Excellent summary and suggestions here 👍🏻 I ended up with both, with the Z6III having the battery grip attached full time as my primary work body. The Zf is my daily / lighter carry and I instantly found the little B&W switch so useful. Both are a blast to use, but serve a different purpose for me even though there's of course some use case overlap. I think an underrated / understated feature of the Z6III is its flexibility of having the mechanical shutter AND an electronic sensor that's actually fast enough for virtually any action scenario. It feels like someone combined the Zf and Z8 into one body. Brilliant engineering and another first in the industry, at least in the mid-range prosumer category.
I own the Zf and do love it and the B+W switch is amazing and something so simple which makes me not want to part with it....even though I'd love the Z6III
I love these discussions, Frames. I currently have both the Zf and the Z6III. What I was listening for was a direction for me in my use case. I do not shoot video at all. The Zf is my "art" camera, street photography camera and my walk around the city camera. I use the Z6III for events but I'm down to one client for that kind of work now. I am getting more and more interested in birding/outdoors/landscape. I'm thinking of trading in the Z6III for the Z50II but wondering if I'll regret it. Why would I though? I would still have the Zf for full frame. If AF is the most crucial ... followed by dynamic range, then the Z50II would work fine. If I get buyer's remorse, I would then go for the Z8 (though trying not to go that large). What do you think? I will never sell my Zf btw!
Don’t change a thing. Start with birding and wildlife with Z6iii or Zf first. Reach the bottleneck before you make a decision. Don’t suddenly shift to Z50ii. Z6iii might get bird AF after the launch of Z5II
Great review! I recently got a Nikon Zf (switched from Fuji XT5) and I LOVE it. I am a portrait and headshot photographer. I’m using the Zf on paid shoots as well as for creative photography and it does both well. Now I'm looking to aquire a second backup body, that's relatively affordable and takes my Z mount lenses. Honestly, I’m leaning towards the Nikon Z5, but with the recent price drops the Z6ii is not much more and is appealing also. Nearly everyone I've spoken to who actually owns a Z6ii (or Z5), LOVES it. I love my Zf, but I want something that will act as a more ergonomic and compact backup, more of a workhorse, with similar menus and similar files. I shoot portraits and headshots and an occasional family session or engagement. No events, sports or wildlife. I don't need speed, and I don’t plan on doing video with this backup. I played with a Z5 and a Z6ii in the camera store recently and they both felt really nimble and great to use. In use, I couldn’t really tell much difference between the Z5 and Z6ii. Both really nice. Z6ii seemed a bit better with AF. Would you recommend the Z5 or Z6ii as a backup to my Zf? If I get the Z5 I can afford more glass, but maybe the better body is a wiser choice? I think the Zf and Z6II are pretty close in terms of image output and colors, yes?
The ZF is absolutely a fun camera to use. I've had it since it's was released in the USA back in October 2023. A couple of months ago, I added the Z7II for a 2nd camera. Nikon USA had a discount for this refurbished model for $1,300 USD. It was about half the price of the Z6III before there were discounts for it this past holiday season. The Z7II autofocus system falls behind what the ZF has, but still performs very well for portraits, landscapes, and capturing slower moving objects. Do I regret buying the ZF and not wait for the Z6III? No. I don't record a lot of videos, so the video aspect is not crucial. 4k 30fps oversampled is enough for me. The ZF body was very well made, I still love the way it looks to this very day. When I meet with other shooters, they find my camera to be very unique. Both the ZF and the Z6III are fine choices for cameras, but not easy to choose one over the other.
I recently got a Nikon Zf and I'm looking to aquire a second backup body, that's affordable and takes my Z mount lenses. Honestly, I’m leaning towards the Nikon Z5, but with the recent price drops the Z6ii is not much more and is appealing also. Nearly everyone I've spoken to who actually owns a Z6ii (or Z5), LOVES it. I love my Zf, but I want something that will act as a more ergonomic and compact backup, with similar menus. I shoot portraits and headshots and an occasional family session or engagement. No events, sports or wildlife. I don't need speed, and I don’t plan on doing video with this backup. I played with a Z5 and a Z6ii in the camera store recently and they both felt really nimble and great to use. In use, I couldn’t really tell much difference between the Z5 and Z6ii. Both really nice. Would you recommend the Z5 or Z6ii as a backup to my Zf? If I get the Z5 I can afford more glass, but maybe the better body is a wiser choice?
@@babyboy1971 100% the Z6II, the backlit (BSI) sensor makes a noticeable difference for lower light. Better vid, faster all around. Plus you can add a vertical grip which is a super nice setup on the Z6II / Z6III
I recently switched from Lumix and I choose the Z8 over the Z6iii because it's more of a no compromise camera and it shoots Raw up to 4k 120fps while the Z6iii only goes up to 4k60.
I really want Zf. But because I shoot wildlife (180600) I also want to do slow motion Video of birds. I know I can do video with Zf but I’m also a street photographer and the Zf definitely fills that gap. I do have a z50 which I use with 180600. No ibis but I love this lil’ camera. I don’t know what to get?
Nikon Zf is the camera I’ve been waiting for all these years. I don’t shoot videos, and I’m a wedding photographer, still using D750. Do you think I should get the Z6III instead?
I'm buying Zf in January..please help me choose between 40f2 and 50f1.8s lens..I'm a travel hobbyist..is 50f1.8 worth extra size weight and cost??... also shud I wait for Z5 mark ii?? Lots of love
Very best wishes Azeem! Get the 40mil! You can wait for the Z5II… it will match the Zf. But the Zf is emotional. Z5II… you will be able to use more lenses in future on it because of the grip
Do you have any info from your sources on a z6III firmware update? I'm surprised there hasn't been anything substantial since its launch six months ago. I would have at least expected Bird AF by now. I hope Nikon doesn't treat it like the Z6/7II when it comes to updates
I also hate this bloody screen on the current Zf but bought it anyway as I still like the overall concept. Must admit i only use it for personal stuff. Z8/9 do the rest…
I don't really understand what is the point of making such comparisons... both cameras have a completely different style, so their purpose in the minds of constructors and designers is completely different... undoubtedly, due to the uncomfortable grip, it is not for professionals who spend many hours with the camera in hand.This is a camera for connoisseurs, enthusiasts who use the camera solely for pleasure. I've had a ZF since it was first released... I only use manual settings because it was designed primarily for that purpose... I feel like people who buy this model know why they choose it... mainly for the looks and the ability to manually control. Happy New Year 2025 greetings from Poland
I can see your point of view but as a Zfc user I can tell you that despite enjoying the look and idea of the top dials, I only use the main front and rear dials. Like many Zf users I bought a grip before I received the camera. As a fanatical landscape/wildlife photographer I am weighing up these two cameras because they both have pixel-shift. I have long lenses for my m4/3 camera which I primarily use for wildlife; if you were thinking the Z6iii was the obvious choice. This camera kept me sane during Covid.
The ZF is more like a Z6 2.5, but with a different style body. There are advantages and disadvantages for both the ZF and the Z6III. People will compare the two of them. The ZF can also be used professionally, that's how good it is.
@@FramesTM What does education have to do with it...? If you were to compare the Z7 with the Z7II, the Z6II with the Z6 III, it makes sense, but the ZF compared to the other Nikon Z is complete nonsense.. just like the ZFC, both have significantly different constructions, so this already proves their different designation.. how can you not notice it?
You brought up a great point about the future value. The Zf has quickly become iconic. I wish I could get both. 😊
I genuinely see it becoming a cult camera
Excellent summary and suggestions here 👍🏻 I ended up with both, with the Z6III having the battery grip attached full time as my primary work body. The Zf is my daily / lighter carry and I instantly found the little B&W switch so useful. Both are a blast to use, but serve a different purpose for me even though there's of course some use case overlap.
I think an underrated / understated feature of the Z6III is its flexibility of having the mechanical shutter AND an electronic sensor that's actually fast enough for virtually any action scenario. It feels like someone combined the Zf and Z8 into one body. Brilliant engineering and another first in the industry, at least in the mid-range prosumer category.
I own the Zf and do love it and the B+W switch is amazing and something so simple which makes me not want to part with it....even though I'd love the Z6III
@@csc-photo thank you!
Your colour grade getting better
It definitely does!!!
Great video very helpful and well explained thank you happy new year
Well Done Sir!! Luv the different insights you share!!! Great Real world Research as well!!
Happy new year Ron! Have a great year ahead and bless us too!
I love these discussions, Frames. I currently have both the Zf and the Z6III. What I was listening for was a direction for me in my use case. I do not shoot video at all. The Zf is my "art" camera, street photography camera and my walk around the city camera. I use the Z6III for events but I'm down to one client for that kind of work now. I am getting more and more interested in birding/outdoors/landscape. I'm thinking of trading in the Z6III for the Z50II but wondering if I'll regret it. Why would I though? I would still have the Zf for full frame. If AF is the most crucial ... followed by dynamic range, then the Z50II would work fine. If I get buyer's remorse, I would then go for the Z8 (though trying not to go that large). What do you think? I will never sell my Zf btw!
Don’t change a thing. Start with birding and wildlife with Z6iii or Zf first. Reach the bottleneck before you make a decision. Don’t suddenly shift to Z50ii. Z6iii might get bird AF after the launch of Z5II
@@FramesTMmakes sense thank you!🙏
Great review! I recently got a Nikon Zf (switched from Fuji XT5) and I LOVE it. I am a portrait and headshot photographer. I’m using the Zf on paid shoots as well as for creative photography and it does both well.
Now I'm looking to aquire a second backup body, that's relatively affordable and takes my Z mount lenses. Honestly, I’m leaning towards the Nikon Z5, but with the recent price drops the Z6ii is not much more and is appealing also. Nearly everyone I've spoken to who actually owns a Z6ii (or Z5), LOVES it. I love my Zf, but I want something that will act as a more ergonomic and compact backup, more of a workhorse, with similar menus and similar files. I shoot portraits and headshots and an occasional family session or engagement. No events, sports or wildlife. I don't need speed, and I don’t plan on doing video with this backup. I played with a Z5 and a Z6ii in the camera store recently and they both felt really nimble and great to use. In use, I couldn’t really tell much difference between the Z5 and Z6ii. Both really nice. Z6ii seemed a bit better with AF.
Would you recommend the Z5 or Z6ii as a backup to my Zf? If I get the Z5 I can afford more glass, but maybe the better body is a wiser choice? I think the Zf and Z6II are pretty close in terms of image output and colors, yes?
Wait for the Z5II. It’s around the corner
The ZF is absolutely a fun camera to use. I've had it since it's was released in the USA back in October 2023. A couple of months ago, I added the Z7II for a 2nd camera. Nikon USA had a discount for this refurbished model for $1,300 USD. It was about half the price of the Z6III before there were discounts for it this past holiday season. The Z7II autofocus system falls behind what the ZF has, but still performs very well for portraits, landscapes, and capturing slower moving objects.
Do I regret buying the ZF and not wait for the Z6III? No. I don't record a lot of videos, so the video aspect is not crucial. 4k 30fps oversampled is enough for me. The ZF body was very well made, I still love the way it looks to this very day. When I meet with other shooters, they find my camera to be very unique.
Both the ZF and the Z6III are fine choices for cameras, but not easy to choose one over the other.
The ZF is a great choice and you'll be enjoying it for years to come!
I wish nikon makes a ZF in a regular formfactor n calls it Z5ii. Without much development effort they can pulloff an amazing bussiness making camera
I think that's exactly what the Z5II will be, and it's likely Nikon's next body release.
I recently got a Nikon Zf and I'm looking to aquire a second backup body, that's affordable and takes my Z mount lenses. Honestly, I’m leaning towards the Nikon Z5, but with the recent price drops the Z6ii is not much more and is appealing also. Nearly everyone I've spoken to who actually owns a Z6ii (or Z5), LOVES it. I love my Zf, but I want something that will act as a more ergonomic and compact backup, with similar menus. I shoot portraits and headshots and an occasional family session or engagement. No events, sports or wildlife. I don't need speed, and I don’t plan on doing video with this backup. I played with a Z5 and a Z6ii in the camera store recently and they both felt really nimble and great to use. In use, I couldn’t really tell much difference between the Z5 and Z6ii. Both really nice.
Would you recommend the Z5 or Z6ii as a backup to my Zf? If I get the Z5 I can afford more glass, but maybe the better body is a wiser choice?
@@babyboy1971 100% the Z6II, the backlit (BSI) sensor makes a noticeable difference for lower light. Better vid, faster all around. Plus you can add a vertical grip which is a super nice setup on the Z6II / Z6III
I recently switched from Lumix and I choose the Z8 over the Z6iii because it's more of a no compromise camera and it shoots Raw up to 4k 120fps while the Z6iii only goes up to 4k60.
The z6iii also does 4k 120 with a crop. Also, it does 6k which Z8 doesn’t do (yet) and 1080 240 which nothing else does so well!
@@FramesTMthat 4k 120 crop on z6iii is creepy when z6iii can do 6k 60 n FHD 240 Fulframe
I really want Zf. But because I shoot wildlife (180600) I also want to do slow motion Video of birds. I know I can do video with Zf but I’m also a street photographer and the Zf definitely fills that gap. I do have a z50 which I use with 180600. No ibis but I love this lil’ camera. I don’t know what to get?
You are in a tough spot! 😆
Sir i am nikon user, which is best body for wildlife photographs Nikon Zf or Nikon Z50ii. I love photographs
Plz go with Z50II
Some of my friends told me z6 3 has a wonderful video quality and very fast autofocus in video..the in case of photography the autofocus is a bit slow
Nikon Zf is the camera I’ve been waiting for all these years. I don’t shoot videos, and I’m a wedding photographer, still using D750. Do you think I should get the Z6III instead?
The zf has better dynamic range. Stick with that, the only thing missing for me is a dedicated focus button on it
Wait for the Z5II. It’s around the corner
Great
I’m team Z8 and Zf. I just have to figure out what to do with my Z6ii that I don’t use anymore. 😂 Happy New Year and all the best in 2025!🎊
Sell it and donate the money haha
J'ai préféré prendre ces deux appareils au lieu du z8 seul, cela m'offre la possibilité de pouvoir voyager léger avec un seul appareil si besoin !
I was initally looking for X-T5 but I pulled the trigger for Zf for 1.8L on Flipkart with 24-120mm kit lens. Do you think I got a good deal?
Not bad at all
Happy New Year and hope you stay safe and healthy in 2025.
I'm buying Zf in January..please help me choose between 40f2 and 50f1.8s lens..I'm a travel hobbyist..is 50f1.8 worth extra size weight and cost??... also shud I wait for Z5 mark ii?? Lots of love
Very best wishes Azeem! Get the 40mil! You can wait for the Z5II… it will match the Zf. But the Zf is emotional. Z5II… you will be able to use more lenses in future on it because of the grip
❤ thanks alot for ur advice.. happy new year..and I wish lots of success for your channel 🙏
Do you have any info from your sources on a z6III firmware update? I'm surprised there hasn't been anything substantial since its launch six months ago. I would have at least expected Bird AF by now. I hope Nikon doesn't treat it like the Z6/7II when it comes to updates
The Z6 actually received lots of firmware updates that changed the autofocus from totally terrible to kinda useable.
Hi Frames! Nice video with lots to consider. I think I agree with most of your comments but wanted to just say hi!
-PD
Hey PD! Glad you enjoyed it!
Sir Can u Suggest me Which Camera Excellent Video Purpose. Thanks Frames TM.
Better ZF and Z6III, Z6III is a much better camera
If Nikon had a Zf version with the Z8 screen, I would replace all of my Fujifilm APSC gear with Nikon gear.
Ohh spot on! I would love that so so much!
I also hate this bloody screen on the current Zf but bought it anyway as I still like the overall concept. Must admit i only use it for personal stuff. Z8/9 do the rest…
Selling my Zf for the Z6III.
Both cameras are great in their own ways! Congrats!
I have both for different reasons.
z 6 3 most better!
I don't really understand what is the point of making such comparisons... both cameras have a completely different style, so their purpose in the minds of constructors and designers is completely different... undoubtedly, due to the uncomfortable grip, it is not for professionals who spend many hours with the camera in hand.This is a camera for connoisseurs, enthusiasts who use the camera solely for pleasure. I've had a ZF since it was first released... I only use manual settings because it was designed primarily for that purpose... I feel like people who buy this model know why they choose it... mainly for the looks and the ability to manually control. Happy New Year 2025 greetings from Poland
The point there are people who are making this comparison right now. Those are not as learned as you are
I can see your point of view but as a Zfc user I can tell you that despite enjoying the look and idea of the top dials, I only use the main front and rear dials. Like many Zf users I bought a grip before I received the camera. As a fanatical landscape/wildlife photographer I am weighing up these two cameras because they both have pixel-shift. I have long lenses for my m4/3 camera which I primarily use for wildlife; if you were thinking the Z6iii was the obvious choice. This camera kept me sane during Covid.
The ZF is more like a Z6 2.5, but with a different style body. There are advantages and disadvantages for both the ZF and the Z6III. People will compare the two of them. The ZF can also be used professionally, that's how good it is.
@@FramesTM What does education have to do with it...? If you were to compare the Z7 with the Z7II, the Z6II with the Z6 III, it makes sense, but the ZF compared to the other Nikon Z is complete nonsense.. just like the ZFC, both have significantly different constructions, so this already proves their different designation.. how can you not notice it?
Happy New Year 2025
Thank you!!
Unnecessary comparison, full frame and APSC.
R u into substance? I mean i wanna use the one u r using..
Which one is apsc?
@FramesTM Crop
@@chingo3625 Oye! Which camera is cropped here between Z6iii and Zf. Are you drunk?
@FramesTM zf is crop. Shithead.