Finally, the Nikon ZF camera has arrived at almost the same announcement price as the Z6 Mark II. For those who were waiting for the Z6 Mark 3 camera update, this can be a perfect replacement for the Z6 Mark II camera.
The sensor isn’t new; it is the same sensor that we have seen in the Nikon Z6 Mark II camera. However, we do have a brand new image processor that enables many new features that we have seen in the Nikon Z8 or Z9 camera.
10 Brand New Features of Nikon Z8 Camera
- Ability to create 100-megapixel images from the pixel shift mode: With the large full-frame sensor and amazing low light capability, the camera also features a pixel shift shooting mode. However, unlike Panasonic, Nikon doesn’t claim it’s a handheld pixel shift shooting mode, so you have to use it carefully with the help of a tripod or a monopod. Also, you have to merge them in NX Software, once the images are shot.
- Upto 8 stops of image stabilization mechanism: The Nikon ZF is one of the first Nikon mirrorless cameras under the $2000 price range that offers an image stabilization mechanism of 8 stops, which is now on par with the Canon R6 Mark II camera and better than the recently announced Sony A7 C2. But, it’s more advanced since, The IBIS center can be shifted with the AF point in the Photo Mode. Traditionally all the cameras IBIS is most effective in the center of the image and not in the corners.
- With the introduction of the Expeed 7 image processor and a new artificial intelligence autofocus system, the camera is now able to track 9 different types of subjects with its improved 3D tracking mechanism. The AF system is directly coming from Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z9.
- Now, with the help of a new image processor and improved image recording algorithms, noise is much more controlled, and you can expand the camera’s ISO range up to 20,4800. The standard ISO range goes up to 64,000.
- The high-efficiency compression format is now added to the Nikon ZF camera that was first introduced in the Nikon Z9.
- Burst rate or continuous shooting speed: With the help of a mechanical shutter, you can get up to 15 frames per second, and with an electronic shutter, you get 30 frames per second limited to Jpeg. One more thing to be added is that the camera now supports pre-burst options. In JPG-only C30 mode, the camera uses a video stream to capture 30 frames per second images to store pre-burst data inside the camera. Since the sensor is same as the Nikon Z6 II we recommend you keep yourself limited to a Mechanical shutter to avoid the rolling shutter effect.
- Highly detailed black and white mode: This gives you a chance to select mono profiles including a low contrast flat mono profile as well as a deep tone mono. The deep tone mono enhances the red color details in the scene. BW mode can be quickly selected from the top dial of the camera.
- The camera can shoot 4K videos up to 60 frames per second but in crop mode of 1.5 X (that is in DX mode). When you are recording 4K videos up to 24 frames per second or 30 frames per second, the camera uses a 6K oversampled file to generate 4K videos up to 30 fps. So you will get highly detailed video footage from your camera if you are using your camera up to 4K at 30 FPS.
- The first Nikon Camera Under $2000 Range to have a 2.1 Million dot Full articulating Display screen, Content creators now can easily buy this camera without having a second thought in their brains.
- First Nikon Camera Under the $2000 Price range to have AF sensitivity up to – 10 Stops @ F1.2 Aperture, so literally you Lock AF in near about dark environment with bright aperture-based lenses.
During initial tests, Digital Photography Review team members found that the rolling shutter of the Nikon ZF camera is at 22 milliseconds in 4K at 30p capture which is exactly similar to Panasonic S5 Mark II camera. One thing to note is that it’s not only a coincidence; Panasonic also shoots 4K at 60fps video in crop mode (that is in 1.5 x DX crop mode).
The Nikon ZF camera has a body design similar to the Nikon FM2, with extensive manual control and a small LCD on top to show the current aperture value. The camera looks extremely amazing from its design perspective. Since it’s an FM2 design-based camera, technically you don’t get a hand grip. A Micro SD card slot was added to make it more compact and also to give photographers dual cars slot option, so you have one USH II SD and one USH I Micro SD card slot.
Get your Nikon Zf Camera from B&H $1996 | B&H Store with 24-70mm Lens
