Nikon Zf
Announced September 20, 2023
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
Nikon Zf marries a classic, retro-inspired aesthetic with modern, high-performance internals like the EXPEED 7 processor and advanced autofocus tracking. That said, the camera's design prioritizes style over ergonomics, resulting in a shallow grip and unconventional dial layout that can be uncomfortable for extended use with heavier lenses.
Weighted from 38 reviewer scores
Pros
- Flagship-level autofocus with reliable subject detection and tracking
- Stunning retro design with premium, solid build quality
- Excellent image quality and low-light performance from the full-frame sensor
- Highly effective in-body image stabilization
- Tactile manual control dials for exposure settings
Cons
- Uncomfortable, shallow grip that lacks support for larger lenses
- Inconvenient card slot configuration using a secondary microSD
- Absence of a dedicated AF point joystick
- Fiddly or unintuitive control layout and menu navigation
- Inaccessible battery and card compartment when mounted on a tripod
- Launch price $1,999.95 (USD)
- Sensor 24.5MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 4K 59.94p
- Stabilization In-body IS, 8 stops (CIPA)
- Burst 30 fps electronic 14 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 38 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 9/10
It may look like a blast from the past, but inside it is a real glimpse into the future for Nikon.
- DPReview 90/100
The Nikon Zf is a camera whose image quality and performance live up to its stylish looks, but its handling and operation isn't always quite as slick. Paired with smaller, lighter lenses, it's a joy, but your Z-mount options are somewhat limited at present.
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It’s such a handsome-looking camera, with the kind of robust metal body and lovely tactile top-plate dials that make it feel like a worthy successor to the FM film SLR.
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[N]o one in their right mind would be dissatisfied with this camera unless you were doing pretty strenuous sports photography, and its price is about right, so it certainly comes recommended.
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Even after considering the drawbacks and minor quirks, it’s still one of my all-time favorite cameras now.
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Sometimes the sum of the new, old, and borrowed parts is greater than the sum of the parts. And I believe that's the case with the Zf.
- WIRED 8/10
[...] I loved shooting with the Zf and were I in the market for a new camera, this is the camera I would buy. That said, there are few things about the Zf I truly dislike.
- ePHOTOzine 1/10
The Z f has a unique retro appeal, is as solid as any FM2-lookalike is expected to be, and produces exceptionally fine results.
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For many people the marriage of a full-frame sensor with an entirely dial-driven interface will be music to their ears and the only reason necessary to purchase the Zf.
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The Nikon Z f is one of those cameras that makes you want to take photos; the tactile controls and the vintage styling make it an absolute joy to use whether shooting photos or capturing video.
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The Nikon Zf is sure to steal the hearts of vintage camera enthusiasts.
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The retro-chic Nikon Z f has a head-turning design and a stabilized full-frame imaging engine, but its analog controls don't always work intuitively.
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You might not need the Zf for its photo and video prowess, but you’ll want it for how it looks and feels.
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High tech features along with excellent image quality and solid performance make the Nikon Z f a great choice for enthusiasts who want a classic style with all of today’s photographic capabilities.
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[I]t's got VR as they call it vibration reduction eight stops that's not bad is it?
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The Nikon Zf is an excellent mirrorless camera with its 24MP full frame sensor delivering beautiful colours, impressive resolution, strong low-light capabilities, and fantastic video quality.
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I just love holding and using the camera.
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We'd happily recommend the Nikon Zf as a stylish, vintage-looking camera for those who like this aesthetic but want impressive tech to give them the best chance of capturing stunning photos. It certainly looks and feels the part, and it performs as well as it looks.
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The Nikon Zf is a “feel good” kind of a body and one I would use with mostly with retro MF lenses like that Noct Nikkor or even a Leica or Voigtlander lens.
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The Nikon Zf is a wonderful camera, it feels great in use, and it's beautifully designed. What's more, it provides meaningful improvements over the Z6II, and offers some of the things that make the Z8 so great, but at a much more affordable price.
- SlashGear 9/10
The Nikon Zf is a camera that makes you want to get out and take photographs. It's an absolute joy to use, and is just more fun than more typical modern digital camera designs, which tend to be functional but boring, and often age poorly.
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The Nikon Zf is a fantastic stills shooter, with rapid performance and outstanding image quality. There are plenty of modern touches beneath the retro exterior, which should please photographers of all kinds.
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Full-frame performance with tactile manual controls in a stylish, retro body.
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For a wedding day, I would be very, very happy using this camera.
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The Nikon Zf successfully blends classic camera design with some of Nikon’s most advanced mirrorless technology.
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The Nikon Z f is overall a truly great camera. Not only is it beautiful, but it is seriously capable in terms of detail captured, color accuracy, signal-to-noise ratio, and autofocusing performance.
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The Zf is a sharp-looking camera for nostalgic folks who demand a cool-looking camera.
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As a full-frame mirrorless camera with all these specs and performance tucked away inside a stylish and immaculately designed exterior, we'd happily recommend the Zf to friends, family and photographers who love the retro feel.
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I think Nikon did justice to its film cameras and I am glad I got one.
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So yeah, I really love the look of the camera in terms of the design. The body feels nice and solid.
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All things considered, this camera justifies its $1999.99 price tag, and is easily one of Nikon's best premium mid-range mirrorless cameras right now.
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Based on all of the above, one conclusion stands out: the Nikon ZF is a stylish, reasonably affordable, and practical camera that requires some adjustment before use.
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The Nikon Zf is a welcome addition, as it offers a solid retro-styled full-frame option that isn’t priced in Leica territory. It is an excellent time for photographers who enjoy a bit of nostalgia thrown in without having to spend between six and eight thousand dollars.
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Yes — the ZF is a genuinely capable, fully modern camera disguised in a beautiful retro body. The same EXPEED 7 autofocus as the Z8 and Z9, 8 stops of VR, 14.5 stops of dynamic range, and 10-bit N-Log video make it far more than a lifestyle camera.
- Sam Hurd Photography 9.1/10
I know everyone is very excited about the Sony a9iii’s global shutter etc, but for me the Nikon Zf is an absolute home run.
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It's just something that you won't understand until you go freaking pick one of these up.
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It's a quite an odd mix of modern and retro.
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First of all, I love this camera. I am so glad I went with my heart and bought the Nikon Zf.
