Nikon Zf Digital Camera Body

The Nikon Zf combines a heritage-style design with the latest Z series technology to create the perfect fusion of past and present. Although beaming with nostalgia, Nikon has powered the Zf with a 24.5MP full-frame sensor, an EXPEED 7 processor, 4K video recording, and an advanced 8-stop 5-axis VR system, granting users absolute sharpness, outstanding precision, and remarkable speed with any subject.

Nikon Zf Digital Camera Body Key Features:

• Combines FM series heritage style design with FX-format performance
• Captures high-quality 24.5MP images using a full-frame sensor
• Powered by Nikon’s high-end EXPEED 7 image-processing engine
• Surpasses semi-pro cameras with higher ISO (64000) for tackling low light
• Dedicated monochrome settings, including FLAT and DEEP TONE
• Vibration reduction with up to 8.0 stops compensation for handheld use
• Focus Point VR and expanded AF area for sharper edge-to-edge coverage
• Deep learning technology for precision subject tracking and AUTO modes
• Identifies people, cats, dogs, birds, cars, bikes, trains and planes
• Never miss a shot with 7.8/14/30fps burst and pre-release capture
• Pixel-shift shooting increases resolution and reduces false colours
• Sensitive and accurate AF in light levels as low as EV-10
• Backlit autofocus helps achieve the perfect exposure
• Subject detection (CV) available for manual focusing
• High-quality 4K 30P recording oversampled from 6K readout
• 4K 60P or Full HD 120p recording for slow motion shots
• 8-bit and 10-bit recording with support for SDR, HLG and N-Log
• Touch control with assignable functions for flexible operation
• Vari-angle screen for shooting from any angle or position
• Dust- and drip-resistant performance in line with Z-series models

Expanded Nikon Zf Digital Camera Body Key Features:

Renowned Z-Series Image Quality

With 24.5MP high-resolution still images, the Nikon Zf is a cut above the competition with its renowned Z-Series image quality. The 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor offers versatile shooting, exceptional low-light image quality, and rapid data readout to enhance continuous shooting, video recording, and time-lapse photography. When operating at elevated ISO settings, the back-lit sensor also delivers noise-reduced high-sensitivity output.

The EXPEED 7 Image Processing engine powers this sensor. The EXPEED 7 collaborates with the sensor design to achieve remarkably swift autofocus, high-speed burst shooting, a generous buffer capacity, smooth video performance, and responsive handling.

The Nikon Zf allows for rapid shooting, capturing RAW/JPEG images at speeds of 7.8 fps in continuous high mode, 14 fps in extended mode, and an impressive 30 fps when using JPEG format. In addition to high-speed burst shooting, you will benefit from Nikon's revolutionary Pre-Release Capture feature. Pre-release capture records up to 1 second before pressing the shutter button and up to 4 seconds after, so you can always be sure never to miss a moment.

Enhanced Autofocus Technology

Nikon has emerged as a dominant force in autofocus (AF) technology, a feat made possible by Nikon’s EXPEED 7 processor incorporated into the Zf camera. This processor enables advanced AF tracking through deep learning, expansive AF coverage across a large sensor, and AF capabilities rivalling Nikon's professional-grade cameras.

The Nikon Zf extends its autofocus capabilities by covering 89% x 95% of the sensor area with AF points, totalling 299 points. This comprehensive edge-to-edge frame coverage simplifies tracking small or distant subjects. In photo and video modes, users can choose from 77 and 66 (respectively) custom wide-area patterns for steadfast AF performance across various shooting scenarios.

This current iteration of technology ensures precise and swift autofocus, even when subjects move within the frame. The Zf recognises and tracks a wide range of subjects, including People (eyes, face, torso), Animals (head, eye, entire body), Cars, Bikes, Trains, and Airplanes (whole body, front, cockpit). The camera will control background blur, depth of field and shutter speed to suit each situation.

Nikon's innovative backlit technology utilises distinct sensor pixels to achieve autofocus on subjects, which are often challenging for cameras to capture in backlit conditions. With an ISO of 64,000, this system allows specific AF pixels to overexpose the subject without affecting the final exposure, resulting in improved autofocus performance when capturing scenes like sunset silhouettes.

Professional 4K Video

Capture the moments that really matter using cinematic 4K video with rich details and superior frame rates. Oversampled from 6K, with an impressive full-frame sensor, 4K video is possible with full pixel readout up to 30p for smooth, natural footage. Likewise, take advantage of the Zf’s high-quality options for slow motion footage, delivered at 60p in 4K or up to 120p in Full HD for an even smoother frame rate.

The Zf is the first Nikon Z camera to support total setting control in shutter-priority mode. There’s no need to worry about changing light; the ISO and aperture fully adjust as you shoot. Additionally, impressive and agile 8-Stop VR and Electronic VR work to detect vibration. This enhanced algorithm locates and eliminates any shake, so your footage is smooth sailing.

Long days of shooting require a camera battery that can stand up to the task. The Zf can record takes of up to 125 minutes without the need for scene cuts. This facet allows a better workflow to take advantage of every moment, equivalent to the Nikon Pro Z range, for similar recording times. Shoot video in 8-bit or 10-bit H.265 for excellent colour grading and flexible compression in post-production. This feature gives colour-correcting choices with several editable profiles and an adjustable white balance.

The Zf supplies plenty of video features to aid your shooting experience. These features include a red recording border to know when you’re good to shoot, focus peaking, zebra stripes, waveform, and fine ISO control, with video info always readily displayed on the 3.2” vari-angle TFT touch-sensitive LCD.

Video shooting mode also covers top-notch audio recording. With 24-bit linear PCM sound recording, the Zf produces high-quality audio at 48 kHz. The improved dynamic range minimises excessive noise and prevents clipping from loud sound, allowing you to capture every uninterrupted detail.

Intuitive Handling

Durable and reliable, the Nikon Zf offers intuitive handling and high-quality construction. Inspired by the Nikon FM2 camera, the Zf is where classic analogue design meets advanced tech for next-level performance. The camera’s body utilises magnesium alloy on the front and top covers for a sleek, rugged finish. The precision-milled brass mechanical control dials feature a black finish that gradually develops an aged patina aesthetic. The more you use your Zf camera, the more it attains a unique character.

The camera body features dust- and drip-resistant performance in line with Z-series models. Effective sealing to the joints, shutter release button, and tilting mechanism means the camera offers a powerful guard against dust, utilising image sensor cleaning and dual coating equivalent to the Z9. A fluorine coat on the lens resists damage, and the electro-conductive coat keeps the surface clear. The camera also operates within a temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C and in humidity of up to 85%, allowing you to shoot in almost any condition. The highly precise shutter also goes through a durability and rigidity assessment of up to 200,000 cycles to ensure the hardware can withstand the test of time.

The Zf also has a newly improved texture and appearance. Embossed artificial leather gives a feeling of luxury and coats an improved grip, which supports better hold without interfering with the design. The leather coating also extends to cover the rear monitor when closed. The top of the camera body has also had an upgrade with the revamped shutter release button for a slicker operational feel, plus a top control panel with a larger display for improved visibility.

Creative Controls

With the Nikon Zf, stunning monochromatic capabilities are the future of creative photography. Aside from the standard Monochrome picture control, the Zf now boasts two fresh additions: Flat monochrome and Deep Tone monochrome. A dedicated black-and-white mode is now integrated with a switch on the selector dial to facilitate quick transitions between these controls.

The regular colour mode is perfect for an accurate, natural representation of a captured scene, whereas the black-and-white settings offer a variety of tones. ‘Monochrome’ portrays sharp, dynamic impressions with heightened contrast. ‘Flat Monochrome’ is gentler with pronounced detail maintenance, which lends itself well to soft, warm portraits and landscapes. ‘Deep Tone Monochrome’ reproduces dark tones whilst maintaining shadow, similar to a red filter.

The Zf also emphasises beautiful portraits. Portrait Impression Balance fine-tunes hues and brightness for precision and control of the whole frame. Skin Softening softens skin whilst keeping eyes and hair sharp. This feature even extends to three people in one shot. Rich Tone Portrait depicts skin in rich tones and suppresses white clipping to aid in later retouching.

Additional features: Z f

• The first Nikon camera to support video recording in shutter-priority auto mode. When this mode is selected, the user selects the shutter speed, and the camera adjusts the aperture
• 3D-tracking (photo mode only) and Subject-tracking AF (video mode only) have been added to AF-area mode options
• Pixels used to create images and those used for AF achieve the optimal exposure for each process, making it easier to focus on the intended subject, even when that subject is silhouetted against backlighting or the scene is dimly lit or dark
• The range of coverage and number of focus points used in auto-area AF mode have been increased for better focus acquisition performance with distant or moving subjects
• Options available for custom wide-area AF mode have been increased, improving effectiveness for scenes with multiple subjects
• Adoption of the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine reduces noise in flat portions of subjects and increases image quality
• The first full-frame Z-series mirrorless camera to be equipped with a vari-angle monitor
• Vertical-orientation image playback and menu display during playback provide efficient support for vertical shooting
• The first Z-series camera to support Touch Fn for adjustment of camera settings while framing pictures in the viewfinder
• The high processing ability of the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine enables High-Speed Frame Capture+ (C30), which achieves high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 fps
• Equipped with a Pre-Release Capture function capable of recording images buffered up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed
• Provides a skin softening function and a portrait impression balance function for users to better achieve the portraits they intended
• Features a Rich Tone Portrait Picture Control that better captures details of the subject’s complexion
• Utilizes deep learning technology to identify the scene when capturing still images in auto shooting mode, realizing optimal exposure control in accordance with the scene
• Superior dust- and drip-resistance enables worry-free shooting, even in harsh environments
• Equipped with two memory card slots, one supporting SD cards and the other Micro SD cards
• Dual coating has been adopted to protect the image sensor from dust
• Supports the merging of NEF (RAW) images shot with pixel shift shooting, with use of NX Studio Ver.1.5.0. The functions of Picture Control Utility 2 have been consolidated so that adjustment, application, and management of Picture Control can be completed within one app

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Nikon Zf Digital Camera Body
• 1 x Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL15c
• 1 x Viewfinder Eyepiece DK33
• 1 x USB Cable UC-E25
• 1 x Hot Shoe Cover BS-1
• 1 x Body Cap BF-N1
• 1 x Strap AN-DC27

FAQs:

What are the maximum recording times for the Nikon Zf Digital Camera Body?

The Nikon Zf Digital Camera provides up to 125 minutes of recording time, even in 4K. It enables full-scale video recording without frequent cutting to give you total flexibility in post-production. This feature is equivalent to the Pro Z range.

Does the Nikon Zf Digital Camera offer multiple memory card slots?

Thanks to the Nikon Zf's dual memory card slot, users can combine SD and Micro SD cards to maximise their storage capacity. This feature ensures photographers and content creators can stay in the moment and shoot for longer durations without interruptions.

Does the Nikon Zf support RAW+JPEG/HEIF simultaneous recording?

The Nikon Zf supports a wide range of file formats, including NEF (RAW): 14-bit, JPEG, HEIF, NEF (RAW)+JPEG, and NEF (RAW)+HEIF. These options provide users with greater post-production flexibility.

What is the difference between JPEG and HEIF?

HEIF images are an increasingly popular and more evolved format than standard JPEG files. They offer over one billion more colours, more realism and detail, a higher dynamic range, and the same low file size.

How compact is the Nikon Zf?

The Nikon Zf is an incredibly compact system, packing industry-leading technology into a tiny body. The Zf weighs approximately 710g, including the battery and an SD card, and measures just 144 x 103 x 49 mm (W x H x D) in size - an excellent option for modern-day content creators needing a compact and lightweight camera that is easy to store and transport between shooting locations.