Nikon is stepping back in time with a modern twist, unveiling its latest full-frame camera, the Zf. Boasting a 24.5-megapixel sensor, retro style, and technology borrowed from Nikon’s high-end Z8 and Z9 cameras, the Zf is a fusion of past and future. It promises powerful features such as 14-fps max shooting speeds, advanced AI autofocus, and 4K 60p video. Yet, it also appeals to photographers who appreciate the tactile experience of manual controls and vintage aesthetics, offering a unique blend of old-school touches in multiple colorways.

The Zf isn’t just a pretty face. The camera body is packed with manual controls, including no less than five dials on top for shooting mode, video/photos, aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. With a magnesium-alloy body that is compact yet sturdy, the Zf manages to maintain the look of an old school Nikon film camera — right down to a chrome-plated shutter release button. Despite its small size, the Zf is not light, weighing in at 710 grams, but it offers a high dust- and drip-resistance, according to Nikon.

Nikon Zf: A Blend of Retro Design and Modern Technology

Nikon has recently launched the Zf, a full-frame camera that seamlessly merges vintage aesthetics with modern technology. It features a 24.5-megapixel sensor, advanced AI autofocus, and the ability to record 4K 60p video. Borrowing technology from high-end models like the Z8 and Z9, the Zf is a nod to old-school photography while offering the power of today’s digital imaging technology.

Retro Design, Modern Functionality

The Zf is a highly manual camera, featuring five top dials for controlling various functions such as shooting mode, video/photos, aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. Despite the manual emphasis, the camera includes modern touches such as two shooting dials and a D-pad style controller. The Zf’s design is reminiscent of vintage Nikon film cameras, down to the chrome-plated shutter release button.

Stellar Tech Specs

The camera boasts a magnesium-alloy body, offering durability along with dust and drip resistance. It is equipped with a 2.1-million-dot vari-angle touch display that fully articulates for vlogging and selfies. Astro photographers will appreciate the "Starlight view mode" that enhances display brightness in dark scenes. The camera also features an OLED viewfinder with a 3.68-million dot resolution and 0.8 times magnification.

Power-Packed Performance

The Zf houses a backside-illuminated (BSI) 24.5-megapixel sensor and Expeed 7 processor, similar to the high-end Z models. This combination enables advanced autofocus, 3-D tracking, and AI-powered subject detection. The Zf offers a standard ISO range of 100 to 64,000, promising excellent low-light capability. Additionally, it features a pixel shifting mode that can boost resolution to an impressive 96 megapixels for static scenes.

Videography and More

On the video front, the Zf can record full-frame 4K at 30p from a supersampled 6K image, or 4K60p with a DX (1.5 times) crop. The camera supports 10-bit H.265 recording, providing enhanced color fidelity and extensive post-production options. However, keep in mind that H.265 files require a robust computer for editing.

Final Words

With its blend of retro design and advanced features, the Nikon Zf stands as a strong competitor against models such as Panasonic’s S5 II and Sony’s A7 IV. It is set to be released in October 2023 at a competitive price of $2,000 for the body only or $2,240 with the Nikkor Z40 f/2.0 SE lens. The Zf’s combination of manual control, advanced technology, and unique styling is sure to appeal to a diverse range of photography enthusiasts.