon System. I have purchased the Z 40mm and 28mm primes and 5 Nikon vintage manual focus Ai primes with focal ranges from 20 to 200mm. The cost of the 5 vintage primes was less than one of Fuji’s F1.4 primes. My experience with the Nikon system so far has been very positive. The autofocus is so much better than the what the XT5 currently provides. The image quality is excellent with the Z lenses. The experience shooting with vintage manual focus vintage lenses is very good since the viewfinder on the ZF is so good and it is easy to program zooming in to either 100 or 200% to confirm focus. I was a Nikon shooter for about 20 years until 2006. I experimented with all the major brands until 2012 when I settled on Fuji and continued with until this year. Every brand has its ups and downs. My feeling is that Fuji is currently going through a down phase, likely due to over demand and inability to meet the demand for its products, while Nikon is in a good place. I am happy with my decisions to move.
Yeah yeah, you are shooting freakin landscapes and daughter with other kids and Fuji with 90% hitrate shooting birds with tele zoom lens is not enough of course u will need 97% accuracy of Nikon XD. You guys are pathetic, seeing a problem when there is not a problem just because all of those reviews, tests and all of that. Unless you are professional or doing photography of fast sports I don’t see ANY difference or need to use such a precise af, but u do u lol
I own both cameras as of 1-month ago. The XT-5 is a great camera and I have no intention of selling it, especially for daytime travel. When comparing image quality, the full frame sensor on the Zf is special and the dynamic range is noticeably better. Both will have their place and I think there’s an argument to own both. I also think the Zf is an instant classic that will hold its value over time. I used to own an X100V. This Zf is everything I wanted that camera to be, even if it is bulkier.
I’m gonna jump to Sony but not give up on Fuji just yet. I’m gonna keep my XT5 and my Fuji lenses and sell my X100V and buy an A6700 with a couple small lenses. I don’t have the means yet but gonna likely do it in Spring. I’m gonna pretend the A6700 is an X100, lol! I feel like Fuji better get its $hiT together or there’s gonna be a coup.
Can’t leave my Fuji family. Absolutely love my XT5 and XH2S. And my Xpro1 is also a main stay. Used that on my honeymoon and the files were incredible. With that said, recently sold off my Leica SL2 gear and lenses to help moving across states. Now settled and looking for a full frame replacement, I decided to go Nikon this time. Just ordered the Zf and some old F mount glass and some new Z mount. Will take me some time to build up my glass. But no way as exorbitant as buying Leica glass. I couldn’t keep up with the cost of that system. Had an old Nikon N90X back in the day so good to come back to an old friend.
@@rumporridge1 I made the mistake of giving the Zf a go, I’m probably gonna go that direction. I trained on film cameras, the FE and FM2, so the Zf feels familiar. I do think it’s a bit heavy but it’s a beauty.
Great video as always sir. I did finally make the switch from XT-5 to Zf. I understand and agree with many of your points, but for my use case (not a pro photographer - Just family stuff and occasional work photos for my restaurant company), it has been absolutely perfect. I truly enjoy the build quality, even if it means a little bulk. I do use a Neewer grip because it gives you the grip in the front and also the thumb rest bump in the back. If you ever get the chance, try the Zf with the Voigtlander 40mm 1.2. Manual focus with a beautiful aperture ring. And works amazingly with the Xf’s MF assist feature. In the end, we all have that camera that just “speaks to us”, and after Sony and then Fuji, this is mine. Thanks again and keep up the awesome work!
I left Fujifilm for the ZF. Absolutely in love with my ZF and it's not even close. The Low light performance and manual focus eye detection features are golden and idk what kind of magic they put into this 24 pixel sensor but it's a different kind of special with heaps of character. Can't wait to slap a 135 Plena on this baby.
I really liked it too and thought of buying it but in the end I sent it back to b&h lol. If I wasn’t invested in canon rf I would have thought about it some more but having 3 camera systems would be crazy lol
I have both cameras. Get this…I use the Fuji for AF shooting and the Nikon for MF shooting! When I bought the X-T5 I had low expectations for the AF-C experience, so have stuck with AF-S. But having tried a bunch of MF lenses on it I have really struggled to enjoy the experience. The Zf is so much better at MF. Even though the viewfinders on both cameras have the same resolution the Zf is clearer, brighter and easier to get accurate focus just with peaking alone.
I did not switch from Fuji, but I have a Zf. It is my first full frame camera, fun, but a lot bigger than expected. So far, the 50 mm Z 1.8 and the Voigtlander 40 mm 1.2 are my favorite glass.
The Zf doesn’t quite do it for serious birders for that type of usage a z8 or z9 will do a better job. Agreed with your comments about the Zf it’s not Fuji replacement. Fuji cameras are well thought out and has some very indispensable features.
I moved from being a die hard Fuji fan to Sony a few years back after the poor AF and build quality bothered me too much. I’ve still got a Fuji xt30ii and the 35mm f1.4 but everything else is e mount. Sony has lots of lenses with aperture rings and I’ve come to love the sigma i series. The ZF is appealing though, feels like the best bits of Sony and Fuji. Nikon Z has quite a few manual options with aperture rings but it seems you can adapt e mount lenses too. Film sims are easy to get if you shoot raw, lots of good Lightroom profiles. I feel like it’s easier to address the ZF shortcomings but harder to address the Fuji ones.
Good video I know you didn't mention it.But the difference in megapixels for me it is actually a selling point.The 40 megapixels is a beautiful sweet spot.Because it does give you the ability to crop in and get more photos out of one scene. That feature may not the issue for some other people. IF they bring out a 36 megapixel ZF WOW 😮...with a joystick. I'm probably biassed towards Fuji as well. But that's because I enjoy the experience of taking photos with the camera. It's not just about the final outcome. Many people are just image outcome-based photographers. In other words, all they care about is the final image. And even though I shoot professionally, now I still want to enjoy the experience.I'm not just thinking about getting paid.And the final image.
I take advantage of the Zf AF the same way I did when I had the Sony A7CR (no joystick on that camera either), just take the focus point and lay it on the subject and then move the camera to the composition you want because the focus point will track with the subject. The only time I use AF-S is for the pinpoint AF when I need it. Funny thing is that when I use the D-Pad to move the focus point it gives me fond memories of the X-T1. 🙂
Hi Pete. Couple thoughts. #1, from what Ive read, Fuji's coming update is going to address video focusing, only. Rumors could be incorrect but I have read that in a few forums. Secondly, I programmed my ZF to use 3D focusing on the AE-L/AF-c button. It overides the eye tracking. You just place that box on they eye and hold the button, recompose. Never have to move the focus square. Good stuff and always apprciate your honesty. See you on X
So here we are in late December and we still don't have a autofocus updated firmware for our X-T5 cameras. Yes, the X-H2 and X-H2s autofocus issues were addressed with v7.1 but what about the X-T5 Fuji? Are you satisfied Pete and happy with your current firmware for the X-T5?
Well first remember that the XH2s update only covered video af. Stills are another story and I think the XH2s needs an update there too. Regarding the xt5, the af is ok for most of what I do which is portraits, ie non moving subjects lol. But no I’m not satisfied with the current firmware esp in af-c and using eye tracking.
For Autofocus mode changing, I use the record button and front back command dials to change modes. I have rear dial to change focus point/area, and front dial for mode. This is on my Expeed6 bodies but would imagine should be same for Expeed7 bodies.
I used the X100T as my primary digital camera for years, but when I started taking more portraits and dog photos, the AF system showed its age. Film sims are nice, but I started shooting more raw in recent years as I’ve created my own presets. I also shoot film and manually focusing on a rangefinder/SLR is way better than digital equivalents. Focus peaking and Fuji’s Split View are just not good enough. The XT5 seemed like a natural progression, but its manual focusing aids didn’t seem to have improved. I chose the ZF because I could use all my vintage lenses with subject detection and focus confirmation, and invest into Z glass for modern photography/AF. I’m so glad I did, manually focusing on the ZF is a joy! It’s not frustrating at all and right up there with my rangefinders on how quick I am to focus.
Grrrr…how many times do people have to be told that the FW update coming in November only addresses AF for the X-H2s, X-H2 and GFX100 mk2. Fuji have said that other cameras including the X-T5 will get an upgrade this year, so only one month later potentially, but you never know. It may seem like a minor point, but you know exactly what will happen if what I have said turns out to be the case…huge internet meltdown against Fuji because people have the wrong expectation. Can’t say that I have much sympathy for them though…
Yes this is true. They didn’t say specifically that xt5 update is in November however if they know what’s good for them they will get it out there too 😆 thanks for the correction
I am not rich enough to own both so I had to think through my purchase and went with the ZF based on feature set. I have several other dslr and they stay home. I shoot mostly in manual mode using vintage and adapted vm mount lenses. It was slower but recently I have been changing over to Voigtlander in Z mount. What a change. I shoot a lot in low light , live music. The lenses you did your testing with would have been way to slow for my taste, I did like your results with the ZF. if I had it to do over again I would rent one of each and see wich one I had the most fun with.
Hi Pete! Thanx for this video :) great to watch as always. About the cycling option of AF modes on the ZF: on my Nikon Z8 I have the video record button set to “Cycle AF-area mode”. An option you can change in the f2 (Custom controls shooting) menu (on the Z8, not sure where and if it is on the Zf). With that option on the video record button, every time you press it it changes to another AF-area mode, and you can even select which ones come up after every press of the button. Again, not sure if this is an option for the video record button on the ZF, but if it is, this might be a faster way for you to cycle through AF modes. Sure beats using the i-button and diving into a menu. Hope this helps :) Keep up the good work with your videos :)
Correct, I realize that Pete is trying to put out content as quickly, and learning all of the features and customization may not be possible in a short period of time. But if you’re going to put out an opinion about features or lack of, at least do your homework. There were 2 glaring errors on his dings against the camera, lack of Joystick, which the camera has on the viewfinder as is much quicker and more intuitive once you use it a few times and not knowing how to change the focusing modes via the function button customization.
Agree, I also use the touch screen for my focus point. For things like focus stacking, etc, it makes it so easy. When you want it recentered, just hit the ok button or tap in the center. Its 100% faster and more efficient than a joystick.
So actually you gave solid reasons why you prefer the XT5 but you did not give an objective comparison. Sure they are things some shoots may prefer about the XT5 but the ZF has huge merit. It is full frame and you forgot to mention that you can adaptor almost every manual focus lens available on the market with the ZF. So depth of field, low light, and such a wide access to so many lenses. You were showing your bias which may only help those people who have the same bias as yourself. I have already done a comprehensive comparison and for me the winner is ZF 100%.
I mean no matter what I say someone will not think it was objective or that I missed things lol. It’s just the nature of the beast doing these vids but yes you bring up good points although you are clearly biased which is fine.
@ people will always assume you have an objective presentation until they catch you out. Better you say upfront your opinion is purely subjective. It then offers clarity and meaning to your presentation. Otherwise people think you are simply offering a biased opinion as though it is objective and see this as you are not being truthful and may choose to not bother subscribing. I hope this helps you with building your channel
I jump back and forth between the zf and fujifilm. I love both of them, but I think I decided to keep an old nikon dslr and my x-t4. For the used prices I got them for, I still saved money instead of buying a new x-t5 or zf lol. Recommendation to solve you af selection on the zf. Change that function button on the front to allow changing the af modes and selections. The front command wheel will cycle through the focus area and the back will cycle through single, continuous and manual. It could be backwards from what I said, but I found that works well. Then, set the back button focus to 3d and it is a pretty killer way to go through the various modes. Another great video Pete. Always appreciate you.
Ii have both and bought the zf shortly after the xt5 so wasn't as invested in the film sims. Being a 9-5er I often shoot in low light after work and the zf lower mp count and ff sensor swallow light. Also, the gifantic z mount means you can use adapters for the widest range of glass, especially the wafer thin megadap etz21 pro for sony mount. I really like the xt5 but it feels like a half measure in the autumn/winter gloom and may come into its own in summer where the days are longer, brighter and the bulk of the zf may be a chore.
Great review. Both are very good cameras and you detail the plus and minuses very well. It really boils down to how you intend to use them. The ZF is very reminiscent of my old Nikon film camera, but then so is the XT5. I’ve got a soft spot for this body type.
I am leaning back toward my T5 NO articulating screen which I WANT. Have a Z5 now with same type screen will keep a few lenses for the Z5, better for LANDSCAPE. Fuji T5 is so much easier to handle and use and lighter. and great glass also. I will mostly use Fuji. Fuji T5 is coming with another Firmware upgrade this month also, to improve AF more as part of it.
Thank You for putting this together, really helpful for all of us Fuji users which are struggling/getting worked up by the continuous AF performance. I must admit that I haven't had AS MUCH issue with the AF on my X-T5 and I find it totally serviceable but between the AP-C vs Full Frame arguments and the AF performance it has me fueling my GAS and taking a look at other stuff. Thank you for the GAS-X pill.
As a Fuji user I won't be switching but still possibly buying a ZF to use all my vintage full frame lenses on a full frame sensor camera that feels somewhat like a real film camera.
I ordered a Zf with the 40mm F2 from B&H today and should have it tomorrow. I want to compare it against my X-H2S and X-H2 with the latest Fujifilm firmware. I have only used Fujifilm, but the lack of consistency in the auto focus behavior has worn me down to the point that I am willing to try another system. I'm sure the Nikon isn't perfect, but it might be a better fit for my style of photography. If the Nikon has more reliable auto focus, I doubt the features that Fujifilm has will be enough to keep me as a customer.
Sold my XPro2 and the X-T4 to get a Zf. At some point I realised that I had designaged cameras (as opposed to just a smartphone) with amazing digital filters (like Instagram), but not solid photography tools. I haven't gotten the Zf yet, but I hope I won't be relying on switching between Nikon "film simulations" available online, but will develop my own style and stick to it. My expectations of the Zf is to have a reliable tool in low light and just just an overall more proficient feeling tool than the Fujis.
I shot Fuji for years . I’ve been shooting Sony for about 5 years now but have been keeping my fun cameras in heavy rotation . I never thought I’d end up with the zf . Now owning it for couple months I don’t miss Fuji at all . The xt5 felt great in the hand but that af system was awful and annoying . The zf is amazing and I love it and have really no gas to Replace it . Yes it’s big but I get amazing images out of it and love using it .
@@PeteCocoPhotoyeah ? After I went through the camera and set it up like I want it . Then I just put the things I would need to access the most in my quick menus .
@@socialbender So far it's been a huge learning curve. I set a setting in the menu, but then it doesn't let me make the change via the dials or whatever. I don't think it's intuitive at all
@@socialbender Canon and Fuji. I find the Canon to be the best laid out menu. Fuji isn't great but okay in some respects. I don't think it's bad on the Nikon just some things are weird to me but of course that's partially getting used to any new system.
I'm a Nikon guy & I'll probably get a Zf (I shot with an FE & FE2 back in the day), but the used price is still too high for me. I always use single point with back button technique to focus on my D3s & D3x, & D610, so Eye-AF is not a huge deal for me. I had a Z6 for a about 5 months before selling it and the Eye-AF did NOT work reliably on that. Just for fun, I bought a cheap Z5 last week and weirdly so far I'm liking it better than the Z6. Like the Z6, It's not reliable with Eye-AF but I still have to update the firmware from 1.21 (currently on it) to the latest 1.43. Maybe the Eye-AF will improve, but I'll stick with single point if it doesn't.
I own both and I plan on keeping them. The Zf and the 70-180 f2.8 was in fact cheaper for me than buying a second Xt5 and the 50-140. With the addition of the Zf I get way better focus performance for fast paced action events while I can use the xt5 with fast primes. For zf focusing I used Omar Gonzales tips and I have not missed the joystick. As for simulation for the zf people can try the stellar cobalt image profiles which will match the colors with the Fuji. I must say that the xt5 with the 23mm 1.4 II is not as sharp wide open as the 40mm Nikon f2 which was a bit disappointing. I also love the Nikon iso performance at 12800 and beyond.
I watched many videos about the ZF. Thinking o buying one but your video caught my attention about the focus method switching. So no quick button to toggle through the focus methods. Hhmm that sux. Question. Can i have metering spot meter match my focus point location. Meter where the small focus point is ??" Thanks.
Does the Nikon let you shoot electronic shutter speeds greater than its maximum mechanical shutter? And does it have a pre-shooting mode, and if yes, does it shoot full resolution RAW files?
Ok so I'm amending my previous comment. I can't find a way to have it go above 1/2000 on electronic shutter. The info I read on the electronic shutter according to all the settings I tried is wrong. Mechanical shutter goes to 1/8000 sec. If someone has more info feel free to chime in on this comment thread thanks!
@@PeteCocoPhoto That is so weird. I’ve been with Fuji since the X-T1 and there are things like this (fast electronic shutter, pre-shooting in raw) that feels standard to me, but I’ve recently found out isn’t standard on other brands. Like the Sony A7 IV can’t do shutter speeds above 1/8000 (unless they upgraded it) and the Nikon Z8 can only do pre-shooting with jpegs I think (was watching a bird photographer talk about it). Fuji isn’t perfect, but I feel like they’ve been ahead of the curve on some features. (AF really needs to improve though.)
I'm a Nikon user, and I've had the ZF and the Fuji XT5 simultaneously for about five months. I kept the XT5 and sold the ZF. Although the ZF has noticeably better AF and low-light performance, I hated that it did not have a joystick or thumb rest and had a flippy vlogger screen, which I hated for travel and street shooting. The XT5 is the perfect size for travel and street and has a great screen to boot. I use my other Nikons (Z8) and D810 for paid work and the Fuji for fun.
The screen has a Joystick option so you can move the focusing point just like a joystick… actually once you use this method a few times it is much smoother and more intuitive. Learn the camera and its settings
Nice job Pete! One of the things that got me to buy my X-T3 a few years ago was performance for cost. And, I include the cost of lenses in that. At the time I looked at the cost of FF lenses and new I couldn't afford them. Maybe I'll change my mind when it's time to move on from the X-T3. Is there any new news about the rumored camera with the never used sensor from Fuji? I haven't heard anything since the initial rumor. Thanks again, have a great day.
I’m gonna jump to Sony but not give up on Fuji just yet. I’m gonna keep my XT5 and my Fuji lenses and sell my X100V and buy an A6700 with a couple small lenses. I don’t have the means yet but gonna likely do it in Spring. Sony autofocus is flawless and the A6700 is a tiny powerhouse. The Zf looks really awesome though. Gotta say. It’s a real beauty!
I'm especially impressed that you got to shoot the legendary Ron Carter (great shots of him in action)! I love what the Zf does with manual focus lenses, but I'm a hybrid shooter and wish the Zf's video capabilities would get a firmware update to eliminate the DX crop at 4K 60fps. If it could do that I would make the Zf my second Nikon mirrorless camera to go with my Z8. #LFGM
I shoot both Fuji and Nikon. I haven't upgraded my Fuji since my Xt3 because of auto focus. I did get the z6 III and really enjoy it. If I travel, I still take the Fuji. If I am having fun I use the Z6 III with my vintage Nikkor glass
Nice overview, Pete. I’d be interested in your experiences using the Z6iii if you ever have the opportunity to get a loaner from B&H. You get so much more functionality with the larger grip, joystick and extra buttons but, of course, you don’t get the vintage styling. P.S. Have you had the opportunity to try out the R5 Mark II yet?
I see one huge issue! The Zf does not come in silver and black!! On to the AF update, I have tried the release firmware on the X-M5 and yes, its definitely better. I love the idea of the Zf being FF though, as this is great for portraits. I still hope that fuji see the light and reduce an X-T6 with a 33mp sensor, that is stacked. I really think the 40mp sensor can be noisy, especially in low light. When shoot with Lumix S5iiX, which is 24mp, I find that its far better, even giving decent results at ISO 6400. While I agree on the AF joystick, I do feel a flip out screen works better here. If you use the X-S20, you can use the viewfinder with the touch screen to move the AF point around the screen. My S5iiX does this too, does the Nikon Zf not do this as it has a fully articulating screen? This is by far the most intuitive way to move the AF point. Flip up screens do not work well here, which really frustrates me, I so miss the X-T4 setup!
Question about Film Sims vs Nikon picture profiles - what do you see as the main difference? It seems that there are nice options to load “recipes” on Nikon. Are they not easy to use?
@@rufiosiis I really only ever used the original film sims from Fujifilm (I did make a couple of my own following other people's recipes, but didn't use them that much). Those Fujifilm sims just are very, very nice. The ones from the Nikon's just aren't as nice. Could I improve upon them with presets? Yeah. But I've never done that and am not really looking to. I shoot RAW, start with a Nikon look, and tweak from there. I get beautiful images and color. No complaints, but the Fujifilm colors look better. I loved Astia. I could use that for everything.
@@rufiosiis I loved the reds of the Astia sim. I'll likely attempt to replicate Astia with the Nikon profiles, but might be a while before I get around to it.
nice video, thank you just a little note: the overlayed shuttersound when showing a new photo, is WAY to loud and disturbing. I had to pull down the volume so that I could then hardly hear your voice.
With thousands invested in fujifilm I been patiently waiting on a AF fix so it better be mind blowing or I'm off to Sony and I've been a loyal Fuji Fanboy.. :)
video on good timing :) im fuji 's user since 2018,i have X100v and xt 3 ,i hesitate to level up with xt5 but Zf call me since few month;) and i still lose it ,performance of xt5 is really big even Af i heard too about voightlander 40 1.2 is blow away image quality! Jerome from France
people should stop moaning about Fuji Af, it may not be the best at eye tracking magic tricks but it is a solid AF system, not class leading but the overall package is great. Those who never had eye tracking and have relied on movig an AF point around have zero issues, same as those who came from the era before when the addition of AF was a both and bonus and a hinderance. Just use the dam camera or bugger off to another brand but stop moaing like a like girl having her hair pulled...
Hahaha I feel that. I use the xt5 all the time and the af is fine. Sure it’s not Sony but it works for what I do. I think video shooters are the ones having the most issues
Why so sensitive about what others complain about. If you love it that’s fine but those moaning voices get heard and force brands to do better, eventually and that’s good for everyone. Especially with how much these things cost now.
Miss my XT5, but I refuse to keep both. It had nothing to do with AF. The ZF is mainly my almost do it all camera. Ironically, I shoot with the XE2 more than my ZF.
Maybe this isn’t my full time job and i have limited time to run back and forth to skate parks to make you happy and just maybe you’d find something else to complain about anyway but what do I know this is a run on sentence anyway and not at all as eloquently crafted as Kerouac you dig daddyo?
Hey Pete!!! Love the videos man! Great info =) You in NY? near the city? I visit semi frequently for photography and would love to get together for a coffee or chat!
Nikon needs to come out with a Zf that abandons PASM and uses modeless flexible auto exposure hierarchy like Fuji, but unlike fuji they each need to be Auto toggled instead of A being a place on the dial. It's much more of a direct way to interact with exposure. Make what you want auto, set manually what you want. Aperture would need to be on the camera vs lens but I don't event think that's a bad thing. For preset workflow it should just totally override dials with an indicator and use good software or *buttons* to control. PReset control on any dial PASM or dedicated dials, is stupid, and PASM doesn't fix it. Preset workflows good for studio and video work need to be button and software controlled, with names and number codes. I would make the back button layourt double as a ten-key for inputting preset codes for quick changes.
Shoten XTZ adapter. I ordered one today. I sold most of my Fujifilm gear when I switched to the Z system, but couldn’t part with my 35/1.4 and 50/2. If the adapter ends up working well I’ll probably pick up a used 56/1.2 because I miss that lens too. It will be interesting how the old Fujifilm lenses work with Nikon’s AF system. I also have the Fringer EF to Z adapter and my EF 135/2 works flawlessly on my Z bodies. Just another lens I couldn’t bear to part with. Actually, that’s one area I’m really appreciating the Z mount: ability to adapt other glass. I also have some old glass and the Zf is stellar with MF assist.
So you had the camera for a month and couldn’t figure out how to assign the Fn button to access the AF modes and change using the front and back dials? Also, you apparently are not aware that you can use the LCD as a “virtual” joy stick. I find this actually works much better than a physical joystick. It certainly would nice if you learned more about using the camera before spreading bad information on the Tube. As for lenses without aperture rings, I agree this would be nice, but the Zf is more of a niche product for Nikon and it probably doesn’t make sense to develop a line of lenses for one camera model (I guess 2 if you count the Zfc). I also agree that the front dial is difficult to use, so I switched aperture control to the rear dial. Much easier. Fortunately, the Z mount allows you to adapt just about any lens out there and there are plenty to choose from. The subject/eye detection with manual focus lenses makes nailing focus so easy. I was an avid Fuji user in the past (Xt-1, X-Pro2, X-e3), but had too many issues with the interface and reliability. I switched to Nikon when the Zfc came out and now have the Zf. Both are solid performers and I don’t miss Fuji at all.
"Fujifilm patch coming any day now!" .. Ha Ha Ha Ho Ho LOL. I had waited for 7 years! I had to send my Fuji's back for many of the bugs and issues! When they came back from so-called service, .... Still rubbish. Can't capture focus, shutter release on my X100 F is a hit and miss. I traded all me Fuji bodies and pro lenses, and invested in more Nikon equipment. I shot with Nikon SLR then moved to Nikon DSLR with 49 years shooting pro, I have not had a single failure. I'm interested in the Z 7III and Z9 replacement. NEF pre-capture will see me add one of these to the bag.
I’m sure you will be happy with the Z7 and 9! I have had good luck with my fuji gear but I get how frustrated people are and they just can’t get it together it seems
Thank you for comparison Pete! I have both xt5 and Zf but will probably sell Zf soon. I love that Nikon gave it a try and hope they will refine Zf in coming years. Some lenses are awesome (50 1.8, 40 f2) but total experience is behind Fujifilm. Joystick, colour simulations, ergonomics, limited number of retro lenses. Im waiting for gfx fixed lense camera or xpro 4 to move back to Fujifilm.
Limited number of retro lenses? There's thousands of vintage lenses you can put on. Better voigtländer lenses, Thypoch lenses, Artlab lenses etc. There's colour simulations aswell. Try a manual lens and the experiences are way better on ZF. I've shot Fujifilm the past 7 years.
@@stayuntilforever I'm far from being a funboy. Yes, you can adapt to any system nowadays. You loose AF or have to adapt through dedicated adapters which makes it even more bulky. Nikon does not have colour simulation. Picture control is limited to simple changes and fuji simulations go deeper. Panasonic LUT is closest to simulations but needs refinement. Don't get me wrong, I like Nikon and hope they will improve. They have strong points and weak, just like Fujifilm.
@ Sadly I fear you may be right. Which is another point why I hesitate with investing in Nikon. I don't want to end up with old body and no future prospects.
@@MrElthan I will only use my ZF with voigtlander 40mm1.2 and Thypoch 28mm1.8 as my setup and I can't find any fullframe camera who could do it better in terms of fast and accurate focus with MF.
The Nikon smashes the fuji in low light. There is just no comparison. It also smashes Fujis autofocus; it has a switch to shoot in B&W. There is another place where Nikon smashes fuji Its B&W jpegs are beautiful and the build quality is way better the fuji feels like plastic. I used to love fuji, but there standards dropped.
I think you misunderstood. I was accused by a few of bias, I didn't say I was biased. You should watch the vid you prob will enjoy it and agree with many of my points.
Yeah one more comment. I don't understand why you would put a flip out screen for a camera that was marketed as a Photography retro camera. Trust me. There was no flip out screens in 1980 so I don't know why they went with a flip out screen for this particular camera it actually has got to the point where when they release new cameras why don't they make two models one with a flip out and one with a tilt down and then we can all just choose!!!
So that you can flip it around and close it. Then you have a similar experience to shooting a film camera. I’ve been using my Zf this way from time to time to avoid chimping.
@@nevvanclarke9225 everything in life has trade-offs. That’s why we have so much variety. Trust me, I love the X-T5 tilting screen for most photography, but I think the flip screen implementation was well thought out by Nikon.
If I was a professional I'd use a Sony....but Sony is boring. I shoot for myself and even though I'm a old school Nikon guy - the Fujifilm cameras are exciting and a blast to use and that factor gets me out taking photos again. I still use film but the Fuji is more economical.
Sony the best in the game, but it drives me nuts that a company which builds exceptional TVs can’t bother to put quality LCD panels and viewfinders in their mid-tier cameras. It’s inexcusable.
You’re probably gonna get a bunch of comments that you can move the Nikon’s focus box with the touch screen, but I’m with you that the omission of a real joystick was a huge miss. Especially since Nikon’s AF, while overall better than Fuji’s, is still not in the same ballpark as Sony and Canon…
Yeah I figured but the touch screen is annoying for focus points if you put your eye to the EVF like I do. I always hit it with my nose by accident LOL.
@@PeteCocoPhotoYou know You can put the screen on the side and then set focus point while looking at the evf? That's what I do on my A7R5 all the time.
@@PeteCocoPhotoyou can change the focus point touch area so that doesn’t happen, and it is much faster than a joystick. This coming from a Nikon Z8 and Z9 user, which have joysticks.
Very helpful discussion Pete. There are so many variables besides AF and CF when using a camera. I considered the Zf but as a single point shooter, I still prefer my Fuji. After 10 years with Fuji - I agree there are compromises and occasionally I’m frustrated - but there are also so many reasons I love the images I get with my X-T5. The last time I felt that was with my Canon 5D Mark III. Cheers!
lol just here to comment that if you switch cameras so often, (zf just came out a year ago?) and/or looking at the "next best thing " then you're not doing actual photography . you're no better than people wanting the next iPhone for the sake of having the next iPhone .
The Zf lets you use the screen as a 'joy stick' - easily moving your focus point with your thumb as you view through the EVF. It's easy and very fast. Read the user manual.
@PeteCocoPhoto you can allocate the right hand corner to be the zone that moves the focus point around while you are looking through the viewfinder so it acts more like a joy stick.
Agree with most of your comments BUT not with the ergonomics of the Zf. It is not just bulky but very uncomfortable and heavy unless you use a grip, in which case it defeats one of the main purposes of this camera, to look retro!. Quality is better overall but for my use, I am a long time enthusiast not a professional, the difference is not that much unless you start analyzing the technicalities of the image rather than the beauty, feeling, artsy aspects off the image. I returned my Zf I'm keeping my Xt5. In full disclosure though my love has always been the Nikon products. I still own a very old D80 and own an Z8 and motivated by "GAS" I bought a Z6III. Thanks for the Vid Pete!!
XT5 is a crop sensor camera. But Zf has a full frame sensor. Because of that, I bought a copy of Zf with a Neewer grip. The lens is 40mm F2 SE with a third party metal hook from a Chinese manufacturer. With a full frame sensor, I have better bokeh, image quality and distortion control. If you shoot portraitures, you should go full frame. For street photography, a crop sensor will do the job.
How bad can a new camera be in the auto focus stakes, I have been using canon 5D4's for my commercial for the last 8 years and earlier iterations before that and have never had a problem and there is no eye detect, no modern conveniences and still get the job done, I mean how bad can the Fuji be in studio, me thinks you're a little spoilt.
I agree but if ever I bring up your valid point I get accused of being a fanboy, fuji shill, or liar. LOL. A lot of the criticism of Fuji af is on the video side as well, which is another animal.
A lot of people make AF and low-light performance a big deal. I only change cameras when they break or slow me down with what I want to do. AF even from the days of X-T1 has never been an issue for me. Definitely Nikon, Sony, Canon all do much better than Fuji in AF department. Except if you are shooting fast moving action or really lowlight low contrast scenes, it would not make much difference. I shot toddlers indoor in difficult lighting situation with X-T1 that has no IBIS using their 23mm f1.4 V1 lens that is slow to focus without many issues. The main issue I faced using Fuji systems during initial years was lack of proper RAW processor. Lightroom does a horrible job at dealing with Fuji raw files. On top, fuji has visually high noise for ISOs 6400 and above which made things even worse. I was in the market to get a second body and contemplated about selling my fuji system and buying into Nikon or Sony. I still went ahead and brought X-T5. Nikon Zf and Sony A7IV are pretty close in size to X-T5 but camera body is just one part of the equation. Sony's best glass is relatively compact but very expensive. At the same time, the colors out of sony cameras are yuck (for my taste). I need to color grade to make them look how I saw the scene. The best Nikon glass is bulky and expensive, am definitely not going to pair a Nikon Zf with 24-70 f2.8 and lug it around for travel. Nikon does much better job with colors though, I still need to color grade but am happy to just use SOOC too. For now, I stayed with Fuji. I love colors that come out it. Few months back, I switched to DxO photolab and am really surprised by how it handled Fuji raw files. I _dont_ do any color grading even on fuji raw files with photlab. For high ISO, i just turn on their Deep Prime XD noise reduction with default settings and export. I am able to push ISO to 10K with this workflow on Fujis now and dont worry about low light. With 18mm f1.4, 33mm f1.4 and 90mm f2 for special situations am quite happy with results and robustness of the system. If I pickup Nikon or Sony, i would either end up paying atleast double the price or carry double the weight for same quality glass. One must understand that there is no perfect camera, its just about what you want for your type of work.
It is dearer, bigger, and heavier as are the lenses. No aperture ring on the nikkor lenses, I hate the rear screen, don't want PASM dial, larger sensor more dust. As for A/F, I use like you do so I don't have a problem, I don't shoot video so any AF problems there don't bother me. And don't drop the Nikon, you may find the repairs will cost you a lot more, well in the UK anyway.
its so funny people think "I have to switch brands?! No you don't invest in more than one system, and if you don't have the money to switch it up then don't. People are such single brand fans boys and its gross
There’s no harm in being a fan of a product I mean we all do that but people think that by switching brands their photos will some how magically improve and this is of course ridiculous
The Nikon Zf is their weakest camera. For pros, the Z6 III or Z8 are a much better choice. The Zf is for a smaller niche of photographers and photography use cases. Not useable without a grip, no cf express card, ... But: The Z lenses outperform the XF lenses. The IQ of the 70-200/2.8 and 24-70mm/2.8, 105/2.8 (bulky, heavy, insane price) and especially the 105/1.4 (adepted) are leaving every XF lens miles behind - I had a lot of XF lenses (18/23/33 f1.4, 50/1.0, 56/1.2 R and WR, 80, 90, 16-55/2.8, 50-140mm ...) on a XH2/XH2s (XT3,XT4). Weight lifting training and antidepressants when looking at the pricing list recommended, indeed. Nikons fiirmware? No freezing. Their updates: stellar. Many new features. Not just bug fixes or implementing new ones. Menu structure: a nightmare.
Compared to my Fujifilm XE1 I'd say the ZF is a pro camera. And I still use the XE1 for my work as a backup. The grip on the ZF is fine, express cards are only needed if you film or shoot multiple frames per second. As a working photographer who only shoots images and spend more time composing a shot I just need an inspiring camera with good image quality. Af etc is one of my least concerns. I'd be happy with no video and no screen.
I'm currently amazed at the number of reports that X-T5 users are switching to the Nikon ZF. The X-T5 was the very best camera and now it seems as if it's complete rubbish and luckily the ZF is finally here. So I see it like this: the X-T5 is not the very best camera in the world, and neither is the ZF. The X-T5 is small and the ZF is big and heavy, but it's 35mm. And that's one point: do you want 35mm or would you prefer a smaller camera? But OK, you camera gear writers always have to bring something new to the table. Guys, don't let yourself be fooled.
Yep I get that. The people who have spoke with me many are interested in the better af system which I get. But I think the whole thing is overblown to a degree.
Why do people even comparing X-t5 to Zf?... It's FF so body & lenses will be bigger & heavier, also the price. Stick with APSC if you want lighter. I mean, comparing it because of the AF is absolute idiot. We all know Fuji AF sucks in the first place, the moment you handed your money to the store.
Why not? What's the problem on different size sensors? I have a Fujifilm X-T5 and have considered the Nikon ZF. Also have Sony FF and still like micro 4/3. On the full frame side of things, why does the ZF have to be so big and heavy?
I don’t have either. But I did buy the Zf when it was released and I owned an XT-2 once. Given the choice I’d take the XT-2 over the Nikon. Auto focus isn’t a deciding factor for my use.
I am one of those who has switched from the Fuji XT5 to the Nikon ZF. Prior to doing so, I was using my XT5 primarily with manual focus modern and vintage Voigtlander lenses because of the autofocus performance of the XT5. After some frustration during the summer attempting to use the autofocus of the XT5 for equestrian events that my granddaughter was competing in, I decided to acquire a ZF with a 24-120 zoom. I used this combo for a fall camping trip and a family birthday party and realized how much I had missed good autofocus capability. I decided to sell all my Fuji gear and invest totally in a Nikon System. I have purchased the Z 40mm and 28mm primes and 5 Nikon vintage manual focus Ai primes with focal ranges from 20 to 200mm. The cost of the 5 vintage primes was less than one of Fuji’s F1.4 primes.
My experience with the Nikon system so far has been very positive. The autofocus is so much better than the what the XT5 currently provides. The image quality is excellent with the Z lenses. The experience shooting with vintage manual focus vintage lenses is very good since the viewfinder on the ZF is so good and it is easy to program zooming in to either 100 or 200% to confirm focus.
I was a Nikon shooter for about 20 years until 2006. I experimented with all the major brands until 2012 when I settled on Fuji and continued with until this year. Every brand has its ups and downs. My feeling is that Fuji is currently going through a down phase, likely due to over demand and inability to meet the demand for its products, while Nikon is in a good place. I am happy with my decisions to move.
Sounds like you made the right decision. I’m interested in checking out some manual lenses as well
Yeah yeah, you are shooting freakin landscapes and daughter with other kids and Fuji with 90% hitrate shooting birds with tele zoom lens is not enough of course u will need 97% accuracy of Nikon XD.
You guys are pathetic, seeing a problem when there is not a problem just because all of those reviews, tests and all of that.
Unless you are professional or doing photography of fast sports I don’t see ANY difference or need to use such a precise af, but u do u lol
I own both cameras as of 1-month ago. The XT-5 is a great camera and I have no intention of selling it, especially for daytime travel. When comparing image quality, the full frame sensor on the Zf is special and the dynamic range is noticeably better. Both will have their place and I think there’s an argument to own both. I also think the Zf is an instant classic that will hold its value over time. I used to own an X100V. This Zf is everything I wanted that camera to be, even if it is bulkier.
It is special I agree
I’m gonna jump to Sony but not give up on Fuji just yet. I’m gonna keep my XT5 and my Fuji lenses and sell my X100V and buy an A6700 with a couple
small lenses. I don’t have the means yet but gonna likely do it in Spring. I’m gonna pretend the A6700 is an X100, lol! I feel like Fuji better get its $hiT together or there’s gonna be a coup.
Can’t leave my Fuji family. Absolutely love my XT5 and XH2S. And my Xpro1 is also a main stay. Used that on my honeymoon and the files were incredible. With that said, recently sold off my Leica SL2 gear and lenses to help moving across states. Now settled and looking for a full frame replacement, I decided to go Nikon this time. Just ordered the Zf and some old F mount glass and some new Z mount. Will take me some time to build up my glass. But no way as exorbitant as buying Leica glass. I couldn’t keep up with the cost of that system. Had an old Nikon N90X back in the day so good to come back to an old friend.
@@rumporridge1 I made the mistake of giving the Zf a go, I’m probably gonna go that direction. I trained on film cameras, the FE and FM2, so the Zf feels familiar. I do think it’s a bit heavy but it’s a beauty.
Great video as always sir. I did finally make the switch from XT-5 to Zf. I understand and agree with many of your points, but for my use case (not a pro photographer - Just family stuff and occasional work photos for my restaurant company), it has been absolutely perfect. I truly enjoy the build quality, even if it means a little bulk. I do use a Neewer grip because it gives you the grip in the front and also the thumb rest bump in the back. If you ever get the chance, try the Zf with the Voigtlander 40mm 1.2. Manual focus with a beautiful aperture ring. And works amazingly with the Xf’s MF assist feature. In the end, we all have that camera that just “speaks to us”, and after Sony and then Fuji, this is mine. Thanks again and keep up the awesome work!
Thanks Ken, I appreciate the insights! Glad you are enjoying the Zf. 🙏
I left Fujifilm for the ZF. Absolutely in love with my ZF and it's not even close. The Low light performance and manual focus eye detection features are golden and idk what kind of magic they put into this 24 pixel sensor but it's a different kind of special with heaps of character. Can't wait to slap a 135 Plena on this baby.
I really liked it too and thought of buying it but in the end I sent it back to b&h lol. If I wasn’t invested in canon rf I would have thought about it some more but having 3 camera systems would be crazy lol
I have both cameras. Get this…I use the Fuji for AF shooting and the Nikon for MF shooting! When I bought the X-T5 I had low expectations for the AF-C experience, so have stuck with AF-S. But having tried a bunch of MF lenses on it I have really struggled to enjoy the experience. The Zf is so much better at MF. Even though the viewfinders on both cameras have the same resolution the Zf is clearer, brighter and easier to get accurate focus just with peaking alone.
Bucking the trends haha I love it. Yep the evf in the Zf is really nice
I did not switch from Fuji, but I have a Zf. It is my first full frame camera, fun, but a lot bigger than expected. So far, the 50 mm Z 1.8 and the Voigtlander 40 mm 1.2 are my favorite glass.
Yep it’s definitely big compared to smaller Fuji cameras
The Nikon 50/1.8 is amazing
Sold the XT5 no brainer keeping ZF
Enjoy!
For travel, I prefer a lightweight camera, so the XT5 is ideal for me.
The Zf doesn’t quite do it for serious birders for that type of usage a z8 or z9 will do a better job. Agreed with your comments about the Zf it’s not
Fuji replacement. Fuji cameras are well thought out and has some very indispensable features.
I moved from being a die hard Fuji fan to Sony a few years back after the poor AF and build quality bothered me too much. I’ve still got a Fuji xt30ii and the 35mm f1.4 but everything else is e mount. Sony has lots of lenses with aperture rings and I’ve come to love the sigma i series. The ZF is appealing though, feels like the best bits of Sony and Fuji. Nikon Z has quite a few manual options with aperture rings but it seems you can adapt e mount lenses too. Film sims are easy to get if you shoot raw, lots of good Lightroom profiles. I feel like it’s easier to address the ZF shortcomings but harder to address the Fuji ones.
Thanks for sharing your experience - I hear ya!
Good video
I know you didn't mention it.But the difference in megapixels for me it is actually a selling point.The 40 megapixels is a beautiful sweet spot.Because it does give you the ability to crop in and get more photos out of one scene. That feature may not the issue for some other people. IF they bring out a 36 megapixel ZF WOW 😮...with a joystick. I'm probably biassed towards Fuji as well. But that's because I enjoy the experience of taking photos with the camera. It's not just about the final outcome. Many people are just image outcome-based photographers. In other words, all they care about is the final image. And even though I shoot professionally, now I still want to enjoy the experience.I'm not just thinking about getting paid.And the final image.
Thanks! I love the 40mp too for all the same reasons
I take advantage of the Zf AF the same way I did when I had the Sony A7CR (no joystick on that camera either), just take the focus point and lay it on the subject and then move the camera to the composition you want because the focus point will track with the subject. The only time I use AF-S is for the pinpoint AF when I need it. Funny thing is that when I use the D-Pad to move the focus point it gives me fond memories of the X-T1. 🙂
Yep. I do this all the time too.
Hi Pete. Couple thoughts. #1, from what Ive read, Fuji's coming update is going to address video focusing, only. Rumors could be incorrect but I have read that in a few forums. Secondly, I programmed my ZF to use 3D focusing on the AE-L/AF-c button. It overides the eye tracking. You just place that box on they eye and hold the button, recompose. Never have to move the focus square. Good stuff and always apprciate your honesty. See you on X
Nice! That’s a great tip. Yes you are correct they said the update will address video but also that more updates will be coming. Time will tell!
So here we are in late December and we still don't have a autofocus updated firmware for our X-T5 cameras. Yes, the X-H2 and X-H2s autofocus issues were addressed with v7.1 but what about the X-T5 Fuji? Are you satisfied Pete and happy with your current firmware for the X-T5?
Well first remember that the XH2s update only covered video af. Stills are another story and I think the XH2s needs an update there too. Regarding the xt5, the af is ok for most of what I do which is portraits, ie non moving subjects lol. But no I’m not satisfied with the current firmware esp in af-c and using eye tracking.
For Autofocus mode changing, I use the record button and front back command dials to change modes. I have rear dial to change focus point/area, and front dial for mode. This is on my Expeed6 bodies but would imagine should be same for Expeed7 bodies.
Thanks for the tip!
I used the X100T as my primary digital camera for years, but when I started taking more portraits and dog photos, the AF system showed its age. Film sims are nice, but I started shooting more raw in recent years as I’ve created my own presets.
I also shoot film and manually focusing on a rangefinder/SLR is way better than digital equivalents. Focus peaking and Fuji’s Split View are just not good enough.
The XT5 seemed like a natural progression, but its manual focusing aids didn’t seem to have improved.
I chose the ZF because I could use all my vintage lenses with subject detection and focus confirmation, and invest into Z glass for modern photography/AF.
I’m so glad I did, manually focusing on the ZF is a joy! It’s not frustrating at all and right up there with my rangefinders on how quick I am to focus.
It’s a great camera. Enjoy it!
Grrrr…how many times do people have to be told that the FW update coming in November only addresses AF for the X-H2s, X-H2 and GFX100 mk2. Fuji have said that other cameras including the X-T5 will get an upgrade this year, so only one month later potentially, but you never know. It may seem like a minor point, but you know exactly what will happen if what I have said turns out to be the case…huge internet meltdown against Fuji because people have the wrong expectation. Can’t say that I have much sympathy for them though…
Yes this is true. They didn’t say specifically that xt5 update is in November however if they know what’s good for them they will get it out there too 😆 thanks for the correction
Reminds me of a sign my friend's parents had hanging over a bar in their basement "free beer tomorrow"
@@YouSnoozeYouNooze hahaha
Ditto to your comment @oliverfox838. Fuji definitely needs to address another AF firmware for the X-T5.
Own both, my Z7II & XT3. ZF is on my radar
I own both, depending of course of the lenses you use, they both are amazing.
I am not rich enough to own both so I had to think through my purchase and went with the ZF based on feature set. I have several other dslr and they stay home. I shoot mostly in manual mode using vintage and adapted vm mount lenses. It was slower but recently I have been changing over to Voigtlander in Z mount. What a change. I shoot a lot in low light , live music. The lenses you did your testing with would have been way to slow for my taste, I did like your results with the ZF. if I had it to do over again I would rent one of each and see wich one I had the most fun with.
Hi Pete! Thanx for this video :) great to watch as always. About the cycling option of AF modes on the ZF: on my Nikon Z8 I have the video record button set to “Cycle AF-area mode”. An option you can change in the f2 (Custom controls shooting) menu (on the Z8, not sure where and if it is on the Zf).
With that option on the video record button, every time you press it it changes to another AF-area mode, and you can even select which ones come up after every press of the button.
Again, not sure if this is an option for the video record button on the ZF, but if it is, this might be a faster way for you to cycle through AF modes. Sure beats using the i-button and diving into a menu.
Hope this helps :)
Keep up the good work with your videos :)
Hey Peter! Thanks for this awesome tip!
You can map the focusing modes to any button you want on the ZF. I have it mapped to the front fn button.
Correct, I realize that Pete is trying to put out content as quickly, and learning all of the features and customization may not be possible in a short period of time.
But if you’re going to put out an opinion about features or lack of, at least do your homework.
There were 2 glaring errors on his dings against the camera, lack of Joystick, which the camera has on the viewfinder as is much quicker and more intuitive once you use it a few times and not knowing how to change the focusing modes via the function button customization.
Agree, I also use the touch screen for my focus point. For things like focus stacking, etc, it makes it so easy. When you want it recentered, just hit the ok button or tap in the center. Its 100% faster and more efficient than a joystick.
So actually you gave solid reasons why you prefer the XT5 but you did not give an objective comparison. Sure they are things some shoots may prefer about the XT5 but the ZF has huge merit. It is full frame and you forgot to mention that you can adaptor almost every manual focus lens available on the market with the ZF. So depth of field, low light, and such a wide access to so many lenses. You were showing your bias which may only help those people who have the same bias as yourself.
I have already done a comprehensive comparison and for me the winner is ZF 100%.
I mean no matter what I say someone will not think it was objective or that I missed things lol. It’s just the nature of the beast doing these vids but yes you bring up good points although you are clearly biased which is fine.
@ people will always assume you have an objective presentation until they catch you out. Better you say upfront your opinion is purely subjective. It then offers clarity and meaning to your presentation. Otherwise people think you are simply offering a biased opinion as though it is objective and see this as you are not being truthful and may choose to not bother subscribing. I hope this helps you with building your channel
@@ScottEVOwner What did you catch? You are just giving me your opinion but thanks for the tips
I jump back and forth between the zf and fujifilm. I love both of them, but I think I decided to keep an old nikon dslr and my x-t4. For the used prices I got them for, I still saved money instead of buying a new x-t5 or zf lol. Recommendation to solve you af selection on the zf. Change that function button on the front to allow changing the af modes and selections. The front command wheel will cycle through the focus area and the back will cycle through single, continuous and manual. It could be backwards from what I said, but I found that works well. Then, set the back button focus to 3d and it is a pretty killer way to go through the various modes. Another great video Pete. Always appreciate you.
Thank you! And thanks for the awesome tip!
Ii have both and bought the zf shortly after the xt5 so wasn't as invested in the film sims.
Being a 9-5er I often shoot in low light after work and the zf lower mp count and ff sensor swallow light.
Also, the gifantic z mount means you can use adapters for the widest range of glass, especially the wafer thin megadap etz21 pro for sony mount.
I really like the xt5 but it feels like a half measure in the autumn/winter gloom and may come into its own in summer where the days are longer, brighter and the bulk of the zf may be a chore.
Great review.
Both are very good cameras and you detail the plus and minuses very well. It really boils down to how you intend to use them. The ZF is very reminiscent of my old Nikon film camera, but then so is the XT5. I’ve got a soft spot for this body type.
Thanks! Yes I love the retro look and physical dials too
I am leaning back toward my T5 NO articulating screen which I WANT. Have a Z5 now with same type screen will keep a few lenses for the Z5, better for LANDSCAPE. Fuji T5 is so much easier to handle and use and lighter. and great glass also. I will mostly use Fuji. Fuji T5 is coming with another Firmware upgrade this month also, to improve AF more as part of it.
As long as they improve the firmware and the AF improves that's the big question haha
Thank You for putting this together, really helpful for all of us Fuji users which are struggling/getting worked up by the continuous AF performance. I must admit that I haven't had AS MUCH issue with the AF on my X-T5 and I find it totally serviceable but between the AP-C vs Full Frame arguments and the AF performance it has me fueling my GAS and taking a look at other stuff. Thank you for the GAS-X pill.
Glad you found it helpful! I never know how people will react to these comparison videos lol
As a Fuji user I won't be switching but still possibly buying a ZF to use all my vintage full frame lenses on a full frame sensor camera that feels somewhat like a real film camera.
you can use the touch screen as a joystick
I ordered a Zf with the 40mm F2 from B&H today and should have it tomorrow. I want to compare it against my X-H2S and X-H2 with the latest Fujifilm firmware. I have only used Fujifilm, but the lack of consistency in the auto focus behavior has worn me down to the point that I am willing to try another system. I'm sure the Nikon isn't perfect, but it might be a better fit for my style of photography. If the Nikon has more reliable auto focus, I doubt the features that Fujifilm has will be enough to keep me as a customer.
Sold my XPro2 and the X-T4 to get a Zf. At some point I realised that I had designaged cameras (as opposed to just a smartphone) with amazing digital filters (like Instagram), but not solid photography tools. I haven't gotten the Zf yet, but I hope I won't be relying on switching between Nikon "film simulations" available online, but will develop my own style and stick to it. My expectations of the Zf is to have a reliable tool in low light and just just an overall more proficient feeling tool than the Fujis.
I think you will love it. When I do portraits I have my own editing style which is manually applied but for street and concerts I love the film sims
@@PeteCocoPhoto thank you for the reply and good content!
I shot Fuji for years . I’ve been shooting Sony for about 5 years now but have been keeping my fun cameras in heavy rotation . I never thought I’d end up with the zf . Now owning it for couple months I don’t miss Fuji at all . The xt5 felt great in the hand but that af system was awful and annoying . The zf is amazing and I love it and have really no gas to
Replace it . Yes it’s big but I get amazing images out of it and love using it .
The menu system so far is the biggest negative for me. So confusing
@@PeteCocoPhotoyeah ? After I went through the camera and set it up like I want it . Then I just put the things I would need to access the most in my quick menus .
@@socialbender So far it's been a huge learning curve. I set a setting in the menu, but then it doesn't let me make the change via the dials or whatever. I don't think it's intuitive at all
@@PeteCocoPhoto what did you shoot before the zf ?
@@socialbender Canon and Fuji. I find the Canon to be the best laid out menu. Fuji isn't great but okay in some respects. I don't think it's bad on the Nikon just some things are weird to me but of course that's partially getting used to any new system.
I'm a Nikon guy & I'll probably get a Zf (I shot with an FE & FE2 back in the day), but the used price is still too high for me. I always use single point with back button technique to focus on my D3s & D3x, & D610, so Eye-AF is not a huge deal for me. I had a Z6 for a about 5 months before selling it and the Eye-AF did NOT work reliably on that. Just for fun, I bought a cheap Z5 last week and weirdly so far I'm liking it better than the Z6. Like the Z6, It's not reliable with Eye-AF but I still have to update the firmware from 1.21 (currently on it) to the latest 1.43. Maybe the Eye-AF will improve, but I'll stick with single point if it doesn't.
Single point for the win
I own both and I plan on keeping them. The Zf and the 70-180 f2.8 was in fact cheaper for me than buying a second Xt5 and the 50-140. With the addition of the Zf I get way better focus performance for fast paced action events while I can use the xt5 with fast primes. For zf focusing I used Omar Gonzales tips and I have not missed the joystick. As for simulation for the zf people can try the stellar cobalt image profiles which will match the colors with the Fuji. I must say that the xt5 with the 23mm 1.4 II is not as sharp wide open as the 40mm Nikon f2 which was a bit disappointing. I also love the Nikon iso performance at 12800 and beyond.
Nice. Thanks for sharing your setup!
If you dont have a camera yet the zf is gonna be a much better option for just a couple hundred more
I watched many videos about the ZF. Thinking o buying one but your video caught my attention about the focus method switching. So no quick button to toggle through the focus methods. Hhmm that sux. Question. Can i have metering spot meter match my focus point location. Meter where the small focus point is ??" Thanks.
I believe there is a way to map it I just couldn't figure it out
Does the Nikon let you shoot electronic shutter speeds greater than its maximum mechanical shutter? And does it have a pre-shooting mode, and if yes, does it shoot full resolution RAW files?
Ok so I'm amending my previous comment. I can't find a way to have it go above 1/2000 on electronic shutter. The info I read on the electronic shutter according to all the settings I tried is wrong. Mechanical shutter goes to 1/8000 sec. If someone has more info feel free to chime in on this comment thread thanks!
@@PeteCocoPhoto That is so weird. I’ve been with Fuji since the X-T1 and there are things like this (fast electronic shutter, pre-shooting in raw) that feels standard to me, but I’ve recently found out isn’t standard on other brands. Like the Sony A7 IV can’t do shutter speeds above 1/8000 (unless they upgraded it) and the Nikon Z8 can only do pre-shooting with jpegs I think (was watching a bird photographer talk about it).
Fuji isn’t perfect, but I feel like they’ve been ahead of the curve on some features. (AF really needs to improve though.)
The new Z6iii has pre-shooting mode
Hi Pete , Your background… do you have any video review on it? If not can you share some info about it? Id love to get something like that. Thanks
The gray is made by artery backdrops and the green by gravity backdrops. I use these all the time in my portrait shoots
I'm a Nikon user, and I've had the ZF and the Fuji XT5 simultaneously for about five months. I kept the XT5 and sold the ZF. Although the ZF has noticeably better AF and low-light performance, I hated that it did not have a joystick or thumb rest and had a flippy vlogger screen, which I hated for travel and street shooting. The XT5 is the perfect size for travel and street and has a great screen to boot. I use my other Nikons (Z8) and D810 for paid work and the Fuji for fun.
I love having the D-Pad and the joystick on the X-T5. My X-S20 only has joystick and I do prefer having both.
Nice. I forgot to mention the screen but yea that is a huge advantage for the xt5
Wow, Ive had XT5 and disagre with literally everything You wrote.
Hkw about autofocus? Is Zf pair with 28-400 fun to carry everyday and use or better with Z6III but does Z6III lower DR a problem?
The screen has a Joystick option so you can move the focusing point just like a joystick… actually once you use this method a few times it is much smoother and more intuitive.
Learn the camera and its settings
Do you guys know when Fuji will release the new firmware for XT5? Im about to go on a trip Nov 14... hope they do before that 😢
Nope. They didn't give a specific date
Then we all realized they didnt do a good job :{
How does the Zf compare with your Canon R5 for low light, image quality, etc.
Didn’t do any comparisons but that’s a good idea. I can tell you the colors straight out of the camera are nicer w the canon. The Nikon is way cooler
Maybe the Zf doesn't have a joystick because of the option to use your thumb on the screen to move the focus point while using the viewfinder.
Yes that might be so but I still prefer a physical dial over using the screen.
Nice job Pete! One of the things that got me to buy my X-T3 a few years ago was performance for cost. And, I include the cost of lenses in that. At the time I looked at the cost of FF lenses and new I couldn't afford them. Maybe I'll change my mind when it's time to move on from the X-T3. Is there any new news about the rumored camera with the never used sensor from Fuji? I haven't heard anything since the initial rumor. Thanks again, have a great day.
Thanks Charlie! Besides the XM5 I haven’t heard any other rumors recently
I’m gonna jump to Sony but not give up on Fuji just yet. I’m gonna keep my XT5 and my Fuji lenses and sell my X100V and buy an A6700 with a couple
small lenses. I don’t have the means yet but gonna likely do it in Spring. Sony autofocus is flawless and the A6700 is a tiny powerhouse.
The Zf looks really awesome though. Gotta say. It’s a real beauty!
It’s really nice. I’m shooting w canon as well as Fuji so I know exactly where you’re coming from
Sonys are so ugly they don't inspire me to go photograph 😂 I've owned 2 Sonys over the years. The least inspiring cameras
Thank you, Pete. Interesting vidéo!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm especially impressed that you got to shoot the legendary Ron Carter (great shots of him in action)! I love what the Zf does with manual focus lenses, but I'm a hybrid shooter and wish the Zf's video capabilities would get a firmware update to eliminate the DX crop at 4K 60fps. If it could do that I would make the Zf my second Nikon mirrorless camera to go with my Z8. #LFGM
Thanks! I’ve photographed the Maestro a number of times and it’s always such a treat. I myself am a bass player so it’s doubly special for me.
I shoot both Fuji and Nikon. I haven't upgraded my Fuji since my Xt3 because of auto focus. I did get the z6 III and really enjoy it. If I travel, I still take the Fuji. If I am having fun I use the Z6 III with my vintage Nikkor glass
I’d like to try that w the Zf
Nice overview, Pete. I’d be interested in your experiences using the Z6iii if you ever have the opportunity to get a loaner from B&H. You get so much more functionality with the larger grip, joystick and extra buttons but, of course, you don’t get the vintage styling.
P.S. Have you had the opportunity to try out the R5 Mark II yet?
Haven’t tried the R5 II yet but would love to as well as the z6iii
This camera has been the most overall reviewed camera on the internet that says quite a bit
I see one huge issue! The Zf does not come in silver and black!! On to the AF update, I have tried the release firmware on the X-M5 and yes, its definitely better. I love the idea of the Zf being FF though, as this is great for portraits. I still hope that fuji see the light and reduce an X-T6 with a 33mp sensor, that is stacked. I really think the 40mp sensor can be noisy, especially in low light. When shoot with Lumix S5iiX, which is 24mp, I find that its far better, even giving decent results at ISO 6400.
While I agree on the AF joystick, I do feel a flip out screen works better here. If you use the X-S20, you can use the viewfinder with the touch screen to move the AF point around the screen. My S5iiX does this too, does the Nikon Zf not do this as it has a fully articulating screen? This is by far the most intuitive way to move the AF point. Flip up screens do not work well here, which really frustrates me, I so miss the X-T4 setup!
Good to hear about the af! Yes you can use the screen for af I just don’t like that particular feature.
Went to the Zf from the X-T4. No regrets, but I do miss the film sims.
Question about Film Sims vs Nikon picture profiles - what do you see as the main difference? It seems that there are nice options to load “recipes” on Nikon. Are they not easy to use?
@@rufiosiis I really only ever used the original film sims from Fujifilm (I did make a couple of my own following other people's recipes, but didn't use them that much). Those Fujifilm sims just are very, very nice. The ones from the Nikon's just aren't as nice. Could I improve upon them with presets? Yeah. But I've never done that and am not really looking to. I shoot RAW, start with a Nikon look, and tweak from there. I get beautiful images and color. No complaints, but the Fujifilm colors look better. I loved Astia. I could use that for everything.
@@rufiosiis I loved the reds of the Astia sim. I'll likely attempt to replicate Astia with the Nikon profiles, but might be a while before I get around to it.
nice video, thank you
just a little note: the overlayed shuttersound when showing a new photo, is WAY to loud and disturbing. I had to pull down the volume so that I could then hardly hear your voice.
Thanks! Usually I lower that sound but now that you mention it I forgot to do so this time lol
Excellent video. Thumbs up.
Thanks brother 🙏🙏🙏
With thousands invested in fujifilm I been patiently waiting on a AF fix so it better be mind blowing or I'm off to Sony and I've been a loyal Fuji Fanboy.. :)
I’m hoping for the best haha
Hoping for the best here too and hoping it's better then I'm anticipating 😁
video on good timing :)
im fuji 's user since 2018,i have X100v and xt 3 ,i hesitate to level up with xt5 but Zf call me since few month;)
and i still lose it ,performance of xt5 is really big even Af
i heard too about voightlander 40 1.2 is blow away image quality!
Jerome from France
people should stop moaning about Fuji Af, it may not be the best at eye tracking magic tricks but it is a solid AF system, not class leading but the overall package is great. Those who never had eye tracking and have relied on movig an AF point around have zero issues, same as those who came from the era before when the addition of AF was a both and bonus and a hinderance. Just use the dam camera or bugger off to another brand but stop moaing like a like girl having her hair pulled...
Hahaha I feel that. I use the xt5 all the time and the af is fine. Sure it’s not Sony but it works for what I do. I think video shooters are the ones having the most issues
There was always people moaning of Fuji AF not at Sony level. But, this recent uproar is about Fuji AF being worse than previous versions of firmware.
Why so sensitive about what others complain about. If you love it that’s fine but those moaning voices get heard and force brands to do better, eventually and that’s good for everyone. Especially with how much these things cost now.
Miss my XT5, but I refuse to keep both. It had nothing to do with AF. The ZF is mainly my almost do it all camera. Ironically, I shoot with the XE2 more than my ZF.
Nice
So you tell us that you deleted images from the skatepark. Why didn’t you go there again and repeat the shoot? When I do a mistake I try to fix it.
Maybe this isn’t my full time job and i have limited time to run back and forth to skate parks to make you happy and just maybe you’d find something else to complain about anyway but what do I know this is a run on sentence anyway and not at all as eloquently crafted as Kerouac you dig daddyo?
Hey Pete!!! Love the videos man! Great info =) You in NY? near the city? I visit semi frequently for photography and would love to get together for a coffee or chat!
Yep. Hit me up when you are in town 🙌
Where did you hear/see that the new firmware update is “mid-November?”
For xh2/s. That was a mistake. They did announce an xt5 update but not sure the timeframe
I always found the colours on Nikon weird. Red and green look bizarr on Nikon photos.
Yeah I agree
How add a used R5 to the mix… just for fun 😜
Nikon needs to come out with a Zf that abandons PASM and uses modeless flexible auto exposure hierarchy like Fuji, but unlike fuji they each need to be Auto toggled instead of A being a place on the dial. It's much more of a direct way to interact with exposure. Make what you want auto, set manually what you want. Aperture would need to be on the camera vs lens but I don't event think that's a bad thing. For preset workflow it should just totally override dials with an indicator and use good software or *buttons* to control. PReset control on any dial PASM or dedicated dials, is stupid, and PASM doesn't fix it. Preset workflows good for studio and video work need to be button and software controlled, with names and number codes. I would make the back button layourt double as a ten-key for inputting preset codes for quick changes.
Thanks again 👌📸
You’re very welcome!
Switching from system to system is expensive! Fuji shooters should just wait for the Fuji firmware updates and then make up their minds.
Yep agreed
I’ve heard that you can use Fuji lenses on the Nikon ZF! Has anybody tried it?
I was wondering about this too
@
There’s a very thin adapter, somebody made a video about it. So it’s very real. I think the only issue is that it won’t be full frame, but cropped.
Shoten XTZ adapter. I ordered one today. I sold most of my Fujifilm gear when I switched to the Z system, but couldn’t part with my 35/1.4 and 50/2. If the adapter ends up working well I’ll probably pick up a used 56/1.2 because I miss that lens too. It will be interesting how the old Fujifilm lenses work with Nikon’s AF system.
I also have the Fringer EF to Z adapter and my EF 135/2 works flawlessly on my Z bodies. Just another lens I couldn’t bear to part with.
Actually, that’s one area I’m really appreciating the Z mount: ability to adapt other glass. I also have some old glass and the Zf is stellar with MF assist.
I sold everything from Fuji except my x10 and buy a Nikon Z6ii
So you had the camera for a month and couldn’t figure out how to assign the Fn button to access the AF modes and change using the front and back dials? Also, you apparently are not aware that you can use the LCD as a “virtual” joy stick. I find this actually works much better than a physical joystick. It certainly would nice if you learned more about using the camera before spreading bad information on the Tube. As for lenses without aperture rings, I agree this would be nice, but the Zf is more of a niche product for Nikon and it probably doesn’t make sense to develop a line of lenses for one camera model (I guess 2 if you count the Zfc). I also agree that the front dial is difficult to use, so I switched aperture control to the rear dial. Much easier. Fortunately, the Z mount allows you to adapt just about any lens out there and there are plenty to choose from. The subject/eye detection with manual focus lenses makes nailing focus so easy. I was an avid Fuji user in the past (Xt-1, X-Pro2, X-e3), but had too many issues with the interface and reliability. I switched to Nikon when the Zfc came out and now have the Zf. Both are solid performers and I don’t miss Fuji at all.
who pissed in your cheerios?
Whatever dude. I guess asking for an accurate review from a Fuji fanboy is too much to ask. Enjoy your small sensor and crappy AF.
@@tomegel659 no worries I enjoy the large sensor and excellent af on my canon r5 LOL. What are we like 5 years old? lol
It's still a CROP sensor with terrible AF... Apples vs Oranges
Lots of people are considering these two that’s why I did the vid 💪
"Fujifilm patch coming any day now!" .. Ha Ha Ha Ho Ho LOL. I had waited for 7 years! I had to send my Fuji's back for many of the bugs and issues! When they came back from so-called service, .... Still rubbish. Can't capture focus, shutter release on my X100 F is a hit and miss. I traded all me Fuji bodies and pro lenses, and invested in more Nikon equipment. I shot with Nikon SLR then moved to Nikon DSLR with 49 years shooting pro, I have not had a single failure. I'm interested in the Z 7III and Z9 replacement. NEF pre-capture will see me add one of these to the bag.
I’m sure you will be happy with the Z7 and 9! I have had good luck with my fuji gear but I get how frustrated people are and they just can’t get it together it seems
Thank you for comparison Pete! I have both xt5 and Zf but will probably sell Zf soon. I love that Nikon gave it a try and hope they will refine Zf in coming years. Some lenses are awesome (50 1.8, 40 f2) but total experience is behind Fujifilm. Joystick, colour simulations, ergonomics, limited number of retro lenses. Im waiting for gfx fixed lense camera or xpro 4 to move back to Fujifilm.
Limited number of retro lenses? There's thousands of vintage lenses you can put on. Better voigtländer lenses, Thypoch lenses, Artlab lenses etc. There's colour simulations aswell. Try a manual lens and the experiences are way better on ZF. I've shot Fujifilm the past 7 years.
@@stayuntilforever I'm far from being a funboy. Yes, you can adapt to any system nowadays. You loose AF or have to adapt through dedicated adapters which makes it even more bulky. Nikon does not have colour simulation. Picture control is limited to simple changes and fuji simulations go deeper. Panasonic LUT is closest to simulations but needs refinement. Don't get me wrong, I like Nikon and hope they will improve. They have strong points and weak, just like Fujifilm.
Yes exactly! I think it has potential tho but Nikon prob isn’t gonna make a full retro line
@ Sadly I fear you may be right. Which is another point why I hesitate with investing in Nikon. I don't want to end up with old body and no future prospects.
@@MrElthan I will only use my ZF with voigtlander 40mm1.2 and Thypoch 28mm1.8 as my setup and I can't find any fullframe camera who could do it better in terms of fast and accurate focus with MF.
The Nikon smashes the fuji in low light. There is just no comparison. It also smashes Fujis autofocus; it has a switch to shoot in B&W. There is another place where Nikon smashes fuji Its B&W jpegs are beautiful and the build quality is way better the fuji feels like plastic. I used to love fuji, but there standards dropped.
Zf is very nice for sure
sold bith of my fuji cameras for two Nikons
Are you happy with the switch?
Fuji just give us a working AF firmware update for the love of AF lol
😆😆😆 they better not mess it up lol
Hearing that there was bias towards fuji because of another brand's AF performance, is an instant skip tbh.
I think you misunderstood. I was accused by a few of bias, I didn't say I was biased. You should watch the vid you prob will enjoy it and agree with many of my points.
Yeah one more comment. I don't understand why you would put a flip out screen for a camera that was marketed as a Photography retro camera. Trust me. There was no flip out screens in 1980 so I don't know why they went with a flip out screen for this particular camera it actually has got to the point where when they release new cameras why don't they make two models one with a flip out and one with a tilt down and then we can all just choose!!!
Or just one that tilts and flips
So that you can flip it around and close it. Then you have a similar experience to shooting a film camera. I’ve been using my Zf this way from time to time to avoid chimping.
@awake780 Yeah that's a fair point but it's no good to you when you need to tilt down low
@PeteCocoPhoto I think sony has one like that
@@nevvanclarke9225 everything in life has trade-offs. That’s why we have so much variety. Trust me, I love the X-T5 tilting screen for most photography, but I think the flip screen implementation was well thought out by Nikon.
If I was a professional I'd use a Sony....but Sony is boring. I shoot for myself and even though I'm a old school Nikon guy - the Fujifilm cameras are exciting and a blast to use and that factor gets me out taking photos again. I still use film but the Fuji is more economical.
Sony is boring lol
Sony the best in the game, but it drives me nuts that a company which builds exceptional TVs can’t bother to put quality LCD panels and viewfinders in their mid-tier cameras. It’s inexcusable.
You’re probably gonna get a bunch of comments that you can move the Nikon’s focus box with the touch screen, but I’m with you that the omission of a real joystick was a huge miss. Especially since Nikon’s AF, while overall better than Fuji’s, is still not in the same ballpark as Sony and Canon…
Yeah I figured but the touch screen is annoying for focus points if you put your eye to the EVF like I do. I always hit it with my nose by accident LOL.
@ same and thus totally agree haha
@@PeteCocoPhotoYou know You can put the screen on the side and then set focus point while looking at the evf? That's what I do on my A7R5 all the time.
@@PeteCocoPhotoyou can change the focus point touch area so that doesn’t happen, and it is much faster than a joystick.
This coming from a Nikon Z8 and Z9 user, which have joysticks.
Very helpful discussion Pete. There are so many variables besides AF and CF when using a camera. I considered the Zf but as a single point shooter, I still prefer my Fuji. After 10 years with Fuji - I agree there are compromises and occasionally I’m frustrated - but there are also so many reasons I love the images I get with my X-T5. The last time I felt that was with my Canon 5D Mark III. Cheers!
Thanks! Yep Fuji just needs to get their af together lol
lol just here to comment that if you switch cameras so often, (zf just came out a year ago?) and/or looking at the "next best thing " then you're not doing actual photography . you're no better than people wanting the next iPhone for the sake of having the next iPhone .
Yes this is so true. And it’s expensive to keep switching too!!
The Zf lets you use the screen as a 'joy stick' - easily moving your focus point with your thumb as you view through the EVF. It's easy and very fast. Read the user manual.
Using a screen for selecting an AF point sucks.
@PeteCocoPhoto you can allocate the right hand corner to be the zone that moves the focus point around while you are looking through the viewfinder so it acts more like a joy stick.
Agree with most of your comments BUT not with the ergonomics of the Zf. It is not just bulky but very uncomfortable and heavy unless you use a grip, in which case it defeats one of the main purposes of this camera, to look retro!. Quality is better overall but for my use, I am a long time enthusiast not a professional, the difference is not that much unless you start analyzing the technicalities of the image rather than the beauty, feeling, artsy aspects off the image. I returned my Zf I'm keeping my Xt5. In full disclosure though my love has always been the Nikon products. I still own a very old D80 and own an Z8 and motivated by "GAS" I bought a Z6III. Thanks for the Vid Pete!!
Nice! I appreciate this comment and glad you are sticking with the XT5. Very cool.
XT5 is a crop sensor camera. But Zf has a full frame sensor. Because of that, I bought a copy of Zf with a Neewer grip. The lens is 40mm F2 SE with a third party metal hook from a Chinese manufacturer. With a full frame sensor, I have better bokeh, image quality and distortion control. If you shoot portraitures, you should go full frame. For street photography, a crop sensor will do the job.
How bad can a new camera be in the auto focus stakes, I have been using canon 5D4's for my commercial for the last 8 years and earlier iterations before that and have never had a problem and there is no eye detect, no modern conveniences and still get the job done, I mean how bad can the Fuji be in studio, me thinks you're a little spoilt.
I agree but if ever I bring up your valid point I get accused of being a fanboy, fuji shill, or liar. LOL. A lot of the criticism of Fuji af is on the video side as well, which is another animal.
*zed-ef
we also use feet, inches, and Fahrenheit on this channel!!! 😆
@@PeteCocoPhoto i feel with you, fellow american. but its still zf, not cf. its a brand-name.
@ cf? Like see-f? lol
@@PeteCocoPhoto lol. if there was a nikon Cf - how would you distinguish it from the Zf? see-f vs see-f?? lol
@@davidschaer see-f is not pronounced the same as zee-f. Z has a zuh sound zeeee not seeee haha this is the strangest comment I've wrote I think
A lot of people make AF and low-light performance a big deal. I only change cameras when they break or slow me down with what I want to do. AF even from the days of X-T1 has never been an issue for me. Definitely Nikon, Sony, Canon all do much better than Fuji in AF department. Except if you are shooting fast moving action or really lowlight low contrast scenes, it would not make much difference. I shot toddlers indoor in difficult lighting situation with X-T1 that has no IBIS using their 23mm f1.4 V1 lens that is slow to focus without many issues. The main issue I faced using Fuji systems during initial years was lack of proper RAW processor. Lightroom does a horrible job at dealing with Fuji raw files. On top, fuji has visually high noise for ISOs 6400 and above which made things even worse. I was in the market to get a second body and contemplated about selling my fuji system and buying into Nikon or Sony. I still went ahead and brought X-T5. Nikon Zf and Sony A7IV are pretty close in size to X-T5 but camera body is just one part of the equation. Sony's best glass is relatively compact but very expensive. At the same time, the colors out of sony cameras are yuck (for my taste). I need to color grade to make them look how I saw the scene. The best Nikon glass is bulky and expensive, am definitely not going to pair a Nikon Zf with 24-70 f2.8 and lug it around for travel. Nikon does much better job with colors though, I still need to color grade but am happy to just use SOOC too. For now, I stayed with Fuji. I love colors that come out it. Few months back, I switched to DxO photolab and am really surprised by how it handled Fuji raw files. I _dont_ do any color grading even on fuji raw files with photlab. For high ISO, i just turn on their Deep Prime XD noise reduction with default settings and export. I am able to push ISO to 10K with this workflow on Fujis now and dont worry about low light. With 18mm f1.4, 33mm f1.4 and 90mm f2 for special situations am quite happy with results and robustness of the system. If I pickup Nikon or Sony, i would either end up paying atleast double the price or carry double the weight for same quality glass. One must understand that there is no perfect camera, its just about what you want for your type of work.
This is a good summary of what people love about the Fuji system. Thank you!
Fuji sure has a lot riding on this November firmware update. If it falls short it might open the flood gates.
Yeah I agree
It is dearer, bigger, and heavier as are the lenses. No aperture ring on the nikkor lenses, I hate the rear screen, don't want PASM dial, larger sensor more dust. As for A/F, I use like you do so I don't have a problem, I don't shoot video so any AF problems there don't bother me. And don't drop the Nikon, you may find the repairs will cost you a lot more, well in the UK anyway.
All solid reasons to stick with Fuji my friend!
its so funny people think "I have to switch brands?! No you don't invest in more than one system, and if you don't have the money to switch it up then don't. People are such single brand fans boys and its gross
There’s no harm in being a fan of a product I mean we all do that but people think that by switching brands their photos will some how magically improve and this is of course ridiculous
The Nikon Zf is their weakest camera. For pros, the Z6 III or Z8 are a much better choice. The Zf is for a smaller niche of photographers and photography use cases. Not useable without a grip, no cf express card, ...
But: The Z lenses outperform the XF lenses. The IQ of the 70-200/2.8 and 24-70mm/2.8, 105/2.8 (bulky, heavy, insane price) and especially the 105/1.4 (adepted) are leaving every XF lens miles behind - I had a lot of XF lenses (18/23/33 f1.4, 50/1.0, 56/1.2 R and WR, 80, 90, 16-55/2.8, 50-140mm ...) on a XH2/XH2s (XT3,XT4). Weight lifting training and antidepressants when looking at the pricing list recommended, indeed.
Nikons fiirmware? No freezing.
Their updates: stellar. Many new features. Not just bug fixes or implementing new ones.
Menu structure: a nightmare.
Compared to my Fujifilm XE1 I'd say the ZF is a pro camera. And I still use the XE1 for my work as a backup. The grip on the ZF is fine, express cards are only needed if you film or shoot multiple frames per second. As a working photographer who only shoots images and spend more time composing a shot I just need an inspiring camera with good image quality. Af etc is one of my least concerns. I'd be happy with no video and no screen.
So it’s not just me with them menu haha. It’s so confusing! And on the Zf the analog dials make it more so
I'm currently amazed at the number of reports that X-T5 users are switching to the Nikon ZF. The X-T5 was the very best camera and now it seems as if it's complete rubbish and luckily the ZF is finally here. So I see it like this: the X-T5 is not the very best camera in the world, and neither is the ZF. The X-T5 is small and the ZF is big and heavy, but it's 35mm. And that's one point: do you want 35mm or would you prefer a smaller camera? But OK, you camera gear writers always have to bring something new to the table. Guys, don't let yourself be fooled.
Yep I get that. The people who have spoke with me many are interested in the better af system which I get. But I think the whole thing is overblown to a degree.
Why do people even comparing X-t5 to Zf?... It's FF so body & lenses will be bigger & heavier, also the price. Stick with APSC if you want lighter. I mean, comparing it because of the AF is absolute idiot. We all know Fuji AF sucks in the first place, the moment you handed your money to the store.
Well hopefully you’re not calling me an idiot but it might shock you that people considering a retro camera are looking at these two lol
Why not? What's the problem on different size sensors? I have a Fujifilm X-T5 and have considered the Nikon ZF. Also have Sony FF and still like micro 4/3. On the full frame side of things, why does the ZF have to be so big and heavy?
I don’t have either. But I did buy the Zf when it was released and I owned an XT-2 once. Given the choice I’d take the XT-2 over the Nikon. Auto focus isn’t a deciding factor for my use.
I love my XT2 but the viewfinder and MF experience on the ZF is about 100 times better
This is true
@@stayuntilforever eVF 100 times better ? Didn’t realise the Nikon had a 23.6 million pixel EVF ! 👍🏻😂
@SpudUna in terms of punch in focus faster with better focuspeaking and the face and in-focus recognition. Clearer EVF etc