The Nikon Zf has been gaining a lot of popularity with retro-loving photographers of all stripes. But how does it stack up against the king of retro camera design's top model, the Fujifilm X-T5?
In my latest YouTube video, I compare the Nikon Zf with the Fujifilm X-T5 and discuss a number of topics, including design, image quality, and autofocus capability. Although these cameras are quite different in a number of ways—and some might consider this an "apples to oranges" comparison—many people have recently reached out to me, asking if I have tried the Zf or telling me that they have purchased one. For photographers interested in a retro shooting experience that also packs a punch in terms of quality and performance, the Nikon Zf should be on their short list.
I've used the Zf for about a month and have found many positives about the camera, especially in terms of image quality and autofocus performance in both still and video modes. The retro design and large shutter speed and ISO dials are fun and practical, keeping the shooting experience close to shooting with an "old-school" manual SLR camera.
I hope you enjoy the video, and as always, please let me know what you think in the comments below.
My "retro" camera has a pentaprism.
It's not about "looking retro". I'm not a hipster. I just want dedicated physical easy to use knobs to control the primary exposure functions. Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Nikon largely fails on dedicated aperture ring. All of the Fuji premium lenses and many of the lower price lenses have a dedicated aperture ring. The Nikon don't have this therefore I see them as a poser camera and not a camera for someone who truly values direct visible control of their photographic experience.
I totally agree. The dedicated, physical dials and the aperture ring on the lens are what I love about so many of the Fuji cameras. I was excited when the Zf came out. But when I tried a Zf and realized the threaded shutter button doesn't actually work with a mechanical cable release I just couldn't believe it. So disappointing.
I far prefer the wheels that easily fall under one finger and can be used with one finger without having to change my grip or move the camera from my eye. If I want to make life difficult for myself I will break out my original F-1 load some film and have a retro experience.
This so called retro is way overblown.