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Nikon’s retro-styled Z f combines the Z 6II and the Z 8 in a body inspired by the FM2
Inspired by the Nikon FM2
The Nikon Z f combines a retro aesthetic, reminiscent of the Nikon FM2 from the 1980s, with advanced technology from the Nikon Z 6II and the Z 8. It’s a full-frame mirrorless camera with the 24.5MP backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor from the Nikon Z 6II and Z 6, but it’s combined with the powerful Expeed 7 processing engine that’s found in the top-tier Nikon Z 9 and Z 8. Its body design also harks back to the Nikon Df DSLR of 2013 and it’s the full-frame counterpart to the APS-C format Nikon Z fc, but with superior build quality.
Powerful Nikon technology
The camera’s impressive capabilities stem from this fusion of the sensor and processor and together, they enable a top native sensitivity setting of ISO 64,000, 0.3 of a stop higher than the Z 6II. The Z f also features the advanced autofocus algorithms from the Z 8; its impressive subject detection system can be set to detect people (including eyes, faces, head and torso), animals (whole bodies, plus heads and eyes for cats, dogs, birds and some other animals), cars, motorbikes, bicycles, trains and aeroplanes. Helpfully, the system continues to work in manual focus mode to optimise the exposure for the detected subject. In addition, the autofocus system is sensitive down to -10EV, so it doesn’t falter in gloomy conditions.
The Z f is capable of shooting JPEGs at up to 30fps and RAW files at 14fps, or both simultaneously at 7.8fps. Nikon’s Pre-release Capture feature is also on hand. This records images at 30fps for one second before the shutter release is fully pressed, so it’s useful for capturing unpredictable action.
True full frame performance
Like Nikon’s other current full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Z f has image stabilisation (or Vibration Reduction (VR), as Nikon calls it). In the Z f, the VR system is claimed to give up to eight stops of shutter speed compensation and is compatible with Synchro VR in Nikon’s VR lenses.
The Z f also debuts an innovative feature called Focus Point VR: this prioritises the stabilisation around the focus point, which should be useful with subjects that are offcentre. There’s also Pixel Shift shooting, which is new to Nikon Z-series cameras and enables images of up to 96MP to be created. However, this system is only suitable for static subjects and tripod setups.
Like many recent cameras, the Z f supports HEIF files (as well as RAW and JPEG), offering a broader tonal range than JPEG. It also introduces new Picture Controls, including Rich Tone Portraits and two additional options for monochrome photography. Deep Tone Monochrome produces higher-contrast images, similar to those shot using a red filter, while Flat Monochrome produces lowcontrast images, with more scope for postcapture processing.
Naturally, the Z f is capable of recording video, and there’s support for 4K 30p recording plus slow-motion options (4K 60p or Full HD at up to 120p). The best-quality video is captured in 10-bit H.265 format, but 8-bit H.264 is also available.
Nikon has given the Z f a magnesium alloy body with brass dials, weather-sealing and a fluorine-coated sensor. It adds up to a robust-feeling camera that looks great and should age attractively, although the grip is shallow, and many photographers are likely to seek out the optional grip to give themselves a more assured hold.
As you’d expect given the Z f’s retro credentials, the control layout is distinctive, with top-plate dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation complementing the mode switch and command dials. This setup works well, but it’s important to keep an eye on the exposure mode setting, as this dictates whether or not the setting on the shutter speed dial is relevant.
The camera is equipped with a 3.2-inch variangle touchscreen and a 3,690k-dot OLED viewfinder, providing clear and flexible viewing options. There’s also a B&W mode switch that allows you to switch quickly to shooting monochrome images. Unusually, one of the Z f’s two memory card slots accepts microSD cards, while the other accepts the more standard SD-type media.
The Nikon Z f’s image quality is impressive: it delivers detailed, natural images with wellmanaged noise, even at high ISO settings. The dynamic range is commendable, and the Z f handles challenging lighting conditions effectively while maintaining detail in shadows and highlights. The colours are generally pleasing and the new Picture Control options, especially Deep Tone Monochrome, are a nice addition too. The autofocus system performs well in low light and accurately detects a wide variety of subjects, although it is slightly less sensitive than those systems on the Z8 and Z9, due to the lack of a stacked sensor.
Which cameras are the Nikon Z f’s main competitors?
Within the Nikon range, the Z 6II, the Z 8 and the Z fc are the natural alternatives to the Z f. While the Z 6II has the same sensor, its subject detection system lags well behind that of the Z 8 or the Z f, making it less attractive for wildlife, pet and motorsport photography. Meanwhile, the Z fc has a less robust build than the Z f, and it’s APS-C format rather than full-frame.
If it’s retro styling and controls you’re looking for, the Fujifilm X-series is strong, albeit based around an APS-C format sensor. The 40MP X-T5 is especially enticing and, unlike Nikon, Fujifilm produces lenses with a dedicated aperture ring.
Conclusion
The Nikon Z f is an attractive blend of classic design and modern technology. Its primary appeal lies in stills photography and it performs well, with images that balance detail, noise control and file size perfectly.
Website: www.nikon.com
Price: 1,850 € / $1,999
