Yeah this is the first camera I ever bought, not only new, but preordered haha. I sold my fuji x100v at a premium as it was so popular (1600 vs 1100 I paid in 2020). That funded the majority of this camera. Though if I was being honest, I really, really wanted to also keep the fuji too haha. Glad I did sell though as I could just order a 100vi and just be on a waiting list
Your take on the Zf is pretty much the same as mine, except I'm used to Nikon menus after 8 years with a D7500, and the D-pad doesn't bother me. (I too would like another button or two, and a battery door that is as rugged as the rest of the body.) Your comments on low light performance were spot on; that's why I upgraded to a Zf: it has a full-frame sensor with IBIS, and the EXPEED 7 focus system. Its low light images are everything I hoped for. And having been raised on film SLRs, I *like* having a camera body that I can grasp with my left hand as well as my right one.
I love how all the engravings are laser Etched premium stuff. for a long shooting day, i use a camera strap anyway allows your hands to be free to do other stuff, like moving things out of the way or giving directions nevr get tired and when I have to take a photo just support the lens another thing to think about people saying it's not a professional camera look at the specs compared to a nikon d6 a top of the range dslr the zf beats it in almost every way especially for video except ergonomics.
I’d say that D pad feels damn solid and far from anything cheap like. I like D pads and hate using joysticks on cameras myself. It was my Nikon being a m4/3 shooter I thought I would give it a try because I really liked the body. And I thought the menu system was super easy to figure out. Like I was using Nikon for years.
I'm happy that I bought this camera. Now I am waiting for the Neewer CA134 grip. Photo quality looks great and video quality in 1080p 30fps looks great too. I love this camera especially its IBIS.
how about AIS 100mm F2.8 E +ZF? The AIS 100mm f/2.8 E, when adapted to the Z-mount, ends up being nearly as long as the Z 85mm f/1.8 S. It somewhat defeats the purpose of choosing a compact manual lens since the adapter adds extra length. 😭 I'm looking for a shorter telephoto portrait lens-or perhaps considering Leica lenses as an alternative.
I’m currently testing the Sirui 85mm f/1.4 and really happy with the results. But if you want more telephoto than that… I super there’s probably some older 135mm lenses you could adapt? I honestly almost never shoot further than 85mm for anything other than sports so I will have to do some research!
Do you use memory modes (like 1/2/3 on Sony or U1/U2/U3 on Nikon, I think)? I was a bit bummed to realized the ZF doesn’t seem to have those. If you do use them on other cameras, do you find it a problem not having them here? Or can you do something like save presets to M/A/S/P to make up for it?
I don’t believe there’s any way to save custom modes. You can save picture profiles with settings for JPEGs. But that’s it from what I can tell. It would be very nice if you could.
@ dang, that was my impression, but thanks for confirming. That might be the dealbreaker for me on this one, sadly. I’m just a hobbyist, but when I’m walking around, I tend to have those slots set up for photographing different subjects, like animals, objects, and people… each with maybe 4-5 different slightly-deep settings like focus mode, eye AF, single vs high frame rate, shutter sound, min shutter speed, etc. I get how this might clash conceptually with the top dials, but it’s a bummer when the camera seems so good in so many ways.
Lovely camera - agree there are some cheap plastic feeling bits, mostly noticed this on the bottom cover, but it’s not really a problem. The only problem I’ve run into is it’s not very comfortable to hold with any reasonable sized lens on it.
Everything is amazing but the drinking gulping sound is killing me while using the headphone, and I almost couldn't finish watching... Sorry for being honest :(
I just got the my ZF a week ago and have been obsessed with it! I got the Small Rig grip too, it feels great in the hands, the only thing is, it's really hard for me to remove the SD card with the grip on. If anyone has any solutions to this, would love to know!
Unfortunately had an AF issue with this camera that made me completely lose confidence in it and now requesting Nikon either give me a new one or refund me. Even ordered it directly through them, so the disappointments are two-fold.
C that cup or See that cup? Hahaha By the way hey Chris, my name is Johnny and I'm a freelance logo designer, would you love to have me to redesign a minimalist logo to make it more noticeable and memorable because now it's too thin ans that photography text isn't noticeable without zoom in on our site? And also some merch print arts for your channel for your fans to buy them to support your hardworks and it will drive loyalty and act as wearables business cards for you too? Let me know if you are interested! :-) Sincerely, Johnny Chin
I sold my X100VI for this beauty! Never looked back. :)
Glad you're loving it!
well done
Yeah this is the first camera I ever bought, not only new, but preordered haha. I sold my fuji x100v at a premium as it was so popular (1600 vs 1100 I paid in 2020). That funded the majority of this camera. Though if I was being honest, I really, really wanted to also keep the fuji too haha. Glad I did sell though as I could just order a 100vi and just be on a waiting list
Your take on the Zf is pretty much the same as mine, except I'm used to Nikon menus after 8 years with a D7500, and the D-pad doesn't bother me. (I too would like another button or two, and a battery door that is as rugged as the rest of the body.) Your comments on low light performance were spot on; that's why I upgraded to a Zf: it has a full-frame sensor with IBIS, and the EXPEED 7 focus system. Its low light images are everything I hoped for. And having been raised on film SLRs, I *like* having a camera body that I can grasp with my left hand as well as my right one.
I love how all the engravings are laser Etched premium stuff. for a long shooting day, i use a camera strap anyway allows your hands to be free to do other stuff, like moving things out of the way or giving directions nevr get tired and when I have to take a photo just support the lens another thing to think about people saying it's not a professional camera look at the specs compared to a nikon d6 a top of the range dslr the zf beats it in almost every way especially for video except ergonomics.
Thank you for your first impression! Anyway, I think the 2025 nikon zf will still be popular!
Thanks for watching!!
I’d say that D pad feels damn solid and far from anything cheap like. I like D pads and hate using joysticks on cameras myself.
It was my Nikon being a m4/3 shooter I thought I would give it a try because I really liked the body. And I thought the menu system was super easy to figure out. Like I was using Nikon for years.
Solid introduction to the camera!
I'm happy that I bought this camera. Now I am waiting for the Neewer CA134 grip. Photo quality looks great and video quality in 1080p 30fps looks great too. I love this camera especially its IBIS.
The one important thing that is missing are aperture rings on most major companies lenses.
Love My ZF ❤💯
Love my ZF! Its a powerful beauty
I cannot wait for my ZF to arrive this week! It’ll be replacing my XT3 as personal/work camera! Your video is just hyping me up lol
That’s awesome! Let me know what you think after you’ve shot with it.
Taking notes.
how about AIS 100mm F2.8 E +ZF?
The AIS 100mm f/2.8 E, when adapted to the Z-mount, ends up being nearly as long as the Z 85mm f/1.8 S. It somewhat defeats the purpose of choosing a compact manual lens since the adapter adds extra length. 😭 I'm looking for a shorter telephoto portrait lens-or perhaps considering Leica lenses as an alternative.
I’m currently testing the Sirui 85mm f/1.4 and really happy with the results. But if you want more telephoto than that… I super there’s probably some older 135mm lenses you could adapt?
I honestly almost never shoot further than 85mm for anything other than sports so I will have to do some research!
Just clicked on the video. I’m here to learn about the Zf, I’m commenting for Bucks Pond Road 👏
It was my Christmas Gift to myself!
Came here for the camera review. Stayed for the coffee gulps.
Left em on for the real ones like you
Do you use memory modes (like 1/2/3 on Sony or U1/U2/U3 on Nikon, I think)? I was a bit bummed to realized the ZF doesn’t seem to have those. If you do use them on other cameras, do you find it a problem not having them here? Or can you do something like save presets to M/A/S/P to make up for it?
I don’t believe there’s any way to save custom modes. You can save picture profiles with settings for JPEGs. But that’s it from what I can tell.
It would be very nice if you could.
@ dang, that was my impression, but thanks for confirming. That might be the dealbreaker for me on this one, sadly. I’m just a hobbyist, but when I’m walking around, I tend to have those slots set up for photographing different subjects, like animals, objects, and people… each with maybe 4-5 different slightly-deep settings like focus mode, eye AF, single vs high frame rate, shutter sound, min shutter speed, etc. I get how this might clash conceptually with the top dials, but it’s a bummer when the camera seems so good in so many ways.
Lovely camera - agree there are some cheap plastic feeling bits, mostly noticed this on the bottom cover, but it’s not really a problem. The only problem I’ve run into is it’s not very comfortable to hold with any reasonable sized lens on it.
I would disagree strongly. There are plastic parts for sure. But none of the plastic parts feel cheap.
Agree 100% I used with the same Godox flash and it was really uncomfortable.
Everything is amazing but the drinking gulping sound is killing me while using the headphone, and I almost couldn't finish watching... Sorry for being honest :(
Haha I don’t blame you. Thought it would be funny and… well, it’s still funny to me but it will not be happening again 😅
Smallrig grip plus a hot shoe attached thumb rest makes it really feel great in the hand (my opinion 😁👋).
Yeah I like the sounds of the thumb grip for when I’m not using on-camera flash
I dropped my Zf in the sea and it doesn't work. But it's still a BEAUTIFUL camera!
I just got the my ZF a week ago and have been obsessed with it! I got the Small Rig grip too, it feels great in the hands, the only thing is, it's really hard for me to remove the SD card with the grip on. If anyone has any solutions to this, would love to know!
Yeah the Small Rig grip does make it a bit of a pain to get the card out!
Never had problems with the small grip on. You can try transfering the files using a usb c cable. that works too!
Unfortunately had an AF issue with this camera that made me completely lose confidence in it and now requesting Nikon either give me a new one or refund me. Even ordered it directly through them, so the disappointments are two-fold.
How you manage with auto iso?
I do the same trick that Omar Gonzalez uses by mapping it to the record button!
I hate mine but it’s aesthetic
Hahaha 💅
C that cup or See that cup? Hahaha
By the way hey Chris,
my name is Johnny and I'm a freelance logo designer, would you love to have me to redesign a minimalist logo to make it more noticeable and memorable because now it's too thin ans that photography text isn't noticeable without zoom in on our site? And also some merch print arts for your channel for your fans to buy them to support your hardworks and it will drive loyalty and act as wearables business cards for you too? Let me know if you are interested! :-)
Sincerely,
Johnny Chin
Nope. Had to turn off at 1 second. Never do that in a video. Shame really.
😅😅😅