Nikon Zf Silver 2012

The Nikon Zf is a retro-styled speed demon with modern autofocus and a gorgeous EVF. Buy it for the feel and the burst rate, not the video specs.

The burst rate is the headline here. 30fps mechanical and electronic puts this thing in the top tier, and our database ranks it in the 92nd percentile for speed. That's genuinely impressive for a camera that looks like a film relic. The autofocus is also a standout, with 273 points and subject detection that keeps up with moving targets better than most. The 3.7M-dot EVF is one of the best we've seen, and the 5-stop IBIS keeps things steady. The sensor itself is solid but not class-leading, sitting right around average for full-frame. Video is fine, 4K30 and 1080p120, but it's not the reason to buy this camera.

The Zf's most natural rival is the Fujifilm X-H2S. The Fuji is faster in some ways and has better video, but it's APS-C, not full-frame. The Sony a7R V absolutely destroys the Zf on resolution, but it costs way more and doesn't have the same charm. The Canon EOS R6 Mark III is probably the closest spec-for-spec competitor, and it's a toss-up depending on whether you prefer Canon's ergonomics or Nikon's retro vibe. If you want the best all-around full-frame camera for the money, the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is also worth a look, especially for video shooters.

The Zf lists anywhere from USD 1,760 to USD 2,835 depending on the vendor and bundle. That is a massive spread, and you would be crazy to pay the high end. The best deal we are seeing is the body-only listing around USD 1,760, which makes this a genuinely compelling buy. At that price, you are getting a full-frame camera with flagship-level burst speed and autofocus. At the higher end, you are paying a premium for the retro aesthetic, and that is a harder sell.

The Nikon Zf is the camera for people who want modern guts in a body that looks like it fell out of 1982. And honestly, it nails that brief harder than almost anything else on the market. The 24.5MP full-frame sensor and EXPEED 7 processor deliver real performance, while the brass dials and retro lines make you want to shoot it just for the feel. It's not the best at everything, but it's one of the most fun cameras we've tested this year.

If you're a serious video shooter, this isn't your camera. The 4K30 and 1080p120 are fine for casual clips, but the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II or Canon EOS R6 Mark III will serve you much better for serious video work. And if you need maximum resolution for landscapes or commercial work, go grab a Sony a7R V instead. The Zf is for photographers who want speed and style, not a video workhorse.

Buy the Nikon Zf if you want a camera that makes you want to shoot. It's fast, it's fun, and it looks incredible. The autofocus and burst speed are genuinely competitive with cameras costing much more. Just don't expect class-leading video or battery life, and shop around for the best price. At the low end of that USD range, this is one of the best full-frame deals out there right now.