REVIEW
Its inspiration may have been born in the ’80s, but the Nikon Z f is definitely a product of 2023
The Z f is far from Nikon’s first attempt at reviving the look and feel of its classic SLR cameras. A retro-themed full-frame DSLR was released in 2013 – in the form of the Nikon Df – but it failed to spawn a sequel. In 2021, it was the Z-series’ turn to rewind the clock with the Nikon Z fc.
This competitively priced DX mirrorless combined retro-SLR styling with the coveted Z 50’s innards and its popularity exceeded expectations. Proof – without doubt – there was a serious appetite for vintage-themed Nikons.
We roundly praised the Z fc’s retro-chic aesthetics, feature-rich tech and flip-out touchscreen, but looking back, plastic components and impractical ergonomics left room for a more premium successor. Almost immediately after the Z fc’s release, Nikon fans were crying out for a full-frame version. It seemed almost inevitable that Nikon would deliver something.
But anyone expecting another reskin of existing tech will be surprised to learn that the Z f isn’t just a cool-looking Z 5 or Z 6II. As much as it’s an aesthetic step back, it’s a technological leap forward, which makes it a very interesting addition to the Z line-up. The camera is built around a 24.5Mp full-frame CMOS sensor, but inherits some of the latest advancements from the Nikon Z 8 and its flagship mirrorless, the Z 9. It’s powered by the latest EXPEED 7 processor, which enhances AF performance, expands file-format options, improves in-camera Vibration Reduction, and provides exceptional low-light capabilities, with a native ISO range of 100-64,000.
The same impressive autofocus system as the Z 8 and Z 9 is a huge boon. It’s equipped with 299 focus points that cover a substantial 89% by 96% of the sensor area. This system is adept at subject tracking, including humans (faces, eyes), animals, birds and vehicles, ensuring precision even in challenging shooting conditions, right down to a very impressive -10EV.
Unique to the Nikon Z f is the introduction of subject-detection algorithms that function seamlessly in manual focus mode or when using adapted manual focus lenses, enhancing exposure accuracy based on recognizing the subject. Fitting, for an SLR-inspired mirrorless camera.
