Product images by Richard Butler
Nikon’s Zf is a full-frame mirrorless digicam with traditional styling, constructed round a 24MP BSI CMOS sensor. It is designed to imitate the look of the corporate’s FM2 SLR from the early Eighties, which means it successfully turns into a full-frame counterpart to the company’s Z fc APS-C camera.
Key specs
- 24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor
- In-body picture stabilization rated as much as 8EV
- Devoted Monochrome mode
- As much as 14fps steady taking pictures (JPEG), 11 fps Uncooked
- ‘C30’ JPEG-only 30fps mode with pre-burst operate
- AF system with monitoring and recognition of 9 topic varieties
- 4K/30 video from 6K seize, 4K/60 with crop, 10-bit N-Log recording
- 32-shot high-res mode to present 96MP pictures
- SD and MicroSD card slots
The Zf sells at a beneficial worth of $2000, the identical because the launch worth of the Nikon Z6 II, which provides an affordable concept of the digicam’s ambitions.
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Index:
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What’s new?
Sensor/Processor
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Nikon is not making any claims in regards to the Zf’s 24MP BSI CMOS sensor being new and, aside from wider AF protection, most of its efficiency seems to be in keeping with the aged however well-respected sensor within the Z6 II.
The adoption of the newest ‘Expeed 7’ processor brings important adjustments, although. For a begin, it brings topic recognition to the digicam’s AF system in addition to a Z9-like implementation of the corporate’s ‘3D Monitoring’ together with the 9-type topic recognition system. As well as, there’s context-sensitive noise discount that extra aggressively smooths areas that seem to not have element. It is this noise discount within the JPEGs and HEIF information that satisfied Nikon to let the digicam’s ISO vary develop as much as 204,800 (the unexpanded restrict additionally rises to 64,000).
The transfer to the newest processor additionally permits the Zf to seize Uncooked information compressed with the extra environment friendly Excessive Effectivity compression system we first noticed on the Z9.
The Zf can shoot at as much as 11fps in Uncooked (in Steady Excessive Prolonged mode, that we suspect will not embrace dwell view refreshes between photographs), and as much as 15 or 14fps relying on using digital or mechanical shutter for JPEG mode. There’s additionally a JPEG-only ‘C30’ mode that makes use of a video stream to shoot 30fps pictures, with a pre-burst possibility like that on the Z8 and Z9.
B&W mode
Commanding its personal place on the management that selects between stills and video taking pictures, the digicam’s black and white mode offers a alternative of mono profiles, together with a low-contrast ‘Flat mono’ and ‘Deep tone mono’ that accentuates purple particulars within the scene. These profiles could be utilized to each nonetheless pictures and video footage, and emphasize Nikon’s deal with the inventive course of.
Video capabilities
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In contrast to the Df, which promised photographic purity by omitting any video options, the Zf is a fairly succesful video machine. It could actually shoot as much as 4K/60 from an APS-C (DX in Nikon converse) crop of the sensor or can seize 4K as much as 30p from the complete 6K pixel width of its sensor.
The digicam we used was pre-production however the 22ms rolling shutter we measured for 30p seize is in keeping with the present sensor within the Z6 fashions. We doubt it is a coincidence that Panasonic’s S5 II fashions additionally must crop into an APS-C area to ship 60p seize whereas displaying comparable readout speeds.
It additionally provides waveforms, which helps, when attempting to evaluate publicity for video, particularly now that now we have 10-bit inner seize, permitting Log recording.
Multi-shot pixel shift
Nikon joins the ranks of digicam makers utilizing its picture stabilization system to supply a multi-shot pixel shift mode, shifting the sensor by exact levels to make sure the seize of every shade at each pixel location or in fractions of a pixel to spice up the decision of the output picture. Nikon’s system gives 4 modes, all of which require that Uncooked information be mixed in desktop software program: a four-shot mode that captures full shade at every pixel, an 8-shot mode that does this twice, to additional enhance tonal high quality and noise, a 16-shot mode that additionally boosts picture decision 96MP, after which a 32-image model that repeats the method, once more boosting noise/tonal efficiency.
Picture Stabilization linked to AF level
As firms attempt to maximize the efficiency of their IS techniques, it is turning into an increasing number of troublesome to supply additional enhancements. Nikon says the Zf’s efficiency has been improved by linking the IS system to the chosen autofocus level.
The logic is that pitch and yaw actions (tilting up/down and rotation to the left and proper) trigger higher shifts within the picture away from the middle, notably when utilizing wide-angle lenses. The Zf’s IBIS system can use the chosen AF point as the central point of its corrections, reasonably than the middle of the picture, serving to to offer simpler stabilization when utilizing off-center AF factors with vast lenses. This strategy ought to assist keep sharpness on the level you are centered on, serving to the digicam to its 8EV stabilization score, when examined to the CIPA customary.
The way it compares
The Zf arrives within the hotly contested ∼$2000 nook of the market, the place there are many very succesful full-frame choices obtainable. What’s attention-grabbing to notice is that, whereas its styling brings one thing you will not get from its rapid rivals, Nikon hasn’t used this as an excuse to supply a lesser specification.
Aside from the space-saving choices round card kind and their location within the digicam, the Zf seems completely aggressive.
Nikon Zf | Sony a7 IV | Canon EOS R6 II | Panasonic Lumix S5 II | Nikon Z6 II | |
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MSRP at launch | $2000 | $2500 | $2500 | $2000 | $2000 |
Sensor dimension | Full-frame | Full-frame | Full-frame | Full-frame | Full-frame |
Decision | 24MP | 33MP | 24MP | 24MP | 24MP |
Stabilization (as much as) | 8EV | 5.5EV | 8EV (with lens IS) | 5EV (6.5EV with lens. IS) | 5.5EV |
Burst fee | 11 fps Uncooked 14 fps JPEG (15 e-shutter) 30fps in C30 JPEG mode |
10 fps | 12 fps (40 fps e-shutter) | 7 fps (30 fps e-shutter) | 14 fps |
Viewfinder res / magazine | 3.68M dot OLED 0.8x |
3.68M dot OLED 0.78x |
3.68M dot OLED 0.76x |
3.68M dot OLED 0.78x |
3.69M dot OLED 0.8x |
Rear display screen | 2.1M dot totally articulated |
1.04M dot fully-articulated | 1.62M dot fully-articulated | 1.84M dot fully-articulated | 2.1M dot tilting |
Video | 4K/30p full width* 4K/60p APS-C |
4K/30p full width* 4K/60p APS-C |
4K/60p full width* 4K/60p APS-C |
6.2K/30p (3:2) 5.9K/30p 4K/30p full width* 4K/60p APS-C |
4K/30p full width* 4K/60p APS-C |
10-bit modes | N-Log, HLG (HDR) | S-Log3 HLG (HDR) |
C-Log2 HDR PQ |
V-Log HLG |
Over HDMI |
Rolling shutter (4K/24) | 22ms | 27ms | 17ms | 21ms | 22ms |
Storage | 1x UHS-II SD 1x UHS-I Micro SD |
1x CFe Sort A / UHS-II SD 1x UHS-II SD |
2 x UHS-II SD | 2 x UHS-II SD | 1x CFe Sort B 1x UHS-II SD |
Battery life LCD / EVF |
380 / 360 | 580 / 520 | 580 / 320 | 370 / 370 | 410 / 340 |
Dimensions | 144 x 103 x 49mm | 131 x 96 x 80mm | 138 x 98 x 88mm | 134 x 102 x 90mm | 134 x 101 x 70mm |
Weight | 710g (25.0oz) | 659g (23.3 oz) | 670g (23.6 oz) | 740g (26.1oz) | 705g (24.9 oz) |
*Oversampled, utilizing all horizontal pixels to supply 4K footage from 6K seize (7K on a7 IV). The Canon EOS R6 II gives oversampled 4K at as much as 60p.
Physique and controls
The obvious factor to say in regards to the Zf’s physique is that it very intently resembles the Nikon FM2 movie digicam from the Eighties. Positioned side-by-side it is obvious the brand new digicam is bigger however the proportions have been saved, so it nonetheless seems to be the half.
The Zf has primarily magnesium alloy development (with some plastic panels to behave as a radio window to let the Wi-Fi work), which Nikon says is ‘mud and drip resistant.’ Its adherence to the standard look implies that there is no protruding hand grip but, just like the FM2 and cameras of its classic, it may be used fairly comfortably. The few millimeters of added depth do not make it arduous to know and the dials really feel well-positioned such that they are often operated with out feeling like you are going to drop the digicam.
There was some criticism of the smaller Z fc, that its mild weight made it really feel flimsy, an impression compounded by reasonably plasticky dials. The added heft of the Zf avoids this drawback: it feels extra substantial and the texture of the controls is in keeping with that.
Card slots
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Maybe probably the most baffling choice on the Zf: two card slots hidden within the battery compartment, considered one of which is a UHS-I Micro SD slot. |
Nikon has given the Zf two card slots, however to maintain its dimension underneath management, has opted to make the second card slot a MicroSD kind. These are fairly small and could be fiddly to insert and take away from the digicam, so it would make sense to depart a quick microSD card within the digicam always as overflow, reasonably than planning on eradicating it too typically. That stated, whereas the SD slot is UHS II appropriate, the Micro SD is barely UHS I.
The slots are positioned subsequent to 1 one other within the battery compartment, including an additional layer of inconvenience, particularly for tripod customers, although the pace of the USB-C port means it is easy sufficient to get information off the digicam or energy into it, with out accessing the underside door in any respect.
Viewfinder
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The Zf has a 3.68M dot EVF, which isn’t particularly excessive by in the present day’s requirements. With out the super-fast devoted readout path that the Z8’s sensor gives, it could actually’t match the near-zero-lag expertise that that digicam does. General, it is a fairly middling viewfinder expertise, however one positively improved by the gorgeous good 0.8x magnification.
Display screen
The Zf’s rear touchscreen is totally articulated: a alternative that made extra sense on the extra video and social media-focused Z fc. It is a 2.1M dot LCD that we discovered to work effectively even in vivid mild, however I believe we can’t be alone in having most well-liked the two-way tilt association of the Z8’s display screen, which may doubtlessly have made the digicam a fraction slimmer.
Battery
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The Zf makes use of the identical EN-EL15c battery as the vast majority of Nikon’s mid-range cameras, which powers it to a good score of 380 photographs per cost (LCD) and 360 photographs per cost (EVF). These numbers rise to 430 and 410 photographs per cost in the event you flip vitality saving mode on. It is rechargeable over the digicam’s USB C port, of which, in contrast to the Z8, there’s only one.
In contrast to the Z6 II, there is no choice to mount a battery grip to the Zf.
Preliminary impressions
By Richard Butler
Revealed Sept 20 2023
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When Nikon launched the smaller-sensor Z fc mannequin, it made very clear that it was a digicam designed for social media content material creators, hoping to draw among the youthful photographers who’ve maybe realized the craft on second-hand 70s and 80s movie SLRs. However Nikon cannot have missed the variety of established picture fans who stated they needed a full-frame model.
That stated, Nikon can also be more likely to do not forget that the preliminary buzz generated by the teaser movies for its final retro full-framer (the reasonably half-baked Df) did not flip into the gross sales success it hoped for.
Nonetheless, the place the Df was a reasonably misproportioned lump that commanded a big premium over the D610 on which it was closely primarily based, the Zf is an altogether extra good-looking affair (and in the event you’re aiming to draw a style-conscious viewers, that issues), and one which out-specs the Z6 II whereas promoting for a similar worth.
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The truth is, within the absence of a Z6 III, the Zf turns into the corporate’s best-specced digicam across the high-contested $2K worth level. It nonetheless appears to make use of the identical picture sensor because the earlier Z6s however options the newer Expeed 7 processor from the Z9 and Z8, which brings updates such because the mirrorless digicam implementation of the corporate’s ‘3D Monitoring’ system.
“Within the absence of a Z6 III, the Zf turns into the corporate’s best-specced digicam across the high-contested $2K worth level”
Nowadays we are able to merely name it ‘monitoring,’ as the vast majority of manufacturers have now adopted a comparable strategy of merely following no matter is underneath your chosen AF level (or close to to it, within the case of most topic recognition techniques). It is such an apparent strategy that, for as soon as, the time period ‘intuitive’ may nearly be acceptable, however the concept of integrating monitoring into the principle AF interface actually began with Nikon, so it is nice to see the Zf catch as much as the ‘finest observe’ strategy that Nikon itself pioneered.
A number of multi-shot modes
In a extra reactive method, Nikon has additionally grow to be one of many final manufacturers so as to add a multi-shot high-res mode to its digicam. Multi-shot modes that attempt to cancel out the impact of the Bayer filter or oversample the scene to supply extra detailed pictures have grow to be more and more frequent as engineers search for methods to take advantage of the presence of in-body stabilization mechanisms.
In lots of cases, they are not terribly helpful: typically requiring tripods and near-static topics, with a mixture of pictures typically requiring proprietary desktop software program. There are clearly a lot of patents defending totally different implementations, as nearly each model seems to take its personal strategy (when it comes to the variety of photographs and diploma of in-camera processing).
The Zf gives a spread of modes, together with one which takes a staggering 32 pictures, collected in round 4 seconds, to ship a 96MP last picture. That is a very long time throughout which your topic may transfer, which undermines its usefulness, however there are a minimum of different choices in case your topic does not embrace a lot movement. So, maybe primarily within the curiosity of people that wish to wage model wars over the obscure ends of the spec sheets, Nikon now gives the function.
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In use the Zf was satisfying in the course of the interval I obtained to make use of it. The distinctive styling was one thing of a curse, given Nikon’s considerations about it being seen out within the wild, however from in the present day onwards, it is extra more likely to be an asset. The digicam I used was the all-black model, however six different leatherette shade schemes may even be obtainable. There is no information of a silver/black model. It isn’t clear whether or not that is due to the problem of delivering matched silvers throughout totally different supplies to keep up the digicam’s premium character or as a result of Nikon plans a particular version sooner or later sooner or later.
The pre-production digicam I used to be utilizing began to indicate temperature warnings after round two hours of stills taking pictures, however it ought to be famous that I used to be taking pictures in 32°C (90°F) circumstances, typically in direct sunshine. It did not get heat sufficient to begin a countdown to auto shutoff, although.
AF monitoring is not as sticky as with the Z8 and Z9. This is not an enormous shock however, as an illustration, once I tried to pick a selected a part of a flower, the Zf’s monitoring goal would generally wander away the precise element I might been wanting it to trace. Efficiency with a acknowledged topic appeared wonderful, although, with seemingly unerring monitoring of eyes, as an illustration.
In the end, although, the Zf strikes issues ahead from the Z6 II and eventually appears to ship the digicam that so many individuals hoped the Df can be. Now if solely the boundaries to Sigma introducing its compact, aperture ring-sporting i-series primes for Z-mount could possibly be overcome, then issues would get very attention-grabbing certainly.
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Operation and dealing with
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It has been attention-grabbing to come across such a squared off digicam after a long time of more and more massive stick-out grips. The Zf’s weight and squareness meant I discovered it could minimize into my little finger if I did not make a acutely aware effort to keep up a lot of the weight utilizing my left hand, supporting the lens. This was notably acute when the Zf was mixed with a heavier lens, such because the 24-70mm F2.8.
We additionally discovered the Zf gives rather less customization than we would count on of a digicam at this stage. The Zf seems to have 5 customizable buttons, because the Z6 II does, however considered one of these is the Playback button, successfully leaving you with 4 in the event you truly need to have the ability to evaluation your pictures. Equally, the Zf contains the standard choices to alter publicity comp with out urgent a button, and letting you select whether or not the entrance or rear command dial adjustments the setting, however these solely have any operate if the devoted publicity comp dial is deactivated by turning it to its ‘C’ place, so for a lot of the time one of many digicam’s command dials has no operate. Nobody has thought of letting you assign ISO to a command dial, as an illustration, so fast entry to ISO requires a button press and takes up considered one of your valuable {custom} buttons, and once more this button stops working if you choose a selected ISO worth from the dial. Oddly, this implies you additionally lose the power to disengage or interact Auto ISO, in the event you flip the ISO dial. The general impact is quirky, to say the least.
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The dials play a central half within the digicam’s retro attraction however the way in which they work together with some button and dial capabilities takes some getting used to. |
In contrast to earlier Nikons, there is no strategy to rapidly entry the ‘minimal shutter pace’ worth in the event you use Auto ISO. Some earlier fashions allow you to assign this selection to the digicam’s My Menu checklist, which means you can acquire fast entry by setting a {custom} button to ‘Entry prime merchandise in My Menu,’ however the Zf does not enable this. General it seems like nobody has actually thought by the complete impression or alternative of including the devoted shutter pace and publicity comp dials to the digicam.
Mix all this with the dearth of AF joystick – the four-way controller defaults to AF level positioning however is not as fast or as well-positioned – and the Zf shouldn’t be as quick or fluid a digicam to make use of because the Z6s have been, nor the likes of Panasonic’s S5 II, its most closely-priced competitor.
It will get loads proper, although: its on-screen interface is comparatively clear, in an period succumbing to elevated muddle, and the menus are fairly effectively laid out, albeit very, very lengthy. It is arduous to flee the suspicion that the identical elements within the type of a Z6 III can be a way more efficient photographic device. Albeit one which’s nothing like as fairly.
Picture high quality
Our test scene is designed to simulate quite a lot of textures, colours and element varieties you will encounter in the actual world. It additionally has two illumination modes to see the impact of various lighting circumstances.
The Nikon Zf is predicated on the widely-used 24MP BSI CMOS sensor, so there are not any nice surprises to its picture high quality. By way of element seize, it does precisely as you’d count on a 24MP sensor to. And the efficiency each at reasonably excessive and very excessive ISO is superb, as you’d count on.
Nikon’s default JPEG sharpening could be very massive radius, so it seems to be capturing a lot much less element than its friends (regardless that we all know from the Raws that this is not the case). Shade displays customary Nikon response with a lot of punch and saturation. Yellows are vibrant with no inexperienced or orange tint however the pink closest to a generic caucasian skintone is notably brighter and extra pink than both the Sony or Canon renderings. We tried to incorporate loads of portraits within the gallery so you may resolve what you consider this.
The Zf’s noise discount at excessive ISO smooths away noise fairly effectively however takes lots of the effective element with it. General it is a very comparable efficiency to the Z6 II, which we actually preferred.
Dynamic vary
Once more there are not any surprises from the Zf’s sensor. It has been round for a couple of years, however we have not encountered any chips that are significantly better in a mid-priced digicam. At base ISO the digicam provides little or no noise, so there’s scope to cut back publicity to guard highlights, with the discount in publicity being the principle supply of noise and the restrict on how far you may push issues. Its twin acquire design means there’s even much less shadow noise from ISO 800 upwards, and minimal benefit to increasing the ISO above that point. In low mild scenes with vivid highlights, underexposing ISO 800 by three stops after which brightening ought to give comparable noise to ISO 6400 however with three extra stops of highlights preserved within the Uncooked.
Exposure latitude | ISO Invariance
White steadiness in the actual world
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Auto WB (Preserve general environment) | Reprocessed in-camera: Pure mild Auto WB |
The digicam’s auto white steadiness allows you to resolve how fully the digicam tries to cancel-out the impact of the colour of the sunshine you’re taking pictures underneath. It defaults to ‘Preserve general environment,’ with a extra excessive ‘Preserve white (cut back heat colours)’ possibility or a much less extreme ‘Preserve heat lighting colours’ setting. We discovered the final of those to present the nicest outcomes: even the default middle-ground setting can are inclined to render topics just a little chilly/blue. There’s additionally a ‘Pure mild Auto’ mode that works higher for outside taking pictures. It’s positively value switching to this mode when you understand you’ll be taking pictures outdoor, however it’s little bit of a disappointment that the usual auto mode isn’t as set-and-forget as you may hope.
Autofocus
The Nikon Zf is the primary mirrorless mannequin to incorporate 3D Monitoring autofocus however not have a super-fast readout Stacked CMOS sensor to drive it. The excellence between this and the monitoring on earlier fashions is twofold: firstly it is an AF space mode, identical to another, reasonably an optionally available function engaged individually from space modes and, secondly, it does not have to be disengaged as soon as initiated: launch the AF-On or shutter button and the AF level reverts to wherever it was initially positioned: no ‘cancel’ required and no resetting to the middle of the scene.
The Nikon Zf’s AF monitoring is mostly superb and noticeably improved, in contrast with the earlier technology fashions, such because the Z6 II and Z5. The 3D monitoring mode does an excellent job of staying on the goal you’d pointed it at. The efficiency improves nonetheless additional if you choose one of many digicam’s topic recognition modes to run alongside it.
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In our fundamental AF monitoring check the fundamental 3D monitoring mode would are inclined to lose observe of the topic because it handed by one of many corners (the place the topic’s strategy fee adjustments, in addition to its course). It could usually discover the topic once more when it returned close to to the middle of the body, the place the AF was initially positioned. This was a considerably shocking consequence, as we did not encounter this typically in our extra basic taking pictures. The digicam gave the identical consequence repeatedly, although, which suggests efficiency can differ with topic.
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Nonetheless, partaking human/face detection ensured the digicam didn’t ever lose the topic. It continued to work, no matter whether or not the topic was sporting darkish glasses, obscuring a part of the face.
Nonetheless, it’s additionally noticeable that portraits taken with face detection aren’t all the time completely centered on the attention itself. The digicam’s detection and the persistence of its monitoring is superb however the precision isn’t all the time as excessive as a few of its rapid friends, with an inclination to focus simply in entrance of the attention itself. That stated, eye detection and the way in which it respects the chosen AF level make it a extremely invaluable function on the digicam, which means you may deal with the digicam’s different settings and on interacting together with your topic, reasonably than having to consider focus.
The improved AF monitoring extends to video mode, the place it was recognizably weaker on earlier fashions. General we obtained the sense that the Zf’s autofocus doesn’t fairly match the pro-level efficiency of the Z8 and Z9 however brings Nikon’s AF conduct and dealing with to the purpose it’s very aggressive with its rivals.
Video
The Zf’s 24MP sensor was one of many first full-frame sensors from which producers squeezed 4K footage. It reads out rapidly sufficient that the Zf can ship 4K video derived from 6K seize at as much as 30p or it could actually shoot 60p in the event you crop into an APS-C area of the sensor (‘DX’ in Nikon’s terminology).
However the Zf does extra with the sensor than the Z6 or Z6 II did, gaining inner 10-bit seize with Log and HLG recording, giving extra flexibility to the modifying and output choices. It additionally good points waveform shows for serving to you expose your Log footage, making it a way more usable video digicam.
The Zf’s 24p footage is extra detailed than it was from the Nikon Z6 II, however it turns into noticeably much less sharp in its 60p mode. You most likely would not discover this distinction, intercutting between footage from the 2, however the smaller seize area used for 60p will imply it will get noisier, quicker, as will the necessity to use shorter exposures, so for indoor taking pictures, count on cuts to slowed-down 60p to have just a little further graininess to them.
Rolling shutter for the full-width footage measures round 22ms. That is cheap (Panasonic’s high-end, video-centric S1H from a couple of years in the past offers a really comparable efficiency), however it’s not nice. 22ms is sluggish sufficient that makes an attempt to pan the digicam or seize quick motion throughout the body will see vertical strains grow to be horizontally skewed, and this distortion can work together badly with the digicam’s try to shift the sensor to stabilize its footage, inflicting slight jitter within the footage.
The usage of a comparatively sluggish UHS-I Micro SD card because the digicam’s second reminiscence card slot means it is probably not sensible to depart a card within the smaller slot and use it as inner reminiscence for taking pictures video to. You possibly can shoot video to the SD slot and stills to Micro SD however you threat blunting the digicam’s efficiency that manner.
Picture stabilization
The digicam’s picture stabilization is fairly good, with digital stabilization making use of a 1.25x crop that offers the digicam room to maneuver that crop round inside the video seize area to be able to cancel out unintended movement. The stabilization is sort of easy, gently drifting round reasonably than attempting to keep up a tripod-like lock on proceedings. However, as talked about, there’s some vertical jitter launched when stabilization is lively, presumably because the digicam strikes the area its capturing whereas the present space was nonetheless being read-out.
Pattern video
We shot this video totally handheld and you’ll see the digicam does an excellent job of stabilizing the picture. Nonetheless, you may positively discover the jitter that will get launched by eVR within the clips the place we’re shifting the digicam to maintain tempo with our topic.
All photographs within the video have been additionally taken utilizing autofocus, utilizing custom-shaped AF areas and, the place acceptable, human detection. We decreased the AF pace and nudged the AF goal field to conduct the far-to-near focus pull in the course of the video, however most different photographs have been left on the default focus pace, and the digicam did an excellent job of sustaining focus with out drawing consideration to any adjustments in focusing distance.
The digicam’s waveform monitor was notably helpful for exposing the N-Log footage used on the ferry, the place there is a huge distinction in brightness between the overcast gray outdoors and the low-lit inside. Nikon hasn’t but revealed a LUT for the Zf’s implementation of N-Log, so we had to make use of the one for the Z6 II, which pushes the highlights very vivid and the shadows fairly darkish, so it is arduous to evaluate how effectively uncovered these clips are, however the waveform show meant we have been in a position to shield the highlights from clipping.
General the Zf was a extra succesful video digicam to shoot with than its retro styling may recommend.
Conclusion
What we like | What we do not |
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The Nikon Zf seems to be loads just like the digicam everybody hoped the Df can be: a cutting-edge digicam styled to seem like considered one of Nikon’s traditional fashions from the early 80s, with out an excessive amount of extra dimension or weight. And I feel most individuals would agree it succeeds spectacularly from an aesthetic perspective.
We’re rather less satisfied on the subject of the digicam’s dealing with. Even in contrast with the cameras it is modeled on, the Zf can grow to be uncomfortable to carry after some time, and we discovered it arduous to shake the notion that Nikon’s engineers hadn’t actually thought-through the complete implications of getting devoted dials after they copied over most behaviors from their different cameras.
The Zf works much less and fewer effectively, the bigger the lens you mount on it, and Nikon’s vary of lenses does not have many small, mild choices. Worse nonetheless, there’s loads to recommend that it is blocking third-party makers from filling that hole. Relatedly, Nikon’s Z lenses have a tendency to not have aperture rings, however the Zf mimics the management format of cameras from a system by which they did, which is not best.
So, whereas the Nikon gives a definite picture high quality profit over the likes of Fujifilm’s X-T sequence, the Fujifilm cameras have dimension, weight and a large alternative of small lenses with aperture rings on their aspect. This and a better stage of operational consistency has the unlucky impact of displaying how this idea could be delivered extra efficiently.
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Improved autofocus monitoring and topic recognition give the Zf a definite edge over earlier mid-range Z sequence cameras. Nikkor Z 85mm F1.8 S | F8.0 | 1/160 sec | ISO 720 |
The Zf’s efficiency is superb, although. It is constructed round a wonderful, well-proven sensor and delivers superb autofocus efficiency, notably with topic recognition engaged. It is also a remarkably succesful video digicam, offering a stage of flexibility and functionality that its traditional styling may in any other case disguise. Once more this was supported by its much-improved autofocus.
We’re certain lots of fanatic photographers will fortunately work across the Zf’s quirks and oddities, in return for attending to personal and use a digicam that has a lot character to it, and so they will not be let down by the images it produces. However having used Fujifilm X-T cameras a lot, and realizing what the likes of Sigma’s i-series lenses would add, it is arduous to not ponder what might need been.
Talking as somebody for whom the Zf’s styling has a robust resonance, I assumed I used to be going to like this digicam. However having used it for a number of months, my head says Silver, regardless that my coronary heart says Gold.
Scoring
Scoring is relative solely to the opposite cameras in the identical class. Click here to find out about what these numbers imply.
In comparison with its friends
The Canon EOS R6 II continues to be the digicam to beat on this class. It is costlier than the Nikon and now not gives such a bonus when it comes to autofocus, however it could actually shoot full-width 4K/60p, can seize quicker bursts and is just nicer from a dealing with and operation perspective. Each cameras are restricted to comparatively restricted lens ranges, with Nikon a minimum of permitting some third-party choices in, however it’s value checking that the lenses you need can be found at cheap costs earlier than choosing both digicam.
The Sony a7 IV is one other sturdy contender at this worth. It gives barely increased decision (and extra refined JPEG processes emphasize the distinction) and barely extra reliable autofocus than the Nikon. It isn’t particularly sturdy as a video digicam, although, and prices greater than the Zf, making it a barely much less succesful all-rounder. The broader alternative of lenses comes out clearly in favor of the Sony, with the likes of Sigma’s inexpensive i Sequence optics making an ideal match.
The i Sequence lenses are additionally obtainable for the L-mount utilized by Panasonic’s S5 II and S5 II X. The operation and dealing with of the Panasonic pair are additionally considerably nicer than these of the Nikon. Nonetheless, even with section detect AF having been added to the S5 II, the Zf has an easier and extra reliable AF system than the Panasonics. And, maybe unexpectedly, the Nikon’s video capabilities are an excellent match for these of the S5 II, so general we discovered the Nikon to be that bit extra usable.
Lastly, it is value contemplating the comparability with Fujifilm’s similarly-styled X-T5. The Fujifilm is predicated round a smaller sensor, giving the Nikon a right away picture high quality benefit and higher flexibility when it comes to depth-of-field. The X-T5 can also be arguably much less good at video: it appears to supply higher specs on paper however various crops and rolling shutter implies that benefit disappears when the bits hit the reminiscence card. However the Fujifilm is nicer to make use of, regardless of its ostensibly comparable management ethos, and the smaller dimension, lighter weight and slight entrance bulge make it extra snug to make use of. And, after all, the X-mount gives many, many extra lenses, together with an enormous vary of primes, that work effectively on the X-T5. On steadiness it is a harder alternative than it would initially appear.
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