Nikon Zf Blue 2023
The 24.5MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor and EXPEED 7 processor from the Z9 enable 30fps bursts and 6K-oversampled 4K video in a precision-carved aluminum body with tactile engraved dials. Its dedicated monochrome mode and Eye-Detection AF that works with manual focus lenses offer a distinct, hands-on shooting experience. This camera is best for street and stills photographers who prioritize a classic FM2-inspired design and deliberate manual controls over modern ergonomics.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The Nikon Z f is a retro-styled full-frame mirrorless with best-in-class stabilization and smart autofocus. It's not the fastest or highest-res option, but it's a joy to shoot with. At the low end of the price range, it's a great buy.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Class-leading stabilization with 8 stops of IBIS 96th
- Smart autofocus with Eye AF and subject detection 96th
- Gorgeous retro design with brass dials and leather 94th
- Strong video specs with 4K60 and 10-bit Log 92nd
Cons
- Battery life is just okay at 380 shots
- Sensor resolution is middle of the pack at 24MP
- Social proof is thin, only 4 reviews in our database
- Price varies wildly, from $1,997 to $3,194
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q3 202696/100
Buyers in this period praised the camera's retro design, build quality, and image quality, with many noting compliments received. A few mentioned minor autofocus issues and the need for a grip for larger hands.
- Retro design and build quality praised; many users receive compliments and appreciate the durable, tank-like construction.
- Image quality and colors are highly regarded, especially straight-out-of-camera JPEGs and low-light performance.
- Camera is fun and intuitive to use, with tactile dials and customizable controls that encourage manual shooting.
- Autofocus generally good but occasionally misses on faces in low light; some users note the camera is not lightweight and may need a grip.
- Q2 202692/100
Buyers in Q2 2026 praised the Zf's retro design, build quality, and modern performance, especially autofocus and low-light capability. Some noted ergonomic issues with larger lenses and limited programmable buttons, but overall satisfaction was high.
- Retro design and build quality are widely loved, evoking nostalgia and inspiring use.
- Autofocus is fast and accurate, even in low light, surpassing previous Nikon models.
- Ergonomics are divisive; some find it comfortable with small lenses, others recommend adding a grip for larger lenses.
- Limited programmable buttons and significant rolling shutter in 4K video are noted drawbacks.
- Q1 202678/100
Buyers praise the Zf's retro design, manual controls, and fun factor, often using it alongside higher-end bodies. Complaints focus on missing dedicated buttons and ergonomic issues, but overall sentiment is positive.
- Retro design and manual controls are widely loved, evoking nostalgia and encouraging creative shooting.
- Camera is fun and enjoyable, often used as a secondary body alongside Z8, Z9, or Leica for casual shooting.
- Missing AF-ON, bracket, and AF mode buttons; AE-L/AF-L placement causes accidental i-menu presses.
- Menus and settings are overwhelming initially, but customizable to preferences; some lenses require manual focus via adapter.
- Q4 202584/100
Buyers in Q4 2025 praised the camera's nostalgic design, customizability, and ability to reignite passion for photography. One noted the EVF has a slight delay, but overall sentiment was positive.
- Nostalgic design and cosmetics are a major draw, appealing to film shooters and DSLR users.
- Customizable buttons and ergonomics enhance shooting experience, allowing more time on photography.
- EVF quality is only okay with a slight wake-up delay, a concern for mirrorless newcomers.
- Suitable for beginners and as a secondary camera for serious photographers, with fast delivery from Adorama.
- Q4 202391/100
Buyers praise the Zf's image quality, autofocus, and retro design, but note the small grip and lack of included battery charger as drawbacks.
- Excellent image quality, autofocus, and dynamic range; praised for low-light performance and sharpness.
- Retro design and build quality reminiscent of FM2/F3; appreciated for aesthetics and solid construction.
- Small grip is uncomfortable, especially with heavy lenses; users recommend aftermarket grips like SmallRig.
- No battery charger included; only USB-C charging, which is impractical for field use.
Based on 55 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
The Z f brings a 24MP full-frame sensor and 11fps mechanical burst, which is solid but not class-leading. Autofocus is a standout, with 273 points, Eye AF, Animal AF, and subject detection that feels genuinely smart. Stabilization is the real flex here, rated for 8 stops, and it lands in the 99th percentile in our database. Video is strong too, with 4K at 60fps, 10-bit, and Log recording. The 3.7M-dot EVF is sharp, and the fully articulating touchscreen is a nice touch for vloggers. Battery life is rated at 380 shots, which is fine but not going to blow anyone away. The 96MP Pixel Shift mode is a fun party trick for still life work, but it's not something you'll use daily.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Sensor
| Type | CMOS |
| Size | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 24.5 MP |
| ISO Range | 100 |
| Processor | EXPEED 7 |
Autofocus
| AF Points | 273 |
| AF Type | Photo, VideoContrast Detection, Phase Detection: 273 |
| Eye AF | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes |
| Subject Detection | Yes |
Shooting
| Burst (Mechanical) | 14 |
| Burst (Electronic) | 30 |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | Yes |
Video
| Max Resolution | 4K |
| 4K FPS | 60 |
| 1080p FPS | 120 |
| 10-bit | Yes |
| Log Profile | Yes |
| RAW Video | No |
| Codec | H.265 |
Display & EVF
| Screen Size | 3.2" |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Articulating | Yes |
| EVF Resolution | 3.69 M dots |
Build
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 kg / 1.4 lbs |
| Battery Life | 380 |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB | USB-C |
| HDMI | Micro-HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | Yes |
vs Competition
The Z f goes head to head with some serious hardware. The Fujifilm X-H2S is faster and better for action, but it's APS-C. The Sony a7R V has way more resolution at 61MP, but it costs more and the stabilization isn't as good. The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is a video monster with similar stabilization chops, but the Nikon's autofocus is more reliable. The OM System OM-1 is lighter and faster, but the sensor is smaller. The Canon EOS R6 Mark III is probably the closest rival, with better burst speed but a less charming design. The Z f wins on style and stabilization, loses on raw speed and resolution.
| Spec | Nikon Zf | Sony Cinema Line FX30 | Panasonic Lumix G G9 II | Fujifilm X100 X100VI | OM System OM-1 Mark II | Canon EOS R5 Mark II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | mirrorless | cinema | mirrorless | compact | mirrorless | mirrorless |
| Sensor | 24.5MP full-frame | 26MP aps-c | 25.2MP micro-four-thirds | 40.2MP aps-c | 20.4MP micro-four-thirds | 45MP full-frame |
| AF Points | 273 | 759 | 779 | 425 | 1053 | 1053 |
| Burst FPS | 14 | 120 | 75 | 13 | 120 | 30 |
| Video | 4K @60fps | 4K @120fps | 4K @120fps | 6K @60fps | 4K @60fps | 8K @120fps |
| IBIS | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 630 | 646 | 575 | 522 | 511 | 588 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | EVF | Build | Burst | Video | Sensor | Battery | Display | User Sentiment | Social Proof | Affordability | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon Zf | 89.2 | 91.9 | 95.5 | 83.6 | 82.1 | 61.6 | 92.2 | 87.7 | 82.7 | 94.3 | 24 | 89.1 |
| Sony Cinema Line FX30 Compare | 97 | 87.8 | 95.6 | 99.6 | 92.3 | 95.4 | 96.6 | 87.7 | 82.7 | 94.3 | 16.9 | 89.1 |
| Panasonic Lumix G G9 II Compare | 98 | 91.7 | 94.6 | 96.2 | 97.6 | 63.9 | 91.9 | 87.7 | 94.3 | 89.8 | 21.8 | 89.1 |
| Fujifilm X100 X100VI Compare | 92.4 | 90.5 | 91.6 | 81.4 | 89.5 | 99 | 94.2 | 87.7 | 82.7 | 92 | 19.7 | 93.9 |
| OM System OM-1 Mark II Compare | 98.8 | 99.8 | 91.4 | 99.6 | 85.2 | 51.7 | 95.8 | 87.7 | 82.7 | 89.8 | 17.5 | 99.6 |
| Canon EOS R5 Mark II Compare | 98.8 | 96 | 94.9 | 90.6 | 98.8 | 70.2 | 90.5 | 99.6 | 33.9 | 89.8 | 9 | 89.1 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Pricing is all over the place. We saw listings from $1,997 up to $3,194, a spread of nearly $1,200. The best deal we found was on Newegg, where the orange body with a NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens comes in at the low end. At under $2,000 with a lens, this is a compelling buy. At over $3,000, you're paying a premium for the retro aesthetic and you should probably look at the Sony a7R V or Canon EOS R6 Mark III instead.
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Price History
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Overview
The Nikon Z f is a full-frame mirrorless camera that leans hard into retro charm without skimping on modern internals. You get a 24MP sensor, EXPEED 7 processing, and autofocus that actually knows what it's looking at. The brass dials and embossed leather are nice, but the real story is what's under the hood.
Common Questions
Q: Is the Nikon Z f good for video?
Yes, it shoots 4K at 60fps with 10-bit color and Log recording, which is plenty for most creators. The fully articulating screen and strong IBIS make handheld shooting much easier.
Q: How does the autofocus perform in low light?
The EXPEED 7 processor and 273 AF points handle low light well, and the Eye AF and subject detection are reliable. The high ISO range on the full-frame sensor also helps keep things sharp when the lights drop.
Q: Is the battery life a problem?
At 380 shots per charge, it's average for a mirrorless camera. You'll want a spare battery for a full day of shooting, especially if you're doing video or using the EVF a lot.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you need high resolution for massive prints or heavy cropping. The 24MP sensor is fine for most uses, but landscape and studio photographers who want 45MP or more should look at the Sony a7R V. Also skip it if you shoot fast action regularly, the 11fps burst is okay but the Fujifilm X-H2S or Canon EOS R6 Mark III will serve you better.
Verdict
Buy this if you want a camera that feels like a classic film body but shoots like a modern mirrorless. It's perfect for travel, street photography, and anyone who wants great stabilization and reliable autofocus without carrying a brick. The retro dials are genuinely fun to use, and the image quality is more than enough for most people.
Usage Scores
- Overall91.2
- Video88.7
- Travel82.8
- Youtube81.9
- Beginner87.3
- Vlogging73.9
- Streaming75.1
- Photography85.1
- Wedding Events88.2
- Sports Wildlife92.7
- Product Photography83.5
