Nikon has announced its latest full-frame mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z f. Nikon says that it combines its next-gen technology from its Nikon Z 8 and Nikon Z 9 cameras.
Sensor
The Nikon Z f features a 24.5-megapixel full-frame BSI CMOS sensor. Nikon says that the sensor captures stunning colors and incredible definition with minimal noise and stellar dynamic range, even in challenging light. The Z f is also equipped with a new EXPEED 7 processing engine that enhances response time, burst speed and autofocus performance. In addition, the extra processing power delivers 5-axis in-camera vibration reduction image stabilization equivalent to an 8.0-stop increase in shutter speed.
Video features
This camera can record 4K UHD video oversampled from 6K at up to 30 fps. The new camera can also shoot 4K UHD at 60 fps in DX mode. DX Mode uses an APS-C sized crop of the sensor. If you drop the resolution to 1080 HD you can record at 120 fps for super slow motion playback. Nikon says that the Z f can record for up to 125 minutes before it overheats. In addition, the new camera features internal 10-bit H.265 recording. This means you can record high-quality video without the need for an external recorder.
Autofocus
For autofocus, the Nikon Z f autofocus (AF) system uses 299 AF points in Auto Area AF, covering 96 percent of the horizontal axis of the frame. It also delivers a 3D-tracking mode for photographers and dedicated subject-tracking AF in video mode. The AF technologies have been developed with Deep Learning technology which can detect and lock on to 9 different types of subjects. These include people, dogs, cats, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trains and planes. In addition, Nikon says that it can detect the world’s smallest size of a face in the frame at around 3 percent of the frame’s longest side.
Other features
The Nikon Z f is the first Nikon camera to feature video recording in shutter-priority auto mode. This means that you can select the shutter speed while the camera adjusts the aperture and ISO. The Z f is also the first full-frame Z-series mirrorless camera to be equipped with a vari-angle touchscreen monitor. The camera is constructed with magnesium alloy on the front and top covers and offers high dust- and drip-resistance. In addition, the Z f has two memory card slots, one for SD cards and one for Micro SD cards.
What we think
The Nikon Z f is a camera that will certainly catch the eye with its retro looks. Although it is primarily a still photography camera it does have a good range of video features. The 10-bit internal recording is also a nice bonus. If you want a camera just for video recording, there are better options in the same price bracket. However, the Nikon Z f is certainly one of the most stylish cameras on the market.
Pricing and availability
The new Nikon Z f will be available in mid-October 2023 at $1,999 for the body only. You can also buy it with a retro-styled NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2.0 SE lens for $2,239, or with a NIKKOR Z 24-70mm F/4 S lens for $2,599. In addition, Nikon is releasing six limited edition versions of the camera with different colors for the artificial leather sections of the body. The colors are Indigo Blue, Sepia Brown, Bordeaux Red, Sunset Orange, Moss Green and Stone Gray. The additional color options will be available as body-only for $2,099 exclusively from the Nikon Store.
