Used a Fujixpro3 and a Leica Q2, i switched to nikon because nikon looks like a fuji and auto focuses like a sony and is sharp like a leica with the right lens
Not to mention the sensor's dynamic range. I don't care what the specs say. Fuji raw files don't look great when I push or pull beyond 1 stop. The new 40MP is better but still lacks the same capability.
The FUJI community always forgets that Nikon is copying it's own camera which is the FM2 film camera from the 1980'ies in this case. Nikon makes camera equipment since 1917. Also it's not the first time that Nikon makes retro-inspired cameras. There was already the Df which is a DSLR version.
Every since the OG X100 and XT1, I always told my self if Fujifilm would make a full frame version I would be 100% on board. Glad to see Nikon step up to answer that call.
Actually Nikon already has something similar for years. Its called Nikonpc (Nikon Picture Control) where you can download your looks to your camera. You can also tweak the looks to your own linking. Would be actually interessting what a fuji user things of it :)
There are beautiful new vintage lenses available from Voigtländer for Z-Mount. Don't know why they don't get mentioned but they are a perfect match for the Zf in style, rendering, build quality. They have clickable aperture rings and are manual focus.
I have been shooting pretty much every Fuji camera and not once have I said I wish my Fuji was a full frame". I appreciate the small size of my cameras, and lets be honest 99% of people wouldnt be able to tell the difference between a full frame and a crop sensor photo. Im not here to pixel peep, im here to take photos and use a camera i enjoy carrying.
As someone who went with the XT5 over the Zf, I hugely appreciate just how light the XT5 is and would not want to go with something heavier at this point. Even if certain features on the Zf have that Nikon reliability. Yes, I find the auto focus on the XT5 to be absolutely infuriating at times. And I do think it has the worst menu system ever, and that's saying something having used Sony's old menus. But...I just love the results I get out of the XT5. And because it's so small and light, I want to pick it up, take it everywhere, and shoot with it. And I've never felt like I'm getting an inferior result because I'm using an APS-C sensor. In fact, the files coming off this thing are HUGE. It's probably more megapixels than I need. But the quality of the images has been stunning. All that being said, I would love to spend some time with the Zf one of these days. It certainly looks like a beautiful and well-built love letter to Nikon's legacy of analogue film cameras. And I, too, hope more camera companies will try something like this. Could you imagine Canon making something like this based off their old cameras? That'd be pretty cool!
100%! I still love Fujifilm (a personal favorite is the XT3), but I do really like what Nikon has done with the ZF. Crossing my fingers for a retro Canon now!
I hope Nikon recognizes what is possible and will soon release a firmware update for the flexible picture control profile and the imaging cloud. Both are currently only available for the Z6III, although these features appeal much more to the Zf user community. I myself came to Fujifilm 8 years ago as a Nikon user and have learned to love these film simulations and recipes because I prefer taking photos rather than spending time on the computer. I also prefer to have a consistent look straight out of the camera. Nikon has all the tools available. Now I just hope they realize what's possible. Otherwise they would really be missing out on potential. 
@@connormccaskill Yes, a few things.... first the retro look. It closely resembles the Nikon FE, which I purchased way back in 1980 and I still own. Second, the ability to change lenses. Although I like the 23mm/35mm FFE on the x100v, and I have the 28mm WCL, it's just not the same. Lastly, the Zf is just more fun to me to use and with the small rig grip, it's just more comfortable. I'm contemplating selling the Fuji, but can't quite take the step, since I do like it too and it was difficult to get and I pd well over retail to get it.
Let’s get your thoughts on its video capabilities, please! I’ve been shooting talking head videos on my Fuji XH2S and also my Nikon Z6II. Just on tripods, nothing moving around. The look of the full frame footage just hits me in a better way, but I know the Fuji is “better” so I keep going back and forth. I can definitely see with my own eyeballs though, even the old Z6II looks just a hair better to my eyes. If I were walking around though, I know the stabilization of the Fuji would blow it out of the water. But honestly if I’m walking around shooting video, I’m using my iPhone Pro Max in those situations, like on vacations or going out and things like that.
I have written a few times on some of the reviewers pages that Fujifilm should be wise for them to see the success of this Nikon ZF retro style being full frame how has caught the eyes of many photographers. Create one in this format with all the goodness that Fujifilm has in its crop frame bodies. I am certain that they will get a strong response from many photographers, and if they don't have immediate lenses for it make adapters sold with the bodies that will adapt Canon, Nikon, or third party lenses until they design their own. (My two cents).
I was really interested in the Zf but coming from X-T cameras its too big and heavy for my taste. Most of the lenses is also huge . Gonna stay with my X-T5 for now.
Great video, nice pics. I think Nikon should make some more compact retro style lenses, similar to the sigma I series or sony's recent compact G lenses to better fit with the nikon z and zfc. Hopefully that will happen in the future!
I had the Zf in my hands a few days ago, and did not like it. Too big, too heavy and it misses the finger grip which makes it difficult to hold for small hands.
I had an X100V and absolutely loved it. I sold it to fund my Zf. This was primarily because i use a Z8 as my primary camera and had a lot of Nikon glass. That being said, i still want to own a Fuji again someday and I’ve told many friends that if Nikon ever went out of business, i would go to Fuji. Both the Nikon zf and x100v are excellent. I think the one thing Nikon needs to copy is making the white balance recipe specific like the Fuji. That is the one hindrance to getting the Fuji recipes…other than the community mentioned in the video. Great video.
Nikon has come back to life . They have a long rich history with SLRs, DSLRs , and now they are up to date with mirrorless. They will never go out of business lol I’ve been shooting Fuji for 12 years and now just switched to Nikon . ( first camera was the d70 )
Fuji is significantly better than all this gimmicky rubbish. They need to launch their X-Pro5 with the vociferous feedback from the world that loved X-Pro2.
The music, the location, the camera, the man... all classic and so fun to watch. Love this review. Here's hoping Nikon continues to advance this lineup and other companies follow suit!
I've had the Zf for about 6 months and have been a lifelong Nikon user. I feel that your review was pretty much spot on especially since you had limited use of it. I absolutely love the camera but I'm also aware of its shortcomings I added a grip first and foremost and it made a huge difference and I like the flip screen integration as you can just close it to get the full retro feel. I also prefer using the screen instead of the joystick for moving my focus point. I too like aperture rings on the lens and luckily many of their other lenses have one (actually you can choose how it functions). You can use downloadable recipes in their picture controls so the bones are there just needs a few minor tweaks. Also, their implementation of manual focus is just outstanding with the eye detect.
I am a Leica M user and picked a friends Zf to play around with a month ago, its a damn good camera all around! I especially enjoyed the retro look and everything on it is not a gimmick but each dial and button has its uses. The built quality is so up there, I was surprised how good it felt in the hands. Coming from using SLRs, DSLRs I settled on a rangefinder style body that I enjoy for the minimalistic feel. This is very close to it. That hump onto carries a very decent EVF that is nice to use with MF lenses. I would like to see a 36-40mp variant of this with double the pixel on the OLED EVF. A bigger EVF would be nice but 0.78x is plenty. Then Nikon can have my $$. 24MP is good but with good glass, higher MP does more justice to voigtlander, leica M, Zeiss and others out there. 36MP would be a good sweet spot. That said at around $2k ($1.8k on sale) is a great price for this, it truly is an underdog of a camera. It has not fully been discovered yet by the many. For those who love the 80s, 90s SLR feel, this takes first price.
One of the beautiful things about Nikon is that they make impressive firmware updates that add big improvements to their cameras, long after they have been released. Film and picture profiles can be easily added in a firmware update and I wouldn't be surprised if they do this update in the near future.
Hate to be that guy but your comment at 7:52 is a bit misinformed - it's a throwback to their manual lens designs where you had a metal ring (with color markings for depth of field) between the aperture ring and focus ring. But I do agree they should just let us have proper aperture rings on the lenses for this style of body. Nice video otherwise :)
I rented this camera for my moms birthday party. The photos are gorgeous. But how to set it up so that the photo editor I use would actually let me edit the raw files was confusing.
There's already a new profile added to the Nikon Z6III and we're waiting for it to be available on the other cameras. On their Cloud service there's also a lot of new color profiles and simulations...but they are only available for the NIKON Z6 III, again.
Are you kidding me? The ZF is also a great camera, just like the X-T5. But don't tell me that this is a completely different level. I understand that the latest thing always wants to be celebrated, but this has little to do with photography.
Lenses matter, sensor size mostly only matters if there isn't a lens option to achieve the desired result or if cost is prohibitive. Full frame is best on wider angles up to around 50mm, at that point there are ways of getting equivalence out of most smaller sensors with the only real compromise being the bokeh size; however, how much bokeh is enough is highly subjective. If one is after human eye equivalence then only only needs to achieve a full frame equivalence of around f/2.2-f/2.8ish. That can be achieved fairly easily with APSC and to a lesser degree even with MFT with very fast lenses or focal reducers. If one wants unnatural bokeh drifting into the realm of Toneh levels then Full Frame and medium format are the bets options; however if one is doing super telephoto work then MFT and APSC are going to be the better options as they can achieve a much greater reach, and can still achieve excellent bokeh for a fraction of the price of Full Frame. As for people who want to make the sensor pixel size argument, that ship has pretty much sailed given the Alexa 35 is Super 35 ( roughly APSC) and has the highest dynamic range on the market currently. Every sensor is different , and the size of the sensor isn't as important is if the look of it is appealing to the individual using it. Choosing the right sensor & lens combo comes down to the situating and really knowing your gear.
The actual inspiration for the Zf (and its elder APS-C brother, the Zfc) design is the FM2 (not the F2 or the F3), according to Nikon itself. This can be seen right at Nikon's Zf web page.
Nikon isn't going to cater to a community or develop some kind of eco system around this type of camera, I am guessing next one is going to be at least 5 years into the future if they are going to do it at all... All Nikon execs are high, They did not cater to the enthusiasm after the hype around z9.. They still don't have beginner cameras for people to get into the system like canon r10,50,100, nikon z50 is 5 years old and their most promising model z5 still haven't been updated..I don't think they are going to build an eco system around zf style cameras. They will just release another zoom lens no one asked for instead!
Haha you could be right. From my knowledge, Nikon is a much much smaller company so anything they do will be slower. I think we could have a shot at them supporting this new system, but time will tell
Nicely shot review. You are missing the whole point though of the full frame sensor and mount is that it means your vintage lense collection, if you have one , now work as intended without the crop factor which especially makes wide lenses a bit pointless..
i would argue the difference between full frame and crop can not only be felt but can also be seen - think about it, it gives you all of your lens, take let's say a frame from a videogame, and then crop out the middle part of it - won't you feel like your FOV has been reduced? - and that's the difference, crop feels more flat, like a zoom lens. This should apply atleast when using the same full frame lens on both
Bought the ZF on its release. Understood how the iso implementation worked but couldn’t stand it. And after a couple of reports of condensation in the viewfinder I got rid.
Is a full frame sensor more forgiving than a smaller sensor, sure. But the size of the sensor does not make the photographer. Some sensors are all cut from the same cloth it's just matter of cost whether you want the APS-C sized version or the Full Frame version.
Seeing me climbing at the Rocks at 10:58 makes me feel like a true Nikon User... Nice Video as always, but iam staying at my beloved Fujifilm x100v. Maybe the 2nd gen Nikon will fix some of the points in terms of haptic.
@@LoiteringReaper We are, but that's not the issue with this camera. For instance, I have an old Konica with no grip and it doesn't feel like it will fall out of my hands due to the grippy leather it has. Same when using a AE-1. The problem with this Nikon is that they're using a hard plastic with some light grooves, rather than deep grooves or the rubbery material commonly used today.
Excellent review except the comment on the viewfinder and LCD. EVF - Zf: 3.69 millions dots. - X100V: 3.69 millions dots, XT5: 3.69 millions dots, so exact same thing. LCD monitor - Zf: 2.1 millions dots, - X100V: 1.62 millions dots, XT5 1.84 millions dots so the Nikon is actually much better. 3.69 millions for an EVF is standard across many brands but the LCD is clearly better, I actually have an old Z6 with also 2.1 millions dots monitor and I can tell its much better than other cameras when comparing with other brands .
Pro portrait photographer here. Studio and natural light. Fuji since 2018. I have the XT5 and a X100V, the 33 and the 56. I trained on film, in the 80’s, my first camera was a Nikon FE. I’m thinking of going with this Nikon. Do you recommend? And What lenses do you recommend? I have to have a 50 and an 85 for my workflow and I’d love a 35 or 28. Thanks for any advice! Btw, I LOVE Fuji so much but… The autofocus is a problem. I pray they fix it.
I mean that’s really tough. I too love Fujifilm, but I think if you want a retro feel with better performance, the Nikon might be better. I’d recommend renting it to try it out
The af Nikon 40mm f/2 doesn't have a similarly sized equivalent on the X mount. Something like a 23mm or 32mm f/1.4 are both larger and heavier. But af-wise X mount has many more options
yeah it would need to be a 27mm f1.4. I've not seen anything like that from Fuji. At that size and price. In fact non at all. The Fuji 27mm f2.8 would be something like a 40mm f4 on full frame.
Hi, I am new to your channel. I like your content and style, I do learn from your videos. Can you do a video or tell me what editing software you used in this video? Thank you, SFB from Boston
I find the menu system drawback as a total non-issue. As as Nikon shooter, when I picked up Canon and Fuji I found their menus confusing. It is all about familiarizing with the system. Also, I feel Fuji APSCs are just overpriced at this point. You can pick a used GFX 50r for 2000 dollars now, why would you buy a x100 series.
Screen resolution isnt low at all the evf maybe but the screen is excellent better then the xt5 1.8 million dots vs 2.1 million which is on par with most flagships
I bought a Fujifilm X-T3 in expectation of replacing my Nikon D750 as I am getting older and the FF system is getting "heavier" each year. Unfortunately, I am very disappointed with the X-T3. It is definitely inferior in so many ways to the D750. I do agree with you that FF sensor in the Nikon D750 (like the Zf) is certainly superior much superior to the X-T3 sensor. Additionally, the tonality and ability to recover blown highlights is simply mind boggling. I can also recover so much detail in the shadows that it has saved me from some seriously under exposed shots. I started my photography back in the early 70's so I have been through the whole colour film revolution too. To me the Fujifilm film simulations because they are simply a bad rendition of what true colour films really are so stopped using them. It is purely a marketing gimmick that Fujifilm use to sell cameras knowing that 99% of digital camera users never used real film stock processed and printed on paper.
The screen. Why? Yes I get that it’s able to be flipped around and hidden which is nice, but on a photo-centric camera, the flippy screen is the wrong move. Most UA-camrs love it because hey, they’re UA-camrs and love looking at their own face. But photographers don’t need this and there are considerably more photographers than UA-camrs out there. I feel like Nikon didn’t realise this when they did their market research. Leica combined with Sony would be the best screen implementation. The usefulness of the latest Sony screens, paired with a simple LV (live view) button from the Leica M cameras. Turn it on only when you need to, otherwise keep it off, but with the articulation of a Sony. Sorted.
I REALLY enjoy looking at my face. I often don’t even record anything because I’m just staring at myself in the flip screen lol. In all seriousness, we just need the screen from the Sony A7R5 on every camera. Best of both worlds.
@@chromaticvisuelle PFFF! No it's not! It would be if that camera was a rangefinder or had some sort of hybrid viewfinder. Don't fool yourself.... Nikon tried to appeal to every niche, and the flippy screen sucks for every serious professional.
If you are a Fuji fan boy, I'm really surprised you didn't complain about the weird ergonomy by Nikon from lacking an "A" position on their speed and iso dials (and on the aperture ring... that doesn't exist! 😬 But thank you Viltrox for rectifying this mistake 😎). So to me, this Zf is a failed one, cause it misses the very purpose it set out to bring 🫣
About the FF comment. The GFX is their answer to FF. People would only buy FF cameras because of the increase in resolution and detail. Instead of a slightly bigger sensor, how about a medium format sensor that's double the size, color, and quality eh?
As a GFX user, the GFX is currently not close to an answer to FF. The general slowness (not just AF) of the system as well as the small selection of bulky lenses makes it not an answer to FF cameras at all. The image quality is amazing though.
Fujifilm doesn't make full frame cameras and never will because they have superior medium format cameras. What doesn't make sense it that their APC cameras and lenses are prices at or above full frame ones. In the same way, Nikon has largely abandoned APC as phone cameras do the job, which also makes sense, and unless you're extremely focuses on medium format work (some portrait or landscape photographers perhaps), full frame is going to be all you need.
i use both sony and fuji. Fuji have many flaws including the AF system. Unless you shoot AFS, there isnt much issue. Aside that, some Fuji x apsc bodies have been a much smaller, lighter system compare to other APSC, FF, and even M4/3. For me, i will be using Fuji for more lighter/casual/not so serious pro work. Otherwise, the system on Sony is more reliable. Color wise, Fuji is definitely good if is outdoor, bright and sunny. Once you hit lowlight, in weird lighting conditions, Fuji can't perform well. i find this so frustrating after 4 years of using then i went back to Sony FF and it solve my issue. However, the new Fuji AFC did improve drastically (for my xs20) and i have been enjoy shooting since. Otherwise my Sony FF will do its job fine.
Fujifilm doesn't need to make that camera. They just need to get their poop together and fix the AF. And fix their production line since people still can't get their pre-orders for the x100vi.
@@connormccaskill They are like a clydesdale horse, you need to put blinders and make them focus on AutoFocus first before they work on new cameras lol.
As someone who shoots film regularly I feel that the Fuji profiles are a gimmick. Being able to slap vintage glass on my Zf and get the same field of view that I get on my fm2 is so much closer to shooting film than anything Fuji offers. Also, let’s be honest, 97% of Fujifilm “film simulation recipes “ just resemble badly exposed expired film. Full disclosure, I do own and use a X100V lol, but Astia is my favorite profile.
If you think about fuji pictures not as a film wannabe but as a digital picture with its own unique charm, then you'd enjoy them a lot more. That said, Fuji really needs to up their game as Nikon and other brands are stepping up
What an absolute L of a take lmao. Fujifilm's film sims and color science are consistently lauded and loved and seen as great. They don't resemble badly exposed film either lol, but go off, by all means.
Super cool camera ... I hate this flippy flappy screen tho ... it's also my least fav element of my r5 ... Why did they make a camera clearly mainly focused on photography with this bs is beyond me ... there should be an option of a tilt screen since Nikon got it in their arsenal.
Fuji, please finally improve your auto focus, make smaller real 40mp compatible f 1.4 - f 2 lenses. Your f 1.4 lenses are huge and take away from the appeal of using a smaller camera at great quality disappear.
The ZF is a beautiful camera, but it lacks a grip, a flippy screen, and a joystick. Even as a Nikon guy, I prefer the XT5. I had the ZF but sold it to put the money towards a Z8.
My x-t3 has a joystick, but I rarely use it. With the viewfinder, you can use the touchscreen for focus point selection, which is a lot faster than using the joystick.
Fuji SOOC is only for lazy people, if you want your photos to look like everyone else on the internet. Even the guy making fujixweekly do post-processing. If you do post-processing, Fuji has no chance against the Nikon Zf
No it’s not, it echoes the design of the Nikon FM/FE, not the F2 and F4. Flip around screens are a bloody nuisance. Does Flexispot offer a way for you to switch off that bloody annoying musak. It’s too loud like every other UA-cam video. What’s wrong with just talking without musak?
Total subjective POV but the Nikon brand is so vanilla, I can't. It's like you took half a glass of Canon and watered it down and called it Nikon. I'd rather buy Lumix. Again, totally subjective and not based off specs purely based off brand perception in my head.
I have to be honest, the Fuji fanboys’ argument that the recipes make Fuji cameras so good is honestly starting to get very tiring! Great video by the way 👍🏼
@@connormccaskillwhat an ignorant person. go live in your own bubble is like calling someone's name wrongly and refuse to correct yourself.. lame fanboy!!! connor macfarker :D
Such a gorgeous camera and the files look fantastic. Body wise I much prefer it to the XT-5, especially the top plate. Gotta say though, most modern Z lenses look so odd on it. Not a deal breaker since there are solid third party alternatives, but I hope they release some AF lenses with aperture rings in the future. The deal breaker for me though is the flippy screen for photography. I can't sacrifice the compact tilt style. If not for that I would have switched over for sure.
@@ironmonkey1512 Yeah...seems to be a new 'used camera' of the week video every two weeks. It's like all these creators get the same list of videos to make at the same time.
Used a Fujixpro3 and a Leica Q2, i switched to nikon because nikon looks like a fuji and auto focuses like a sony and is sharp like a leica with the right lens
Honestly yeah, it's kinda awesome
As a Sony user and someone that owns the Zf for a year now, Nikon doesn’t auto focus like Sony. It just doesn’t suck like fuji 😝
Which lens?
Not to mention the sensor's dynamic range. I don't care what the specs say. Fuji raw files don't look great when I push or pull beyond 1 stop. The new 40MP is better but still lacks the same capability.
but it's heavy as hell if you use the extra grip .its almost 1KG if you use grip. hope the next ver zf can take the weight down
OMG my camera doesn't need a community to do what I want !
The FUJI community always forgets that Nikon is copying it's own camera which is the FM2 film camera from the 1980'ies in this case. Nikon makes camera equipment since 1917. Also it's not the first time that Nikon makes retro-inspired cameras. There was already the Df which is a DSLR version.
This is a hybrid of the FE and FM. I was 13, I had them both. 1984. I’m old.
Why do you say the fujifilm community forgets this ?
@@bobstevemd3265I’ve yet to see a single review that *doesn’t* mention this. They might not all be from Fuji lovers mind you!
Not true at all. I love Fujifilm but think Nikon cameras have always been fantastic and the zf is a wonderful camera.
Every since the OG X100 and XT1, I always told my self if Fujifilm would make a full frame version I would be 100% on board. Glad to see Nikon step up to answer that call.
Nikon killed it while doing it. Autofocus and shutter sound is from a different world... All I wish is to be a bit lighter and smaller.
Can't understand why they did it so big and heavy. Its even heavyier than Z6 and Z7..
Film recipes will be available when Nikon Imaging Cloud becomes available for the Zf (currently only Z6 III).
Oh that’s great!
Hope Nikon will send us firmeware soon❤
🙏🏻
Is that coming to ZF for sure?
Actually Nikon already has something similar for years. Its called Nikonpc (Nikon Picture Control) where you can download your looks to your camera. You can also tweak the looks to your own linking. Would be actually interessting what a fuji user things of it :)
There are beautiful new vintage lenses available from Voigtländer for Z-Mount. Don't know why they don't get mentioned but they are a perfect match for the Zf in style, rendering, build quality. They have clickable aperture rings and are manual focus.
My buddy has those! The look amazing
Not to mention the Nikon ZF has amazing software that integrates well with manual lenses
I have been shooting pretty much every Fuji camera and not once have I said I wish my Fuji was a full frame". I appreciate the small size of my cameras, and lets be honest 99% of people wouldnt be able to tell the difference between a full frame and a crop sensor photo. Im not here to pixel peep, im here to take photos and use a camera i enjoy carrying.
As someone who went with the XT5 over the Zf, I hugely appreciate just how light the XT5 is and would not want to go with something heavier at this point. Even if certain features on the Zf have that Nikon reliability. Yes, I find the auto focus on the XT5 to be absolutely infuriating at times. And I do think it has the worst menu system ever, and that's saying something having used Sony's old menus. But...I just love the results I get out of the XT5. And because it's so small and light, I want to pick it up, take it everywhere, and shoot with it. And I've never felt like I'm getting an inferior result because I'm using an APS-C sensor. In fact, the files coming off this thing are HUGE. It's probably more megapixels than I need. But the quality of the images has been stunning.
All that being said, I would love to spend some time with the Zf one of these days. It certainly looks like a beautiful and well-built love letter to Nikon's legacy of analogue film cameras. And I, too, hope more camera companies will try something like this. Could you imagine Canon making something like this based off their old cameras? That'd be pretty cool!
100%! I still love Fujifilm (a personal favorite is the XT3), but I do really like what Nikon has done with the ZF. Crossing my fingers for a retro Canon now!
I hope Nikon recognizes what is possible and will soon release a firmware update for the flexible picture control profile and the imaging cloud. Both are currently only available for the Z6III, although these features appeal much more to the Zf user community. I myself came to Fujifilm 8 years ago as a Nikon user and have learned to love these film simulations and recipes because I prefer taking photos rather than spending time on the computer. I also prefer to have a consistent look straight out of the camera. Nikon has all the tools available. Now I just hope they realize what's possible. Otherwise they would really be missing out on potential.

The flexible picture control is available for the Zf.
@@_Just_Some1 i believe the flexible picture control is only available for the Z6III at the moment. Nikon needs to bring it to all their cameras.
I have both the Zf and x100v. I enjoy them both, however having been a long time Nikon user, I do lean more to the Zf
Oh interesting. Anything in particular you prefer about the Nikon?
@@connormccaskill Yes, a few things.... first the retro look. It closely resembles the Nikon FE, which I purchased way back in 1980 and I still own. Second, the ability to change lenses. Although I like the 23mm/35mm FFE on the x100v, and I have the 28mm WCL, it's just not the same. Lastly, the Zf is just more fun to me to use and with the small rig grip, it's just more comfortable. I'm contemplating selling the Fuji, but can't quite take the step, since I do like it too and it was difficult to get and I pd well over retail to get it.
Let’s get your thoughts on its video capabilities, please! I’ve been shooting talking head videos on my Fuji XH2S and also my Nikon Z6II. Just on tripods, nothing moving around. The look of the full frame footage just hits me in a better way, but I know the Fuji is “better” so I keep going back and forth. I can definitely see with my own eyeballs though, even the old Z6II looks just a hair better to my eyes. If I were walking around though, I know the stabilization of the Fuji would blow it out of the water. But honestly if I’m walking around shooting video, I’m using my iPhone Pro Max in those situations, like on vacations or going out and things like that.
the fake aperture ring is very cringe. actual major ick
Yeah it was definitely disappointing
I have written a few times on some of the reviewers pages that Fujifilm should be wise for them to see the success of this Nikon ZF retro style being full frame how has caught the eyes of many photographers. Create one in this format with all the goodness that Fujifilm has in its crop frame bodies. I am certain that they will get a strong response from many photographers, and if they don't have immediate lenses for it make adapters sold with the bodies that will adapt Canon, Nikon, or third party lenses until they design their own. (My two cents).
X-Pro2 being made available in X-Pro5 with better EVF, better sensor, etc will kill this Zf. Most of the "features" are useless trinkets.
I was really interested in the Zf but coming from X-T cameras its too big and heavy for my taste. Most of the lenses is also huge . Gonna stay with my X-T5 for now.
I saw your gear you use in the description, what did you use to shoot this video?
I shoot mostly with the Lumix S9 these days. I pair it with a Blazar lens when I can. The A-Roll was shot on my friend’s FX3
@@connormccaskill I was also gonna ask about the color since I really liked the vibe of it! I’m currently on a D850 and GH5 still.
Great video, nice pics. I think Nikon should make some more compact retro style lenses, similar to the sigma I series or sony's recent compact G lenses to better fit with the nikon z and zfc. Hopefully that will happen in the future!
Totally agree! That would flesh out the system
I had the Zf in my hands a few days ago, and did not like it. Too big, too heavy and it misses the finger grip which makes it difficult to hold for small hands.
Bummer! For me it's great, but I'm sorry it wasn't the right fit for you
Id like to see the vid capabilities of this vs the s9 and x100vi. Thanks again connor! 🙏🏽
I had an X100V and absolutely loved it. I sold it to fund my Zf. This was primarily because i use a Z8 as my primary camera and had a lot of Nikon glass. That being said, i still want to own a Fuji again someday and I’ve told many friends that if Nikon ever went out of business, i would go to Fuji. Both the Nikon zf and x100v are excellent. I think the one thing Nikon needs to copy is making the white balance recipe specific like the Fuji. That is the one hindrance to getting the Fuji recipes…other than the community mentioned in the video. Great video.
Nikon has come back to life . They have a long rich history with SLRs, DSLRs , and now they are up to date with mirrorless. They will never go out of business lol I’ve been shooting Fuji for 12 years and now just switched to Nikon . ( first camera was the d70 )
Fuji is significantly better than all this gimmicky rubbish. They need to launch their X-Pro5 with the vociferous feedback from the world that loved X-Pro2.
hi what software do you use for editing?
The music, the location, the camera, the man... all classic and so fun to watch. Love this review. Here's hoping Nikon continues to advance this lineup and other companies follow suit!
I hope so too! It could be a great wave of new (old) cameras!
Congrats on 100K!!!
Thank you so much! Appreciate you taking the time to comment
What did you shoot the video on for this review, really nice look
The opening was shot on my LUMIX S9 and the rest was filmed on an FX3
Your video editing is amazing!! Could you please share how you edit your videos?
Really appreciate your kind words! I’ve considered it, but I haven’t found the time to dedicate to that concept. I’d want it to be good
You said it’s not for award winning photographs so, my question for you is - what camera is?
Well I suppose any camera can take award winning photos. Typically I think of Hasselblad, Leicas, back in the day you had the 1DX. Stuff like that
I'd like Sony to put out a retro analog-style FF camera based on the Minolta XD-7/11.
Ooooooooo
I've had the Zf for about 6 months and have been a lifelong Nikon user. I feel that your review was pretty much spot on especially since you had limited use of it. I absolutely love the camera but I'm also aware of its shortcomings
I added a grip first and foremost and it made a huge difference and I like the flip screen integration as you can just close it to get the full retro feel. I also prefer using the screen instead of the joystick for moving my focus point. I too like aperture rings on the lens and luckily many of their other lenses have one (actually you can choose how it functions). You can use downloadable recipes in their picture controls so the bones are there just needs a few minor tweaks. Also, their implementation of manual focus is just outstanding with the eye detect.
Thanks for sharing your experience
I am a Leica M user and picked a friends Zf to play around with a month ago, its a damn good camera all around! I especially enjoyed the retro look and everything on it is not a gimmick but each dial and button has its uses. The built quality is so up there, I was surprised how good it felt in the hands. Coming from using SLRs, DSLRs I settled on a rangefinder style body that I enjoy for the minimalistic feel. This is very close to it. That hump onto carries a very decent EVF that is nice to use with MF lenses. I would like to see a 36-40mp variant of this with double the pixel on the OLED EVF. A bigger EVF would be nice but 0.78x is plenty. Then Nikon can have my $$. 24MP is good but with good glass, higher MP does more justice to voigtlander, leica M, Zeiss and others out there. 36MP would be a good sweet spot. That said at around $2k ($1.8k on sale) is a great price for this, it truly is an underdog of a camera. It has not fully been discovered yet by the many. For those who love the 80s, 90s SLR feel, this takes first price.
This video is gorgeous, what was it filmed on?
The intro was filmed with Blazar lenses and the LUMIX S9! The rest was filmed on my friend’s FX3
@ well the colors are like candy for my eyes - thanks for showing us what it can do!
One of the beautiful things about Nikon is that they make impressive firmware updates that add big improvements to their cameras, long after they have been released. Film and picture profiles can be easily added in a firmware update and I wouldn't be surprised if they do this update in the near future.
Hate to be that guy but your comment at 7:52 is a bit misinformed - it's a throwback to their manual lens designs where you had a metal ring (with color markings for depth of field) between the aperture ring and focus ring. But I do agree they should just let us have proper aperture rings on the lenses for this style of body. Nice video otherwise :)
Thanks!
I rented this camera for my moms birthday party. The photos are gorgeous. But how to set it up so that the photo editor I use would actually let me edit the raw files was confusing.
There's already a new profile added to the Nikon Z6III and we're waiting for it to be available on the other cameras. On their Cloud service there's also a lot of new color profiles and simulations...but they are only available for the NIKON Z6 III, again.
Hope you Get us know the ZF vídeo capabilites. Sony apsc user, wondering if the ZF is a good hybrid camera for documenting life.
It's way way more than enough, even the Pros use the ZF
You have 10 bit colors and log, way enough for everything.
Awesome review, I am very happy with Zf as well.
Which color did you get?
@@connormccaskill Black. I think black is more classic.
For sure
Are you kidding me? The ZF is also a great camera, just like the X-T5. But don't tell me that this is a completely different level. I understand that the latest thing always wants to be celebrated, but this has little to do with photography.
I really like the ZF and If I wasnt a Fuji guy I would probably go for it.
Which Fuji do you have? I loved my XT4 while I had it
Sony should buy the Minolta brand (currently making dropshipping of chinese cameras) and make a new line of retro E-Mount cameras
The random Drue cameo! 🔥
He’s the best!
Lenses matter, sensor size mostly only matters if there isn't a lens option to achieve the desired result or if cost is prohibitive. Full frame is best on wider angles up to around 50mm, at that point there are ways of getting equivalence out of most smaller sensors with the only real compromise being the bokeh size; however, how much bokeh is enough is highly subjective. If one is after human eye equivalence then only only needs to achieve a full frame equivalence of around f/2.2-f/2.8ish. That can be achieved fairly easily with APSC and to a lesser degree even with MFT with very fast lenses or focal reducers. If one wants unnatural bokeh drifting into the realm of Toneh levels then Full Frame and medium format are the bets options; however if one is doing super telephoto work then MFT and APSC are going to be the better options as they can achieve a much greater reach, and can still achieve excellent bokeh for a fraction of the price of Full Frame. As for people who want to make the sensor pixel size argument, that ship has pretty much sailed given the Alexa 35 is Super 35 ( roughly APSC) and has the highest dynamic range on the market currently. Every sensor is different , and the size of the sensor isn't as important is if the look of it is appealing to the individual using it. Choosing the right sensor & lens combo comes down to the situating and really knowing your gear.
The actual inspiration for the Zf (and its elder APS-C brother, the Zfc) design is the FM2 (not the F2 or the F3), according to Nikon itself. This can be seen right at Nikon's Zf web page.
Ah yes the FM2. Absolutely, I was just saying that they were pulling design language from their film lineup. I wasn’t being specific
Nikon isn't going to cater to a community or develop some kind of eco system around this type of camera, I am guessing next one is going to be at least 5 years into the future if they are going to do it at all... All Nikon execs are high, They did not cater to the enthusiasm after the hype around z9.. They still don't have beginner cameras for people to get into the system like canon r10,50,100, nikon z50 is 5 years old and their most promising model z5 still haven't been updated..I don't think they are going to build an eco system around zf style cameras. They will just release another zoom lens no one asked for instead!
Haha you could be right. From my knowledge, Nikon is a much much smaller company so anything they do will be slower. I think we could have a shot at them supporting this new system, but time will tell
You forgot about the Nikon Df ... Fuji did copy that model ... it came out in 2013.
The Silver Ring on the Lens is Not an Aperture Ring. It is for better grip for Mountains the Lens.
Nicely shot review. You are missing the whole point though of the full frame sensor and mount is that it means your vintage lense collection, if you have one , now work as intended without the crop factor which especially makes wide lenses a bit pointless..
Bro, you where in the next door town! (Copenhagen)
Awesome!
Gonna watch the rest of the video now.
Oh yeah? Where are you based??
@@connormccaskillI'm right across the bridge, Malmö Sweden. Let me know if you end up travel this way again in the future.
@@thomasfransson Oh super cool! I will totally reach out if I'm there again
@@connormccaskill Do it! I'm not creepy, well not super creepy anyway 🤣😅
i would argue the difference between full frame and crop can not only be felt but can also be seen - think about it, it gives you all of your lens, take let's say a frame from a videogame, and then crop out the middle part of it - won't you feel like your FOV has been reduced? - and that's the difference, crop feels more flat, like a zoom lens. This should apply atleast when using the same full frame lens on both
'What retro camera do you want to see modernized?' The Zenit-E with an AF Helios 40-50mm lens
Oooooooo 👀
Great video. This would be my dream camera if it was a DSLR and had an F-mount while retaining the same dimensions. So basically a digital FE-2.
That would be cool!
Bought the ZF on its release. Understood how the iso implementation worked but couldn’t stand it. And after a couple of reports of condensation in the viewfinder I got rid.
Not to forget NX - studio!! Zf user / lover !! I still have an Fuji xt1 and xe2s. They make fun too but IQ of Zf is superior!
2 millon dots screen resolution is low. lol. what author was expected? 4 mp?
I expect the Nikon might focus better, consistently
It does
i can only wish Fujifilm uses larger sensor in X100 series (just like the Leica Q series)
🤞🏻
Is a full frame sensor more forgiving than a smaller sensor, sure. But the size of the sensor does not make the photographer. Some sensors are all cut from the same cloth it's just matter of cost whether you want the APS-C sized version or the Full Frame version.
Seeing me climbing at the Rocks at 10:58 makes me feel like a true Nikon User...
Nice Video as always, but iam staying at my beloved Fujifilm x100v.
Maybe the 2nd gen Nikon will fix some of the points in terms of haptic.
Yeah I think this is the beginning for Nikon. Super cool hanging out with you, man.
Hey, loved this video, did you make the video talking about the Nikon Zf's video capabilities?
Fun camera, but that grip was so bad lol
You’re just a Nikon hater ha
@@connormccaskill I plead the 5th your honor
We used to DLSR grips & it’s comforty to hold with one hand.
@@LoiteringReaper We are, but that's not the issue with this camera. For instance, I have an old Konica with no grip and it doesn't feel like it will fall out of my hands due to the grippy leather it has. Same when using a AE-1. The problem with this Nikon is that they're using a hard plastic with some light grooves, rather than deep grooves or the rubbery material commonly used today.
I don't have an any issue
I love mine😊
Thanks Connor. Helpful! If the Zf is not the camera you would use to produce award winning photographs, what is? Thanks. Geoff
Probably the Hasselblad X2D or the Sony A7RV! IMO
Excellent review except the comment on the viewfinder and LCD.
EVF - Zf: 3.69 millions dots. - X100V: 3.69 millions dots, XT5: 3.69 millions dots, so exact same thing.
LCD monitor - Zf: 2.1 millions dots, - X100V: 1.62 millions dots, XT5 1.84 millions dots so the Nikon is actually much better.
3.69 millions for an EVF is standard across many brands but the LCD is clearly better, I actually have an old Z6 with also 2.1 millions dots monitor and I can tell its much better than other cameras when comparing with other brands .
Pro portrait photographer here. Studio and natural light. Fuji since 2018. I have the XT5 and a X100V, the 33 and the 56. I trained on film, in the 80’s, my first camera was a Nikon FE.
I’m thinking of going with this Nikon. Do you recommend? And What lenses do you recommend? I have to have a 50 and an 85 for my workflow and I’d love a 35 or 28. Thanks for
any advice!
Btw, I LOVE Fuji so much but…
The autofocus is a problem.
I pray they fix it.
I mean that’s really tough. I too love Fujifilm, but I think if you want a retro feel with better performance, the Nikon might be better. I’d recommend renting it to try it out
The af Nikon 40mm f/2 doesn't have a similarly sized equivalent on the X mount. Something like a 23mm or 32mm f/1.4 are both larger and heavier. But af-wise X mount has many more options
yeah it would need to be a 27mm f1.4. I've not seen anything like that from Fuji. At that size and price. In fact non at all. The Fuji 27mm f2.8 would be something like a 40mm f4 on full frame.
Hi, I am new to your channel. I like your content and style, I do learn from your videos.
Can you do a video or tell me what editing software you used in this video?
Thank you,
SFB from Boston
I find the menu system drawback as a total non-issue. As as Nikon shooter, when I picked up Canon and Fuji I found their menus confusing. It is all about familiarizing with the system.
Also, I feel Fuji APSCs are just overpriced at this point. You can pick a used GFX 50r for 2000 dollars now, why would you buy a x100 series.
Lenses are where the cost is, not the body. Sure you can get a GFX 50r but the lenses are around the same and in many times MORE than the body itself
It’s a bigger than the x100v because it’s a totally different camera! Better comparison would by XT-5, surely.
Screen resolution isnt low at all the evf maybe but the screen is excellent better then the xt5 1.8 million dots vs 2.1 million which is on par with most flagships
I bought a Fujifilm X-T3 in expectation of replacing my Nikon D750 as I am getting older and the FF system is getting "heavier" each year. Unfortunately, I am very disappointed with the X-T3. It is definitely inferior in so many ways to the D750. I do agree with you that FF sensor in the Nikon D750 (like the Zf) is certainly superior much superior to the X-T3 sensor. Additionally, the tonality and ability to recover blown highlights is simply mind boggling. I can also recover so much detail in the shadows that it has saved me from some seriously under exposed shots. I started my photography back in the early 70's so I have been through the whole colour film revolution too. To me the Fujifilm film simulations because they are simply a bad rendition of what true colour films really are so stopped using them. It is purely a marketing gimmick that Fujifilm use to sell cameras knowing that 99% of digital camera users never used real film stock processed and printed on paper.
No focus joy stick and no aperture ring on the lense. Otherwise it's an interesting camera.
The screen. Why? Yes I get that it’s able to be flipped around and hidden which is nice, but on a photo-centric camera, the flippy screen is the wrong move. Most UA-camrs love it because hey, they’re UA-camrs and love looking at their own face. But photographers don’t need this and there are considerably more photographers than UA-camrs out there. I feel like Nikon didn’t realise this when they did their market research.
Leica combined with Sony would be the best screen implementation. The usefulness of the latest Sony screens, paired with a simple LV (live view) button from the Leica M cameras. Turn it on only when you need to, otherwise keep it off, but with the articulation of a Sony. Sorted.
I REALLY enjoy looking at my face. I often don’t even record anything because I’m just staring at myself in the flip screen lol. In all seriousness, we just need the screen from the Sony A7R5 on every camera. Best of both worlds.
Simple answer, the purpose of the flip screen isn't to vlog, but to close the screen and act like a film camera and not preview images while shooting.
@@chromaticvisuelle PFFF! No it's not! It would be if that camera was a rangefinder or had some sort of hybrid viewfinder. Don't fool yourself.... Nikon tried to appeal to every niche, and the flippy screen sucks for every serious professional.
If you are a Fuji fan boy, I'm really surprised you didn't complain about the weird ergonomy by Nikon from lacking an "A" position on their speed and iso dials (and on the aperture ring... that doesn't exist! 😬 But thank you Viltrox for rectifying this mistake 😎).
So to me, this Zf is a failed one, cause it misses the very purpose it set out to bring 🫣
About the FF comment. The GFX is their answer to FF. People would only buy FF cameras because of the increase in resolution and detail. Instead of a slightly bigger sensor, how about a medium format sensor that's double the size, color, and quality eh?
For sure! But I would say that with medium format you pay a bit in sluggishness. FF seems to be a great compromise of speed and quality
As a GFX user, the GFX is currently not close to an answer to FF. The general slowness (not just AF) of the system as well as the small selection of bulky lenses makes it not an answer to FF cameras at all. The image quality is amazing though.
If you think the autofocus of the XT-5 is bad, try the GFX II.
So retro design n beautiful camera. Good video
Thank you
Interesting comment about this camera needing a community
Fujifilm doesn't make full frame cameras and never will because they have superior medium format cameras. What doesn't make sense it that their APC cameras and lenses are prices at or above full frame ones. In the same way, Nikon has largely abandoned APC as phone cameras do the job, which also makes sense, and unless you're extremely focuses on medium format work (some portrait or landscape photographers perhaps), full frame is going to be all you need.
i use both sony and fuji. Fuji have many flaws including the AF system. Unless you shoot AFS, there isnt much issue.
Aside that, some Fuji x apsc bodies have been a much smaller, lighter system compare to other APSC, FF, and even M4/3.
For me, i will be using Fuji for more lighter/casual/not so serious pro work. Otherwise, the system on Sony is more reliable.
Color wise, Fuji is definitely good if is outdoor, bright and sunny. Once you hit lowlight, in weird lighting conditions, Fuji can't perform well. i find this so frustrating after 4 years of using then i went back to Sony FF and it solve my issue.
However, the new Fuji AFC did improve drastically (for my xs20) and i have been enjoy shooting since. Otherwise my Sony FF will do its job fine.
Fujifilm doesn't need to make that camera. They just need to get their poop together and fix the AF. And fix their production line since people still can't get their pre-orders for the x100vi.
Hahahaha I mean fair
@@connormccaskill They are like a clydesdale horse, you need to put blinders and make them focus on AutoFocus first before they work on new cameras lol.
As someone who shoots film regularly I feel that the Fuji profiles are a gimmick. Being able to slap vintage glass on my Zf and get the same field of view that I get on my fm2 is so much closer to shooting film than anything Fuji offers. Also, let’s be honest, 97% of Fujifilm “film simulation recipes “ just resemble badly exposed expired film. Full disclosure, I do own and use a X100V lol, but Astia is my favorite profile.
If you think about fuji pictures not as a film wannabe but as a digital picture with its own unique charm, then you'd enjoy them a lot more. That said, Fuji really needs to up their game as Nikon and other brands are stepping up
What an absolute L of a take lmao. Fujifilm's film sims and color science are consistently lauded and loved and seen as great. They don't resemble badly exposed film either lol, but go off, by all means.
Super cool camera ... I hate this flippy flappy screen tho ... it's also my least fav element of my r5 ... Why did they make a camera clearly mainly focused on photography with this bs is beyond me ... there should be an option of a tilt screen since Nikon got it in their arsenal.
100kayyy???????
That’s fineee
Zf FTW
Since when did a camera need a "community"? The bloody washing machine will need a family soon.
Community sells product. Word of mouth is what drives sales these days. Is what it is
So does this mean that Fuji people only like their cameras because of their look, and not because they are worse performers than Nikons and Canons?
Well…
I am not buying a camera for the patina. And it is based on the fm, fm2/3 OT the f2!!!!
Ray of sunshine ☀️
A tiny screen to show you your aperature seems like the most useless thing ever....
It’s useless, but it’s traditional. So I like it 😅
Fuji, please finally improve your auto focus, make smaller real 40mp compatible f 1.4 - f 2 lenses. Your f 1.4 lenses are huge and take away from the appeal of using a smaller camera at great quality disappear.
The nikon actually has the highest resolution screen at 2.1 million dots in its class. The EVF is on par with other cameras in its class.
Yes, I didn't get his comment, the LCD is excellent.
The ZF is a beautiful camera, but it lacks a grip, a flippy screen, and a joystick. Even as a Nikon guy, I prefer the XT5. I had the ZF but sold it to put the money towards a Z8.
Fair enough. That joystick part I forgot to mention. You're right, it's annoying not to have.
@@connormccaskill Maybe they will get it right on the next iteration.
My x-t3 has a joystick, but I rarely use it. With the viewfinder, you can use the touchscreen for focus point selection, which is a lot faster than using the joystick.
Very clickbaity dude. Why would Fujifilm do full frame? They already support TWO whole systems - APS-C X and 33x44 GFX.
Fuji SOOC is only for lazy people, if you want your photos to look like everyone else on the internet. Even the guy making fujixweekly do post-processing. If you do post-processing, Fuji has no chance against the Nikon Zf
No it’s not, it echoes the design of the Nikon FM/FE, not the F2 and F4. Flip around screens are a bloody nuisance.
Does Flexispot offer a way for you to switch off that bloody annoying musak. It’s too loud like every other UA-cam video. What’s wrong with just talking without musak?
Looks terrible. The buttons and dials are nowhere near as elegant as X-Pro2.
Total subjective POV but the Nikon brand is so vanilla, I can't. It's like you took half a glass of Canon and watered it down and called it Nikon. I'd rather buy Lumix. Again, totally subjective and not based off specs purely based off brand perception in my head.
I have to be honest, the Fuji fanboys’ argument that the recipes make Fuji cameras so good is honestly starting to get very tiring! Great video by the way 👍🏼
Thanks for sharing
dude its nikon... neeee kone.. not NAIKON
People say things differently depending on region. It’s the beauty of the world. Get over it
@@connormccaskillwhat an ignorant person. go live in your own bubble is like calling someone's name wrongly and refuse to correct yourself.. lame fanboy!!! connor macfarker :D
@@connormccaskill what a faker!
Such a gorgeous camera and the files look fantastic. Body wise I much prefer it to the XT-5, especially the top plate.
Gotta say though, most modern Z lenses look so odd on it. Not a deal breaker since there are solid third party alternatives, but I hope they release some AF lenses with aperture rings in the future.
The deal breaker for me though is the flippy screen for photography. I can't sacrifice the compact tilt style. If not for that I would have switched over for sure.
Appreciate your thoughts! Yeah I know a lot of people who prefer the classic tilt screen
Another $2k camera….
And?
@@connormccaskill its just crazy what cameras cost. I'd like to see some reviews of $500 cameras for the every day person. Not the professional.
@@thebikeracer there are loads and loads of great used cameras for 500$ with a ton of reviews
@@ironmonkey1512 Yeah...seems to be a new 'used camera' of the week video every two weeks. It's like all these creators get the same list of videos to make at the same time.
Fuji is way ahead.
They are, but other companies can quickly catch up. Especially since Fujifilm seems complacent
Really? They are definitely lagging in AF performance compared to Nikon.
Lol no.... Not even close... The don't even do proper RnD on their AF technology... They are dead last