Nikon Zf full review, the camera for everyone (except Sony)... sorry Sony.
Relevant links + Raw files on patreon / 95165620
Summary
In my latest review, I dive into my experiences with the Nikon ZF camera, particularly focusing on how it pairs with a range of lenses via mount adapters. While everyone is excited about the new Sony a9iii and it's global shutter... I take a close look at the autofocus performance with various lenses and also show how manual focus lenses work with autofocus adapters. I share my insights on the design, ergonomics, and the button layout of the camera. An interesting part of the review is where I compare the high ISO performance and dynamic range of the ZF to other Nikon models. I also address potential issues regarding camera balance and the functionality of the dual card slots. Overall, I find the Nikon ZF to be an exceptionally versatile camera, and I definitely recommend it for its superb shooting experience.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:34 Reviewing Mount Adapters
03:01 Autofocus Demonstration with Adapters
03:31 Discussion on Camera Grip and Design
04:48 Customization and Button Layout
05:14 Conclusion and Comparison to Canon R3
06:08 Autofocus Demonstration with Various Lenses
08:55 Testing Autofocus with Manual Focus Lenses
10:51 Concerns about Motor Failure with Adapter
12:42 Testing Autofocus with Unique Lenses
13:41 Camera Ergonomics and Design
14:56 Battery Life and Flip-Out Screen
15:54 Build Quality and Button Layout
16:44 Comparison of High ISO Performance
21:56 Dynamic Range Comparison
23:23 Overall Shooting Experience
25:12 Concerns about Camera Balance
25:39 Dual Card Slots and Ejecting SD Cards
26:34 Conclusion and Recommendation
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Greatest camera I have ever owned, the Sd- Micro sd slot is pure genius imo
agreed!
YEP! @@obedbrinkman
I'm so tempted to get this camera. But I haven't seen anything special with the images. Which cameras did you own previously? It might help me decide. Thanks
@@soulopticc I still own a D750 and a D4s...I also own a Z5 and a Z6ii which I plan to sell but will still keep my DSLRs
100% it's my top 3 fav camera of all time, hands down.
It is such a nice camera. I did my first wedding with it two weeks ago as a main camera. Focus is so much faster then the ZII and it looks lovely!
The high ISO noise on the Z f is incredible. Add to that the low light AF is also incredible too. This is a low light monster.
Excellent review, everything explained in an eloquent and calm way. Sets a standard on how reviews should be made.
I appreciate that!
Thanks Sam. Very interesting and informative video, especially your use of the Techart adapters. I’m looking forward to your future videos featuring the Zf.
Glad it was helpful!
That's the review I've been waiting for! I've been hyped with that kind of adapter since Magic made a video with the Summilux 50 1.4.
Glad I could help!
Wonderful images and video sequences. You have a great skill in story telling and video creation. This is always a pleasure to watch.
Perfect video, very informative, thanks a lot!
One of the most thorough and informative real world reviews of a camera I've ever seen, thanks so much man.
I appreciate that!
The most sincere, factual and kinda experimental review I've seen. While many review this materiel as a specs sheet, you're making a short video, a distillation, of many hours of experiments and gathered experiences. Thank you, I subscribed.
much appreciated!
This was a much more practical review than others I have seen. Nikon recommends taking the battery out before trying to remove the memory cards. There is an interesting discussion in the Peta Pixel 2024 predictions video about the Canon R1. They have heard rumors that it is held up due to Canon not being able to engineer a fast enough processor. They even speculated that the R3 was designed to be the R1, but they realized they could do so much better with a faster processor so held back on the R1 designation.
thanks! i definitely recommend removing the battery if you need to eject the microsd card, but the sd really does pop out easily once you get a feel for it. will be keeping an eye on the r1 and will almost certainly buy one to try.
Hi, Sam! This is a great practical review! I'm waiting for the Z63, which will hopefully match or exceed the ISO and AF performance of the Zf, along wth better ergonomics for long work days. But the Zf sure looks tempting for shorter events and personal use/travel. I have a Z9 and Z62, and agree that the AF systems are night and day different.
i’ll be very curious if the z63 has an updated screen articulation!
Thanks for the review. I enjoy using the camera so much to the point that I acquired another Zf as my third body. I'll continue to use my Z9 for sports, actions, and tasks requiring heavier lenses or high-resolution files, while using the Zf's as my primary choice for all other purposes.
sounds like a nice and balanced collection
Hi Sam, do you know if you can switch Sony cameras into APS-C crop mode? I've heard that you can't. Thank you, Taylor
i’m pretty sure you can’t, and i’ll continue to believe that until someone proves me wrong… in person… across multiple sony bodies.
@@SamHurdPhoto What am I missing? I have a function button set on my A7RIV to switch the camera into crop mode. 61mp full frame, 26mp cropped. I must not be understanding Taylor's question.
@@dpfreedmanYou can do that on a 2013 a7. I have an a7s that does crop mode (5 megapixels!). I HAVE A 2010 CCD A390 WITH CROP MODE (in jpeg with live view). Taylor Jackson used Sony for a while. He should know this.
Yes if they are full-frame. you can even set it onto a custom button
😂😂😂
Great review Sam. First time watching, but was not disappointed. Your thought process and approach to the camera was very helpful and the lens adapter review was awesome. Got two reviews for one. I am so surprised that Nikon put the card slots on the bottom. Impossible to deal with at times depending on grips, tripod mounts and such, but overall looks like a great camera. Can’t wait to get one.
thanks! glad you enjoyed
The techart adapter is adjusting focus of the lens while at infinity. It’s cool and it definitely works, but since the lens elements aren’t moving separately throughout the focus range, the lens won’t perform as well as it could at closer focusing distances.
yes! i mention that tradeoff briefly, but didn’t find it worth diving into.
@@SamHurdPhoto have you done any comparisons to see if the difference in performance is even all the noticeable? I have a MP and some M mount glass that id love to pair with my ZF, if only to avoid spending money on a digital M lol.
You can mitigate this issue somewhat by shifting the lens manually to close focus distance for really close up shots before letting the techart adapter do its thing, and you can kinda do the same thing at other distances -- throw the focus to an approximate distance and then use the adapter to fine tune auto focus. Just about the only thing that limits the tech art M to Z adapter is the weight of the lens, which is just the limits of the motor. My favorite lens so far is the Mr. Ding M mount 50mm f1.1. The lens is very light weight and with the auto focus on the tech art it's a real game-changer for achieving focus at that shallow depth of field. And yes, I did just say "Mr. Ding." For Nikon's own F to Z adapter, they need to add support for screw drive focus lenses, otherwise it works perfectly.
Hi Sam - nice video. I've seen you on Taylor Jackson's videos in the past and appreciate your perspectives and insights. A couple things I would mention: when it comes to noise, it is clear that the 24MP BSI sensor from the Z6II/Zf is going to be 'cleaner' out of camera than the 45mp stacked sensor of the Z8/9 - this is actually a matter of physics - has to do with heat relative to pixel density among other things. Most people recognize this outcome and as a result there is a notion in the photo community that lower MP sensors are better with low light - straight out of camera this is generally true (at least for sensors of a similar generation). What is not generally recognized is that the 45MP sensor has so much more resolution that you can apply noise reduction to the files clean them up and still retain more detail than the shot done with the 24MP sensor. So, if you are someone that needs results straight out of camera then yes the Zf is the 'better' low light camera - but if best possible results are being considered (meaning one is willing to do post processing) then the Z8/9 shots will beat the Zf shots after NR is applied. Secondly, I find it interesting that you do not like the dials at the top of the Zf in that they cannot do more things - this is actually the point of a retro camera - it seems that you are choosing to use this camera in the same way that you might have used a Z6II before - for your wedding work etc and as such you are shooting it in a similar manner. This is perfectly acceptable and it is a testament to the Zf that it is even able to be used in this manner as this is definitively its secondary function. For this issues you are having with the Zf, it is clear that you would do best with the upcoming Z6III - it will have a great grip so the flash issue will become moot; it will likely be 24-33MP so similar to the Zf; and it will have the same (if not better) AF capability as well as further improved video, and likely the same screen from the Zf that you like. As a wedding photographer myselfn (among other things), there is no doubt that a Z6III will be the better choice for all day shooting at events (like weddings) than a Zf in spite of how cool and fun the Zf is. The Zf is really for nostalgia for those of us that have been shooting with Nikons since the days of the FE II and other similar cameras. Nikon went the extra mile and made it so competent that it can compete in a modern capacity, but this is not its primary function. I bring this up because your main issues seem to surround this issue and although you make accurate observations, I feel it should be noted that you are using this camera in a way that it was not primarily designed to be used. Again, the Z6III would likely be the perfect camera for your professional needs as it will squarely address all the issues you are having with the Zf and likely add some surprise additional features as well. Anyway, sorry to have rambled so long - definitely enjoyed the video and your thoughts on the topic. -PD
thanks for the feedback, much appreciated! i’m very aware of the sensor physics and tradeoffs :) the z6iii is a non starter for me if it doesn’t have the same articulating screen as the zf. it’s a make or break feature for me so, let’s hope! the styling of the zf does change the shooting experience - and it’s a significant impact - even without use of the top dials… so, while i will try the z6iii i’m not vying for it.
@@SamHurdPhoto Thanks for this interesting and informative review. I admit that I'm tempted by the Zf, but I'm not crazy about the ergonomics of the retro body (even though I'm ancient and started my photography journey with a Zenith E). There is a a reason why manufacturers put deep grips on cameras. I'm hoping the Z6 (or 7) iii will have a regular tilting screen as I dislike flip screens. It's all a matter of taste and use case, of course. Even more preferable would be a screen that articulates both ways, like on some Fujis. That seems to offer the best of both worlds. Happy Christmas!
00:35 - 01:00 ..The most real and honest assessment of Nikon AF.. And ..In my humble opinion spot on💯💥
Great Video, Thanks for posting.
Glad you enjoyed it
Great idea of articulating screen with both side one for subject and one for photographer
i’ve been dreaming of it ever since the canon r! at a minimum it’d be great if the screen could be front facing and i could keep looking through the evf at the same time
I am a re-convert to Nikon. I switched to Sony 8 years ago because Nikon autofocus was absolutely abysmal and DSLRs in general had gotten enormous and heavy. But I bought a Zfc this fall out of curiosity and it shocked me. Nikon colors are so much better than Sony and they really turned their autofocus around to actually be better than Sony. Besides, mirrorless cameras and lenses (besides the Fujis and Zf/Zfc) have grown bigger and heavier to be almost as bloated as the old DSLRs. I packed up my a7R4 setup and will be trading it in on a new Zf and lens. 😃
indeed, I’m seriously considering jumping back.
I'm not trying to diss your choices. Every camera manufacturer makes awesome cameras these days and Nikon may now work better for you. But you are comparing the autofocus on a 61mp, resolution focused body, that was released in 2019 To a 20mp body released 2 years later. Have you compared it to something like the A74, a75, A1, or even a9/a9ii?
Yes, I’ve borrowed my Sony using co-photographer’s cameras (a7iv, a9ii etc.) and I am still impressed with Nikon’s autofocus performance. How they went from horrible to world-leading in a few short years surprised me (that’s all I’m saying). Most importantly though, (much more important to me than autofocus) the colors of the Zfc especially in very challenging lighting situations are a world apart from any Sony I’ve used in day to day real world use. Now with the full frame Zf, it’s even better. The way these Nikons are handling color, light and dynamic range are a vast improvement over Sony…. This is from shooting my cameras 6-10 hours a day 5 or 6 days a week (and an equal amount of time editing). Just my personal experience and opinion though of course. 😉
I've also compared it to the a9 @@KEHA14
Neewer has an L mount grip for the Zf with an F3-inspired red stripe. So pretty!
100% agree with having the same UI between 2 devices. I used an iphone 8 for my personal phone and a face ID iphone for my work phone for a while. I was never able to use either efficiently until I got 2 with the same UI
I just watched a boatload of Zf reviews...this is one of the best. Thanks heaps 😊
very welcome! thanks for your attention 🙌
You have a Noct and a Canon EF 50 f1.0? Wow!!!! I am impressed dude.
haha yes, thanks! my favorite between them is still the nikon 58 1.2
Happy to see more Photographers are making Nikon ZF content. Back then I can't see much of it.
awesome! i hate the label content creator, but ill take it for this post haha
@@SamHurdPhoto Changed it. Now, I don't like to use "content creators" for Photographers and Videographers. 😂😂😂
Thanks for this detailed review. I just traded in my beloved z6 for the zf. She should arrive next week. I am very excited.
you’ll looooooove it
Excellent video from beginning to end!
Glad you liked it!
Thank you for this video, really enjoyed it :) And i agree with a lot of what you enjoy with this camera, we seem to have a similar taste in lenses and sensor look etc too when i listen to some of what you said. I still have my Nikon Df and the D4 sharing that same sensor which is my favorite to this day. I had the Zf now for a little while but i cant say too much about the sensor yet, but im slowly getting a feel for how it looks and performs. I still like the Df sensor a bit more, but since i always PP and add my own style to it anyways i at least think they have a great starting point and im as happy in the end almost with the files i get from the Zf. I also agree with that its SO fun to use, love the style of the camera and its the size that i wish the Df would have been too. The slight edge the Df has is not having to use the ugly FTZ adapter to adapt my favorite F lenses. The other lenses i adapt are from OM, Leica and M42 mounts thus far. And im having a blast with that :) Some favorites are the Takumar 50 mm f1,4 8 element lens that match really well and is able to create amazing dreamy images. Then the Zuiko 55mm f1,2 is a lot of vintage fun, and then im using the same as you the 35mm f1,4 Nokton from Voitgtlander. The Af lenses with Z mount i use are only the 28mm f2,8 and the 40mm f2 which i really like to be honest, sure they are plastic, but so light and ,atch so well for casual fun shootig and really give some nice images in my opinion. Just perfect for day to day shooting and street. Anyhow, great vid, fun times :) /regards Martin.
wonderful writeup!! the options are truly incredible with this setup and everything just looks so darn good with the styling of the zf body. enjoy!
What I really want from Nikon is - Real Time LUT like in the Panasonic cameras :). Than I can go Nikon from Sony because on Panasonic I can't use my lenses but Nikon has an adapter for E mount lenses. This is a game changer.
that’s the dream!!
I may have missed it, but did you test the Megadap ETZ21 Pro to use Sony E-Mount lenses on Z body?
nope - i don’t have any e mount lenses anymore. i only tested from the body perspective meaning sony a7r4 w/ the equivalent techart m mount to e mount af adapter
Interesting. I had the Z9 and switched to Z8 and I find the files harder/ not as nice to edit - I don't have a Z9 any longer to compare so kinda good to hear you think the same. My presets don't look that close either - kinda annoying. Thinking of switching to ZF for weddings but I think I'll miss the joystick
I LOVE using the ISO dial on my Zfc, not sure why. I love the exp. comp wheel too but it seems to rotate backwards from how I think.
You are absolutely selling me on the ZF. Currently have my z6ii up for sale, will keep one for now, and if it takes a while to sell, maybe the z6iii will be announced and i might end up with that instead
Top Video, really informative even for not Nikon users..thx a lot.
Glad it was helpful!
What kind of clips are you using for your camera strap on the Nikon ZF? It looks like you can detach them easily and attach them again.
eddycam.com eddy connection camera hooks
Man, you are a great speaker! Very engaging.
Awesome, completely surprised by the adapters. Just awesome!
I loved this review! I'm looking for a backup autofocus camera for my M11 and this seems to fit the bill for everything I'd want. I noticed the Teenage Engineering CM-15 on your table, how is THAT doing in terms of performance??
it’s a wonderful mic!
Thanks for this nice video. I was wondering in future videos if you can: 1) Do another focus test like you did on this video, but have the exposure set to cut out ambient light, and retest focusing in that mode, as I am curious to see how it will be for studio work. 2) There are some reports that there is a small blackout after the photo review which can delay the camera getting ready for shooting mode to commence shooting. Can you confirm if this is so and your experience with it? Thanks again :)
How were you able to use old manual focus F mount lenses and Techart to go to Z? I didn't see an F to Z mounts on Techart's website. Thanks
Techart TZM-02 (Leica M to Nikon Z) adapter combined with Nikon F to Leica M adapter. He mentions this in the video.
Fantastic review. Thank you very much.
Glad it was helpful!
Hi! I saw that techart had an adapter with autofocus for Sony FE to Nikon Z lenses. Do you really suggest I could use some old Konica or Zeiss lenses via adapter to Sony E, mount it on the Techart adapter and enjoy autofocus?
very interesting approach of camera
this is a really useful video about the adapter more than about the camera itself.
i did go on a bit of a tangent, haha. there’s not much else to say about the camera itself though - it’s pretty straight forward and i highlighted the strengths and weaknesses - not much else needed. my patreon article covered additional details.
I am waiting for the Z6III... I am older, and sadly weaker, so I like the Z6II GRIP (and I agree about the Dials)... Just found Your YT Channel (but I am familiar of Your work) :) :) Do You have a vid about on camera flash??? Whenever I use a flash I do Off Camera Flash (even if only arm distance)(came from my photojournalism days)... I use 125gig SD cards so I seldom have a need to change during a shoot,, What size do You use??? I realize that SD can become corrupted (knock on wood, never yet)... Is the increased IBIS noticeable???? I think a larger dumy grip (as little extra weight as possible might be better than a battery grip for a long day).... I have been sticking to Nikon (since 1969) even with the slower focus problems (money is tight and I luv My Glass) Glad to hear You are back to Nikon (but cameras are tools so it does not really matter) But I like to hear Your in depth experience, and Your Perceptions !!! ThankYou :) :) :)
Went back thru Your Vids and found one about OnCF,, Cool !! :) :) :)
Great Review!
For a second I thought you were Pedro Pascal
Mando shoots Nikon
Very Nice review. I'm tempted by this camera after being disillusioned with photography for a while. I started my photographic journey with Nikon Film cameras so this camera feels familiar and the first mirrorless Nikon that attracts me. I last had the Nikon D800 some years ago. I sold my Noct some years ago (sigh) and the m11 is just too expensive and my eyes just don't do well with the RF anymore. But I do still have some M lenses so the autofocus lens art is a pleasant revelation. The less noise on the sensor is probably because this is a 24 megapixel camera as compared to 45 on on the z8. When packing more pixels in the noise characteristics change for the worse.
Superb review! Thank you!
My pleasure!
There’s also the Megadap ETZ21 Pro where you can adapt e-mount lenses to mirrorless Nikon bodies. Reviews say it works!
yeah! i’ve tried that too, but don’t own any e mount lenses myself
Just out of curiosity, why did you get the ZF if you don’t like the manual controls instead of getting the Z8 let’s say. What is it here that appeals to you?
more thoroughly addressed in my patreon post but: 1) The silent shutter/shutter sound effect. 2) My go to lens would have to be the 50 1.2, which is just too big. Wonderful performer, but too big. 3) The articulating screen wasn't as natural and smooth as I was used to with Canon's and the zf. 4) I couldn't never get the colors to *sing* the way I could with the Z9 (even though i know they’re the same sensor). i elaborated on all of these much more in my article
@@SamHurdPhoto I love a great shutter sound myself 👍 and the z6ii sensor has amazing colors always loved it. More than other Z bodies.
Excellent review I agree - the Nikon colors - just right. And now the autofocus is where it needs to be
glad you agree!
What do you think of the image color compared to Sony? Is it ideal for weddings and portraits?
i actually prefer it to both sony and canon colors.
Sam you actually stacked two adapters to cause the older Nikon AIS manual focus lens to autofocus on the Zf?
yup
Hey Sam! I recently got the Zf too and love it. The dials are the worst part (imo). Do you have more info somewhere about how you bypassed them. Im struggling with finding an alternative way to setup the shutter speed. I've dug around in the setting a few times and just cant seem to figure it out.
Great review, Sam and I'm so happy Nikon finally came out with a camera like this. I also shot Nikon for 14 years or so and jumped ship after getting the Z7 which was not serious camera for any moving subject. I'm just wondering if the Techart adaptor is not the weak link here? I shoot a lot of multi day South Asian weddings and you are screwed if your autofocus adaptor dies in the middle of one of these events? Do you only use adapted lenses, or do you also have a couple of reliable Z lenses just in case this happens? Even if you're not in the middle of nowhere its still gonna take at least 24-48 hrs to get a new adaptor, presuming BH has it in stock.
so far i have not had any adapter issues - and i also have two adapters. no reason to assume both would fail at the same time, but i do own the 24 1.8, 24-70, and 40 f/2.0 z mount lenses too.
Yeah, that makes sense! @@SamHurdPhoto
Enjoy your video. Keep up great work.
Thanks, will do!
It’s a beautiful looking camera. Nicely built. I coupled mine with magadapter and Sigma i series lens. No lens profile correction for sigma 24mm f/2 DN DG. I have to shoot raw and I use Sony FE 28mm f/2 profile for lens distortion correction.
Incredible detail thank you alot
I am considering this camera and am already invested in Pentax. Is there an adapter to Pentax K and/M42?
haven't a clue
Hey Sam! I've watched this review probably five times now and I really resonate with what you said around 14:08 where it feels like the more recent Nikon bodies have been going all out without the feeling like it's been nerfed to protect a higher end body or cinema line. I've still not fully committed to mirrorless yet but I have some Canon EF stuff and will be deciding whether to go RF or Nikon Z, and a big part of that will be based on if Canon still has that mentality. Nikon embracing the weird and niche stuff as well as making moves like buying RED, it's looking really exciting!
awesome! really glad you liked the review so much and i hope more companies take nikons lead :)
Sam, Appreciate your thoughts on this. I too am a former Canon user and have sold off all that to go back to Nikon alone. Can i ask what flash brand you are using with your Z cameras, and would you recommend those? Thanks
I'm using my profoto a1 with it perfectly fine!
I’m three months in on the ZF, and I couldn’t be happier! The images appear just as sharp and clear as the high megapixel Sony‘s I was using, and it’s a lot more gentle on my computer, lol! My hit rate with Sony‘s auto focus over the years was around 90 to 95%, pretty good, but so far after three months my hit rate with the ZF has been 100%! And the colors are still vastly superior, and the way it handles dynamic range is still better than I had experienced with the Sony cameras.😊
is there a way to do custom settings/mode recall on the zf?
I don't believe so
08:55 you do not want to hold the lens while using its AF, the manual adapter is moving the lens front and back, by holding it you are making it harder to the adapter to do its job and it will wear the motor much faster. I am using those for years on my Sony and I have some service experience already :D
i’m mostly holding it for balance. also worth noting the sony adapter is thinner and weaker
@@SamHurdPhoto I am just saying as a person who knows what is inside. This newer one (without the bulging part underneath) is more simple at first sight without gears but those 4 motors are maybe a worse idea because if one of them fails ... and again - they have their limitations and if I remember right it was 500g of a lens which is not a lot. I would not count on it working for long with high payloads and resistance from a hand holding the lens. I still have 2 of the older adapters and one of they broke a gear, the other one had 2 times motor fail problems, but it is still running. I really like the idea of shooting my vintage lenses with one hand because of the AF. Just keep in mind that if you want them to work for long you have to use them with smaller glass :).
Nikon zf picture control profile kelvin and stander pic. profile (SD) still & video both are same - is it problem? how can solve it. please tell me.... I want two different picture control - Still and Video
sorry i’m not sure what problem you’re describing!
The z6 vs z7 , or z8-9 vs ZF is about a stop difference in high ISO , and for the techart adapter with M lenses , you should set the aperture in camera to match what the lens is set to , not just for exif , but if it’s to far off from what the lens has it will have problems focusing … just my experience
interesting note! i do notice an odd relationship to focusing and exposure being tied to a range of iso that i’m shooting in. they’re doing something odd via software i can’t quite figure out
Great video! Now I have to go buy one 😂
sorry about that 😂
Sad you dont post on Vero anymore, I don't use Instagram, and your work is so great, makes me want to be better at this. Great video, and great photographer.
i post on glass a lot! glass.photo/iamthesam/6AccdFAqAzYHmdpXJTyCM0
@@SamHurdPhoto Following you, thanks!
Is it possible to use Nikon F "D" lenses and have reliable AF ? Thank you.
yup!
What adapter is needed ? I understand that Nikon's adapters support AF only with "G" lenses.
Hi Sam, great review! Can you please compare it with a7iv? Especially in terms of auto focus, It looks like nobody has done it yet on youtube :/
i did shoot with the a7iv for a while but never did a head to head comparison. all i can tell you is i preferred zf for a range of reasons
Sony has 19:33 way better autofocus also for image quality your getting 15+ stops of dynamic range. I’d choose a iPhone 15pro over anything Nikon atm.
@@SamHurdPhoto can you pls help elaborate this? Would be really great as I'm searching for this comparison and can't find any info on youtube or reddit. I feel there are sony shooters out there who really miss the shooting experience of the older Nikons but don't want to go back to film or move down to APS-C with Fuji. I'm an A7IV shooter primarily using manual lenses thinking of switching to the ZF. :)
yeah... that's ridiculous, but good luck with whatever you decide haha @@lewcehjitl3282
well, if you're primarily a manual focus photog anyway then I would definitely move away from Sony. their strength is in their AF system and sensors, but the look of a sensor is very subjective, and I don't like most Sony files. though this is another subjective point... the shooting *experience* is superior with other camera brands. by that I mean the operation, the look, the menus, the render of lenses etc. my opinions are coming from a position where I can afford to shoot whatever system I want, and I have no brand loyalty/contracts with these companies that would instill any bias. just this year I went through two separate Sony bodies yet again and found the same conclusions. @@DeatHbladeZ604
I really enjoyed the vintage lens comparison. Those adapters you have are sweet! I wish they had similar autofocus adapters for minolta rokkor shooters, but I have a feeling this is NOT the audience that this camera is for whatsoever LOL
Great video, would love to see real life performance of adapted EF lenses with the camera. I am really tempted to buy this camera for the looks alone but performance looks incredible.
I demo the af with the canon 50 1.0 ef mount at 6:09
@@SamHurdPhoto yes, and it looked really nice! I was referring to see some photos or a shoot specifically taken with EF lenses. Maybe an idea for a future video?
I literally slept on this video a month ago but since i got a ZF I've watched multiple times with glee.
haha, i still love mine too. this grip is my most recent fav $39 www.etsy.com/listing/1611547888/
Awesome review just bought mine today B&H, feels like a good addition to anyones arsenal and it will be my first ff camera (currently on Sony a6700)... Quick segway though where the hell did you get that sweater, it's absolute fire... LMAO!!! Cheers...
Good choice!
Thank you for sharing some great options there. Fuji has been designing these type of retro cameras for a while now. We’re do you think Nikon got its inspiration from. Just adding in to your comment at 13:45sec
for sure! I love fuji stuff, but I'm pretty sure nikon got their inspiration from the original nikon f cameras and not fuji
I shoot with Canon as my main but I also own the Lumix S5II and ZF.
Got the “japan only” nikon grip for the Zf anD it’s perfect!!
I should probably snag that M mount adapter i was thinking of buying the voigtlander 75mm F/1.5 for my ZF 🤔
should work perfectly
Do you miss your Nikon D5 body..? and colours out of it, I am thinking to buy it soon because of 58mm 1.4G and 105mm 1.4G, Nikon Z glass 1.2 are too big.
i miss it, but i don’t ever want to shoot without a flip out screen!
I’ve been on the fence for a while but I think you sold me.
i don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
Have to agree about the colours coming out of the old Df, that alone kept me shooting with it, once I put to bed its limitations. The Zf does seem like a true successor to the Df but with amazing autofocus.
exactly right!
You show that Canon F0 lens but we can't tell whether it is auto-focusing or if you are focusing it manually, because we can't see your hand twisting the barrel. Please expand on what is being done there. Thanks. Also, what adapters are required to use an old Canon lens like that?
i’m autofocusing… That’s the entire point of the test
Hi Sam, my techart TZM 01 don’t work with my ZF ☹️
lame! was it as expensive as the tzm 02?
@@SamHurdPhoto Oh no, when I bought the TMZ01 there wasn't yet the TMZ02... I'll have to make a new purchase 😊 Congratulations for your channel Sam
The ring interests me, to mount the summilux, summarit and other Canon in M mount on the ZF. Small and light lenses.
Do you know if the D3 and D700 had different colors? The Z9/Z8 color difference is perhaps a nuanced way of protecting the Z9.
i believe they were similar colors. the thing is - it’s tough to know whether it’s a difference nikon is making vs a difference in how the camera profiles were built at adobe etc. eventually i’ll do a direct comparison between both cameras at the same time, but didn’t get the chance yet
@@SamHurdPhoto I was comparing 45mp sensors on dpreview the other day and saw the slight color difference between Z8/Z9. I also noticed that the Z9 seemed to have less noise than the Z8. No idea if that's a difference in Camera Raw or the Z9 just gets a nicer batch.
I really wish I had both at the same time to properly test. I'm perfectly happy with the zf now so I probably won't bother @@MTBD80
I bought the z8 based on your review. Once I start generating enough revenue from that camera I would like to pick this up
nice! nothing wrong with that camera… i just prefer the zf. enjoy either!!
@@SamHurdPhoto oh I love the nikon z8 so much. I want the zf as a b cam so I can film on different angles. Right now I'm filming multiple times to get different shots. Also for travel photography, the zf with the 40mm f2 seems appealing. Love your videos and how you present information
Wow this is really interesting I've been on a vintage lens kick lately, I've been shooting them on an old Leica SL 601 body. I've got a Sony body but I never bought the Techart adapter because the performance seemed sub par. I might get the ZF as my vintage autofocus camera. Not to mention I've only got 2 Sony E enses but I could adapt those to Z mount with another adapter.
Wow so my old and beautiful Nikon AIS Glass will AF on the gorgeous ZF. Just wow
Lower pixel density usually results in lower noise. My 645Z has much better low light noise performance than my D850. I ordered my Zf at launch, and it's been great. I bought Nikon Z 24-120/4 S as an all purpose lens, and Meike 85/1.4 for portraits. Also an FTZ II to use my F mount lenses.
There's no Fuji-adapter unfortunately. Which is why I've been considering this camera lately.
I’m so happy with this camera that I just keep watching Zf reviews to share this happiness! One problem for me though, it’s the raw compatibility on apple. I was used to retouch on lighroom with my ipad, but now I have to turn the raw files in dng first… any idea how to fix this?
I believe we are at the mercy of dng converter to fix that but I’ll look into it. Personally, I only edit on Lightroom classic so it hasn’t been an issue yet.
@@SamHurdPhoto Thanks for your insight
Where are the affiliated links to the adapters? I would want you to get something back because you found this genius way to autofocus old lenses!
thanks for asking - i don’t really bother with affiliate links
I think the file size on Zf helps a lot to reduce the noise in high ISOs.
I’m waiting for the z6iii just because I can adapt all my GM lenses with the Megadap ETZ21. Another advantage of the z Mount.
it’s certainly flexible! too bad nikon doesn’t make their own version of the af adapter
I’ve used the Megadap ETZ21 with a lot of good results. A couple older lenses are slower, but I’ve even used my Tamron 35-150 E-mount on a Z8 with good luck. Sam, please try this adapter and see if you can lift your Sony embargo!! 😊
absolutely! I don't really have anything against Sony users ;) @@daustonian9331
@@SamHurdPhoto Sorry, didn’t mean to insinuate you did. You’re clearly here for the art and fun of shooting on any platform and it’s much appreciated. Maybe you and Taylor can spin up a session on adapters for fun sometime. He can try his 14 shot golf camera on one of them 😂. Have a great new year and thanks for putting these together. It’s much more work for you to produce than for us to watch.
all good, and you're very welcome! I appreciate your time :) @@daustonian9331
Nice & Thanks :)
Sorry to be so confused, but I am. Your are mounting different brands with different mounts but not saying anything about which adapters you are using. Do you have a special adapter for each lens? Please expand on that. Thanks.
i did talk about the adapter, the brand name, and showed the brand name on the adapter on screen. google techart
@@SamHurdPhoto ok .. Thanks. I'll rewatch.
Really great review. I want one of these, but I'm a total cheapskate, so I will have to wait a while until they appear on the used market. (I anticipate 18 months to 2 years before used Zf's hit a price point to suit me.) Meantime I'm still loving my D3S, D3X, and recently acquired Z6 (original.)
Fair enough! the launch price of the zf was very good for the features tho ;)
I agree with that, but the last brand new camera I ever bought was a Nikon FE some time in the 1980's LOL. @@SamHurdPhoto
I think you're right, the Zf has a pretty decent AF system. And overall performances are quite good. I just think the price tag is a little bit high.
hmmm - it's pretty competitive compared to the z8 and z9!
The price is absolutely fantastic when you look at the spec sheet and the materials used for the ZF. Compare that to the plasticy Fuji X-T5...
100% agree. I didn't even get to the price and it's insanely good for the specs... particularly when compared to the DSLR equivalent Df when it was originally released around $2700 or so? @@r3vo811