Nikon has unveiled the Z f, a full-frame mirrorless camera that merges modern technology with a nostalgic design inspired by the Nikon FM2 of the 1980s. It serves as the mirrorless successor to the Nikon Df DSLR announced in 2013 and shares similarities with the APS-C format Nikon Z fc, but with superior build quality.
The Nikon Z f houses a 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor, the same as in the Nikon Z6 II and Z6, but pairs it with the newer Expeed 7 processing engine, also found in the Nikon Z9 and Nikon Z8. This processor enhances its capabilities, including an increased maximum native sensitivity setting of ISO 64,000 and advanced autofocus algorithms with an extensive range of subject detection options and continuous shooting at up to 30fps in Jpeg and 14fps for raw files.
One notable feature is the Pre-release Capture, which starts recording images before the shutter release is pressed, assisting in capturing moments of unpredictable action.
The camera’s in-body image stabilisation system offers up to 8 stops of shutter speed compensation and is complemented by a new ‘Focus Point VR’ feature for more targeted image stabilisation.
- Read our hands-on Nikon Z f review
There are new Picture Controls, including Flat Monochrome and Deep Tone Monochrome for black and white photography, and Rich Tone Portraits for people photos. There’s also Nikon’s Portrait Impression Balance that enables adjustment of the hue and brightness of skin tones, and the Skin Softening feature seen on the Z8.
In addition, the Z f offers a Pixel Shift Shooting mode, potentially enabling the creation of up to 150MP images when used with Nikon’s NX Studio software. It also supports HEIF files, offering a broader range of tones compared to JPEGs.
For video enthusiasts, the Z f supports 4K recording at 30p and 60p, and 10-bit H.265 or 8-bit H.264 recording. The recording time is capped at 125 minutes for 4K video shoots.
The Nikon Z f stands out with its retro design, featuring a robust magnesium alloy body and brass dials on the top plate. The camera also introduces a slim front grip, enhancing its hold.
Unusually, the Z f features SD and microSD card slots, a unique choice for a camera in its class.
Control-wise, the camera brings a tactile experience with dedicated dials for sensitivity (ISO), shutter speed and exposure compensation settings on the top plate.
The viewfinder and screen specifications are believed to mirror those found in the Z6 II. That means a 0.5-inch, 3.6-million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with fluorine and anti-reflective coatings and a 3.2-inch 2,100,000-dot touch-screen. However, of the first time on a full-frame Nikon Z-series camera, the Zf’s screen has a variangle design, meaning it can be angled to give a clear view in the landscape and portrait orientation. It can also be flipped to face forward.
With its blend of modern tech and retro style, the Nikon Z f seems to target photographers who appreciate nostalgia without compromising on contemporary features.
Nikon Z f price and availability
The Nikon Z f is set to go on sale in October for a price of £2299 / €2599 body only, £2519 with the Z 40mm f/2 SE lens (which is optically the same as the Nikon Z 40mm f/2) or £2849 with the Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens.
The Nikon Zf has a black body, but its artificial leather covering is available in six colours: Black, Indigo Blue, Sepia Brown, Bordeaux Red, Sunset Orange, Moss Green and Stone Grey.
Specification
- Camera type: Full-frame mirrorless camera
- Announced: 20th September 2023
- Lens mount: Nikon Z
- Sensor: Full-frame (FX 35.9 x 23.9mm) 24.5MP backside illuminated (BSI) sensor
- Processing engine: Expeed 7
- Sensitivity: ISO 100-64,000
- Maximum continuous shooting rate: 7.8fps raw and Jpeg files, 30fps Jpegs
- Autofocus system: Hybrid with phase and contrast detection
- Selectable AF points: 299 covering 89% by 96% of the frame
- Subject detection: People (eyes, faces, head and torso), animals (whole bodies and heads and eyes for cats, dogs, birds and ‘other animals’), cars, motorbikes, bicycles, trains and aeroplanes.
- Stabilisation: Up to 8EV, 5-axis in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) that can work in tandem with lens-based stabilisation (VR)
- Video resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD): 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p, 1920 x 1080: 120p/100p/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p
- Video file format and compression: MOV, MP4, H.265/HEVC (8 bit/10 bit), H.264/AVC (8 bit)
- Viewfinder: 0.5-inch 3.69-million-dot OLED viewfinder
- Screen: 3.2-inch 2,100,000-dot vari-angle touch-screen
- Picture Controls: Auto , Standard , Neutral , Vivid , Monochrome , Flat Monochrome , Deep Tone Monochrome , Portrait , Rich Tone Portrait , Landscape , Flat Creative Picture Controls (Dream, Morning, Pop, Sunday, Somber, Dramatic, Silence, Bleached, Melancholic, Pure, Denim, Toy, Sepia, Blue, Red, Pink, Charcoal, Graphite, Binary, Carbon)
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) and microSD (UHS-I)
- Battery: EN-EL15c
- Dimensions: 144 x 103 x 49 mm / 5.7 x 4.1 x 2 inches
- Weight: 710 g / 1 lb. 9.1 oz